September 14, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE
- Principal’s Message
- Breakfast/Lunch Menu
- School News: AIA Volunteers needed, WO Spirit Store
- PTA News: PTA Corporate Sponsorship, Walk-A-Thon Design Contest
- SCEF News: Online Auction
- Community News: Join the Cub Scouts, Each Green Corner, Parent Education Opportunities
IMPORTANT DATES
Mon, 9/15: Late and Early Bird schedule starts for Kindergarten
Mon, 9/22: School Photos
Wed, 9/24: Walk-A-Thon Design Contest Submissions Due
Mon, 9/29- Mon,10/6: SCEF Online Auction
Sun, 10/5: SCEF An Evening at TOWN
Tues, 9/9-Fri, 10/10: Online Book Fair
Mon, 10/6-Fri, 10/10: Book Fair
Principal’s Message
Dear White Oaks Families,
The well-being of our students is a priority. We implement a robust multi-tiered support system that is designed to foster essential social and emotional skills and enhance the mental health of all our students. This system, which includes our school culture and climate tools, is instrumental in teaching and developing self-awareness, self-management, and responsible decision-making skills. This work is done throughout the school year and takes a lot of practice. Even with these lessons, there will be mistakes made and we learn from them. This is part of the work that we do with our students!
Our school Counselor, Vivian Garlick (Ms. Garlick), has started introducing these ideas to our students, beginning with Zones of Regulation. The Zones of Regulation is a framework that helps students (and adults!) understand how to articulate, name, and understand their emotions. Through the zones, students learn how emotions show up in their minds, as well as in their bodies. We prioritize teaching this because learning happens most effectively when students are in the green zone. It is not possible for us to always exist in the green zone, so all of us need to be aware of what the blue, yellow, and red zones feel like for us and what.
Everyone is different—some students identify going for a walk to help, taking deep breaths, and drinking water. We want to encourage students to manage their more extreme emotions in healthy ways. Kimochi’s Lovey Dovey, which is taught at the TK/K level, teaches us that “we can be mad but we can’t be mean." Calming Strategies will be taught along with this, strongly emphasizing belly breathing and mindfulness.
Find more calming strategies at:
Ms. Garlick's Mindful Moment video playlist.
Learn more at:
Zones of Regulation website
Parent Intro to Zones slides
SCSD Elementary School Counselors website
Mrs. Garlick is at White Oaks on Thursdays and Fridays.
White Oaks Family Support
Many extraordinary events happen in San Carlos and at White Oaks, and sometimes the cost can add up. As part of the support from our PTA, we are pleased to be able to offer assistance and support to families as needed. Some of these services and offerings include donations of a class picture from Picture Day, a yearbook at the end of the year, book fair books, grocery and Target gift cards for the holiday season, backpacks, as well as scholarships for after school programs. These things are made available through the fundraising efforts of the PTA or private donations.
The names of the children and families receiving this assistance is kept confidential. Only the principal, administrative assistant, and sometimes the teacher know this information.
If your family is in need this year, we want to support you. Please fill out this form for the items your child will need assistance with this year.
Please only fill out one form per family.
I will do what I can to provide these things to your family as they become available.
The staff and I want to make sure your child has an extraordinary experience at White Oaks.
If you have any other suggestions or ways we may assist you or your child during our school year, please contact me.
White Oaks Way cul-de-sac
This is a friendly reminder about the importance of safe parking during pick-up/drop off times. Please do not park too close to the roundabout area in the White Oak Way cul-de-sac. All cars should be attended to in the cul-de-sac. Parking in this area (especially perpendicular to the sidewalk) creates safety concerns for students and families as they arrive and leave campus. Your cooperation helps us keep the area clear, ensures better visibility for drivers and pedestrians, and most importantly, supports a safe environment for all of our children. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for continuing to help us keep our community safe. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.
PTA meeting
I attended my first PTA meeting last week and was happy to meet many parents. I’m grateful to partner with you all and know that our children have the best educational experience at White Oaks with your support. I come from a big family where we often say, “Many hands make light work.” If we all do a bit, we can accomplish so much! Thanks to those who already take on a project or play a role at the school, and if you’re new to White Oaks or haven’t signed up yet, I encourage you to do so! And if we haven’t met yet, please come up to say “hi” to me in the morning at drop off. I am learning the students’ names and who they are and would love to meet you too!
In Community,
Rosina Tong
Principal
Weekly Menu
School News
Book Fair and Volunteer Signup
The Book Fair is back October 6-10! Book Fair hours in the MU:
~Monday (10/6): 7:45-8:30 a.m., 12:25-3:25 p.m.
