November 16, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE
- Principal’s Message
- Breakfast/Lunch Menu
- School News: Preschool spots open, After school enrichment classes
- PTA News: Holiday Store - Save the Date
- SCEF News: Dec 2 Giving Tuesday, Honey Bear Trees
- Community News: Food Resources for Families, Celebrate Native American Heritage Month, Parent Education Opportunities
IMPORTANT DATES
Mon, 11/24 - Fri, 11/28: Thanksgiving week (No School)
Tues, 12/2: SCEF Giving Tuesday
Sat, 12/13: White Oaks Holiday Store
Principal’s Message
Dear White Oaks Families,
Teachers will soon share information about your child’s progress toward mastery of grade-level standards through progress reports. These reports will be available for viewing on the PowerSchool Parent Portal beginning Sunday, November 23rd.
Unlike the October goal-setting conferences, which focused on establishing individual goals, the progress report provides a more detailed look at your child’s progress toward end-of-year grade-level mastery. San Carlos School District progress reports are standards-based which means that they reflect each student’s progress in meeting the expectations outlined in the California grade-level standards.
It’s important to note that full mastery is not expected at this point in the school year. Receiving an indicator of “2” or “Developing” in November is both typical and appropriate for this stage. The goal is for students to demonstrate mastery of the standards by the end of the school year.
If a teacher has concerns about a student’s progress, they will reach out to families directly. Parents are also welcome to request a conference with their child’s teacher at any time to discuss questions or concerns.
In addition to our focus on academic growth, we remain deeply committed to educating the whole child. Students engage in learning experiences that develop the skills and mindsets outlined in the SCSD Strategic plan and reflected in The Learner Profile. Our goal is for every student to become a curious problem solver, self-aware learner, and kind citizen. These qualities are nurtured throughout the school day, helping students grow both academically and socially-emotionally.
When my three kids were young and they received their report cards, my husband and I would recognize them for their efforts in their learning, celebrate what they’ve accomplished so far, and ask them what they love and what they find challenging. These chats were check-ins and timely when the report cards came. Do what feels right for your family!
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.
In community,
Rosina Tong
Principal
Weekly Menu
School News
Spaces Available in our San Carlos Early Learning Preschool Program
Did you know?
San Carlos School District offers many preschool options so families can choose the program that best fits their needs.
We offer preschool on all of our elementary campuses — Arundel, Brittan Acres, Heather & White Oaks. It’s a wonderful way to get to know your incoming school community and start building friendships early!
State-funded preschool spots are available now at Heather, FREE for eligible families
Your family may qualify for our free, state-funded preschool program, and we can help determine eligibility. For example, a family of four earning up to $127,338 per year may qualify.
At San Carlos Early Learning, children thrive in a warm, nurturing environment that fosters curiosity, social growth, and school readiness — helping them build the skills they need in Universal Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) and Kindergarten and beyond.
Learn more on our website or contact:
Leah Scholer - [email protected]
Jenny Salazar - [email protected] for more information.
Expanded Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP)
Expanded Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP) Assistance Available
SCSD has funding available to support students wishing to participate in our Expanded Learning Program, both before and after school. If you believe your child would benefit from attending one of our before or afterschool programs, grant funding is available to help pay for tuition for qualifying families.
Please reach out to Jesse Torres, Program Supervisor, through email at [email protected] for more information and visit our After School and Extended Learning Programs page.
This message is provided as a quarterly reminder for families.
Piano Class at White Oaks with Hummingbird Music School - Winter Session!
Does your child want to learn piano in a fun and engaging group setting? Hummingbird Music School’s popular after-school Piano Class is now enrolling for the Winter Session! Students will explore the fundamentals of piano — including note reading, hand position, chords, and rhythm — in a relaxed and supportive environment that emphasizes fun and creativity. Each student receives their own keyboard, headphones, and lesson book, ensuring hands-on learning every week. Parents can easily track their child’s progress online through Hummingbird’s partnership with MySkillChart.
When: Thursdays, 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Session Dates: January 8 – April 2
Grades: K – 3
Cost: $50 per class
Location: Conference Room
For more information or to register, visit https://
Chess Class at White Oaks - Winter Session!
