Principal's Message
Dear Arroyo Families,
I hope you all had a wonderful break as a family and found time to unplug together. My family enjoyed our first real vacation since the start of the pandemic. The time spent together outside of our normal routines left all of us feeling refreshed… and yet we still found ourselves more tied to our devices than on past vacations!
As we transition to more COVID normalcy this spring, one of my personal reflections on the impact of the last two years on my own family is that my children (and my husband and I) spend more time online than we did pre-COVID. Research backs this up. Common Sense Media has found that total entertainment screen time use by tweens and teens has increased more in the past two years than it did in the four years prior to the pandemic. I was also struck by this statistic: more than 60% of tweens and teens watch online videos every day, particularly on YouTube. In case you’ve seen a similar trend in your own family, I wanted to share some helpful conversation starters to have with your child(ren) about their screen time habits (you may even find yourself doing some reflection on your own screen time, too!):
- Show interest in what they’re doing online. My own kids are huge sports fans and spend time watching game highlights, following some of their favorite athletes, and tracking off-season updates.
- Help them recognize their screen time habits. I’m a big fan of the “screen time” calculator in settings on Apple devices; we check in weekly with each other to see how much time we’re spending and in what categories.
- Talk about their emotional health. In my family, we talk about the zombie mode that we fall into when we’ve spent too much time online or with one app…and about how it makes us feel.
- Talk about what to do when they have negative emotions or want to change their habits. It can help to set limits that balance activities, like a half hour of screen time for an hour spent playing outside, or spent reading.
As we return to campus this week, I have a few reminders for you:
Please continue to monitor your child’s health. We sent home COVID test kits before the break, so if your child had a known exposure, has any symptoms, or even just spent time in crowded airports/airplanes, we would be grateful if you could administer a home test or get a PCR test. We need everyone to continue to do their part to help keep all students and staff healthy at school. Please alert the school if your child tests positive.
After break we will be sharing transition information for next year. All of the parent information sessions listed below will be hosted on Zoom and recorded for those unable to attend live. Zoom links will be shared soon. Please be sure to also complete the InfoSnap registration process sent by the district.
- Families with current 3rd graders - I will be hosting a parent information session on Wednesday, 4/6 at 7pm on Zoom to share the Arroyo program. If you have an incoming third grader, you are welcome to attend but should already know most of what I will be sharing. Please remind friends and neighbors with third graders to attend.
- Families with current 4th graders - Elective selection will begin this month. 4th graders will have the opportunity to learn about their choices at an assembly tentatively scheduled for April 13. Information will be shared with parents around that time and we will host an optional zoom session to answer parent questions the following week. Watch for more information coming soon.
- Families with current 5th graders - On Tuesday, April 5 there will be two different sessions for parents. Join us at 9am for a district-wide parent meeting to learn more about middle school math pathways. At 7pm, Central Principal Tom Domer, Assistant Principal Bassant Abdelrahman, and I will co-host a parent meeting to share all about the middle school program at Central. We will answer your questions about middle school and help give you a sense of what to expect next year.
We also have a number of fun events coming up this spring. Please see the PTA section below for more information about Stampede & Soar, our yearbook cover art contest, and “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” event. Keep an eye out for information coming soon about our annual Arroyo talent show, and other spring celebrations.
Looking forward to seeing all of our Eagles back!
Warmly,
Mindy Shelton
Principal
[email protected]
PTA News
Next Sunday, April 10: STAMPEDE & SOAR COLOR RUN
It’s almost here, don't miss your chance to join the fun. Sign up now!
Limited T-shirt sizes available. Online registration closes Wednesday night. Day of registration available pay with cash or check. T-shirts might sell out. Wear a white T-shirt you want colored if you’re registering the day of the event. https://centralarroyopta.myschoolcentral.com.
See attached link for T-shirt pick up information and Event Day Details:
Stampede and Soar-Event Day Details
We have added Carnival Games to the Stampede and Soar! Parents, we need help setting up and cleaning up the games. The games are assigned by Arroyo classroom - please sign up under your classroom.
Only a few spots left!! Get us across the finish line for our Stampede and Soar! Our fun color run is really coming together, but we could use a little more help:
- Day of Help: Hand out Food and Run Field Games- fun and easy!!!
- Route monitors still needed for the first shift, 8:30-9:45am- spray bubbles and keep kids safe!
Sign up Here: https://signup.com/go/dDzUeCt
Help Needed! “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” Committee
Looking for a fun and easy way to contribute to the Arroyo school community this spring? Our events team needs help planning the “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” event in order to make it happen. The thought work and organizing has been done. Now we need help with execution! Email Central Arroyo PTA President Kirsten Kell for more information.
Yearbook Cover Contest
All students are invited to enter their art in our yearbook cover contest. The winner’s artwork will be displayed on the front cover of the yearbook. Please encourage your child to participate.
Submit Art on:
8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper
Vertical orientation
All Entries Must Include:
- Our school name
- The school year 2021-22
- Return Entries to the Arroyo Office by: Friday, 4/15
Tips for a Good Entry:
- Use lots of color, including the background. Don’t leave uncolored white space.
- Mix up your medium, use crayons, watercolors, markers, pastels, etc.
- Do not add text too close to the edge of the page. Leave 1 inch of space around the edges, (no text) just color. This will avoid print issues when the art is applied to the cover.
Purchase & Customize Your Yearbook
- Go to www.treering.com/validate
- Enter your school’s passcode: 1014628525232886
- Price: $17.26 (does not include sales tax)
- Deadline: Monday, 4/18
If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or [email protected].