~Tuesday (10/7): 7:45-8:30 a.m., 12:25-3:25 p.m.
~Wednesday (10/8): 7:45-8:30 a.m., 12:25-3:25 p.m.
~Thursday (10/9): 7:45-8:30 a.m., 12:25-3:25 p.m., 5:15-7:30 p.m.
~Friday (10/10): 7:45-8:30 a.m., 12:25-3:25 p.m.
VOLUNTEERS - we need your help to make this event possible! Please sign up here to help. All volunteers get a 20% book fair discount! All of your purchases help provide our school library with funds to purchase new books, so please come support! Kids also have the opportunity to purchase a book for their teacher from the teacher's Book Box for their classroom, and a chance to win a gift card through the raffle!
And don't forget about FAMILY FUN NIGHT, which is happening on Thursday evening, October 9th. The book fair opens at 5:15 p.m., the puppet show for TK and First Graders & magician for Second and Third Graders starts at 6 p.m.!
Online Book Fair
The Online Book Fair is happening now We are excited to announce the start of this year’s Online Book Fair, which runs from Sep 9 through Oct 10. Proceeds help to support our school’s library! Please visit here to start shopping online earlier. It allows the whole community to shop at the book fair with an expanded catalog of books. Gift cards are available to purchase books online or at the White Oaks in-person book fair—perfect for teacher gifts!
Art in Action Volunteers
We need your help with the Art in Action (AIA) program at White Oaks! Half of the classes still need a AIA classroom coordinator, and there are lots of opportunities to sign up for docent and helper roles. We'd love to complete sign ups by Friday, Sept 19.
Please direct questions to the PTA’s AIA team: Judy Phung ([email protected]), Shelley Petrie ([email protected]), and Sandy Yau ([email protected]).
WHAT IS ART IN ACTION?
Art in Action is a SCEF-sponsored program of art lessons led by family volunteers where parents can teach art and spread joy! Lessons occur monthly on a set day/time for 1hr. At the end of the school year, there is a school-wide Art Show that invites parents to see the beautiful interpretations of famous masterpieces created by every classroom.
VOLUNTEER ROLES
- Coordinator (one per class) - Coordinates AIA schedule for class. Ensures all lessons are staffed and recruits volunteers as needed (email, text, in-person). Works with Room Parent and Teacher to communicate staffing needs.
- Docent (many per class) - The lead of a particular art lesson (1 hr). Reviews online training to understand the lesson (20 min prep). Prepares lesson cart with materials (15 min). Communicates with lesson helpers to ensure they are ready to assist (15 min).
- Helper (many per class) - Assists the docent (prep materials, during lesson, clean up). Helps kids throughout the lesson. Other helper duties as needed.
- Clay Docent (one per class) - Leads the clay lesson by class. Same as regular Docent but for clay. Talk to AIA WO program leads for additional training.
SIGN UP FOR LESSONS
1. Click to the 2025-26 White Oak Art in Action Schedule. Familiarize yourself with the WELCOME and QUICK START tabs
2. Find your teacher’s tab at the bottom.
3. Add your name and email (section begins on row 19) to populate the list.
4. Find a lesson that suits your availability. Use the drop down options by role type (docent/helper) to select your name from the list.
5. We can always use extra helpers if lessons are full!
We can work out any time or date conflicts that might come up. The schedule is flexible and the AIA program depends on parent volunteers to continue!
Lando Game Design & Coding at White Oaks Starting this week!
Instead of repetitive coding drills, students at Lando design and code mini-games every class—blending creativity with technical skills. Along the way, they master key concepts like sequencing, variables, conditionals, and events. Our WASC-accredited, award-winning program adapts to each student’s pace and skill level, ensuring fun and challenge for beginners and experienced coders alike. After class, parents get links to their child’s creations to share or continue building at home. Mondays at 2:35 p.m. starting Sept 8. Learn more and register at FindLando.com/WhiteOaks.
White Oaks Spirit Store - NOW OPEN!
Ready to show your school spirit with White Oaks attire? Now that school is in full swing, it’s time to order the latest White Oaks Spirit Wear! There are new pullover hoodies, tees for the kids, and heathered green tees for the entire family. Show your school spirit and order some stylish White Oaks attire. The online store (https://white_oaks_
PTA News
White Oaks PTA Corporate Sponsorship
As a corporate sponsor, you will become a year-long partner with the PTA. Your company logo will have prominent placement on our website, the weekly W.O.W. newsletter, a dedicated yearbook page, and on a banner displayed on the Fairmont Street fence entrance for the entire school year. You will also have opportunities to provide branded take-home items for kids with your logo on them at events. Make your donation by September 22nd to have your logo included on all Walk-a-thon t-shirts worn by students throughout the year! Click the link to donate today!
