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During the first quarter, we have had several incidents involving members of our student body using hurtful words towards each other and demonstrating hateful language and actions in school that are against our SR&R and our goals to have a safe and inclusive school for all. We have sent three letters to our community to notify them of:
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Use of a racial slur from one student towards another at recess
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Use of homophobic language and racial slurs in the cafeteria
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Anti Semitic actions and words used in classrooms and recess among our 6th grade students
Our Equity Team met this week to develop a plan. We will:
Focus on cultivating a more welcoming environment among our students using The Power of Words protocol which will be delivered to 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students during grade level assemblies. (Equity Specialists, Equity Team, Upper Grade Teachers)
Contact the ADL: No Place For Hate: https://www.noplaceforhate.org/ group to begin a conversation about bringing this program at White Oaks. (Equity Team)
Facilitate the Diversity and Acceptance lessons in primary classrooms (Lynn and Jayne)
If you would like to participate and share in this effort, pleases contact Justine Klena JKKlena@fcps.edu and Lynn Bush LMBush@fcpse.edu Ms. Bush is our Equity Lead for White Oaks
On Thursday, 10/31, I provided the guidance below to our staff:
We know there may be questions asked about Mr. Richardson and Ms. Chen. We know they will not be returning to White Oaks Elementary School. White Oaks is going to continue to be a safe and supportive place for our students. Mrs. Klena will continue as our principal until the end of the year. Mr. Bergquist decided to go to Robinson Secondary and we will have a new AP starting on Monday. Her name is Ms. Quigley. Ms. Jimenez is staying at White Oaks.
We are aware there is a lot of talk in our community, and we don’t have any more information to share. It is imperative the information above is what our staff shares with students. Please use the language above if you have questions from students.
We appreciate those who donated warm clothes for hurricane victims and created cards filled with hope. Thank you! We received hundreds of items this week. Tomorrow Mr. Peek will be bringing donations to Asheville, N.C. to support families in need. It's amazing what we can do when we come together. This work supports FCPS Strategic Plan, Goal 3, and highlights the importance of global and ethical citizenship skills.
The next Principal Coffee has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 6th from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the library. During the Principal Coffee, Ms. Klena will share updates and information, and will also answer your questions, especially around their response to recent incidents that have occurred in our school that involve hate speech, slurs, and antisemitism. Please share any questions, suggestions, or concerns you want addressed during the meeting.
Attention all members of the White Oaks Community! Do you know a White Oaks staff member that displays exceptional leadership and exceeds his/her responsibilities? Does your child have a teacher who highly motivates students, understands individual needs, and instills a love for learning? Can you identify an outstanding staff member that fosters cooperative relationships in the community? Then, please take the time to nominate a White Oaks staff member by November 8th.
Help recognize our large and growing community of Veterans by participating in our first Chalk the Walk event of the school year. Help us create messages of gratitude for their service to our country by joining us Thursday, November 7 from 4:30-5:30 pm at the front of the school. This is not a drop off event and you must have a parent or guardian with you.
Your PTA reapplied for our School of Excellence designation. Now, we NEED your valuable feedback. Please take a moment to complete the baseline survey which will help us gather information to guide our decisions this year. Thank you for your partnership this year and continuing to grow with us!
Help your White Oaks PTA while doing nothing -- just sit in your favorite armchair! We hope you have seen the value that your PTA brings to our community. You can send a check to the school payable to White Oaks PTA (preferred for large donations), contact a board member to donate cash, or donate online. Our goal is to raise $10,000 and we cannot do it without your support! This is our main fundraiser to collect money for community needs like helping our teachers get upgraded technology for their classrooms, providing meals on teacher workdays and hosting fun events like movie nights. Please visit PT Board to see more examples of the wonderful things your money does for your school. Thank you!
As we gear up for our second quarter, we want to remind you to renew your membership and join the PTA. if you haven't already for the 2024-2025 school year. Your involvement is crucial to our community and supports our efforts in enhancing the educational experience for all our students. If you have any questions or not sure if your membership is active, please don’t hesitate to email at: wopta.communications@gmail.com.
- November 1st: Diwali Holiday / No School
- November 4th: School Planning Day / No School for Students
- November 5th: Teacher Workday / No School for Students
- November 8th: Veterans Day Breakfast
- November 11th: Veteran's Day Holiday / No School
- November 18th: Early Dismissal for Staff Training (1:05 Dismissal Time)
- November 27-29th: Thanksgiving Holiday / No School
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