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In this issue:
- Principal's Message
New BA principal, Parent input form, Bruins of the Week, return library books, Weekly Menu
- PTA / School News PTA meeting, WAJ tshirt winners, WAJ Mystery Wall, WAJ volunteers, BA Yearbook, BA author visit
- DEIB, SCSD news, SCEF updates, and more
Mark Your Calendar
Apr. 23: Meet & Greet with new BA principal, 6:00 p.m.
Apr. 23: PTA Meeting, 6:30 p.m. (SCEF reps attending)
Apr. 24: Last day for custom yearbook pages (see below)
Apr. 25: Last day to order personalized copies of Mindy Kim book
Apr. 25: Ridwell Collection Day
Apr. 27: BA Walk a Jog, 10:00 a.m.
May 1: Lyla Lee author visit
Dear Parents:
We are thrilled to announce and warmly welcome Jude Noyes as our new principal for the 2025-26 school year! Following his approval by the SCSD school board last Thursday night, we are excited to welcome him into our Brittan Acres family. As Jude looks ahead to the 2025–26 school year, he is eager to build strong, trusting relationships with students, staff, and families, and to help cultivate a school culture where every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated. Inspired by San Carlos School District’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and whole-child development, Jude believes schools should be joyful, inclusive communities where all learners are empowered to thrive. He leads with empathy, high expectations, and a deep belief in every student’s potential to grow into a curious, kind, and self-aware citizen.
Jude brings nearly 20 years of experience in education, having served as a teacher, Vice Principal, Principal, and most recently, Associate Director of Special Education in Redwood City School District. He holds a Master of Arts in Education, a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, and both California Administrative and Education Specialist Clear Credentials. Throughout his career, he has championed student voice, equity-centered systems change, and inclusive practices—earning recognition such as the J. Russell Kent Award for innovative leadership. His background spans both general and special education, with a strong foundation in instructional leadership and continuous improvement.
This coming Wednesday, April 23rd, Hans Barber, Assistant Superintendent, will be introducing Jude to all of the staff. This will be followed by a community Meet and Greet with Jude in the MU from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. We invite all parents to join us in person (no zoom available). Immediately following the meet and greet, please stay for our monthly PTA meeting. The San Carlos Education Foundation (SCEF) will be joining our April PTA meeting to share more information about their consolidated funding model and how SCEF donations directly support the Brittan Acres PTA! We hope you are able to make it
Yesterday was our Day of Service and we want to thank all of the families who were able to come out and beautify our campus. The cooperation between children and adults was so heart-warming and I know students will be so proud to see their work appreciated on Monday.
Optional Parent Input Form
Although we are still fully immersed in the 24/25 school year, this is the time of year where we start to plan for next year. Our enrollment for next year is expected to increase slightly in TK-3rd grade and we are excited to have three full TK classes at our site again next year. We anticipate having four Kindergarten, four 1st grade, four 2nd grade, and four 3rd grade classrooms.
In the spring, our school staff members work collaboratively to make class placements for the upcoming school year. Each child’s unique strengths, learning style, and academic goals are carefully considered. We aim to create balanced classes that result in a comfortable and enriching classroom community for all.
One of the qualities I value most about our school is that our teachers really know their students extremely well. I’m confident that a thoughtful and mindful placement will be made for each child. There is no need for you to provide any further information. However, if there is specific information that you’d like us to consider during the placement process, make submit the following form below no later than Friday, May 9th:
This information is kept confidential. Please do not schedule a meeting with your child’s current classroom teacher to discuss placement as they are busy finishing up the school year. Please also remember that requests for specific teachers will not be considered.
If you have any other questions or concerns about your child’s transition to the next grade level, please feel free to reach out to me directly. I look forward to continuing to support your student's educational journey.
Bruins of the Week
Congratulations to the following Bruins of the Week!
TK-1st Grade: Timmy, Nolan, Ashton
2nd-3rd Grade: Diya, Cora, Violet
A Note from the Library
A friendly reminder from the library that we are nearing the end of the year and be sure to return your library books. Books are due by MAY 23.
Also, I've received quite a few books that have been "repaired", please leave the repair to Mrs. Ha. She has special supplies and acid-free tape that will not damage the paper. In addition, she has experience in repairing books and can evaluate whether it is better to repair or replace them. If a damaged book is found, please place a sticky note on it labeled "REPAIR".
Please note that you will not be held responsible for damage unless it is caused by negligence, such as a leaking water bottle. Normal wear, like torn pages, is expected, and she is happy to fix them.
Thank you for your help!
This week's Breakfast & Lunch menu
PTA Meeting: Wednesday, April 23
Join us for the April PTA meeting on Wednesday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. in the Brittan Acres library. We will hear updates from the Principal and about upcoming BA events. SCEF representatives will also be on hand to discuss and hear feedback on the consolidated funding model in partnership with school PTAs. All are welcome!
Ridwell Plastic Film Collection Day
April 25th, 2025
In conjunction with Earth Day, Brittan Acres is keeping plastic film out of landfills with Ridwell this spring! To participate in this limited-time recycling drive and celebrate Earth Month, bring plastic film (ziptop bags, grocery bags, bubble wrap, and lots more) to school on Friday, April 25th and Ridwell will make sure it stays out of landfills. It’ll be turned into new decking materials instead! Start collecting plastic film at home now so you have a bunch for the drive.
