November 17, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE
- Principal’s Message
- Breakfast/Lunch Menu
- School News: School Priority Registration, Book Fair Family Fun Night
- PTA News: STEM Fair Volunteers Needed
- Community News: Parent Education Series
IMPORTANT DATES
Mon, 11/18 - Fri, 11/22: Book Fair
Tues, 11/19: Book Fair Family Fun Night
Tues, 11/9 - Sun, 11/17: SCEF Sports Basement Event
Mon, 11/25-11/29: Thanksgiving Week Break - No School
Principal’s Message
Dear Families,
This year, we’re excited to introduce a new report card that aligns with the SCSD Strategic Plan and Common Core State Standards (CCSS), supporting both effective teaching and meaningful learning. This new report format provides clear, concise insights into students' social, emotional, and academic progress, helping families better understand their child’s development.
Unlike the October goal-setting conferences, the report card will offer a more detailed view of student progress toward end-of-year grade-level mastery. Throughout the year, the trimester report cards will reflect each student’s current progress in practicing essential skills, with a focus on key standards. The data you’ll receive in November will highlight areas that may need additional support, as well as areas where your child is ready to expand and deepen their understanding.
Most students do not show independent mastery of standards until the end of the school year. “2”s are very typical for students progressing towards grade level standards at this time of year. The goal is to attain independent proficiency “3” or “4” before the year concludes in June 2025.
Please note that Kindergarten students will not have specific reading levels marked on their report cards. Our focus for these young learners is to build a strong foundation in essential reading skills, ensuring they feel confident and prepared for future success. These foundational skills are listed on the report card to provide you with a clear picture of your child’s reading development.
Report cards will be delivered electronically through the Powerschool Portal, and we expect them to be available around Thanksgiving. You’ll receive an email from San Carlos School District with details on how and when to access your child’s report card as we get closer to the date. Because this is a new process, we ask for your patience and understanding as things may not work fluidly the first time. If you have questions or concerns regarding the ability to view your child’s report card, please email Leah Scholer directly, not your classroom teacher.
As always, families are welcome to schedule a meeting with their child’s teacher at any time to discuss progress, ask questions, or explore ways to support growth.
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership,
Leah Scholer, Principal
This Week's Menu
School News
New Student Priority Registration Starts in January!
SCSD New Student Priority Registration for the 2025-26 school year opens January 8 and closes January 31, 2025. Register future students during this window to secure their spot. For detailed information, visit our How to Register for the 2025-26 School Year page. If you have questions, refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or email [email protected].
Note: Current TK-7th grade students do not need to re-register.
For Parents of 4-year-olds:
Transitional Kindergarten is expanding! Children born between September 2, 2020 and September 1, 2021 are eligible to start TK in August 2025. Be sure to register during the Priority Registration period to help us plan for the appropriate number of classrooms.
For Incoming TK/K Families (2025-26):
Attend your school's Parent Information Meeting on January 29, 2025. More details will be available on your school’s website in January.
Book Fair Nov 18-22 and Family Fun Night Nov 19
Book Fair starts on Nov 18! You can find a variety of books for all ages and interests. It is a great opportunity to support our library and foster a love of reading in our students, plus the family fun night with puppet and magician shows.
Here is the detailed schedule:
Mon 11/18: 7:45-8:30 a.m.; 2:30-3:15 p.m.
Tue 11/19: 7:45-8:30 a.m.; 2:30-3:15 p.m. with Family Fun Night* 5:15-7:30 p.m.
Wed 11/20: 7:45-8:30 a.m.; 12:25-1:05 p.m.
Thu 11/21: 7:45-8:30 a.m.; 2:30-3:15 p.m.
Fri 11/22: 7:45-8:30 a.m.; 2:30-3:15 p.m.
*On Family Fun night the Book Fair opens at 5:15pm and the Puppet Show (TK-1st) and Magic Show (2nd &3rd) begins at 6:00 p.m. Shop at the book fair before the show!
Don't forget: You can purchase online gift cards for your kids to use! They make great gifts for teachers too.
If you have gift cards from last year's book fair and have unused balance, you can still use them in this years book fair.
PTA News
Walk-a-thon Photos
Relive the fun of the Walk-a-thon and check out the photos from the event here.
