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In this issue:
- Principal's Message
Bear Hugs, classroom visits, music for minors, student well-being, author visit, weekly menu
- PTA / School News: PTA meeting, Campus Clean-up Day, Spirit Gear, Business Owners, Volunteer
- Inclusion & Belonging, SCSD news, SCEF updates, and more
Mark Your Calendar
Weds, Sept. 24: First PTA meeting of the year, 6:30 p.m.
Thurs, Sept. 25: First School Site Council meeting of the year, 4:00 p.m. (agenda)
Sun, Sept. 28: BA Campus clean-up day (sign up)
Sept. 29 - Oct. 6: SCEF Fall Online Auction
Tues, Sept. 30: Last day to order BA Spirit Gear
Oct. 6 - Oct. 10: Conference Week; early dismissal every day at 12:25 p.m.
Tues, Oct. 14: Picture Day, K-3rd
Weds, Oct. 15: Picture Day, Preschool & TK
Dear Brittan Acres Community,
We’ve now passed our 4th week of school, and it has been wonderful to see our students settling into routines, building friendships, and growing more confident each day. This is often the time when the “honeymoon period” of the school year begins to fade and the real work of learning and stretching ourselves takes root. It’s normal for children (and adults!) to feel both excitement and fatigue as expectations rise. What makes the difference is our collective support: families, teachers, and staff working together to help each child thrive. Thank you for the ways you encourage your child at home, partner with us at school, and contribute to the positive, welcoming spirit that defines our community. I am proud of us all! 5th week of school…here we come!
Bear Hug Assembly Message on Wednesday
During this week’s Bear Hug Assembly, we reminded students that Brittan Acres is a kind and caring community where we use kind words and treat each other with respect. We talked about how being part of a community means looking out for one another, showing empathy, and making sure everyone feels safe and welcome.
We also shared that Bear Hugs can be earned not only in the classroom but in all areas of our school from the playground, to the cafeteria, to the hallways. School should be a place where children feel positive about learning and about their relationships, even when times are challenging. When difficulties arise, we work together to support our students, help them through tough moments, and guide them as they learn the skills to manage big feelings and navigate social complexities.
We know that friendships can have ups and downs, and we want our students to understand that it’s part of growing. As a community, we are here to support them, to help repair harm when it happens, and to celebrate the kindness and care that makes Brittan Acres such a special place.
New prizes for our winners have arrived!!
Congratulations to the following Bruins of the Week!
Kindergarten: Ida S, James S, Bailey L, Benji I, Rose C
1st: Milan M, Aviva K
2nd: Jaelyn G, Cyrus B
3rd: London L, Atticus P
Music for Minors
This week, Music for Minors began at Brittan Acres! I had the chance to visit a few classrooms and watch the lessons in action. It was such a joy to see the students fully engaged and were singing, moving, and smiling the whole time. The kids clearly enjoy this time, and Teacher Aaron brought so much energy and fun to the lessons. We’re excited for a year filled with music and creativity! Here are some pictures!
Library Time Fun
Our 1st graders had a great time in the library this week! These two friends were on the hunt for the letter B and each time they spotted one, they placed a green sticker on it. As the letters get covered, a picture begins to appear! Every class will have a chance to join in the search for B. Such a fun and engaging way to build letter recognition and teamwork!
Supporting Student Well-Being at Brittan Acres
At Brittan Acres, we place a strong emphasis on the well-being of our students. We use a multi-tiered support system designed to help children develop important social and emotional skills, while also supporting their overall mental health. These tools and practices are part of our school culture and help students grow in self-awareness, self-management, and responsible decision-making.
Our school counselor, Ms. Julie Jobak, has started introducing these ideas to our students, beginning with the Zones of Regulation. This framework helps students (and adults!) learn how to name, understand, and express their emotions. Students discover how feelings show up in both their minds and their bodies, and they practice strategies for managing those feelings. While learning happens best when we are in the “green zone,” it is just as important to recognize what it feels like to be in the blue, yellow, or red zones, and how to respond in healthy ways.
For example, some students find that going for a walk, taking deep breaths, or drinking water helps them re-center. In our TK and Kindergarten classrooms, we also use Kimochis to teach that “we can be mad, but we can’t be mean.” Alongside this, calming strategies such as belly breathing and mindfulness are introduced to support students in managing strong emotions.
Learn More:
Zones of Regulation website
Parent Intro to Zones slides
SCSD Elementary School Counselors website
Announcements & Reminders
Additional Upcoming Dates
- Thurs. Sept 18 9:15-10:00 Author Visit 2nd & 3rd Grade in the MU
- Wed Oct 8 11:50-12:30 Author Visit PreK, TK, K 1st in the MU
- Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day! Friday, November 14, 2025
- WEAR A PURPLE SHIRT!!!!!!!!
First Author Visit Coming SOON, 9/18!
The library, in conjunction with the Reading Bug, is happy to announce our first author visit on 9/18.
Chris Grabenstein (author of Mr. Lemoncello's Library) will be presenting to 2nd and 3rd graders his new series Stinky's Stories (Moldylocks and the Three Bears, The Three Smelly Goats Gruff...).
Use this link (or click the button below) to order author signed books from the Reading Bug; these make great gifts! All students can purchase books but this assembly is for the 2nd and 3rd grades. Don't worry, we have a great assembly coming up in October for the younger grades.
Order ASAP to get your personalized copy, ORDERS DUE SEPT. 16
Email school librarian, Mrs. Ha, if you have any questions!
Help Needed! Recess & Lunchtime Volunteers
We could use your help! Please sign up here (or click the button below) to volunteer your time for recess and/or lunch recess duty.
