WEbster Nation,

What a week! Hoping yours was as good as ours. Lots going on in this week's newsletter. Be sure to check out the PTA Party Book, our monthly calendar, a resource on coding, today's KINDNESS event, and all the wonderful things happening at and around Webster. Have a lovely weekend and we'll see you on Monday.

"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

With gratitude,

- Tedd

twakeman@smmusd.org
(310) 456-6494

TK is continuing to work on developing friendships through "Identity Projects" incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the mindset of Living Imaginatively! Each classmate created an adorable Loose Parts Self Portrait with small, natural, and engaging items. In Reggio Emilia schools, there is a long history and tradition of “self-identity panels.” The children create self-portraits which provide a special glimpse into their individuality and uniqueness. Please enjoy these adorable works of art by TK! We love you!

On Wednesday, the Bu Crew visited the Webster garden. We met the amazing Justine who shared with us all about regenerative gardening and what makes the Webster garden organic. We shared our favorite vegetables and fruits and most of us like strawberries! Hopefully, we can plant some in the garden soon. We chopped compost, ate mint leaves, and found a HUGE cucumber to share. It was delicious!! We can't wait to visit again next week!

Miss Johnson and Mrs. Cooper's class were matched up with their buddies last week. They interviewed each other first to get to learn some things about their buddies. Today, we did a scavenger hunt using our five senses to observe and notice different things in Poet's Park.

We had our first trip to the garden this week. Kids shared their favorite fruits and veggies, asked questions, explored, chopped and composted, and sampled kale and cucumber. Delicious!!

Room 2 is focusing on Being Adaptable! Students have tried many new things this week and encouraged each other to embrace feedback. The concept of "go with the flow" is crucial to our classroom community and a helpful perspective in challenging situations. Computers, gardening, games, and so much more forces us to be adaptable in everything!

Room 8 started a unit on Force. We first learned about pushes and pulls. Then we tested and adapted our ideas to move a variety of items with pushes and/or pulls.

Loving our first trip to the library this week. Reading, reading, reading...nap time.

Sometimes teamwork is hard, but we are learning that working together and helping each other to succeed is FUN!

This week was a fun week! We worked on our self portraits, we also made puzzle pieces of our core values. This was an amazing week!

Here are some student quotes of the week:

“ Ms. Johnson is the best, she trusts us a lot. She lets us grade our own work.” - Nyla Wallace

“ I liked this week! We got to get our class jobs and beach bucks!” - Joella Lee

Our class was super excited to resume Gardening Class with Ms. Justine this week! They learned about how Webster’s garden is organic, regenerative, AND biodynamic - along with what each of those concepts means. The students explored, observed, harvested, and enjoyed the fruits of their labor, as they all had a chance to taste cucumber and kale from the garden. We even brought fresh mint leaves up to the classroom to test student theories that the leaves might help keep some of the pesky ants out of our classroom. Students also shared ideas for what they might be interested in learning about in future Gardening Classes. Pickling was a popular option! Before we left, students were treated to a spotting of a red velvet ant and a big, beautiful grasshopper. Bonus points if you can spot our new little friend in one of the photos!

Despite the bizarre and wonderful summer storm, the Webster community showed up in force and had a great time at this year's annual Chili Cook Off. Thanks again for sending in your pics. We love to see our Whales out in the world having fun. I'd like to extend another huge congratulations to Webster's own, Kasey Earnest, and all the folks who make this such an incredible event.

THE IDEA

As I walk around campus during lunch time, I notice that not all our students are interested in the more physical nature of the games being played on the yard. I've noticed students who love theater, students who collect Pokemon cards, and students who would rather spend their time reading. These are all just as valuable a pursuit as a good game of soccer or handball. I'm interested in creating a space for these kids as well. My thought is that I might start opening Poet's Park on Fridays for students who would be interested in starting a club.

STEP ONE

I need adult volunteers! In order to pull this off, every Friday I would need no fewer than TWO parent volunteers to spend the lunch hour (12:00-1:00) in Poet's Park in a supervisory manner. We can discuss what that looks like later, but it's low effort and really just making sure that students are safe and engaging in the proposed activity.

