From the Principal
Dear White Oaks Families,
Digital Safety
October 19-23 marks Digital Citizenship Week. As we are deep in distance learning, teachers have been teaching digital citizenship and safety since the start of the school year and students have been learning how to use their devices safely, responsibly and respectfully. WideOpenSchool provides some good resources for families to explore together:
Digital Citizenship, Grades PreSchool - 2nd
Practice using technology safely, respectfully, and responsibly. These fun and free games and activities will help you make smart choices online and in life.
Visit Interland, Grades 2-6
Explore four islands in this game by Google that covers key digital citizenship topics like protecting privacy, sharing safely, and being kind online.
Digital Passport, Grades 3-5
Explore some of the different elements of digital citizenship through these games. Pick one and play!
What's Cyberbullying? Grades 3-5
What counts as cyberbullying? Learn what it is, and what it isn't, and give kids important tools they'll need to combat the problem.
Parent Events
There are a variety of parent events happening in the next few weeks. Please see below for opportunities to learn, get support, or discuss current topics and events in our community.
Parent Screening: The Social Dilemma
We tweet, we like, and we share— but what are the consequences of our growing dependence on social media? In the Netflix documentary, The Social Dilemma, Silicon Valley insiders reveal how social media is reprogramming civilization by exposing what’s hiding on the other side of your screen. Take a look here at this thought-provoking trailer.
This is such an important topic, especially now that we (and our children) have become so dependent on the screen to stay connected both socially and academically, I will be hosting a screening of this documentary, followed by a discussion on Wednesday, October 28 from 7:30-9:30pm (adults only).
If you are interested in attending, please RSVP here by Monday, October 27. Participants will receive the Zoom link beforehand.
Parent Support Groups
Sign up on Eventbrite and a Zoom Link will be sent to participants:
October 21 - Setting Limits and Holding Boundaries With Our Children
This group is on how we create that parent “guard rail” for our children to help them feel safe, and learn to delay gratification. We will discuss how to help our children manage big feelings when limits are set. Please join us in a discussion of negotiating bottom lines, limit setting and the creation of an environment that fosters respectful adherence to boundaries. We believe that when a group of parents gather to share wisdom and support, the world becomes a better place as a result.
October 28 - Setting Limits and Holding Boundaries With Our Children
This is a follow up meeting on how well we modeled limit setting and holding boundaries with our children. The intent is to listen to parents discuss what worked for them, to gain a deeper understanding of new perspectives and approaches to hold that “guard rail” for our children. Please join us in a discussion of negotiating bottom lines, limit setting and the creation of an environment that fosters respectful adherence to boundaries. A group of parents gathered to share wisdom and support is how we change the world in small steps.
November 4 - Setting Limits and Holding Boundaries With Our Children
Learn more about limit setting and the importance of holding structure, or containment for our children. Gain ideas for creating better listening behavior from children. Please join us in discussion of holding the bottom line, limit setting, and the creation of an environment that fosters respectful adherence to boundaries. They say it takes a village to raise a child. Please join your San Carlos School district community to gather, and to share parenting wisdom and support.
November 11- No Parent Support Group for the Veteran’s Day holiday.
Sincerely,
Leah Scholer, Principal
[email protected]
Return to School Update
During this pandemic, which comes with complex and challenging rules and protocols for interacting safely in person, we are continuing to find the best path forward for the district. Health conditions appear to be improving locally, and San Mateo County is remaining in the Tier 2-Red: Substantial Spread level according to the state monitoring system. Schools in San Mateo County can begin to take incremental steps to bring students back to campus for some in-person learning without a waiver and must follow the safety guidelines, Four Pillars, from the San Mateo County Office of Education Pandemic Recovery Framework.
During last Thursday’s Board meeting on October 8, Trustees heard from our Principals about the next steps we are ready to take to prepare for in-person learning on campus. You can see the board meeting video here and the slide presentation here (start at 1:02:37). We are taking a measured, incremental approach to preparing for in-person learning to ensure the safety of staff and students, and continue with daily engagement with teachers. The first step was approving Phase 1 of our draft Return To School Procedure Plan where teachers and staff return to campus by November 13 and deliver their distance learning program from their classrooms. We will continue to engage with our teachers, staff and parents for input in the coming weeks to develop the next phases of our Return to School plan.
