WEbster Nation,

It's the end of the month and we're excited to share our Monthly Download section and give you all a chance to see what your kids have been up to this January. As always, there is A LOT going on here at Webster. We want you to be aware and involved so please read your emails and be sure to mark your calendars with upcoming events. This week's newsletter is PACKED with updates, information, and images of your kids doing awesome stuff.

On behalf of the PTA, I want to thank those families that have stepped up to sponsor things around campus. Big shout outs to our current room sponsors:

the Rowe Family (Mrs. Murdock's and Mrs. Berman's Classroom)

the Roy and Ruchalski Family (Mrs. Cooper's Classroom)

the Clarkson Family (Mrs. Harris's Classroom)

the Vandevoort Family (Ms. Johnson's Classroom)

Have a beautiful weekend, friends!

With gratitude,

- Tedd

twakeman@smmusd.org
(310) 456-6494

FEBRUARY 2024

2/5-2/9 Sustainable Book Fair

2/9 Talent Show Rehearsal (1:30p)

2/9 Girl Scout Cookie Sales (1:15-2:30p)

2/7 OUTDOOR EDUCATION KICK-OFF (8:30a) Astrocamp - 4th grade, Yosemite - 5th grade

2/10 2nd Annual Webster Bowl - PARTY BOOK

2/13 Talent Show Rehearsal (3:00p)

2/15 School Site Council Meeting – 3:00p

2/16 Girl Scout Cookie Sales (1:15-2:30p)

2/19 President’s Day Holiday (no school)

2/20 Talent Show Dress Rehearsal (3:00p) This is a date change!

2/23 Talent Show (8:45a - student show) (6:00p - Community Show)

MARCH 2024

3/3: Color Run - Party Book
3/8 Math Field Day - 8:40a-12:00p

3/12 Pepperdine Science Night - 6:00-7:30p

3/15 Jog-A-Thon

3/16 Stairway Concert

3/21 SPRING DEEP LEARNING EXPO – 6:00p (minimum day)

3/22 Last Day before Spring Break

APRIL 2024

4/8 School resumes

4/25: Waves of Laughter: Live Music and Comedy Show - Party Book

We want to thank Mr. Posey for helping us out as Miss Papale continues to work her way back to us. In addition, a big shout out to Miss Maryam, out TK aide for all her work with our little ones.

The Bu Crew has been busy discovering and exploring as we get ready to begin our inquiry into our next Project Based Learning: Full STEAM AHEAD! Students are asking questions, testing their ideas, analyzing results, and making changes while having fun with different materials in the STEAM lab! We can't wait to share our learning!

Our class planted our pollinator garden this month. The students were very excited to get their hands in the dirt and plant their garden which they had carefully designed. We are looking forward to welcoming the pollinators soon.

In addition, we love spending time with our buddies every Friday. We shared our thoughts about our hopes and dreams in early January. After we finished learning about the symbols of the United States, we loved teaching our buddies about what we learned. It was fun to paint our symbols with them.

Last, we have read lots and lots of just right reading books to improve our reading comprehension, focused on math every day, and learned about the sun, moon, and stars this month.

It's been an amazing start to 2024 here in Room 7. We learned the "Cha Cha" with Maya Harris. We built all kinds of cool structures as we explored engineering with Lego and Kapla block activities. We started making yarn “head harps” for a super cool sound lesson in Science. And in Writer’s Workshop we did some vocabulary sorting activities with words from Harry Potter.

Room 2 in 2 is all about COLLABORATION this month! We have worked together creating our Winter Break personal narrative, vocabulary lessons, pencil towers, and more! Students are learning how to use their voice and speak up (especially in challenging situations), how to ask and receive help from peers, and how to value everyone working at their own pace. It's been a strong 2024 start in this community!

Room 8 is finishing our weather unit. In this unit, we investigated and made predictions about the weather through careful observation of the clouds and wind. We also learned how to differentiate between weather and climate and use models to reveal global climate patterns. Our final project is to come up with an invention to help protect people when severe weather hits like hurricanes, ice storms, avalanches, tornadoes, extreme heat, blizzards and floods. Who knows...one of our inventions may be helpful in the future.

Rainy day fun in the library and the initial stages of the Game Project! Imagination, critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, play testing, and iteration all at work.

In Room 15 we have been working on the Dot Project. International Dot Day is usually in September but we saved it for January this year. Peter Reynolds' book, The Dot is our inspiration. The simple story is a celebration of creativity, courage and collaboration. Our project all begins with one simple mark on the plate and that simple beginning becomes something really beautiful. Each plate turned out amazing--painted, drawn upon and woven with yarn. When joined together on the wall it will remind us that sometimes you just need to make a mark--be brave and see what happens...and after that, help someone else realize they can do it too!