Thank you to our photographers, Greg Hillson and Doug Okamoto! We kindly ask that you refrain from posting these images on social media to respect everyone’s privacy.
Volunteers Needed - STEM Fair - 12/4
We are excited that Lawrence Hall of Science will be coming to our school on Wednesday October 17th to host a STEM FESTIVAL! Your student will get to step into the shoes of an engineer as they take on hands-on design challenges through the Build, Engineer and Invent! program. This festival requires LOTS OF PARENT VOLUNTEERS!
Please sign up here for an hour time slot (or more) so we can make this exciting opportunity happen.
Holiday Store - Pick A Project on Nov. 20 after Welcome Wednesday
It's that time of year-- the White Oaks Holiday Store is a cherished tradition and will be open on Saturday, Dec. 2 this year! Mark your calendars! On Wednesday, November 20, at morning drop off (8:15-8:45 a.m.), you can stop by the entrance to the MU, and pick up a project to bring home and assemble that will be sold at the Holiday Store in December.
For those of you new to this event, you take the project home and complete at your leisure. The kit will include all materials, instructions, labels and packaging necessary to assemble. When you are done, just bring back to school at drop off on the MU stage (due back by Dec. 4). Then on the day of the Holiday Store these gifts will be sold to the White Oaks students to give to family and friends for the holidays. Most projects require no crafty abilities and are very easy to put together.
Contact Aurelia Abcouwer at [email protected]
Holiday Store Key Dates:
Nov. 20: Pick A Project at Morning drop off by the MU Dec. 4: Completed projects due back to the MU stage Dec. 14: Holiday Store in the MU 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
SCEF News
Giving Thanks
During this month of Thanksgiving we express our gratitude to the San Carlos school community for your generous support of the San Carlos Education Foundation (SCEF). Last month we delivered grant checks to the San Carlos School District, San Carlos Charter and every school PTA from donations received last school year.
SCEF’s grants are only possible because of the generosity of our donors–parents, community members and businesses. SCEF is simply the vehicle through which people express their desire for quality public schools. This season, as we gather around tables with friends and family, we are also holding you in our hearts with deep appreciation. Your gifts help us build a brighter future for San Carlos students. If you have not yet made a donation, please consider the many Ways to Give on our website.
Simple ways to support your school this holiday season: Honey Bear Trees
At Honey Bear trees, when you shop for a tree or wreath (and mention SCEF) they give 15% back to our schools. Learn more at https://www.scefkids.org/
Day of Giving is coming–Tuesday, December 3, 2024
GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. Check your employer’s Workplace Giving program, as many offer special matches and grants to honor this day. . Check to see what your employer offers here.
Community News
LET’S CELEBRATE NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH!
FREE LOCAL EVENTS & EXHIBITS!
- Native American PJ Story Time @ Redwood Shores Library 11/19 @ 6:30 p.m.
- Cantor Arts Museum @ Stanford has a permanent Indigenous American Art exhibit, including some cool masks and totem poles. Open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekends / 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursdays.
- SF Presidio Officers’ Club museum has a large exhibit on Native Americans in the Bay Area.
- Learn about some Ohlone Games and Stories in this recorded SF library event here.
- Want to visit a Powwow? Check out these sites: powwows.com or newsfromnativecalifornia.com. A couple nearby ones to look out for are the Stanford Powwow and the Santa Clara University Powwow in May ‘25.
Spotlight: Want to include a Land Acknowledgement in your Thanksgiving celebrations? Get some inspiration here.
Parent Education Opportunities
Mark your calendars for these great events coming up in November!
November's Foro de padres #40 features Eduardo Torres, founder of Pathways for Prevention, in La verdad sobre las adicciones: una plática para padres, madres y cuidadores (en español) (November 12).
How does representation shape STEM learning? Christa Jackson, PhD, Professor of Mathematics, Science and STEM Education, St. Louis University, joins us for Fostering Mathematical Brilliance in All Students (November 13)
Visit the Parent Venture Series of Upcoming Events page for more information.
- Parent Venture Series Events
PTA CORNER
Join the White Oaks PTA. Your membership matters and helps support programs and events for our students and teachers.
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.