Edison Elementary School Family Handbook

2025-2026 School Year

Dear Edison Families,

Welcome to an exciting new school year! This handbook contains important information to help you and your child navigate the upcoming year successfully. We believe that education is a partnership between home and school, and we look forward to working together to support your child's growth and learning.

Please keep this handbook as a reference throughout the year and don't hesitate to contact us with any questions.

California Dashboard              NBC 7 Success Story                     Voice of San Diego

We are a hard-working, highly collaborative team, and we appreciate our families as partners in this educational journey.  As you plan for the next school year, the following information pertains to our school:

School Year:                                           August 11-May 28

Regular School Day:                               7:45AM-2:15PM (Gates open on 35th & Wilson at 7:30AM for walking)

Wednesday Minimum Day:                     7:45AM-12:00PM

Office Hours:                                7:00AM-3:00PM

Primetime Before/After Arc 6-6:         6:00AM-6:00PM (By application: https://www.sdusdelo.com/)

Sincerely,
Dr. Jamie Lee
jlee5@sandi.net 

School Name: Edison Elementary School
Address: 4077 35th Street, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 344-5400
Website: https://edison.sandiegounified.edu 

Table of Contents

1. School & Principal Information
2. Calendar & Important Dates
3. Edison Bell Schedule
4. Attendance Policy
5. Academic Programs
6. Homework Policy
7. Assessment and Grading
8. Communication
9. Health and Safety
10. Dress Code
11. Proactive & Prosocial Behavior Expectations
12. Technology Policy
13. Transportation
14. Meals and Nutrition
15. Before and After School Care
16. Parent Involvement
17. Special Programs
18. Emergency Procedures
19. Acknowledgement

Calendar & Important Dates

List of Extra Minimum Thursdays
(Dismissal at 12:00PM):

• September 4
• October 2
• October 30
• December 11
• January 29
• February 26
• April 23

List of Special Events for Families:

• Fall Back to School Night
• Family Fridays & ELAC
• School Site Council & SGT
• Fundraisers
• Fall Conference
• Spring Conference
• Spring Open House & Multicultural Fair
• School Pantry Free “Grocery Shopping”
• Food 4 Kids

Edison Bell Schedule 2025-2026

Regular Day

6:15AM-7:40AM        PrimeTime

7:30AM                Gates open & Walking Club

7:40AM                1st Bell & Monday Morning Meeting

7:45AM                2nd Bell & School Starts with Breakfast in the Classroom

9:30AM-9:45AM        Morning Break 15 minutes (K-2nd) Kepler, Staninger, Hernandez, Salas

9:45AM-10:00AM        Morning Break 15 minutes (2nd-3rd) Salas, Davis, Leclerc, Ybarra

10:00AM-10:15AM        Morning Break 15 minutes (4th-5th) Delgado, Oliger, Bribiesca, Robertson

10:35AM-12:35PM        Lunch + Wellness Break 40 minutes (TK-5)

2:15PM                Dismissal Bell

2:15PM-3:15PM         After school enrichments

(Tennis, Japanese, Basketball, Soccer, Kickball, Yearbook, UPAC)

2:15PM-6:00PM        PrimeTime

Modified Day

6:15AM-7:30AM        PrimeTime

7:30AM                Gates open & Walking Club

7:40AM                1st Bell & Monday Morning Meeting

7:45AM                2nd Bell & School Starts with Breakfast in the Classroom

9:45AM-11:00AM        Lunch and Recess Break

12:00PM                Dismissal Bell

12:00PM-1:00PM        After school enrichments (Chavistas, Basketball, Yearbook)

12:00PM-6:00PM        PrimeTime

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance is crucial for academic success. Students are expected to attend school every day unless they are ill or have an excused absence. Attendance Policy Letter

Excused Absences:

• Illness (doctor's note required for absences over 3 consecutive days)
• Medical/dental appointments (please schedule outside school hours when possible)
• Family emergencies
• Religious observances
• Funeral services
• Court appearances
• Pre-approved family trips (requires advance notice to create an independent study contract)

Unexcused Absences:

• Family member ill
• Attending family member appointments
• Transportation issue or missing the bus
• Family vacations without prior approval – Vacations or Emergency trips can request independent study contracts in front office
• Oversleeping

Tardiness: Students arriving after 7:45 AM are considered tardy and must report to the office for a late pass. Excessive tardiness may result in a conference with the SART team.

