La Cima Elementary
Charter School
FAMILY & CULTURE HANDBOOK
2016-2017
800 Gates Avenue, 3rd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11221
Phone: (718) 443-2136 (Office Hours 7:30 – 5:00 p.m.)
Fax: (718) 443 -7291
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Table of Contents
Our Mission and Vision________________________________________________________3
Hours of Operation___________________________________________________________3
Our CARE Principles/Scholar Support_____________________________________________4
Attendance__________________________________________________________________6
School Closings______________________________________________________________10
Uniforms____________________________________________________________________11
Family & Staff Comunications/Meetings____________________________________________12
Nursing Services and Medication_________________________________________________12
School Bus & Transportation____________________________________________________13
Food and Nutrition____________________________________________________________14
Visitors_____________________________________________________________________16
Photography & Media _________________________________________________________16
What not to bring to school______________________________________________________16
Lost & Damaged Items_________________________________________________________17
Cell Phone Policy______________________________________________________________18
La Cima’s Academic Program____________________________________________________19
Student Information & Data______________________________________________________21
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OUR MISSION AND VISION
The mission of La Cima Elementary Charter School is to prepare students for academic and life-long
success through a rigorous and relevant academic program.
Our vision is to develop students who have the intellectual capacity, the social capital and emotional
strength of character to be personally successful, and to act as effective change makers in their
communities.
HOURS OF OPERATION
La Cima operates from 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. On
Wednesdays, our school day is 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., which allows our teachers have time to meet,
plan, and receive training. This weekly staff development time is incredibly important and helps us to
improve our skills as teachers and the school program as a whole. Please see our School Calendar for
details.
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OUR CARE PRINCIPLES
La Cima Elementary Charter School’s learning environment is built around four core principles:
Community, Accountability, Reconciliation and Effective effort. Scholars, teachers, and family
members all commit to a way of working together that exhibits the core principles of CARE.
CARE at La Cima
CARE is the framework through which our students develop “social capital, emotional strength of
character to be personally successful and to act as change-makers in their communities”. The language
of CARE provides scholars, families and staff a shared language through which we can communicate
with each other and grow together.
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classroom lessons
daily morning CARE Circles
weekly grade-wide community meetings
monthly school-wide community meetings
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CARE Daily Choices
Students use a CARE Daily Choices sheet to help them see and monitor their academic and character
development on a daily basis. Family members and teachers use this Daily Choices sheet to
communicate with each other daily. The Daily Choices sheet indicates whether a student’s behavior
has adhered to our CARE values or if a specific area needs improvement. Family members must sign
the daily choices sheet and send it back every day. We encourage you to comment, and use this form
as a way of communicating with your child’s teacher.
Restorative Justice & Scholar Support
Our scholars, like ourselves, are in a constant state of learning and evolving. As adults, it is our
responsibility to create a context in which children can learn academically, socially, and emotionally.
Much of this learning happens in the face of conflict. Our children must have the capacity to identify the
ways in which harm was caused in a conflict. If they are involved in a conflict they need to engage with
the resolution process. This is the emotional strength of character that a changemaker embodies. It is
emotional intelligence and critical thinking that will allow them to navigate their world, hold themselves
accountable for unjust acts, and act in a way to hold others accountable for acts of injustice. It is in
these moments where the value behind the CARE principles-Community, Accountability,
Reconciliation, and Effective Effort-really comes to surface.
Restorative justice (RJ) is a means of accountability in which all stakeholders involved in a conflict
must engage in a process of restoring the harm. The person who did the harm must learn and must be
held accountable. The person harmed must feel heard. The focus of discipline moves from punishment
to learning; from the individual to the community. The community holds the individual accountable for
learning from their actions. In many contexts, people simply receive a consequence but are not allowed
the space to reflect on their actions, answer questions, confront the person(s) harmed, and or engage
in learning around the root cause of the harmful action. As teachers of young children we especially feel
that providing the space for learning is critical.
Please reference the Scholar Support document for greater detail about our scholar
expectations and how we work as a school community to address conflict in our school.
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ATTENDANCE
Attendance at school is of the most foundational elements of learning. In order for students to reach their
personal best, they must show up and put forth their most Effective Effort at school each and every day. At La
Cima, regular attendance is a requirement. Students are expected to stay in school until the very end of the day.
