Principal’s Message
Dear Arroyo families,
In the coming weeks we will be kicking off many of our student leadership opportunities. Our recess equipment managers are already getting started. Over the next week or so each classroom will be selecting two representatives to participate in our Eagle Council. Eagle Council meets weekly during morning recess throughout the year to plan activities around school spirit, school improvement and community service. Students who aren’t selected as class representatives will have other chances to participate in leadership as Arroyo Ambassadors and Club Leaders, both of which will kick off in October.
Picture Day at Arroyo will be on Friday, Sept. 23. We are using a new photographer this year. Still Light Studios will photograph all students at Arroyo and will email parents directly with a proof of your child’s photo and ordering information. No advance purchase or registration is required. Makeup photos are scheduled for Oct. 21.
So many wonderful events happen here at Arroyo School, and I am aware that sometimes the cost can add up. As part of our Arroyo program we are pleased to be able to offer assistance and support to families as needed. Some of these services and offerings include a school photo package, a yearbook at the end of the year, grocery and toy-store gift cards for the holiday season, and scholarships for special school trips and PTA events.
These things are made available through the fundraising efforts of the PTA or private donations. The children or families receiving this assistance are kept confidential, and I am the only one who will know. If your family is in need this year, we want to support you. Please complete this form, and I will help to make the requested items available to you.
We’re getting into the swing of things with our universal meal service. Thank you for your patience as we work through some of the kinks involved in a new program. We seem to be getting the hang of things now. We would like to reduce the wait time for our students picking up lunch. The best way to do that is with volunteer support. Thanks to the parents who have already stepped up to help.
We are still in need of a volunteer on Wednesdays from 12:40-1:00 and on Fridays from 11:50-12:50. If you can help, please fill out this form or email me at [email protected]. More information on our meal service, including school codes, can be found on our district website.
If you regularly pick up your child from school and can spare about 15 minutes, we are still very much in need of some volunteers to help at pickup time (3:05-3:20 p.m., 12:45-1:00 p.m. on Wednesdays). If you can help for even one day a week, please sign up here.
I hope to see you at our first PTA meeting of the year this Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. in our school library. See the PTA section below for more information as well as opportunities to order spirit wear and volunteer at Arroyo.
Please also check out the great parent education opportunities offered by Parent Venture at the end of this and every newsletter. I want to specifically call out the webinar titled “The Upside of Stress” offered on Sept. 22. I have seen Dr. Kelly McGonigal present this information multiple times and have found it to be really valuable. I hope you’ll consider signing up to attend.
Warmly,
Mindy Shelton
Principal
[email protected]
PTA News
PTA Meeting: This Wednesday, 8:45 a.m., in the school library
Please join us at our first PTA meeting of the year this Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 8:45 a.m. in the Central/Arroyo school library. Share your input on events and programs, and vote on the annual budget. These meetings are attended by both Tom Domer and Mindy Shelton and are a great way to stay informed. Be sure to check out the agenda and add future meeting dates to your calendar: PTA Meeting Dates & Agendas. We would love to see you!
Classroom Volunteers Needed
There are important Art in Action roles we are hoping to fill immediately: Class Coordinators and Docents. Class Coordinators partner with the AiA lead and work on the organization behind the scenes. Docents lead lively discussions about artwork done by great artists and civilizations to enhance students’ appreciation of art and its history. Students learn art concepts and techniques used in a masterpiece to create their own original art. This amazing program relies on parent volunteers to succeed. Please check out your classroom’s sign-up and consider volunteering for one of these key roles.
Sept. 25: Arroyo Cleanup
for San Carlos Day of Service
Save the date! Gather your friends and family for a cleanup event from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Arroyo, part of the San Carlos Day of Service. We will be gardening, painting, picking up trash and power-washing the school so that we can all enjoy a beautiful campus.
Last Chance to Order Spirit Wear
Arroyo Eagle spirit wear is available in youth and adult sizes, including hats, a hoodie, and a variety of T-shirts. The online store is open through this Friday, Sept. 16. Orders will be distributed in October. Contact Sarah Kinahan if you have any questions or would like to pay by check. Go, Eagles!
Become a PTA Member Today
Joining the PTA supports local, state, and national PTA advocacy efforts. Our goal is for all parents to become individual members. Grandparents and students can easily be added as members too. Check out the Membership and Fundraising page to learn how to make a difference.
SCEF News
Fall Into Fundraising Fun
We are kicking off the school year and welcoming fall with some great opportunities for you to win great experiences and items while supporting your school:
- SCEF Raffle: Will you be the lucky winner? Get tickets for yourself and your teachers!
- Fall Silent Auction: Opens Sept. 26 and closes Oct. 2. Info and link to auction site coming soon!
- 3rd Annual SCEF Read-a-Thon, Oct. 28-Nov. 10: The district-wide Read-a-Thon has been moved from winter to integrate with our schools’ book fairs. Look for more info in the coming weeks.
