White Oaks Weekly - January 23, 2022 | White Oaks Elementary School

From the Principal

Dear White Oaks families,

Math in Focus
Last week, the Parent Education Night offered to families provided helpful information about our Math in Focus curriculum that we use in SCSD to support standards-based math instruction in all classrooms. For those who were unable to attend, here is a recording of the event to watch at your convenience. We are fortunate to have a partnership with the presenter, Susan Resnick, as she has been an integral part of our professional learning related to implementing this math program. Curious about what each grade level is learning this year in all subjects? Take a look at the grade-level-specific brochures that are linked here.

Book of the Month
Our book for January and February is the classic We’re Different, We’re the Same, And We’re All Wonderful by Bobbi Jane Kates. Elmo and his Sesame Street friends help teach people in their lives that everyone is the same on the inside, and it's our differences that make this wonderful world, which is home to us all, an interesting—and special—place. It’s an enjoyable way to learn about differences—and what truly matters. We’re Different, We’re the Same is an engaging read for everyone that reinforces how we all have the same needs, desires, and feelings. Sometimes the simplest of texts spark the richest conversations. Teachers will use this book as a launching point to discuss how we treat people with respect, regardless of our differences, and how we can embrace the diversity of our classes and community.

New Student Registration and Virtual Visit
Do you know anyone who will be joining our school next year as a new student? New Student Priority Registration for all students (TK-8th grade) closes on Friday, Feb. 11. Current students do NOT need to register. Additionally, registration for the SMARTE Afterschool Clubhouse for the 2022-23 school year started last week. Scroll down for more information.

We will be hosting a TK/Kindergarten Virtual Visit on Wednesday, Jan. 26 at 4 p.m. for families that are enrolling in TK and/or Kindergarten for 2022-23. If you know of anyone who is interested in this tour, please share this RSVP form so they can receive the Zoom link directly.

PAC/DELAC Committees
We need White Oaks’ representation for these two district-wide committees. Our PAC (Parent Advisory Committee) contributes to the development of our LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan), which includes goals for academic and social-emotional support in our schools.

The primary responsibility of DELAC (District English Language Advisory Committee) is to advise the district’s local governing board on programs and services for English learners. It is important that White Oaks is represented on these committees. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Leah Scholer.

Warmly,
Leah Scholer, Principal
[email protected]

SCEF News and Events

TODAY at NOON: Author Event with Kate Robinson
This is an event for the whole family and educators! We are thrilled to announce our SCEF author event with Kate Robinson, author and daughter of Sir Ken Robinson. In the years before he died, Sir Ken had been working on a manifesto, a short book that would pull together all of his key arguments and serve as a call to action for the education revolution he spent his life advocating for. His wish was for his daughter to complete and publish the book after his death. This incredible book, Imagine If … Creating a Future for Us All, will be out March 1 and is available to preorder. We are honored to have Kate join us live from London via Zoom on Jan. 23 at 12 p.m. for a Family and Educator Event to talk to us about writing, love of reading, the power of imagination, and her book. We look forward to seeing you there. Join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89804250056.

District News and Events

Covid Vaccination Boosters for 12+
The Belmont-Redwood Shores School District has invited all SCSD families to participate in their upcoming vaccination/booster events. They are excited to once again partner with Safeway/Albertsons to provide COVID vaccination (Pfizer) boosters for those eligible age 12 and older on:

Monday, Jan. 24, 3-7 p.m. at Ralston Middle School for booster, ages 12-15. Schedule appointment here. The second-dose clinic for ages 5-11 who attended the clinic on Jan. 3 will also be on Jan. 24 from 3-7 p.m.

Come Join Your Friends in the SMARTE Afterschool Clubhouse!
Registration for the SMARTE Afterschool Clubhouse for the 2022-23 school year is open! The SMARTE program is dedicated to enriching children’s lives after school. We provide a fun, safe, and welcoming place to spend time each day. Through daily homework help, physical activity, and STEAM enrichment, children enhance their academic performance and character development preparing them for future success. Programs are available to all Kindergarten-3rd grade students.

Students/families who are NEW to the SMARTE program can register here.

If you have any questions about the program, please visit our SMARTE Clubhouse page or email us at [email protected].

Registration Open for Transitional Kindergarten Extended Day Program
Beginning next year, we will be offering a NEW Early Learning Extended-Day Program for our TK students. Knowing some families will need afternoon care for their TK students, SCSD will offer an enriching, extended-day program for our littlest students in collaboration with our preschool program from the end of the school day until 5:30 p.m.

Registration for the TK Extended-Day Program is now open! For more information, please visit our Transitional Kindergarten page and reach out to Preschool Director Sue Dawley ([email protected]) if you have any questions.

Jan. 24: Mental Health Forum for Parents and Caregivers
Please join us for a Mental Health Forum for Parents and Caregivers on Monday, Jan. 24, from 7-8 p.m. Hear from two mental health professionals on high-level themes they are seeing, and ask any questions you may have about supporting your students, and yourselves, mentally and emotionally. Please register here.