That is, 3:45PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 2:30pm on Wednesday.
Morning Arrival Policy
Students are expected to arrive to school on time. That is between 7:30 a.m. – 7:55 a.m. each day at
the door designated for La Cima on the Monroe Street side of the building. Students are not permitted
to enter the building before 7:30am. Students must be dropped off at the door by a grown up directly to
a La Cima staff member unless they walk independently. Students are not permitted to play in the
school Playground before school.
After 7:55 a.m. students will have to enter through the entrance on Gates Ave. Scholars in grades K-2
will have to be escorted upstairs by an adult. The adult must sign scholars in so that the scholar may
quickly get to class. Scholars in grades 3-5 who arrive late will have to sign in with an adult on the 1st
floor. Any scholar in grades 3-5 who arrive Tardy will have detention from 3pm-3:30pm M, T, Th, F and
2:30-3:00pm on Wednesday’s. We take the safety of our students very seriously and these steps will
ensure that scholars make it to their destination without harm or distractions.
Dismissal Policy
Families are required to submit a written Pick-up/ Drop-off Authorization Form indicating who is and is
not allowed to pick up their scholar. Should any changes in authorization occur, families are expected
to contact the main office to update this form. In circumstances where someone who is not on the
authorization form has to pick up your scholar please be sure to communicate with the main office or
the scholar’s teacher. Please be sure to communicate right away and ensure that all documents are
provided in the event that pick-us are not permitted due to legal restrictions
Students will be dismissed in the school yard M, T , Th, F at 3:45 pm and 2:30pm in the schoolyard
unless otherwise noted. Families are expected to pick up student at pick-up time. Dismissal between
3pm and 3:45pm (M, T, Th, F) / 1:45 and 2:30 are not permitted to ensure the flow of school dismissal
and transition to after-school. Thank you for you adherence to this policy.
Early Dismissal Policy
Only authorized adults will be allowed to pick-up students. Please call in advance to ensure the scholar
is ready once you arrive. Adults will need to enter through the main Gates Avenue entrance, present a
proper ID and sign in at security. They will then need to come to La Cima on the 3rd Floor to sign-out
their student in the Early Dismissal log at the main desk. Grown-ups will wait in the waiting area near
the front desk while a La Cima staff member goes to the classroom to bring the student up to the front
desk to meet the adult.
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Students walking home
Family members must fill out the Pick-up/ Drop-off Authorization Form checking the box that states
students are permitted to walk home. Walking home is only an option for students in Grade 4 & 5, or
students who have a sibling in grades 4 or 5. In this case, Students will sign themselves out (and
siblings, if such is the case) on class sign-out rosters during dismissal.
Late Pick-ups
We take late pickups seriously. The school will log late pick-ups daily. Parents of students who have
three or more late pick-ups in a quarter or six or more in a year will be required to have an in-person
meeting with their Assistant Principal and Student Culture Coordinator/ Dean of Culture to discuss next
steps to ensure scholars are picked up on time.
If the late pick-up pattern is excessive or if a parent is more than an hour late picking up his or her child,
the school reserves the right to take the child to the local police precinct for safe supervision.
Family Conferences
Family conferences occur once a trimester and are scheduled over the course of 2 days. The first day of
every Family Conference will be considered a true half day. A true half day is a day that ends at 11:45am.
Scholars are expected to be picked up on time even on days were conferences occur so that are staff
can focus on setting up for conferences and meeting with families.
ABSENCES
All Absences – “Excused” and “Unexcused” - Are Still Considered Absences
Any day your child does not attend school is considered an absence. Student illness (with a doctor’s
note), a death in the family, religious holiday, are all considered absences at La Cima. While we
appreciate and consider the reason behind a scholar’s absence and recognize the various critical
factors that play a role in one’s attendance, the student is still not in school and will marked as absent.
In the case of an absence, we require a call or note from a parent or doctor explaining the absence.
Appointments are to be scheduled outside of school time. Family members should schedule medical
and dental appointments outside of school time. In the rare case when a student has a medical
appointment during school, s/he should not be absent for the entire school day. Wednesday afternoon
students are dismissed at 2:30 p.m., which works for most doctor’s office schedules.
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Incentives
Each month, students will have an opportunity to earn incentives for their class, their House, and their
grade.
