Sea Lion Spotlight
Malibu Elementary Parent Newsletter #11 - October 21, 2024
Table of Contents
2. Highlights - Photos of Recent Events
3. Important Dates - Coming Soon
4. Looking farther forward - Events to anticipate farther out in time
5. Articles - Timely information for parents
6. More Highlights
7. Useful Resources and Links
Principal's Pen
Hello MES Families,
Our PTA deserves thanks and recognition for working with me, our Site Council and teacher leadership team to achieve our goals. We are working to increase our students' academic skills and social-emotional skills. From literacy to visual arts to social skills, our students benefit greatly from the additional reading intervention teacher time, additional classroom aides and campus monitors brought to us through our PTA leadership. If you can, please consider making a donation to our PTA. Thank you.
Our teachers and support staff also deserve thanks and recognition. Together they create a thoughtful and caring atmosphere that helps students to feel and be successful no matter where they are on their academic journey. Our staff start their day in our parking lot, so please support them by leaving the staff parking spots along the perimeter of the parking lot open. Thank you.
Next week is Halloween! Please review our parade route map and costumes guide. Thank you for your support.
MES is having our first Camp Out this month. Please see the calendar and flier below to sign up. This event is for MES families only. Thank you again to our PTA for funding the program, but families are asked to consider making a $35 donation.
Parent conferences are right around the corner. Please sign up to learn how your child is doing and how you can support your child at home. Return to your child and share at least one thing to praise them for and one goal to work on. Children feel empowered and prosper when they have a goal to work toward. Tell your child that you are working closely with their teacher. Children thrive when they know that their teachers and parents partner for their success.
Thank you for your partnership,
Proud Principal Chris Hertz
Highlights
Important Dates Coming Soon
- Now: Annual Parent Data Confirmation Open in Aeries (Parents affirm their data.)
- Fri 10/18 - Pepperdine Presents: Classical Guitar Concert / 3-4 p.m.
- Sat 10/19 - Archaeology Day / 9 - 2:30 @ King Gillette Ranch
- Malibu Pie Festival: Competitions, Contests & Family Fun / 11 - 4
Fri 10/25 - Crazy Hair Day - Spirit Day
Sat 10/26-10/27 - MES Moonlight Campout (See flier below, sign up HERE) / Gates Open at 3
Sat 10/26 - Malibu Moves Run for MEF Fundraiser @ Zuma Beach (See article below)
Sun 10/27 - PTA Reflections Contest Deadline (See flier below)
Sun 10/27 - Malibu Moves Run for MEF Fundraiser @ Zuma Beach (See article below)
Looking farther forward...
OCTOBER
Wed 10/30 - Trunk-or-Treat / 5-6pm (See flier below)
Thur 10/31 - Yearbook 10% off discount promotion ends (Coupon Link)
- Halloween Parade 8:30am (Overview) & Halloween Party Day
Schedule:
1.Parade (TK-5)
2. KidzBop (TK&2/3)
3. Thriller Dance (5th)
NOVEMBER
Nov 1 - Nov 26 - Annual Parent Climate Survey
Fri 11/01 - Zoe Theater - Dia de Los Muertos / 9:10 am - 9:40am
Fri 11/01 - Make-Up Picture Day
- Tues 11/05 - Fri 11/08 - Parent/Teacher Conference Week (See minimum day schedule below)
- Tues 11/05 – Pupil Free Day for Parent-Teacher Conferences (No School)
- Wed 11/06 – 12:45 Dismissal for for Parent-Teacher Conferences (Minimum Day)
- Thur 11/07 – 12:45 Dismissal for for Parent-Teacher Conferences (Minimum Day)
- Mon 11/11 – Holiday (Veterans Day / No School)
Thur 11/21- Bingo (5th grade EOY Fundraiser) / 5-7pm
- November 27, 28, & 29, 2024 -- Thanksgiving Break (No School)
DECEMBER
12/09 - 12/13 - Book Fair (Literati) / 20% to PTA
- Fri 12/20 – Holiday Show! / 8:30 - 10am K-2nd & 10:30 - 12pm 3-5th @ cafeteria
- Bake Sale (5th grade EOY Fundraiser) / 8:30 - 12 @ library courtyard
- Last Day before Winter Break
Articles for Parents
Holiday Parties
All holiday parties are to be coordinated in advance with the teacher. Parties may occur at any time of the day of the teacher’s choosing. Sugary foods are allowable, but craft activities are preferable. Please, first consult with the teacher. The three holiday party days are Halloween, Winter Holidays, and Valentine’s Day.
