Webster Weekly
January 12, 2024
WEbster Nation,
Hoping your break was spectacular! We're happy to be back and ready for a great semester here at Webster. We are still reeling from our Deep Learning EXPO and are already having conversations about continuous growth and learning in relationship to our project design process. Thanks for coming out to support our students and staff.
There are plenty of activities on the horizon. Reach out to the PTA to get involved. We really need your help with things like the Talent Show, Jog-A-Thon, Astrocamp, Yosemite, Book Fair, and our big Enrollment Event. Keep your eye on the calendar this semester!
Enjoy the 3-day weekend and please take some time to reflect on Dr. King's impact. It's not just a holiday, but a time to celebrate the teachings of an American icon. Let's be good to each other.
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?"
- Martin Luther King Jr.
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
Sip and Swap - Clothing Swap on January 20 - PARTY BOOK
Parent and Me Yoga on January 21 - PARTY BOOK
1/25 Webster’s Enrollment Extravaganza
FEBRUARY 2024
2/1 Webster Board Presentation (The Power of Project Based Learning)
2/9 Girl Scout Cookie Sales (1:15-2:30p)
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)
2/23 Talent ShowA LITTLE LOVE FOR OUR EDUCATORS
Wanted to share a little gratitude for Webster's educators. This group creates a joyful, safe, and engaging place for kids each day. They are dedicated and passionate about education, willing to have hard conversations about our profession, and open to taking risks and trying new things in route to their own personal and professional growth. We are super grateful to have you all here.
EXTENDING THE LEARNING
I had to share a little anecdote from one of our families this week. As you know, we believe deeply in the power of Project Based Learning and how it brings to life the natural curiosity and wonder in our students. We also believe that this type of learning extends beyond the school day and helps kids find relevance and meaning and a connection between school and life. After her underwater experience in Kindergarten with the marvelous BuCrew where she learned all kinds of things about sea creatures, reefs, and conservation, Maddie was ignited.
"The kinder class project inspired our entire family as Maddie had so much love and adoration for the sea turtles/aquarium. We took a road trip up the coast and spent Saturday at the Monterey Bay aquarium. It was absolutely beautiful and I highly recommend it for any family. Maddie loved all of it and shared so much knowledge from her studies with you (Mrs. Berman & Mrs. Murdock). Thanks for such an impactful Fall semester project!!!" - Brittany Teague
Just wanted to share our joy that learning at Webster is inspiring our students well beyond the walls of the classroom. Good stuff, Maddie. Thanks for sharing!
Check out this great write-up about the PTA's Reflections program in the Santa Monica Daily Press. Congrats to all Webster participants and thanks so much to our coordinator, Dana Orescan!
MOVING TO WEDNESDAYS in 2024
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
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:
Webster Prom - Party Book on May 3
- 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
CONTINUING TO FOLLOW THE AI IMPACT
The world continues to be impacted by AI. How is it and how will it affect 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 Jan 15, 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
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.