 Scholars with 100% attendance: Attendance Award
 Classes with 97% attendance: Pizza Party
 Grades with 97% attendance: AttenDANCE
 Houses with 97% attendance: 100 points for your House!
Note: While all absences will be documented as an absence, we will pardon students who miss school
for religious observance or who are required to stay home by doctors’ orders. These students will still
have an opportunity to earn the incentive for the month as long as there are no other absences he
Tardies
Tardies are tracked beginning at 8am. Three tardies will be counted as one absence. Scholars in
grades 3-5 who are tardy to school will have afternoon detention. Excessive tardies documented in
grades K-2 will result in a family meeting.
Exams and Quizzes
If a student is absent, he or she must make up any exams, quizzes, interim assessments, or other tests
the day he or she returns.
Vacations
It is not considered a reasonable excuse for scholars to miss school due to vacation during instructional
time during the school year. Those days will be counted as full absences.
Missing the Bus
Missing the bus is not an acceptable reason to miss an entire school day. Although students shouldn’t
miss the bus, each student should have a back-up plan for getting to school. Attendance issues due to
missed buses will not be pardoned, and the attendance guidelines will be upheld.
Tracking Attendance
Attendance (including tardies) is recorded daily in the classroom, and through our attendance tracking
system. Given the importance of attendance on a child’s learning, the following, there will be
consequences as attendance issues arise. The following guidelines will help you understand these in
advance, so we can work collectively to ensure all students are present each day.
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Every absence and Tardy will result in a phone call from La Cima Elementary Charter School.
This call will either be automated or directly from a staff member.
10 absences: attendance meeting with your scholar’s Assistant Principal, and Student Culture
Coordinator/Dean of Culture and Teacher to develop an attendance plan.
15 absences: attendance meeting with the Principal, Student Culture Coordinator/Dean of
Culture and Teacher to follow up with attendance plan and review academic data
20 absences: If a child is absent 20 times in a year it is considered educational neglect. In
accordance with State guidelines on mandated reporting, we are required to inform Associated
Child Service (ACS).
5 consecutive absences: If a student is absent 5 days in a row and our staff is unable to get in
contact with the families, we are mandated to report this incident to Associated Child Service
(ACS)
Communication Policy
It is crucial that families and staff are in constant communication. We place a priority on monitoring daily
student attendance and recognize the need to establish healthy communication between home and
school.
Family Responsibility
Families are required to submit a documented reason for why their scholar is absent. A phone call is
required the day of the absence providing a reason and an estimated return date. Upon the scholars
return, families should submit either a doctor’s note or a letter restating the reason for absence.
Daily Monitoring and Intervention
Every Absence (daily)
Phone call home will accompany every absence on a daily basis. We want to communicate to families
the importance of good attendance and to see if there is anything we can do to support the scholar
getting to school on time and every day.
Weekly Monitoring and Intervention
2 Absences in one week/ 3 Late Arrivals in one week
The School Culture Coordinator will call the families of those students who have been absent more
than twice in one week or later more than 3 times in one week. Remember: 3 Tardies = 1 absence
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Chronically Absent and Intervention
After 20 missed days of school a scholar is considered to be in Educational Neglect in accordance with
ACS policy. If a scholar has missed 10% of school year at any given point in the year they are on track
towards educational neglect. We want to make sure families are aware of their status throughout the
year and are making a conscious effort to improve attendance. A Certified mailing will go home each
month for students who have missed 10% of the school for the year. The table below outlines the total
number of absences for the year that would cause concern.
Chronically Absent
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
*For the purpose of targeting educational neglect, lateness and absences will be calculated separately.
Families and staff will be in communication about an attendance plan should we fear that the absences
are on track towards neglect.
SCHOOL CLOSING
La Cima will only close school in cases of extreme weather conditions. In such situations, we will follow
the NYC Department of Education closing. Please listen to local radio and television stations. If New
York City announces a delayed opening or a closing, La Cima will also be delayed or closed. If New
York City public schools are open, La Cima is open.
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UNIFORMS
We have a school uniform procedure to ensure that students exist in a learning environment where
learning is central. We attempt to create a space free from the competitive nature that can come from
materials goods such as clothing, shoes, and accessories.
