SILVER GATE ELEMENTARY HANDBOOK

September 7th, 2004 

Dear Silver Gate Families, 

Welcome to Silver Gate Elementary. The staff and I are excited to begin the new school year and look forward to building relationships with all of you. We are proud of our community of learners—a community made up of energetic students, professional staff, and involved parents. We are all committed to working together for the success of all our children. I encourage you all to become involved. Your support promotes excellence and an even more positive educational experience. 

San Diego City Schools’ mission is to raise student achievement through supporting teaching and learning in every classroom. Silver Gate is committed to providing all students with an enriched educational program, encouraging all children to reach their fullest potential and become lifelong learners. Our balanced literacy program includes reading, writing, and speaking. Our mathematics program includes calculating, reasoning, and estimating. Both programs are rigorous and standards-based, promoting communication and thinking that extend learning past memorization. The result is that our learners are problem solvers ready to take on real world challenges. 

Over the past year, we have had many site renovations due to Proposition MM. All of our classroom buildings, auditorium, cafeteria, interior hallways, and offices have new paint and floorings. We have 2 new shade structures that we will use for lunch, performances, and other activities. The most substantial change is our new 2,000 square foot library, a structure dedicated to providing literacy support and academic enrichment to all of our students and families. We will continue with our renovations this year, adding landscaping to our library, new surfaces to our playgrounds, and new murals to our walls. Our Friends of Silver Gate (FSG) association and parents have been instrumental in the beautification our school, and we look forward to future projects that will reflect the pride we have for our learning environment. 

Our parents contribute greatly to our school. They volunteer in classrooms, work to provide fun and enriching activities, and raise funds to support our Eco Lab and other academic programs. FSG is planning many exciting activities. Their efforts include sponsoring valuable fundraisers and hosting many fun family events such as the Autumn Fest and Sock Hop. Your participation is valued, and we recognize the positive impact that FSG has. 

You are also an invaluable partner in your child’s life. Daily attendance, good citizenship, regular encouragement, and communication are key factors to the success of your child. During the course of the year, you may have questions or concerns regarding your child’s progress. Your primary relationship is through your child’s classroom teacher. We encourage you to make contact with your child’s teacher whenever you have a concern interest in becoming more involved. I am committed to the teaching at our school, and I will be in the classrooms every morning. If you would like time to discuss any concerns with me, please plan for a time in the afternoon hours. 

We hope that this handbook will provide you with information about Silver Gate’s instructional programs, events, schedules, and policies. Please take a moment to read the handbook with your child and discuss. If you have any questions or need information, please feel free to call our office at 222-1139. Again, welcome to a great year!

Sincerely,
Sandy McClure
Principal

 

THE HISTORY OF SILVER GATE 

Silver Gate Elementary opened in 1951.  Originally Silver Gate was to be named Orchard School, reflecting the property’s history, however since the site also overlooks the entrance to the San Diego Harbor, known as the “Silver Gate to San Diego,” the school was renamed Silver Gate Elementary before construction was completed.  The first school year opened with 445 students in 14 classrooms, educating Kindergarten through fourth grade students.  Ms. McIntyre was Silver Gate’s first Principal; she remained for 17 years until her retirement.  In 1952 the student population rose dramatically to 874 students in 24 classrooms.  With the opening of Correia Junior High in 1963, student enrollment dropped back to under 600.  In 1968 Silver Gate became a Model School and opened its doors to students from around the city.  Silver Gate was only one of two schools to offer the Model program that later came to be known as the Magnet program. 

With class-size reduction impacting facilities throughout Point Loma, Silver Gate again experienced changes when Dana School reopened as an all sixth-grade campus, servicing all of the Point Loma Cluster.  Three years later, our fifth-grade students joined the sixth graders at Dana, making that site Point Loma’s lower middle school. 

Today, Silver Gate Elementary welcomes over 430 K-4 students and has 22 classrooms.  Throughout its history, Silver Gate has appreciated and benefited from its strong parent and community involvement.  We look forward to continue building relationships between our classrooms and families.  We know our work together will make us all proud of the achievements we make at Silver Gate.  Welcome to a new school year. 