Reporting Absences: Please call the school office at (619) 344-5400 before 9:00 AM to report your child's absence or report it online.

Independent Study Contracts: They must be requested at least 3 days in advance of missing days. Contracts can be issued for 3 days up to 15 days.  If students complete the work issued in the contract, they will receive attendance credit.  However, their completed IS work will not allow them to be eligible for perfect attendance.

Saturday Core Academy Attendance Makeups: We will offer approximately one Saturday Core Academy per month to allow students with absences to be recovered.  However, their Core Academy attendance will not allow them to be eligible for the annual perfect attendance, only the monthly ones and overall class percentage.

Excellent Attendance Reinforcements

Academic Programs

Our curriculum is aligned with state standards and focuses on developing the whole child through rigorous academics and character education.

Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment At-a-Glance

Four (4) Key Components:

1. Teams - ILT (Academics) & PLC
2. Data - Universal screening
3. Evidenced-Based Practices - Curriculum & instructional strategies (UDL, QLI, QTP)
4. Continuous Improvement Process

Tier 1 Academics

Data Sources & Metrics

Elective Enrichments:

• Art: Visual arts exploration and creativity with VAPA

• All students receive 60 minutes 1x/every 2 weeks
• All students receive additional VAPA rotations 5x/year (AEP)
• All students receive Breakdancing in PE weekly for 12 weeks

• Music: Vocal and instrumental music education

• 3rd Grade - Drumming enrichment (AECSD)
• 4th Grade - General Music
• 5th Grade - Band, Choir, or Orchestra

• Physical Education: Fitness, sports skills, and teamwork

• Weekly for 60 minutes
• Motor lab weekly for 30 minutes
• Special PE events and activities, such as Breakdancing (AECSD), Turkey Trot, Heart Association, and extra PE with class

• Reading for Fun: Reading enrichment

• Weekly Library visit for 25 minutes - Check out books
• Weekly Reading Room visit for 25 minutes - No check out for books

• STEAM: Labs, field trips, and special enrichment activities

Special Programs:

• Gifted and Talented Enrichments
• Reading Support Teacher (TK-3rd)
• English Language Learner (ELL) Support (4th-5th)
• Special Education Services (Per IEP)
• Speech and Language Therapy (Per IEP)

Homework Policy

Homework reinforces classroom learning and helps students develop responsibility and study skills.

Time Guidelines:

• Kindergarten: 10-15 minutes per night
• 1st Grade: 15-20 minutes per night
• 2nd Grade: 20-30 minutes per night
• 3rd Grade: 30-40 minutes per night
• 4th Grade: 40-50 minutes per night
• 5th Grade: 50-60 minutes per night

Homework Expectations:

• Complete assignments on time
• There is always i-Ready or Achieve 3000 lessons to complete (if a student says they don’t have homework)!
• Ask for help when needed
• Create a quiet study space at home
• Parents should monitor the progress of their student
• Parents must not complete assignments

Late Work Policy: Late assignments may receive reduced credit. Students have the opportunity to make up work due to excused absences.

Assessment and Grading

We use various forms of assessment to monitor student progress and inform instruction.

Types of Assessment:

• Formative assessments (daily work, quizzes, observations)
• Summative assessments (tests, projects, presentations)
• Standardized assessments (state testing)
• Portfolio assessments

Grading Scale (Grades K-5):

• 4 (Above Grade Level Standards)
• 3 (Achieving Grade Level Standards)
• 2 (Below Grade Level Standards)
• 1 (Far Below Grade Level Standards)

Standards-based report cards with ratings of Exceeds, Meets, Approaching, or Below grade level expectations.

Report Cards: Issued at trimester with parent-teacher conferences scheduled in November and Spring.  Below is a chart to better understand your student’s reading or lexile level according to the assessment results.

SDUSD UTK-6 Grade Level Reading Expectations and Reading Assessment Crosswalk

This crosswalk provides an estimated correlation between different reading measures.

