Florence Markofer

Elementary School 

Student and Parent

Handbook

2025-2026

Message from the Principal

Welcome to Florence Markofer Elementary - Home of the Mustangs!  We are proud and excited to be working with such wonderful staff, students, and parents.  The Markofer staff is looking forward to partnering with you to ensure your child’s success.  

To support your child, the staff at Florence Markofer Elementary will provide high quality instruction based on the Elk Grove Unified School District’s strategic goals which are focused on high quality instruction, assessment data that is analyzed for action, targeted supports and intervention, wellness, and family and community engagement.  We are confident that Florence Markofer Elementary will continue to be a school of high academics, high expectations, high energy in which your child can grow academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.  The Mustang Mission is to prepare all students to communicate effectively, problem solve, and advocate for themselves to ensure college and career readiness and success in a global society.  We value your support and know that we can only achieve our expectations through cooperation, communication, and teamwork.

One of our greatest assets is our strong partnership with our parents and community. Your deep involvement adds to the depth of what makes Florence Markofer Elementary School a special place for children. The strong relationship between the home and school is a recipe for success! We strongly encourage you to become involved and help support our school. We truly need you! There are many opportunities for volunteering. The classroom teachers, the PTO, and our WatchDOGS encourage participation at every level whether it’s once a year, once a month, or once a week.

We want to be responsive to the needs of our families. My office is always open to you...whether there is something that we can improve, there’s something we can do to support your family, if you would like to encourage us in our work, or if you would like to become more involved… please don’t hesitate to come in.  

If, like me, this is your first year at Florence Markofer Elementary, we welcome you to the family and are happy to have you join us in this wonderful journey through elementary school!  Markofer is more than just a place to work or send your children to school, but a family, a community, and a place that is dedicated to the success of all.  We look forward to an outstanding year! Go Mustangs!

Kind regards,

Deidra Wood, Principal

School Activities, Policies, Procedures

Entering/Exiting Campus:

• To ensure the safety of all students, the Markofer campus will remain locked during school hours.  The front office is open from 7:30 - 4:00.  
• The Gate by the MP room and the back Gate will be opened at 8:00 AM to allow students to go to breakfast in the MP room.  Students arriving on campus before 8:10 AM must be in the MP.  
• The front Gates will open at 8:10 AM.  Gates will be closed and locked by 8:25 when the instructional day begins.  Gates will be unlocked 5 minutes before the end of the school day.  
• In the morning, caregivers may walk their students to the blacktop to line up (grades 1-6) or to the Kinder yard to line up (TK/K).
• Please establish a routine for your child for dismissal (ie.  meet a caregiver at the park, wait in front of school to be picked up by vehicle, wait at the tables on the blacktop for older siblings and walk together).
• Students participating in all extracurricular activities before school will be expected to enter through the office as the campus will be closed for safety concerns.

Drivers:

• Please do NOT park or exit your vehicle in the drop off/pick up zones.  Pull forward as far as possible allowing for other cars to pull in behind you.  Talk to your student(s) about being ready to exit the vehicle. For safety, please have students exit on the sidewalk side of the vehicle.
• If your child needs assistance in/out of your vehicle or you need to get out of your vehicle for any reason including putting things in the trunk, we ask that you find a place to park instead of using the drop-off/pick-up lane.
• Parking spaces are limited in our parking lot and on the streets near the school.  Please be mindful and courteous of our neighbors!  Please consider carpooling with other families, establishing a meeting place at the Smedberg Park behind the school, as well as walking and biking to school.  
• U turns are HIGHLY DISCOURAGED!  We have seen too many close calls with cars making U turns in front of the school.  Thank you for your cooperation.  
• Please be mindful of No Parking signs and painting on curbs.  EG Parking Enforcement does patrol the neighborhood and issues citations.  

Walkers, bikes, scooters:

• Please use the designated crosswalk for movement to and from campus.
• We ask that ALL ADULTS model safe behavior for our children by complying with this request and use the crosswalk.  Please DO NOT jaywalk or cross in the middle of the street walking in between vehicles that are entering/exiting the drop off/pick up zone.  
• Bicycles, Scooters, Skates, and Skateboards: Helmets are REQUIRED! It’s the law! A bicycle storage area is furnished for students who want to ride to school.  IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO LOCK THEIR EQUIPMENT IN THE STORAGE (Bike rack) AREA AT SCHOOL.  The bike area is within the school grounds but is not a locked area.  The school cannot assume responsibility for bikes, scooters, skates, and skateboards.  
• Please walk all bikes, scooters, skates, and skateboards at all times while on school grounds.  