School News and Events
Join TeamKid and Support White Oaks School!
Many thanks to those families who have already contributed to TeamKid, our White Oaks PTA fundraising campaign this year! The PTA fundraising deadline is approaching, if you haven’t donated yet, we still need your help!
Our PTA is currently at 24% of our goal, so your contribution of $125 per student to White Oaks will bring us closer to meeting our goal to cover PTA funded programs this year.
Although we are currently in distance learning, PTA fundraising is still needed to provide critical site needs. Our PTA funds directly support the purchase of school supplies, teacher stipends, principal funds, and other school-wide community, administrative and academic support. Click HERE to donate.
Already donated to PTA? Donate to SCEF! Your SCEF donation which will be accepted until June 30, ensures continued funding for teaching positions and professional development, technology devices and applications, mental health and wellness, elective teachers and music programs, and Principal Flex Accounts across all San Carlos schools.
We invite you to Join TeamKid today and support these organizations that support our schools. By giving to your school's PTA and SCEF, you’ll contribute to local-level funding that bridges the gap between the needs of San Carlos public schools and our CA state funding.
In-N-Out Books – Wednesday
The pop-up library will be set up on the East White Oaks Way cul-de-sac in front of the library from 1:30-2:30pm this Wednesday. Come by, return your books and check out some new ones. If you’d like to volunteer to help at In-N-Out books, please sign up here.
Looking for Ways to Show Appreciation for White Oaks Teachers and Staff?
There are countless reasons to appreciate the White Oaks Teachers and Staff! The Staff Appreciation Committee creates and plans ways to show them our love and gratitude. This includes Back to School treats, snack baskets during Parent Teacher Conference Week, fun things throughout the year, and celebration of teacher appreciation week. Please contact Annie Stevenson if you are interested in helping out or joining the committee. Thank you!
Calling All White Oaks Makers!
WHO: You!!
WHAT: The Monthly Maker OCTOBER Challenge - Building a Spooky Bone Bridge
WHERE: Submit your entries to [email protected]
WHEN: Submission deadline is October 31
WHY?: Let your imagination and STEAM skills run wild and have some fun! All entries will be featured on the White Oaks Virtual Makerspace!
More details can be found in the White Oaks Weekly (WOW) and of course on the website.
Parent Book Group Discussion
The White Oaks PTA Anti-Racism Idea Team will be hosting a virtual parent book group discussion on Tuesday, November 10 at 7:30pm. We will be discussing the book, So You Wanna Talk About Race, by Ijeoma Oluo. This will be an open group discussion that all are welcome to join and feel safe to share their thoughts. If you're interested please RSVP here. A zoom link will be sent out closer to the event date.
JOIN THE WHITE OAKS PTA 2020 MEMBERSHIP CHALLENGE!
Last week at Welcome Wednesday we kicked off our PTA Membership Challenge!
Our Goal: 100% Membership!
But if we get to 85% by October 31, Mrs. Scholer will NOT ONLY wear a green wig, but will dance to a song LIVE on the first Welcome Wednesday of November.
The students will vote on 1) The Chicken Dance 2) The Hokey Pokey or 3) The Macarena!!
When: Wednesday, November 7
Where: Zoom
How: Log on to TOTEM ($20 per family membership fee)
PTA Mission
PTA is the longest-running advocacy group in the nation. Our goal is to support and celebrate partnerships, programs, and events that enrich the educational experience, community, and overall well-being of students, teachers, and parents. Our goal this year is to advocate for every child locally, state-wide, and nationally and demand for quality education and funding.
Why is Your Membership Important?
- Every PTA membership helps give us a strong, powerful voice in advocating for our children with the California State Legislature
- 100% membership sends a message to Sacramento that our district is made up of voters who are concerned and involved
- Members play a role in decision-making at our monthly White Oaks PTA Meetings
SCEF News and Events
SCEF Dollars Hard at Work
SCEF dollars are hard at work this school year, and we are doing our part to support our students and teachers. YOUR donation dollars are supporting smaller K-3 class sizes, new Chromebooks and iPads for students, professional development for our teachers in distance learning and social justice. SCEF is partnering with the district and the PTA Coordinating Council (PTACC) to fund our parent education program this year--Parent Ventures and One Life Counseling are helping to provide a robust menu of opportunities.
