PARENT ORIENTATION
HELLO AND WELCOME TO START!
The City of Sacramento’s START program has successfully provided expanded learning opportunities for students. The program has garnered positive feedback, with 97% of participants reportedly feeling safe and enjoying their time in it. Significant achievements have been made in the number of students served and enrolled, and a majority reported improved grades.
The Sacramento START program has worked of children since 1996.
The program currently offers an exciting array of socially safe academic, enrichment, and recreation opportunities for participants.
MEET THE STAFF
Main Ave
Ms. Vega Robla
Ms. Karla
Ms. Lili
Glenwood
Ms. Danielle
Bell Ave
Ms. Bri
The VISION of Sacramento
START is to build the capacity of people to succeed by providing opportunities to learn and lead within our communities.
OUR VISION AND MISSION
The MISSION of Sacramento
START is to foster enthusiasm for learning through fun and structured activities in a safe and caring after school environment.
Sacramento START Expanded Learning Program Overview
Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive expanded learning environment that fosters educational and enrichment opportunities for students and staff at all elementary schools. We value the partnership with parents, site administration, teachers, staff, and community to support the needs of our students.
Expanded Learning Provides:
A curriculum based on the developmental needs of school-age students. Program activities that foster the social, emotional, academic, and physical development of children.
Enrollment is open to all Robla students (TK-6).
Positive interactions among staff, parents, and children promote respect and sensitivity toward all people.
A safe, healthy, and nurturing environment.
Programs Offered (based on enrollment):
The after-school program starts immediately after dismissal and lasts until 6:00 pm.
Early Release Thursdays- Starting immediately after school ends on Thursdays.
Full-day programs are offered on select dates/sites during fall, spring, and summer breaks.
GUIDELINES
A DAY AT SACRAMENTO START
The bell rings and the START day begins!
Sign In and Wellness Check
Homework and Academic Support & Skill Builders
Silent Reading (10-15 minutes)
Supper
Recreation/Fitness
Enrichment Activity
Sign-Out
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
Homework
Homework Support
Recreation/Physical Activity
Enrichment
Supper
ACADEMIC COMPONENT
The academic component allows students to receive homework support for 45 minutes to one hour.
Students will quietly read for 10 - 15 minutes at the beginning of homework time. All students must bring a book to read.
THE ACADEMIC COMPONENT WILL:
Guide students with homework questions.
Provide a structured and quiet learning environment.
THE ACADEMIC COMPONENT WILL NOT:
Focus on one-on-one tutoring.
Work on homework for the entire program time.
Please check your child’s homework for completeness and accuracy.
ENRICHMENT COMPONENT
Enrichment is designed to provide opportunity and choices for children.
Enrichment is designed to be engaging and fun for all children.
What Does Enrichment Look Like at START?
Cultural Studies
Art
STEM/STEAM
Engineering
Leadership
Girl Scouts
RECREATION COMPONENT
Students must bring appropriate shoes to play in.
All students must participate in structed activities.
Parent/guardian must provide a note if child cannot participate due to an injury. They will be allowed to draw or read a book.
In the Fall, when the sun sets earlier, students will participate in recreation early then work on homework.
What Does Recreation Look Like at START?
Sportsmanship and Sports History
Non-touch games like Noodle Tag
Obstacle Courses/Relay Raves
Yoga
SUPPER
A balanced supper will be served in the Cafeteria by the Robla school district.
The following are some food examples.
If your child has any food allergies or vegetarian choices, please let your site Program Coordinator know.
Children may bring healthy, non-shareable snacks from home.
Due to food allergies, please don’t pack any snacks with peanut butter or nuts.
EXPANDED LEARNING STANDARDS
Safe and Supportive Environments
The START Expanded Learning program’s goal is for students to feel success and empowerment while gaining skills and strategies that will help them during the regular school day and prepare them academically and socially for ensuing years. Where feasible, staff are trained in the district's behavior intervention program and social-emotional learning curriculum (e.g., Second Step). School-aligned health and safety procedures and policies are in place. Collaborative meetings are scheduled with site administration to develop a safe and supportive environment further. The collaboration between START staff, site administrators, and teachers helps to identify participant strengths, interests, and learning styles.
EXPANDED LEARNING STANDARDS
Active and Engaged Learning
Hands-on lessons and activities are designed based on student interests. Students are regularly involved in projects and activities that increase understanding and use of creativity, critical thinking, and information and communication technology. A specific focus is placed on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) topics, as well as art (both performing and visual) and Social-emotional learning (SEL) skills. Many collaborative partnerships are established with community vendors through annual contracts to support the enrichment component of our program. Students can access regular instructional day online resources through their student login.
EXPANDED LEARNING STANDARDS
Skill Building
Academic support for students is a priority reflected in the daily schedule. The academic support is aligned and designed to complement the regular school day and focus on meeting proficiency in the California State Content Standards. Students may have up to one hour to complete their homework. The staff collaborates with classroom teachers on student homework completion. On-site credentialed teachers are recruited and contracted to provide targeted academic intervention for students in the after-school programs. Lessons provided align with the California State Content Standards and may have assessments as part of the student progress monitoring process. Students are offered reading and writing opportunities. Literacy activities are at least 30 minutes per day for students. Students are given opportunities to practice literacy skills using additional district resources.