Parents/Volunteers/Visitors:

• Student safety is the Elk Grove Unified School District’s top priority, and the Board of Education wants to take every precaution to ensure students and schools are safe.  In order to ensure the safety of each Markofer Mustang, all volunteers are required to be fingerprinted.  
• Parents/Community members who are interested in volunteering at Markofer may speak with the Principal, Mrs. Wood or the Secretary, Mrs. Gourd regarding the EGUSD Volunteer Approval process.  
• “Visitors or Observers” are parents/guardians and other interested members of the community that are invited to campus on an occasional basis for a specific purpose.  Visitors are not considered volunteers and do not need to be fingerprinted.  However, all visitors shall register immediately upon entering any school building or grounds during school business hours and sign out when leaving.  

Parent/Guardian Participation and Communication:  

The Elk Grove Unified School District recognizes that parents/guardians are the most important educators in their children’s lives.  The Board of Education recognizes the necessity and value of parent/guardian involvement to support student success and academic achievement.  Studies have proven that children whose parents/guardians are involved in their education perform better in school than children whose parents/guardians are not.  That is why we encourage parents/guardians to be active with their children at all grade levels - even high school when parent participation drops off dramatically.  We encourage parents/guardians to work with our PTO, volunteer when possible, and remain active with their children’s learning at home.  We value families and want to communicate and partner with you in the learning process!

Pet Policy:

In order to ensure the safety of all students, pets/animals are not allowed on campus, this includes the school entrance, the hallways between classroom buildings, blacktop, playground, field, and the office.

• Children who are not familiar with pets can become alarmed and may not know how to act safely around them, which can cause the pets/animals to become alarmed in unfamiliar situations.
• If you are bringing a pet to pick up or drop off your child, please remain in the vehicle with your pet or stop across the street and wait for your child.  

Breakfast and Lunch Program

For the 2025-2026 school year, Food & Nutrition Services will offer meals at no cost for

any students enrolled in the Elk Grove Unified School District, when they are in attendance.

This option is made possible through a waiver provided by the United States Department of

Agriculture.

Breakfast and lunch are offered daily. Meals are analyzed to ensure that they meet the nutritional needs of students and the Dietary Guidelines. Please see www.choosemyplate.gov for more information. Students may bring their own lunch to school and will be seated with their class during the assigned lunch time.

• We start serving breakfast at 8:00 AM.
• If your child has forgotten their lunch, you may drop it off in the school office, and we

            will make every attempt to deliver their lunch to the MP room in time for their lunch.

Emergency Procedures

The Elk Grove Unified School District has an emergency plan that specifies action for any

emergency situation. Safety is a top priority at our school.  We emphasize keeping everyone safe through behavior standards/expectations and teaching and practicing emergency procedures on a monthly basis.  The EGUSD will provide information to families about possible school closures due to inclement weather or dangerous situations.

In order to ensure that your child is safe, we need the following information:

• Current phone numbers must be on file. Otherwise, we are unable to reach parents

and must contact emergency contacts. Update your phone number if it should change

by coming into the office with valid identification.

• Please make sure that anyone you list as an emergency contact is 18 years old or older and aware that you have listed them.  Please ensure that they are open to helping us should we need an adult to come for your child. Students will learn and practice emergency procedures routinely throughout the year.

The following procedures are followed by students, staff, and all visitors:

• FIRE: An alarm will sound and teachers have an emergency folder that allows us to

visually determine if all students in their classes are accounted for. Students, staff,

and visitors are all evacuated. In an actual emergency, command of the campus is

taken by the Fire Department.

• SHELTER-IN-PLACE: This is an emergency procedure used when there is an unsafe situation on or near the campus, where it is deemed unsafe for students to be out on campus but no danger inside. An example would include an unknown animal on campus. Students would remain inside with classroom doors locked, but instruction and learning would continue as normal.    
• LOCKDOWN: This is an emergency procedure used when there is an unsafe situation

on or near the campus. All classroom doors at Markofer Elementary remain locked

all day, every day. Teachers move students away from windows with heads down and

voices off. On the playground, students are evacuated to the closest securable

location. In an actual emergency, command of the campus is taken by Law Enforcement.

