Principal's News
December
15 Minimum Day, 1:00 p.m. dismissal
16 Minimum Day, 1:00 p.m. dismissal
17 No school, Winter Break
January
3 No school and teachers participate in professional learning day
4 Students return to school
6 Unity Days Leader Training
7 Unity Days 8th grade all day assembly
Unity Days-Supporting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
Our school goals include a restorative return to school and creating an inclusive school community. We have an amplified focus on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. In January or February, all students and staff will be participating in Unity Days.
The Unity Days program enables students to learn how to develop respectful, empowering and collaborative relationships that are safe and supportive for all. This program helps to build respectful relationships between all on campus. Students often leave Unity Days feeling more connected to their school and knowing they can ask for help if needed.
Here is a brief overview of the day:
- Community Building (icebreakers, fun & games - with the large group)
Small Group Activities - 10-12 student participants, 2 student leaders, & 1 staff volunteer per group
- LUNCH
- Large Group Experiential Activity (ex. Cross the Line)
- Small Group Activities - Part 2 (includes a debrief of the experiential activity)
- Community Closure (end on a high with more fun & games)
Unity Days will take place at TL from 9:00 - 3:00 p.m. on the following dates:
January 7th - 8th grade
January 25th - 7th grade
February 15th - 6th grade
If your child 7th or 8th grader would like to be a Unity Days Leader, they should email Ms. Gulati or Ms. Ugrin for more information.
Westminster Woods
We had a Zoom assembly with students on Dec. 9 to explain the Westminster Woods field trip, Feb. 14 - 18. This is the week right before our February break. We are going to do a lottery and take some 7th graders and some 8th graders this year. For more information, click on the LINK and fill out the interest form.
Lost and Found Clean up
it's that time of year to search for your lost items. Check the lost and Found located behind the Multi Use Room.
All items will be collected and donated to a local charity on 12/20/21. So come by and have your student check for things.
8th Grade Carlmont High School Enrollment Information
If your student will be enrolling at Carlmont for 9th grade, here’s a LINK to an informational document with
instructions for enrollment, key dates and info on athletics and performing arts. This document link can also be found on our carlmonths.org webpage (parents/8th grade transition/district enrollment). See the attached pdf at the bottom of the news.
instructions for enrollment, key dates and info on athletics and performing arts. This document link can also be found on our carlmonths.org webpage (parents/8th grade transition/district enrollment). See the attached pdf at the bottom of the news.
San Carlos Education Foundation, SCEF
Every donation helps SCEF meet our fundraising goal of $3.2M to meet our mission of supporting every child, every day, in every classroom. We appreciate your donations whenever it is best for your family.
Ways to ways to donate before year-end
- Appreciated Stock
A gift of appreciated stock (that you have held for more than 1 year) is better than selling the stock and donating the proceeds. If you itemize, you may take a charitable deduction for the total donation amount while avoiding capital gains taxes. Learn more here.
- Workplace Giving
Many employers will match your donation to SCEF and some are offering end-of-year matching at 2:1.
- Give Every Month Program
Start now and spread your contributions across the school year.
Ready for Read-A-Thon? Pre-register for Prizes
The 2nd annual Read-A-Thon starts in January 2022. Register for the SCEF Read-a-Thon by Wednesday 12/15 and enter drawings to win WARRIORS TICKETS, or gift cards to Diddam’s, Tutti Frutti, Tea Hut, Reading Bug, Gelataio, Crepe Stop, or Patxi’s Pizza. AND parents can win, too--a gift card to TOWN! Visit www.scefkids.org/read2022 to register and learn more!
Need to get a Christmas tree or wreath!
Honey Bear Trees is back this season and offering a 15% SCEF donation for every tree and wreath purchase! Visit the San Carlos or Redwood City location and don’t forget to mention SCEF. Details at https://scefkids.org/honey-bear-trees/
Ways to ways to donate before year-end
- Appreciated Stock
A gift of appreciated stock (that you have held for more than 1 year) is better than selling the stock and donating the proceeds. If you itemize, you may take a charitable deduction for the total donation amount while avoiding capital gains taxes. Learn more here.
- Workplace Giving
Many employers will match your donation to SCEF and some are offering end-of-year matching at 2:1.
- Give Every Month Program
Start now and spread your contributions across the school year.
Ready for Read-A-Thon? Pre-register for Prizes
The 2nd annual Read-A-Thon starts in January 2022. Register for the SCEF Read-a-Thon by Wednesday 12/15 and enter drawings to win WARRIORS TICKETS, or gift cards to Diddam’s, Tutti Frutti, Tea Hut, Reading Bug, Gelataio, Crepe Stop, or Patxi’s Pizza. AND parents can win, too--a gift card to TOWN! Visit www.scefkids.org/read2022 to register and learn more!