January was a very exciting month for Room 20! We kicked off the New Year by setting goals and intentions that highlighted personal growth, responsibility, kindness and celebrating the little wins. Then our class went out into the world for not one but TWO field trips! Our first field trip was to the Griffith Observatory, where both 5th grade classes learned about our solar system, how comets are formed and the various elements of the world. Then this week, we took a local field trip to Malibu Middle School, where the 4th and 5th grade classes got to experience a live jazz concert. The concert commemorated the history of Blues music and the beginning of Black History Month. January was filled with an immense amount of joy, laughter and learning! Can’t wait to see what Febrary has in store for Room 20.

A special Shout Out to Jaggar Begin our Star Reporter for the month of January, for capturing some great highlights from this month! And a big Room 20 welcome to our new student Jacob!! Welcome to Webster!

Soccer highlight of the week:

• Noel shoots the ball over the goalies head from 15 yards away seconds before the bell rang for the WIN!

Question of the week: “ What was your favorite thing about the Griffith observatory? “

• “EVERYTHING! But most of all the Planetarium. That was super cool!” - Moral Z.

• “ The periodic table of elements wall they had because you got to see all real examples of all the elements”. - Piper B.

Room 19 had a very full and fun January! It was overflowing with reflections, celebrations, and adventures. We kicked off 2024 by reflecting upon what we wanted in the new year, and ultimately, each student chose a word for the year that was meaningful to them - one that might guide, inspire, and motivate them to be their very best, and one to help them focus on what’s important to them for the 12 months ahead. We celebrated January AND February birthdays with donuts galore, weekly Success Stickers where we cheered on our classmates and their wins for the week (always a student favorite!), and even reveled in the much anticipated rain! We adventured on two field trips - one to Griffith Observatory where we learned how to make comets and took part in an incredible Planetarium show, and the other to Malibu High School for Jazz Reach where we learned all about the history of Blues, the meaning behind lyrics, and the beauty of improvisation. To add to the adventures, we began three weeks of poetry workshops with the City of Malibu that will culminate with a Poetry Slam in Poet’s Park, and students’ very own poetry and artwork being published in an anthology. February, we’re happy you’re here, and can’t wait to see what you have in store after such an amazing January!

To kick off Black History Month, our 4th and 5th graders were treated to a unique musical experience over at the middle school campus. "Yes Indeed!” is an engaging, interactive program designed to instill a greater appreciation, awareness, and understanding of the great American BLUES tradition. With its roots in the work songs, spirituals, hymns, field hollers, and chants of the 19th century American south, the Blues are the DNA of all indigenous American music. From R&B to Funk to Gospel to Rock to Hip Hop and particularly Jazz, the blues are that vital, key ingredient that give these genres their distinct American sound and soulful depth and potency.

The programs overall objectives are to present the Blues as a mode of creative, artistic expression that covers the full spectrum of the human experience from woe to joy. Jazz Reach also aims to illuminate the blues as a means of acknowledging and confronting life’s hardships...and in spite of them, coping, overcoming, prevailing and persisting.

I'd love to spotlight the musical talents of our fourth-grade students, Maisy Ryan and Theo Hahn, and their band EMPIRE. This past Monday, the young rockstars took the stage at the esteemed Sagebrush Cantina in Calabasas, delivering an electrifying performance that featured three classic rock hits: "American Idiot," "Highway to Hell," and "Sunshine of Your Love." After almost six months of dedicated band practice with the "School of Rock" program, Maisy and Theo were thrilled to showcase their skills to an audience, and they certainly did not disappoint. Be sure to check out their performance by following this LINK.

Dear Families,

Kids Heart Challenge is coming to Webster very soon! Students will learn how to have happy and healthy hearts and brains, while raising lifesaving donations to help others with special hearts. Plus, your family can learn the lifesaving skill of Hands-Only CPR in Finn’s Mission! Register TODAY at http://www2.heart.org/goto/webstersmmusd or by downloading the FREE AHA Schools App for Apple or Android.

Students who register early will be recognized at our assembly on February 16th!

Thank you for supporting our school, the American Heart Association, and this lifesaving program!

For more information, contact Sion Roy (PTA President): sionroy2002@gmail.com

REHEARSALS:

All acts must attend all three rehearsals. Not doing so may result in your act being removed.

Friday, Feb 9 @1:30pm

BGCM students participating in Off Broadway Production will rehearse first - all other acts will go in order of youngest to oldest

Tue, Feb 13 @3:00pm

Order will be youngest to oldest

DATE CHANGE!

