Superintendent
Superintendent's Community Newsletter - January 2020
Dear San Carlos School District Community,
Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed some rest and relaxation time with family and friends over the break! We are happy to be back and excited to start the year with renewed energy.
Our staff had a very productive professional learning day on Monday, January 6. I observed lessons, workshops and discussions on a range of worthwhile topics including Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Introduction, Project-Based Learning (PBL), Math in Focus, Math Strategies Intervention Groups, Gradebook work in Illuminate, Math Counting Collections, TK planning and collaboration, Circle Up Equity training for middle school teachers, Mental Health with IEPs and Behavior Support training, Short-term therapy training, as well as site-based data analysis and department collaboration to set goals and plan for instruction. Days like this are important mechanisms for improving our school climates and instructional programs.
This update will cover the following:
- 2020-2021 Calendar Update
- Measure N Parcel Tax Information
- New Student Enrollment for 2020-2021
- Good News Regarding SCSD Student Achievement
- San Carlos Week of the Family
- PTA Chickens’ Ball Variety Show Fundraiser
- Parent Education Opportunities
- Highlights of Recent Board Meetings
As always, thank you for your support of our schools, and I invite you to write to me with questions or comments. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Sincerely,
Michelle Harmeier, Ed.D.
Superintendent
mharmeier@scsdk8.org
(650) 590-5935
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2020-2021 Calendar Update
The first day of school for the 2020-2021 school year is expected to be Wednesday, August 19, 2020. While the calendar is in the process of being negotiated with our employees, we have confidence that this will be the first day of school for the purposes of planning camps, vacations, and child care. We expect to have a complete 2020-2021 calendar to share with you in February.
Measure N Parcel Tax Renewal Information
The San Carlos School District is committed to providing an innovative and engaging learning experience that fosters the development of the whole child and maintains the high quality of local TK-8 schools. Exceptional teachers, small class sizes, challenging instructional programs, dedicated parent volunteers, and outstanding science, art, and music programs have prepared generations of local San Carlos children to succeed in high school, college, and careers. SCSD’s goal is to continue that tradition.
SCSD uses local revenue to supplement limited State funding. Our current, long-standing parcel tax is about to expire and Measure N could continue that funding stream with a $334.60 per parcel tax. Its proceeds could be used to retain exceptional teachers and protect core programs.
Learn more about Measure N at by visiting our website at scsdk8.org - 2020 Parcel Tax Information
New Student Enrollment for 2020-2021
New student enrollment has begun for the 2020-2021 school year. Parents of incoming Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten students should make a registration appointment on our website, download and complete required forms and bring all registration documents to the appointment. Proof of student age, residency, immunizations, and parent ID will be required. Note that the February 28 deadline is important in order to receive a preferred school assignment.
Please pass this information along to any family you know that might enroll a new student next year. Don't hesitate to email the District Registrar, Jaime Romero, jromero@scsdk8.org, if you have a question that is not addressed by our Registration Information webpage.
Good News Regarding SCSD Student Achievement
Last month, the California Department of Education released the 2019 California School Dashboard, which is the state’s tool to show the performance of every public school and school district in the state. Congratulations to all of our students and staff! The State uses a performance scale based on colors: Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red (with Blue being the highest). All SCSD schools received a performance rating of either Blue or Green in both Language Arts and Mathematics. While standardized test scores are not the goal or "endpoint" of our educational program, these scores are evidence that our students are learning and achieving at high levels. Visit the California School Dashboard website for more information.
Moreover, on December 18, White Oaks Elementary School was recognized as a Distinguished School by the California Department of Education. White Oaks showed progress on all of the Dashboard Indicators and attributed their growth to using a Project-Based Learning approach to personalizing learning and emphasizing the development of the “5 Cs”: communication, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and citizenship. Only 8 elementary schools in San Mateo County received the award this year. Congratulations to the White Oaks school community! The press release and list of 2019-20 schools can be found at this link.
San Carlos Week of the Family
The San Carlos Week of the Family is an annual event organized by community volunteers whose goal is to strengthen family relationships by providing a series of activities focusing on family and community interaction. Celebrating twenty years, the Week of the Family committee and its volunteers are proud to contribute to the quality of life and the family-orientated community of The City of Good Living. The upcoming Week of the Family runs January 17–25.
Please join the hundreds of families that have enjoyed Week of the Family by participating in one or more of the mostly free activities offered. You’re sure to find something entertaining and fun for your entire family.
The goals of the San Carlos Week of the Family are to:
- Strengthen family relationships
- Provide families in our community the tools that help families
- Promote family life
- Honor and pay tribute to families
- Encourage families serving families
- Have lots of fun
San Carlos families take many forms. Everyone in our community is encouraged to participate. We hope to see you there! Register and learn more on the San Carlos Week of the Family website.
PTA Chicken’s Ball Variety Show Fundraiser - Support our Music Programs!
Make plans to attend the Chickens' Ball Variety Show Fundraiser! 80 years ago, this show was created to entertain our grown-up community, raised milk money for San Carlos students. Now, money raised specifically supports arts and music in our schools. This year, for example, Mariposa staff and students installed a beautiful mural to brighten the halls with their Chickens' Ball funds. Tierra Linda students gained a ceramics class, supplied with clay and glaze. Proceeds from this year’s Ball will help to enhance the band and orchestra programs at Arroyo, Central, Mariposa and Tierra Linda by funding repairs and buying new musical instruments. Funds will also continue to support the arts in the elementary schools.
How much can we raise for our students this year? The more money we raise, the more we give back to our students. Gather your friends and family and come cheer on your community. Tickets are on sale now for 7 shows! Evening and matinee performances are on March 13-15, March 20-22.
Parent Education Opportunities
The Sequoia Healthcare District is sponsoring the following parent education events this winter. I encourage you to consider attending.
The Self-Driven Child: The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control Over Their Lives
Dr. William Stixrud & Ned Johnson, Co-Authors
Thursday, January 30, 7:00–8:30 pm
Menlo-Atherton High School, M-A Performing Arts Center (PAC)
555 Middlefield Road, Atherton
Info & Ticket information here.
Creating Gender Inclusive Environments for Children and Teens
Joel Baum, Senior Director for Professional Development, Gender Spectrum
Thursday, February 27, 7:00–8:30 pm
Woodside High School, Multi-Use Room (MUR)
199 Churchill Avenue, Woodside
Info & Ticket information here.
Upcoming District Events
Jan 20 No School - MLK Holiday
Jan 23 School Board Meeting - 7:00 pm - District Office
Jan 24 STEM Fair at CMS
Feb 13 School Board Meeting - 7:00 pm - District Office
Highlights of Recent School Board Meetings
To review board recorded videos, presentations and upcoming agendas - go to the Board Meetings page of the SCSD website.
January 14, 2020
- Held annual Board Retreat to discuss team governance, norms and protocols to support the full implementation of the District’s Strategic Plan.
January 9, 2020
- Spotlight on Excellence Recognition
- White Oaks Elementary Distinguished School Award and Jan 6 SCSD Professional Development Day
- Approved the of MOU and Revised Job Description for Technology Associate
- Approved the Agreement with Ryland School Business Consulting for budget analysis
December 19, 2019
- Spotlight on Excellence Recognition
- Central Middle School mural painting, Video Production Program at Central Middle School, Trustees Eirene Chen & Wendy Dougherty Oath of Office
- Nominated and elected officers for the year
- Approved the Service Agreement for the Provision of Election Services - Parcel Tax Measure N
- Adopted District Goals