White Oaks Weekly - November 6, 2022

November 6, 2022 IN THIS ISSUE Principal’s Message: Building Intrinsic Motivation PTA Meeting New Student Registration and Expanded TK Plus SCEF, District and Community News  IMPORTANT DATES Wed 11/9: Author visit and assembly Wed 11/9: PTA meeting, 6 p.m. Mon-Thu 11/14-11/17: Book Fair (volunteer here) Thu 11/17: School Board meeting, 6:30 p.m. Mon-Fri 11/21-25: Fall Break Sat 12/10: White Oaks Holiday Store opens   PTA EVENTS SCSD 2022-23 Calendar   Principal’s Message Dear White Oaks families, Annex Sensory Pathway I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Harris family for dedicating their Sunday to painting this incredible sensory pathway in our primary Annex building. The kids are loving it and it makes the building so much more welcoming and kid-friendly. Building Intrinsic Motivation One of our teachers used to teach in the Montessori school setting and shared the following with her class last week:  I sometimes wonder how many times in a day small children hear "good job." It is so ingrained in the way we talk to kids.  When teaching Montessori, you will not hear that phrase in the classroom. This is not to say that we don't offer positive reinforcement and encouragement, but our language is different. Montessori teachers try to use phrases of encouragement that protect the child's intrinsic motivation, and that focus on the child's process rather than the end product of his efforts. "Good job" implies that we are the ones who judge our children's work and behavior, rather than empowering them to reflect upon their own efforts.   There are many ways to offer positive reinforcement that help your child evaluate themselves. Here are ten to try! 1. “You worked for a long time on that.” When your child brings you a picture or shows you an elaborate block creation, try focusing your comments on their process, rather than the final product. Let them know you saw how long it took them to make the creation and how hard they worked. This emphasizes to the child that creative process, concentration and their willingness to try new things are what matters, not how their final work looks. 2. “What was the most fun part of making that?” Asking your child questions about their work shows them that they are the one who should be judging what they create, not you. It keeps their process from becoming adult-driven. The goal is for them to make and create things for the joy of it and to challenge themself, not to please you, or anyone else for that matter. 3. “What do you like best about your work?” Prompt your child to be their own critic. Ask what they like best about their creation. Help them build the habit of reflecting on their own progress and skills, rather than always looking to others for praise. 4. “Tell me about your picture.” Often when children bring us a piece of art they've made, they just want to share it with us and talk about it. They don't necessarily need or crave any real feedback from us. Simply asking your child to tell you about what they've made will show you're interested and give them a chance to tell you about what they've been working on. 5. “How did you choose what colors to use?” If your child is a bit older, ask more specific questions about their process. Ask how they decided what colors to use in their picture, or what type of blocks they used for their structure. Show that you're genuinely interested in their process, and help them think through it on their own. 6. “You used so much detail!” If your child isn't satisfied without some sort of feedback from you, find something specific to praise, rather than a general "good job." Comment on how they painted the whole page, covering every inch in color. Notice how they used so much detail that you really can tell it's your house they painted. This type of comment lets them know you really see what they've done and helps them appreciate their own work in a deeper way. 7. “That was so helpful.” Good behavior is another time when it's so tempting, even automatic, to say "good job." Try saying something more meaningful and commenting on what exactly you liked about your child's behavior. "That was so helpful," or, "Thank you for helping" are good phrases to use when your child cleans up, opens the door for you, or helps you with household tasks like folding laundry or putting away dishes. Children love to be part of the community and to feel like they are helping in a real way, so let them know! 8. “You got dressed right away today and we had extra play time, that was fun!” Commenting on the positive results of your child's good behavior can be a powerful way to cement in their minds what a positive experience it was to make good choices. Help your child notice all of the positive effects of their actions. 9. “Your sister looked so happy when you read her that book.” When your child is kind to someone, help them notice how it makes the other person feel. Let them know that their hug or kind words made your day. Tell them how happy their friend looked when they gave him a turn with his bike or how proud their little sister looked when they showed her how to water the plants all by herself. We often comment on how our children's negative behavior makes people feel, but it's just as important to help them notice how their positive actions impact others. 