If you are interested, please reach out to Rachael Sokoloff at rachaelsokoloff@gmail.com

STEP TWO

If we can get a pool of parents for supervision, I will take on the task of creating a process for students to create proposals for a club they may like to manage or participate in. That process, in addition to other components, may include a written/video/graphic proposal for the club, how membership will be inclusive of all interested students, and the types of activities in which the group will engage. With your help, I'm hoping to be able to make this happen in the next month or so.

And just like that, Ms. Justine and the Webster Garden are back in action. Students dug in this week as they revisited our beautiful garden space. I even had a fresh salad delivered to my office from this inspired group of second grade gardeners.

Our final evening back on campus was fabulous. It's so great to see so many parents come out to hear about what we're up to this year at Webster and to meet this dynamic group of educators. A big THANK YOU to Webster's PTA president, Shy Roy, our PTA, the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu, and the City of Malibu for showing up and providing information about a variety of programs and offerings. There was great energy on campus from the cafetorium to the classrooms. A game of "silent ball" even broke out in Mr. K's class. If I heard correctly, 3rd grade parents edged out a victory over the 4th grade group. Let the rivalry begin.

SIGN UP TO JOIN THE PTA TODAY!

Our first general meeting is Thursday, September 14th @ 8:40am and we need YOU. Help us make Webster even better by joining and participating. It is just $15 for the year and we suggest both parents, step-parents, and even grandparents join and show their support.

JOIN HERE

PARTY BOOK

Exciting news, everyone! Party Book Tickets are now available, for a limited time, ONLINE! It's your golden opportunity to join in on the fun, support our school, and make unforgettable memories. We encourage each and every family to attend at least one of these incredible parties, hosted by our amazing school community.

BUY TICKETS HERE

Ticket quantities to each party are limited so get yours now while supplies last!

Can't wait to party? Get in on these awesome events happening NOW!

See more information below

3rd grade Back to School Party - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

2nd grade Back to School Party - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Kindergarten Back to School Party- FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

Trampoline with TEDD- SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1

By attending these events, you not only have a blast but also help raise vital funds for the extras that truly make our school extraordinary. Let's come together, celebrate our unique community spirit, and make a difference one party at a time. Get your tickets today and let's party with a purpose!

SUMMER ENGAGEMENT

Welcome back, Webster Whales! We hope your participation in the Brainfreeze to Superbloom Summer Engagement Program helped you all defrost those brains and really bloom during your first days of school! Now that summer has come to an end, we are collecting your completed Summer Engagement Program checklists so we can celebrate all your hard work this summer and hand out prizes!

CLICK HERE TO GET THE CHECKLIST

Drop your Brainfreeze to Superbloom checklist off in the designated box in the front office or email the checklist to websterptamalibu@gmail.com by September 15! Remember, anyone who drops off their checklist no matter how many tasks were completed gets a prize. And those who completed the full challenge described on the checklist get a bonus prize and chance to win a grand prize!

To kick off what promises to be an extraordinary year of collaboration and invention, we're thrilled to announce our Kindergarten, Second Grade, and Third Grade "Back to School Pool Party Books." These three lucky grades have specific events designed to strengthen these grade-level communities, foster friendships, and prepare our students for a year of shared adventures.

"Gatherings like these are such an authentic and wonderful way to bring families together in support of student relationships and growth. I wish they did this sort of thing when as was a kid."

- Principal Tedd

Purchase your tickets here: Visit https://websterpta.com/store/ols/categories/party-book and buy today! 100% of the cost of your ticket goes to support our schools extracurricular programs.

Get in on these special events happening NOW!

3rd grade Back to School Party - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

2nd grade Back to School Party - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Kindergarten Back to School Party- FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

Hi All,

My name is Cassidy Case - I am a WEbster parent of three, a member of the Malibu community, runner, coach, and Director of the Malibu Half Marathon, 5k & Kids Runs. To get right to it, several fellow Webster parents and I have been developing a running program at Webster. We piloted a similar program this summer for Boys and Girls Club and it was a big hit! I'm excited to introduce... Run Groms!

