Dear White Oak Community,
I hope this message finds you doing well and ready for an exciting week ahead! We have two significant events taking place this week that I want to share with you.
First, it's Staff Appreciation Week! Our staff works tirelessly to support the growth and learning of our students, and this is a wonderful opportunity to show them how much we value their efforts. Throughout the week, we encourage our students and parents to participate in the daily appreciation themes organized by our PTA. Please check the flyer that was already sent home (and included below) for details on each day’s activities. Your gestures of gratitude make all the difference!
Secondly, we begin our state testing this week for students in grades 3, 4, and 5. These assessments are important milestones that help us understand how our students are progressing and where we can focus our efforts to support their learning. You can help your child perform their best by:
- Ensuring they get a good night’s sleep each night of the week.
- Providing a healthy breakfast each morning to give them energy to focus.
- Making sure they arrive on time each day to avoid any added stress.
- Encouraging regular attendance to maximize their testing performance and reduce the need for make-up sessions.
Together, these simple steps can help create a supportive environment that enables our students to approach testing with confidence.
Thank you for your ongoing support and participation in making White Oak a nurturing and effective learning environment. Let’s make this week a great one for our students and staff!
Cheers to Week 35. It's GREAT to be a WILDCAT!
Warmly,
Jen Culbertson
THIS WEEK at White Oak:
Monday, May 5- Friday, May 9 🎉🎉🎉
STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK! See flyer and sign up link below!
Tuesday, May 6
💚 Day of the Teacher 💚
8:30 a.m. CAASPP Testing for Grades 3, 4, and 5
Kindergarten Field Trip
Wednesday, May 7
8:30 a.m. CAASPP Testing for Grades 3, 4, and 5
2:30 p.m.- Student Council Meeting in Room 16
Thursday, May 8
8:30 a.m. CAASPP Testing for Grades 3, 4, and 5
Friday, May 9
8:30 a.m. CAASPP Testing for Grades 3, 4, and 5
UPCOMING EVENTS:
May 13-16- CAASPP Testing (MATH) for 3rd-5th Graders
Friday, May 16- PTA Movie Night
May 20-21- CAASPP Testing (Science) for 5th Graders
Tuesday, May 20- Presto Pasta Restaurant Night
Wednesday, May 21- Final PTA Meeting in the MPR (6:00 p.m.)
Friday, May 23- Early Dismissal (1:10 p.m.)
Monday, May 26- NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day Holiday)
Saturday, May 31- PTA Bowling Event
As we step into the month of May, we're embracing a new character trait focus: Sacrifice. This trait, though perhaps a bit complex for young minds, is a fundamental building block of empathy, kindness, and responsibility. In simple terms, sacrifice means giving up something valuable for the sake of others or a greater cause.
For our elementary students, understanding sacrifice might be likened to sharing toys with a friend, giving up a favorite treat to make someone else happy, or helping a classmate even if it means giving up some playtime. Sacrifice can come in many forms, both big and small, but the essence remains the same: putting others' needs before our own.
At home, parents play a crucial role in nurturing this trait in their children. Here are some simple yet impactful ways you can teach sacrifice to your child:
Lead by Example: Children often learn best by observing the behavior of adults around them. Whether it's letting them see you help a neighbor in need or making sacrifices for the family's well-being, your actions can serve as powerful lessons.
Encourage Sharing: Encourage your child to share their toys, snacks, or even their time with siblings, friends, or classmates. Reinforce the idea that sharing and giving can bring joy not just to others but also to themselves.
Volunteer Together: Engage in community service or volunteer activities as a family. Whether it's helping out at a local shelter, participating in a neighborhood cleanup, or volunteering at a charity event, these experiences can instill a sense of empathy and sacrifice in children.
Discuss Acts of Sacrifice: Take time to talk to your child about real-life examples of sacrifice, both historical and contemporary. Whether it's stories of famous figures who made sacrifices for the greater good or everyday heroes in your community, these discussions can inspire and educate.
Acknowledge Their Efforts: When you notice your child making sacrifices, however small they may seem, acknowledge and praise their actions. Positive reinforcement can reinforce the value of sacrifice and encourage them to continue practicing it.
As we navigate through the month of May, let's work together to instill the virtue of sacrifice in our children. By teaching them to prioritize others' well-being and to understand the power of selflessness, we're not only shaping them into compassionate individuals but also contributing to a kinder and more empathetic society.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's character development.
Please call the school office at (805) 520-6617 to report your child's absence each and every day they are absent.
- Remember, you have 5 days to clear your student's absence by calling the school or emailing the office.
- Taking trips and vacations during school days is considered unexcused absences.
- Under state law, a student who, without a valid excuse, is absent from school for three full days in one school year, or is tardy or absent for more than 30 minutes during the school day on three occasions in one school year, is considered truant.
Parking Lot Safety Reminders for ALL Parents
We need your help to keep drop off and pick up safe and smooth! All adult behaviors, including driving behaviors, serve as role models for our students. Respectful speaking and responsible actions are safety requirements for everyone using the parking lot.
Cars are to proceed in a single file to the drop off/pick up area (almost at the exit of the parking lot near Alscot). Parents should remain in their car and not get out to open the trunk or car doors. Children should enter and exit from the right side passenger doors once the car has come to a complete stop. They should be carrying their own backpack and other supplies. If your child needs extra assistance with their belongings, please plan on parking on the street and not entering the parking lot.
WHEN DROPPING OFF YOUR CHILD IN THE MORNING, PULL UP TO THE ORANGE CONE (almost at the exit of the parking lot). Your child should stay in the car until you get to the orange cone. Please be patient. Having your child get out of the car before the orange cone causes back ups. Thank you for helping make drop off smooth and safe!
THERE IS NO PARENT PARKING IN THE MAIN PARKING LOT. Parents entering the school with their child MUST park on the street and walk in. Thank you for your support.
Toys and Games
Apple Watch Reminders
All students that wear Apple Watches to school must have phone capabilities and other notifications turned off during school hours (8:15-2:24 p.m.). This is the same rule for cell phones. Thank you for reminding your student(s).
White Oak Elementary School
Email: jennifer.culbertson@simivalleyusd.org
Website: https://whiteoak.simivalleyusd.org/
Location: 2201 Alscot Avenue, Simi Valley, CA, USA
Phone: (805) 520-6617