Student Birthday Parties
Such observances must be coordinated with the classroom teacher and should occur after lunch or at the end of the day. Food may be distributed at school. Healthier options should be encouraged. Cakes or very sweet treats (Sugar-based foods) are NOT allowed. All-natural popsicles are the ONLY choice for birthday celebrations. Our SMMUSD Food and Nutrition Services Wellness Policy calls for staff to limit student consumption of sugar at school. No nuts, if there is a peanut allergy in the classroom. Party favors are ok to distribute. Birthday invitations for parties away from school may not be distributed unless every student in the class is invited.
Candy/sheet cakes/cupcakes/cookies at school: Staff, students, and parents may not distribute these at school.
School portraits taken by Cornerstone Photography are now available for viewing and ordering! All orders must be placed online and will be mailed directly home. To view your portrait, click the link below and enter your online code which is MLBU and your Student ID. If you do not know your child’s student ID, please contact our school office and we will provide it for you.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW YOUR PORTRAIT
Online Code: MLBU+Student ID (For Example: MLBU123456)
What if I missed picture day?
A makeup opportunity is scheduled for November 1st for those who missed picture day or for those who are not satisfied with their portrait and want to try again.
For additional questions, you may contact customercare@cornerstone.photo or (805) 529-1635.
CALIFORNIA HEALTHY KIDS SURVEY (GRADE 5)
We would like all fifth grade students to complete the CA Healthy Kids Survey sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE). This is a very important survey that will help promote better health and well-being among our youth, improve the school learning environment and combat problems such as drug abuse and violence. To allow your grade 5 student to participate, you must OPT IN by submitting this form before October 31, 2024. More information can be found here.
ACTION NEEDED! SMMUSD PARENT SURVEY
Parents, SMMUSD would like you to share your thoughts on our school which will help guide district and school efforts to promote safety, enhance learning supports, and improve student achievement. This survey should take about 10-15 minutes to complete. The survey window is from November 1 - November 26. For more info, and to take the survey, CLICK HERE.
MALIBU MOVES: 10/26 & 10/27
It's not too late to register for Malibu Moves - happening at Zuma Beach on October 26th & 27th. It is just under two weeks away and we are encouraging MES Parents, Teachers, and Students to participate and join one of the teams we've set up!
By participating, you support Malibu Education Foundation - the official charity partner of Malibu Moves - and you get to spend a healthy and fun morning at beautiful Zuma beach!.
There are two ways to participate and support our students through Malibu Education Foundation:
- REGISTER TO WALK/RUN for the 5k or 1/2 marathon and join one of our fundraising team: MALIBU ELEMENTARY WHALES!
- Join as a charity runner for a free entry & VIP perks and the $500 you need to raise will count towards the team
- OR get 20% off a regular registration (Use CODE: Malibu20 for 20% off registration) and raise a suggested $100 for the team.
- Instructions to register and join one of our teams are ATTACHED. As part of the team, your individual fundraising will contribute to the team effort.
- Visit malibumoves.com to register today. Your students can participate, too: Age requirements are 7yrs for 5k and 12yrs for the 1/2 marathon.
- REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER at the event!
- Join Malibu Education Foundation team members and help out at the event! Volunteers must be 14+.
- Enter "MEF" when prompted for the group you are affiliated with at sign up. We still need help with:
- Saturday, 10/26:
- 2PM - 5:30PM: Kid's Run Crew
- Sunday 10/27:
- 4:30AM - 9AM: VIP Crew Shift 1 (Sunrise crew!!)
- 4:30AM - 9AM: Gear Check Crew Shift 1 (Sunrise crew!!)
- 7:00AM - 12:30PM: Beer Garden Crew (21+)
- 9AM - 1:00PM: VIP Crew Shift 1
- Saturday, 10/26:
- Check out the spots available and sign up to volunteer here: Volunteer - and please remember to enter "MEF" as your group.
Moonlight Camp Out!
We're hosting our first ever Campout on October 26th! Bring tents, sleeping bags, and everything you'd need for a camping overnight (we have food and entertainment covered!), and enjoy a night on campus under the Moonlight with MES families.
Crafts, movie night, dancing, great food... this is an MES community event you do not want to miss!
