Principal's Message
Dear Arroyo Families,
Last week was quite a week for our Eagles and I couldn’t be more proud of both our students and staff!
Our 5th graders had a wonderful week at Outdoor Ed! It took a lot to get them there safely but hearing from so many of you about what a wonderful experience it was makes it all worthwhile and I’m so glad we were able to make it happen! I want to extend a HUGE shout-out to our 5th grade teachers for setting aside their entire lives for the week to accompany and support our kids, and an extra big thanks to Angela Naughton who served as our Outdoor Ed coordinator, and our district nurse, Page Pollack who attended to support some of our students’ medical needs.
Our 4th graders had a busy week on campus. This past Wednesday, our teachers had the chance to connect professional development with in-the-moment instruction. The Arts as Life! Institute was a day-long virtual immersive experience with opportunities to practice creativity and its connections to equity & inclusion and social & emotional learning. Each workshop was designed for teacher and student participation, and each teacher got to select from a variety of options. Arroyo students attended sessions like the Fairy Tale Challenge where students used sequential art (comic books, video, and movies) to explore how we “read” the picture world through common fairy tales. Classes then explored how to compose a visual story for the most impact and tried changing the dynamics through visual storytelling. Several classes also joined the Art as Inquiry lesson by Todd Berman. In this activity he had students use art as a tool to explore their feelings. Teachers were able to attend afternoon sessions like the Book Arts Roadshow or Yoga & Meditation. I hope your child shared stories with you from this fun day of learning! Since it was also Global School Play Day, this was a great way to use the arts to learn and play in a different way. I thought you might enjoy seeing a few photos of our student artists.
Our 4th graders also did a fantastic job with our Secure Campus on Friday afternoon. I know it was a scary situation for many of them, and for our staff as well. I’m grateful to our San Carlos Sheriff deputies for their swift action in both alerting us and handling the situation. I also want to express my thanks to the parents who were on campus for pick-up and stayed out of the way, allowing us to do our jobs in keeping everyone safe. Thankfully the situation was resolved quickly and we appreciate that so many of you have reached out to check in with staff.
Friday was an excellent reminder of the importance of regularly practicing and communicating our Big Five Protocols. We have talked about these with students several times this year and hold monthly drills to practice. We’ll be reviewing the protocols again this week and encourage you to also review and discuss them at home.
Thank you for submitting the CA Healthy Kids Survey consent forms last week. Our students will be completing that survey in the coming week. You, too, will be receiving an invitation to complete the parent version of the survey this week. Thank you in advance for carving out a bit of time to complete the survey. I truly value your feedback and will use it to continue to improve our program as we strive to make Arroyo the best possible school for your fourth and fifth graders.
Watching our students laugh and play this week, I’ve been reminded that although this past month has been very challenging on the COVID front, our children are thriving this year by being back on campus and with their friends and teachers. While we continue to have some students impacted by COVID, our number of cases is declining each week and we’re ready to bring back our student-led clubs and Art in Action lessons this week. Thank you to our parent volunteers who make these programs possible, and thank you for your patience as we prioritized the health and safety of our students.
The Arroyo Makerspace is one of our favorite places to play and explore on campus and we’re running a bit low on some supplies. If you have any of the following items lying around your house, please send them to school with your child:
- Paper towel or toilet paper tubes
- Egg cartons
- Cardboard
- Old electronics (that the kids can take apart)
- Corks
Warmly,
Mindy Shelton
Principal
[email protected]
PTA News
PTA Meeting This Wednesday - Arroyo/Central Library
Please join us in person for our next PTA meeting Wednesday, February 9 at 8:45am in the Central/Arroyo library.
Hear updates from our principals, PTA presidents, and about the upcoming Stampede and Soar event.
Be sure to check out the Agenda before the meeting to see what will be discussed!
February Staff Appreciation Sign-up: Happy Lunar New Year!
PTA would love your help with staff appreciation lunches for the remainder of the year to show our teachers and staff how grateful we are for all they do! Please sign-up to bring goodies for the February 16 staff appreciation lunch HERE and stay-tuned for monthly lunch sign-ups, plus a special treat schedule for teacher appreciate week in May!
Volunteer Spots Still Open, Help Make This Stampede Really SOAR!!!!
Our Stampede & Soar team is coming together. We still have needs in these areas:
- Entertainment Committee, Food, Music, Field Games afterward
- Logistics, walk the route, give letters to the neighbors, hand out orange vests to the route monitors
- Hand out t-shirts at school April 7 or 8
If you are interested in helping with this event, please sign up here https://signup.com/go/dDzUeCt.
