White Oaks Weekly - March 6, 2022

From the Principal

Dear White Oaks families, 

Every year we look forward to celebrating Ability Awareness Week with our White Oaks community and greater San Carlos School District. Events are happening all this week, March 7-11.

The mission of Ability Awareness Week throughout the San Carlos School District is to promote understanding, acceptance and appreciation of individual learning and ability differences through fun, experiential activities. The Special Education District Advisory Council (SEDAC) strives to instill in our children that everyone is different and can do different things. It is common to say what a person HAS, but we choose to educate and focus on what a person IS. We emphasize abilities, not limitations.

Students will engage in activities that let them experience what it is like to complete a basic task while having a learning or developmental difference. Students will all have a set of common experiences through activities already taking place on campus to spark discussion, increased understanding and compassion.

Highlights of what will be happening in our school this week:

• An Ability Awareness section in the school library

• Our librarian, Mrs. Gallagher, will read aloud a book about a dog who uses a wheelchair, written by Simon Calcavecchia, who has quadriplegia

• Legarza coaches will adapt P.E. into “ability stations”

• Classroom lessons and activities taught by teachers on what it is like to have a learning or developmental difference

Highlights of events across the district:

• Canine Companions will visit Mariposa and Arroyo Upper Elementary Schools

• A virtual presentation from Alex Pasky, a quadriplegic motivational speaker, to Tierra Linda and Central Middle Schools

Ability Awareness Week is organized by the SCSD Special Education District Advisory Council and supported by your PTA Coordinating Council.

Warm regards, 
Leah Scholer, Principal
[email protected]
 

SCEF News and Events

School News and Events

March 11: Walk and Meet WO Parents
Come meet fellow White Oaks parents during the PTA’s weekly parent walk. The next one is this Friday, March 11, at 8:30 a.m. Meet at the White Oaks marquee at Fairmont and Cedar for a 30-minute loop. Let’s connect and catch up! All are welcome, and we’d love to see you!

Save the Date: March 16 In-Person PTA Social
All White Oaks parents are invited to the PTA  Social on Wednesday, March 16, at 6:30 p.m. Please join us as we celebrate the successes of this year, get to know new members of the White Oaks community, and reconnect with familiar faces. We need YOUR help to bring diverse perspectives to the conversation as we imagine the future of the PTA. Come raise a glass and relax in the Sibley family’s backyard. Bring a friend! We look forward to seeing you. RSVP and find the location address here.
 

Order by March 27: SPIRIT WEAR IS HERE!
We are excited to offer White Oaks spirit wear featuring our new school logo! Click here to visit our school store. Options include V-necks, hoodies, baseball tees, and performance tees and more. You can choose the size of the logo on your shirt: big or small! We have Youth and Adult sizes, so you can find something for everyone in the family.

The last day to order is Sunday, March 27. Items will be delivered to classrooms after spring break.  

Help Make a Difference at Arroyo!
For parents of 3rd-graders heading to Arroyo next year: The Central Arroyo PTA is looking for executive board members! Open positions include: Co-President for Arroyo, Communications Director, Events Chair, Fundraising and Membership Chair, and Programs Chair. Email Central Arroyo PTA President Kirsten Kell at [email protected] for more information or to express interest. 
 

March 7: An evening of LIVE JAZZ at Tierra Linda Middle School!
This event is free to the public. The Tierra Linda Jazz Band and A Touch of Brass Big Band from San Jose will be performing LIVE on Monday, March 7 at 6 p.m. at the TL Middle School Quad, 750 Dartmouth Ave.  

BYO picnic dinner (tables available), and snacks will be on sale, courtesy of the San Carlos Chicken’s Ball. 

March 7-11: It’s Ability Awareness Week!
The mission of Ability Awareness Week throughout the San Carlos School District is to promote understanding, acceptance, and appreciation of individual learning and ability differences through fun, experiential activities. The Special Education District Advisory Council (SEDAC) strives to instill in our children that everyone is different and can do different things. It is common to say what a person HAS, but we choose to educate and focus on what a person IS. We emphasize abilities, not limitations.

Students will be engaging in activities throughout the week that give them a chance to experience what it is like to complete a basic task while having a learning or developmental difference. Students will all have a set of common experiences through activities already taking place on campus to spark discussion, increased understanding, and compassion.
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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

Camp Galileo for Pre-K through Rising 10th-Graders
A summer of imagination awaits in San Carlos! Camp Galileo engages kids in hands-on, STEAM-based learning that captures their imaginations and builds lasting skills. Supported by an inclusive environment and the boundless talent of the best staff around, kids get inspired to turn their big ideas into reality — and have the fun-filled summer of their lives.

Every week brings a new adventure, with activities tailored by age and wrapped up in a whimsical theme:  

• AMUSEMENT PARK ADVENTURE: Step right up to a playful park of your own design.

• CASTLES AND QUESTS: Embark on an epic journey to medieval times. 

• DINOSAUR DIG: Unearth an adventure of prehistoric proportions.

Camp Galileo comes to Mariposa Upper Elementary June 13 to July 29. Spaces fill fast — sign up now! Optional extended care 8-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m. Learn more at galileo-camps.com.

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

COVID-19 PCR Testing in San Carlos
Please take advantage of the free COVID-19 virus testing at one of our school sites or those provided by the San Mateo County Health Department. 

NEW OPTION Worksite Labs: Arroyo School, Patio 3, 1710 Arroyo Ave. Make appointment here.

• Mondays and Wednesdays 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Curative: Central Middle School parking lot, 757 Cedar St. Make appointment here.

• 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.​​​​​

Curative: Tierra Linda Middle School parking lot, 750 Dartmouth Ave. Make appointment here.

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

Find other community testing sites in San Mateo County here.