A Message from Tedd
February 24, 2023
WEbster Nation,
This introduction is brought to you by ChatGPT. I gave it the following prompt, "Write an introductory paragraph for Webster Elementary's weekly newsletter."
Here's what it generated...
"Welcome to the latest edition of the Webster Elementary weekly newsletter! We hope this newsletter finds you well and that your children have had a great week of learning and growth. As we move forward into the month of March, our students and staff continue to work hard to achieve their academic goals and demonstrate excellence in all areas of school life. This week, we have some exciting updates and announcements to share, including upcoming events, student achievements, and important reminders. Thank you for your continued support of our school, and we hope you enjoy this week's newsletter."
Hmm...interesting, frightening, exciting? If you haven't tried it yet, go down the rabbit hole for a little while to see what you think.
Stay safe out there, community!
With gratitude,
Tedd
We went WITHOUT shoes to learn ABOUT shoes!!
TK Plans a Magical Outdoor Market
In TK we are LOVING working on our Exhibition of Learning Project! We will be creating a Magical Outdoor Market with kiosks based on the children's interests (kind of like a bazaar) . We imagine it to be colorful, interactive, and super engaging! We have been planning for a variety of booths including everything from Bookshops and Bakeries to Art Galleries and Animal Shelters. We are photographing our process and collecting LOTS of materials to up-cycle from our families (speaks to my heart -- less of a carbon footprint, sustainable project).
With love from Miss Papale, Miss Kym, and our TK friends
TK Dances Away with Alvin Ailey
Dancing is one of the 100 Languages of Children! In TK we've been engaging in the impactful choreography of Alvin Ailey and Ailey American Dance Theater. Ailey stated, "Making dances is an act of progress, is an act of growth, an act of music, an act of teaching, an act of celebration, an act of joy!" When watching excerpts from his most famous work, Revelations, TK students began emulating the movement, use of fabric, and were riveted noticing the strength of powerful lifts and spins. They loved dancing along with Sesame Street's: Emotions Through Dance with Alvin Ailey and creating their own pieces with long fabric swatches. Ailey believed, "Dance should reach everyone!" and that, "The most unique thing in this world is you!" Please enjoy this video of Alvin Ailey in Webster's TK.
CREAM of the CROP
There's no way you're a Webster student, educator, or parent and don't know about this dynamic trio. They are the first faces to greet you each day. They are caretakers, nurses, confidantes, shoulders to cry on, morale boosters, and so much more. The thing I've learned about Webster is that it's really the people who make this place so magical. These are three of our best. They really set the tone for our community and especially for new families looking for a soft place to land. We are lucky to have them and want to say THANK YOU for all you do to keep this place running so smoothly.
With love and gratitude to Yoliee Hernandez, Isaura Terry, and Michaele Ward!
BATCHES of PATCHES!!
We are proud to launch a new addition to the Webster Wear line with a whole new take on earning patches. As our 4th and 5th grade students head to Astrocamp and Yosemite, how cool would it be if they could sport Webster's new puffy jackets, vests, and beanies covered with the patches they've earned during their time here on campus. Everything from Best on the Beach and Math Club to the Jog-A-Thon and Botswana School Project. Students will have the opportunity to start earning their patches the minute they become Webster Whales. Participating in all of Webster's amazing activities and events gives students a chance to earn more. Then, in the 4th grade, they can purchase their jackets, vests, or beanies and begin covering them with the patches they've earned over the years, including the Astrocamp Outdoor Education patch and the Yosemite patch the following year. By the time they graduate from Webster, they will have a wonderful keepsake to honor their time in elementary school. Keep an eye out for order forms at next week's PTA Book Fair. I will be getting mine immediately.
The Finch Pinch
Sadly, we were not able to make a harvest this week because we found that the little finches who live in our lunch area ecosystem are hungry too! They've been munching the lettuce towers. Great thing about trying new things and working on projects is that they always come with some challenges. Challenges give us opportunities to think critically and solve problems. Hmmm...what to do about finches. In our class this week, Mr. Matt and Mr. Kevin talked about what we all need to eat in order to grow and how plants are adaptable. We also covered the plant biology of arugula and photosynthesis.
Special thanks to the BGCM for their support in funding this awesome experience here at WEbster!
OPPORTUNITIES GALORE!!
There are a lot of things happening in the next few months and the PTA is a massive part of making them happen. Please stay connected, help out where you can, and jump in where it makes sense for you and your family. We appreciate your support and want to do everything we can to be there for our incredible PTA.
RECRUITMENT...WE NEED YOU!
I have an important ask of you, community. The PTA is currently recruiting for next year's PTA Executive Board, and I invite you to consider stepping up to fill a leadership role. This is an opportunity to use your own unique skills to meaningfully and positively impact the Webster community.