The La Cima Uniform
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Burgundy Polo shirts (long sleeve, short sleeve)
Burgundy Turtlenecks
Burgundy button down sweaters, zip up sweaters, and pullover sweaters (not sweatshirts)
Khaki pants, shorts, skorts
Sneakers (mostly black)
Neutral color socks and stockings
Children can bring rain/snow boots, with sneakers in their bookbag
Simple jewelry and accessories
Additional Guidelines
 Please label all clothing so we know whose is whose.
 Students are not permitted to wear makeup to school,(including lip gloss)
 Non-uniform items that are brought to school will be saved in the Main Office until a
parent/guardian can collect them.
 In the case a student comes to school out of uniform, we will lend them a La Cima uniform
which is to be sent back to school-washed-within a week of it’s distribution.
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Extra Clothing (Kindergarten & 1st Grade)
 Kindergarten should have a clean set of clothes at school, in the event of an accident.
 Please bring a uniform including underwear and socks, every item labeled in a plastic bag with
the scholar’s name.
 In the case that a student does not have a set of clothes at school, we will lend them a La Cima
uniform which is to be sent back to school-washed-within a week of it’s distribution.
FAMILY AND STAFF COMMUNICATION
All families receive their child’s teacher’s contact information at the start of the school year. It will also
be listed on grade wide newsletters that are distributed weekly.
If a question or concerns arises, families should communicate with the scholar’s teachers between the
hours of 7am and 7pm. As a general rule, all communications can expect a reply within 24 hours.
Family members should check in with students, and look through students’ Homework Folders daily for
fliers, calendars, monthly progress reports and other important notices from school.
For an in-person meeting or question, all family members must make an appointment to speak with a
staff member. All meeting requests should be directed to the main office (718) 443-2136 ext. 1000 so
that our Administrative Assistant and Spanish Translator can ensure that the proper staff members are
a part of that conversation. Scheduling appointments is necessary to ensure that all our staff members
are fully present and supporting classroom instruction.
If a family would like to schedule an appointment specifically with an Administrator, these meetings
must be scheduled between 7:30 and 8 am or afterschool beginning at 4pm.
NURSING SERVICES & MEDICATION
La Cima Elementary shares nursing services with the other two schools located in our building. The
school nurse is available each day during school hours. If a child requires medication to be
administered, a 2016-2017 504 form must be completed by a physician and submitted to the school
along with any medication. Note that all medications must be in its original box/bottle. And a copy of
the prescription is required to be on file. Please contact Ms. Dai with any questions or concerns related
to our health services.
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SCHOOL BUS & TRANSPORTATION
Busing to and from La Cima Elementary is provided by the NYC Department of Education. The
Department of Education will generally provide busing for any K – 2 student who lives between half a
mile and three miles from La Cima. For students in Grades 3 – 5, students must live between one and
three miles from the school.
Our expectations for behavior on the bus are consistent with our expectations at school and the
CARE values. Students who routinely break from community expectations will face consequences
aligned to the CARE values and the action and families will be notified of the issue at hand.
All families of scholars who participate in the Bus program will be required to sign a bus contract upon
beginning bussing, which outlines the guidelines for bus conduct and the consequences for not
adhering to the guidelines.
La Cima Bus Guidelines
1. We will keep our bodies safe by remaining seated, wearing our seatbelt, and keeping our hands to
ourselves.
2. We will use kind words with all people on the bus, including scholars and adults.
3. We will follow directions given by the bus lead, bus driver, or any adult the first time.
4. We will keep the bus clean by not eating or drinking on the bus.
Bus Consequences
1st violation: Suspension from bus service for 1 day
Parent is responsible for finding alternate transportation.
2nd violation: Suspension from bus service for 1 week
Parent is responsible for finding alternate transportation.
3rd violation: Suspension from bus service indefinitely
Scholar is suspended from bus service until reinstated by the Assistant Principal and Principal. Parent
is responsible for finding alternate transportation.
Bus Stops & Schedules
We have assigned bus routes provided by the Office of Pupil Transportation. For a most up-to-date
bus route, please request a copy from our main office. Though we are working to have additional stops
and routes added the process can take a long time, sometimes more than a school year. However, all
requests for new bus stops should be given to Ms. Dai, the Student Information Manager.
