BA Blast Newsletter
 November 17, 2024 In this issue:
Mark Your CalendarNov. 25-29: Fall Break, no school Dec. 4: PTA Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7: BA Holiday Boutique, 9:00 a.m. Dec. 19: Minimum Day, early dismissal Dec. 20-Jan.3: Winter Break, no school Principal's Message Dear Brittan Acres families, This year, we’re excited to introduce a new report card that aligns with the SCSD Strategic Plan and Common Core State Standards (CCSS), supporting both effective teaching and meaningful learning. This new report format provides clear, concise insights into students' social, emotional, and academic progress, helping families better understand their child’s development. Unlike the October goal-setting conferences, the report card will offer a more detailed view of student progress toward end-of-year grade-level mastery. Throughout the year, the trimester report cards will reflect each student’s current progress in practicing essential skills, with a focus on key standards. The data you’ll receive in November will highlight areas that may need additional support, as well as areas where your child is ready to expand and deepen their understanding. Most students do not show independent mastery of standards until the end of the school year. “2”s are very typical for students progressing towards grade level standards at this time of year. The goal is to attain independent proficiency “3” or “4” before the year concludes in June 2025. Please note that Kindergarten students will not have specific reading levels marked on their report cards. Our focus for these young learners is to build a strong foundation in essential reading skills, ensuring they feel confident and prepared for future success. These foundational skills are listed on the report card to provide you with a clear picture of your child’s reading development. Report cards will be delivered electronically through the Powerschool Portal, and we expect them to be available after November 22nd. You’ll receive an email from San Carlos School District with details on how and when to access your child’s report card as we get closer to the date. Because this is a new process, we ask for your patience and understanding as things may not work fluidly the first time. If you have questions or concerns regarding the ability to view your child’s report card, please email Suzanne Fast directly, not your classroom teacher. As always, families are welcome to schedule a meeting with their child’s teacher at any time to discuss progress, ask questions, or explore ways to support growth. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership, Warm regards,  Thanksgiving/ Winter Holiday Gift Cards NeededWe currently have 8 families at Brittan Acres we hope to be able to help financially during the holiday season. Both the giving and receiving will remain confidential with Principal Fast. We are collecting gift cards now and will distribute them to families for their holiday celebrations starting with the Thanksgiving holiday. Gift cards can be placed in an envelope addressed to Mrs. Fast and left in the school office. For Thanksgiving gift cards, please drop off by Wednesday, November 20th. Gift cards in any denomination are appreciated and can be to any local vendor (Target, Safeway, and Amazon are preferred). Thank you to our community for helping with this yearly tradition to make sure that all families feel supported during the holidays.  Annual Fall Food DriveOur 2nd grade students are learning important life skills while promoting our annual fall food drive. We are accepting donations of non-perishable food items until Tuesday, November 19th. Please check the expiration dates of items before donating and make sure they are not in glass containers. Cereal, pasta, rice and dried beans are especially needed. They will then be collected by Samaritan House and distributed to local families. Thank you for helping our students learn valuable lessons about varying needs in our communities!  Nature Park Volunteers NeededDuring lunch recess, we open up our Nature Park area for students to explore during Monday (3rd Grade) or Friday (2nd Grade) lunch time for our students on the upper playground. This area can only be opened if we have enough volunteers. Click the button below to continue this beloved activity for our Bruins!  Bruins of the WeekCongratulations to the following Bruins of the Week! TK-1st Grade: Jaelyn, Sophia, Layla This week's Breakfast & Lunch menu Big THANK YOU to our volunteers! Huge THANK YOU and SHOUT OUT to all of the volunteers who helped with Dia de los Muertos and Diwali. It really does take a BRUIN VILLAGE to make these events possible. We are grateful for each and every one of you - Monica Gaytan, Theresa Pathak, Carrie Rolla, Mimi Drewniany, Heather Rudolph, Melissa Monday, Valerie Buxton, Claire Evangelista, Stephanie Medina, Girija Sureka, Uriel Rafael, Lisa Shneider, Laura Walsh, Linda Castro, Lisa Claude, Nooshin Kiarashi, Gigi Harnish, Sonia Scharf, Lavi Reddy, Krizia Boyer, Liz Rennaker, Nadya Sigona, Neem Parekh, Priya Badhe, Monali Joshi, Neha Duggal, Reena Jashnani-Slusarz, Anupama Mann, Bex Wicks, Puneeta Sharma, and Sravya Tirukkovalur. Volunteers needed for the BA Holiday BoutiqueDiversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)November is National Native American Heritage Month November is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the significant contributions of Native people. Below are some ways you and your family can observe Native American Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Day (Nov. 24).
 San Carlos Education Foundation (SCEF) News Giving ThanksDuring this month of Thanksgiving we express our gratitude to the San Carlos school community for your generous support of the San Carlos Education Foundation (SCEF). Last month we delivered grant checks to the San Carlos School District, San Carlos Charter and every school PTA from donations received last school year. SCEF’s grants are only possible because of the generosity of our donors–parents, community members and businesses. SCEF is simply the vehicle through which people express their desire for quality public schools. This season, as we gather around tables with friends and family, we are also holding you in our hearts with deep appreciation. Your gifts help us build a brighter future for San Carlos students. If you have not yet made a donation, please consider the many Ways to Give on our website. Support Your School This Holiday Season: Honey Bear TreesAt Honey Bear trees, when you shop for a tree or wreath (and mention SCEF) they give 15% back to our schools. Learn more at https://www.scefkids.org/events Day of Giving is Coming –Tuesday, December 3, 2024GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. Check your employer’s Workplace Giving program, as many offer special matches and grants to honor this day. Check to see what your employer offers here. School District NewsNew Student Priority Registration Starts in January! SCSD New Student Priority Registration for the 2025-26 school year opens January 8 and closes January 31, 2025. Register future students during this window to secure their spot. For detailed information, visit our How to Register for the 2025-26 School Year page. If you have questions, refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) or email [email protected]. Community CornerParent Education Opportunities  🦃 Mark your calendars for these great events coming up in November and December! 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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