ROPES Judges Needed!
We are still looking for parents and community members to serve as judges for the ROPES (Rite of Passage Experiences). ROPES are challenging projects that 4th-, 6th- and 8th-grade students have completed that allow them to learn about their world and themselves in deeper but fun way.

These are the time slots. We especially need judges TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY!

Tuesday, Feb. 8: 4-6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Feb. 9: 2-5 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 10: 6-8:30 p.m. (full)

We would not be able to maintain this valuable program without the support of our community. We are asking for you to join district staff and other community members by volunteering to serve as a judge on one of our judging panels. Typically, we have two to three judges per room and they judge four to six student presentations in an evening. If you are able to judge on any of those times, please complete this form.

COVID Reminders: Stay Home When Sick and Get Tested
Staying home when sick and getting tested for the COVID-19 virus are two of the most effective ways to keep our community safe. Find details from the SCSD Health & Safety Plan in this document.

If you have any of the symptoms listed above, call your school office to report an illness, stay home, and take a COVID virus test.
If you need to report a positive COVID test, please call District Nurse Page Pollack at 650-632-8300 (Arroyo office) or Human Resources at 650-590-5922 if the nurse is unavailable.For more information, visit our COVID-19 Resources page and review the SCSD Health & Safety Plan.

Community News and Events

Ending TODAY: San Carlos Week of the Family
The San Carlos Week of the Family is an annual event organized and run by community volunteers whose goal is to strengthen family relationships by providing a series of activities focusing on family and community interaction.

Today’s events include Tour de Family Ride & Bike Safety Event (9 a.m.-noon), Outdoor Family Pickleball and Cornhole (1-3 p.m.), and San Carlos Children’s Theater's Annie Jr. (1 p.m.). Learn more.

Registration: Some events require free reservations or purchased tickets. Click here for a schedule of events.

For Parents of Current 3rd-Graders: Afterschool Care Enrichment (ACE) Now Enrolling at Arroyo for 2022-23
Afterschool Care Enrichment, also known as ACE, offers a flexible, innovative, state-licensed child-care program focused on enrichment and youth development to challenge our upper elementary students. ACE will offer both Morning and Full Time or Part Time Afternoon.

Morning Programming Including Breakfast: Monday-Friday from 7:30 a.m. to the start of the school day.

Full Time (5 Day) or Part Time (3 Day) Afternoon Programming: Monday-Friday from end of school day to 6:00 p.m.

Each day includes a healthy afternoon snack, our Homework Lab with staff-assisted support, STEAM activities and Active Outdoor Enrichment Programming.

Arroyo 22-23 Registration Link

Please visit our website for more information or to register your child at www.acesancarlos.com or contact ACE. Phone: (650) 931-4007. Email: [email protected].

Feb. 6: SCSD Day at Stanford Basketball
Stanford Men’s Basketball welcomes the San Carlos School District on Feb. 6! Join us at Maples Pavilion as the Cardinal take on the Washington Huskies. Get to know your fellow SCSD families sitting in the same section. All SCSD students in attendance will receive a Stanford T-shirt! Use promo code SCSD to buy tickets at the discounted price, starting at just $12.

Parent Education Opportunities
Parent Venture Series: www.parentventure.org/events

Social-Emotional Learning and Positive School Climate – What Parents Need to Know and Can Do (TK-12 Parents and Families)
Jan. 25, 6-7:30 p.m.
This special event will help parents learn about social-emotional learning and what a positive school climate looks like. Attendees will receive advocacy and other resources to help create social-emotional learning opportunities and build a positive climate at their students’ school. Learn more.

Valedictorians at the Gate with Author Becky Munsterer Sabky
Jan. 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Offering prescriptive, actionable advice for students and their parents, Becky Sabky illuminates the pathway to finding the ideal college. Register here.

Promoting Kindness, Empathy, Inclusion, and Disability Awareness
Jan. 27, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
How can you encourage kindness and empathy in your kids? Noted educator Sam Drazin, founder and executive director of Changing Perspectives, offers an enlightening discussion on disability awareness. Online event.

Spark Imagination with Art: Raising Kids Who Are Curious and Creative
Feb. 3, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
NEW! Every child should have the freedom to explore, imagine, and invent. Join us for an inspiring session with Rachelle Doorley, founder of TinkerLab. Online event.

COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics (Ages 5-11)
San Mateo County Health is offering pediatric COVID-19 vaccines at eight sites throughout the county in January. Free and advance appointments are highly encouraged and may be scheduled through MyTurn. Families may also come without appointments. Learn more.

Curative COVID-19 PCR Testing in San Carlos
Please take advantage of the free COVID-19 virus testing provided by the San Mateo County Health Department. Sign up online for your weekly testing.

CLOSED UNTIL MONDAY, JAN. 24: Central Middle School parking lot, 757 Cedar St.

Mondays 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Thursdays noon-7 p.m.
Fridays 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Book at the Central location here.

Tierra Linda Middle School parking lot, 750 Dartmouth Ave.

Wednesdays and Fridays 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturdays 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Book at the Tierra Linda van here.

Find other community testing sites in San Mateo County here.