Curious about at-home recycling pickup from Ridwell? They collect hundreds of common household items you can’t recycle curbside, like plastic food packaging, lightbulbs, clothes, Styrofoam, and more. If you sign up for a household membership by May 23, you’ll also help earn pickup of the school’s plastic film for all of the ‘25/’26 school year (when 10 new members sign up). Visit https://get.ridwell.com/ba for more information—and make sure you sign up through that page so your membership counts toward rewards for the school!
Countdown to Walk-a-Jog!
We are just one week away from the 2025 Walk-a-Jog, and you won’t want to miss this fun and exciting community event! Your students will be receiving their WAJ bags on Monday 4/21, which will have their 2025 WAJ t-shirt, water bottle sticker, carnival wristband(s), and BBQ tickets for those who pre-ordered their meals. If you did not register for WAJ, your family can still attend! Your child will still receive a t-shirt, water bottle sticker, and carnival wristband in the bag but also a waiver that must be signed and returned to the office before Friday 4/25.
Remember to have your students wear their WAJ t-shirts to school on Friday 4/25 and to wear them to WAJ on Sunday 4/27.
Check out this video of the 2024 WAJ to see what fun is in store for you next week! Can’t wait to see you there!
Walk-A-Jog T-shirt Design Winners Announced
We had over 100 submissions to this year’s Walk-a-Jog t-shirt and water bottle sticker design contest, and they were all so creative and wonderful. THANK YOU to all who entered the contest!
We announced the winners of the contest at this past Wednesday’s assembly and our very own Bruin Bear revealed the awesome 2025 WAJ t-shirt. We had TEN winners this year and they are as follows: Juniper (K); Anvika (1st); Cara, Roxy, Jules, Konstantinos, and Atticus (2nd), and Hugo, Lily, and Shreya (3rd).
An extra congratulations goes to Shreya whose design was also chosen to be featured on the first ever WAJ water bottle sticker!
All the entries are currently hanging outside the library for the community to enjoy!
Students will receive their WAJ t-shirts in their WAJ bags on Monday 4/21. Students are encouraged to wear their shirt to school on Friday, 4/25 to show their school spirit for the event! Students should also wear the t-shirt at WAJ on Sunday 4/27 so their laps can be marked off.
Walk-a-Jog Mystery Wall Donations
We are now collecting donations for the ever popular WAJ Mystery Wall! We are looking for new or very gently used toys that are smaller than a shoe box (so they fit through the hole in the Mystery Wall). Please no stuffies, clothes, or costumes. When donating, please consider whether or not your own child would be excited to receive that item through the Mystery Wall to guide you in your choices.
You can drop donations off in the bin at 355 Oakview Drive in San Carlos. ***Please note this is a one-way street.*** Donation collection will start Monday 4/14 and end Monday 4/21.
Email Laura at [email protected] with any questions. Thank you!
Walk-a-Jog Needs Your Help!
The 37th BA Walk A Jog is coming up in just 1 week! On April 27th, from 10 AM - 1 PM, join the BA community for a carnival, prize booth, BBQ, desserts, and, of course, many exciting laps around the upper playground.
This event needs your help to make it a success! Please consider signing up here for one or more of the many available roles such as these:
Bag Packer: Meet on Monday 4/21 in the MU from 8:30-10:30 AM to fill students’ WAJ bags.
Lap Marker: Mark off the laps on the backs of student t-shirts. This role is best for kids in grades 4 and up, so get siblings involved!
BBQ and Carnival Helper: Prep, cook, and/or wrap delicious BBQ food and hang out at the grills with a super fun BBQ team of volunteers. This role is great for high school students and BA parents. Or, be available to jump into any carnival attraction to run a game or monitor a bounce house. This role can be for kids in grades 6 and up, so get siblings involved! If a parent is willing to work the grill, please email [email protected] and you will be connected to the WAJ BBQ!
Email Laura Blaich [email protected] with any questions and THANK YOU for your support!
Order Your BA Yearbook Today!
Don’t miss out on a special opportunity to make your child’s Brittan Acres Yearbook even more memorable! Order by April 24 and receive two personalized pages featuring your child’s photos and memories.
Simply visit www.treering.com/validate, enter in our school's passcode (1013474677094825), upload your photos, and submit your custom pages by the deadline to create a lasting keepsake that highlights your child’s unique year.
Why Order Now? Ordering early guarantees your child’s place in the yearbook and lets you add a personal touch with custom pages filled with their special moments.
Author Lyla Lee Visits BA!
Our wonderful local bookstore has done it again! Lyla Lee, author of the Mindy Kim series, will be visiting BA on May 1. She will be sharing the final book in the Mindy Kim series with our 2nd and 3rd graders. Lyla's charming stories of Mindy and her dad's adventures have captivated thousands of young readers, especially here at BA. We are thrilled to host Lyla!
