April 21, 2024

Mark Your Calendar

Weds 4/24: Spirit Day: Disney

Fri 4/26: Deadline to order BA Yearbook

Sun 4/28: BA Walk-A-Jog, 10am-1pm

Sat 5/4: SCEF Revel @ Devil’s Community Dance Party

Principal's Message

Dear Brittan Acres Families,

Although we are still fully immersed in the 23/24 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 next year. We anticipate having four Kindergarten, four 1st grade, three 2nd grade and three 3rd grade classrooms as well as one 2nd/3rd grade multi age combination class. 

Although you might be unfamiliar with multi age classes, we have had a long history, both at Brittan Acres and across the district, of offering multi age classrooms due to the many advantages that a blended learning environment brings for all students. All Brittan Acres teachers differentiate their instruction whether in a 2/3 class or in a straight Second Grade or Third Grade class. This differentiation occurs both in whole class instruction and in small groups in order to meet the needs of all students; a multi age classroom is very conducive to the instructional strategies that support differentiation. There are also opportunities for students to spend time with grade level peers from other classrooms for grade specific topics such as Science or Social Studies.

In the spring, our school staff members work collaboratively to make class placements for the upcoming school year including placement into the multi age class. 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, submit the form below no later than Friday, May 3rd:

• Incoming TK-Kindergarten Parent Input Form (Emailed out to all incoming TK/Kindergarten families)

• Incoming 1st-4th Grade Optional Form 

This information is kept confidential. Please do not schedule a meeting with your child’s current classroom 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.

Warm regards,
Suzanne Fast - Principal
[email protected]

PTA & School News

Order Your BA Year Book by April 26

The last day to make custom pages (2 per book) is April 26th. Purchase your yearbook this week to make sure you have time to upload your child's own pictures. Create lasting memories by including two full pages specific of them and their BA friends!

Disney Spirit Day is Wednesday, April 24!

Which grade level will show the most Disney spirit?  Wear your favorite Disney colors, clothing, hats, costumes, or ears to celebrate BA's next Spirit Day on Wednesday, April 24.

Walk-A-Jog Needs Your Help!

The 36th BA Walk-A-Jog is coming up in just 1 week! On April 28th, 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 Thursday 4/25 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 can be for kids in grades 4 and up, so get siblings involved!
• BBQ Helper: Prep, cook, and/or wrap delicious BBQ food and hang out at the grills with a super fun BBQ team of volunteers.
• Carnival/Bounce House floater: 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!
• Prize Booth Helper: Help eager and excited students redeem their carnival tickets for fun prizes. 

Email [email protected] with any questions and THANK YOU for your support!

Be the Bruin Bear at Walk-A-Jog!

Calling all aspiring mascots! We are looking for one lucky person to get to be the star of the 2024 BA Walk-A-Jog as the Bruin Bear. The costume can fit an older kid or an adult and the Bruin Bear will be present at Walk-A-Jog from 10 AM - 1 PM to cheer on the students, help us say “Ready, Set, Go!” at the start line, give out some high fives, take some selfies, and more! If you are interested in clinching this coveted position, or if you know someone who is, please email [email protected] and let us know!

Walk-A-Jog: Carnival Sign Ups

The WAJ carnival is one of the biggest highlights of the day, and it cannot be run without the help of all the parents in attendance. Stay tuned for more information from your room parents, and please sign up on this spreadsheet for a 30-minute shift to help run your child’s class’s carnival attraction. We ask that every parent sign up for a shift, and we are grateful for your support! Email [email protected] with any questions.

Walk-A-Jog Mystery Wall

The Mystery Wall is one of the favorite attractions for students at Walk-A-Jog, and it needs your help to make it a success! We are looking for gently used toys and stuffies to give away as prizes for this popular carnival attraction. If you have items you are willing to donate, please drop them off at 133 Brook Street in San Carlos. There will be a bin on the front porch to receive these items. Email [email protected] with any questions. 

Calling All Bakers! The WAJ Bake Sale Needs You!

Every year, we host a Bake Sale at Walk-A-Jog with a variety of tasty treats from our community! We are currently in need of more baked goods! If you have time to bring something, please sign up by clicking the button below. Thank you so much for supporting the Bake Sale!

Wanted: Gently Used Books

It is that time of year! Your San Carlos District Library Techs are collecting gently used books to sell during Hometown Days. Bring your books to the BA office or library until May 15. We are collecting books in good condition that are ready to be re-read. We cannot take text or workbooks, dictionaries, coloring books, magazines, etc. Any questions? Email [email protected] Thanks!

BA is keeping Plastic Film from landfills with Ridwell this spring!

Save up your Plastic Film for the next few weeks! This plastic cannot be recycled curbside, so bring it to school on May 9 or May 10 - we'll have a table at drop-off in the morning where you can drop this off and Ridwell will help it turn into long-lasting decking! Starting this week, you can also drop it off at the School Office anytime. Check out the Flyer for more info on the types of Plastic Film we collect. Ridwell will ensure they stay out of landfills and are turned into new decking materials instead! Start collecting these items at home now.

You can also help Brittan Acres recycle our school’s Plastic Film for the entire ‘24/’25 school year! Be sure to use BA's unique URL - get.ridwell.com/BA to join Ridwell with an at-home membership by May 31st, 2024. If we sign up 10 or more new members by this date, we will be awarded monthly Plastic Film pickups for our school next year! 

Here are some additional resources from Ridwell:
Quiz about plastics recycling - 10 questions, how many will you get right? 
Some videos about how Ridwell works:
get.ridwell.com/school-video-1 (has some fun shots at a warehouse)
get.ridwell.com/school-video-2 (shows the founding family using Ridwell at home)
CNN clip about Ridwell - (a father and son who can recycle the unrecyclable!) 

