Superintendent's Message

Dear SCSD Families and Community Members,

October has been a wonderful reminder of what makes the San Carlos School District such a special place to learn and grow - our incredible community!

School events like the Tierra Linda/Mariposa Color Run and Arroyo Day of Service to Fall Fun Days at Heather and Brittan Acres, the White Oaks Walk-a-thon, the Central/Arroyo Multicultural Night, and Mariposa’s Beautification Day, our schools have been buzzing with energy, connection and community spirit.

These events are about so much more than fun, they bring students, families, staff and neighbors together, strengthen relationships and create a sense of belonging that extends beyond the classroom. None of this would be possible without the countless volunteers who generously share their time and talents. Thank you for showing up, giving back, and helping make our schools places where every student feels connected and valued.

Your partnership is also essential to bringing our District's Strategic Plan and Learner Profile to life. Together, we are nurturing curious problem solvers, self-aware learners, and kind, responsible citizens while creating innovative and engaging learning experiences that prepare students for the future.

Digital Citizenship Week - Preparing Students for an AI-Enabled World

As we recognize Digital Citizenship Week, we're highlighting an important part of preparing students for the future: helping them navigate technology and artificial intelligence (AI) thoughtfully, safely, and responsibly.

AI is becoming an increasingly common part of how we learn, create, communicate, and solve problems. At SCSD, we believe that AI has the potential to enhance teaching and learning when used responsibly. It should amplify human learning, never replace human thinking.

Through the work of our AI Task Force and AI Teacher Advisory Board, we have developed a shared vision to guide our approach: The San Carlos School District is committed to developing curious problem solvers, self-aware learners, and kind citizens. Artificial Intelligence should support this vision, not replace the thinking, creativity, or perseverance, collaboration, and human relationships that make learning meaningful.

Guided by this vision and our steadfast commitment to building strong relationships with students, we are beginning to build AI literacy through age-appropriate learning experiences that help students understand how AI works, recognize its opportunities and limitations, and use it responsibly.

We also understand that families play an important role in helping children develop healthy digital habits. Resources from Common Sense Media offer helpful guidance for navigating technology and AI at home. And if you missed the Parent Venture webinar, we encourage you to watch The Role AI Should (And Should Not) Play in Education by Rebecca Winthrop.

You'll hear more from your school leaders about this work in the months ahead, and we look forward to engaging families in a deeper conversation about AI and learning at an upcoming event in January.

Keeping Our Schools Safe: Preparedness, Partnership, and Continuous Improvement

The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain among our highest priorities. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, we want families to know about the ongoing planning, training and partnerships that help keep our campuses safe.

October is a month that highlights several important safety awareness initiatives, making it a timely opportunity to share the proactive steps we take throughout the year to prepare for emergencies, strengthen campus safety, and continuously improve our practices.

Consistent Emergency Response Protocols: The Big Five

SCSD follows the Big Five School Emergency Response Protocols, a countywide approach developed through the San Mateo County Office of Education's Coalition for Safe Schools. These protocols provide common language and clear procedures for schools and first responders during emergencies. All 23 school districts in San Mateo County work with local emergency response partners to maintain consistent practices, helping ensure a coordinated response when it matters most.

Annual School Safety Plan Reviews:

At the October 8, 2026 SCSD Board of Trustees meeting, the Board approved the updated Comprehensive School Safety Plans for all SCSD schools as well as the overall District plan.

These plans are reviewed and updated annually in accordance with California Department of Education requirements, with input from school administrators, staff and school site councils.

Annual Campus Safety Walks: Before the start of each school year, District and school administrators partner with the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office to walk every campus to assess safety conditions and identify opportunities for improvement.

Ongoing Safety Drills and Training: Throughout the year, students and staff participate in age-appropriate safety drills and practice emergency response procedures. Most recently, on October 15, our schools participated in the Great California ShakeOut, practicing earthquake safety and evacuation procedures.

Collaboration with First Responders: Our District Safety Committee brings together SCSD staff and representatives from local fire and law enforcement agencies to review safety practices, discuss campus assessments, and strengthen emergency preparedness.

Learning from Every Experience: Following significant safety incidents, District and school leaders review what occurred, evaluate our response, and identify opportunities for improvement. When appropriate, we also debrief with law enforcement and emergency response partners to ensure lessons learned inform our future practices.

These are just some of the ways we work year-round to strengthen school safety. While no school can eliminate every potential risk, preparation, practice, strong partnerships and continuous improvement help us create safer learning environments for everyone. We are grateful to our school leaders, staff, School Site Councils, and local first responders for their ongoing commitment to this important work.

Looking ahead: Celebrating Our Community and Cultures

As October comes to a close, our schools are preparing for more opportunities to celebrate, connect, and learn together. In the coming days, students and families will participate in activities recognizing Diwali, Día de los Muertos, and Halloween. These celebrations offer wonderful opportunities to learn about different traditions, honor our diverse community, and create joyful memories together.

We know we'll see many of you volunteering, participating, and celebrating alongside our students and staff. Thank you for all the ways you contribute to our schools. Whether you're volunteering at an event, supporting learning at home, or simply showing up for your child's school community, your partnership makes a difference.

Together, we are building a district where every student feels a sense of belonging, is inspired to learn, and has the support needed to thrive.

Onward!
Jennifer