SCHOOL POLICIES & PROCEDURES 

Bell Schedule – K-4

Breakfast                                                                     7:15 - 7:35

School begins                                                              7:40

Recess, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday         10:45-11:00

Recess, (Minimum Day)                                             10:15-10:30

Lunch                                                                          12:00-12:40

Dismissal                                                                     2:10

Thursday, Modified Day Dismissal                         11:25

Office Hours                                                               6:45 – 3:15

Student Registration Card

The student registration card is an important source of information for the school office.  It provides the child’s address, phone number, school identification number and emergency contact numbers.  It is used by teachers, the administrator and other office and health personnel in daily contacts with families.  It is imperative that a new card be completed each year for each child in attendance and that it be done in a time fashion at the beginning of the school year.  Please inform the office of any changes in student information throughout the year, most importantly work and emergency numbers.  

Classroom Assignments and Reorganization

Tentative teacher assignments for all grades are posted in the office window on the Friday before classes resume for the year.  All placements remain firm for the first 2 weeks of school.  During the first weeks of school, the enrollment stabilizes, and it is sometimes necessary to reorganize classrooms.  Please explain to your child that his/her class assignment may change.  Every effort is made to reorganize the classes as early as possible to cause the least amount of disruption to our children.  Parents of students involved in any changes will be notified.  We ask that parents be supportive throughout any reorganization and keep in mind that it is not done arbitrarily, but out of necessity.

Residency Policy

Students may attend Silver Gate Elementary if they reside within our boundaries.  Two proofs of residency are required for registration and one proof of residency is required if you have moved.  Nonresidents may apply to attend Silver Gat through the Choice or VEEP programs or through acceptance into a district program (i.e. GATE Seminar).

Attendance

If your child is going to be absent from school, please call the attendance line, (619) 223-3035, before 8:00.m.  The law requires us to document the reason for every student’s absence.  Calls will be made to the homes of those students whose parents/guardians have not called regarding their child’s absence.  In accordance with the Education Code (48200, 48260(a), 48260.5), a series of official district attendance letters are mailed to parents and reported to the state in cases of unexcused absences.

Independent Study Contracts

Parents are asked to request an independent study contract from the school office for their students for absences that can be expected to last more than three days.  Independent study contracts require that the assigned work be completed and sent in with the child upon his/her return to school. 

Tardiness

The school day begins promptly at 7:40 a.m.  Being tardy is very disruptive to your child’s morning routine as well as those of his/her classmates and negatively impacts his/her school experience.  Please assist us in meeting your child’s educational needs by making sure your child is at school before 7:40 a.m.  Teachers will record tardies prior to 8:00 a.m. After 8:00 a.m., students will need to come to the office to sign in and receive a late pass.  In accordance with the Education Code, a series of official district tardy letters are mailed to parents and reported to the state if the number of tardies becomes excessive.

Arrival

The supervision of the children who attend Silver Gate Elementary begins at 7:20 a.m. As it is unsafe to leave children unattended, we ask that you do NOT have your child arrive at school prior to this time.   Your cooperation will help us maintain the safest possible environment for your child.  The “6 to 6” childcare program is available to parents by application if before school care is needed.  .

Dismissal

Your child should be picked up from school promptly at dismissal time (2:10 p.m.).  There is no supervision provided after school, therefore, any child on site after 2:10 p.m. will need to be picked up from the administrative office.  The YMCA and “6 to 6” childcare programs are available to parents by application if after school care is needed.  Any questions about those programs should be directed to the YMCA @ 226-8888.

Sign Out Procedure

If you are picking your child up during the school day, please notify the classroom teacher with a note sent to school with your child or stop into the office to fill out a “permission to leave school grounds” form.  If your child is going home early because of illness, you also need to sign him/her out in the office.  Your child will then be released by the school nurse or clerical staff. 

Parking for Parents

For the safety of our students, parents may park on any of the city streets.  Please do not park your car in front of the school.  That area is for drop off only.  If you would like to walk your child to class, please find parking away from the drip off zone.  This is for the safety of all our children. 

Please note that all on-site parking in our alley is for staff use only. 

Bicycle/Skateboard Policy

Students in 4th grade may ride their bikes to school.  Bikes must be equipped with locks and riders must have helmets.  Students may not ride on campus.  Bikes must be walked to the bike racks on school grounds.  SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS, AND ROLLERBLADES ARE NOT ALLOWED.

Closed Campus/Visitor Policy

To ensure the safety of our students and staff, campus visitors and volunteers must report directly to the office, sign in, and obtain a visitor’s badge.  Please wear the badge on site at all times.  

