From the Principal
Dear White Oaks families,
We are jumping right into a fabulous year! It was so heartwarming to see our campus bustling with excitement this past week. Although we were wearing masks, it was evident that underneath there were wide and excited smiles. It feels so good to have the school alive again with the laughter and chatter of little voices.
Please take some time to browse our website to get to learn more about our staff and our school. Remember that tomorrow (Monday, Aug. 23) is our Principal’s Welcome via Zoom from 7 to 7:30 p.m., and Wednesday, Aug. 25, is Back to School Night. Our TK-1st Grade families will join their teacher’s Zoom links from 6:30 to 7 p.m., and our 2nd-3rd Grade families will join from 7 to 7:30 p.m. This Friday, Aug. 27, is a minimum day, with dismissal at 12:25 p.m. for all students.
Welcome Wednesday
This Wednesday, Aug. 25, will be our first Welcome Wednesday of the year! We are thrilled to be back in person, and this student-only event will start promptly at 8:25 a.m. once the bell rings. Students will join their class lines on the blacktop (with masks on) for this beautiful community-building event. We will share highlights of our Welcome Wednesdays on the White Oaks Facebook page as well as in future Principal’s Messages in the White Oaks Weekly so you can be “in the know” and feel connected.
Drop-off and Pickup Reminders
Please remind your child that when they enter the playground in the morning, they need to get some hand sanitizer before entering the yard. If they have their own, they may use it in lieu of the school-provided one.
PARKING: Please remember that Fairmont Ave. and both the East and West White Oak Way cul-de-sacs are loading zones only, and cars are not allowed to park there 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. If you would like to park and walk your child in, please do so on another street. Also, please make sure you’re not blocking the neighbors’ driveways.
Bell Schedule
Our bell schedule has changed slightly but will not affect the beginning or ending times of school. The lunch schedule was changed by 10 minutes to allow for a staggered lunch between the primary and upper-grade lunches.
Parent or Community Member for Our School Site Council: One Position Open
The White Oaks School Site Council consists of 5 parent or community members and 5 staff members, including the principal. Parent or community members are selected through an election. About seven meetings are scheduled each year, usually on a Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m. via Zoom until further notice. Please refer to the SSC News September 2021 email that will go out Sept. 16 for more information.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Site Council, please email Leah Scholer with a blurb about why, and how you would contribute. If more than one person is interested, we will hold an election to fill the opening.
Upcoming Events
MONDAY, AUG. 23
- Principal’s Welcome via Zoom, 7-7:30 p.m.
- Join the Zoom meeting using this link.
- Meeting ID: 936 9806 8755 / Passcode: 508941
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 25: BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
- TK-1st Grade: 6:30-7 p.m. (use Zoom link from your teacher)
- 2nd-3rd Grade: 7-7:30 p.m. (use Zoom link from your teacher)
FRIDAY, AUG. 27
- Minimum day with dismissal at 12:25 p.m. for all.
MONDAY, AUG. 30
- Mrs. Scholer starts maternity leave, and Mrs. Norgaard begins as interim principal.
- Late Bird schedule starts for TK.
MONDAY, SEPT. 6
- No school on Labor Day.
MONDAY, SEPT. 13
- Late Bird schedule starts for Kindergarten.
Sincerely,
Leah Scholer, Principal
School News and Events
The PTA Needs You! Sign Up to Volunteer.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by our PTA table on the first day of school. It was great to see so many new and returning faces. This year, we hope to bring back many of our beloved traditions and would love for you to get involved. Please see this Google form for descriptions of volunteer roles for White Oaks parents. There's an opportunity for every commitment level: one hour a month, one-time events, throughout the year. You can help with Art in Action, yearbook, PTA membership, the anti-racism team, the book fair, the Holiday Store, hot lunch service, staff appreciation and more!
Volunteer Job Spotlight: Help Serve Hot Lunch
Please consider helping to serve hot lunch at school. This is a fun and easy way to be involved and meet students of all grade levels. We need parents to help on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursday, and Fridays from 11:40 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Most volunteers work 1 to 2 times a month and must be vaccinated per district policy.
Become a PTA Member Today!
This year, we are hoping you join us in reaching 100% PTA membership.
- How do I join? Sign up online via Totem.
- What is the cost? $20 per family (plus $1 fee).
- Why join?
- CONNECT with new friends and the White Oaks community.
- SUPPORT school-wide events and programs.
- MAKE your voice heard in Sacramento.
- Why is your membership important? Members play a role in decision-making at our monthly White Oaks PTA meetings. Higher membership gives our PTA a powerful voice in advocating for our children in the California Legislature. 100% membership sends a message that our district is made up of voters who are concerned and involved.
Thank you for your support!
SCEF News and Events
What Your Money Is Supporting
This year’s SCEF grant will support social-emotional programs and counselors, P.E. teachers, technology associates, devices for students, materials to implement a new science curriculum, teachers for smaller class sizes in grades K-3, music programs for all grade levels, libraries, middle school electives and a Principal’s Fund at every school. Learn more about how your donations benefit all students at scefkids.org.
Devil’s Canyon Back-to-School Night
All San Carlos School District and San Carlos Charter families, educators and staff are invited to stop by Devil’s Canyon Brewing Co. on Friday, Aug. 27, for a no-host family back-to-school night during their weekly Beer Friday, starting at 4 p.m. This is an all-ages event, and food trucks will be available. Visit the SCEF booth outside the Washington St. entrance (935 Washington St.) to get your name tag and color sticker indicating your school. See you on the 27th!
Be a GEM: Give Every Month
Did you know that you can make your donation by setting up an automated recurring gift? When you Give Every Month, your support of SCEF is spread across the entire year. Learn more and join this campaign (at any dollar amount) at scefkids.org/gem.
Like our Facebook page for all SCEF news.
District News and Events
New Hours for Curative COVID-19 Testing Van
Please take advantage of the no-cost surveillance COVID-19 testing provided by the San Mateo County Health Department.
Sign up online to begin your regular weekly testing at the Central Middle School parking lot, under the solar structure (757 Cedar St., San Carlos).
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Thursdays 1-7 p.m.
- Fridays 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Find other community testing sites in San Mateo County here.
Help Reduce Car Traffic at Our Schools: Students Can Take SamTrans
Learn more about the options for students to take the SamTrans from your neighborhood to school and back! Visit the SamTrans site for fares and to see the schedules and maps for these San Carlos buses: Route 61 and Route 95
Check out the SCSD website for information on Safe Routes to School, and options for students to walk or roll to campus this year.