In This Issue
- Principal’s Message
- Arroyo Eagle Support Fire Victims
- PTA News
- PTA Reflections Contest
- Halloween Party
- Digital Safety Education
- Outdoor Education Help
- STEM Fair Workshop
- Healthy Cities Tutoring
- Certified Substitutes Needed
- School Board Elections
- SCEF News
- 2018 Chickens Ball
- Legarza Veterans Day All-Sports Camp
- New Drumline/Percussion Ensemble Forming
- Free Scavenger Hunt
Principal’s Message
Hello Arroyo Parents and Guardians,
I want to take a moment to talk about emergency protocols that we put into place, in order to keep your child(ren) safe while at school. This past week, due to the poor air quality from the North Bay fires, we used the ‘Shelter in Place’ protocol to minimize exposure to air pollution for all students. This meant that students remained indoors for recess, lunch, and PE, when the air quality index (AQI) was deemed unhealthy. The students did a great job with this, although by Friday they were understandably getting a little stir crazy!
In addition to this protocol, we also needed to support the whole school evacuation protocol for CMS on Friday, due to a minor gas leak in one of the science classrooms. Because we were still ‘sheltering in place’, the CMS students needed to evacuate to Arroyo and shelter in any available spaces. We were able to accommodate this with minimal disruption to the Arroyo student learning. One important take away from this experience was the importance of maintaining a flexible mindset during an emergency. Our teachers and students were able to demonstrate this life skill in an incredible way. Way to go eagles!
This upcoming week, on Thursday, October 19th, we will be practicing our campus-wide earthquake protocol, Drop Cover and Hold On, and our campus-wide evacuation procedures. This will be part of the Great Shakeout Drill that is now being practiced in schools around the world. The CMS and Arroyo staff and students will practice our earthquake protocol and evacuation procedures together, so that we can seamlessly work together in the event of any future emergencies.
Upcoming Dates to Keep in Mind:
- October 17: Keeping it Positive: Teen Behavior in Cyber Space and Beyond @ CMS 6:30-8:00pm
- October 18: Healthy Cities Tutor Training @White Oaks 8:30am and 6:30pm
- October 23: 4th grade ROPES Orientation @ 6:00pm in Mustang Hall
- October 23-27: Goal Setting Conferences
Marie Crawford, Principal
Arroyo Eagles Support Fire Victims – Thank You and Future Opportunities!
The Stampede & Soar donation drive was a smashing success. Thank you for baking and buying all the goodies and for your generous donations for the North Bay fire victims.
Thanks to the generosity of our incredible community today, our Central Arroyo Bake Sale raised over $11,700 + gift cards and donations to help the victims of the North Bay fires. Unsold baked goods were hand delivered to district fire stations as well as donation distributions centers. A special thanks to all of the parents and children who baked, volunteered, and especially to Nina Shah and Julie Alsaegh for their leadership and organization! These individuals and their support staff jumped in to plan the S&S and then switched gears at the last minute to pull off the new event.
Classroom Drives
Many Arroyo students have come to school wanting to talk about the recent wildfires. Some had seen news footage or have family and friends in the North Bay Area. Together teachers brainstormed ways to help families who are in need. These young altruists brought up the idea of a donation drive. As a result, Arroyo will be collecting specific supplies in every classroom which include the following items: new pairs of socks, toilet paper, non-perishable food items, new toothbrushes, toothpaste, coloring books, crayons, useful gift cards, and bottled water. Please refer to your teacher’s classroom communique for the specific items being collected in your child’s classroom. The office will collect any useful, easy to use gift cards (gas, grocery stores, Amazon, Visa/Mastercard, etc.). We will collect items through to Friday, October 20th for this drive.
PTA News
Do you enjoy Art in Action? Family Fiesta Night? Pizza at Family Night? Stampede & Soar? Do you feel good about staff appreciation and the principal, teacher, and library grants given annually by the PTA to support our school? We need your help to close our operating budget gap. We are currently $16K short of our goal to fund our annual budget. Many thanks to those of you who have already donated. We appreciate it! If you haven’t already, please consider donating the $250 suggested PTA donation here. Any amount is welcome, but we need everyone to contribute what they can. If you have any questions, please send them to arroyo.school.questions@scsdk8.org. Thank you!