Homework Policy

As part of the instructional program, classroom teachers will assign homework for students to complete.  Students in the San Diego Unified School District are expected to read daily and complete a reading log each week.  Students at Silver Gate Elementary School have demonstrated that they can and do read much more than the district’s minimum number of books.  Your support and encouragement is important to your child’s success.  Please help him/her establish a routine for homework and provide a good workspace in which to complete the work (a well-lit table or desk away from distractions).

Homework extends the classroom instruction and will receive a report card grade.

Expected Behavior Code

Students are expected to:

  1. Show respect for themselves and others.
  2. Solve problems peacefully.
  3. Listen carefully and follow directions.
  4. Do their personal best.
  5. Use positive language and good manners.
  6. Respect personal and school property.

Dress Code

The Silver Gate Elementary School dress code and grooming guidelines are based on the district Board of Education policy on dress code.  These guidelines apply to all students at all times.  There are not exceptions.  The standards for student attire are:

  • Clothing must be clean and in good repair.
  • Shoes must be appropriate for P.E. and playground.  No open-toed or backless shoes.
  • Pants must be worn with the waistband at waist level.
  • Shoulder straps must be a minimum of one inch (no thin shoulder straps and no bare midriffs).
  • Clothing must fit comfortable and not be “oversized”.
  • Shorts/skirts must be mid-thigh of longer.

The following are not acceptable at school:

  • Hair which is disruptive to the learning environment, i.e., beached hair, spiked hair.
  • Clothing which is gang-related in any way, i.e., belts, key chains, hats, wallets on chains.
  • Clothing with inappropriate pictures or language
  • Clothing promoting violence, alcohol, drugs or tobacco.
  • Clothing which is inappropriate for P.E. (long dresses, “baggies”, sagging shorts or pants.)
  • No make-up is to be worn or brought to school.
  • No hats allowed inside.

Students who come to school in inappropriate dress will be sent to the office.  Parents will be called and asked to provide the student with a change of clothing that is appropriate to the school environment or be given loaner clothing as available.   Students will be asked to remove make-up.

Labeling Supplies/Lost and Found

Please label all clothing items, book bags, and supplies with your child’s name.  By doing so, most “lost” items can be returned to their owners promptly.  If an item has been misplaced, please encourage your child to check the lost and found bin located outside the Auditorium. 

Library Book Policy

It is the intent to allow all students the opportunity to check books out of our wonderful school library.  We have many new books, in addition to those in the original collection that are slightly worn.  If each student learns to take care of books, they will last longer and look good.  Therefore, we invite your cooperation in the care of library books.  Please help your child to understand and practice the following:

  1. Keep books clean.
  2. Do not bend or tear the pages.
  3. Turn pages from the top.
  4. Do not treat books roughly.
  5. If you borrow a library book, return it to school the following week.  Books may be renewed.
  6. Protect books from weather, animals, babies, etc.

It is the child’s responsibility to take care of the books that he/she borrows from the library.  If your child damages, destroys or loses a library book, you will be asked to pay for it.  Replacement books are purchased by the school librarian to ensure that a library-bound edition is received for the library.  These are more costly than books that can be purchased in stores because of the quality of the binding required for books that will be circulated for many years.

Birthdays

Children enjoy celebrating their birthdays.  Please check with your child’s teacher regarding classroom practice in this area.  In general, if you wish to provide treats for your child’s class, please keep them simple (no whole cakes or ice cream).  Please make sure to provide any needed supplies (e.g. napkins, plates).

Often parents are unable to invite the entire class to their child’s home birthday party.  Problems occur within the classroom when invitations are handed out in school and only some children receive them.  For this reason, party invitations cannot be handed out in school unless all children or all same-gender children in the room are invited.  We appreciate your cooperation regarding this matter.

Pets

Due to the unpredictability of animals and potential allergic reactions, district policy dictates that we not have classroom pets and that we do not allow children to bring their own pets to school for visitation.

Toys

We do not allow children to bring toys to school because it often results in lost or broken toys.  This includes trading cards. 

Media and the School

From time to time for various events, we are covered by the media (newspaper, TV, etc.) at school.  If you do not wish your child involved with the media, please leave a note to that effect in the school office.

