Dear White Oak Community,
As I shared previously, this month's character trait focus is courage. Courage is an essential quality that helps our students face challenges, make positive choices, and stand up for what is right. We believe that by highlighting courage, we can empower our young learners to become confident and resilient individuals.
Here are some ways students can show courage at school and at home:
At School:
- Speaking Up: Encourage students to speak up for themselves and others, especially in challenging situations.
- Trying New Things: Encourage students to step out of their comfort zones and try new activities or subjects.
- Standing Up Against Bullying: Teach students to be brave and stand up against bullying behavior, either for themselves or others.
- Taking Responsibility: Encourage students to take responsibility for their actions and make amends when necessary.
- Facing Challenges: Encourage students to tackle difficult tasks with a positive attitude and determination.
At Home:
- Expressing Emotions: Teach students to express their thoughts and emotions openly and honestly.
- Helping Others: Encourage students to help family members or friends in need, even if it may be outside their comfort zone.
- Trying New Activities: Encourage students to try new hobbies or activities, even if they feel nervous.
- Taking Risks: Teach students to take calculated risks and learn from their experiences.
- Standing Up for Beliefs: Encourage students to stand up for their beliefs and values, even when faced with opposition.
By reinforcing the importance of courage both at school and at home, we can help our students develop into brave, compassionate, and confident individuals. Thank you for your continued support in nurturing these essential character traits in our students.
Don't forget to nominate a White Oak community member for an Honorary Service Award (HSA) by Monday, March 17. See more information below. Finally, we hope you will order a yearbook online by Friday, March 21 by clicking on the link or QR code below.
Cheers to Week 28. It's GREAT to be a WILDCAT!
Warmly,
Jen Culbertson
THIS WEEK at White Oak:
Monday, March 10
2:30-3:30 p.m. Junior Olympics Practice
Tuesday, March 11
3rd Grade Field Trip to Strathern Park
Chipotle Fundraiser/Restaurant Night (see flyer below)
Wednesday, March 12
Garri Dance Classes on Campus
Thursday, March 13
Garri Dance Classes on Campus
2:30-3:30 p.m. Junior Olympics Practice (tri fit only)
Friday, March 14
Spirit Theme: Rainbow Dress Up Day!
8:30 a.m.- Spirit Assembly (back yard)
9:00 a.m.- Chattin' with Culbertson
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Tuesday, March 18- Parent Conferences (1:10 dismissal)
Tuesday, March 18- Code Ninjas Night for White Oak
Wednesday, March 19- Parent Conferences (1:10 dismissal)
Wednesday, March 19- PTA Association Meeting (6:00 p.m.)
Thursday, March 20- SPRING DANCE EVENT (8:45 a.m.)
Friday, March 21- Dippin' Dots for Sale After School
Friday, March 21- Last Day of School Before Spring Break
March 24 to 28- SPRING BREAK- School is Closed
Monday, March 31- School Reopens
Spring portraits taken by Cornerstone Photography are now available for viewing and ordering! All orders must be placed online and will be mailed directly home. To view your portrait, click the link below and enter your online code which is SVUSD and your Student ID. If you do not know your child’s student ID, please contact our school office and we will provide it for you.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW YOUR PORTRAIT
Online Code: SVUSD+Student ID (For Example:SVUSD123456)
For additional questions, you may contact customercare@cornerstone.photo or (805) 529-1635.
As we enter the month of March, I am delighted to announce that our character trait of the month is Courage. Courage is a fundamental value that we believe is essential for the holistic development of our students. It's not just about facing danger or difficulty, but it's also about finding the strength within oneself to do what is right, even when it's hard.
Courage can manifest in various forms. It could be speaking up for what is fair and just, trying new things despite the fear of failure, standing up to peer pressure, or showing resilience in the face of adversity. At its core, courage is about acting with bravery, integrity, and determination. We encourage our students to demonstrate courage in their everyday lives, both inside and outside the classroom. Whether it's participating in class discussions, standing up against bullying, or taking on leadership roles, there are countless opportunities for them to exhibit courage.
As parents, your role in fostering courage in your child is invaluable. Here are a few ways to help:
Lead by Example: Demonstrate courage in your own actions and decisions. Let your children see you facing challenges with resilience and determination.
Encourage Risk-Taking: Encourage your children to step out of their comfort zones and try new things, even if they might be afraid of failing. Celebrate their efforts rather than just focusing on the outcomes.
Teach Problem-Solving Skills: Help your children develop problem-solving skills so they can approach challenges with confidence and find solutions independently.
Promote Open Communication: Create an environment where your children feel comfortable discussing their fears and concerns. Encourage them to speak up for themselves and others.
Celebrate Courageous Acts: Acknowledge and celebrate moments when your children demonstrate courage, no matter how small. Reinforce the importance of bravery and integrity.
Together, we can instill the value of courage in our children and empower them to become confident, resilient individuals who are not afraid to stand up for what is right.
Throughout the month, White Oak students will be a part of various activities and discussions centered around courage. Thank you for your continued support in making White Oak a thriving community of learners!
Please click this link to nominate a deserving member of the White Oak Community for an HSA: 2025 White Oak Elementary HSA Nominations
HSA are volunteer awards! Remember to consider those who work behind the scenes and put in countless hours to serve our White Oak students, without compensation (for example, teachers who work outside of their work hours to serve their students, PTA members, custodial staff who go above and beyond their work hours to keep the campus clean and safe, office/admin staff staying late to assist parents and serve students, campus aides who come in early and leave late because they can lend a hand).
Here are the HSA award categories:
VSP-VERY SPECIAL PERSON
HSA- HONORARY SERVICE AWARD
CSA- CONTINUING SERVICE AWARD
GOSA- GOLDEN OAK SERVICE AWARD
OTA- OUTSTANDING TEACHER AWARD
OTA- OUTSTANDING ADMINISTRATOR AWARD
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