WEbster Nation,

I tried several times to write something about the events taking place on the world stage this week and failed. Education is my lane, so I'll stay in it and say that now more than ever, it is essential to build empathy, kindness, and thoughtfulness in our youth. We need them to inherit and then impact a world where there exists a healthy respect for diversity...of culture, of thought, and of ideology. This is daily work. We do it each hour, each minute. To any of our Webster families effected by these events, know that you and your family are welcomed and loved here on campus. We will keep your children safe and thriving. Please let us know if we can be of support in any way.

I had the good fortune of spending the afternoon yesterday with Mrs. Cooper's class to celebrate their participation in the PTA's fundraising drive. We had a blast eating pizza and cupcakes, reading stories, and playing games out on the yard. Thanks for getting me out off the computer, out of the office, and into the sun, kids. Mooooosh mooooosh mooooosh mooosh!!

Kudos to Story Bunn from Mrs. London's class. She is our first "student reporter" for our Weekly Window section and wrote this week's blurb for her class. Well done, Story. I hope this paves the way for more student reporters to step forward in the future.

Just a reminder to please be mindful about parking around campus during pick up and drop off. I know we've all got busy lives, but parking in fire lanes or unmarked spots can cause traffic jams and creates unsafe areas for our kids walking to and from school. We appreciate your support on this.

Have a peaceful weekend, everyone!

With gratitude,

- Tedd

twakeman@smmusd.org
(310) 456-6494

On the morning of November 4, I will run the 5K here in Malibu. The question is, "Will I run that 5K dressed in the Webster whale suit or not?" That's up to you. We would love to have as many of our students register for The BGCM Mile as possible. If we can get 75 Webster Whales to register for this mile run, I will not only wear the whale suit for the 5K, but I will also run the mile in the suit alongside our Whales!! Let's support the BGCM and the spirit of joy and health while we enjoy a fun Saturday together. GET REGISTERED TODAY!!

Run Malibu welcomes kids ages 4-10 to celebrate, inspire, and support the next generation through the sport of running. This year, we are thrilled to announce the launch of a new kid's event: The Boys and Girls Club of Malibu Mile (The BGCM Mile). Kids' events take place Saturday afternoon on November 4th at the Malibu Beach Expo at Zuma Beach. Entry fees are $30 per race or $45 for both. All racers receive a bib, kids swag bag, entry to the new "Run Malibu x BGCM Kids' Festival", a finisher medal, and, as an added bonus, all profits from the BGCM Mile go back to BGCM. These events are perfect for all kids - from those new to running to those looking to run their best mile yet!

Register Here

10/13 Slice Slice Baby 21+ Party Book

10/18 Volunteer Training – 9:00a

10/19 Great Shake Out – 10:19a

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

10/20 Deadline for REFLECTIONS Art Program submissions

10/20 Author Assembly (see flyer)

• TK-28:40-9:10am

• 3-59:40-10:15am

10/24 5th Grade Math Club BEGINS @7:50am (see below for registration forms)

10/26 4th Grade Math Club BEGINS @7:50am (see below for registration forms)

10/27 Make-up Picture Day (8:30am)

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

NOVEMBER 2023

11/3 Be a Dance Star - Friday night dance party Party Book

11/4 Run Malibu (sign up for The BGCM Mile)

11/4 Fall Wreath Making and Wine Tasting Party Book

11/5 Sound Bath and Vision Boarding Party Book

11/6 Pupil Free Day (parent conferences)

11/7-9 Parent Conferences (minimum days)

11/10 Veteran’s Day Holiday (no school)

11/12 Surfy Santa Photos - Holiday photos on the beach Party Book

11/13 PTA's Sustainable Book Fair Begins

11/16 School Site Council Meeting – 3:00p

11/19 Sip, Swap, and Shop Party Book

11/21 Minimum Day

11/22 Thanksgiving Holiday Begins (no school)

11/27 School Resumes

DECEMBER 2023

12/4 Scholastic Book Fair Begins (ends 12/8)

12/15 FALL DEEP LEARNING EXPO – 9:00a (Don't miss this!!)