10. “You put all of your toys away; everything looks so nice and neat.” Comment on the specific thing your child did that you appreciated, and how it was helpful. This is a much more meaningful way to show your appreciation for your child's efforts than a blanket "good job." There are so many meaningful, sincere ways to show our children that we appreciate what they do. The hardest part of branching out beyond "good job" is breaking the habit. We are simply used to telling children "good job" for every little thing they do. While this is certainly meant to be kind and supportive, it can, in reality, take away from their sense of accomplishment and over time, can encourage them to seek out adult approval. Try noticing when you say "good job" and start thinking about something more specific, or less adult-driven, you could have said instead. With practice, you will form new habits and ways of encouraging your child. It will feel more and more natural each time you try it." I hope that you can try this at home too. SFEC Read-a-Thon The SCEF Read-a-Thon is happening now, and our district-wide goal is to get every student reading for this Read-a-Thon! Families do not need to donate to participate, but students DO need to Register in order to access the online reading log and hit the target of 100% participation. Please note: Students need to use their home email to register (preferably their parent's email address, and NOT their @scsdk8.org email). Register here.  Here is a video that shows step-by-step instructions on how to register (thank you, Principal Fox at Mariposa)! Our goal at White Oaks is to read at least 100,000 minutes collectively. If we meet that goal, I will be dressed as a banana for the entire school day (that’s right, this is in addition to the green wig!)  More to come on that reading challenge! Sincerely, Leah Scholer, Principal   PTA News PTA Meeting - Wednesday, Nov. 9 Join us for our next PTA Meeting in person in the MU on Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 6-7 p.m. All parents are welcome. We hope to see you then! Please find the meeting agenda here. Minutes from our October meeting are here. Spirit Wear Store Closes Tonight The deadline to order White Oaks '22-'23 Spirit Wear is TONIGHT (Nov. 6) at midnight! This is your last chance to purchase T-shirts and hoodies until next year. Make sure you grab something for the kids to wear on Welcome Wednesdays. Kids love it when their parents show their school spirit as well. DON'T WAIT - visit our web store now. Order your White Oaks Yearbook TODAY! Your time at White Oaks will fly by fast, so order your child’s yearbook HERE. Ensure their 2022-2023 special memories will last a lifetime! The deadline to order is Dec. 15. White Oaks Holiday Store It’s that time of year-- the White Oaks Holiday Store is a cherished tradition and will be open on Saturday, Dec. 10 this year! Pick-a-Project will be on Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 2:40 p.m. After you pick up the kids, come to the MU and pick up a project to take home and complete at your leisure. For those new to this event, you take home a kit that has all materials and instructions necessary to assemble a certain number of gifts. When they are ready, you bring them back. Then on the day of the event, your gifts are sold to the White Oaks students to give to family members on the holidays! Most projects require NO crafty abilities and are very easy to put together and all materials are included. It is a lot of fun for the whole family! Please contact Sara Ting for more information or if you are interested in getting involved. Holiday Store Key Dates: Nov 8: Pick-a-Project in the MU, 2:40 p.m. Dec. 1: Projects Due in the MU Dec. 9: Event Set Up in the MU, 2:40 p.m. Dec. 10: Holiday Store is OPEN! 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Book Fair It’s that time of year again-- the Scholastic Book Fair is just around the corner. The Book Fair raises thousands of dollars in books for the school library. We can't do it without your help-- please take a look at the many roles and shifts to fit your schedule and sign up here. Mon 11/14: 8:00-8:45 a.m., 2:30-3:15 p.m. Tue 11/15: 8:00-8:45 a.m., 2:30-3:15 p.m., 5:00-6:30 p.m.  Wed 11/16: 8:00-8:45 a.m., 12:30-1:15 p.m., with Family Fun Night* 5:00-7:30 p.m.  Thu 11/17: 8:00-8:45 a.m., 2:30-3:15 p.m. Make a Poster to Promote the Book Fair White Oaks students, make a poster to promote the Book Fair and pick a book from our gently used collection! Please submit posters to the library anytime this week. Minimum size is 11” X 17”. Posters must include the following information: Nov. 14-17 Multi-Use Room A slogan or message to attract shoppers. Student’s name and classroom written on the back (to receive the certificate for a gently used book)   SCEF News Invite Family and Friends to Support Your Child and Their School The 3rd annual SCEF Read-a-Thon is underway, and this is a great way to include loved ones in your child’s school– email their pledge page to grandparents, aunts/uncles and friends– it is so easy! The historical fundraisers (walk-a-thons, runs and chili cook-off) are now focused on community building, and SCEF and PTAs are working together to raise funds our schools and kids need to bridge the gap. Check here for Events and Resources. And if you have questions about how to log minutes, check out this helpful video. We appreciate the support from our presenting sponsor Christie’s/Sereno Real Estate. Our 12th Annual Halloween Candy Buyback Thank you to Drs. Amin, Chang and Kaher, for your continued support of this great effort! SCEF’s Evening at TOWN–It’s a Wrap You supported our students while enjoying a fabulous meal and connecting with parents from around the district. We appreciate you for your participation in the Fall Silent Auction, SCEF Raffle and your attendance to make the event a smashing success. Enjoy the photos and Spotlight on TOWN. SCEF Day is coming Nov. 30, make your plan to give. New this year! Your donation to SCEF now includes funding for your school PTA. You no longer need to make a separate donation to your PTA.   