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Future Families

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is Castle Heights Elementary a School for Advanced Studies?
Yes, our school is an SAS School. (More ...)

When is the next tour date?
March 6, 2012, 8:45 AM. Please RSVP to Tamar Asken: asken.tamar@gmail.com

What are the age requirements for enrollment?
Your child may enroll in kindergarten if they will be five years of age on or before December 2, for the 2011-12 school year; November 1, for the 2012-13 school year; October 1, for the 2013-14 school year; and September 1, for the 2014-15 school year and each school year thereafter.

How do I enroll my child at Castle Heights? Enrollment forms will be available in the school office to those who live within the Castle Heights Elementary attendance area.  You must present proof of residence, such as a utility bill, a rental agreement or a property tax bill; as well as an original birth certificate, passport or baptismal certificate; and an immunization record for the child you wish to enroll. Enrollment packets will be available from the office in the spring.

How many students are there at CH?
Currently, there are 576 students enrolled. K-3rd grade is typically 22-24/classroom; 4th-5th grade is about 28/classroom.

What are the regular school day hours?
A regular school day is from 8:15– 2:34.  All students should be on campus by 8:10, so they are in class ready to begin by 8:15. Students will be dismissed at 1:34 every Tuesday from September 28 - April 26, so teachers can participate in professional development training.

Is the playground open after school?
Our school playground is open Monday – Friday, from 2:35 – 5:30, for Grades 2-5 (1:35 to 5:30 p.m. on early dismissal days). You need to complete a permission slip if you wish your child to remain after school.

Is There Before or After School Care on Campus?
STAR (Science, Theater, Arts & Recreation) is a 501(C) (3) non-profit organization created to help schools reach their educational goals and to provide a “one-stop” full-service venue for students and families. STAR is located on the Castle Heights campus and offers before- and after-school care, as well as a variety of enrichment activities and programs. STAR serves Pre-K through 5th grade students. Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, contact STAR Program Director Christine Mikolyski at (310) 836-1928.

What is the school policy on immunization?
Children must have required immunizations before they can attend school in California. Parent/Guardian must present their child’s Immunization Record to school staff as proof of immunization prior to admission. Exemptions to the immunization requirement are provided for medical or personal reasons.

We live outside of the Castle Heights Attendance area...
You may apply for a permit to Castle Heights, but space is extremely limited. After receiving enrollment forms from neighborhood residents, the principal will consider the applications of those who do not live within the school’s attendance area and decide whether the school is in a position to grant any permits.

What about lunch?
Breakfast and lunch are available for purchase from the school cafeteria at $.60 and $1.00, respectively. Students may also bring a lunch from home. Liquids in cans or glass bottles are not permitted and soda is not allowed. 

Is there a dress code?
While there is no formal dress code/uniform policy, students must adhere to the following rules:

• Closed toe shoes and socks must be worn at all times, no sandals of any kind

• Gang-like attire (i.e. baggy pants, lowered waistbands, inappropriate t-shirts) is not permitted

• Expensive jewelry and/or dangling/hoop earrings are not permitted

• School Board policy allows for students to wear hats and/or dark glasses for outdoor sun protection, but these must be removed in the classroom

How are parents involved at Castle Heights?
There are several active parent groups on campus. The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and Friends of Castle Heights (Friends) are the largest. We urge every family to join both and be as active as you can be. We also have English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC), Governance Council and School Site Council. There are plenty of opportunities to make a difference and many parents find that getting involved is as rewarding for them as it is for their child.

 Will I Have the Opportunity to Learn More About the Curriculum?
Each year, Castle Heights invites all parents to Back to School Night once the children have had a chance to get settled into their classrooms and begin their instruction. This event gives parents the opportunity to meet with their children’s teachers, tour the classroom, and discuss the academic goals set for the coming year. Each teacher will give a brief presentation about the curriculum and the class.

What is Homework Club?
Homework Club meets in the library after school and is a place where kids can come to do their homework and receive help in a quiet, focused environment. It is free of charge and run by our librarian and parent volunteers. 

Will There be a Parent/Teacher Conference?
Just before the Winter break your child’s teacher will schedule a private conference to discuss your child’s progress. You will also have the option to schedule a second conference in the Spring. If you have concerns, you are welcome to schedule a conference at any time during the year.

What is the homework policy at Castle Heights?
HOMEWORK POLICY [ABBREVIATED]: (A detailed policy statement is available in the front office) Purposeful homework is a necessary part of each student’s educational program. Homework is based on the needs of the class or individual student and is directly related to the content and objectives being taught. While homework may be scheduled over an extended period of time that may include weekends and vacations, homework will be assigned for a minimum of four days a week (Monday through Thursday). The average time needed for completion of homework assignments per day varies according to grade level.

• Kindergarten.....15 to 20 minutes

• Grades 1 & 2 ....20 to 35 minutes

• Grades 3 & 4.....35 to 45 minutes

• Grade 5..............50 to 60 minutes

In addition, students at Castle Heights are expected to read or be read to for a minimum of 15 minutes daily.

 

 

 

 


Find us on Great Schools:
http://www.greatschools.org/california/los-angeles/1984-Castle-Heights-Elementary-School/