12/15 Holiday Cookie Party Book

12/20 Holiday Show

12/22 Class Parties

12/25 Winter Holidays Begin

Third and fourth graders helped out in the Pre-K classroom during their recess time this week. Izzy, Linely, Naomi, Celine, and Penelope read to the preschoolers, played with them during free choice time, and helped with art activities.

TK was delighted when our school Psychologist, Zhanna, brought her adorable therapy dog named Zoey to visit! Zoey taught us to be gentle, sweet, patient, and kind. She is 14 years old and we loved her so much! Thank you Zhanna and Zoey for such a special day. We hope you will visit again soon! Lots of love from TK.

This week of October we were busy learning about the letter Bb and that meant we had to learn about Vampire Bats. We discovered many interesting facts like they have thumbs, they are the only flying mammal, only some drink blood, and they use echolocation.

To imagine how bats use echolocation, we headed down to the STEAM lab. We took turns being bats and mosquitos and listened for snapping fingers to find the location of the "mosquito" in the room. We then went outside with a partner to see if we could tell how close we were to an object by just listening to sound. Working together, the blindfolded "bat" rolled a ball into the wall to determine the distance using only the sound the ball made. The challenge was to try to move as close to the wall without hitting it. Luckily, our partners were there to help us retrieve the balls and stop us from hitting the wall.

After this fun week of learning about bats, we decided bats aren't so spooky after all. In fact, the Bu Crew voted and decided that bats are cool...especially because they eat mosquitos.

Thank you to the parents in my class for being the first class to have 100% participation in the direct donation drive for the PTA. The prize was time with Tedd. My class loved having lunch with Tedd, visiting with him, reading Halloween stories, and playing games in the class and on the yard. It was truly a memorable experience for them. Thank you, Tedd, for spending the afternoon with them!

While the rest of the kids work on their math checklist, small groups come to the back table to work with the teacher. First graders were working on fact families and turning equations into story problems. Second graders were playing a place value game or doing 0 to 99 puzzles.

This week in the STEAM LAB we were challenged! The guidelines were each kid could take one handful of blocks, they had to balance the apple at the top of their structure, and the structure had to reach over 2 feet tall. IT WAS A BLAST!

Room 8 started planning for our "Ancestor Adventure" (trip to an ancestral country) this week. We first chose the week we will travel and then we had to find friends to help us feed our plants, feed our pets, take us to the airport and pick us up at the airport. We're finding that taking a trip takes a lot of planning and coordination.

Teamwork makes the dream work. Awesome collaboration throughout the Design a Candy Store Project and students sharing their Wonder Projects.

This week we had some fun working on slideshows for our Social Studies project! We played bowl rush in PE, and got to have tasty lemons in gardening. We are also having our first class party of the year this Friday!! The Staff of the Week spotlight goes to …. Ms. Justine, our gardening teacher!!! We also want to give a special shoutout to Logan our AMAZING tech guru!! Room 20 will miss you!!!! See you all next week!!

Room 20 question of the week: What songs have you been listening to lately?

On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons - Preston G.

Give it Away by the Red Hot Chili Peppers - Ori F.

Hi Webster, my name is Story, the official Room Reporter for Ms. London’s class. I would like to share with you about what Room 19 was up to this week.

Room 19 earned their class jobs this week! At first the class was so excited for jobs, that they almost had a reverse strike in order to try and get them. In order to earn their jobs, the class filled out job applications with their qualifications for the specific jobs they wanted. Ms. London surprised us by revealing our jobs the next morning. The class went crazy when they saw their jobs, and a lot of students were very eager to start!

We also kicked off our Book Club. The class sounds very excited to start. We all get to read a book from eight genres, and share them with each other. We can’t wait to start all of these exciting things!

We also celebrated October birthdays this week!

-Written By: Story Bunn, Room 19 Reporter

Thursday we had to say farewell to our incredible tech guru and friend of Webster, Logan Fricke. He served Webster over the last few years with kindness, caring, integrity, and just a simple attitude of joy. We all felt like we were friends with Logan, kids and staff alike, and really respect the way he went about being a problem solver here on campus. We are sad to see him move on, but wish him all good things in his journey ahead. Thanks for being a really good human, Logan!