Tues, Feb 20 @3:00pm (DRESS REHEARSAL)

We apologize for the date change, however we needed to adjust due to a conflict with SMMUSD's Stairway Concert Rehearsal. Thank you in advance for your flexibility.

*Students should come dressed to rehearsal in what they plan to wear for the show.

*Please note Webster's dress code as this will be enforced for the talent show.

*Order will be youngest to oldest

SHOW!!!

Fri, Feb 23 @

8:45am (school performance)

*Students should come to school dressed and ready to perform. Please arrive at school at 8:20 am.

*Show order will be youngest to oldest

6:00pm (Community Performance)

*Please arrive at Webster by 5:30pm, dressed and ready to perform. Please report to the Library.

*Parents, unless you are a volunteer, you will not be permitted in the Green Room/Library. All acts are expected to stay for the duration of the show in the Green Room and participate in the end of show bow. (more information forthcoming)

*Show order will be youngest to oldest

STUDENT ART PROGRAM SUBMISSIONS:

Do you love art?

Submit a drawing to be considered for the cover of the Webster Talent Show Program ***All submissions due to Tedd by Wed, Feb 7

Any questions, please reach out to Nikki White: Nikki White - ncwhite11@gmail.com

One of the unforgettable privileges of becoming a 4th or 5th grader here at Webster is the opportunity to join your classmates on our Outdoor Education adventures. A school tradition, our 4th graders attend a 3-day/2-night excursion to Astropcamp in Idyllwild, CA, while our 5th graders enjoy a 4-night/5-day adventure to the beautiful Yosemite Valley. Both trips see our students involved in physical activities, team-building exercises, academic opportunities, and the exhilaration of being away from home (possibly for the first time) and at one with the natural world. It's an incredible time of self-discovery and growth for our kids.

• May 15-17 ASTROCAMP (4th grade)
• May 13-17 YOSEMITE (5th grade)
  

We have planned a kick-off event for the morning of Wednesday, February 7, at 8:30am here in the WEbster cafetorium. This event is meant to provide tons of information, build excitement, layout our fundraising approach, recruit chaperones, and answer any/all questions or concerns that parents may have about these trips. If you are a 4th or 5th grade parent, PLEASE mark your calendars and join us next week.

Don't miss these super fun events from Lauren and the folks at the Webster Party Book!!

Scroll through and grab your tickets to some super fun activities for you and the family. This is a great way to meet new families, build community, and try something new.

MARCH

3/3: Color Run - Party Book

APRIL

4/25: Waves of Laughter: Live Music and Comedy Show - Party Book

Get your tickets now for the Webster Color Run. March 3: PARTY BOOK: Color Run

Let’s celebrate HAPPINESS and BE HEALTHY. The Color Run is a 1k un-timed race celebrating unicorns, peace signs, rainbows, happy faces and JOY! At various points, racers are doused in a different color powder.

PARTY BOOK REVIEWS

"Hunter had a blast with his friends at Zuma Beach playing in the surf, body boarding, and even learning to stand up and catch waves! What a great experience!" - Richard VanOrnum

"We had such a great time at the Slice Slice Baby Party. It was such a great way to connect with other parents and give back to the school at the same time." - Samantha Carpenter

"When I signed up for Trampoline with Tedd, I didn't realize I was the Tedd. Regardless, I had a blast jumping, jousting, dodging, and playing with a bunch of our Whales. These Party Book events are truly amazing." - Principal Tedd

"These Party Book events are the most amazing thing I've ever been a part of...and I've been a part of some pretty amazing things. Get your tickets immediately!" - Phil Buckman

2nd Annual Webster Bowl - (Grades 3-5 ONLY Saturday, 2/10 from 11a-2p) - Get hyped! Principal Tedd and Whale dad, Gabe Sokoloff, will be leading their teams in the 2nd annual Webster Bowl. This co-ed, flag football showdown starts at 11a on the Webster field and is open to all students in grades 3-5. Get your tickets to take the field and have some Saturday football fun. After the student game, there will be a second game for all ADULTS and ALUMNI starting around 12:30p. Bring the lawn chairs, some blankets, snacks, and your inner high school athlete!

Webster Prom - Party Book - (Friday, 5/3 from time TBD) Coming in May is the much anticipated WEBSTER PROM!! Think of this as a family dance party and not so much as the ending to Pretty in Pink. This evening is meant to be just a great time with the whole family. More details on the way, but in the meantime, scoop up your tickets at the link above!!

Get ready for a "Magical Night Together" at Malibu Pacific Church! We're thrilled to announce our upcoming Mother Son Dance & Father Daughter Dances! It promises to be an evening filled with wonder; featuring mesmerizing magical performances, dancing, delicious dinner & dessert, an arcade, crafts, and much much more!

