February 8, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
- Principal’s Message
- Breakfast/Lunch Menu
- School News: School Mini-Musical Moana
- PTA News: Heritage Day Signups
- SCEF News: SCEF Gala and Online Auction
- Community News: Lunar New Year and Black History Month Free Resources, Parents Learning Night, Parent Education Opportunities
IMPORTANT DATES
Mon, Feb 9 - Frid, Feb 13: The Great Kindness Challenge
Mon, Feb 16-Fri, Feb 20: President's Day and Mid-Winter Break - No School
Wed, March 18: Heritage Day
Mon, March 23 - Mon, March 30: SCEF Online Auction
Fri, March 27: SCEF SpeakEasy Gala at Domenico Winery
Principal’s Message
Looking ahead, building habits, expectations. Mid-winter break.
Dear White Oaks Families,
We are seeing an uptick in student illnesses at White Oaks. Our district follows the CDPH illness guidelines for managing students who are not feeling well.
At school, we are taking cleanliness and health seriously. Our custodial team is using appropriate and effective cleaning materials throughout the day to help prevent and reduce the spread of illnesses. They are regularly cleaning and disinfecting high-touch areas such as desks, door handles, push bars, sinks, water fountains, counters, restrooms, and lunch tables. Teachers are reviewing with students hand washing protocols and covering mouths for sneezes and coughs. We appreciate your partnership in keeping our school community healthy and safe.
Reminders for families:
A child should stay home (or go home) from child care or school when any new illness or symptom:
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prevents them from participating meaningfully in child care or school activities; OR
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results in a need for care that is greater than the staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children.
Under California law, a child may be required to stay home (or go home) from school in specified circumstances where an apparent illness presents a significant risk to other children or school personnel. (Education Code § 49213; Education Code § 49451.)
For most illnesses, including infectious diseases, a doctor’s note is NOT necessary for returning to the child care or school setting.
In general, a child can return when they meet ALL the following conditions:
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Symptoms are improving and the child is feeling better and can meaningfully participate in routine child care/school activities.
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Staff can meet child’s care needs without compromising the health and safety of other children and staff.
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Specific symptoms (like fever or vomiting) have met return recommendations.
You may refer to the California Department of Public Health webpage for more information and guidelines. Please make sure to call or email your child’s absence. You can call 650-508-7317 or email [email protected].
The Great Kindness Challenge
Did you know that students will be participating in The Great Kindness Challenge Feb 9-13? Your child can pick up a special checklist with kindness challenges at school on Monday Feb 9th so be on the lookout! We also invite you to join in on the kindness fun by completing the family edition of The Great Kindness Challenge Checklist. Thank you for encouraging your child to shine a special light on kindness!
In community,
Rosina Tong
Principal
Weekly Menu
School News
Moana - White Oaks Spring Mini Musical
Dear White Oaks families,
We are excited to announce the Mugglebees are returning to White Oaks to host our Spring Play - Moana!
It will be 9 weeks on Mondays in the MU from February 23 culminating in a family evening performance on 4/27 and a school performance on 4/28.
The PTA is contributing $50 per child to reduce the fee to $400 per child.
If you are already in the Support for Families program for 2025-2026 and would like to be considered for one of two full scholarships, please contact Mrs. Annie Stevenson at [email protected].
If interested please signup directly with the Mugglebees via the link below.
https://forms.wix.com/f/
If we have a waitlist we will prioritize children who are in 3rd to 2nd grades and who have not participated in the school play before.
If you would like to like to join in on the fun and volunteer.
Please check out this year’s signup genius via the link below.
https://www.signupgenius.com/
If you have any questions please contact this year’s school play chair Erinn Steinberg at [email protected]
PTA News
White Oaks Heritage Days sign ups HERE!
Para español, desplace abajo.
Join us in celebrating the rich diversity of our White Oaks community at our Annual Heritage Day on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Families with students in TK–3rd grade are invited to host a table and share their heritage with our students. Displays can include photos, maps, flags, cultural artifacts, traditional clothing, food samples, and more. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about and celebrate the many cultures that make our school community so special.
Event Time: 8:25 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the White Oaks MU Sign Up HERE Sign-Up Deadline: Friday, March 6
Want to learn more before signing up? Join our optional info session:
Zoom Info Session: Wednesday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Meeting ID: 858 1358 3112
Passcode: 5c8c3v
Do you, or someone in your family or community, perform culturally significant music, dance, or art? We would love to feature you!
Have questions or want to help make the magic happen? Reach out to Barbara Taylor [email protected]
Let’s help our students discover the big, beautiful world that lives right here at White Oaks!
Únete a nosotros para celebrar la diversidad en nuestra comunidad de White Oaks en nuestro Día Anual de la Herencia, el miércoles 18 de marzo de 2026.
Las familias con estudiantes de TK a 3er grado están invitadas a organizar una mesa y compartir su herencia cultural con nuestros estudiantes. Las exhibiciones pueden incluir fotos, mapas, banderas, objetos culturales, ropa tradicional, muestras de comida y mucho más. Esta es una gran oportunidad para que los estudiantes aprendan y celebren las diferentes culturas que hacen que nuestra escuela sea tan especial.
