Webster Weekly
December 22, 2023
WEbster Nation,
Closing out 2023 with gratitude and love for our community. To our staff, students, and parents, we wish you so much joy this holiday and into the new year. Let the love in, tell people who matter to you how important they are, call your mom, be good to each other, and let the spirit of the season open your hearts just a little wider.
With love from us to you, Happy Holidays, WEbster!
With gratitude,
- Tedd
twakeman@smmusd.org
(310) 456-6494
EVENTS, REMINDERS, and DATES to REMEMBER
1/8 School resumes
1/15 Martin Luther King Holiday (no school)
1/18 School Site Council Meeting – 3:00p
1/25 Webster’s Enrollment Extravaganza
FEBRUARY 2024
2/1 Webster Board Presentation (The Power of Project Based Learning)
2/15 School Site Council Meeting – 3:00p
2/19 President’s Day Holiday (no school)
2/23 Talent ShowIf ever there was a room full of love, it was the Webster auditorium Wednesday morning! Thanks to our entire community for showing up and supporting our students. We love having you all on campus to share in events like these. A very special shout out to Saona Jackson for pulling this all together and to Grace Lee for beautifully accompanying our carolers.
Whatever traditions and celebrations you honor at this time of year, please share in the spirit of kindness and acceptance. Spread it, embrace it, and let it shine. I hope you enjoyed my little video reflection on Wednesday. All Webster's videos are available through the PTA's Vimeo page. Feel free to revisit and share them with friends and extended family who can't always be with us.
WINTER WONDERLAND
This whole week has felt like a holiday dream. With gingerbread houses, candy cane lanes, and even Santa and his elf. A huge thanks to Webster dads, Joel Dunn and Gus Peterson, for always bringing that drop-off energy and to Kristi Lake, Wade Major, and Malika Begin for making our final morning so merry and bright! And to ALL of you who have volunteered this week in order to make the holidays so special for us all. We soooo appreciate you!
(photo cred: Kristi Lake and Tatiana Jacobs)
What a way to finish out the week! That was something truly special. I had no idea these kids could sing like that...WOW!! Such a warm and sweet way to finish 2023. A huge shout out to Mrs. Stark. I'm not sure if we all truly realize what it takes to go from words on a page to the amazing show we saw this morning. What a monumental task. Congratulations to all of you for such an amazing performance.
THE BUCREW GIVES BACK
A shout out to Mrs. Berman and Mrs. Murdock for having the kindergarten class make decorations for the Chase Child Life Program at UCLA (the terminally ill wing of the children’s hospital) which led to the Boys and Girls Club helping out as well. These beautiful decorations were delivered by Warren this week. Chad Peters and his family donates toys to the program every year. Big thanks to our wonderful kindergarten teachers and the Boys and Girls Club.
WE TOAD YOU SO
Is this the final evolution or is there more ribbiting drama yet to unfold? Who is the frog master and how have they managed to elude us all this time? This week, they've become animated. Yep. Rather than the same little figures with the same smiles but in a variety of colors, this week they have shown up with lily pads and an attitude.
WE'RE BACK!!
Email maliburungroms@gmail.com to learn more. See you there! 🏃♀️
- Cassidy Benadum
THE PARTY CONTINUES INTO 2024
Let Party Book help you ring in 2024 with a new fitness routine and a fresh closet!
Get your tickets NOW for:
Sip and Swap - Clothing Swap on January 20 - This winter break is a great time to clean out your closet, your kid's closet and your garage! Gather your gently used clothing, toys, and sports equipment and get a ticket to come swap while you sip adult beverages.
Parent and Me Yoga on January 21 - come out for a morning in the park to spend time with family and friends and find your zen.
Also coming in 2024 is the much anticipated WEBSTER PROM!! Think of this as a father/daughter or mother/son dance and just a great time with the whole family. More details on the way, but in the meantime, scoop up your tickets here:
- Lauren (Party Book coordinator and all-around awesome human)
"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
Photos from the Holiday Cookie Party
IT'S ALREADY YESTERDAY
Brief but interesting article written by a former colleague of mine and forwarded over by a current Webster parent. It's a small (and super connected) world. Quick and easy read with some good thoughts about the applications for AI in education.
Please sign up for the PTA's calendar here: https://www.joinarrange.com/plans/WebsterPTAmalibu
WAIT UNTIL 8TH
The Wait Until 8th pledge empowers parents to rally together to delay giving children a smartphone until at least 8th grade. By banding together, this will decrease the pressure felt by kids and parents alike over the kids having a smartphone. Please note that this pledge is for smartphones only! If you would like your child to have a basic phone that just calls and texts, you still can sign the pledge! The basic phone avoids many of the distractions and dangers of the smartphone.
Top 5 Reasons To Delay Getting a Smartphone
1 Smartphones are changing childhood.
2 They are distracting and addicting.
3 Smartphones expose your child to...
4 They increase risk for anxiety and depression.
5 Cyberbullying is an important concern.
To learn more, please visit www.waituntil8th.org or check out Wait Until 8th’s Instagram account.
Useful Resources and Links
BGCM Update
Webster Information - Week of Dec 22, 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
BGCM Winter Registration is Now Available. BGCM will be open from January 2 to January 5, 2024, at Webster Clubhouse from 8:30 am to 5 pm. To secure a spot for your child, please use this link to complete the registration process. Register Here The deadline for registration is December 18. Please email Tyler with any questions at tylerhawkins@bgcmalibu.org
ALL BGCM Clubhouse Sites will be CLOSED Dec 25-Jan 1 in observance of the upcoming holidays. We are wishing you and your families a wonderful winter break.
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
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/
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.
Not sure what happened with our photo...I was calling names and the next thing you know, they had all gone back to class. I think there were cool things happening in class this morning.
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.