This Week's Breakfast and Lunch Menu

Breakfast is served with fruit + milk. Lunch is served with fruit or veggie + milk. 

We always welcome volunteers for recess and lunch supervision. Please sign up on this sheet. Thank you! 

Bruins of the Week

TK-1st Grade: Simon, Jennisa, Levi
2nd-3rd Grade: Kira, Ananya, Akira R

San Carlos Education Foundation (SCEF) 

Revel at Devil’s–Join us for the annual SCEF Community Dance Party!
Get your tickets now before the price increases! Join with other San Carlos school parents for a fun night out. Food trucks and dancing to the tunes of the Love Handles. Saturday, May 4th at 7pm. Buy your tickets today! 

Revel Raffle
Will you be the winner this time? The last SCEF raffle of the year features a chance to win: a 7-night Mexico Beach Resort Family Getaway, a Bianchini's $1,500 Gift Card, dinner at Chez Panisse for 4, or a diamond necklace from Geoffrey's valued at $3,850. Winner's Choice! Learn more at https://www.scefkids.org/revel-raffle.

After School Enrichment

Spring Classes

Many new after school enrichment classes are starting soon here at Brittan Acres! Please review all the options on our website, and sign up directly through the class links. 

Are you searching for a hands-on and delicious activity for your Junior Chef? Look no further!

Join us as we equip young culinary enthusiasts with the essential tools to create, cook, and learn in a fun and engaging environment. Our program is designed to help junior chefs expand their cooking knowledge through a comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of culinary arts, including nutrition, seasonal cooking, knife skills, core ingredients, and cultural influences on food. With new and exciting recipes introduced every season, whether it's your junior chef's first time or they are a seasoned pro, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to ignite your child's passion for cooking and exploration! Sign up now and let your junior chef embark on a culinary journey filled with creativity and flavor!

Classes began at Brittan Acres on April 17 and run through May 29 - Register here - https://www.juniorchefstars.com/registration/

It's Time to Complete Your Annual Back-To-School InfoSnap Forms - ASAP

Each spring, we ask families with students in TK-7th grade to complete their annual Back-To-School student information forms through PowerSchool online. This allows families to update/add emergency contact information, give permissions, update health records (allergy or medical considerations), and is required to secure your spot for the next school year.

In March, you should have received an email titled (2024-25) Back-To-School Form Instructions from [email protected]. This email contains detailed instructions on how to update your child's records and confirm their enrollment for the next academic year. Additionally, it will include a link to access the PowerSchool portal and a unique ID number for your student, referred to as the "Snap Code." Please complete these forms ASAP - deadline was Friday, April 5. 

PowerSchool had some difficulty with the rollout of the forms, so please reach out to your school or [email protected] if you did not receive your email. If you need assistance on how to complete the form, please see this video for assistance on how to access your Back-to-School forms. We genuinely appreciate your cooperation in this essential process.

If your plans have changed and you no longer intend to return for the next academic year, please notify your school office ASAP. 

San Carlos School District Community Meeting in East Palo Alto - Apr 24, 6:00 pm

Come connect with other parents and learn how to support your child's growth by helping us create our Vision and Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). Spanish interpretation will be available - Please RSVP here to attend. Lewis & Joan Platt East Palo Alto Family YMCA, 550 Bell Street, East Palo Alto - Hope to see you there! 

Venga a conectarse con otros padres y aprenda cómo apoyar el crecimiento de su hijo ayudándonos a crear nuestro Plan de Responsabilidad de Control Local y Visión (LCAP). Habrá interpretación en español disponible. Confirme su asistencia aquí para asistir. Lewis & Joan Platt East Palo Alto Family YMCA, 550 Bell Street, East Palo Alto - ¡Espero verte allí! 

Community Corner

San Carlos United Tryouts

San Carlos United will be holding tryouts for boys and girls born between 2007 and 2016 starting the week of May 6th (born 2011-2016) and week of May 20th  (born 2006-2010) for the Fall 2024 season. Players born in 2017 may try out for the 2016 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!

San Carlos Belmont Afterschool Program - Summer Camp Registration

Kamparama Summer Camp registration is now open. We will have lots of fun daily arts and crafts, games and sports, also Magicians, Happy Birds, a Game Truck , the Bubble Lady, a Balloon Guy and FUN WEEKLY FIELD TRIPS! We serve lunch 4 days a week and offer a stay back option during all field trips.

ALL ARE WELCOME! Please go to https://www.kamparama.com/ for registration

San Mateo County Needs Your Input

San Mateo County is currently working to survey community members about local services such as the public library and to hear what’s needed and desired. The survey is available in English, Spanish, and Chinese and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Survey link: www.research.net/r/smcsancarlos

Parent Education Opportunities 

NEW! What do your teens want out of life? How will they leave their mark? Kendall Cotton Bronk, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Claremont Graduate University, presents Helping Young People Lead Lives of Purpose (April 24).

NEW! How can you keep your kids safe online? Join Sameer Hinduja, PhD, cyberbullying and safe social media expert, for Cyberbullying Prevention: Navigating the Intersection of AI, Social Media, and Digital Ethics (April 25).

NEW! Chronic loneliness and social isolation are a growing public health crisis. We're honored to host Jeremy Nobel, MD, PhD, bestselling author and founder of Project UnLonely: Healing Our Crisis of Disconnection (April 26).

Visit the Parent Venture page for more information about upcoming events and to find videos of past talks.

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.