Need to get a Christmas tree or wreath!
Honey Bear Trees is back this season and offering a 15% SCEF donation for every tree and wreath purchase! Visit the San Carlos or Redwood City location and don’t forget to mention SCEF. Details at https://scefkids.org/honey-bear-trees/
City of San Carlos Upcoming Events
Elf Movie Night
Looking for an evening of Holiday Cheer? The Youth Center is hosting a free screening of Elf on Friday, December 17. The movie will begin at 7:30 pm in the Youth Center Gym, but arrive early for activities appropriate for the whole family.
- 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm - Free Mister Softee and Holiday carnival games
- 7:30 pm – 9:15 pm - Movie time!
This event is FREE and open to all ages. Seating is limited so it is suggested to bring lawn chairs. Face masks are required inside the Youth Center.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Coats & Cards Donation Drive
The San Carlos Youth Advisory Council is hosting a community-wide Coats & Cards Donation Drive in partnership with LifeMoves and Sequoia Hospital. There are 2 parts to this drive:
- For the first part, we will be collecting winter weather items for homeless family shelters such as coats, jackets, ponchos, umbrellas, towels, and blankets. All items will be donated to LifeMoves.
- For the second part of the drive, we are asking the community to make cards for patients at Sequoia Hospital.
Both, winter weather items and cards can be dropped off at the San Carlos Youth Center from December 1 – December 17 between the hours of 9:00 am-6:00 pm. You can also donate online via our Amazon Wish List: https://amzn.to/3oYbNjR Thank you!
Looking for an evening of Holiday Cheer? The Youth Center is hosting a free screening of Elf on Friday, December 17. The movie will begin at 7:30 pm in the Youth Center Gym, but arrive early for activities appropriate for the whole family.
- 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm - Free Mister Softee and Holiday carnival games
- 7:30 pm – 9:15 pm - Movie time!
This event is FREE and open to all ages. Seating is limited so it is suggested to bring lawn chairs. Face masks are required inside the Youth Center.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Coats & Cards Donation Drive
The San Carlos Youth Advisory Council is hosting a community-wide Coats & Cards Donation Drive in partnership with LifeMoves and Sequoia Hospital. There are 2 parts to this drive:
- For the first part, we will be collecting winter weather items for homeless family shelters such as coats, jackets, ponchos, umbrellas, towels, and blankets. All items will be donated to LifeMoves.
- For the second part of the drive, we are asking the community to make cards for patients at Sequoia Hospital.
Both, winter weather items and cards can be dropped off at the San Carlos Youth Center from December 1 – December 17 between the hours of 9:00 am-6:00 pm. You can also donate online via our Amazon Wish List: https://amzn.to/3oYbNjR Thank you!
New Student Priority Registration - Jan 11-Feb 11
Virtual TK/Kindergarten Information Night for New Families - Jan 10
Virtual TK/Kindergarten Information Night - Do you have an incoming TK or Kindergarten student? Are you new to the district? If so, please join us for our Virtual TK/Kindergarten Information Night, which is designed to provide parents and guardians with information about the San Carlos School District, its community partners and programs, and to provide an overview of how to register for school. Join us on Monday, January 10 from 6:30-7:30 pm for a virtual presentation via Zoom.
Registering a New Student - To get a jump on registration, familiarize yourself with our online registration process by visiting our How to Register for the 2022-23 School Year page for more information. Questions? Call your school for more information on the registration process.
Transitional Kindergarten - Will your child turn 5 between September 2, 2022 and February 2, 2023? If so, they will be enrolled in our Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program. Visit our Transitional Kindergarten program page to learn more.
New Student Priority Registration - For all students (TK-8th grade) opens on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. Priority registration closes on February 11, 2022.
Visit our Key Dates page for New Student Registration and Transfer Timelines:
- Monday, January 10 - Virtual TK/Kindergarten Welcome Night for New Families from 6:30-7:30 pm
- Tuesday, January 11 - New Student Priority Registration Opens for All New Students at 12:00 pm
- Wednesday, January 26 - Schools hold Virtual Elementary School Tours for Incoming TK/Kindergarten Families from 4:00-4:30 pm
- Friday, February 11 - New Student Priority Registration Deadline, 4:00 pm
Registering a New Student - To get a jump on registration, familiarize yourself with our online registration process by visiting our How to Register for the 2022-23 School Year page for more information. Questions? Call your school for more information on the registration process.
Transitional Kindergarten - Will your child turn 5 between September 2, 2022 and February 2, 2023? If so, they will be enrolled in our Transitional Kindergarten (TK) program. Visit our Transitional Kindergarten program page to learn more.