Communication

Open communication between home and school is essential for student success.

Communication Methods:

• Class Dojo for all announcements and for easy texting communication to teachers, counselor, and principal
• Monthly calendars
• Powerschool Parent portal (online grade and assignment access)
• School messenger emails or text messages
• Phone calls for urgent matters
• Edison website
• School website and social media

Parent-Teacher Conferences: Scheduled twice yearly, with additional conferences available upon request.

Contacting Teachers: Email is the preferred method of communication. Teachers will respond within 24-48 hours during school days.

School Messenger System: Automated calling system for important announcements and emergency notifications.

Health and Safety

The health and safety of our students is our top priority.

Health Office Information:

• Health office has a staff member available during the school hours

• Part-time registered nurse on staff (2 days per week) 7:30 AM - 2:35 PM
• Part-time health tech on staff (3 days per week) 7:45 AM - 2:15 PM

• First aid and medication administration
• Health screenings (vision, hearing, scoliosis)

Health Form: There is a golden form that parents should complete each year regarding health history and allergies.  Please indicate health concerns on this form and speak to a school nurse.  All health forms can be found here: https://www.sandiegounified.org/departments/nursing_and_wellness_program/forms 

Medication Policy:

A copy of the medication policy can be found here: https://bit.ly/3HHiCU9 

• All medications must be in original containers
• Prescription medications require physician authorization for use at school
• Over-the-counter medications may be administered in the health office and require parent permission form
• Students may not carry medications (except inhalers and EpiPens with proper documentation)

Allergies: We will maintain “peanut-free” zones in the lunch area to ensure safety for our students with peanut allergies. If your child has an allergy of any kind, please indicate that on the health form and provide necessary rescue medication (epi-pen) to the health office with the doctor’s orders.  

Asthma: If your student has diagnosed asthma, you need an Asthma Action Plan filed in the office with the requisite medication prescribed.  Your primary care pediatrician should complete the Asthma Action Plan and sign it before submitting. A copy of the plan is here: http://bit.ly/3G26z39 

Illness Guidelines: Students should stay home if they have:

• Fever of 100°F or higher
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Contagious conditions (e.g. pink eye, strep throat)
• Symptoms that prevent participation in school activities
• If your child has an excessive amount of illness absences, you must provide a doctor’s note.
• Students must be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school.

Lice: Students who have nits (lice eggs) will be checked out in the health office, and parents will receive a letter indicating that the student needs to be treated and checked again before returning to class. They are spread from one person to another by direct contact with hair or head gear of infected people; or by the sharing of items such as combs, hats, and other clothing. They are spread only by crawling lice (not nits). For more information about our district lice policy, you can visit: https://www.sandiegounified.org/departments/nursing_and_wellness_program/communicable_diseases 

Safety Procedures:

• Visitor check-in required at main office
• Emergency drills conducted monthly
• Crisis management plans in place

Dress Code

Clothing Guidelines:

• Clothing should be clean, neat, and in good repair
• Clothing should cover all of your undergarments
• No clothing with inappropriate language, images, or references to drugs or alcohol
• Tank tops must have straps at least 2 inches wide
• Shorts and skirts should be appropriate length (fingertip rule)
• Hats may be worn outdoors but not in classrooms
• No jewelry that could be distracting or dangerous

Shoe Guidelines

• Close-toed shoes are required and must be safe for playground activities, and students should be able to run in case of emergency (shoes securely fastened on foot).
• Please have students practice tying their shoes - It is good for independence and for their brain development.

PE Days: Students should wear comfortable clothing and sneakers on designated PE days.

Proactive & Prosocial Behavior Expectations

At Edison, we encourage high expectations for excellence in all that we do - This is our community culture here at Edison.  We provide a nurturing environment to accomplish your academic, social, and enrichment goals, and we expect students to help one another to be their best.  We promote positive behavior through clear expectations and consistent consequences. Please check out our comprehensive policy: Edison Site Discipline Policy

School-Wide Expectations:

• Trustworthy: Being honest, keeping promises, and being loyal.
• Respect: Following the Golden Rule, being considerate of others' feelings, and being accepting of differences.
• Responsibility: Doing what you are supposed to do, being accountable for your actions, and being self-disciplined.
• Fair: Playing by the rules, being open-minded, and not taking advantage of others.
• Caring: Being kind, compassionate, and helping those in need.
• Citizenship: Doing your share to make your community better, being law-abiding, and respecting authority.

