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In this issue:
- Principal's Message
SCSD Learner Profile, Student Presenters, Phone Free School Days, Crosswalk Safety, Attendance Matters, PE Volunteers Needed, Ability Awareness Week, Bruins of the Week, weekly menu
- PTA / School News: Multicultural Night, WAJ Registration, Book Fair
- Inclusion & Belonging, SCSD news, SCEF updates, and more
Mark Your Calendar
Mar. 16 - Mar. 20: Abilities Awareness Week/Multicultural Week
Weds, Mar. 18: Multicultural Family Night, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. (RSVP/Volunteer)
Mar. 23 - 30: SCEF Online Auction
Mar. 23 - 27: Crossing Guard Appreciation Week
Weds, Mar. 25: PTA Meeting, BA Library/Zoom, 6:30 p.m.; SSC Meeting, hybrid, 4:00 p.m.
Fri, Mar. 27: SCEF Gala at Domenico Winery
Mar. 30 - Apr. 2: Book Fair
Thurs, Apr. 2: Book Fair Family Night, 5:00 p.m.
Apr. 6 - 10: Spring Break, no school
Hi Brittan Acres Families,
I hope everyone is having a nice weekend. As we move into the second half of March, there is a lot of energy across campus. Classrooms are deep into learning, students are continuing to build friendships and problem-solving skills, and we are seeing so many moments where our students demonstrate kindness and courage in small but meaningful ways. BA is such a joyful school.
One of the things I appreciate most about BA is that learning here is about more than academics. Of course strong reading, writing, and math skills are essential, but we are also helping students grow into thoughtful, creative, and curious learners and community members.
That work connects closely to something you may hear teachers or district leaders mention: the Profile of a Learner.
Understanding the Profile of a Learner
SCSD Strategic Plan (Learn more)
Across the San Carlos School District, we are working toward helping all students grow into three important kinds of learners. We call this the Profile of a Learner, and it helps guide the way we teach and support students.
Curious Problem Solvers
We want students to ask questions, explore ideas, and work through challenges. In classrooms this might look like students testing different strategies in math, exploring science questions, or collaborating with classmates on projects.
Self-Aware Learners
Students are also learning how to reflect on their thinking and understand their own growth. Teachers regularly ask students to think about what strategies helped them learn, what they might try next time, and how they can continue improving.
Kind Citizens
Finally, we want our students to understand how their actions impact others. This connects closely with the character work we do at Brittan Acres. Students are learning how to include others, solve problems respectfully, and contribute positively to their community.
You can support this at home by asking simple questions such as:
• What problem did you work through today?
• What is something you are getting better at?
• Did you help someone today or did someone help you?
These small conversations help reinforce the same habits students are practicing at school.
Announcements & Reminders
Thank You to Our Student Presenters ❤️
I want to extend a special thank you to the Brittan Acres 3rd grade students who joined me at the School Board presentation on March 12, 2026. These students spent a great deal of time practicing, preparing, and memorizing their speaking parts in order to share about our school with the board and community.
They represented Brittan Acres with confidence, pride, and joy, and they did an outstanding job. We should all be incredibly proud of them.
Thank you to Charlie, Roxy, Chloe, Charlotte, Nara, Adrian, Ryan, Tara, Diya, Abby, and Ayana for representing our school so thoughtfully. I also want to thank the families of these students for supporting them as they prepared for this special moment, and the teachers who allowed me to pull students from class a few times so we could practice together. Our students truly showed what makes Brittan Acres such a special place. You make all of us very proud.
Supporting Focus and Well-Being with Phone-Free School Days
At BA, we are always looking for ways to help our students stay present, connected, and engaged in learning and play. Across California, schools are preparing to implement the Phone-Free School Act (AB 3216), which requires districts to adopt policies on student mobile communication devices by July 1, 2026.
Our district has been thoughtfully reviewing current practices and will be adopting a consistent policy for device use across grade levels. We want families to be aware of the expectations moving forward.
Under the new guidelines, mobile communication devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, and other Wi-Fi-enabled wearables, must be turned off or placed in airplane mode for the entire school day, “bell to bell.” This includes recess and lunch. This approach helps ensure that school remains a place where students can focus on learning, friendships, creativity, and active play without the distraction of personal devices.