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Bus Complaints
La Cima does not manage or control the school bus service—the contract with the bus company is
managed and supervised by the NYC Department of Education. Complaints about late pick-ups, dropoffs, driver behavior, bus conditions, etc. should be reported to both the main office at La Cima AND the
NYC Dept. of Education’s Office of Pupil Transportation.
NYC Dept. of Education’s Office of Pupil Transportation Customer Hotline:718-392-8855
When you call this number you will need to provide the following:
 La Cima OPT code: 16564
 La Cima school code: 84K649
FOOD AND NUTRITION AT LA CIMA
Food is what provides us with energy to do what we need to do in our day. Thus, La Cima takes food
and nutrition very seriously to ensure our scholars are in the best state for learning, and to establish a
culture of wellness at school.
Breakfast: 7:30-7:55 in classrooms (late arrivals will eat a dry breakfast upon arrival)
Lunch: each grade has ½ hour for lunch during their respective afternoon lunch period
Snack: snacks are delivered to classrooms every morning and are distributed by the teacher to break
the time between morning/lunch or lunch/dismissal.
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Breakfast
Both breakfast and lunch are available at La Cima Elementary. All families will need to complete the
school lunch form at the beginning of each school year. The school will contact families of students
who need to pay part or all of the lunch costs so that parents know the best way to handle this
payment.
Lunch
Every scholar is entitled to receive a lunch meal. Scholars and families can choose to participate in the
school lunch program or bring lunch from home. All families are highly encouraged to complete the
school lunch form at the beginning of each school year, and submit to Ms. Dai. The school will contact
the families of students who need to pay part or all of the lunch costs so that parents know the best way
to handle this payment.
Families that choose to provide lunch for their scholar must send a complete, healthy cold lunch to
school. Lunches that require heating are strongly discouraged. La Cima does not have the capacity to
heat up or refrigerate any meals. Students will not have enough time to eat the full school lunch, plus
the sides from home. If you are sending lunch to school with your child, we ask that you send in
nutritious foods. Because of the effect on learning and health, we only permit water, and 100% juice
drinks (no sodas, or drinks). If you wish to send your child with a juice, it must be in a juice box or kidfriendly size. All 20 ounce bottles will be sent back home as they lead to spills.
Healthy Snacks
All students will have a healthy snack provided to them in their classroom daily. Please make sure to
let our school’s office know if your child has any food allergies as the fruit and vegetables change
regularly to ensure students are getting the freshest, healthiest snacks possible. Some student
favorites include apples, strawberries, carrot/celery sticks, and pineapple. Children can bring their own
snacks from home. Students will not be permitted to eat any candy, cookies, donuts, chips, soda
or other unhealthy items. If a child brings an item that is deemed unhealthy, it will be returned home.
Please ask us if you are not sure, and remember you don’t have to send anything-we already provide
the snack here at school.
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VISITORS
We welcome visitors throughout the school year. To schedule a visit, please arrange a date and a time
with the main office staff. During your visit, please make sure to not detract from the teaching and
learning happening in the classrooms by talking with your child, other children, or with the teachers.
Even if it appears a staff member is on a “break,” it is important to respect this preparation time.
Visitors are welcome to set up a meeting with teachers and staff to discuss observations after a visit.
While visiting, guests are welcome to wait in the Welcome Center.
PHOTOGRAPHY & MEDIA
Families complete a photo release form as part of their scholar’s registration. We will also send them
home at the beginning of the schoolyear. La Cima uses photos of scholars on the website, and on
social media to keep family and community updated and informed about our learning and activities. To
update this document at any point in the schoolyear please contact the main office.
WHAT NOT TO BRING TO SCHOOL
Students should not bring to school anything unrelated to school. Examples include, but are not limited
to:
 Basketballs or other sports equipment
 Magazines
 Make-up/lip gloss/nail polish
 Jewelry including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings
 Fancy pens/pencils
 Toys/figurines
 Any electronic devices, other than a basic watch
 Electronics such as iTouches, iPads, iPhones, mp3 players or other gaming devices.
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LOST & DAMAGED ITEMS
Items from home
If a student comes to school with an item other than their book bag, book baggie, and/or clothing
(please note the items listed in the section above) La Cima is not responsible for this item in any way. If
the item is lost or damaged, only the family is liable. Students should not bring anything unrelated to
school. If scholars receive permission from class to bring an item for a special purpose, communication
will be sent home to families prior to this day with expectations and purpose for its use.