Positive Behavior Support:

• Class Meetings to review topics and issues on students’ minds
• School-wide celebrations for positive behavior (Weekly Monday Morning Recognition)
• Recognition programs (Monthly Shining Star)
• Classroom reward systems
• Kindness Week and Appreciation Weeks to show kindness and appreciation toward others

Discipline Policy: See our Edison Site Discipline Policy for more detailed information.  

Major infractions may result in:

• Office referral
• Parent contact
• Loss of privileges
• Restorative actions
• In-school suspension
• Out-of-school suspension (serious or repeated offenses only)

Bullying Prevention: We have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and provide programs to promote kindness and inclusion.

Media, Technology, and Library Policies

Acceptable Use:

• Educational purposes only - Using the devices for excessive and unsupervised YouTube viewing is prohibited.
• Use Clever to access all of our learning apps and licenses
• Treat devices with care - Keep them clean and wipe them down with a damp cloth weekly.
• If devices are mistreated intentionally, the user may be fined for repairs or replacement.
• Follow internet safety guidelines
• Respect digital citizenship principles - Learn more about digital citizenship here:

• Lower elementary: 🌐 Digital Citizenship for Kids: How to Stay Safe and Respectful Online! 🛡️
• Upper elementary: 🛡️ Digital Citizenship Pledge for Kids | Be Safe, Kind, and Responsible Online 🌐

Device Policies:

• School-provided devices remain at school unless stated otherwise by classroom teachers
• Cell phones and other smart devices should be turned off and stored in student backpacks during school hours
• Students in elementary school should not have social media accounts per the user agreements with Instagram, X, Facebook, Snapchat, and TikTok.
• If students are using media or technology to harm someone else’s reputation or image, they will be subject to strict consequences and be required to rectify the wrong they have done.

Impacts of Technology on Student’s Brains

To learn more about the impact technology and screen time has on the developing brain of an elementary or secondary student, please find resources here:

• The Anxious Generation: The Anxious Generation | Jonathan Haidt
• Cell Phone Use and Addiction: Cell phone addiction and psychological and physiological health in adolescents - PMC
• How Smartphones Sabotage Focus: How Smartphones Sabotage Your Brain's Ability to Focus | WSJ

Library Use:

We encourage students to read for enjoyment, explore worlds through the pages of a good book, and become more well-rounded by exploring the stories captured in books.  All students have 25 minutes per week to explore the Edison Library and check out 1-2 books if they are in good standing.  

Parents must give permission for students to check out books, and if students do check out books, they are expected to return them in a timely manner.  Students who lose or misplace books may be required to pay a fine or fee to replace those books.  We like to keep our library stocked with high interest books, so the funds go completely back into purchasing new books for others to enjoy.

Transportation to and from School

Student safety is our top priority at Edison.  During arrival and dismissal, there are many families arriving through the 35th and Wilson gates of our campus. Therefore, it is important that you look out for one another.  Please keep in mind the following arrival methods, and be on the lookout for students crossing the streets.

Arrival & Departure at Gates:

• 35th & Wilson Gates are open for arrival at 7:30AM-7:45AM daily.
• 35th & Wilson Gates are open for dismissal at 2:15-2:30PM daily.
• Walking club will take place on the field from 7:30AM-7:40AM - Starting each day with a walk is good for the heart & mind!
• Please arrive on time before 7:40AM to begin breakfast-in-the-classroom.
• Parents must exit the campus once school starts at 7:45AM unless otherwise authorized by the classroom teacher.
• Please arrive on time for pickup between 2:15-2:30PM - Late pickups will be in the office, but the office closes at 3:00PM.

Bus Transportation:

• Bus assignments per student who qualify for transportation.
• Do not park in a Bus Loading Zone (35th Street near Polk).
• Allow buses to freely and easily drop off students in the bus loading zone.