For the last several weeks, we have noticed the appearance of tiny yellow ducks all around campus. They have shown up in classrooms, in hallways, in the cafeteria, and in teachers' boxes. I have even found several here in the principal's office. We currently have zero leads in regards to their origin or the meaning behind their recent appearance. I, for one, am both intrigued and delighted at the whole situation. I love a good mystery and appreciate that someone is spending their time in service of making us all NOTICE and WONDER. What will become of our little duck adventure? We shall see, my friends...we shall see. I will keep you updated as I learn more. Any leads?

*By Thursday, the ducks began to grow in size and go from plastic to rubber...see final photo

In addition to being an SMMUSD initiative, PBL is a major focus here at Webster as we build on the success and learning from the Botswana School Project and our Spring Exhibition last year. Our amazing staff has been brainstorming, planning, and introducing these multi-month project ideas over the past few weeks as we gear up for our first Fall Deep Learning Expo on Friday, December 15. PBL offers students a chance to explore real-world thinking and problem solving where the curriculum is integrated with authentic opportunities for math, science, history, and the art of communication. We are excited to dig in with students over the next few months and can't wait to show you all the things we've learned and grappled with at the Expo.

Ms. Justine and Ms. Conrad are recruiting students to join our Green Teams at lunch time. Our student lead an co-director for the program, Jasper, has been helping to take our food waste, weigh it, chart it, and get it over to our compost bins in the garden. He NEEDS YOUR HELP! The team has come up with some incentives for giving up your time to help with this valuable Webster program.

5 Green Team days = free seed pack

10 Green Team days = first garden tool use

15 Green Team days = garden activity choice for your class (snail race, fruit/veg harvest)

20 Green Team days = choose the (3) types of tree choices for the garden

25 Green Team days = lunch with Principal Tedd

If you haven't met her yet, let me introduce and extend a warm Webster welcome to Kelsi Kidd!! You may have seen her in the office the last few weeks. Kelsi has been a welcome addition to the staff as she has been filling in here on campus. A native of Los Angeles and an SMMUSD parent, Kelsi finished her general education work in nursing at Santa Monica College. She loves coffee, Disney, and the occasional nature hike. When you see her, please make her feel welcome here in our community.

Calling all artists! PTA Reflections Art Program is back! Create your dance, film, literature, music, photographic or visual arts piece addressing the theme, “I AM HOPEFUL BECAUSE." We can't wait to see your creations! Each year some pieces go on to receive awards at the Council, District, State, and even National levels! It's an incredible opportunity to express your creativity and contribute to this extraordinary 50 year-old program. Guidelines can be found online at https://smmpta.org/2023-24-reflections-art-program/

*Please bring your art submission + application to school by the DEADLINE of Friday, October 20th.

A warm Webster welcome to Chris Harris! Chris is the uncle of Webster alum, Isla Muchmore, and Jessie Muchmore's brother. We are excited to hear his personal journey as an author and explore the awesome book he plans to share with us. Parents are welcome to join!

Does your child love math? Are they meeting or exceeding grade level standards in mathematics? Math club is an opportunity to build upon and extend the mathematical talent of your child in an exciting and engaging opportunity! We at Webster would like to offer every 4th and 5th grade student the opportunity to participate in Math Club, as it is an enriching and positive learning experience. We also have a fun Math Field Day on campus on March 8th to have a day of math adventures and celebrate their hard work!

For 5th grade students Math Club will begin on Tuesday, October 24 at 7:50 am with Mr. K. Math Club will run each Tuesday morning until March 8th. Room 17.

For 4th grade students Math Club will begin on Thursday, October 26th at 7:50 am with Mr. K. Math Club will run each Thursday morning until March 8th. Room 17.

*Students are welcome to participate however consistent punctual attendance is a requirement of remaining in Math Club. If a student is absent from Math Club twice, s/he will receive a warning notice about continuing in Math Club. Upon the third absence the student will be dropped from Math Club.

