From the Principal
Dear Families,
I hope you all had a relaxing break and are recharged for the second half of the year! Our playground construction is still underway and should be wrapping up by the end of this week. Please join us for our “Welcome Ceremony” next Wednesday, March 6th at 8:30 am. We will be opening up the playground for everyone as well as celebrating the installation of our tile wall on the MU!
As we acclimate back into the routines of school, be mindful of our drop off and pick up procedures. It is in the interest of safety that we ask you to not leave your car unattended on Fairmont and White Oak Way. Please refer to the diagram below to see where our loading zones are located. Cars should not be parked in these zones between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Check out this flyer for more information on the safe routes to school designed for White Oaks. Take note of the map on the second page which shows the crosswalks that should be used when walking to school. The map also indicates where pedestrian flags are available. We have had several flags go missing over the course of the year. The flags are important for pedestrian safety but are also very expensive. We do not have the budget to keep replacing them, so if any are found, please bring them to the office and we will get them to their proper crosswalks.
To ensure our procedures are clearly communicated with the community, we are looking into forming a Safe Routes to School Team. If you are interested in joining, please contact Teresa Williams at [email protected]. The San Mateo Office of Education is holding a seminar called “The Slow Way Home” on Thursday, March 7th from 9:00 am - 11:00 am at the Boys and Girls Club of South San Francisco. This is an amazing opportunity to become informed about best practices around safe routes to school.
Students are practicing the ways to be respectful, responsible and safe during school and it is so powerful when we, as a community, practice the White Oaks Way during pick up and drop off as well.
Sincerely,
Leah Scholer, Principal
[email protected]
School News and Events
Founders' Day Award Nominations DUE TOMORROW!
Every year, for the past several decades, White Oaks celebrates Founders' Day. This time honored tradition has become such a special event at White Oaks that helps us recognize and thank those volunteers in our community who have gone above and beyond. We need your help in nominating some of these very special people. Please usethis link to review the awards given and to submit your nominations before February 25, 2019.
On Wednesday, April 17 we will hold our annual PTA Founders' Day event to celebrate and recognize the contributions of our award winners. Please mark our calendars for this special event!
Questions can be directed to Jennifer Rudy ([email protected]) or Julie Stallings ([email protected])
Monday, February, 25th at Midnight is Your Last Chance to Register For the Play
Don’t forget to sign up! Enrollment for the school play, produced in collaboration with the PTA and San Carlos Children's Theater, will close Monday, February 25th at midnight. The production will be Disney’s The Lion King Kids. Third and Second graders may register to be in the main cast of up to 45 participants (2nd and 3rd grade). All students can register for the chorus (all grades).
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE:
- Main Cast - Wednesdays March 6 - April 17, 1:00-4:00 pm and Fridays March 8 - April 19, 3:00-5:00 pm
- Tech Rehearsals - April 20, 11:30 am-5:30 pm. April 22-25, 4:00-8:00 pm
- School Chorus - Wednesdays March 6 - April 17 - 4:00-5:00 pm
- Tech rehearsals - April 20 - 10:00-11:30 am. April 22 – 25, 4:00-5:30 pm
- No rehearsal Spring Break
- Performances will be on April 26 and 27th
Register here through the San Carlos Children’s Theater site. If registration is oversubscribed a lottery will be held to determine participants. Any student who does not get a place through the lottery will have their full registration fees refunded. Please sign up as soon as possible!
Scholarships are available - contact Donna [email protected] for details.
Incoming TK/Kinder Tours
We are hosting our next information session for our incoming TK and Kindergarten families on February 27th. Please join us for a brief presentation and tour of the classrooms from 9:00-10:00 AM in the MU (no need to RSVP).
Dance Party is Coming! 3/15 6:30pm - White Oaks Event of the Year!
Save the Date - St. Patrick's Dance at White Oaks MU Friday, 3/15 at 6:30pm
Calling all the White Oaks 2nd and 3rd Graders. We are rolling out the red carpet for you! You are invited to attend the St. Patrick's Formal Dance on Friday, March 15th at 6:30pm at White Oaks Elementary School MU.
Dear 2nd and 3rd Graders, ask a special adult to accompany you to dance. White Oaks favorite DJ, Photo Booth, Cotton Candy and Popcorn machines, drinks, LOTS of balloons, as well as plenty of dancing are included.
