September 27, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
- Principal’s Message
- Breakfast/Lunch Menu
- School News: AIA, Family Movie Night, WO Spirit Store, Book Fair Book Donation Drive
- SCEF News: Fall Online Auction, 2nd Annual Cornhole Tournament
- PTA News: Walk-a-thon volunteer sign up, Join the PTA
- Community News: Parcel Tax, Parent Education Opportunities
IMPORTANT DATES
Mon, Sept 7 - Fri, Oct 9: Literati Online Book Fair
Mon, Sept 28 - Mon, Oct 5: SCEF Fall Online Auction
Fri, Oct 2: Family Movie Night
Mon, Oct 5 - Fri, Oct 9: Literati Book Fair
Sun, Oct 4: SCEF Evening at TOWN
Mon, Oct 12: Indigenous Peoples' Day (No School)
Sun, Oct 18: Walk-a-thon
Sun, Oct 25: SCEF 2nd Annual Cornhole Tournament
Principal’s Message
Dear White Oaks Families,
Day of Service
We had 30 families participate, a huge increase from last year. Together we were able to pull all the dead plants and weeds from the community garden, beautify the flower bed by the library, the triangle near the office, and around the MU, and tackle a number of projects around the classroom patios. Every classroom received some love including table cleaning and leaf debris removal. The students were feeling incredibly proud of their contributions. Many participated in work across campus, including our third graders putting so much love into beautifying the second grade patio and the kindergarteners really putting a ton of lift into making the library planter box shine. Thank you to all those who participated!
Conferences
In the fall, our teachers focus on getting to know each child — not just academically, but also socially and emotionally. They observe how students learn, how they connect with others, and where their strengths and needs emerge. This is the foundation for our Profile of a Learner, where we aspire for every child to be self-aware, curious, and above all, kind citizens. Knowing each child deeply helps us personalize learning and set meaningful goals together.
Our Goal Conferences are an important part of this process. These meetings are not progress reports; formal report cards will come at the end of each trimester (November, March, and June). Instead, goal conferences focus on identifying how teachers, families, and students can partner to support this year’s new learning.
At age-appropriate levels, and with guidance from teachers, students will:
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Identify personal learning goals,
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Share strategies for how they will work toward them, and
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Begin reflecting on their progress.
Teachers will provide the instruction, encouragement, and resources needed, while families bring essential insights from home. Together, we help each child take their next “just right” learning steps. Our aim is that students embrace new challenges with confidence and continue to grow as learners and citizens who contribute with kindness and responsibility.
Conference Details:
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Conferences will take place Monday, October 5 – Friday, October 9.
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During this week, all students will attend school from 8:25 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. so that teachers can meet with families.
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We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to these conversations. By working together, we ensure that every student is supported both at school and at home as they build the skills and habits that prepare them for success.
Early Pickups
If you need to pick up your child early from school for an appointment or other reason, please let your child’s teacher and Mrs. Stevenson, our administrator assistant, know ahead of time whenever possible. This helps teachers prepare for your child’s departure and provide any materials, information, or lesson content they may need and it helps Mrs. Stevenson locate your child during the school day.
Thank you for helping us support a smooth day for your child and for partnering with us!
In community,
Rosina Tong
School Menus
School News
Additional Volunteers Needed for Art in Action!
We need help from YOU in the classroom for Art in Action! We are in need of additional Class Coordinators, Docents and Helpers for our scheduled classroom art lessons to continue.
If you have not already done so, please visit aia.whiteoakspta.org to sign up to volunteer. Training and support is available and no experience is needed!
-Questions? Talk to your child’s teacher or contact the AIA team (Judy, Sandy and Shelley.) Thank you for your partnership in making this a year of creativity and learning through art!
Order your Yearbook by Sept 30 and Save 10%
For a limited time, families can save 10% on yearbooks if they order by Sept 30.
Please your order now here and use White Oaks Passcode 1016947994291205
Family Movie Night - Fri, Oct 2
Family Movie Night is back! Mark your calendars for Friday, Oct 2 for our family movie night hosted at the White Oaks playground. We'll have food trucks available to make for an easy, fun night for the whole family. Movie will begin at sundown (around 7 p.m.) with food trucks available earlier.
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 is open now through Sunday, October 18th.
Book Fair and Family Fun Night
The Book Fair is back October 5–9 in the Multi-Use Room!
- Book Fair hours: Daily, 7:45 – 8:30 a.m. and 12:20 –1:25 p.m.
- Family Fun Night: Tuesday, October 6, 5:15–7:15 p.m.
All purchases help provide our school library with funds for new books, so please come support! Kids can also purchase a book for their teacher from the Teacher's Book Box, and get a chance to win a gift card through our raffle!
Don't forget about Family Fun Night on Tuesday evening, October 6th! The Book Fair opens at 5:15 p.m., with a puppet show for TK and 1st graders and a magician for 2nd and 3rd graders starting at 6:00 p.m.
Feria del Libro y Noche de Diversión Familiar
¡La Feria del Libro regresa del 5 al 9 de octubre en el Salón de Usos Múltiples!
- Horario de la Feria del Libro: Todos los días, 7:45–8:30 a.m. y 12:20–1:25 p.m.
- Noche de Diversión Familiar: Martes 6 de octubre, 5:15–7:15 p.m.