District News and Events
SMARTE Afterschool Clubhouse
Do your children miss spending time with other kids? Would they like to join their friends in the SMARTE Clubhouse? We still have a few openings in our program!
The SMARTE Clubhouse is providing on-site, all-day care while schools are on a distance learning schedule. Programs will run from 8:30am-4:30pm each day. We have three different options available for families:
- Full-time care, 5-days a week
- Part-time care, 3-days or 2-days a week
The SMARTE Clubhouse provides a fun, safe and welcoming place to spend time in a supervised childcare environment to support online learning along with engaging enrichment activities. The program is available to TK-3rd grade students at our four elementary schools. Each program offers age-appropriate educational and enriching activities in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Please visit the SMARTE Clubhouse website for more detailed information. If you have additional questions, please email us at [email protected]. Scholarships are available for families in need and we offer both an employee and sibling discount.
Click on the SMARTE Clubhouse Registration link to sign-up today!
San Carlos School District Preschool Program
Did you know that the San Carlos School District Preschool is open and safely running? Children are painting, building, creating, learning and playing with their friends. They are happy and enjoying their days in the preschool classroom.
The program has been open and safely running Monday-Friday from 7:30am-5pm since May 11. Your preschooler is welcome to attend 2, 3, 4 or 5 days - we have open spots available at each of the four elementary sites.
Each preschool classroom is self contained with up to 12 children and 2 teachers. A strict health and safety protocol is followed each day. Children and teachers are wearing masks as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
To find out more information, visit our preschool website or contact the Director of the program, Sue Dawley at [email protected]. She will be happy to answer all of your questions.o
Community News and Events
Proposition 15 - Schools & Community First
The San Carlos School District unanimously approved a resolution in support of Prop 15 Schools and Communities First on the ballot in November. The District would receive an estimated $1,896,397 and the City of San Carlos $4,112,000 in additional funding if the initiative passes. According to the measure's sponsors, The California Schools & Local Communities Funding Act would raise an estimated $12 billion annually statewide for schools and local communities including $830 million for San Mateo County.
For details, go to the California PTA's website.
SCSD Parent Website
We hope you will check out our new SCSD Pandemic Care & Support website that specifically addresses resources for our school community during the Pandemic.
We've created a Parent Education Calendar and will keep that updated with new events. Note: we will be adding new events to this calendar regularly, so you may wish to link the calendar to your own.
The site also houses pages for Counseling & Mental Health where you will find links to make appointments with your school counselors, along with information such as the Green Folder which details an action plan to help during a mental health crisis. We added a page about Meals & Groceries just to make sure everyone knows how to order weekly meal boxes and get support from the PTA if you need groceries.
Finally, you'll find our newly-released guidelines for families about the process we are following if a student is ill. Each time those processes are revised, we will let you know.
Healthy Cities Tutoring Training - Oct 21
Healthy Cities Tutoring is recruiting volunteers – Reach a child. Touch a Family. Build a community.
Join our community of volunteers who range in age from 14-96 and provide one-on-one tutoring and mentoring to students for 30-45 minutes per week to improve their academic performance, engagement in learning, and self-esteem. This year with distance learning we are seeking volunteers willing to be trained in tutoring a student remotely once a week. We expect the need to grow this year and hope you or someone you know will get involved in this rewarding volunteer experience.
If you are interested in learning more, please mark your calendar for our annual new tutor orientation & training which will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, October 21 at 7-8:15pm. RSVP here. For more information to become a Healthy Cities tutor, visit healthycitiestutoring.org and click VOLUNTEER to complete the online application or email [email protected].e
Parent Education - Writing Workshops - Oct 21 and Oct 22
Join us for a virtual parent workshop to support your writers at home by Erica Reardon, literacy coach. Erica will share routines, structures, and essentials to put in place at home, as well as strategies to help your child improve as a writer. There will also be time for questions and answers at the end.
Workshop for Grades K-2 is Wednesday, October 21 at 7pm. See flyer for more information - K-2nd grade flyer.
Workshop for Grades 3-8 is Thursday, October 22 at 7pm. See flyer for more information - 3rd-8th grade flyer.