If students need to communicate with families during the school day, our school office is always available to help facilitate those messages. In the event of a school emergency, all communication to families will come directly from official district channels so that accurate information is shared quickly and clearly.
As with any school expectation, students will be supported in learning these guidelines. If a device is used during the school day, the school will follow a progressive discipline approach, beginning with storing the device in the office until the end of the day and reviewing expectations with the student. Repeated violations may require a parent or guardian to pick up the device from the office.
Our goal is not simply to limit devices, but to protect the joyful, connected learning environment that makes BA such a special place for children.
Crossing Guard and Traffic Safety
The safety of our students and families is always our highest priority, especially during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.
Brittan Acres has one dedicated crossing guard who works hard each day to help students and families safely cross the street. We ask that everyone carefully follow the directions of the crossing guard at all times, even if traffic appears clear.
Recently, there have been a few close calls where individuals were almost hit by cars near the crosswalk. These situations are concerning and remind us how important it is for everyone to slow down and remain alert in the school zone.
Please help keep our community safe by:
- Driving slowly in the school zone
- Looking carefully in all directions before turning or driving through a crosswalk
- Making sure no students, families, pets, bikes or pedestrians are still crossing before proceeding
- Following the directions of our crossing guard
I am also partnering with our Sheriff’s Office and our crossing guard to ensure we are reinforcing safe traffic practices around our school, including school zone speeds and careful attention to crosswalks.
Please walk bikes and scooters across the street and stop at all stop signs. Please also be sure your child is wearing a helmet.
Thank you for helping us keep Brittan Acres safe for our students, families, and community.
Attendance Matters at Brittan Acres
Regular attendance continues to play an important role in student success. Being present each day helps students stay connected to their learning and to their classroom community.
Here is a current update on our attendance data
From the first day of school on August 20 through March 11 (120 school days), Brittan Acres has maintained an overall attendance rate of 96.41%.
Here is our year-to-date attendance by grade level:
Transitional Kindergarten: 94.30%
Kindergarten: 96.52%
First Grade: 97.42%
Second Grade: 96.55%
Third Grade: 96.84%
Thank you to our families for helping ensure students arrive at school each day ready to learn. Your partnership makes a real difference in supporting student learning and our school community.
Why Attendance and Being On Time Matters
Regular attendance and arriving on time help students start the day ready to learn and stay connected to their classroom community. When students miss school or arrive late, they often miss important instruction, morning routines, and opportunities to connect with their teachers and classmates.
Even small amounts of missed time can add up over the course of the year. Being present each day helps students build strong learning habits, stay engaged with their lessons, and develop the confidence that comes from participating fully in classroom activities.
Arriving on time also helps students begin the day calmly and prepared. Morning meetings, classroom check-ins, and the first lessons of the day help set the tone for learning and help students feel part of the classroom community.
We appreciate the partnership of our families in supporting consistent attendance and helping students arrive at school on time whenever possible.
A Few Minutes Late Adds Up Over Time
Arriving at school on time helps students begin the day calmly, participate in morning routines, and stay connected to classroom learning and their classmates. Even a few minutes late can add up over the course of a school year.
For example:
If a student arrives 8 minutes late three times per week, over the course of the school year (August 20 – June 11) that adds up to approximately:
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864 minutes of missed instruction
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14.4 hours of learning time
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about 2.4 full school days of school
Those missed minutes often include important parts of the day such as morning meetings, reading instruction, and classroom community time, which help students feel settled and ready to learn.
PE Volunteer Support Needed (April 13 & 14)
The week of April 13, we will not have our regular Legarza PE program, and District support staff will be leading PE lessons with students on Monday (4/13) and Tuesday (4/14).
To help make this a great experience for our students, we are looking for a few parent volunteers who might be available to support during PE. Volunteers would help with simple things like setting up equipment, helping students rotate through activities, and providing an extra set of eyes on the yard.
If you are available and interested in helping, please sign up below:
Sign up, PE Support, Monday, April 13
Sign up, PE Support, Tuesday, April 14
We would really appreciate the extra support!
Lost and Found
Our Lost and Found shed is overflowing! Please check the shed if you have lost jackets, lunchboxes, shoes or shirts. The Lost and Found is right across from the office beside the bike rack.
CELEBRATE ABILITY AWARENESS!
