A Message from Tedd
April 28, 2023
WEbster Nation,
As we bid farewell to April, I'd like to take a moment once again to express my sincere gratitude to this unbelievable PTA and to all of you who give so much of your time and energy towards making cool stuff happen here at Webster. Tomorrow night's Camp Out is just another example of this dedication to our students and you should know how much you are appreciated.
For our 3rd-5th grade students, the State-wide CAASPP testing began this week and will continue for the next three weeks. While you know how I feel about these assessments, they are still a mandatory part of our current system. For that reason, it is important that we empower our students to do their best and feel good about their efforts during this time. It is also of great value to remind them that these exams are not an all-encompassing measure of who they are as thinkers, problem solvers, creators, and human beings in general. Let's support them and our teachers through this process and celebrate the incredible efforts that have been put forth in service of positive results.
I look very forward to seeing many of you tomorrow evening at the Camp Out. I will not be able to spend the night, but I am definitely coming by to say hello and spend some time with this beautiful community. Happy Friday!
With gratitude,
Tedd
Chalk art and the lunch lounge
Webster Campout FAQ
Wondering what’s THE WEBSTER CAMPOUT??
Here’s the rundown with some quick FAQ’S!
Q: Is this a drop off event?
A: No. Parents must attend with their child.
Q: Do I have to spend the night in a tent to participate?
A: No! Come for the taco bar, group games, and music. Head home at your leisure.
Gates open at 3 PM and quiet time 10 PM.
Q: For those of us staying overnight, what time are lights out?
A:We will have a lower lawn for families with 10 PM quiet time. The upper lawn will
allow for a later evening featuring quiet activities until 11:30.
Q: Do I have to have a tent?
A: It is recommended. We have helpers if you need assistance setting it up!
Q: Is there any sort of plan for the evening?
A: Yes! We have group games in the early evening, camp dance party, dinner buffet,
outdoor movie with popcorn, and morning breakfast
Q: What’s the deal with food?
A:We will be presenting a taco bar that has meat and veggie options for dinner. We
will also have some fruit and popcorn during the movie. Breakfast will be simple
and early. We will also have a General Store where you can purchase extra
provisions! Best to BYO water bottles.
Q: Will there be any open flames?
A: No. Sorry, no campfire at this campout. Plenty of other fun activities in store!
Q: What should we pack?
A: Tent, sleeping bag, camping chairs, pillow, travel toiletries,
pajamas, extra blankets, water bottles, flash lights, small towel
Q: Do you need volunteers?
A: YES!! We need volunteer committees for the following:
Décor/Signage/Welcome bags
Event Set up (Saturday 10-2)
Camp Counselors (to greet and assist with camp gear setup)
General Store (set up, manage cash register)
Craft table
Snack Tables
▪ Watermelon & Fruit for arrival
▪ Popcorn and water for movie time
▪ Cookies and milk after popcorn
Breakfast
Event Tear Down (Sunday 10-12)
To sign up, visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d4ba9ad22a3f85-webster3#/.
BUY YOUR TICKET FOR THE CAMPOUT HERE:
Congratulations to the Webster Whale Math Olympians! Lillian Buckner, Landon Cohen, Andy Kessler, Starr Safai, and Bodhi Skelton represented Webster in the 16th annual Math Olympiad held in Culver City this past weekend. They were among 180 mathletes from 19 elementary schools across the city. The team was creative, curious, collaborative, persevered through some very challenging problems, and shared a lot of laughs. Not only did they represent Webster with integrity and passion, but they were only one problem away from a math-off for 3rd place overall. Their effort and commitment and were inspiring! Congrats on an awesome showing at the tournament. We are so proud of you.
Also, let's share some serious gratitude with Mr. K. This kind of dedication to students and families is what makes you a truly special educator. Thank you for all you do for our Whales.
Kids Teaching Kids
TK welcomed second grader, Izzy Ifft, winner of the Jog-a-thon fundraiser, as guest teacher this week! She read us her favorite book and taught us how to make pine cone bird feeders! We hung them in the bushes around our play yard and the birds and squirrels had a wonderful feast. Together we had the very best day. We love you, Izzy, and thank you!
Integrating Math and Literature
Grow, Baby, Grow!
That's right...these towers are lettuce-producing MONSTERS!! It's really amazing to see how quickly the lettuce grows in these clean, sustainable towers. Students are learning a ton and building connections as they work in the garden with the incredible Justine Larsen. In addition, we are supported by the BGCM, Cecilie Stuart, and our own Weijin Conrad to continue our composting project. We will be reflecting together on these programs in order to make them even more effective and student-centered for the coming year.
This week, Ms. Neci got a chance to make another harvest. She was able to integrate this nutritious, home-grown lettuce into the student salad bar this week, giving our whales a chance to close the loop on our Webster food cycle.
WHY WAIT 20 YEARS?
You know my passion lies in rethinking educational structures and processes to better support students as they ready themselves for life in very fluid world. It's a slow roll in public education with so many seemingly immovable structures already in place. But we're up for the challenge. In fact, when we dig a bit deeper beneath the surface, it's all pretty fascinating. This week, I'm sharing an article that lays out four thoughtful scenarios for what education might look like twenty years from now. But why wait? What tweaks can we make now to prepare ourselves for what's to come?
EVENTS and REMINDERS
CAASPP Testing Window (3rd-5th grade)
April 17 - May 19
OLWEUS Survey Window (3rd-5th grade)
May 1-May 26
WEBSTER'S EVENING GALA
Weds, May 10
6:00p @ Dreamland
OUTDOOR EDUCATION TRIPS
ASTROCAMP (4th Grade)
May 3-5
YOSEMITE (5th Grade)
May 8-12
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
May 15-19
5th GRADE PROMOTION
Wed, June 7
5th GRADE BEACH DAY
Thu, June 8
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL
Mon, June 12
Update
Webster Information - Week of May 1, 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 Summer Program, Kindness Is Free Camp Bu! Dates are June 20-Aug 11. Available for incoming grades TK-5th. Enroll 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). Enroll Here | Inscribirse Aquí
BGCM Wellness Center Parent Group The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Wellness Center, in partnership with SMMUSD, is hosting a virtual parenting group designed for parents of teens/tweens. Join us weekly starting April 20th @ 7pm for 6 weeks to participate in an interactive series designed to help parents navigate many of the challenges we all face during the teen/tween transformative years. Parents can join at any time! Register at https://bit.ly/BGCMParentingGroup-April2023
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.