Complaint Procedure

It is always our intent to resolve concerns at the lowest possible level.  If a parent has a classroom concern, it is expected that he/she will try to resolve the concern with the classroom teacher.  If the concern is not resolved, the principal may be contacted.  She will set up a meeting between the parties involved in an effort to resolve the issue.

 

RECESS/LUNCH SCHEDULE, INFORMATION AND PROCEDURES

 Lunch Periods – 12:00-12:40

Lunch Arbor Procedures – Students will have a 40 minute lunch period each day.  Half of this time is spent in the lunch arbor and half is spent at recess.  All children, whether they bring their own lunch to school or buy a hot lunch, are seated in the lunch arbor during the lunch period. 

Recess Times – Students will have a fifteen-minute recess period each day.  Only under adverse weather conditions do we keep the children indoors.

Hot Lunch Program – Our San Diego City Schools Food Services Department has begun a “Kid’s Choice” hot lunch program at our school.  A menu will be provided that shows the four hot lunch choices available to students each day.  Students select one of the hot lunch choices and then may help themselves to the salad bar.  A choice of chocolate milk, plain milk or juice accompanies each lunch.  This program has been very successful for our students – they are eating more, eating better and enjoying their lunch.

Lunch Money – Children may bring money each time they purchase lunch or milk/juice or money may be placed in an account that your child may access for purchases any day.  To place money in your child’s account, clearly mark an envelope with your child’s name and teacher/room number.  Envelopes may be turned in to the school office. 

Prices are as follows:

Breakfast - $.50

Plate lunch including milk - $1.00

Milk only - $.25

Lunch Room Charges

If it is necessary to get a hot lunch loan, your child may do so in the cafeteria.  Loans should be paid the next school day.  Children will not be permitted to charge more than three times without payment in full.

 

HEALTH OFFICE INFORMATION

The school health office is currently staffed with a nurse every other Wednesday.  Some of the school nurse’s duties involve:

*assessing and evaluating the health and developmental status of students (including all mandated screening programs)

*referring students to appropriate community resources for necessary services

*interpreting important health/medical related issues of students to teachers and other personnel directly concerned with students

*providing first aid and appropriate referrals for sick and injured students

*designing and implementing health maintenance plans to meet individual health needs of students

*monitoring all students immunization status to assure that they are in compliance by notifying parents and doing the appropriate follow-up

*assuring all first grade students are in compliance with the state’s requirement of a CHDP physical exam for first grade admission

*counseling with parents, students and school staff regarding health-related attendance problems and/or any specific physical, mental and/or social limitations of students

*participating in Instructional Study Team and IEP meetings

*providing in-service training for school staff on health and safety related issues

Physicals

All children are required to have a complete physical upon entering 1st grade.  A health exam form is provided when you register for your doctor to complete.  Up-to-date immunizations are also required and certification must be submitted to the office.

Guidelines for Absences

*Children too ill to participate in normal school activities whether or not a fever is present should not attend school.

*Children with a temperature greater than 100 degrees orally should be free of fever without Tylenol or aspirin for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school after illness.

*Children with persistent vomiting or diarrhea should not attend school until the vomiting or diarrhea has dissipated for at least 24 hours.

*Children should not attend school if they could have a contagious disease, i.e., strep, conjunctivitis.  See your doctor immediately and obtain the appropriate medication.  Generally, doctors recommend returning to school after a 24-hour period of medication.  Please make the school nurse aware of any contagious illness, i.e., strep throat, chicken pox, hepatitis so that she may alert the parents of children in your child’s class of possible warning signs. 

*Children with a rash of undetermined origin should not attend school until the rash is gone or it has been determined to be non-contagious by a physician.

*Children who have undergone a medical procedure requiring general anesthesia should not attend school for at least 24 hours after anesthesia.

*Children should not attend school if they have live lice.  A child with lice must shampoo with a lice-specific medicated shampoo and show proof of such treatment upon returning to school, i.e., shampoo box or container.  A parent will need to accompany the child back to school the day after treatment so that the nurse/school clerk may confirm that the child’s hair is free of all nits.

Medication Policy

*The “Physician’s Recommendation for Medication Form” must be renewed yearly for any student who needs medication administered at school on a routine or as-needed basis.  This form is completed by your physician and requires a parent/guardian signature.  Medication cannot be dispensed without this authorization on file.  The medication and the form need to be brought to the office by the parent/guardian.

*Short-term medication forms may be completed by a parent if the student requires a prescribed medication for 10 days or less (i.e., antibiotics).