PTA Reflections Contest: It’s All About the Arts
2017-18 Theme: “Within Reach”
The PTA Reflections Art Program has been bringing the arts to life for more than 10 million students since 1969. California State PTA and its members, families and kids are on the forefront of this amazing program, which increases community awareness of the importance of arts in education. Reflections encourages students of all ages to:
- Unleash creative talents and be inspired
- Express themselves imaginatively in their artwork
- Experience the fun and joy of making art
- Tap into critical-thinking skills to create art inspired by the annual theme
- Receive positive recognition for their original works of art.
PARTICIPATION IS EASY! All students attending Central and Arroyo are invited to participate by submitting original artwork based on the theme “Within Reach” in one of six areas:
- Dance/choreography
- Literature
- Photography
- Film production
- Music composition
- Visual arts.
- Judging Divisions:
- Intermediate: Grade 3-5 (or ages 8-10, Arroyo School)
- Middle/Junior: Grade 6-8 (or ages 11-13, Central)
- Special Artist Division (Special Ed, Arroyo and Central)
Official rules and submission forms are available in the school offices. DEADLINE to submit work and forms back to the offices: end of school day on Friday November 17th.
School winners will move on to San Mateo County PTA District 17 contest, and those winners will advance to the State level and those on to the National level. For more information see: http://capta.org/programs-events/reflections/ or email questions to Juliet Chan at Juliet2004@yahoo.com.
Halloween Party – Volunteers Needed!
Calling all witches, fairies, and ghouls! Dig that costume out of your attic and come help us throw a great Halloween party for our Arroyo kids. The kids will be visiting Mustang Hall in shifts on Halloween, and we need lots of parents to help run the games they’ll be playing. Shifts are short and easy, so please sign up!
Not a fan of dressing up? You can get in the spirit by wearing black and orange instead, or come as you are and help with setup the day before the party.
Please sign up today, and thank you in advance for your help!
Many spooky returns, Stacey Rabkin, Susan Milotich, Kirstin Mitchell, Cris Pizzato
Arroyo Eagles Support Fire Victims
This past Tuesday many Arroyo students came to school wanting to talk about the recent wildfires. Some had seen news footage or have family and friends in the North Bay Area. Together teachers brainstormed ways to help families who are in need. These young altruists brought up the idea of a donation drive. As a result, Arroyo will be collecting specific supplies in every classroom which include the following items: new pairs of socks, toilet paper, non-perishable food items, new toothbrushes, toothpaste, coloring books, crayons, useful gift cards, and bottled water. Please refer to your teacher’s classroom communique for the specific items being collected in your child’s classroom. The office will collect any useful, easy to use gift cards (gas, grocery stores, Amazon, Visa/Mastercard, etc.). We will collect items through to Friday, October 20th for this drive.
Digital Safety Parent Education Events
Save the date for two terrific opportunities to learn more about digital safety!
Keeping it Positive: Teen Behavior in Cyber Space and Beyond– Central Middle School Atrium, October 17th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Screenagers Movie Screening – San Carlos Youth Center, November, 14, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Outdoor Education Help
Our Fifth-grade students and teachers are looking forward to the upcoming Outdoor Education trip November 6th -9th! We are looking for high school and college-age cabin counselors to join the fun! As cabin leaders, students will learn valuable leadership skills, build last ing relationships, and earn community service hours! Do you know a sibling, neighbor, caretaker, or friend who may be interested? Please c ontact anaughton@scsdk8.org for more information!
STEM Fair Workshop #1
Come ready to discuss and refine your project ideas with our world class group of community scientists and engineers! We will also briefly review STEM Fair basics so that students who missed the first meeting can catch up, discuss experimental design and perform a greatest hits demo of golden slime, pop soap and sparking grapes.
- Wednesday, October 25, 2017
- 7-8:30pm
- Central Middle School Library
Healthy Cities Tutor Training
Hoping you can join us on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at the orientation for new volunteers to be become Healthy Cities tutors! There are two (identical) sessions being offered: 8:30-10:30 am and 6:30-8:30 pm. at White Oaks School. No RSVP is needed.
We welcome your help to give a little extra guidance to a student at one of our schools. You can choose the school, grade level and time. When asked how we could make the program better, a number of students gave us this response:
Certified Substitutes Needed!
The San Carlos School District is actively seeking Certificated Substitutes. If you enjoy volunteering for our schools or contributing to our community, please consider applying to become a certificated substitute for our District. Schedules are flexible and you select the dates you wish to work!