STAMPEDE & SOAR - SIGN UP TODAY
The 2022 Stampede and Soar Color Run is coming up on Sunday, April 10!
Join the Arroyo Eagles and Central Mustangs as they Stampede & Soar through the City of Good Living! This year’s fun run will be a color chase celebrating community and raising money for our school through business sponsorships.
Event Details
- Sunday, April 10th from 9-11am
- Central/Arroyo Campus
- 1.5 mile laps through 4 color stations
- Run/walk one or two laps
- DJ music and food for purchase
- Liquid food-grade color provided by Chameleon Color
Register by March 15 to guarantee a 2022 Stampede & Soar t-shirt.
Tickets $25 per participant. SIGN UP TODAY! https://centralarroyopta.myschoolcentral.com
Arroyo/Central Living Campus Work Day Feb 12
Come help care for Each Green Corner’s Living Campus garden at Arroyo & Central on Saturday, February 12! We will be performing important garden maintenance tasks such as: weeding garden beds, pruning, harvesting, and trash cleanup. The work will start at 9am and end around 1pm. It’s going to be a fun and rewarding day!
See the event page for more details and COVID instructions. To register for the event click here! If you have any questions or concerns please email [email protected].
Join the PTA and Make Your Voice Heard!
Did you know that when you join the Central Arroyo PTA, you are also joining the California State PTA, which spearheads educational advocacy in Sacramento? Higher membership gives our PTA a powerful voice in advocating for our children with the California legislature. 100% membership sends a message that our district is made up of voters who are concerned and involved. Join the PTA for $20 to help keep the push for better CA school funding going strong.
The CMS/Arroyo Library Could Use Your Help
Our school librarian is looking for parent volunteers to help with shelving books and/or lunchtime library supervision. Ideally volunteers could commit to one hour every week or two, but once a month would work too! Times and days are flexible.
For more information, please contact CMS/Arroyo Librarian: Katie Hultgren at [email protected].
Still Looking for a Way to Volunteer?
Go to our website and sign up today! Ways to Support your PTA Programs
Upload Your Photos for the Arroyo 2021-22 Yearbook!
Parents & Teachers can now sign into TreeRing and upload photos into shared folders for the various classrooms or themes. You can also upload into private folders for use on personal/custom TreeRing pages later.
Our yearbook reps for each class will look through those photos periodically for use on your classroom’s montage page and the various events pages. Deadline to be announced later, but good to start uploading now, including class events, Halloween, sports, pets, etc.
Quick instructions below, and we have very detailed instructions here:
- Goto Treering at https://treering.com/validate - Use our passcode: 1014628525232886
- If you’ve used TreeRing before then click the green Log-In button on the bottom right, and if you are new to TreeRing you’ll create a new account.
- Select your teacher’s name
- You can purchase a yearbook now or click the “Buy later” link in the top left
- Scroll down to find Share Photos > “Share Your Photos” button
- Click the Shared Photo Folders icon and find the appropriate classroom or named event folder, then upload by clicking Add Photos button
SCEF News
Sports Basement supports our schools with earnings from their Basementeer Program. Sign up and save 10% on every purchase and 10% of profits will be donated to SCEF. Shop all sports, camping, rentals and more, plus get bonus perks from lift ticket deals to free propane!
Call for auction items for the silent auction portion of the annual SCEF Gala. Do you have a vacation home, timeshare, airline miles, fine wines, sports tickets, or ideas/connections for a great outing? Please contact [email protected] if you are interested in contributing to the auction to raise money for our kids.
Remember to mark your calendar: Silent auction opens March 10 and the Virtual Starlight Gala is Sunday night, March 13.
District News
Intent to Return Confirmation Process for 2022-23 - Feb 14
Each year, we ask families for assistance in completing an Intent to Return Form regarding your child's enrollment for the next school year (2022-23).
On Monday, Feb 14 this form will be emailed to you. Your timely completion of this form will assist SCSD in having the most accurate numbers for returning students for next year, which is directly tied to the SCSD budget and will allow District staff to plan more effectively.
Please fill out one form for each child by March 4, 2022.
After completing this form, you will receive an email from [email protected] in mid-March that will provide you with specific directions on how to complete the registration process online including a link to access the InfoSnap portal, as well as a special ID number for your student, referred to as the “Infosnap Code."
If your plans change at any time and you are not planning to return next year, please notify your school office as soon as possible.
Thank you for your assistance with this important process.
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 for more information.
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.
For additional information, visit our COVID-19 Resources page and review the SCSD Health & Safety Plan.
Community Partner News
Community Foundation of San Carlos - Celebrate Black History Month
In celebration of Black History Month, the Community Foundation of San Carlos has curated a list of events, activities and resources offered throughout February 2022 and beyond.