• DUCK AND COVER: This is in the event of natural disasters such as earthquakes or

tornadoes. Students take cover under desks or tables. One hand covers their neck

and one hand holds the table/desk steady to the floor.

Birthdays and Other Celebrations:  

We recognize that class parties are a tradition in public education; however, please remember that we have students with various allergies, families with beliefs and cultures that may not be in alignment with your family’s beliefs and/or values.  Not all families want their children to consume foods not approved by them first.  Our goal is to be inclusive and respectful to ALL students and families.  

• Please check with your child’s teacher in advance upon bringing celebratory items to school.  
• Food items are discouraged due to allergic reactions that may result.  However, food that is pre-packaged with the ingredients listed will be handed out at the end of the school day.
• Flowers, balloons, or other celebration items may not be taken to the classroom as it is a distraction to the students as well as a health hazard.  They will be held in the office and the student will be notified to pick up after school.  

Birthday treat options. Pick one only.

• 1 small food item (store bought pre-packaged only)
• 1 small non food item to share (1 per student)
• Bring favorite book to school for teacher to read aloud

Attendance

Markofer teachers plan carefully each day for your child. New ideas are introduced as well as previously introduced ideas are reviewed. One of the most important elements of successful learning is regular, on-time attendance at school. It is important to have your child attend each day that they are physically able so they can learn as much as possible.

To excuse an absence you may do any of the following:

● Call the school office and excuse the absence at 916-686-7714 if your child is absent.

● Email the school office at Mark-Off@egusd.net

● An absence note should include the dates of absence and the reasons for the

absence. If your child is absent, you may receive a call from the auto dialer the day of their absence.

● State law permits the excuse of an absence for the following reasons:

○ Illness or quarantine, as directed by the Health Department

○ Medical, dental or eye services rendered

○ Attendance at funeral of immediate family member to extent of only one day in California, and no more than three days outside of California

If students are absent for more than 3 days families will receive a check in call from their teacher.  If students are absent for more than 5 days families will receive a check in call from an administrator. 

Absences of more than 5 days without a valid excuse constitutes a truancy and is reported to the School Attendance Improvement Office by the principal. Tardiness can also interfere with success in school. Students are expected to be at school before the tardy bell rings at 8:25am. Auto dialer and email reminders will be sent out daily if your child is not in class without the absence being called into the office before 9:30am.

Early Dismissal 

Any parent, guardian, or individual listed on the student’s emergency form that is 18 years or older, must first come to the school office to sign the student out before the student can leave campus.

● The individual taking the child is to give their name and relationship to the child; be prepared to show identification.

● Only adults who are listed as a parent/guardian or emergency contact will be permitted to take a child from school, unless the custodial parent or guardian provides specific permission.

● Students will remain in class until the person requesting their dismissal arrives

Late Pick-ups 

Students who are not picked up within 15 minutes of dismissal are brought to the office. Office staff will call family and emergency contacts to inform them that their students have not been picked up. Students are signed out in the office upon pickup.

After School Activities

Students may not participate in afterschool activities if they are absent for more than half the day or have gone home due to illness. 

Transfer Out Process

If your child will no longer attend Florence Markofer Elementary, please come into the office and complete a “Disenrollment or Drop” form. All textbooks and library books must be returned to your child's teacher before their last day of school. 

Before and After School Day Care 

• Cosumnes CSD operates the Markofer ExL after school program from school release time to 5:30 PM for students in grades 1-6.
• CSD also operates the ExL program for Markofer TK/Kindergarten students that provides both before school care as well as after school care.  
• Please contact SusiePatterson - SusiePatterson@cosumnescsd.gov for more information.

Accidents/Injuries 

We try to do everything possible to ensure a safe environment at school. However, accidents do happen. If an accident does occur we will make every effort to contact the parent or guardian. If we cannot contact you, and there is a doubt about the seriousness of the injury, we will call for emergency services. Be sure the phone numbers in the office are up to date. If you change phones at home or work, please notify us ASAP. 

Illness

The health of your child is important to all of us. Children should not come to school with a fever, rash, or vomiting/diarrhea. Children with a fever should remain at home fever free without medication and/or vomit/diarrhea free for 24 hours before returning to school.