You can order books through The Reading Bug by clicking the button below. Orders must be placed by 4/25/25 to receive personalized copies. Thank you for supporting both BA and The Reading Bug (RB donates a percentage of your purchase to help support our library). Books will be distributed at school shortly after the assembly.
PTA Executive Board 2025-26
Below you will find the proposed slate for the Brittan Acres PTA Executive Board and Standing Committee roles for the 2025-26 school year. Join us at the May 28th PTA meeting where the slate will be voted on. Nominations will also be taken from the floor. Questions? Contact Parliamentarian, Manisha Shah
San Carlos Education Foundation (SCEF) News
Calling all student artists!
SCEF will be celebrating the San Carlos Centennial at Hometown Days, Friday, May 16, 2025 beginning at 4pm. Andy Z and SCSD middle school jazz band & orchestra will perform and there will be activities (face painting, glitter tattoos & more) for children during the afternoon. Please join us! As part of the celebration we are seeking art submissions to be included in an amazing light show that will be projected on the Youth Center wall that evening. CLICK HERE TO PARTICIPATE
Get Ready for a ‘Mission’ at Burton Park
SCEF has partnered with the San Carlos Park & Recreation Department to support a “mission” that will be available to play at Burton Park throughout the Month of May using digital tech platform, Agents of Discovery. Click here to learn more and discover a way to learn about your local parks and history.
Donate to Support STEAM
There is still time to support STEAM education in our schools. Donors generously committed $150,000 to the Fund-The-Future of Curiosity campaign at the SCEF Starlight Gala. Our goal for this effort is $170,000. Consider helping to ensure that students have the tools they need for STEAM activities and teachers have access to important professional development next school year.
Do You Play Pickleball?
Sign up for the 2nd annual tournament at Highlands Park, Sunday, May 4th, 12:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Register by May 1st.
San Carlos United Tryouts
San Carlos United will be holding tryouts for boys and girls born between 2007 and 2018 starting in May, 2025, for the Fall 2025 season. Players born in 2018 may try out for the 2017 teams.
If interested, please register online: http://www.sancarlosunited.org and a manager from the team will reach out to coordinate. We look forward to seeing you at the San Carlos United tryouts!
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training (Ages 18+)
The San Carlos Youth Center is offering a free Youth MHFA training for adults (ages 18+) who work with youth. The free training will take place on Saturday, April 26 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Youth Center (1001 Chestnut Street, San Carlos) and is sponsored by San Mateo County Health Behavioral Health & Recovery Services.
Kingdom Love LLC instructors will facilitate the full-day workshop where participants will learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18 years.
The session is full, but you can sign up for the waiting list at cityofsancarlos.org/register (search for “Youth Mental Health First Aid Training”).
City of San Carlos Centennial Art Contest
The Centennial Art Contest is now open for submissions ending on May 9. Coloring sheets for elementary students are available online by visiting www.cityofsancarlos.org/HTDArt.
The grand prize winner and the 1st - 3rd place winners of the Centennial Art Contest will receive a gift card and commemorative Centennial Hometown Days ribbon. Finalists will also be honored at the City Council Meeting on May 27, and have the opportunity to have their art displayed at City Hall May 19 through June 30.
Hometown Days Fun Run
Break out your running shoes! Registration is open for the Hometown Days Fun Run on Sunday, May 18, at 8:30 a.m. This is a family-friendly 5K/10K Fun Run. Registration is $35 for adults and $17 for children. Register early, as prices increase on May 1. Participants can register HERE.
Downtown Streetscape Master Plan
The City of San Carlos is excited to share that the Downtown Streetscape Master Plan is ready for adoption and can be accessed HERE.
The Downtown Streetscape Master Plan is a key component of the broader Downtown Specific Plan project. The Downtown Streetscape Master Plan sets forth new designs for the downtown's entire street network, including new public plazas, and sets the stage for significant transformation of the downtown core.
The Public is invited to attend the following public hearing where consideration will be given to formally adopt the Downtown Streetscape Master Plan on April 28, 2025 at 7:00 pm: City Council Meeting to consider the PTC's recommendation to adopt the Downtown Streetscape Master Plan. The meeting will take place at City Hall, 600 Elm Street, 1st Floor, Council Chamber.
To access the agenda packets and meeting details please visit www.cityofsancarlos.org/agenda. To learn more about the Downtown Specific Plan and Downtown Streetscape Master Plan project, please visit https://www.sancarlosdowntownplan.com/
Questions? Please reach out to a[email protected] . A good plan involves everyone!
🌞 Mark your calendars for these terrific events coming up in April:
We welcome Erlanger "Earl" Turner, PhD, licensed psychologist, bestselling author, and psychology professor at Pepperdine University, for How to Raise Resilient Black Kids in a Complex World (April 23).
The Neurodiversity Education Series presents Parenting at the Intersection of Neurodivergence and Gender Expansiveness with Anthony Ross, LMFT, and Emily Swanson, LMFT, experts in gender and sexuality (April 24).
Visit the Parent Venture Series of Upcoming Events page for more information.
- Parent Venture Series Events -
Have information to include in an upcoming issue? Submit it here.
This newsletter is brought to you by the Brittan Acres PTA. Join the PTA.
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