SCEF News
Represent Your School and Support the Mission of Funding Our Schools for the Future
SCEF is currently looking for school representatives to serve on its board for the 2022-23 school year. Join our team to act as a liaison between your school site, PTA, and the SCEF board.
We are also seeking board members or committee members with experience in marketing, finance, or event planning. There are many on-going and shorter-term opportunities to apply your professional experience to making a difference for San Carlos public schools. Interested in learning more? Please contact us at [email protected].
A Huge Appreciation to All the Gala and Silent Auction Participants and Donors
Thanks to you we are getting closer to meeting our $3.2 million goal. We would also like to thank our Fund the Future sponsors– Premia Capital, Prince Street Partners, Presidio Bay Ventures, Sereno, JMS Development, and Jacklyn Kurth Orthodontics and the San Carlos families that provided matching grants.
Outbid on the online auction? There are still items remaining–check out our Post-Auction Marketplace.
Strong participation by so many in San Carlos–parents, businesses, community members and alumni families–is a great reminder of the VALUE that is placed on our local public schools. Thank you for your continued support! Learn more about our Fund-The-Future 2022: Funding the Future of Libraries campaign.
District News
It's Time to Complete Your InfoSnap Registration Forms - Extended Deadline - Friday April 8
Each spring, we ask all families to complete their annual Back-To-School student information forms through PowerSchool (InfoSnap) online. This allows families to update/add emergency contact information, update health records (allergy or medical considerations), and give permissions, etc.
Your timely completion of this process will assist us in having the most accurate numbers for returning students for the 2022-23 school year, which is directly tied to the SCSD budget and will allow the District in planning for staffing needs more effectively.
The week of March 21, you should have received an email from [email protected] with the Subject Line: San Carlos School District - Online Student Information Forms (2022-2023) Instructions 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."
We are extending the deadline to complete your InfoSnap forms to Friday, April 8. Please complete your student registration for fall 2022 ASAP. If you are not planning to return to our district next year, please notify your school office as soon as possible.
We are watching enrollment closely to properly prepare for next year. Thank you for your assistance!
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
"Love More" Mural Community Paint Day - Sat, Apr 23
The Community Foundation of San Carlos is actively seeking event volunteers, painting volunteers and donations to support our 4/23 community paint day and celebration of the "Love More", environmental advocacy mural.
What: "Love More" Mural Community Paint Day
When: Sat, Apr 23 from 9am-6pm
Where: 1379 Old County Road, San Carlos, CA 94070
How: Come build community with us through various volunteer opportunities (paint the mural, event coordination, photography, etc.). Sign up here!
Even if you cannot volunteer, stop by for a community celebration as there will be food trucks, live music, and other fun activities for all ages!
Visit this link to learn more about the project, sign up for volunteering/painting and donate to support this and future projects.
San Carlos Park & Rec - Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Recruiting New Members
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is now accepting applications for the 2022- 2023 school year. Are you interested in representing the San Carlos youth population? This program is geared for middle school and high school students looking to make a difference in their community. Let your voice be heard, and join a group of passionate youth who are making our community great! Applications are due Friday, April 29. For more information on the YAC or to apply, visit www.cityofsancarlos.org/yac.
Parent Education Opportunities
Raising Healthy Children and Adolescents (TK-12 Families) - Beginning April 14, 2022. The County Office of Education is co-sponsoring a series of parent workshops with Adolescent Counseling Services and the San Mateo County Human Services Agency to provide families with information on how to raise healthy children and adolescents. Spanish interpretation will be provided. Learn more.
Eating disorders in kids have skyrocketed during the pandemic. Join Avery Walker, PhD, eating disorders expert, Stanford Children's Health, for What Should Parents Know? Eating Disorders Rising in Children and Teens (April 5, Online).
Want to find the right college at a cost you can afford? Lynn O'Shaughnessy, higher-ed financial journalist and founder of The College Solution, offers Winning Strategies for Finding the Right School at the Right Price (Thursday, April 7).
NEW! How can we help our kids bring creative approaches to any challenges or opportunities they face? Join Sarah Stein Greenberg, executive director of Stanford's d.school, for Creative Acts for Curious People (April 14, Online).
Vaping: What Does it Cost? PSA Contest (6-8th Grade Students)
All middle and high school students are invited to submit a video, poster, or audio about the costs of vaping for a chance to win up to a $100 gift card. Submissions should be aimed towards spreading awareness about the dangers of nicotine and vaping and how one can quit their addiction. Winners will be announced at a virtual hip-hop concert on May 19th, 5:30-6:30pm. Entries due April 22, 2022. Learn more.
No Place for Hate Initiative (All School Communities)
Paperwork due April 29, 2022. Registration is now open for the Anti-Defamation League’s No Place for Hate Initiative, which provides a proactive and student-centered framework to fight hate and build inclusive and safe communities in which respect and equity are the goals, and where all students can thrive. Learn more.
Peace Flag Project (TK-12 Teachers, Administrators)
No Deadline. San Mateo County youth are invited to share their hope and vision for peace through the Peace Flag Project, which aims to unite people around the world through art. Youth can draw their art or share their message on 10x10 inch square pieces of fabric, which will then be pieced together to create one large flag. Learn more.
Keep up with the most current offerings on the Parent Venture Series Events.
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics (Students Ages 5-11)
San Mateo County Health is offering pediatric COVID-19 vaccines at eight sites throughout the county. 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 COVID-19 testing sites at one of our school locations or those provided by the San Mateo County Health Department. Click on the links below for more information or to sign-up.
NEW OPTION - WORKSITE LABS - Arroyo Upper Elementary (Patio 3)
- Mondays & Wednesdays from 3:30-6:30pm
Sign-up for testing at Arroyo
CURATIVE KIOSK - 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
CURATIVE VAN - 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