New Student Priority Registration - For all students (TK-8th grade) opens on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. Priority registration closes on February 11, 2022.
Visit our Key Dates page for New Student Registration and Transfer Timelines:
- Monday, January 10 - Virtual TK/Kindergarten Welcome Night for New Families from 6:30-7:30 pm
- Tuesday, January 11 - New Student Priority Registration Opens for All New Students at 12:00 pm
- Wednesday, January 26 - Schools hold Virtual Elementary School Tours for Incoming TK/Kindergarten Families from 4:00-4:30 pm
- Friday, February 11 - New Student Priority Registration Deadline, 4:00 pm
SamTrans Art Takes a Bus Ride Contest
Art Takes a Bus Ride (1st-12th Grade Students)
Due February 25, 2022
The San Mateo County Office of Education is partnering with SamTrans to give students a chance to have their artwork displayed on the side of a SamTrans bus for an entire year. Artwork must illustrate this year’s theme of San Mateo County Reopens. Learn more.
Due February 25, 2022
The San Mateo County Office of Education is partnering with SamTrans to give students a chance to have their artwork displayed on the side of a SamTrans bus for an entire year. Artwork must illustrate this year’s theme of San Mateo County Reopens. Learn more.
Parent Education Opportunities
Parent Venture Series - https://www.parentventure.org/events
Holiday traditions (candles, trees, cooking) can increase the risk of home fire. Sequoia Healthcare District hosts Fire Marshal Gareth Harris for a Town Hall, Fire Safety for Your Home: A Disaster Prep Town Hall Meeting (December 14, Online).
On December 15, the Peninsula Health Care District presents a timely Town Hall meeting, "I Don't Like Needles": How to Support Kids with Vaccine Anxiety, with medical experts from Stanford Health Care (Online).
Holiday traditions (candles, trees, cooking) can increase the risk of home fire. Sequoia Healthcare District hosts Fire Marshal Gareth Harris for a Town Hall, Fire Safety for Your Home: A Disaster Prep Town Hall Meeting (December 14, Online).
On December 15, the Peninsula Health Care District presents a timely Town Hall meeting, "I Don't Like Needles": How to Support Kids with Vaccine Anxiety, with medical experts from Stanford Health Care (Online).
COVID Reminders - Stay Home When Sick and Get Tested
Staying home when sick and getting tested for COVID-19 are two of the most effective ways to keep our community safe. Click here to for more information.
Common Symptoms of COVID-19 (CDPH)
- Headache, Fever or Chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue (tiredness), Muscle or body aches, New Loss of taste or smell, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea
- If you have any of the symptoms listed above, call your school office to report an illness, stay home, and take a COVID test.
- If you need to report a COVID case, please call our District Nurse - Page Pollack at 650-632-8300 (Arroyo Office) or Human Resources at 650-590-5922 if the Nurse is unavailable or during school breaks.
For additional information, visit our COVID-19 Resources page and review the SCSD Health & Safety Plan.
Common Symptoms of COVID-19 (CDPH)
- Headache, Fever or Chills, Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue (tiredness), Muscle or body aches, New Loss of taste or smell, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting, Diarrhea
- If you have any of the symptoms listed above, call your school office to report an illness, stay home, and take a COVID test.
- If you need to report a COVID case, please call our District Nurse - Page Pollack at 650-632-8300 (Arroyo Office) or Human Resources at 650-590-5922 if the Nurse is unavailable or during school breaks.
For additional information, visit our COVID-19 Resources page and review the SCSD Health & Safety Plan.
New Location & Additional Days for Curative Van
Please take advantage of the COVID-19 testing provided by the San Mateo County Health Department. Click on the link to sign up at one of the following locations to begin your regular weekly testing.
Central Middle School (parking lot)
- Mondays 11:00 am-6:00 pm
- Tuesdays & Wednesdays 9:00 am-4:00 pm
- Thursdays 12:00 pm-7:00 pm
- Fridays 11:00 am-6:00 pm
Sign-up for testing at Central here
Tierra Linda Middle School (parking lot)
- Wednesday & Friday 11:00am-5:00 pm
- Saturday 8:00 am-3:00 pm
Sign-up for testing at Tierra Linda here
Other Community Based Testing sites in San Mateo County Here
Central Middle School (parking lot)
- Mondays 11:00 am-6:00 pm
- Tuesdays & Wednesdays 9:00 am-4:00 pm
- Thursdays 12:00 pm-7:00 pm
- Fridays 11:00 am-6:00 pm
Sign-up for testing at Central here
Tierra Linda Middle School (parking lot)
- Wednesday & Friday 11:00am-5:00 pm
- Saturday 8:00 am-3:00 pm
Sign-up for testing at Tierra Linda here
Other Community Based Testing sites in San Mateo County Here