October 18, 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
- Principal’s Message
- Breakfast/Lunch Menu
- School News: AIA, SEDAC, WO Spirit Store
- SCEF News: Learn more about SCEF, Candy Buy Back
- PTA News: Walk-a-thon volunteer sign up, Join the PTA
- Community News: Parcel Tax, San Carlos United Tryouts, Parent Education Opportunities
IMPORTANT DATES
Sun, Oct 18: Walk-a-thon 11 a.m.
Sun, Oct 25: SCEF 2nd Annual Cornhole Tournament
Fri, Oct 30: Halloween Parade 8:25 a.m. on blacktop
Mon, Nov 2-Thur, Nov 5: SCEF Candy Buy Back
Principal’s Message
Dear White Oaks Families,
We believe that students learn best in a caring, supportive environment where they feel safe, respected, and valued. One of the ways we nurture this kind of community is through Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies (PBIS), a schoolwide approach to helping students build strong social and emotional skills while making positive choices.
PBIS focuses on teaching and reinforcing positive behavior rather than simply responding to misbehavior. You might hear your child talk about our school expectations: be respectful, responsible, and safe. These expectations are taught in every area of the school from the classroom to the playground. Students are recognized with Owl Bucks when they demonstrate being respectful, responsible and safe. On Welcome Wednesdays, we recognize some of the Owl Bucks recipients. Students who are recognized go into the office at recess to select a prize from the treasure box. Owl Bucks are a way to receive an intrinsic reward (recognition) and extrinsic reward (prize)! Individual classrooms also utilize class and individual systems to earn incentives.
Our goal is to help every student understand what positive behavior looks like and feels like, and to celebrate their successes along the way. When students make mistakes (as all learners do), we use those moments as opportunities to teach problem-solving, empathy, and self-regulation.
In addition to the teachers teaching about the school wide expectations, our school counselor, Mrs. Garlick goes into all the classrooms to teach about the Zones of Regulation (emotional regulation) and Kelso’s Choice (problem solving).
We invite families to join us in reinforcing these same values at home by noticing and naming positive behavior, for example, saying, “I appreciate how you solved that problem calmly” or “Thank you for being respectful.” When home and school work together, our students thrive.
Thank you for your continued partnership in helping our children grow into kind and confident learners.
California Great Shakeout
On Thursday (10/15), we participated in the “Great California Shakeout”. Our students practiced the essential “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” drill, followed by evacuation to our designated assembly areas. All the pre-school- third Grade students did a fabulous job practicing in the event of an earthquake.
We follow safety protocols developed by the Coalition for Safe Schools and Communities in San Mateo County, known as “The Big Five.” Please take a moment to review the Big Five Safety Protocols Flyer and, if interested, the Big Five School Safety for Families for more detailed information.
I’m excited about the Walk-A-Thon! See you out there!
In community,
Rosina Tong
Principal
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!
Does Your Child Have Additional Support Needs? If So, Read On!
Para español, haga clic aquí.
I’m Barbara Taylor, WO’s SEDAC parent representative and co-chair of the Culture & Belonging PTA Committee. If your child needs or receives special education or additional support services, SEDAC is relevant to you!
WHAT IS SEDAC?
SEDAC is the Special Education District Advisory Council for SCSD. It comprises volunteer parent reps, some school principals and the Director of Special Education. WHAT DOES SEDAC DO AND HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?
The focus of our work is to help SCSD best serve students with additional support needs through the initiatives below. You have a voice! Please share any ideas or feedback about SCSD’s special education services that you would like me to raise at our SEDAC meetings.
Here’s an overview of our work:
- Providing input on district programs, policies, and procedures.
- Sharing key issues, feedback, and successful initiatives to strengthen and expand programs across all campuses.
- Organizing the annual Ability Awareness Week each March to promote understanding and inclusion.
- The reps run a parent support group which meets monthly (no SCSD staff attend). Please note, I can’t assist with your child’s individual SST, 504, or IEP matters. You should contact Principal Tong with any concerns or assistance for these.
PARENT SUPPORT RESOURCES
You’ll find a wealth of helpful info relating to parenting kids with additional support needs in this parent resource document. We’d love to make this bigger and better, so please send me any relevant links or recommendations you might have to add.
You’re also welcome to email me with any feedback on how our PTA can be more accessible for you and your kid(s) in the work we do, and in the activities and events we provide.
Excited to hear from you!
Barbara
Chess Class Winter Session at White Oaks Starting in January!
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 19-Apr 6. Cost is $374. Read more and register at www.chesswizards.com
San Carlos United Soccer Club
Interested in competitive soccer? San Carlos United Soccer Club is holding tryouts in early November for U8-U19 age groups (2nd-12th graders) for players not currently playing club soccer! Register at http://www.sancarlosunited.org and a team manager will be in touch with next steps. We look forward to seeing you on the pitch!
White Oaks Spirit Store - TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ORDER!
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 closes at the end of today, Oct 18.