The dance features music arranged by alumni DJ and professional Photo Booth set up. Don’t forget to wear something green and dance the night away!
Register via PayPal (paypal.me/EllaLevin) or by check in the office (please put attendees names in the notes).
Price: $15 per student, $25 per adult.
Questions: Please contact Ella at 650-279-4007 or [email protected].
District News and Events
Parent Ed Event Feb. 26
Please join Dr. Aaron Nayfack, Developmental Pediatrician, and SCSD Preschool Director, Sue Dawley for an interactive presentation about health and media use in early childhood. We understand that our "digital natives" pose new questions for us as parents, and we aim to share best practices, current research, and hands-on toolkits to build healthy brains.
WHEN: Tuesday, February 26 6:30-8:00pm
WHERE: SCSD Office Board Room, Unit 9B
RSVP: http://evite.me/bvACWkpFqroin
Instructional Materials Adoption for History in Grades 6-8
The SCSD Middle School Social Science Adoption Committee is recommending the adoption of the Teacher Curriculum Institute (TCI) History Alive program for grades 6-8. Staff presented to the School Board on Feb 14, 2019 regarding the adoption process and highlights of the program. Click here to see a copy of the presentation. The Board will then take action by approving this adoption at the meeting of the board on February 28. In addition, parents may also view the history materials at the school district office from February 25-28, from 8am-4pm. An overview of the program is also available at:https://www.teachtci.com/. Please contact SCSD Curriculum Coordinator, Sarah Orton, at[email protected] with any questions you may have.
SCEF News and Events
The SCEF GALA Is Just Around the Corner!
Join your friends across the district at the annual SCEF Starlight Gala.
It is a fabulous night of dinner and dancing with live and silent auctions.
March 9, 2019 at the Sharon Heights Country Club
Ticket sales close on February 26th. Get your Gala tickets now! www.scefkids.org/events
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Get Your Lucky On Live tickets!
Can’t attend the Gala? Have family and friends who would like one of our spectacular Gala auction items?
Purchase a Lucky on Live raffle ticket. For the purchase of a ticket the lucky winner can choose from a selection of valuable Starlight Gala live auction items. See all eligible items at http://www.scefkids.org/LOL2019. Only 275 tickets will be sold!
If you would like to purchase raffle tickets send an email to [email protected] noting how many you would like and which auction item you would select if you are the winner. Tickets are $100 each or 6 for $500.
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Thank You Teachers & Staff
A HUGE thank you to our amazing educators and staff for their generosity and creativity for this year’s SCEF online auction. And a big THANK YOU to YOU for purchasing the auction items and supporting SCEF.
Community News and Events
San Carlos Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan
The City of San Carlos is starting the process of developing a Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan and they need our input, especially because our SCSD students will be impacted by this plan. Please check out this website for more informationwww.cityofsancarlos.org/bikepedmasterplan and attend the open house on March 5, 2019 from 6-8pm at the Laureola Community Center to provide your input. Share this information with neighbors and friends who may also be interested.
The Next Big Think, March 3rd
The San Mateo County Office of Education invites you to join us for the San Mateo County's greatest celebration of learning. The Next Big Think will highlight the exciting teaching, learning and innovation happening all around our county. Special features will include the 2019 San Mateo County STEM Fair, San Mateo County Student Arts Expo, district showcases, pop-up Makerspace, and a virtual Hackathon. Students, families, educators, and learners of all ages are encouraged to attend this FREE event on Sunday, March 3, 2019 at the San Mateo County Event Center from 11AM - 4PM.
Join us for Perfect Pairings 2019!
Join Healthy Cities Tutoring for the 5th annual Perfect Pairings benefit wine pairing dinner on Friday, March 1 from 5:30pm - 9:00pm at Domenico Winery, 1697 Industrial Road in San Carlos. The Perfect Pairings benefit will be a festive celebration with delicious food and wine pairings, special friends and inspiring stories. Our community of supporters will enjoy passed appetizers and prosecco followed by a delicious 3-course sit-down dinner prepared by Chef Gino Gramegna and perfectly paired wines from Domenico while helping to make a difference in the lives of children. Please purchase your tickets by Feb. 19 at Perfect Pairings. Contact Cris Adair ([email protected]) with questions. Thank you!