Notes from Oak - July 31, 2026

Welcome to a brand-new school year! I hope your summer was filled with opportunities to relax, reconnect, and make special memories with family and friends.

Our family enjoyed a slower summer at home, tackling a few long-overdue renovation projects before taking a trip down to SoCal to visit colleges with our oldest daughter, Anaya, who begins her senior year this fall. It feels impossible that we're already at this milestone! At the same time, our younger daughter, Kiki, is getting ready to start middle school—another exciting (and emotional!) milestone for our family.

Somewhere between shopping for middle school backpacks, college tours, and cheering Anaya on at her final travel softball tournament, it hit me just how quickly childhood passes. As a mom, I found myself wishing I could slow time down just a little.

Those moments also reminded me what a privilege it is to be an educator. Every school year offers children new opportunities to learn, grow, discover passions, build lasting friendships, and create memories that shape who they become. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your child’s stories. We don't take that responsibility—or that privilege—for granted.

Back at school, we've been busy preparing to welcome our Cougars back to campus! Our custodial and maintenance teams have been hard at work making our campus shine, our office staff has been preparing for a smooth opening, and our teachers have been thoughtfully designing classrooms where every child feels welcomed, valued, and ready to learn. We can't wait to fill our hallways with the energy, curiosity, and excitement that only students can bring!

As I look ahead to the new school year, one phrase keeps coming to mind: spark joy. To me, joy isn't simply about celebrations or special events—it's about creating a school where every child feels a true sense of belonging and experiences the joy of learning. It's the excitement of asking a great question, the pride that comes from solving a challenging problem, the confidence to take a risk, and the satisfaction of discovering, "I can do this."

This year, our staff is beginning our own learning journey as we implement a new math curriculum aligned with California's updated Mathematics Framework. We are looking forward to creating learning experiences that encourage curiosity, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Our classrooms will continue to be places where students think deeply, make connections, learn from mistakes, and persevere through challenges.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing Oak PTA for hosting the summer playdates! These gatherings are a wonderful way for new and returning families to connect before school begins, and we appreciate the volunteers who helped make them possible.

One of the greatest strengths of Oak is our incredible community of volunteers. Whether you're reading with a student, helping in the classroom, chaperoning a field trip, supporting a school event, or lending a hand behind the scenes, your time and talents make a meaningful difference. Your partnership helps create the caring, connected community that makes Oak such a special place to learn.

As we begin the new school year, we're also strengthening our volunteer processes to ensure the safety and well-being of every child.

In compliance with California law and LASD procedures, all volunteers will complete the appropriate clearance requirements based on their volunteer role. These requirements help us maintain a safe, supportive environment where students can thrive.

We hope you'll join us at our Back-to-School Social as we kick off another wonderful year together!

Families of our TK, Kindergarten, and First Grade students are also invited to attend our classroom visits and socials. These events help our youngest learners become familiar with their new classrooms, meet their teachers, and begin building connections before the first day of school.

Mountain View High School begins school at 8:30 a.m., the same time as Oak. As a result, we experience heavier morning traffic around our campus. Please allow extra travel time, drive slowly, and use extra caution during arrival and dismissal.

We are fortunate to have crossing guards stationed at both the intersection near Mountain View High School at Truman and the crosswalk in front of Oak to help students cross safely. Please follow their directions, be patient with one another, and help us create a safe and respectful environment for all.

Please park in designated spots if you would like to walk your child in or need extra time loading/unloading, especially in the mornings.

Please DO NOT step out of your car or leave your car unattended in the driveway when dropping off students - it creates a backup for all other drivers. 

A reminder for TK and Kindergarten families: For the safety of our youngest students, TK and Kindergarten students should not be dropped off in the car line. Please park in the parking lot and walk your child to the designated arrival area. 

Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and positive start to each school day.

Families will receive class placements on Friday, Aug 7, through email.

A copy of the class lists will also be posted in the kiosk outside the Multipurpose room at 1:00pm.

You’re invited to join families from schools across the district to celebrate the kick-off of a new school year on Saturday, August 15th, 5:30-7:00 pm at Almond Elementary. 

Reunite with friends from Oak and connect with families from all LASD schools. Purchase food from food trucks and Kona Ice or bring a picnic dinner. Kids can enjoy the playground and join field games. 

Let’s bring some Cougar spirit! 

LASD will provide Universal Meals beginning on the first day of school (8/12/26). Every day from 8:10 -8:25am, (until 8:35am for TK students) a ‘grab and go’ breakfast will be served. School breakfast must be eaten and finished by the first bell; at the tables.

Any student who would like lunch will be able to get a free lunch each day. Please take a look at the monthly menu on our website, and review choices with your student, as sometimes their first choices may not be available. The menu is subject to change and availability.

Please join me in welcoming new Oak staff:

Join our LASD team! As we return back to school this year, we have yard supervision opportunities at most of our elementary schools.

 

We are a wonderful place to work and working on our campuses is a great way to get to know the staff and students.  Do you have a family member, college student, etc. at home who would like to get out for a few hours each day?  It truly takes a village and we would love to have you become a part of our LASD team.

Click here to access our  Noon Duty Application or the application .

It is Oak School’s mission to ensure high levels of learning for all students. Every day we respectfully collaborate to develop confident, resilient, joyful learners who care about the Oak School community and become responsible citizens.

Email: nshah@lasdschools.org

Website: oakschool.org/

Location: 1501 Oak Avenue, Los Altos, CA, USA

Phone: (650)237-3900