SamTrans Art Takes a Bus Ride Contest - Due Feb 25
The San Mateo County Office of Education is partnering with SamTrans to give students in grades 1-12 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.
Afterschool Care Enrichment (ACE) is Now Enrolling at Arroyo and Mariposa for the 2022-23 School Year!
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 upper elementary students. ACE will offer both Morning and Full Time or Part Time Afternoon.
Morning Programming Including Breakfast - Monday-Friday from 7:30am-the start of the school day - Full Time-5 Day or Part Time-3 Day Afternoon Programming - Monday-Friday from End of school day-6pm. Each day includes a Healthy afternoon snack, our Homework Lab with staff assisted support, STEAM activities and Active Outdoor Enrichment Programming.
Arroyo 22-23 Registration Link | Mariposa 22-23 Registration Link
Please visit our website for more information or to register your child at www.acesancarlos.com or contact ACE - Phone: (650) 931-4007 - Email: [email protected].
ACE Adventures Summer Camp 2022 at Arroyo - Early Bird DISCOUNTED Registration is Now Open!
This Summer our program will be located at Arroyo Elementary school in San Carlos. We welcome all elementary school age children grades TK-6th. We will be open June 13th-August 12th, M-F 8am-6pm. We will serve lunch three times weekly (M,W,F) and offer optional field trips twice weekly.
You may register by week as well as have the option of 3 days or 5 days per week registered. We offer themed sessions packed with STEAM and Outdoor Athletic activities each day. Wednesdays campers are invited to bring in their wheels to enjoy ample riding space on our gated black top area. Additionally every Friday campers will enjoy our Interactive Water Slide or Slip N' Slide Inflatables, fun water activities, and a visit from the Kona Ice Truck! We are looking forward to a summer full of fun and adventures!
To register or for more information on session themes, field trip options, lunch menus, fees and more, please visit our website by clicking HERE: ACE ADVENTURES
San Carlos Belmont Afters School's Kamparama
Kamparama sessions begin the week after the school year ends and run through the summer June 13 through August 12, the week prior to the beginning of school.
Kamparama is a fun filled, all day program from 7:30am-6pm. Children four and half to eleven years are welcome. Lunch is provided the days we remain on campus (Monday, Wednesday and Friday). Snacks are provided every afternoon. There are two field trips each week. Tuesdays we explore a local park and Thursdays we head to a local excursion. All field trips and transportation costs are included in our fees. The list of our field trips can be found on our website www.Kamparama.com.
SCSD Day at Stanford Basketball - Feb 6
Stanford Men’s Basketball Welcomes San Carlos School District on February 6!
Join us at Maples Pavilion as the Cardinal takes on the Washington Huskies. Get to know your fellow SCSD families seating in the same section. All SCSD students in attendance will receive a Stanford t-shirt!
Use promo code SCSD to purchase tickets at the discounted price, starting at just $12. The promo code is active, and families can purchase tickets today.
Parent Venture Series - https://www.parentventure.org/
Students are taught what "consent" means, but do they have the skills to incorporate consent into everyday life? The “Consent Conversation” is the new “Sex Talk” and just as critical. Join Vanessa Kellam, Family Engagement Manager from Health Connected, for a meaningful conversation about consent and protective behaviors. Consent Reframed: Beyond the Affirmative "Yes" (February 9, Online).
NEW! Kindness and courage are two strengths that help our kids flourish in school. Deborah Farmer Kris, a writer, educator, and founder of Parenthood365, joins us for Raising Kids Who are Kind and Brave (February 10, Online). Learn more.
Why is money still considered the "M Word"? How can families learn to talk about financial literacy with their children and teens? In this presentation, Lori Sackler, a nationally recognized financial advisor, offers an insider's look into what she refers to as "The M Word": The Money Talk for the Next Generation (February 16, Online).
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics (Students Ages 5-11)
San Mateo County Health is offering pediatric COVID-19 vaccines at eight sites throughout the county during the month of January. Free and advance appointments are now available, highly encouraged, and may be scheduled through MyTurn. Families may also come without appointments. Learn more.
Schedule Your Appointment at the Curative COVID-19 Testing Van
Please take advantage of the no-cost 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 11am-6pm
- Tuesdays & Wednesdays 9am-4pm
- Thursdays 12pm-7pm
- Fridays 11am-6pm
- Sign-up for testing at Central here
Tierra Linda Middle School Parking Lot
- Wednesday & Friday 11am-5pm
- Saturday 8am-3pm
- Sign-up for testing at Tierra Linda here
- Other Community Based Testing sites in San Mateo County Here