Join Chess Wizards this semester for tons of challenging chess lessons, exciting games, and cool prizes. You'll improve your chess skills, and work out your most powerful muscle - your brain! Our classes are geared to suit children of all skill levels; from chessling to checkmate artist, students will build upon their knowledge through lessons, variation games and more! More than just a game of winning and losing, we make learning chess fun! Class meets weekly on Tuesdays from 2:30-3:30 p.m. from Jan 27-Mar 31. Cost is $306.
Read more and register at www.chesswizards.com
PTA News
White Oaks Holiday Store - Save the Date!
The White Oaks Holiday Store, a cherished school tradition, is back on Saturday, Dec. 13. Mark your calendars!
Pick-a-Project Pickup — Wednesday, Nov. 19 (after Welcome Wednesday)
Swing by the MU entrance to grab a take-home kit. Each kit includes all materials, instructions, labels, and packaging. Assemble at your leisure, then return finished items to the MU stage by Tuesday, Dec. 3 (morning drop-off). These handmade gifts will be sold at the Holiday Store for kids to give to family and friends. Most projects require no crafting experience and are easy to put together.
Questions or want to contribute a craft?
Contact Aurelia Abcouwer ([email protected]) or Jessica Humann ([email protected]).
Key Dates
Nov. 19: Pick-a-Project distribution (after Welcome Wednesday, MU entrance)
Dec. 3: Completed projects due back (MU stage, morning drop-off)
Dec. 13: Holiday Store in the MU, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
SCEF News
Honey Bear Trees
Pick up your tree this holiday season and benefit your school! Visit Honey Bear Trees when you shop for a tree or wreath this holiday season and mention SCEF at check-out. For the 16th year, Honey Bear Trees will donate 15% of each purchase to SCEF. Honey Bear Trees is located at 1579 El Camino Real (across from Trader Joe’s).
Important Tax Law Update
New legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is set to reshape charitable giving starting in 2026. These changes could significantly affect how—and when—you choose to give. See how you can maximize your charitable giving and reduce your tax liability.
Giving Tuesday is December 2nd–You might be able to Double your Donation!
Be sure to keep December 2nd– GIVING TUESDAY– on your radar and check your employer’s Workplace Giving programs for special matches and grants on that day. Use our Double the Donation tool to find out what your company offers. We are hearing that several local companies are offering double matches on or around Giving Tuesday. Don’t miss this chance to Double your Donation!
Community News
LET'S CELEBRATE NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH!
RECURSOS GRATUITOS EN ESPAÑOL PARA CELEBRAR EL MES DE LA HERENCIA NATIVA AMERICANA - HAZ CLIC AQUÍ
November is Native American Heritage Month! There is no single "Native American" culture, but rather, a multitude of distinct tribes with rich and diverse languages, customs, and ways of life depending on their geographic region. By clicking here you'll:
- get acquainted with the local Native American tribe
- find some details of FREE local events
- get some ideas for keeping the kids amused at home (including some crafts and Native American dancing to get those wiggles out!)
Our school and community sit on Ramaytush Ohlone land. Experts estimate that the Ohlone’s ancestors arrived here at least 13,000 years ago! You can learn more about the tribe here and here.
Community Food Resources for Families
With the recent federal government closure and resulting suspension of SNAP and CalFresh benefits, some members of our community may be experiencing food insecurity. San Carlos School District has compiled a list of local Community Food Resources available to support our families & staff. The list includes information about food pantries, grocery programs, and other ways to access healthy meals — in both English and Spanish.
Flyers were sent home via PeachJar and copies are now available in your school’s front office. Please reach out to your Principal if you need additional assistance.
Thank you for being part of our caring and connected SCSD community!
Mark your calendars for these great events coming up in November!
Why is sleep essential for mental health and academic performance? Lisa L. Lewis, journalist and sleep expert, presents The Power of Sleep for Student Resilience, Health, and Well-Being (November 19).
The Neurodiversity Education Series presents Neurodiverse Minds, Emotional Lives: A Mental Health Perspective with Vidya Krishnan, MD, Chief Psychologist at Children's Health Council (CHC) (November 20).
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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