In addition to planning the many assemblies, events, and holiday celebrations we enjoy throughout the year, the PTA has the vital role of raising funds to pay for our classroom instructional aides, art class, STEAM lab, tech curriculum, classroom supplies, and more. There's no question the PTA would benefit from more parents helping lead these efforts next year!
The PTA Executive Board and leadership positions for you to consider include President, Treasurer, Vice President of Family & Student Programs, Financial Secretary, Fundraising Vice President, Community Relations Liaison, and more. If you're interested in volunteering or learning more, please let me know, or you can email websterptamalibu@gmail.com.
CALLING ALL ARTISTS!!
Talent Show
Create a logo for our upcoming Talent Show! The winning logo will be featured on the cover of the show's program. Drawings must be completed in black ink on a white background. Open to all grade level artists.
Jog-A-Thon
Create a logo for our upcoming Jog-A-Thon. The winning logo will be featured on our official Jog-A-Thon t-shirts given to all Webster students, staff, and event volunteers. Drawings may include multiple colors. Open to 4th and 5th grade artists only.
To submit a logo, please forward a jpg or pdf of your artwork to websterPTAmalibu@gmail.com.
Deadline for submissions: Monday, March 6th.
The Webster Elementary PTA is officially launching our 2023 Jog-A-Thon Community Sponsorship Campaign, and we invite you to join us! Our annual Jog-A-Thon raises funds for Webster’s art and technology programs, STEAM lab, field trips, specialty classroom supplies, and more. Webster currently serves over 200 students and 45 staff members who reside or work in Malibu.
This year’s Jog-A-Thon will take place on Friday, March 17th. Students aged preschool through 5th grade will be invited to see how many laps they can run as their friends and family cheer from the sidelines. In addition to the pledges collected by our students, sponsorships from organizations like yours will be used to support the programs listed above. Without parent and community donations, Webster PTA would be unable to provide these educational experiences for our students.
We invite you to review the below Jog-A-Thon Community Sponsorship Tiers. We’ll express our gratitude for your participation – through cash donation and/or in-kind goods and services – by highlighting your organization in one or more of the following ways:
- Your logo displayed on our official Jog-A-Thon t-shirt.
- Your organization featured in our PTA newsletter and social media posts and stories.
- Webster window decal for you to publicly display your support of Malibu public schools.
- A fence banner featuring your organization name and logo.
The PTA of John L. Webster School of Malibu is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and your donation may be tax deductible.
For more information or to become a sponsor, email websterptamalibu@gmail.com. Sponsorships can be purchased by check or online by clicking here. If you're a Webster parent with a connection to a local business or organization, please pass along this opportunity to them!
On behalf of all Webster students, staff, and families, Webster PTA values and appreciates your commitment to Malibu public education. Thank you for considering a sponsorship for our 2023 Webster Jog-A-Thon!
Contact:
Jessica Butler-Bell Webster PTA President
WEBSTER PHOTOS ARE STILL AVAILABLE!!!
That's right, the Webster School Portraits are still available!
To view your child's proofs:
- Click here: https://trishalisonphotography.zenfolio.com/f728632018
- Register your email address if you haven't already done so in previous years
- When prompted, enter YOUR CHILD'S LAST NAME for the “keyword”
Please Also Note:
- All packages are custom designed by you so you can order exactly what you want and not be held to a predetermined package.
- Order single prints, digital jpeg downloads, print packages, or photo gifts, all are listed on the left of the ordering screen. Retouching options (teeth whitening, acne removal, glass glare removal) are available on prints as you check out.
- Digital jpeg files are $35 each, and $42 for a retouched jpeg file (retouching includes acne/blemish removal, teeth whitening and overall fine editing. If you need major retouching contact Trish directly)
- There is also a discount deal for 8 jpegs for $260 and 15 jpegs for $450.
- You have the ability to crop photos as you wish when checking out!
Please direct any ordering questions directly to Trish and not the school. Email any questions to: trish@trishalisonphotography.com
An Interesting Site for the Future of Learning
This week, I'd like to introduce you to MindShift, a site devoted to articles about education and its future. For those of you developing an interesting in both education and parenting in these strange and often challenging times, MindShift may serve as a wonderful resource and an inspiration for curiosity and wonder. Enjoy!
It's Coming!!!
AUDITIONS:
Mon, March 6 @3:00pm
REHEARSALS:
All acts must attend all three rehearsals
Fri, March 10 @3:00pm
Thu, March 16 @3:00pm
Wed, March 22 @3:00pm (mandatory dress rehearsal)
DETAILS:
We want this to be an inclusive, respectful, impactful, and super fun event for everyone involved. The opportunities for personal growth and community development are huge. We can’t wait to see you all shine up there on the big stage while supporting others to do the same. Please remember that this is a show, not a competition. It’s about spreading a little joy throughout our Webster community. We encourage everyone to think of ways in which they might participate. The talent show isn't just for singers and dancers. You can perform a monologue, poetry reading, short skit, stand up comedy, or even be part of our student stage crew! Serve as a stage manager or talent wrangler! The BGCM will be supporting the event by helping our students identify and develop talents that can be shared with the community at the big show. In order to make this an unforgettable event, the planning committee has laid out a few important guidelines:
- Students may perform solo or in a group. They may perform in no more than 2 acts, but may not perform 2 solo acts. (Options: 1 solo, 1 group, 2 groups, or 1 solo+1group) If performing in a whole class act, this will not be counted against your total.