Medication

Medication will be given at school only under the following conditions:

● Requests for students to be given medication must be submitted on the Medication Assistance Authorization and signed by the parent/guardian and physician. These forms are available in the office and must be completed annually.

● Medication must be in the original container, properly labeled with the prescription number, patient's name, doctor’s name and dosage clearly marked. If the physician requires a portion of a tablet, pill, etc. be dispensed, the parent/guardian is responsible for dividing the tablet into the prescribed size.

● Medications will be stored in the school office and may not be carried by students, although exceptions may be made for students who need medication for potentially life threatening conditions. Such exceptions require physician, parent/guardian, and principal authorization.

● For the safety of your child and other children, we ask your cooperation in following our policy in regard to medications during school hours.

● If your child is not to participate in physical education for medical reasons, a note from the doctor is required.

● Head Lice Policy – head lice are tiny bugs that live on the hair and scalp. They are transmitted from one person to another by direct contact or on shared combs, hair brushes, hats, or clothing. They can also be acquired from upholstered furniture, bedding, and stuffed animals.  

● If your child is found with active, adult head lice (BP 5141.33 (a)): Parents/guardians are contacted and given treatment information and encouraged to begin treatment of the student immediately and to check all members of the family. Upon return to school, students will be checked and allowed to remain in school if no active head lice are detected. All students in the class will be given an information and treatment letter.

Wellness Policy 

EGUSD recognizes the strong link between student health and learning and maintains a districtwide Wellness Policy promoting healthy eating and physical activity. The Wellness Policy is monitored by the Coordinated School Health Program which is composed of a group of parents/guardians, students, teachers, nurses, school food service professionals, school administrators, and community partners. The Wellness Policy focuses on improving health and preventing childhood obesity by creating a school environment where healthful food choices predominate and physical activity is part of every day.

Electronics

Florence Markofer Elementary School has a “gate to gate” cell phone policy which aligns EGUSD Board Policy 5131.8 and AR 5131.8 in which students is grades TK-6 many not use Mobile Communicate Devices while on campus  except when a teacher or administrator grants permission to the student per EC 48901.5/EC 48901.7.. Cell phones and other electronic devices are to remain off and are not to be visible at any time during the school day (Ed. Code 48901.5). Students must turn off their cell phones and other electronic devices, and put their Apple watches on “airplane mode” or “Do Not Disturb” mode prior to entering any gate on campus, and students may turn on cell phones and other electronic devices once they leave campus through any gate. Staff may supervise students in using cell phones or other electronic devices in class for academic purposes at their discretion.

• All students in grades TK-6 must comply anytime a request is made by school personnel to cease the use of Mobile Communication Devices, even before or after school.  If such a device is observed by staff during school hours or activities when use of the device is not authorized , or after a student has been directed by school personnel to cease use of the device, it shall be confiscated until redeemed by a parent/guardian/caregiver or as determined by the school principal/designee.  However a student shall not be prohibited from possessing or using a Mobile Communication Device under any of the following circumstances:  (EC 48901.5/EC 48901.7)

Students bring personal items to school at their own risk. Florence Markofer Elementary School and its employees assume no liability for lost, broken, or stolen personal items.

Dress Code 

Florence Markofer’s dress code is in alignment with the EGUSD BP/AR 5132. The purpose of a dress code is to establish and maintain appropriate standards of dress that support a positive, wholesome, and safe learning and teaching environment, not to inhibit any person’s taste in attire or appearance. Students should be dressed in a manner that will be decent, not hazardous to the health and safety of the student, and not disruptive or distracting from the educational program of the school. Students at Florence Markofer Elementary are expected to wear safe, appropriate, and comfortable clothing at all times. Students should wear clothing and footwear which are safe and conducive to physical education or recess activities and are not distracting to instruction. Clothing items and accessories may not contain vulgar, derogatory or suggestive diagrams, pictures, slogans or words that may be interpreted as racially, religiously or ethnically offensive and which cause or are likely to cause a disruption within the school environment.  Clothing that promotes alcohol, tobacco, or drug usage or displays weapons or violence and which cause or are likely to cause a disruption within the school environment are not allowed.  Student dress may not be symbolic of gangs or disruptive groups associated with threatening behavior, harassment or discrimination and which cause or are likely to cause a disruption within the school environment.

