Dear White Oaks Families,
Welcome returning and new families to the 2018-2019 school year! It is an honor to introduce myself as the new Principal of White Oaks Elementary School and to join this extraordinary community. I hope this note finds you enjoying the rejuvenating days of summer and that you and your children are looking forward to the beginning of a wonderful new school year.
Before joining White Oaks, I served in a variety of teaching and educational leadership roles. Some of the roles I have held include elementary school classroom teacher, technology integration coach, and Response to Intervention and Instruction Specialist. My academic background includes a Masters in School Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Education. On a personal note, I live in Millbrae with my husband and son Benjamin (18 months old) and enjoy spending time discovering new hiking trails in the Bay Area and "getting lost" in a fantastic book!
My priority is to provide the best possible education for every student by engaging and involving all families, students, and staff members. Our teachers will continue to support each child on their own path to learning through Project-Based Learning and personalized goal setting. We will ensure that your child is engaged in rigorous and relevant educational experiences through quality instruction.
Please know that my door is always open to you. I welcome your conversation and positive input throughout this year. Please see below for important dates and information. I look forward to celebrating our collective success during this school year.
Enjoy the remaining days of summer!
Warmest Regards,
Leah Scholer
Calendars and Bell Schedule
White Oaks Bell Schedule for 2018-2019
SCSD Minimum Day Schedule 2018-2019
Parent Guide
We're pleased to offer an online parent guide with key information about events, volunteer opportunities, district resources, and community partnerships. Look for the parent guide coming to your email inbox soon. Don't miss this important resource where you can "click" to join the PTA, sign up for the Walk-a-Thon, purchase spirit wear, donate to SCEF and more!
First Day of School - Wednesday, August 22
The first day of school is Wednesday, August 22, 2018. All students will attend from 8:35 am - 12:35 pm, our regular Wednesday schedule. Please send a backpack, a water bottle and a nutritious snack labeled with your child's first and last name. Please also remember that tennis shoes or sturdy, closed-toe shoes are important for active play each day.
After students join their classrooms, parents are invited to come to the multi-use room for coffee and volunteer sign-ups.
Morning Routine
For the first week of school, yard supervision will begin at 8:00 am, allowing a longer window for families to adjust to new routines. After the first week of school, yard supervision will begin at 8:15 am and students should not arrive before that time. For the first few days, parents are welcome on the playground to help children feel more comfortable. By the second week of school, we'll ask parents to help children join playtime on their own. You will notice a sign at the playground entrance with a "students only" reminder. By asking parents, caregivers, and preschool siblings to stay off the yard, we are able to provide space for active play. Our "students only" routine also allows supervisors to see the children playing and be visible when students need help.
At 8:15 am, students should go directly to the playground for playtime. Look for the cone with the teacher's name and place backpacks and other items "in line" while children play. When the bell rings at 8:30 am, children line up by the cone to meet the teacher. The teacher leads the line to class and helps the children put their items away. We know that some children will need parents to join them on the way to class on the first day. As soon as possible, please help us transition your child into joining in the class line without your help. We have lots of moving bodies that need to make their way through our campus to class, and we ask that parents do not follow the line to the classroom doors after the first day of school.
If your child arrives late to school, please enter through the gate on Fairmont by the office and escort your child to the office for a late slip.
Class Lists
Friday, August 17
4:00 pm
Class lists will be posted by grade level on the bulletin boards in front of the office this Friday afternoon.
TK, Kindergarten and K/1 Meet and Greet
Tuesday, August 21
10:00-10:45 am in classrooms
Check the bulletin boards in front of the office for your classroom assignment and then go directly to the classroom to meet the teacher, say hello to friends and see the room. You'll also learn more about how pick up and drop off routines work in your child's classroom.
New Families Tour (Grades 1-3)
Tuesday, August 21
10:45-11:15 am in front of the office
Join us for lemonade and a tour of campus. Meet new friends along the way!
Back to School Night
TK Back to School Night will be held on Thursday, August 23 from 6:00-7:00 pm
K-3 Back to School Night will be held on Tuesday, August 28 (Minimum Day)
6:30-700 pm: Principal's welcome in the MU
7:00-8:00 pm: Grades K-3 in classrooms
Please note: Tuesday is a minimum day for all students (8:35 am- 12:35 pm) so that teachers can prepare. Also, please remember that this event is for parents and guardians only.
Food Trucks and Movie Night
Friday, September 21
5:30 pm on the playground
Don't miss this fall favorite! Meet on the playground for a picnic and family fun followed by a movie on the lawn. Join the PTA, shop for White Oaks apparel, and visit with friends as we celebrate the start of the school year. Look for more information in the WOW coming soon.
Walk-a-Thon
Sunday, October 14
Get ready for another fun-filled afternoon supporting White Oaks! Our annual Walk-a-Thon and Family Fun Day will be Sunday, October 14, 2018. This is our primary PTA fundraiser of the year. Funds directly support our school, funding classroom materials, Cultural Arts Day, art enrichment, student assemblies, playground upgrades and more! Look for more detailed information including registration and pledge details, in the online parent guide, in the WOW newsletter, at Back to School Night, and in your child's green folder.
Ordering Lunch
Set up your account and order lunch here.
School Entrances
During arrival and dismissal, all entrances to the school campus will be open to ensure that families can enter with ease. During the school day, the entrance by the office on Fairmont will remain open and all other entrances will be locked. Entrances by the preschool, Smarte and After School will remain open until 9:40 am while preschools and late bird kinders arrive. When you come to campus during the school day, please enter through the Fairmont gate and sign in at the office.
Staff News
We've added some new staff members to our school community. Welcome, Debbie Cullinane, 1st grade Teacher, Lauren Steele, K/1 Teacher, Annabelle Ortiz, RSP Teacher and Joyia Moeller, School Psychologist. We're also welcoming Grace Willey and Michelle Lau to preschool and welcoming back Nicole Artale, preschool Teacher.
Plans Changing?
If your child will not be attending White Oaks, please email Teresa in our school office as soon as possible [email protected] We're preparing each and every seat! Thank you for your help.