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Who We Are

At Arroyo, we embrace the unique and exciting transition of the fourth and fifth grade years—a time when students are growing in independence, confidence, and curiosity. We support each child’s development by fostering ownership of learning, encouraging goal setting and a growth mindset, and engaging students in meaningful, project-based experiences that build collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.
 
We also value strong partnerships with families, recognizing the important role parents play in each child’s educational journey.
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Upcoming Events

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News & Announcements

What Can Bond Funding Pay For Image

What Can Bond Funding Pay For?

Understanding Local School Funding: What Do Bond Dollars Pay For?

As we look ahead to the upcoming parcel tax renewal, we want our community to understand how local school funding works—and why these two funding sources are not interchangeable.

Bond funding, such as Measure H, supports long-term improvements to our school facilities—including classrooms, roofs, windows, doors, HVAC systems and modernization projects.

You can see those dollars at work across San Carlos schools, creating safer, more comfortable and climate-ready learning environments for students and staff.

An important distinction: By law, bond funds cannot be used for ongoing expenses such as teacher and staff salaries or educational programs.

That’s why different sources of local funding serve different purposes.

Bonds = Buildings. Parcel Taxes = People + Programs.
Healthy Cities Tutoring 2026

Spotlight on Excellence🔦: Healthy Cities Tutoring

Each month, our Spotlight on Excellence highlights a unique aspect of what makes San Carlos schools exceptional.

On September 10, we proudly shared highlights of HCT’s impact on students and introduced a tutor-student pair, who shared their personal experiences with the program. This year also marks the 30th Anniversary of HCT!
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Principal's Message

Welcome to Arroyo Upper Elementary! Our Arroyo mascot is the Eagle and Together We Soar,  as we come together as a school community to support our students in connecting with their peers and growing socially and academically. 
 
The fourth and fifth grade years are such a special time of transition and growing independence. At Arroyo we strive to support each child’s developmental needs at this stage. This includes: 

- Helping students develop a sense of ownership for their learning and encouraging independence, goal setting, and a growth mindset
- Engaging students in project-based learning to deepen their collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills
- Supporting parents as partners in their child’s educational journey
 
These same student skills, mindsets and dispositions are also embedded in the Learner Profile in our newly updated SCSD Strategic Plan. The Learner Profile is our roadmap for bringing SCSD’s mission to life, and you’ll hear us talking more throughout the upcoming year about the ways in which we are leaning into this with our 4th and 5th graders.  The Learner Profile states:
 
“SCSD learners are curious problem solvers, self-aware learners, and kind citizens. They understand that learning is not only about acquiring knowledge but also about developing strong interpersonal skills, taking ownership of their learning, developing the ability to adapt and reflect, and being prepared to contribute to their community and the world at large.”  
 
Beyond our goals for students as learners, our broader aim is to make every student and family at Arroyo feel valued and connected. Without that sense of belonging, we cannot accomplish any of our larger academic goals for our students. Because of this, you’ll notice events for families throughout the year to help you build connections with our campus, our staff, and with other students and families.
 
We hope you’ll take the time to connect with our Arroyo community, because WE SOAR HIGHER WHEN WE SOAR TOGETHER!
 
Warmly,
Mindy Shelton
Principal
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Our Vision

Our vision is to nurture well-rounded, capable learners who are prepared to think critically, communicate effectively, and contribute positively to their community. Guided by the SCSD Learner Profile, we create opportunities for students to explore, innovate, and lead—strengthening their academic, social, and emotional skills along the way. Through flexible learning environments, collaborative experiences, and intentional leadership opportunities, we empower students to grow as confident learners and responsible citizens.
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