Focus on Diversity, Equity,
Inclusion, and Belonging
It’s National Hispanic Heritage Month!
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. At Arroyo, our Monday assemblies will highlight some important figures in Hispanic history and culture.
Here are some ways you can commemorate the month with your family:
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Support a Hispanic- or Latino-owned business.
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Feeling crafty? Check out these fun project ideas.
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Play a game of lotería (Mexican bingo) or dominoes (a popular pastime for many of Puerto Rican, Cuban and Dominican heritage).
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Listen to or make a playlist of Latino artists.
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Explore books by Hispanic and Latino authors.
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Read about how Hispanic and Latino Americans have shaped our national parks for hundreds of years.
District News
COVID-19 Reminders and Testing Options
If your child is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please keep them home and give them a rapid antigen test. Staying home when sick can lower the risk of spreading infectious diseases to other people, and testing remains a key mitigation layer to detect and curb transmission of the coronavirus. If your child tests positive for the virus or your household is in need of additional test kits, please contact your school as soon as possible.
TESTING RESOURCES
- Worksite Labs: Arroyo School, Patio 3. Make appointment.
- Curative: Central Middle School parking lot. Make appointment.
- Curative: Tierra Linda parking lot. Make appointment.
- Other Community-Based Testing Sites in San Mateo County
- COVID-19 Testing for Schools and Students: Find up-to-date resources on testing in districts and schools as well as at home.
Community News
Healthy Cities Tutoring Fall Workshops
New Tutor Orientation on Zoom
Two sessions to choose from: Sept. 21 or Oct. 5, 7:00-7:30 p.m. Are you a new volunteer tutor? Interested in becoming a tutor but want to learn more first? Join other new tutors and learn more about HCT, meet our staff and have all your questions answered! Learn more and RSVP.
Fall Training: Tutor Tips Workshop
Don't miss our Fall Tutor Tips Training led by HCT staff and teachers from our schools. Learn valuable techniques for engaging and supporting your students. Learn more and RSVP. Two sessions to choose from:
- Wednesday, Oct. 12, 10:30-11:30 a.m., San Carlos Public Library. RSVP.
- Wednesday, Oct. 19, 7-8 p.m., Clifford Elementary School Library. RSVP.
Volunteer and make a difference for students in our community!
Become a volunteer tutor and in one hour a week you can change a life! It’s a fun and rewarding way to give back to your community and stay engaged with our local schools. One hour a week – flexible times – no previous experience needed – ages 14-99 – training provided – earn community service hours. Click for more info.
Sept. 25: San Carlos Day of Service
Celebrate our community by doing your part to make it even better! After a three-year hiatus, the San Carlos Day of Service returns on Sept. 25, and local organizations need YOUR help! Whether you’re planting a tree with friends, donating much-needed items or food, or organizing a cleanup, your good works will make a lasting impact. Join your fellow volunteers for a morning celebration at the San Carlos Youth Center, then make your way to your own project location to start the day with a charitable project of your choice. Learn more about the return of the San Carlos Day of Service and choose your favorite project at sancarlosdayofservice.org!
Last Chance to Give Feedback
on Safe Routes to School
The draft plans for our schools’ Safe Routes to School plans have been extended until Sept. 16. Please check out the drafts here to see whether they align with your vision for the areas around schools re: walking, biking, and driving safely. If they don’t, you can add in your feedback and comments!
Parent Education Opportunities
Want to help your children discover awe and wonder? Join Deborah Farmer Kris, author, developmental expert, and founder of Parenthood365, for How to Raise Awe-Filled Kids (Even When the World Feels Awful) (Sept. 14, online).
We’ve all heard that stress is harmful, but can it be good for students? Join Kelly McGonigal, PhD, author and Stanford health psychologist, for The Upside of Stress: Why Stress Is Good for You, and How to Get Good at It (Sept. 22, online).
Join the Children’s Health Council’s free Parent Anxiety Support Group. Various stressors as well as consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health have increased anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and fears in children and adolescents. Parenting during these challenging times has truly tested parents and kids alike. Join other parents to share concerns and strategies for navigating uncertainty and hope. The next meeting is Sept. 22, 12:00-1:30 p.m. Sign up.
SHARE YOUR STUDENT'S ACHIEVEMENTS
We want to honor students who are doing great things outside of school and have two ways parents can help.
- Submit a virtual Soar Card explaining how your child is being Responsible, Respectful and Safe at home.
- Share an accomplishment from outside school with the Arroyo Spotlight form.
PTA CORNER
Join the Central Arroyo PTA. Your membership matters and helps support programs and events for our students and teachers.
REWARDS PROGRAMS
Participate in our rewards programs and a percentage of your purchases will automatically be donated to the Central Arroyo PTA — at no cost to you!