** Students are expected to follow all classroom expectations including following directions, staying on task and helping to create an environment free of disruptions for all participants.

If you are interested in having your 4th or 5th grade child join Mr. K's Math Club, please return this form to Mr. K by Friday, October 13.

In Webster's garden this week, students are learning about the life cycle of plants. We examined the different ways in which seeds are created and spread, from flowers to fruits. We got a chance to taste some delicious seeds, explore our lemons, and disperse some new seeds throughout the garden beds.

Week 2 of our Lunch Clubs program saw even more clubs springing up in Poet's Park. I have been lucky enough to have some interesting and engaging conversations with our students as they make a pitch for why their club should exist and what they plan to do with the time. A few things we learned from last week...the Dance Club probably needs some music, two Pokemon Clubs should merge and work together, and we need to choose ONE CLUB to be a part of each week so we eliminate students jumping back and forth between clubs.

My two favorite new clubs are the Kindness Club, where Opal and Theory are going to invite ALL the students to be a part of spreading and teaching about kindness and where we can do nice things for each other and cheer each other up when we're sad...man, that's good stuff! And the Crazy Questions Club, where Miles and Andy want to take on the world's most bizarre and interesting questions like, "How many reindeer would Santa Claus actually need?" They have already dug into the math on how much he might weigh after eating all those cookies and drinking all that milk each year. Good stuff, gentlemen. I definitely have some questions to throw your direction.

Another huge thank you to Carley Devlin, Rachael Sokoloff, and Lisa Wallace for being on hand to supervise things in the park!

Interesting little article on how the development of digital tools and experiences will impact learning. Makes me wonder how these technologies are already affecting you in your jobs or how you interact out in the world. How many things have become either more efficient or more engaging in our daily lives?

If for no other reason, you can use these to tease them later....like this picture of Principal Tedd from elementary school -------------------------------------->>>>>>>

To view your child's proofs:

• Click here: PHOTOS or copy and paste: [%3Ca%20data-fr-linked=]https://trishalisonphotography.zenfolio.com/f680053955
• When prompted to enter YOUR CHILD'S LAST NAME for the “keyword”
• Please order by November 1st. If you need an ordering extension, please contact Trish directly.

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 $38 each, and $45 for a retouched jpeg file (retouching includes acne/blemish removal, teeth whitening and overall fine editing)

There is also a discount deal for 8 or 15 jpegs

• 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

Last weekend, our bravest Webster students had an awesome beach hang and caught some gnarly waves. We were so proud to see each new surfer master this new skill! Special thanks to Local Legends Surf Academy and the Carpenter family for spreading the stoke!

There's only 6 more party books this year!

Show the PTA that you support the Party Book Fundraising initiative and get a ticket to a party TODAY!

November 3- Be a Dance Star - Friday night dance party Party Book

November 4- Fall Wreath Making and Wine Tasting Party Book

November 5- Sound Bath and Vision Boarding Party Book

November 12- Surfy Santa Photos - Holiday photos on the beach Party Book

November 19- Sip, Swap, and Shop Party Book

December 15- Holiday Cookie Party Book

- Lauren (Party Book coordinator and all-around awesome human)

Run Groms will return next week! If you haven't registered, it's not too late to get in on the fun!!

The Details:

What: A free, 6 week-long run program for ALL Webster students

Why: 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.

When: Friday mornings from 7:45am to 8:15am (before school), starting Friday September 29th and ending Friday November 3rd.

Who: ALL Webster students! Parents are welcome to join or drop-off permitted we have enough volunteer "coaches", but please keep in mind that this is a trial program and the parent-policy may change based on how sessions are going.

Where: Webster field, meeting at the gate.

ARE YOU IN?! Please send an email to maliburungroms@gmail.com OR fill out the RSVP form here ( https://forms.gle/ortVeiuMSQV8riJx6 - we will likely send out a form each week to get an idea of attendance) if your kid(s) plan to attend, or if you are interested in volunteering as a coach or getting involved. We are looking for volunteers!

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.

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

Webster Information - Week of Oct 16, 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! 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

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.