This week's Breakfast & Lunch menu
Free for all students, no pre-order needed. Weekly menus will be posted here in the Blast, in the entrance hallway to Brittan Acres and in the school office.
⭐Student supervision begins at 8:10 AM, including in the office area. Please do not drop students off in the office before that time, as staff may be busy with other duties and cannot provide supervision.
Thank you for your understanding and support in keeping all students safe.
Save the Date:
First PTA Meeting of the Year!
📅 Wednesday, September 24
🕡 6:30 p.m.
📍 MU
We’d love for you to join us as we kick off another great school year together. At this meeting, Principal Noyes will share school updates, and the PTA Executive Board will review and approve this year’s budget. We’ll also go over the benefits of joining PTA through Totem, talk about open volunteer roles, and share details on upcoming school events.
This is a wonderful chance to connect with other parents, learn what’s happening at school, and find ways to get involved. Whether you’re brand new to the PTA or a longtime supporter, your voice and presence matter—we hope to see you there!
SIGN UP for Campus Clean-up Day!
Join us for our annual Brittan Acres Campus Clean-Up day on Sunday, September 28 from 10am-1pm.
This is a fun day for families to come together in sprucing up the school to improve the space for the whole school community! The focus of the day is on beautifying the outdoor areas by planting, weeding, painting, mulching, carpentry and more - no prior experience needed!
Click here or the button below to sign up to make our campus great!
Brittan Acres Spirit Gear Store Now Open!
Our online store for Brittan Acres Spirit Gear is now open with all new designs, click here or the button below to view and order items.
Don’t delay – show your school spirit and order your Spirit Gear today! Order by September 30th.
Contact Heather Prewett if you have any questions or need assistance with your order. Go Bruins!
Calling all Brittan Acres Business Owners
Get the word out about your business AND support two of our amazing events, Fall Fest and Walk-A-Jog! As a sponsor, your business’s name will be featured at both the Fall Fest November 16th, 2025 and the spring Walk A Jog April 26th, 2026 events.
Through your sponsorship, you have the opportunity to reach the families of 500+ students in the San Carlos community. Please reach out to Fundraising Leads - Ashley McManus and Roxanne McClure - or Laura Blaich. Thank you in advance!
The Brittan Acres PTA Needs You!
There are many ways to support the BA PTA:
- Become a PTA member: As a member of the Brittan Acres PTA, you are a voice for our kids and part of the largest child advocacy program in the world. Join today for $10; multiple members of the family are welcome to join.
- Attend PTA meetings: Be a part of the decision-making. Share what is important to you and get updates from our PTA Board and Mr. Noyes. Check the school calendar for upcoming meetings and events. Our first meeting is September 24; all are welcome!
- Donate to SCEF: Visit our Membership & Fundraising page to learn how your SCEF contribution makes a difference.
- Get involved: Fill out this form to share your interest and gain access to our volunteer sign-up platform, POINT! IMPORTANT: If you will on campus volunteering, ALL volunteers must complete the SCSD Annual Volunteer Agreement. Once completed, you will be set for the year.
Will you be a Lucky Winner? Raffle tickets available now!
Open to all - Order Raffle tickets and support your student! Your chance to win a trip for 2 adults to Mexico or Dinner for 20 in the TOWN Board Room. Drawing is 10/5/2025. Only 250 sold. Winners need not be present to win.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Looking for ideas on how you can share this month with your family?
Afterschool Opportunities
Building Resilience with Mindfulness (K-3rd grade)
Growing Mindful after-school classes combine art, games, STEAM, and movement exercises with powerful evidence-based tools to equip students with the skills to boost their confidence, resilience, and discover their inner superpowers.
This class will include new curriculum. We will practice: regulating big emotions, focusing our attention, breathing techniques, positive self-talk, identifying personal strengths, and gratitude.
Dates: Sept. 17, 24, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 (6 sessions)
Wed: 12:25pm-1:45pm
Sign up here or click the button below
K-5 Grade Parent Math Night
Join us on Monday, September 15 for a Parent Night with guest speaker Susan Resnick where you'll learn math strategies to support K-5 students at home.
Is your student learning different strategies than you were taught in school? Not sure how to best help your child?
Susan Resnick will share common math concepts taught in K-5th grade, including fractions, decimals, multiplication, division, and the bar model.
In-person meeting at the SCSD District Office, 6:00-7:00 pm. Please RSVP by completing this Google Form.
Apply to Get a Free Tree
Each Green Corner and the City of San Carlos Centennial Grant Program present 100 Trees for 100 Years. All San Carlos-based small businesses and residents who have a publicly visible location to plant a fruit tree are eligible to apply for a free tree. We have 100 trees to give away!
Apply today! Trees will be distributed Saturday, Oct. 25. Recipients are required to attend a family-friendly tree-planting workshop that day to receive their fruit tree and learn how to properly plant it. See other requirements eachgreencorner.org/100trees.
📌 Mark your calendars for these great events coming up in September:
In September's Foro de padres, Ana Paula Garay, LMFT, Lead Mental Health Counselor for the Redwood City School District, presents Qué hacer si su hijo(a) habla de suicidio (September 16). This event will be in Spanish.
The Neurodiversity Education Series kicks off Season 3 with Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, and Amanda Morin in Building Bridges: Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices for Parents and Schools (September 18).
For Suicide Prevention Month, we welcome Rex Huang, MD, Chief of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente Redwood City, for Breaking the Silence: A Doctor’s Insights on Youth Suicide Awareness & Prevention (September 23).
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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