THIS IS NOT A DROP OFF EVENT. All children must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Every attendee (adult or child) requires their own ticket. All grades are welcome!
Do you have young children and can’t manage an overnight? No problem! We will provide wristbands for re-entry if you prefer to sleep at home and only come for the festivities.
More details to come as the date approaches!
HELP THE MEF WHEN YOU CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN
We connected with Nights of the Jack to get 10% back for Malibu Education Foundation if parents use this link to buy their tickets: https://www.tixr.com/pr/MalibuPublicSchools/g/nightsofthejack
MALIBU EDUCATION FOUNDATION (MEF): MEF is our new community-focused organization dedicated to enhancing the educational journey of students in all of our Malibu public schools - funding vital resources, staffing, and enrichment programs which to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive academically, physically, and creatively. At our schools, MEF founded and funds Middle School Athletics and also funds Math Tutors, Community Service Liaison, Strength and Conditioning coaches, and our musical accompanist. MEF is seeking donations and volunteers to support the launch. Learn more at MalibuEducationFoundation.org or follow us @Malibu.EdFound
Malibu Boys and Girls Club Information
Link to October Information. Below are highlights:
Join us for the Run Malibu Kids' Run! The Run Groms Mile is open to kids between the ages of 4 - 11 and will take place during Run Malibu event expo on October 12th at 2:00 PM. All youth participants will receive a race bib and finishers medal, plus a supportive crowd cheering them on as they run around the track. Sign up here!
Volunteer at Run Malibu Run Run Malibu is seeking dedicated volunteers for various roles on October 12th and 13th. Volunteers will assist with the BGCM Kids race, run hydration stations, first aid support, and cheer on participants at the finish line. This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a renowned community event while supporting the Boys & Girls Club. You can sign up for your shift here.
Reflections Art Contest!
Calling all MES students to participate in this years PTA Reflections Art Contest! This years theme is 'Accepting Imperfection'
There are 6 creative categories for your child's age division: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography or Visual Arts. Winners in these categories will go on to represent the school in the wider district contest! More exciting promotional events to come for this contest but in the meantime please ask your child to enter and showcase their creative prowess!
The deadline is October 27th with the required entry form.
Submission form is HERE
Please send your submission here MESreflectionschair@gmail.com
MES Minimum Days Schedule / 12:45 Dismissal for All Students (TK-5)
- Nov 6 (Parent Conference Week)
- Nov 7 (Parent Conference Week)
- Nov 8 (Parent Conference Week)
- May 22 (Open House and Celebration of Learning)
- June 11 (2nd to last day of school)
- June 12 (last day of school)
Volunteering at MES
Annual Parent Data Confirmation or Revision - Aeries Parent Portal
Beginning August 12, 2024
ACTION NEEDED: Malibu Elementary’s annual registration process is completed in the Aeries Parent Portal. You must complete data confirmation for each student.
Beginning August 12, 2024:
- Log in to your Aeries Parent Portal: https://santamonicamalibu.aeries.net/
- Be sure to read, review, and discuss all the materials with your student.
- Very Important: We need to gather information from you for emergency contacts. Please add at least two non-parents. While there are many boxes to fill, at minimum include name, relationship, and phone number.
- We also need to gather information from you for health documents.
Note: You may decide to print some of the documents for future reference. For a tutorial on how to complete this process, please click here English
We have worked to digitize the compliance and document portions of the “First Day Packet.” The Data Confirmation process is easy. This includes items like Emergency Cards, Parent Handbooks and Policies and Authorizations. We have many important documents and plenty of information for your family within the online registration site, accessed via your Aeries Parent Portal. Note: You must complete data confirmation for each student. Please be sure to read, review, and discuss all the materials with your student. We also need to gather information from you for emergency contacts and health documents. You may decide to print some of the documents for future reference.
For a tutorial on how to complete this process, please click here English
More Highlights
Useful Resources and Links
Principal Chris' Past Newsletters
PTA Website and Store
PTA Spirit Wear "Akaway Collection"
Student Services Registration Documents
Volunteering at MES: Information and Signup form
Medications at School Form Send to School Nurse Marion Mayer: mmayer@smmusd.org
Connect with Chris Hertz
Email: chertz@smmusd.org
Website: malibues.smmusd.org
Location: 6955 Fernhill Drive, Malibu, CA, USA
Phone: 310-457-9370
Twitter: @hertzinator