Todas las compras ayudan a que nuestra biblioteca escolar cuente con fondos para comprar libros nuevos, ¡así que los invitamos a venir y apoyar! Los niños también pueden comprar un libro para su maestro(a) de la Caja de Libros para Maestros, ¡y tienen la oportunidad de ganar una tarjeta de regalo en nuestra rifa!
¡No olviden la Noche de Diversión Familiar el martes 6 de octubre por la tarde! La Feria del Libro abre a las 5:15, con un show de marionetas para TK y primer grado, y un mago para segundo y tercer grado, ¡comenzando a las 6:00 p.m.!
DONATE A BOOK TO A CHILD IN NEED WITH OUR BOOK FAIR - TARGET 1200 BOOKS!
Para información en Español, haga clic aquí.
If you have any kids books to pass on, we’d love them for our 2nd annual book drive! All donated books will be given to the Children’s Book Project which gifts books to children from low-income Bay Area families. Our target this year is 1200 books!
How to donate:
-Now: Drop your donations in the box outside the school office
-During the Book Fair 10/5
-10/9: Pass your donation to a volunteer and you’ll be entered into the raffle to win a gift card! New books purchased at the fair are also very much appreciated.
-Later: Box will remain outside the office from Mon 10/12- Fri 10/16
Any questions? Contact Barbara Taylor ([email protected])
PTA News
Walk-a-Thon - October 18 at 11 a.m.
👟 Lace up, lend a hand, and join the fun!
The White Oaks Walk-A-Thon is October 18 at 11:00 a.m., and we need your help to make it a great day! There’s something for every family, with short, fun volunteer shifts that leave plenty of time to enjoy the festivities.
🍔 The BBQ is back! Last year’s BBQ was such a hit that we’re firing up the grill again. While you’re choosing your volunteer spot, be sure to sign up for your family’s food selections, too!
Sign up to volunteer and choose your food here!
Thank you for helping make this White Oaks tradition so special!
Become a PTA Member
Join the PTA! Support our students and strengthen our school community by joining the PTA for just $11/year! Scan the QR code to sign up in minutes.
Your membership helps support PTA programs, resources, advocacy, and opportunities for students and families at the local, state, and national levels.
No volunteering required—simply joining makes a difference!
Thank you for supporting White Oaks Elementary and our PTA!
SCEF News
SCEF FALL ONLINE AUCTION OPENS MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 AT 10 a.m.!
Everyone is welcome to bid so invite friends and family! Browse and bid on dining experiences, vacations, fine wines, and more, all while raising essential funds to support your student's education. View Online Auction Here
Auction closes Monday, October 5th at 9:00 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to win great items while giving back to our schools!
REGISTER FOR THE 2ND ANNUAL CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT, SUNDAY OCTOBER 25!
Grab a partner and join us for an afternoon of cornhole, food, drinks, and community, all in support of San Carlos schools. No experience needed! Round-robin play gets everyone in the game before top teams head to brackets for prizes. SIGN UP HERE before Oct. 19.
WILL YOU BE THE LUCKY WINNER? THE SCEF FALL RAFFLE IS HERE!
Open to everyone – order raffle tickets and support your student! You could win a Dinner for 20 in the Boardroom at Town, a Bianchini’s Shopping Spree, or a 5-Night All-Inclusive Getaway for Two to Mexico or the Dominican Republic. Second and third place winners receive a gift card to TOWN or Alpine Inn. Drawing will be held at 8:00pm at the TOWN Dinner on October 4, 2026. Winners need not be present to win. While your purchase is not tax-deductible it does “count” toward your total giving to SCEF.
SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE FORUM: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15
Four candidates are running for three seats on the San Carlos School District Board of Trustees: Megha Chawla, Boris Lipkin, Shivani Tripathi and Richard Wahl. Come hear directly from them about the issues facing our schools and community before you vote.
When: Thursday, October 15, 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Where: Tierra Linda Middle School Learning Commons, 750 Dartmouth Ave, San Carlos
Submit a question for the candidates: [email protected]
Register HERE. All are welcome!
Hosted by the San Carlos Education Foundation (SCEF) and the San Carlos PTA Coordinating Committee (PTACC), and moderated by the League of Women Voters of North & Central San Mateo County. The forum will be recorded.
Community News
DID YOU KNOW? What does parcel tax funding support?
Last week, we shared how bond funding supports our school buildings and facilities. This week, we’re taking a closer look at the other side of local school funding: parcel taxes.
Unlike bond funding, parcel tax dollars support the people and programs that directly serve students, including:
• Teachers and staff
• Core academic programs
• Student support services
• High-quality educational programs and learning opportunities
• Maintaining strong instruction across our schools
It’s an easy way to remember the difference:
Bonds = Buildings
Parcel Taxes = People + Programs
Learn more about how local funding supports San Carlos schools and the upcoming parcel tax measure:
https://tinyurl.com/
Kids Night Out (Grades K - 4)
At Kids Night Out, participants can make new friends while bonding over a themed craft, game, movie, and pizza dinner. This once-a-month program gives parents/guardians a chance to relax, unwind, or go on a date. Upcoming theme is Super Mario Madness on Friday, October 2. Each session costs $40 and takes place at the Youth Center from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Register for Kids Night Out!
Parent Education Opportunities
💜 September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Please join us for two informative events in English and Spanish:
Awareness can make a difference. We welcome Taylor Mannion-Coutts, ASW, Suicide Prevention Center Director at Felton Institute, for Suicide Prevention: What to Notice, What to Say, How to Help (September 30).
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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