Car Riders:

• Use designated drop-off and pick-up areas on 35th Street & Wilson.
• Arrive promptly at dismissal time 2:15 PM or 12:00 PM (for minimum days).
• Follow traffic laws and rules for safety.

Walkers/Bike Riders:

• Parent permission required for walking, bike or scooter riding: How do you get home?
• Helmets required for bike or scooter riders
• Bikes must be walked on school property
• Follow designated routes

Meals and Nutrition

We are a healthy school and follow the district wellness policy requirements for food consumption.  If children bring a lunch from home, it must follow the district guidelines of healthy items or students will be asked to take it back home.  This means, items such as cookies, candies, unbaked chips, etc. are not allowed. This includes all birthday celebrations and other classroom parties.  We encourage bringing other items besides food such as pencils, stickers, and party favors.  Please consult San Diego Unified School District Approved Food List – Smart Snacks.  All SDUSD students receive free meals regardless of family income or eligibility.  

Home Provided Food & Drink:

Our school meals provide a well-balanced diet of healthy proteins, whole grains, a variety of dairy, and fresh fruits and vegetables.  A healthy and balanced diet is a life-long endeavor and modeling begins at infancy. If you choose to send lunch from home, please follow healthy guidelines.  

• Only water is permitted from home.  Water Bottle Refill Stations are available around campus. Please label your water bottles with the student name. Most sweet drinks contain a lot of added sugar or chemical sugar replacements and fruit juices contain a large quantity of daily sugar.  Save these for a special treat at home!
• Pack your student a healthy morning snack to be enjoyed at recess.
• Food balanced with protein and healthy fats.

• Examples: Eggs, lean meats, fish, chia seeds, flaxseeds, avocados, olive oil, yogurt, kefir

• Food with complex carbohydrates and whole grains with fiber

• Examples: Oatmeal, flaxseeds, chia seeds, rice, whole grain breads, pastas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, granola, beans, legumes, crackers

• Lots of vegetables of any kind, especially those with nutrients for improved brain development

• Examples: All types, including tomatoes, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas, corn, green beans, brussel sprouts, spinach, kale, pumpkin, kimchi, sauerkraut

• Food with natural sugar, such as fresh or frozen fruits

• Do not bring foods with lots of added sugar, such as cookies, donuts, and sugary drinks.

School Breakfast Program: Menu

• Available during school daily from 7:45 AM - 8:00 AM

School Lunch Program: Menu

• Hot lunch available daily from 10:35 AM - 12:35 PM
• Salad bar and fresh fruit options - Students can get as much salad bar as they want!
• Accommodations for dietary restrictions and allergies - Doctors must complete a form with the nurse.

Monthly Free Pantry:

• In partnership with Feeding San Diego, we receive a twice monthly shipment of fresh produce and cupboard staples that families can receive for free.  The School Pantry Program is Expanding! Why It's Needed and How You Can Help – Feeding San Diego

Birthdays & Other Special Events: 

Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding what items to bring to your student’s class for birthdays and Holiday celebrations.

• Students and staff may not give candy or food to other students.
• All food must be approved in advance by and distributed by the teacher.  
• Students may not include candy or pass out candy to their friends on Halloween or Valentine’s Day or any other day.  
• Occasional treats for celebrations are welcome but must be store-bought, nut-free and adhere to the USDA’s Smart Snack and district policy and approved by the classroom teacher at least 2 days ahead of time.

Primetime: Before and After School Childcare

PrimeTime: Site

PrimeTime Contact: 619-874-1361 or Edison-Ed@arcexperience.com 

Morning Care: Available from 6:00 AM - 7:30 AM

After School Care: Available from 2:15 PM - 6:00 PM

Registration: Required in advance with completed forms and acceptance notification

Activities: Homework help, games, crafts, and outdoor play

The policies that apply during the regular school day also apply to Primetime, including our Healthy School and Wellness policies, Homework completion, and Behavior Expectations.