If a teacher or staff member sees a student with unauthorized, non-academic material, the staff
member will take the item from student and it will be given to the Assistant Principal and the family will
be notified. The Assistant Principal will store it in a secure location. In order to retrieve the item, a
guardian/parent will need to arrange a time to pick it up during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Items
will not be returned directly to students.
Lost Books
Students who do not turn in a book within 15 days after checking it out or who tell the teacher that they
have lost it will be issued a "Lost Book" form by the class librarian or the teacher. The student will need
to pay the school $6 to replace the cost of the book. If lost or damaged, book baggies will have to be
replaced ($5).
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CELL PHONE POLICY
La Cima has a cell phone policy is in place to ensure that the use of such technology does not interfere
with learning. We understand that some scholars have cell phones for reasons of safety, as they are
walking to and from school. However, with all scholars guidelines are upheld to minimize the social
conflict and distractions that can occur and to maintain the focus on learning.
 K-3 Scholars are not permitted to have cell phones in school.
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*Exception Scholars who are 9 years old and have permission to walk to/from the bus/school are permitted to have a
cell phone
4th & 5th Grade scholars are permitted to have cell phones at school, but must sign the cell
phone contract and adhere to the guidelines (listed below).
Cell Phone Guidelines
1. The cell phone must be turned OFF. Being on vibrate or silent is not
acceptable.
2. The cell phone must be turned in to their classroom teacher upon entry to
the classroom. They will be stored in a locked box and returned to scholars
upon departure.
3. The scholar must wait until they are out of the building/at bus stop before
turning it on.
4. Cellphones and other electronic devices are not permitted on the school
bus. They will handed in to bus monitors upon entering the bus
5. If a parent needs to get in contact with a scholar during the day families
may call the welcome desk: (718) 443-2136 x1000
6. If a teacher or staff member sees a student with unauthorized, non-academic item, the staff
member will take the item from student (“second chances” or warnings will not be given) and it
will be given to the Assistant Principal and/or Dean of Culture/School Culture Coordinator and
the family will be notified.
7. The adult will store it in a secure location. In order to retrieve the item, a guardian/parent will
need to arrange a time to pick it up during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Items will not be
returned directly to students.
8. La Cima is not responsible for lost, broken or stolen items.
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La Cima’s Academic Program
Read Aloud/Shared Reading
o
o
Text Dependent Questions
Informational and Fictional Texts
Literacy Groups
Guided Reading
o I/We/You Lessons
o Before/During After Lessons
o Reading Foundations and Comprehension
Skills
Word Study
o Worldly Wise/ Reading Mastery
o Phonics
o Phonemic awareness
o Vocabulary
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Humanities
CARE
Social Studies
History
Geography
Social Justice
Reading/ Writing
Project Based Learning
o
o
o
Writing
Writing Workshop (K-3)
Grammar (1-3)
Handwriting (K-1)
CARE
Character Education Program
o Principles: Community Accountability,
Reconciliation, Effective Effort
o Values: Change Monthly
o CARE Circle
o Gradewide/ Schoolwide Community Meeting
o Mindfulness
Independent Work Stations
o Listening Stations (K)
o Independent Reading (1-5)
o Computer-based literacy (K-5)
Math
o
o
o
o
o
Calendar Math (K and 1)
Math Workshop/TERC Investigations
Counting/Money/Array/Fraction Jar
Cognitively Guided Instruction (Story
Problems)
Contexts for Learning Mathematics (Math in
the City)
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o
o
o
o
Homework
Sight Word/Vocabulary Practice
Grammar/Writing Practice
Math Problem Solving
Independent Reading/Reading Log
Spanish Language Arts at La Cima
The Spanish Language Arts curriculum is designed to meet the end of year benchmarks established by
the New York State Standards. Spanish Language Arts aims to connect to the La Cima Humanities
curriculum when applicable through rigorous and relevant connections for scholars. Our goal is to prepare
students to know, think, act and expand their knowledge of Spanish. Through their exposure to a world
language, students develop at a young age the necessary skills to communicate in Spanish and to
respect other cultures in our world. Our instructional model promotes a near exclusive use of Spanish
during class time in a variety of settings. These include activities as a whole class, as partners, and as
individuals with the teacher. We incorporate culture through art, handicrafts, dance, music through songs,
chants and rhythms, social amenities, holidays and culinary experiences.