Join us for a night where magic is not just in the air but in every moment as you create memorable moments together. Let the magic begin! Invite a friend! We can't wait to share this enchanted evening with you.

Mother Son Dance

Friday, February 9th @ 5pm - 8pm

Father Daughter Dance

Saturday, February 10th @ 5pm-8pm

Tickets are $65 per person

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Happy New Year!

A quick update: Webster Run Groms will now be meeting Wednesday mornings, NOT Fridays. We will continue to meet at the same time - before school from 7:45am to 8:15am. We are excited to continue with Run Groms for the duration of the school year and hope your awesome kids continue to join us! We had a ton of fun getting the program off the ground in the fall and look forward to further development in the new year.

Thanks to Boys & Girls Club of Malibu and our friends at Irv's Burgers and Prince Street Pizza, we will be handing out coupons for goodies each week.

Email maliburungroms@gmail.com to learn more. See you there! 🏃‍♀️

- Cassidy Benadum

How can we do a better job of giving K-5 students a foundation in the kind of thinking that leads to a broader future in STEM jobs?

Become A Room Sponsor!

Webster PTA is looking for room sponsors for our classrooms! You can become a room sponsor for a donation of $400. Your donation supports our classrooms in many ways, including by allowing teachers to purchase supplies for our students above and beyond what the district provides, and funding all classroom field trip expenses. Room sponsors will be recognized with a sign outside the classroom and a shout in Tedd's newsletter. Please note that more than one family may sponsor a room.

To purchase CLICK HERE!

OR save us the transaction fee by dropping off a check in the front office, or paying via Zelle to websterptamalibu@gmail.com

Please indicate which classroom you wish to sponsor in your purchase!

Room 1: Music

Room 2: Lockwood

Room 3: Claudio SAI

Room 4: STEAM Lab

Room 5/6: Library - Ms. Monte

Room 7: Harris

Room 8: Stark

Room 9/10: Murdock/Berman (sponsored by the Rowe Family)

Room 11: Crane/Norodom Pre-K

Room 12: Papale

Room 13: Coding Lab

Room 14: Art Studio

Room 15: Morris (sponsored by the Clarkson Family)

Room 16: Cooper (sponsored by the Roy and Ruchalski Family)

Room 17: Kisskalt

Room 19: London

Room 20: Johnson (sponsored by the Vandevoort Family)

Garden

Kitchen: Ms. Neci

Teacher & Staff Lounge

Speech Room: Jllison

OT Room: Krenik

Lunch Patio

Teacher Workroom

Nurses Office: Hernandez/Gordon

Let’s get ALL these places sponsored! Thank you for helping us create magical spaces for our students!

Donate to our sustainable book fair!

Clean out your bookshelves and donate to Webster's upcoming Sustainable Book Fair! We'll be collecting gently used books, puzzles, board games, and Webster wear (Just Spirit Wear, not Jog-a-thon or Math Field Day shirts, please.) We will be collecting items during morning drop off or you can leave in the designated box in the front office between Jan. 22 - Feb. 2nd You will be able to shop the book fair Feb. 5-9. This has become a favorite Webster event. A great way to recycle our gently used books and get new ones! All non-clothing donations must be in like-new condition. Puzzles must contain all pieces. Board games must contain all pieces and instructions. Items may be dropped off in the office before or after school.

Webster needs YOU! Join the PTA team!

The WEbster PTA team is getting organized and we'd love for you to join the team!
We are thankful to the team of parents that currently volunteer their time on the PTA executive team:

Sion Roy, President

Elena Eggers, Treasurer

Rachael Sokoloff, Secretary

Cara Wiechnik, Executive VP

Shannon Dunn, Communications VP

Kate Pritchett-Skene, Parliamentarian

Sarah Ryan, Financial Secretary

Lauren Ifft, Party Book Chair

Saona Jackson, Historian and Room Rep Chair

In addition to our executive officer roles, we are grateful for all the event chairs, event volunteers, valet volunteers, room parents, and classroom volunteers!

We consider it a huge success that our executive team will be returning next year, but our roles are shifting because terms are ending.