SEDAC (Special Education District Advisory Council for SCSD) organizes an annual Ability Awareness week each March, and this is a perfect opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities, as well as gain a better understanding of the unique talents of, and challenges faced by, some of our students. Below you’ll find parenting resources, some activities to share with your children, like learning American Sign Language, picture books, crafts, and occupational therapy practices to use at home!
Get talking!
Get Reading!
Below are some reading lists for children’s picture books to read to/with your kid(s) showcasing:
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Kids with physical disabilities
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Kids who are neurodivergent
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Mental health topics like anxiety and self-regulation
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SMC library reading list of picture books about kids with disabilities
Get Watching!
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Watch Extreme Wheelchair Athlete, Aaron ‘Wheelz’ Fotheringham’s amazing stunts here
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Watch highlights from the Paris 2024 Paralympics here
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You can search for Daniel Tiger episodes on Youtube featuring ‘Max’, Daniel’s autistic friend
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Pablo - An animated series about an Autistic boy
Bear Hug Winners of the Week
Kindergarten: Elliott P, Margot G, Nima O, Ori K
1st: Dominick G
2nd: Ellie B, Sebastian M, Tomas D, Maya A
3rd: London L, Colette H, Edwin F
Congratulations to our Bears for showing kindness, perseverance, and responsibility across campus!
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.
Brittan Acres' Annual Multicultural Festival
THIS Wednesday, March 18 from 5:30-7:30PM!
The BA Annual Multicultural Festival will be held THIS Wednesday, March 18, from 5:30-7:30pm. We will celebrate with amazing food, arts & crafts stations where the students can make their own "passports", and live performances from around the world.
Please note that this entire event is run by volunteers and we are still looking to fill many open volunteer slots to make this event a success, particularly for second shifts. All craft station volunteer opportunities are open to Arroyo/Central/high school students.
Event begins at 5:30 p.m. and food trucks will be open starting at 5:00 p.m.
RSVP
While it’s not required to RSVP, it would greatly help us with planning. Please fill out this RSVP form (or click the button below)
Don't miss out on this unforgettable Brittan Acres tradition!
WAJ Tshirt Design Update/WAJ Registration is Open!
Thank you to all the students who submitted drawings for the Walk-a-Jog logo for this year's WAJ t-shirt! Brittan Acres has many talented artists! We are excited to share the winner at an upcoming assembly in April. Stay tuned!
Registration for the 38th BA Walk-a-Jog is still open until March 25th! Registration is FREE for BA students! They will receive a FREE WAJ t-shirt, a FREE water bottle sticker, and a FREE carnival wristband. Additional t-shirts, carnival wristbands, and food will be available for purchase. It is important that everyone registers so we can get everyone’s correct size for the FREE t-shirt so please be sure to register before it closes on March 25th!
Register here! Enjoy a video of the amazing 2025 Walk-a-Jog and find out more information about Walk-a-Jog at its website. Walk-a-Jog is Sunday, April 26th from 10 AM to 1 PM.
Do you want to get involved with putting on this special, fun annual tradition? We would love to have your help! There are many ways to volunteer for this fun event and we would love to find a perfect role for you! Reach out to Laura at [email protected] if you are interested. Thank you!
BA Literati Book Fair Is Coming!
Set yer course for the Literati “Treasured Tales” Book Fair, dockin’ in the MU — March 30 - April 2! Mark your calendars with a big X for Family Night on April 2nd from 5:00-6:30pm.
This treasure trove will be stocked with fine titles at prices fit for every pirate’s pouch. From swashbucklin’ adventures to tales of magic and mystery, there be somethin’ for every young buccaneer aboard!
And here’s the real bounty, our BA Library earns up to 50% back from every book fair purchase! That treasure goes straight back into new books for our shelves, helpin’ our crew of readers grow stronger by the day.
Our trusty teachers will be craftin’ wishlists for their classrooms, so ye can even help stock their literary treasure chests when you shop!
We need fresh recruits for this adventure to set sail, so keep an eye out for ways to volunteer next week.
Questions? Don’t speak pirate, but want to help? Reach out to Claire Firnhaber or Laura Walsh
San Carlos Education Foundation News (SCEF)
Starlight Raffle is now open!