Science at La Cima
The Science curriculum is designed to meet the end of year benchmarks established by the New York
State Science Standards and the New York City K-8 Scope and Sequence, while heavily infusing the
Reading Information and Writing standards from the National Common Core State Standards while
making relevant connections to scholar’s daily lives. Science lessons are carefully crafted to guarantee
that the cognitive demands placed on students are appropriate and relevant. Developmental
appropriateness and in-depth exposure to the subject matter with multiple experiences give science at
La Cima its "horizontal curriculum" character (numerous activities that provide a great variety of
experiences at a cognitive level) The curriculum provides challenges for all students and results in a
much deeper understanding of the subject.
Physical Education at La Cima
The Physical Education curriculum at La Cima is designed to meet the end of year benchmarks
established by the New York State Physical Education and Health standards. Physical Education/ Health
aims to be connected to the Humanities and Literacy curriculum through rigorous and relevant
connections for scholars. The curriculum contributes to children’s overall development by helping them
to lead full, active and healthy lives. The PE curriculum provides a balanced range of activities for children
through hands-on play and work focused on sportsmanship and teamwork. PE curriculum will be aligned
to CARE values in such that students will be given multiple opportunities throughout class to practice the
principal and value of the month in order to emphasize the power of those values in a physical setting.
Music Education at La Cima
Our music curriculum is designed to meet the end of year benchmarks established by the New York City
Standards for the Fine Arts. Music aims to connect to the La Cima Humanities curriculum when
applicable. The music curriculum is based on MusicPlay curriculum. MusicPlay is an award winning
music curriculum for elementary schools. MusicPlay is a sequential curriculum with lessons that follow
the calendar year. The weekly lesson outlines the new concepts that will be taught, those that will be
reviewed, and include seasonal and holiday repertoire. MusicPlay is a learning curriculum that support
learning through active… play!
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Theatre Education at La Cima
Theatre provides scholars with the opportunity to learn about themselves and others. As students
imagine, create, and reflect, they develop verbal and nonverbal communication skills. The theatre
curriculum uses standards aligned the NYC Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts. Theatre is
designed to teach students how to work together in groups, think critically, use their imagination,
discover new ideas, and solve problems. Students will learn how to improve their focus, selfconfidence, and social skills. Students will be expected to work to the best of their ability to achieve
group and individual success. Theatre provides students with many opportunities to practice CARE
Values, which develop the students' abilities to express their understanding of their immediate world
and broaden their knowledge and appreciation of multiple perspectives. A sense of community is
immediately reflected in the theater classroom as scholars gain essential skills not only as actors, but
as audience members and members of a theater group (ensemble). As students rehearse towards a
production, practicing their lines and movements, they push themselves to show effective effort and
gain confidence through the arts.
STUDENT INFORMATION & DATA
Beginning in 2015, La Cima contracted with a data management system, Jupiter Ed, to handle student
information, class rosters, grades, attendance and discipline tracking for all students. Jupiter Ed is a
secure, third party, web-based, data system that allows administrators, teachers, parents and students
to access and track information critical to academic progress. Specifically, this system will allow you,
the family, to view the school calendar, attendance, current grades, homework, upcoming tests, and
even reminders of missing assignments. The extent in which these features are used is based solely on
your child’s learning plan so consult with your child’s teacher about how Jupiter Ed will be used to help
your scholar climb high. Additionally, you’ll receive progress reports through this system and be able to
view your child’s grades anytime. Lastly, Jupiter Ed provides yet another way to communicate with your
child’s teacher with email and text messaging features.
Jupiter Ed is also designed for smartphones and tablets and you can always open Jupiter Ed using
your mobile internet browser. To create a Jupiter Ed app on iPhone and iPad, first use Safari, then save
the website to your Home Screen and that will saves it as an app (there is nothing to download from the
App Store). On Android, the Jupiter Ed app is available for download from the Google Play store
(requires Android 4.4+).
If at any time you wish to unsubscribe to all non-emergency emails and text messages from La Cima
through Jupiter Ed and not have you scholar’s grades and assignments available online, you can
request it through the main office or your child’s teacher.
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