Horario del evento: 8:25 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. en el MU de White Oaks Regístrate AQUÍ.
Fecha límite para registrarse: viernes 6 de marzo ¿Quieres saber más antes de registrarte? Acompáñanos a nuestra sesión informativa opcional: Sesión informativa por Zoom: miércoles 25 de febrero a las 7:30 p.m.
ID de la reunión: 858 1358 3112
Código de acceso: 5c8c3v
¿Tú, o alguien de tu familia tiene afinidad con música, danza o arte con significado cultural? ¡Nos encantaría que participen!
¿Tienes preguntas o quieres ayudar a que todo sea un éxito? Comunícate con Barbara Taylor en: [email protected]
¡Ayudemos a nuestros estudiantes a descubrir el gran y hermoso mundo que vive aquí mismo en White Oaks! 
SCEF News
Read-a-Thon Recap
Wow! Congratulations readers! Students read 2,140,837 minutes between January 15-29. Way to go! To see the individual school numbers and Honor Roll readers, visit www.scefkids.org/read2026
We are grateful to the family and friends who donated more than $100,000 to support our schools. Thank you! Donations can still be made on behalf of your reader by check, donor advised fund or workplace giving can be made through the end of February. Our tax id# is 94-2842712 and our mailing address is SCEF/Readathon, PO Box 1214, San Carlos, CA 94070
SCEF Gala and Online Auction is around the corner!
Online Auction March 23-30–Shop for amazing items, experiences, get-aways, outings with teachers and and more! Visit www.scefkids.org/events for more information.
Join us at the SCEF Speakeasy!
Domenico Winery, Friday, Mar 27, 2026
- Leadership Circle early purchase begins February 11, 2026
- General Admission purchase begins February 25, 2026
Seeking Auction Donations for Spring Online Auction
The SCEF Gala & Auction is around the corner. Our auction team is beginning to solicit items which SCEF uses to raise essential funds for our schools. This year we are seeking Valkyries, 49ers, Warriors and Giants tickets, vacation homes, fine wines and spirits, shopping and dining experiences, concert tickets, get-aways and gift cards to local businesses.
If you have access to these or other items that you think folks would be interested in, please complete this form or reach out to Susan Matsushima at [email protected]
Community News
FREE RESOURCES FOR CELEBRATING LUNAR NEW YEAR
Para obtener información en español, haga clic aquí y desplácese hacia abajo.
We are proud to have many families who celebrate Lunar New Year in our White Oaks school community. Your Culture & Belonging PTA Committee wanted to share some FREE resources to help your family honor this celebration which begins on Feb 17th.
Lunar New Year is one of the most important annual celebrations for many East and Southeast Asian countries, including China (known as Chūnjié - the Spring Festival), Vietnam (known as Tết), Taiwan, Korea (known as Seollal), among others. In many cultures, each year is also associated with an animal from the zodiac. 2026 is the Year of the Horse. You can learn more about the celebration in different countries here and here.
Click here to find ways to keep your kids amused with FREE resources like local events, crafts, recipes etc.
CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH THESE FREE RESOURCES
February is Black History Month! Black History Month is a powerful opportunity for families of all backgrounds to learn, celebrate, and honor the rich history, culture, and countless contributions of Black people. It isn’t just about reflecting on the past—it’s about celebrating the resilience, innovation, and joy of Black culture while inspiring our children to build a more inclusive future. Your Culture & Belonging PTA committee has also put together these fun, free resources to help you honor and celebrate Black History month including:
-Local events
-Recipes
-Music & Dance
-Crafts & Activities
Please also stop by the Bulletin Board display opposite the MU. If you have any feedback or questions, reach out to Barbara Taylor ([email protected]) or Mariel Valezzi ([email protected])
Parents Learning @ Night PL@N On Feb 24
Join our Early Learning Team on Tuesday, February 24 at 6:30 p.m. at Heather Elementary for Play to Thrive: Supporting Young Minds Through Play and Positive Behavior with Dr. Julie Nicholson.
Impact of Play: Learn about the latest research on how play contributes to young children's cognitive growth.
Managing Behaviors: Gain insights on key developmental milestones and build skills to help prevent and manage challenging behaviors.
Communication: Develop strategies to talk to your children in a supportive and age appropriate manner.
Childcare Available. RSVP HERE
City of San Carlos Youth Center Events
Extreme Excursions (Grades 4-12) Mid-Winter Break
Grades 4-12 venture to the movies, trampoline park, ice skating, and more! Spend Ski Week adventuring with us and hanging out with friends. Register today at cityofsancarlos.org/register.
Glow Dance (Grades 6-8) February 27
The Youth Center invites you to our annual Glow Dance! Dance with the DJ under neon lights from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27th. Grades 6-8 can register for this popular event at cityofsancarlos.org/register.
Parent Education Opportunities
Mark your calendars for these great events coming up in February!
What should parents know about AI? Amy D. Love, author, AI expert, and founder of DISCOVERING AI, joins us for Discovering AI: A Parent's Guide to Navigating the Future of Education (February 11).
To understand the migrant experience, Michelle Remond, MA, immigration expert and grief counselor, will discuss Los nueve duelos de los migrantes (The Nine Griefs of Migrants) (February 18).
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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