Parent Involvement

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

Markofer PTO holds regular school wide and community events and provides opportunities for students and teachers to purchase Markofer spirit wear to support the school. The PTO has planned the annual Mustang Madness, Harvest Festival, and multiple Dinner Night Out events at local restaurants. The PTO consistently supports our teachers and staff by providing funds for supplies and projects, as well as offering scholarships and financial support for field trips.

School Site Council:

The primary role of the Florence Markofer School Site Council is to assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of our school’s Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). This focuses on enhancing target areas of our curriculum and other key aspects of our school environment using collaborative decision making processes. The SSC is an elected committee which includes the principal, staff, and parents/guardians. The council meets regularly to plan, implement, and evaluate school programs. Teachers, support staff, and parents/guardians serve for two years. The SSC agendas are posted in our office 72 hours in advance of each meeting and are open to the public.

The English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) is a group of parents/guardians of English learners which meets during the year to gain information about school programs and their child’s learning, provide feedback to the school, and address state and federal requirements, which includes the evaluation of the school’s Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). One or more ELAC representatives attend district advisory meetings and serve as a link between the school site and district. Chairpersons are elected at the fall meetings and serve for two years.

Bell Schedule

PBIS at Markofer Elementary

Equitable Discipline Practices

● All Markofer students will be treated with respect. Fair and logical discipline practices will be the standard.

● Discipline, or consequences, have one focus: Helping students make better choices, as we make every effort to TEACH students how to make those better choices. This requires a partnership between families and the Markofer staff.

EGUSD Discipline Guidelines K-12

EGUSD Important Notices & Student Rights 

NON-DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION AND BULLYING, AND RELATED COMPLAINT PROCEDURES 

District programs and activities shall be free from discrimination, including harassment, intimidation and bullying based on a student’s actual or perceived disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race, ethnicity, color, ancestry, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital or parental status, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. The District’s policy on NonDiscrimination/Harassment/ Intimidation/Bullying, Board Policy 5145.3 can be found on the district’s website. This policy applies to all acts related to school activity or school attendance occurring with a school under the jurisdiction of the District Superintendent.

When providing or arranging for the provision of non-academic and extracurricular services and activities, the District shall ensure that a student with a disability participates with nondisabled persons in such activities and services to the maximum extent appropriate to the needs of the student with a disability in question.

Pursuant to California Education Code section 221.5, a pupil shall be permitted to participate in sex-segregated school programs and activities, including athletic teams and competitions, and use facilities consistent with his or her gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records. Any student may request the use of private or unisex restroom facilities for increased privacy. The District endeavors to protect the privacy of all students.

In the event of a complaint regarding gender equity or sexual harassment, or discrimination, including harassment, intimidation and/or bullying because of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, ethnicity, ethnic group identification, immigration status, age, religion, physical or mental disability, sex, marital or parental or family status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, contact one of the following Title IX and Nondiscrimination Coordinators.

In the event of a complaint regarding discrimination based upon an actual or perceived mental or physical disability, contact the District’s Director of Student Support and Health Services, 9510 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Elk Grove, CA 95624, (916) 686-7568.

ANNUAL NOTICE OF THE UNIFORM COMPLAINT PROCEDURES (UCP) 

The Elk Grove Unified School District has the primary responsibility to insure compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations and has established procedures to address allegations of unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying, complaints alleging violation of state or federal laws governing educational programs, and complaints alleging the district’s failure to comply with the prohibition against requiring students to pay fees, deposits, or other charges for participation in educational activities.

The district shall use the uniform complaint procedures to resolve any complaint alleging unlawful discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying in district programs and activities based on actual or perceived characteristics of race or ethnicity, color, ancestry, nationality, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or genetic information, or any other characteristic identified in Education Code 200 or 220, Penal Code 422.55, or Government Code 11135, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

Uniform complaint procedures shall also be used to address any complaint alleging the district's failure to comply with the prohibition against requiring students to pay fees, deposits, or other charges for participation in educational activities, the requirements for the development and adoption of a school safety plan, and state and/or federal laws in adult education programs, consolidated categorical aid programs, migrant education, career technical and technical education and training programs, child care and development programs, child nutrition programs, and special education programs.

More detailed information regarding the Uniform Complaint Procedures, including the timeline for resolving complaints and the complaint appeal process, is contained in the district’s Parent & Student Handbook. If you have questions regarding the Uniform Complaint Procedures, you can contact the district’s Legal Compliance Specialist in Human Resources at (916) 686-7795.