*Medications cannot be dispensed by the classroom teacher.

Nutrition

Please provide your child with a well-balanced nutritious breakfast each day.  Breakfast is one of the most important meals of a child’s day.  It provides calories and nutrients necessary for healthy growth and brain function.  Children learn best when they come to school well nourished and with adequate rest.  Hungry, sleepy children do not learn well.  Students also have a morning recess and snack break each day.  Please provide a healthy snack for your child each day.

Accident Insurance

Accidents do happen at school.  The school does not carry medical Insurance for students.  However, a voluntary student accident insurance program is offered by the Board of Education.  Forms may be obtained through he school office.

Fire and Disaster Drills

Fire drills and disaster preparedness drills are conducted monthly to practice the safe and efficient exit from classrooms at our site.  Our site has required that parents assist us with disaster preparedness by filling out the disaster preparedness card and preparing the disaster packet to be kept at school for their children.  The packet and card are designed to provide up-to-date emergency information, some food for students in the event of an earthquake or other disaster.  If circumstances allow, students will be kept on campus until picked up by parents or their designees, as indicated on the registration and/or disaster cards. 

 

 

THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Silver Gate Elementary has an expert and talented teaching staff.  As part of the San Diego City Schools, we have educational standards and objectives in all curriculum areas.  The standards for each curriculum area at each grade level are provided by the state of California.  Our students are consistently exposed to extensions of this curriculum and enrichment experiences on a daily basis.  This handbook presents a brief description of some of the unique experiences offered at Silver Gate Elementary School.

 

District Literacy Framework

All students, grades K-4, participate in the district-wide literacy program.  Three hours of the day are dedicated to literacy development through a balanced approach of reading, writing, and word study instruction.

All Day Kindergarten

Kindergarten students attend school on the same schedule as the older students.  The program is tailored to help transition young students to the rigors of a full day with developmentally appropriate educational activities to facilitate reading, writing, and math readiness for first grade.

Class Size Reduction Program

Silver Gate Elementary is participating in the state Class Size Reduction Program. Every classroom, grades K-3, has 20 or fewer students in it.

VEEP (Voluntary Ethnic Enrollment Program)

Families voluntarily choose to have their children attend Silver Gate Elementary instead of their local, neighborhood school.

OCILE

Each year our 4th grade classes spend the week in Old Town, participating in the Off Campus Integrated Learning Experience (OCILE).

 

Physical Education Prep Time Program

Every classroom, grades K-4, participates in an outstanding physical education program, with Coach Geoff McCloud, where students are not only taught new physical skills but work on sportsmanship and attitude skills as well. 

Instrumental Music Program

A district-sponsored program brings an instrumental and band instructor to Silver Gate each Wednesday to give instrumental music lessons to interested 4th grade students.  We celebrate the students’ accomplishments by inviting their families to see them perform in a Spring Instrumental Music Program. 

Choral Music Instruction

Our Friends of Silver Gate Foundation fund a choral music teacher who gives choral music lessons weekly to 4th grade students who don’t participate in the instrumental program. 

Library Media Center

Silver Gate is proud to have our new school library containing a wonderful collection of fiction, non-fiction and reference materials.  The library provides resources to teachers and parents, and teaches students library and research skills. 

GATE Seminar and Cluster Programs (Grades 3-4)

Each year all of our second grade students are assessed for placement into the Gifted and Talented Education programs.

San Diego Police Department Programs

Our SDPD officer will visit all classrooms K-4 to deliver a program regarding child safety.  At the lower grades the program addresses proper emergency procedures, stranger danger and bullying.  At grade 4, topics also include the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco and drugs. 

Recognition Assemblies

School assemblies are held throughout the year in the auditorium to present certificates to students in each class whom their teachers recognize for outstanding

scholastic or behavioral achievements.  Parents of students receiving awards are invited to attend. 

 

SPECIAL EDUCATION AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

 

El (English Learner) Support

Bilingual students are clustered according to assessed language proficiency and placed in mainstream classes.  They are given special assistance in learning English, reaching their educational potential and adjusting to the school setting.

Resource Teacher

The learning disabilities resource teacher and her instructional aide provide these programs to students in the Learning Center on site.  They may also service regular students who need extra support. 

School Psychologist

The school psychologist serves, as a member of the Instructional Study Team to assess the

academic and emotional/behavioral needs of students.