The Starlight Raffle is now open, and our team has secured some truly incredible prizes! This year’s lineup includes tickets for two to the September 14th Emmy Awards, golf at Pebble Beach, a head start on your dream bathroom remodel, and dinner for four at the world-renowned The French Laundry. The winning ticket will be drawn and announced at the March 27, 2026 Gala, but you do not need to be present to win. Want to make it even more fun? Consider purchasing a ticket for your educator as a special thank-you! Order tickets https://www.scefkids.org/starlight-raffle
Save the Date: SCEF Online Auction March 23-30
Local businesses, teachers and community members have donated amazing auction items to support our schools. Everyone can participate. This is a great way to support your school while winning a great item or amazing experience. Bid high and bid often. It’s for the kids! Visit www.scefkids.org/events to learn more information.
Nowruz is March 20
Nowruz (Persian: نوروز, pronounced [nowˈɾuːz], literally “new day”) is the Persian term for the day of the Iranian New Year, also known as the Persian New Year. It begins on the spring equinox and is celebrated worldwide by more than 300 million people from various ethnolinguistic groups. The 3,000-year-old tradition is popular in the Middle East, the Balkans, the Black Sea Basin, Central Asia and beyond. Hundreds of U.S. communities celebrate Nowruz, too. Los Angeles, home to one of the largest Persian populations outside Iran, hosts the biggest Nowruz festival in the country.
Nowruz is a largely secular holiday, meant to wish people prosperity for the new year and welcome in the future while shedding the past. Some families deep-clean their homes and closets and buy fresh clothing. It’s a month-long celebration filled with parties, craft making, street performances, and public rituals. To learn more about this holiday, check out these kids’ books:
You could also share a read-aloud of Seven Special Somethings: A Nowruz Story along with this video about a Haftseen (which means “the seven S’s”), a traditional table of symbolic items. Eid e shoma mobarak!
Women's History Month begins March 1
Women’s History Month is a time to honor women’s contributions in American History. It grew out of a one-week celebration started in 1978 by the school district of Sonoma, California, and slowly spread across the country. In 1980, President Carter declared the week of March 8th as Women’s History Week and in 1987, it was expanded to a month-long focus on Women’s History. For more information about how Women’s History began, click here.
If you’d like to dive a little deeper into Women’s History with your family, here are some ideas:
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on when the new crescent moon is, or should be, visible. This year, Ramadan began Feb. 17 and is expected to end around March 18. It is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, reflection, and community.
Participating Muslims who are old enough and healthy enough to fast do not eat or drink from dawn to sunset each day. Once the sun sets, family and friends gather for a meal called iftar. Fasting is intended to strengthen willpower and increase empathy for those who have less; it is also intended to encourage care with words and actions. In addition to fasting, giving to charity and doing good deeds are a special part of Ramadan and done throughout this holy month. Families donate money, food, and clothing to those in need and are encouraged to give throughout the year.
After Ramadan, families celebrate Eid al-Fitr (“the feast of breaking the fast”), which is a joyous event with elaborate meals, monetary gifts in envelopes for children (called Eidi), and time spent with family and friends!
To learn more about Ramadan and Eid, check out these books:
Student Enrollment Confirmation for the 2026-27 School Year
It's time to complete your Back-to-School forms to confirm your student's enrollment for the 2065-27 school year. All families are required to:
- Confirm their student's enrollment for next year
- Update contact information
- Provide other important student and family details
On Monday, March 9, you will receive an email titled "(2026-27) Back-To-School Form | Enrollment Confirmation" from [email protected]. This email will include:
- Step-by-step instructions to update your child's records
- A link to access the PowerSchool portal
- Your student's unique Snap Code for completing the forms
Deadline: Monday, March 23 - Please complete your forms as soon as possible to help us plan for the upcoming school year and secure your student's placement.
If your plans change and your student will not be returning next year, please email [email protected] and notify your school office as soon as possible.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this important process — we appreciate your partnership in preparing for another great school year!
Mental Health Workshop for Parents
The mental health team is holding “Let’s Talk about Emotions!”: A Mental Health Workshop for Parents. Join us for an evening of exploring your child’s emotions. We will be covering the psychology behind behaviors, and a helpful tool for talking through feelings with your child. All parents are welcome, but the talk will be focusing on children in the 4th - 8th grade.