Parent Involvement

We love our families participating and helping us enrich our school community.  There are lots of ways to be involved with your student’s education.  All parents must complete a volunteer application to work directly in a classroom, on a field trip, or with students.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Monthly pantry set up and clean up
• Classroom helpers
• Field trip chaperones
• Library helpers
• Special event support
• Traffic supervision
• Special event decorations and set up
• Fundraiser events
• Reading mentors

Events for Parents to Attend

• Fall Back to School Night
• Monthly Family Fridays & Shining Stars
• Monday twice monthly pantry (free grocery shopping!) in the Auditorium
• Fall & Spring Conferences to discuss student’s academic and social growth
• Spring Open House
• Christmas & Holiday Performances in December
• Music, Band, Choir, and Orchestra Performances in May
• Breakdancing Performances

Parent Committees:

• Wellness Committee
• SSC
• SGT
• ELAC
• Event Planning

Special Programs & Enrichments

Enrichment Activities:

• Student Council and Leadership Committees (Grades 3-5)
• STEAM Special Guests, Events, Activities, and Field Trips
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Physical Education and Sports
• Scholastic Book Fairs

School Student-Led Clubs:

• Chess Club
• Garden Club
• Yearbook Club
• Science Club
• Running Club

After School Options:

• Chavistas
• Japanese
• Basketball
• Tennis
• Soccer
• Kickball

Field Trips: Educational trips planned throughout the year to support curriculum.  Examples include Sea World, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Birch Aquarium, Ocean Discovery Institute, Balboa Park, San Diego Fire Department, Natural History Museum.

Wellness - America’s Healthiest School All-Star

Edison is 1 of 3 schools in San Diego Unified who earned the America’s Healthiest Schools All-Star award for the 9 different ways that we promote health and wellness among students, families, and staff.

We believe that students can focus and achieve more when they practice good health and wellness habits.  To learn more about what makes a school attain this award, you may visit their website at Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

Emergency Procedures

Every school has a Confidential Emergency Response Plan, which consists of instructions on handling emergencies.

Emergency Drills: Conducted monthly including fire, earthquake, and run-hide-fight options-based drills in cases of lockdown or dangerous activity on or near our school.

Emergency Dismissal: Students will only be released to authorized individuals listed on emergency forms.

Weather Closings: Information available via:

• District sends message to all SDUSD families
• Local news stations
• Social media accounts

Emergency Communication: Keep contact information updated and monitor school communications during emergencies.

Safety Plan: A site safety plan has been developed for Edison Elementary and all staff members receive continuous training in maintaining a safe and secure environment for students. The plan addresses proactive and reactive measures to 11 different comprehensive safety and wellness components.  Key components of this plan are:

• Assessment of school crime and crime in the surrounding community.
• Child abuse/Mandated Reporter procedure.
• Emergency procedures.
• Sexual harassment policy pursuant to the Education Code.
• Procedures for school discipline to ensure a safe and orderly school environment.
• Procedures to avoid and/or report any injuries or unsafe conditions.

Parent Handbook Acknowledgment

Please sign and return this form to your student’s teacher or the front office.

I have read and understand the policies outlined in the Edison Elementary School Parent Handbook for the 2025-2026 school year. Handbook found on this link: http://bit.ly/40Td0Nh

I will discuss these expectations with my child and support the school's efforts to provide a safe and positive learning environment.

Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: __________________

Student Name: _____________________________________________ Grade: ____________________________

Teacher: _________________________________________________

This handbook is subject to updates throughout the school year. Parents will be notified of any changes via school communication systems.

Por favor, firme y devuelva este formulario al maestro de su hijo/a o a la oficina.

He leído y comprendido las políticas descritas en el Manual para Padres de la Escuela Primaria Edison para el año escolar 2025-2026. El manual se encuentra en este enlace: http://bit.ly/40Td0Nh

Hablaré sobre estas expectativas con mi hijo/a y apoyará los esfuerzos de la escuela para brindar un ambiente de aprendizaje seguro y positivo.

Firma del padre/madre/tutor: _______________________________________ Fecha: _____________

Nombre del estudiante: ___________________________________________   Grado: _____________

Maestro/a: _________________________________________________

Este manual está sujeto a actualizaciones durante el año escolar. Se notificará a los padres sobre cualquier cambio a través de los sistemas de comunicación de la escuela.