For the 2024-2025 school year, we are looking to fill these officer roles on the executive team:

Secretary (Required Officer) - takes minutes & administrative tasks

Room Representative Chair - liaison between room parents and PTA

Student Involvement Chair - encourages and involves student leadership in PTA programs & events

Membership Chair - attract and maintain Webster PTA members

Fundraising Chair - plans and organizes fundraising activities

Historian - collects volunteer hours, Honorary Service Awards

JOIN THE PTA TEAM:

If one of the PTA officer roles caught your attention or if you have interest or questions in becoming more involved on the PTA executive committee:

EMAIL US BEFORE FEB 1st - SaonaJackson@gmail.com

Subscribe to our new calendar

Don’t miss out on future events and PTA meetings. This calendar will keep you informed! Hello Webster! We have heard your cry for a better Calendar system! We are now using Arrange to share the Webster school schedule with parents. Arrange makes it easy to add the Webster school schedule to your calendar (Google Calendar, Outlook, iCal, etc). Please visit this page to add it to your calendar:

SIGN UP HERE

Once you create a free Arrange account, you'll be able to add the schedule to all of your devices. After you add it, any changes or new information will automatically reflected on your calendar. We will even add links and other important information to the calendar in the notes. Let us know if you have any questions!

* A big thanks to Webster parent and the founder of Arrange, Bridgette Farrer Muir for helping us get this launched!

Webster Information - Week of Feb 5, 2024

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
  
  

• Third Space is OPEN at Malibu Village! Third Space is a storefront, gallery and an innovation space for youth to be mentored and inspired. A project of the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, made possible by many generous community contributors. A percentage of all store purchases benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu:

• Safe spaces after-school

• Mental health services for youth, families and aging population

• Drug and alcohol prevention programming

• Innovative and inspiring opportunities for youth

• Regenerative systems and educational initiatives
  
  Here, in our vibrant community, we value care, connection, and creativity. We offer youth, families, and visitors of all ages the chance to explore products from local, sustainable and social entrepreneurs. To learn more, visit thirdspacemalibu.org Follow us on IG/FB: @thirdspacemalibu
  
  

• BGCM Wellness Center Parent Support Group Join the BGCM Malibu Wellness Center, in partnership with SMMUSD, to participate in a weekly interactive series for parents. This group is designed to help navigate many of the challenges faced during different developmental stages of your teen's life. Open to parents of children of all ages. Topics include: understanding your child/teen, connecting with your child/teen, enforcing rules, talking about the tough stuff, and planning for the future. Taking place every Thursday (6 week series via zoom) Register for free https://bit.ly/ParentGroup2024
  
  

• 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! There is currently NO WAITLIST for services. 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 Here

Third Space is OPEN at Malibu Village! Third Space is a storefront, gallery and an innovation space for youth to be mentored and inspired. A project of the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, made possible by many generous community contributors. A percentage of all store purchases benefit BGCM:

• Safe spaces after-school
• Mental health services for youth, families and aging population
• Drug and alcohol prevention programming
• Innovative and inspiring opportunities for youth
• Regenerative systems and educational initiatives

Here, in our vibrant community, we value care, connection, and creativity. We offer youth, families, and visitors of all ages the chance to explore products from local, sustainable and social entrepreneurs. To learn more, visit thirdspacemalibu.org Follow us on IG/FB: @thirdspacemalibu

"We are so thrilled to welcome the community to Third Space. We love being able to highlight products and art created by local, young entrepreneurs including Malibu High and BGCM alumni! This is a very special space made possible by amazing community contributors and we just can't wait for everyone to experience Third Space and all that it has to offer". Kasey Earnest, Boys & Girls Club of Malibu CEO

Third Space is made possible by the following contributors: Blue Star Painting • Bold LA • Devon Meyers Photography • JL Designs • 129 Builders Inc. • Jones Builders Group • Koum Family Foundation • The Little Market • The Dorn Family • Peak Power Electric • Quality Indoor Air - Heating and Air Conditioning • Venue Creation Resources

Join us for a Valentine's Day Sip & Shop Tuesday, Feb 13 4-6p at Third Space (23357 Pacific Coast Hwy, next to Malibu Village books) Come and enjoy complimentary champagne, sweet treats, fresh flower arrangements, and more while finding the perfect gift for your valentine and giving back to community!

Come enjoy a story of true love where two sisters experience mysteries of magic, tragedy, and a long journey to find their confidence and inner powers. The sisters, Anna and Elsa, deal with matters of friendship, family, and love with some irresistible characters along the way, including Olaf the snowman, Sven the reindeer, Oaken, Pabbie and Bulda and the Hidden Folk. It is truly a magical frozen tale!

LOCATION:
Malibu Middle & High School Theater
30215 Morning View Drive

PERFORMANCES:
THURSDAY, February 8 - 7:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, February 9 - 7:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, February 10 - 7:00 p.m.
SUNDAY, February 11, 1:00 p.m.

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.

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

PTA Volunteer Opportunities

Class Change Request Form

Hour of Code