- Costumes, attire, language, and/or song lyrics must be elementary school appropriate and will need approval before dress rehearsal.
- No act may exceed the time constraint of 2:30 (2 minutes, 30 seconds)
BEHAVIOR:
We know the talent show creates a ton of excitement and a lot of crazy energy. We understand and really love this about the event. However, a lot of people will give of their time and efforts to make this such a special day for us all. Disrespectful, inappropriate, mean, irresponsible, and out of control behavior will simply not be tolerated throughout the process of rehearsals and showtime. You and your act will be given 2 warnings. If the behavior continues, you will not be allowed to perform. We know you can pull it together. You got this!
If you are interested in participating in Webster’s 2023 Talent Show, please fill out and sign an Application for Entry (available in the main office).
All applications should be placed in the principal’s box outside Tedd’s office by Thursday, March 2!!
Good luck, you creative, imaginative, awesome little humans!!
CHEER ON THE WAVES!
On behalf of Pepperdine University's President Gash, our students and families are invited to join the Waves for a men's basketball game at Firestone Fieldhouse in Malibu, on Saturday, February 25th. The Pepperdine Waves will be playing their last game of the season versus the Loyola Marymount Lions. This is a free event for our Webster families with this special invitation. Please follow the registration QR code to sign up under "Friends of Pepperdine" for all the festivities before the game, including giveaways and food!
EVENTS and REMINDERS
Ryder B and The Masters (rescheduled)
I have my tickets!!!! Hope to see you all there.
Saturday, February 25
6:00pm at DREAMLAND
National Read Across America Day
Thursday, March 2
details to come
Math Field Day
Friday, March 10
8:45am
Pepperdine Science Night
Tuesday, March 14
6:00pm (details to come)
Webster Jog-A-Thon
Friday, March 17
8:30am
Webster Talent Show
Auditions: March 6 @ 3:00pm
Rehearsals:
March 10 @ 3:00pm
March 16 @ 3:00pm
March 22 @ 3:00pm (Dress Rehearsal)
The Big Show: Friday, March 24
6:00pm
*More detailed information is on the way!!! We promise :)
Cesar Chavez Day
Monday, March 27
School Closed
Exhibition of Student Learning (DO NOT MISS THIS!)
Thursday, March 30
6:00-7:30pm
(There may also be a daytime visitation...we will let you know)
Drumming at Dreamland
Hope to see some of you there. Picked up some tickets and bringing a few friends with me for the show. It's not often you get a chance to see one of our Whales on the professional stage. Looking forward to a great night.
Update
Webster Information - Week of February 27, 2023
The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu aims to provide a fun, safe, and creative environment for all Malibu youth to thrive, find support through positive mentorship, develop important life skills, and receive social and emotional support. We are currently offering:
BGCM After School Programs Academic Year 2022-2023, ENROLL NOW at BGCMALIBU.ORG Programs include: STEM based projects, arts & crafts, cooking/gardening, social emotional wellness, and more! (Enrollment must be completed and verified via our online electronic system before your child attends BGCM Clubhouses, please allow at least 2 business days for this process).
BGCM Wellness Center is hosting a parent webinar on Tuesday, March 21 @5pm. The webinar will take place via zoom. Space is limited, so please RSVP. We will be discussing the importance of mental and physical self-care for you/your family. Link to register https://bit.ly/ParentingandSelf-Care
BGCM in Partnership with City of Malibu NEW enrichment classes for Spring 2023. Registration is open at malibucity.org/register. Classes are open for registration Basketball, Theater Improv, and Animal Adventures. Dates are April 18-June 8. Students do not have to be BGCM members to register.
Wellness Center & Social Support Offerings The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Wellness Center operates remotely and also in-person to provide no-cost social support & mental health counseling to all in the community. Visit https://bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center/ to learn more or to request services for you/your child! PSA: Parents! If you've missed any parent workshops, they are available on our website at https://bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center-resources/
*To contact the Club please call 310-457-1400 (Admin) or 310-241-3675 (Programs) Email info@bgcmalibu.org For updates on Club news & events, subscribe to BGCM E-Newsletter, Click Here!
Developing character and growth mindsets is invaluable and will be a major focus of ours here at Webster over the years. As we build community here on campus, at home, and across Malibu, we will continue to model the kind of behavior that promotes unity and kindness. In addition, we will notice and value it in each other.