Author Visit with Maggie Tokuda-Hall
Author Maggie Tokuda-Hall will be visiting White Oaks on November 4th to talk about her new book Bathtime for Snow Monkeys. Order signed copies and support our local San Carlos bookstore, The Reading Bug! Your purchase helps makes this event possible for our students! All orders must be placed by October 26th.
Order Here.
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 today 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
Our Schools Count on All of Us!
For 44 years, SCEF has helped San Carlos students thrive by funding the programs and educators that support every child, every day, in every classroom. Our 2026–2027 goal is $3.7 million, and every gift brings us closer.
Watch our video to see your support at work, then choose the giving option that works best for you:
G.E.M. (Give Every Month): Set up a recurring gift and reach your goal over the year.
Workplace Giving: Matching gifts raised over $720,000 for SCEF last year. Double or triple your impact today.
Appreciated Stock: Stock held more than a year can stretch your gift even further than cash!
Online: scefkids.org/donate
Questions? Contact [email protected]. Give today and help bridge the gap for every San Carlos student!
16th Annual Halloween Candy Buy-Back!
Too much candy in the house after Halloween? Turn it into support for SCEF! For the 16th year in a row, local dentists Dr. Mike Chang, Dr. Urmi Amin, and Dr. Nancy Kaher will donate $1 per pound of candy to SCEF and send the treats to U.S. troops serving overseas.
Drop off your extra candy at your school office Monday, November 2 – Thursday, November 5.
Healthier teeth, support for our schools, and a sweet thank-you to our troops: it’s a win-win-win!
Community News
Measure K Parcel Tax Information
Why Local Funding Matters to San Carlos Schools
Did you know that state funding alone does not cover the full cost of the educational programs and services provided by San Carlos School District? SCSD relies on a combination of state funding and locally generated revenue to support nearly 3,000 students across our TK–8 schools.
Locally controlled funding helps support:
- Teachers and classroom instruction
- Core academic programs
- Student support services
- Educational programs and learning opportunities
Unlike state funding, locally controlled revenue stays in our community and is used to support San Carlos schools.
Parcel Taxes = People + Programs
Learn more about local school funding and Measure K on the November 3 ballot: https://tinyurl.com/
Early Learning Literacy Night
Building a Love of Reading Starts at Home! Join us for a special Parent Zoom Session focused on helping young children develop strong early literacy skills and a lifelong love of reading!
Tuesday, November 10
5:30–6:30 PM
Virtual Event via Zoom
Discover fun, simple, and practical ways to make reading, storytelling, and language development part of your family's everyday routine. Learn strategies to build your child's vocabulary, encourage curiosity, and create meaningful literacy experiences at home.
Whether you're reading bedtime stories, singing songs, or exploring letters and sounds together, small moments can make a big difference!
All early learning families are welcome! Come connect, learn, and leave with ideas you can start using right away.
👉 RSVP HERE: [Insert Link]
RSVP HERE
Transitional Kindergarten Extended Learning Program (TKELP) Open for Enrollment!
Designed specifically for Transitional Kindergarten students, TKELP offers a nurturing environment where children build friendships, confidence, and independence through hands-on learning, creative activities, and play.
Children enjoy Spanish, Cooking, JAMaROO, STEM, Art, and Outdoor Play,with consistent routines and caring staff supporting their growth beyond the school day.
Available at Arundel, Brittan Acres, Heather, and White Oaks Elementary Schools.
LEARN MORE & REGISTER TODAY
ACE Before and After School Program K-6 Grade
Afterschool Care Enrichment, also known as ACE offers a flexible, innovative, California State licensed child care program focused on enrichment and youth development to challenge our Lower & Upper Elementary students.
Each day includes a healthy afternoon snack, our homework lab with staff assisted support, STEAM activities, and active outdoor enrichment programming.
REGISTER HERE - www.acesancarlos.com
Early Learning Center/Preschools are Now Enrolling for Next Year!
Looking for a nurturing, engaging preschool program for your 2- or 3-year-old? San Carlos School District’s Early Learning Preschool Program has spaces available now!
Our play-based early learning programs help young children build confidence, friendships, independence, and the foundational skills they need for a successful transition to school.
We offer preschool programs at all four SCSD elementary campuses — Arundel, Brittan Acres, Heather, and White Oaks — with several program options to fit the needs of our families. Attending preschool on an elementary campus is also a wonderful way for children and families to become part of their future school community and start building friendships early.
FREE Preschool May Be Available!
State-funded preschool spaces are currently available at Arundel Elementary School for eligible families. For example, a family of four earning up to $127,338 annually may qualify for FREE preschool — and our team can help you determine your eligibility.
Tours start THIS WEEK! Sign up HERE
Check out our new website and learn more today!
Parent Education Opportunities
📌 Mark your calendars for these exciting events coming up in October!
College talk! Representatives of the University of California (UC), California State University (CSU), and California Community College (CCC) systems will counter some of the most common myths about each system (October 20).
NEW! The Neurodiversity Education Series is proud to welcome Ramsey Khasho, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist, One Life, for When Anxiety Gets in the Way: Supporting Neurodivergent Students (October 21).
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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