District Counselor

The district counselor assesses emotional and behavioral issues of children and how they impact their attainment of educational goals.  He/she may see students in a small group setting or individually on a short-term basis.

Speech and Language Specialist

The speech and language specialist helps to identify and assess children who require additional support in developing communication skills appropriate to their ability/age level.  If the student qualifies, the speech and language pathologist creates an individualized program for the student and provides the needed support.

 

 

 

SCHOOL-BASED TESTING

STAR

The students in grades 2-4 participate annually in the state Standardized Testing and Reporting program in the spring.  The CAT6 test is used to evaluate student and school performance.  Spanish speaking students in the district less than 12 months are also tested in Spanish with the SABE.

GATE

District psychologists administer tests to all 2nd graders and students who are new to our school in grades 3 and 4.  The test is used to determine placement in the GATE programs for the following year.

Special Education

Parents may request that a district psychologist and resource specialist evaluate their children for learning disabilities.  Requests are to be made to the principal.  The IST (Instructional Study Team) will meet with the parent(s)/guardian to determine the appropriateness of the request.

District Testing

All students in grades K-4 are assessed using the DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment).

Fourth grade students are tested in late winter using the SDRT (Stanford Diagnostic Reading Test) group test.  They are also informally tested using the ARI – Analytic Reading Inventory.

 

Teacher

Grade

Rm. #

Breier, Shelley

K

9

Jordan, Christy

K

13

Murphy, Sue

K

K-2

Piscopo, Mary Ellen

K

K-1

Albrecht, Suzanne

1

1

Lefler, Melissa

1

B5

Nazarian, Ruth/Koehler, Karen

1

18

Wilson, Leslie

1

11

McKay, Pamela/Benjamin, Stacey

 1/2

12

Carroll, Cristina

2

17

Carroll, Mark

2

3

Case, Sherry

2

14

Templin, Marcie/Brown, Kristin

2

6

Kubitza, Karen

3

15

Klueber, Darrell

3

8

LaBarre, Kimberley

3

2

Maller, Patrice

3

16

McGinn, Edna Jane

3

19

Bryant, Mary

4

5

Garcia, Priscilla

4

10

Harvey, Karen

4

21

Russell, Charles

4

4

McCloud, Geoff

B1

P.E-. Prep

 

 

 

SUPPORT STAFF

 

 

Barra, Ricardo

BSS

Supply Rm.

Bakhru, Shiela

IA

3

Castaneda, Espie

Psych

B7

Cyr, Mark

Custodian

Supply Rm.

Dulany, Lillian

APE

Cafeteria

Estrela, Fatima

Café Ldr.

Cafeteria

Fox, Michelle

Clerk

Office

Hagner, Scott

OT

B6

Hashimoto, Pam

Staff. Dev.

20

Hersche-Howard, Alison

Counselor

Couns. Ctr.

Holcombe, Carol

Secretary

Office

Lulue, Terry

Lib. IA

Library

Madsen, Deb

Nurse

Office

Medina, Melinda

Res. Sp.

23

McClure, Sandy

Principal

Office

McHenry, Nancy

 IA

Lab

Moniz, Lynette

IA

23

Wery, Ellen

Clerk

Office

 Vacant

Speech

Conf.1

6 to 6  Program

 

B4

YMCA

 

B2

Computer Lab -  Vacant

 

B3

 

 

STAYING INFORMED

There are a number of ways to stay informed about what is happening at school.  Here are a few:

 

Friends of Silver Gate Newsletter

The Newsletter is a FSG-produced monthly newsletter sent home at the beginning of each month.  The Newsletter is published to encourage involvement and participation of parents in school and to keep everyone informed of all events.  In addition to news and information, an up-to-date calendar of events appears in it.  All staff, parents, students and groups are welcome to submit articles for this newsletter.

Web Site

The Silver Gate web site, located at,  http://prod031.sandi.net/silvergate is developed and maintained by a parent volunteer, Karl Dring.  The site is continuously undated and contains a wide variety of information for students, parents, and staff.

Principal’s Chat

Each month Sandy McClure will host an hour long “chat” about instructional practice and “happenings” at the site.  All parents are welcome to attend, participate, and enjoy a cup of coffee.  The first Principal’s Chat will be October 7th for all, and the following months will be for designated grade levels. 