For more information contact Andrea Hernandez at ahernandez@scsdk8.org or by calling 650-590-5903. Apply online through Edjoin at: https://www.edjoin.org/Home/JobPosting/943584.
School Board Elections are Coming!
Don’t recycle your election mailer until you have voted! Did you know that the School Board we elect will have a critical role in both selecting the new superintendent and analyzing the impact of state budget cuts on our schools. Please vote – your voice counts!
SCEF News
Exclusive Real Estate Offers from Bob Bredel to support SCEF!
Our exclusive real estate sponsor Bob Bredel has two great offers to support SCEF. Check it out here: http://scefkids.org/bobbredel. Thank You Bob Bredel for your generosity!
SCEF also thanks our Platinum and Gold Sponsors for their support!
Platinum Sponsors: Alten Construction, JM Lehman Construction—Matt Lehman, Wells Fargo, Windy Hill Property Ventures
Gold Sponsors: Absolute Electrical- Miriam and Jeff Jonah, Bolar Painting-Carrie Banks and Rob Davies, Hyland Design Group, LT & Associates-Laura Teutschel, Lyngso Garden Materials, Palo Alto Medical Foundation, PG&E, San Carlos/Belmont Parents’ Club, San Carlos PTA,Tavarez Orthodontics
Check out our SCEF Market Place
Be sure to shop at and thank these local businesses and community organizations for their commitment to keeping our schools strong:
https://www.scefkids.org/take-action/families/shop-local/
SCEF is proud to host this year’s Faculty and Friends Concert
Here is your chance to listen to top quality music right here in our town! The San Carlos School District music teachers will perform with other professional musicians at the annual Faculty and Friends Concert on November 3, 2017 at 7pm, St. Charles Church, 880 Tamarack Ave, San Carlos.
This is the 12th year running for this amazing concert. Don’t miss your chance to hear exceptional music! Buy your tickets now at: www.scefkids.org/events
All proceeds benefit the music programs in our district’s middle schools.
2018 San Carlos Chickens Ball
Time Stands Still: A Review of Broadway Here and There
The Chickens’ Ball is a fundraiser for San Carlos schools, a community builder, and a variety show with a rousing opener, skits, entr’actes, and a dazzling finale! Calling all adults who like to sing, dance, act, make costumes and stage sets! Auditions are November 16, 6:00pm and November 18, 10:00am both at Heather School. Prepare a song, get ready to follow a dance or just show up! Show dates April 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, and 29, 2018.
For more information: www.chickensball.org
Legarza Veteran’s Day All-Sports Camp
Come celebrate Veteran’s Day with Legarza’s BEST coaches! Join our trained and highly experienced staff on the courts and out on the fields for a fun filled day of sports and action packed activities!
- WHERE: Tierra Linda Middle School
- WHEN: Friday, November 10th
- TIMES: 9:00am-12:00pm and/or 1:00pm-4:00pm (FREE extended care – 7:30am/5:30pm)
- WHO: All current K-8th Grade Students
- COST: $65
Register at legarzasports.org or call 415-334-3333 for more information!
New Drumline/Percussion Ensemble Forming
Percussionists and Percussionists-at-Heart NEEDED! MURPHY MUSIC, in partnership with SMART-E, is forming an Indoor Percussion Ensemble and Drum Line led by premier Bay Area drum line director, Danny Descalzo and Joe Murphy. In this group, kids will learn drum line cadences, ensemble pieces and techniques. There will be a mix of marching percussion instruments as well as concert percussion. This 10-week session begins on October 20th. Tuition is $275 + $25 materials fee. Only 30 slots open!! Visit murphymusiccamps.com for more information and to register!
Free Scavenger Hunt
Team up with friends or family Oct. 22 for THE GREAT SCCT SCAVENGER HUNT — a free community event sponsored by San Carlos Children’s Theater. Teams of all ages will follow clues and complete crazy tasks as they race to win raffle tickets and prizes! All you need is a little fairytale knowledge, comfy shoes & a sense of humor! The hunt begins at 10:00 am at Mustang Hall, 828 Chestnut St. Check-in opens 9:00 am. Advance registration nice, but not required. www.SanCarlosChildrensTheater.com.
Community Update
Visit the Arroyo website Community Corner to learn more about the following:
- Tryouts for the Fall Soccer Season will be held in November
- Goblin Walk
- Help the Northern California Fire Victims