Dear White Oak Community,
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to share some important information and reflections with you.
No School on Monday - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Please remember that there will be no school on Monday, January 20th, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We encourage families to use this day as an opportunity to reflect on Dr. King's legacy and the ongoing journey towards equality and justice in our nation.
Lessons from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
As we honor Dr. King's contributions to our country, it's important to revisit some of the key lessons from his life and work:
Equality and justice for all: Dr. King fought tirelessly for equal rights and opportunities for all people, regardless of race.
Nonviolent resistance: He demonstrated the power of peaceful protest and civil disobedience in bringing about social change.
The importance of education: Dr. King emphasized the role of education in creating a more just and equitable society.
The power of dreams and perseverance: His famous "I Have a Dream" speech continues to inspire generations to work towards a better future.
Unity and community: Dr. King stressed the importance of coming together across differences to create positive change.
Connecting MLK's Legacy to Our Character Trait: Growth Mindset
This month, our school is focusing on the character trait of growth mindset. Dr. King's life and work exemplify this trait in many ways:
Embracing challenges: Dr. King faced numerous obstacles but continued to push forward, believing in the possibility of change.
Learning from setbacks: He viewed setbacks as opportunities for growth and refinement of his strategies.
Persistence in the face of criticism: Despite facing intense opposition, Dr. King remained committed to his goals.
Inspiring others to grow: His leadership encouraged countless individuals to develop their own potential for creating change.
Continuous self-improvement: Dr. King was a lifelong learner, constantly refining his ideas and approaches.
We encourage you to discuss these connections with your children and explore how they can apply a growth mindset in their own lives, inspired by Dr. King's example. Thank you for your continued support of our school community. We look forward to welcoming your children back on Tuesday, refreshed and ready to learn.
Cheers to Week 21. It's GREAT to be a WILDCAT!
Warmly,
Jen Culbertson
THIS WEEK at White Oak:
Monday, January 20
NO SCHOOL- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday, January 21
9:00 a.m.- School of Choice Tour for Incoming Kindergarten Students (2025-2026)
3:30-9:00 p.m.- Toppers Restaurant Fundraiser (see flyer below)
Friday, January 24
Spirit Theme: White Oak Wildcat Shirt/Sweatshirt
2:24 p.m.- Dippin' Dots for Sale After School ($5.00 exact change, please)
PTA elections are coming up in March, and we are looking for parents who are interested in serving on the board. To continue to have all of our programs and events at White Oak, please do consider becoming part of the PTA board and/or a chairperson! Below are the Executive Board Positions we seek to fill each year.
Board Positions
President, Executive VP, 1st VP Programs, 2nd VP Ways and Means, 3rd VP Membership, Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Reviewer, Historian, Parliamentarian (Job Descriptions)
Chair Positions
Reflections Art Chair, Jr. Olympics Chair, Social Media, Restaurant Night, Teacher Appreciation
If you’re interested please do not hesitate to reach out as we want to ensure that our students have a fun and positive school experience, and we can always use the help for all of our events!
Also, please join us on February 19, 2025 for our Association meeting (flyer to come).
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.
Hillside Showcase
Thursday, January 30th @ 5:30PM
Sinaloa Showcase (see flyer below)
Thursday, January 16th @ 5:30PM
VVMS Showcase
Wednesday, January 29th @ 5:30PM
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