Calling All Artists
Calling All Artists for the White Oaks Walk-a-Thon Design Contest - Due Sept 24.
The annual Walk-a-Thon T-shirt design contest is under way and open to all students. Create a simple, one-color line drawing that represents White Oaks and our Walk-a-Thon tradition, and the winning artwork will be featured on this year's T-shirts! To enter, draw your design using a BLACK Sharpie on WHITE paper, then submit your design to the office or via email to [email protected] by Sept. 24!
SCEF News
Will you be a Lucky Winner? Raffle tickets available now!
Open to all - Order Raffle tickets and support your student! Your chance to win a trip for 2 adults to Mexico or Dinner for 20 in the TOWN Board Room. Drawing is 10/5/2025. Only 250 sold. Winners need not be present to win.
Fall Online Auction–Everyone can bid!
Remember to mark your calendar for the Fall Online auction beginning September 29th! Have an item that would be perfect for our auctions? CLICK HERE to access our Auction Donation Form.
Community News
Join the Cub Scouts!
Imagine this: Your child is exploring the outdoors, building cool projects, learning valuable life skills, and making lifelong friends, all while you're connecting with other supportive families. That's the magic of Cub Scouting with Pack 65!
Pack 65’s program is designed for both boys and girls in kindergarten through fifth grade, offering a fantastic opportunity for them to:
-Discover new passions through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
-Build confidence with every new skill learned and challenge overcome.
-Develop character, leadership, and a strong sense of citizenship in a fun and supportive environment.
-Create lasting bonds with peers and adult mentors.
Ready to learn more and see what the adventure holds?
Get the inside scoop on Pack 65, including what we do and information on dues:
Feeling the excitement? Ready for your child to join the fun?
It's easy to become part of our Pack! Simply register your scout online here.
Once registered, you'll be officially part of the Pack 65 family and start receiving updates on all our upcoming events and adventures! Questions? Contact Pack 65 Cubmaster and BA parent Adam Williams at [email protected].
K-5 Grade Parent Math Night
Attention San Carlos K-5 Parents!
Join us on Monday, September 15 for a Parent Night with guest speaker Susan Resnick where you'll learn math strategies to support K-5 students at home.
Is your student learning different strategies than you were taught in school? Not sure how to best help your child?
Susan Resnick will share common math concepts taught in K-5th grade, including fractions, decimals, multiplication, division, and the bar model.
In-person meeting at the SCSD District Office, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Please RSVP by completing this Google Form.
Each Green Corner and the City of San Carlos Centennial Grant Program presents: 100 Trees for 100 Years
Apply now! Trees will be distributed Saturday, October 25, 2025
Qualifying applicants: All San Carlos-based small businesses and residents who have a publicly-visible location to plant a fruit tree! We have 100 trees to give away!
How: Apply at eachgreencorner.org/100trees or by using the QR code, recipients will be notified by mid-October. Recipients are required to attend a family-friendly tree planting workshop on Saturday, October 25th to receive their fruit tree and learn how to properly plant.
Applicant Requirements:
Trees must be planted in the ground within the City of San Carlos;
Tree recipients must place and maintain a small plaque (provided) underneath or beside their newly-planted tree so that both the plaque and the tree are easily visible to (and readable by!) the community;
Recipients must commit to sharing their future fruit harvest with the community, either through sharing or donating to local food banks.
Recipients must be willing to share at least one photo of their tree after planting to be shared on social media, and on Each Green Corner’s and The City of San Carlos’s websites and publications.
Apply today
Parent Education Opportunities
Mark your calendars for these great events coming up in September:
In September's Foro de padres, Ana Paula Garay, LMFT, Lead Mental Health Counselor for the Redwood City School District, presents Qué hacer si su hijo(a) habla de suicidio (September 16). This event will be in Spanish.
The Neurodiversity Education Series kicks off Season 3 with Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, and Amanda Morin in Building Bridges: Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices for Parents and Schools (September 18).
For Suicide Prevention Month, we welcome Rex Huang, MD, Chief of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Redwood City, for Breaking the Silence: A Doctor’s Insights on Youth Suicide Awareness & Prevention (September 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!
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