District News New Student Registration for 2023-24 + Expanded Transitional Kindergarten (TK)/Kindergarten Welcome Night Jan. 9 San Carlos School District New Student Registration Begins in January Mark your calendars for these key dates: Jan. 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Virtual TK/Kindergarten Welcome Night for new families Jan. 10, noon: PowerSchool priority registration opens for all new students Feb. 1, 4:00-4:30 p.m.: Virtual Elementary School Tours for incoming TK/Kindergarten families Feb. 10, 4 p.m.: PowerSchool priority registration deadline Transitional Kindergarten Eligibility Expansion For the 2023-24 school year, students who turn 5 on or between Sept. 2, 2023, and April 2, 2024, are eligible to register for Transitional Kindergarten (TK). Previously, only students who turned 5 by Feb. 2 qualified. Visit SCSD’s Transitional Kindergarten page to learn more about our TK program. Virtual TK/Kindergarten Welcome Night Do you have friends or neighbors who have an incoming TK or Kindergarten student who are new to the District? If so, please invite them to join us for our Virtual TK/Kindergarten Welcome Night on Monday, Jan. 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m. via Zoom (link to come)! The virtual presentation is designed to provide families with information about the San Carlos School District, its community partners and programs, and to provide an overview of how to register for school. COVID Reminders and Testing Options If your child is experiencing symptoms, please keep them home and give them a rapid antigen test. Staying home when sick can lower the risk of spreading infectious diseases to other people and testing remains a key mitigation layer to detect and curb transmission of COVID-19.  If your child tests positive for COVID-19 or your household is in need of additional test kits, please contact your school site as soon as possible. Testing Resources Curative - Central Middle School parking lot - Sign up Curative - Tierra Linda Middle School parking lot - Sign up Other Community-Based Testing Sites in San Mateo County COVID-19 Testing for Schools and Students: Find up-to-date resources on testing in districts and schools as well as at home. Follow @scsdschools Follow the San Carlos School District on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for up-to-date info on events and issues.   Community News Free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic - Nov. 18 Plan now for happy and healthy holidays! SMCOE and San Mateo County Health is hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Nov. 18, 1-4 p.m. at the Medical Therapy Unit Multipurpose Room (65 Tower Road, San Mateo). Vaccinations are available for adults and children 3 and older. Learn more (English and Spanish). Stand United Against Hate Poetry Slam - Nov. 18 In celebration of United Against Hate Week (Nov. 13-19), the Community Foundation of San Carlos and Devil's Canyon Brewing Co. are throwing its second annual Stand United Against Hate' Poetry Slam on Friday, Nov. 18 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Devil's Canyon. Please come and watch our talented community members bring their craft and whole selves to share their stories of what it means to stand united against hate. The deadline for poetry submission is Tuesday, Nov. 1 via this link, or refer to the attached flyer for more information. Stand in solidarity for UAH and download a San Carlos Stands United Against Hate poster here.   Parent Education Opportunities How can we create a culture of hope in the face of stress, trauma, or setbacks? David Feldman, PhD, Santa Clara University, presents Grounded Hope: Why Hope Is Important in Times of Stress and Loss (Nov. 10, online). NEW! College admission is a barrel of laughs, right? Join experts Gabrielle McColgan, Michael Elgarico, and Patrick Wilson for an inside-track chat about the college admission process, What's So Funny About College Admission? (Nov. 17, online). NEW! How can parents help their teens and tweens get more sleep? Join Lisa L. Lewis, MS, author of The Sleep-Deprived Teen, for Why Teen and Tween Sleep Matters, and How Parents and Schools Can Help (Nov. 30, online). Visit the Parent Venture Series of Upcoming Events page for more information.    PTA CORNER Join the White Oaks PTA. Your membership matters and helps support programs and events for our students and teachers. REWARDS PROGRAMS Participate in our rewards programs and a percentage of your purchases will automatically be donated to the White Oaks PTA — at no cost to you! FOLLOW @WHITE OAKS Follow us on Facebook for up-to-date info on events and issues.