The workshop will be held in the Arroyo Learning Commons on March 24th from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. If you are interested, please fill out the Google form found here, and look out for our info flyer: https://forms.gle/UdngoozNZpeFdnsZ6
The Little Mermaid, Jr!
Come support SCSD grade 4-5 students in The Little Mermaid JR. on March 27 & 28!
Cheer on our amazing young performers as they take the stage in The Little Mermaid JR.! 4th and 5th graders across Arroyo, Mariposa, and San Carlos Charter are working together under the direction of Mugglebee Theater to take us on a journey under the sea. Bring the whole family and celebrate our budding stars!
Performances will be held at Mustang Hall on the following dates:
Friday, March 27, 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 28, 1:00 p.m.
No tickets are required!
Cooking Class at Brittan Acres - Spring Session!
Whisk Around the World is your ticket to a global kitchen adventure! In this flavorful after-school program, your junior chefs will “whisk” away to a new country each week, exploring international cuisines, ingredients, and traditions through hands-on cooking fun. As we stir up global inspiration, students will also sharpen essential kitchen skills—including proper knife techniques, measuring, mixing, and teamwork—all while building confidence and curiosity one bite at a thyme. Whether slicing, dicing, or just spicing things up, our Junior Chefs will create tasty dishes, cook up culture, and learn through every fun-filled session. It’s a recipe for adventure—and it’s going to be souper! So, pack up those taste buds and lettuce take your young chef on this exciting journey. No passport required—just a hunger to explore!
Class meets weekly on Fridays 2:30 - 4pm from April 3 - June 5. Cost is $408. Read more and register here.
Piano Class at Brittan Acres - Spring Session!
Does your child want to learn piano in a fun and engaging group setting? Hummingbird Music School’s popular after-school Piano Class is now enrolling for the Spring Session! Students will explore the fundamentals of piano — including note reading, hand position, chords, and rhythm — in a relaxed and supportive environment that emphasizes fun and creativity. Each student receives their own keyboard, headphones, and lesson book, ensuring hands-on learning every week. Parents can easily track their child’s progress online through Hummingbird’s partnership with MySkillChart.
When: Mondays, 2:30–3:20 PM
Session Dates: April 13 – June 1
Grades: K – 3
Cost: $50 per class
Location: Room 20
For more information or to register, visit hummingbirdmusicschool.com/after-school-music-classes
Chess Class at Brittan Acres - Spring Session!
Join Chess Wizards this semester for tons of challenging chess lessons, exciting games, and cool prizes. You'll improve your chess skills, and work out your most powerful muscle - your brain! Our classes are geared to suit children of all skill levels; from chessling to checkmate artist, students will build upon their knowledge through lessons, variation games and more! More than just a game of winning and losing, we make learning chess fun!
Class meets weekly on Thursdays from 2:30-3:30pm from Apr 16-Jun 4. Cost is $276. Read more and register at www.chesswizards.com
Upcoming Roadway Paving Work (March 16 – April 17, 2026)
The City of San Carlos will begin roadway paving work the week of March 16 through April 17, 2026, which may affect traffic flow, school access, and pick‑up/drop‑off patterns. Please review the information below and share it with your school community as needed.
Sign up to receive Work Zone Weekly at www.cityofsancarlos.org/enews
Find all editions of Work Zone Weekly at www.cityofsancarlos.org/workzoneweekly
Family Talk Workshop - Body Basics for K-2 Families
Health Connected will be hosting a Family Talk workshop on Body Basics next Thursday, March 19th from 5:30-6:30pm.
The workshop will be open enrollment style, so families from any school or district can purchase a seat and attend via Zoom from the comfort of their homes. Adults attend with their young person and engage in many short "turn and talk" chats to learn together and build trust.
To sign up, kindly instruct parents to go to this link: Body Basics
📌 Mark your calendars for these exciting events coming up in March!
NEW! Jamie Nuñez, Senior Manager of Outreach and Training at Common Sense Media, offers 3 Practical Ways to Use Technology Safely (recommended for parents of students in grades TK–8) (March 17).
The Neurodiversity Education Series welcomes Jackie Rodriguez, PhD, CEO, National Center for Learning Differences, for What Families Need to Know: Legal Changes and the Future of Special Education (March 18).
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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