January 19, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE
- Principal’s Message
- Breakfast/Lunch Menu
- School News: New and Prospective Family Tour
- PTA News: Join the PTA Green Team, Wellness Committee
- SCEF News: Read-A-Thon
- Community News: Matilda, Sports Camp for L.A. Fire Relief
IMPORTANT DATES
Wed, 1/8 - Fri 1/31: SCSD New Student Priority Registration
Thur, 1/16- Fri 1/31: SCEF Read-A-Thon
Wed, 1/29: School Tour for New and Prospective Families
Principal’s Message
Dear White Oaks Community,
It is with very mixed emotions that I write to inform you of a significant transition in my professional journey. I have accepted the position of Director of Early Learning and Literacy within the San Carlos School District. Now that my appointment has been approved by the SCSD Board, I will be starting part-time in this new role and will ramp up my involvement over the course of the school year. While I’m excited about this opportunity to continue supporting our district's growth, it is incredibly difficult to say goodbye to my role as Principal of White Oaks.
To ensure that this transition is smooth for both White Oaks and the Preschool community, I will be collaborating with Sue Dawley, the current Preschool Director, and will split my time between our school and the district-wide preschool classrooms. I am pleased to share that Pam Jasso, retired Principal of Heather School, will be on-site here at White Oaks to provide additional leadership. Mrs. Jasso will be at White Oaks on Mondays and Tuesdays starting this week, and after February break, she will also be here on Wednesdays.
To ensure a smooth handoff, Mrs. Jasso will be shadowing me on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week (since we do not have school tomorrow), allowing me to introduce her to our students and staff. You’ll also have the chance to meet her at this week’s Welcome Wednesday. With 20 years of experience as principal at Heather School, Mrs. Jasso is uniquely qualified to support White Oaks during this transition, and I know she will be a wonderful resource for both students and staff alike.
The District will begin the process of hiring a new Principal for White Oaks in the early spring, and I will share more information on that as the process unfolds.
When I first arrived at White Oaks, I said that this is an incredibly special place—and I’ve felt that deeply ever since. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to work alongside such talented and dedicated teachers, staff, students, and families. I have learned so much from all of you and have been in awe of the impact our teachers have on their students every single day. I will forever treasure the seven years I have spent here and the bonds I’ve formed with this extraordinary community.
While I am stepping away from my role as Principal, I am excited to remain an active part of the greater San Carlos community. This is not “goodbye,” but rather, “see you around.” Thank you for your support, partnership, and trust over the years. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to be part of this beautiful community.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Leah Scholer
Principal, White Oaks School
Weekly Menu
School News
Lunchtime Playpod Volunteers Needed for Winter and Spring
We're looking for volunteers to help run the Playpod for two shifts on Tuesdays or Thursdays (11:50am-12:20 p.m. and 12:20-12:45pm p.m.). Our Playpod is a large container of "loose parts" that learners convert into all kinds of amazing designs-- forts, restaurants, houses, endless ramps and more (learn more here). Parent volunteers will help for 30-minute shifts to set up signs and materials, invite kids to join and play respectfully, responsibly and safely, and clean up a few minutes before the post-lunch recess period ends. Please sign up!
Welcome New and Prospective Families!
Welcome to White Oaks School and thank you for your interest in attending our school in the 2024-2025 school year! This year's tour will take place on Wednesday, January 29th from 8:45 a.m - 9:45 a.m. RSVP HERE.
Capture the Memories: Order Your Yearbook Today!
PTA News
Calling All Earth-Loving Parents: Join the PTA Green Team
Unleash Your Child's Inner Captain Planet! Our sustainability committee aims to nurture environmental stewardship in our little ones. We're tackling three quests:
1. Operation BYOU: Bring Your Own Utensils and ditch the single-use plastics as part of a "Reuse in Action” initiative
2. Rescue Mission: Divert hard-to-recycle materials from landfills and deploy TerraCycle efforts
3. Earth Day Extravaganza: Celebrate Our Planet in April
Join us and help shape your child's green future! Email Elsa Ng at [email protected] for more info.
Join our new PTA Wellness Committee!
Join the PTA’s new Wellness Committee at White Oaks! We will work to communicate and promote initiatives from the District’s Wellness Council and create and implement our own Wellness projects at White Oaks.
Click here for more information on the Wellness Council.
Please contact Shelley Petrie at [email protected] if you are interested.
SCEF News
Seeking Auction Donations for Spring Online Auction
The SCEF Gala & Auction is coming, live and in-person, with Live Auction and Online Auction open to all. Your auction item donations help SCEF raise essential funds for our schools. To donate an auction item (vacation homes, concert tickets, wines & spirits, Warriors/49ers/Giants, restaurant gift cards, professional services), please fill out this SCEF AUCTION DONATION FORM
Welcome New and Renewing SCEF Business Sponsors
We are grateful to Summerhill Apartment Communities, California Water Services, Good City Company, Peninsula Chemical Company, County Consumer Plumbing, and new members Honest Law & Bio1 Holdings, LLC for their Business Sponsorship donations in December. Their investments in our schools make a real difference for students and the school community! Learn more about the SCEF Business Sponsorship Program here.
Community News
Step into the Enchanting World of Roald Dahl's Matilda JR. the Musical Featuring a Talented Cast of SCSD Students January 24-26
Follow Matilda Wormwood on her extraordinary journey as she discovers the true power of imagination and determination in the face of adversity. With show-stopping musical numbers, playful set designs, and an amazing cast of 4th-8th grade San Carlos students, this production will leave you on the edge of your seat and fill your heart with warmth and inspiration.
The annual SCSD winter musical always sells out so order tickets early to experience the magic! Four performances only. All tickets sold online at SanCarlosChildrensTheater.com
Matilda JR.
January 24-26
Mustang Hall – Central Middle School Campus
828 Chestnut St, San Carlos
2025 Bike Safety Fair & Fun Ride - Feb 2
On Sunday, Feb 2 at 9:30 a.m. the community is invited on bikes to Central Middle School for free bike repair, safety checks, fun ride, new rider learning clinic, e-bike safety information & more. Details and register at https://tinyurl.com/
Play for a Cause: Sports Camp for L.A. Fire Relief
Join our Sports Camp on 2/4 and 2/11 from 3:45–5:15 p.m. at Burton Park, San Carlos! Open to K-4th graders, the camp offers basketball, volleyball, football, and more. Choose one or both days—only 20 spots available each day!
Suggested donation: $15–$20 per day. 100% of proceeds go to the Red Cross for L.A. Fire Relief. Support a great cause while having fun!
Sign up here.
Parent Education Opportunities
Mark your calendars for these terrific events coming up in January!
Andrea Bastiani Archibald, PhD, psychologist, offers Happy, Confident, and Strong: Tips for Helping Your Child Develop a Healthy Body Image (January 22).
Chris Balme, education leader, author, and school founder, presents on Beautiful Conversations: How to Stay Connected to Your Adolescent Child (January 23).
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.
|
|