Open House

Fall Open House is a time to meet with your child’s teacher to hear about the curricular objectives for the year and how you can assist your child to make it a successful learning year. 

Kindergarten Orientation

In the Spring, we invite parents of incoming Kindergarten children to come to our school, tour our classrooms, and hear information about our Kindergarten program.  In the Fall, new Kindergarten students and their parents are invited to come to their assigned rooms and meet their teacher.

Parent Conference Days

These days coincide with the release of report cards and allow individual parents to meet with their child’s teacher. Each of these days will have dismissal at 11:25 a.m.  This is an excellent time for you to meet with the teacher and review your child’s progress.  There are conference days scheduled in November and February.  Please schedule additional conferences with your child’s teacher any time you feel they are needed. 

 

PARENT/COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AT SILVER GATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

The following committees and organizations represent several important groups that make up the decision-making, fund raising, and community-support bodies at Silver Gate.

 

Governance Team/School Site Council (SSC)

The goal of the Governance Team is to assist the principal in providing the best possible educational opportunities for the students to achieve at their highest potential.  Only issues

pertaining to teaching and learning are discussed in this forum.

SSC makes budgetary decisions on specific funding areas within the school budget.

District English Learner Advisory Council (DELAC)

This is a group of parent representatives that attend district meetings to discuss issues related to English learners.  Information discussed at district meetings is brought back to our own site and discussed in our meetings with teachers and parents.

 

FRIENDS OF SILVER GATE FOUNDATION

 Friends of Silver Gate Elementary  (FSG) is the school’s foundation.  It is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting the educational needs of the children of Silver Gate Elementary School.  The funds raised each year pay for Instructional enrichment and beautification of our school.  FSG chooses projects to fund based on input from parents, the Governance Team/School Site Council, our principal, our teachers and the FSG Board. 

 

Friends of Silver Gate Elementary Board Members

 

President of Programs                         Carrie Flowers

President of Fundraising                     Jean Federici

Treasurer                                             Richard Glover

VP – Annual Giving Fund                  Mary Dring

VP – Volunteer Coordinator              Chris Pickering

Secretary                                             Jenny LaRocco

Silent Auction                                     Shannon Hook

Sally Foster/Gold C                            Dianne Sullivan

Jog-A-thon                                          Melanie Sherman

Public Relations                                  Carolina Romero

At-Large Member                               Donna St. Clair

 

Committee Chairpersons

Financial Secretary                              Katrina Pascale

Hospotality                                         Ally Warlaumont

Directory                                             Olga West

Newsletter                                           Mara Hunter

Yearbook                                            Diane Sullivan

Calendar                                              Leslie Chinman

Red Ribbon Week                              Tanya Fredrick

Book Fair/Book Exchange                  Shelley Joyce

Gator Olympics                                   Donna St. Clair

Community Partners                           Donna St. Clair

T-shirts/School Merchandise               Leanne MacDonald

Tile Project                                          Simone O’Connell

Harvest Festival                                  Elizabeth Nagy

San Diego Scickers Night                   Simone O’Connell

 

Assistants and Co-Chairs (non-board members)

VP- Volunteers                                   Ally Warlaumont

Silent Auction                                     Linda Renouf

Sally Foster                                         Lynn Sinks

Gold C                                                            Laurie Kellerhouse

Hospitality                                          Barbara Buckner

 

Student Directory

The student directory supports “community building” at Silver Gate.  Many of our children’s classmates and friends, new and old, are listed, along with their home and email addresses, phone numbers and parents’ names.  The directory is helpful in arranging play dates, parent get-togethers and the other “outside of school” activities so important to building a strong Silver Gate community.  Individual consent forms will be sent home prior to any information being published.  The directory is published by our Friends of Silver Gate. 

 

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

We are happy to announce that we have added three great new After School Programs at Silver Gate:  Spanish, Kid’s Kreations and After School Hoops.  The returning programs are Chess, Mad Science, Martial Arts and Heartlite.   All the kids have a great time in these classes.  The providers are committed to making it a fun learning experience for the children.  These programs are voluntary and there is a charge to participate. Look for the flyers to register and don’t miss out!  

 BUSINESS COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Silver Gate is very proud of our partnerships with business organizations in the community.  In addition to those listed, we have had many donations from local businesses.

 Navy/FCTCPAC                                                McDonald’s

 San Diego Unified Port District