Run Groms will be starting simple with one session per week to create space for kids to move their bodies and experience all of the fun, challenge, and empowerment that goes hand-in-hand with running. We're lucky to have my husband, Blue Benadum (who is an elite marathoner and professional running coach), bring his expertise to the program as well.

Details are still being finalized but we are planning to kick things off with a 6 week-long season, starting at the end of this month and ending the first week of November, with the sessions taking place Friday mornings on campus before school. More information to come soon! In the meantime, please send an email to maliburungroms@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering as a coach or getting involved in some other way.

We all know the value of setting goals and have experienced the motivation that comes from sharing a common goal with your team or community. With that in mind, this program will have a grand finale event - the new "Boys and Girls Club of Malibu Mile" (BGCM Mile) race on November 4th, which is an event I direct as a part of the Malibu Half, 5k & kids runs. The BGCM Mile is open to kids between the ages of 4 - 10, with 100% of profits from this event going to the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu. Learn more and register here.

**Please note that participation in this event is entirely optional and will not be a requirement to join the run sessions on Fridays. It is still being confirmed but there may be some friendly competition with nearby elementary schools during our 6 week season and at the final event...

Parents can get in on the fun, too. Use the discount code “webster23” for 10% off of the Run Malibu 5km distance. Also, stay tuned for details to join a parent-led run group, coming soon!

Anyone who runs or participates in sports knows the benefits carry far beyond the sport itself. Very much looking forward to coming together as a community for a lot of fun and some running on Friday mornings!

Best,

Cassidy

In addition to thought provoking articles, I'd also like to use this space to provide you with some great resources. Hour of Code has been around for a while and does a great job of aggregating games and activities by grade level, topic, and available resources. Learning the building blocks of the language of coding provides students with opportunities for critical thinking, analysis, pattern recognition, and decision-making. Take a peek when you and your kids have some free tech time. I will place the link in the Family Resource section for future access as well.

9/11 Picture Day (Individual shots)

9/12 Picture Day (Class photos)

9/14 School Site Council Meeting – 3:00-4:00p

9/25 Yom Kippur Holiday (no school)

9/29 Rhythm Child Drumming Assembly

• TK-2 8:40-9:10am

• 3-5 9:40-10:15am

OCTOBER 2023

10/18 Volunteer Training – 9:00a

10/19 Great Shake Out – 10:19a

10/19 School Site Council Meeting – 3:00p

10/31 Trunk or Treat (schedule and information to come)

The AERIES Parent Portal

Tedd's Welcome Letter 2023

Tedd's Welcome Back Video 2023

AERIES Parent Portal Tutorial

Student Services Registration Documents 23/24

Family Engagement & School Parent Compact

Webster Bell Schedule

PTA Membership

Class Change Request Form

Hour of Code

We were treated to a truly fantastic event today at lunchtime by the BOYS and GIRLS CLUB of MALIBU. We kicked off the Kindness Campaign last year here on campus and got things restarted today in grand fashion. In addition to it being Pizza Friday, we had the added bonus of donated backpacks, patches, awesome hats, school supplies, a DJ, and the Happy Ice Truck! Students recommitted to their Kindness Pledge and the afternoon was a great reminder of the importance of being good humans and taking care of each other. A huge thanks to the BGCM for spicing up our Friday and bringing us closer together. We are incredibly grateful to donor Lori for today's activities.

Webster Information - Week of Sep 11, 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 Membership Enrollment is LIVE 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
  
  

• 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! If your child was receiving services last academic year and you would like for them to resume, please confirm with us by emailing: wellnessinfo@bgcmalibu.org PSA: Parents! If you've missed any parent workshops, they are available on our website at https://bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center-resources/
  
  

Developing strong character and valuable mindsets is essential. This remains a major focus at Webster. As we build community here on campus, at home, and across Malibu, we will continue to model the kind of behavior that promotes unity, kindness, and thoughtful problem solving. In addition, we will value these traits in others and recognize outstanding efforts.

Every Friday we sport our Webster Wear to show school spirit and celebrate the coming weekend. Classes with the highest percentage of Webster Wear win the whale for the week. Be sure to show your spirit and pick up some Webster Wear in the main office when you stop in to say hello.