EXPANDED LEARNING STANDARDS
Youth Voice and Leadership
Students have opportunities to share their viewpoints, concerns, or interests in many ways that help the staff create and establish program expectations and practices. Staff may provide informal and/or formal surveys to students to gauge their interests in what they would like to experience in the START program. Programs have student leaders facilitating enrichment activities such as clubs, service-based learning projects, and talent shows.
EXPANDED LEARNING STANDARDS
Healthy Choices and Leadership
The partnership with the district's Nutrition Department offers nutritious snacks and meals to all participating students. The staff collaborates with the school to ensure that their healthy practices and program activities are aligned with the school wellness plan. Just like a regular school day, physical education and fitness activities are implemented daily. Other City of Sacramento programs are sometimes contracted to provide age-appropriate competitive athletic opportunities for students in grades 4-6. These athletic opportunities are available by sport on a quarterly basis.
EXPANDED LEARNING STANDARDS
Diversity, Access, and Equity
All students enrolled in elementary school are eligible to participate in START. Information such as program schedules, locations, and parent handbook are updated regularly and available from your site lead. Information posted on the website is accessible in various languages. During the month of August, program supervisors host parent information meetings at each elementary school to share information about START and how to complete an application for their student(s). Informational flyers are translated in Spanish and Russian and sent home to parents in each school community. Based on the needs of the parents, interpreters are made available at the parent information meetings. The START application is accessible to all parents through their site lead starting in May. Students identified as unduplicated pupils are given priority acceptance into programs until facility and/or staffing capacity is reached. Waitlists are created and the remaining students will be added to the program as more staff are hired.
Program Coordinators are intentional in hiring staff to reflect the students being served. Staff are trained and encouraged to create positive partnerships with students and families. The various cultures and backgrounds of students are celebrated through activities and lessons that promote positive culture and acceptance.
EXPANDED LEARNING STANDARDS
Quality Staff
The START leadership team works diligently to recruit, hire, and retain quality staff. Candidates must meet the minimum requirements of the District and go through a thorough interview process before obtaining a position in the START program. New staff members hired during the year will attend mandatory training before reporting to their site assignments. All staff are evaluated twice and must meet the job performance standards to obtain permanent status. Credentialed teaching staff and paraprofessional personnel involved in the program at the site level meet the Elementary and Secondary Education Act qualifications for their position. In addition to the required online training courses, multiple training opportunities are available to staff throughout the school year.
EXPANDED LEARNING STANDARDS
Clear Mission, Vision, and Purpose
Vision
ASES Expanded Learning Program builds the capacity of people to succeed by providing opportunities to learn and lead within our communities.
Mission
ASES Expanded Learning Program fosters enthusiasm for learning through fun and structured activities in a safe and caring Expanded Learning environment.
Purpose
START offers academic support, health and wellness, and enrichment components. The academic support component consists of homework assistance and targeted academic intervention in the focus area chosen by the school site. The health and wellness component consists of physical fitness and education along with a healthy snack. The enrichment component includes STEM, clubs, community events, service-learning projects, community partners, and more.
EXPANDED LEARNING STANDARDS
Collaborative Partnerships
Community partnerships are critical components to improve the quality of our programs.
Monthly site lead, regional, and school site principal meetings ensure a strong relationship with collaborative partners.
EXPANDED LEARNING STANDARDS
Continuous Quality Improvement
Sacramento START conducts a formal annual program assessment based on the 12 Quality Standards of Expanded Learning in California. The program data evaluation results are shared with educational partners for feedback. The START leadership team collects and utilizes data to influence program planning and goal setting. Evaluation outcomes are used to prioritize future work around program design, professional development, and program practices. Results from the assessment are the driving force behind the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Action Plan. CQI Action Plans are created in August and implemented throughout the school year.
EXPANDED LEARNING STANDARDS
Program Management
The START leadership team collaborates with the site and district administration to assess and utilize funding for their program to support the vision, mission, and goals. The program supervisors ensure each site meets the requirements for providing academic support, enrichment, and recreation- health and wellness activities. The program plan is updated annually using information from a variety of sources. START sites administer student, parent, teacher, and site staff surveys annually. These surveys allow the START leadership team to evaluate, review, and reflect on their program from an internal point of view and collaborate with all educational partners to improve program quality. Other indicators used for evaluation include attendance rates, expenditures, staff development opportunities, parent participation, student achievement, and recommendations for continued improvement. Based on a comprehensive analysis of data and information, the START leadership team will identify effective practices and list areas needing improvement.
REMINDERS
ATTENDANCE REMINDERS
Attendance is important for students to fully benefit from our program. Students who do not attend school on a given day may not attend START on that day.
An accumulation of three (3) unexcused absences in a semester will be considered chronically absent, and the student will be disenrolled from the program.
If your child participates in an outside activity that conflicts with the program hours, please let your Program Coordinator know.
Special Needs
If you or your child has a particular need or accommodation request or any special considerations that you feel we need to be aware of regarding your child (medications, allergies, behavioral problems, illnesses, etc.), please let our Program Coordinator know.
U I D E L I N E S
CHECK IN CHECK OUT
After school, START STAFF will meet their students in the cafeteria. Please notify your child’s teacher and inform them that your child is a START student.
Consequences of late pick up:
1st Offense: Verbal Warning
2nd Offense: Written Warning
3rd Offense: Meeting with Site Lead
4th Offense: Possible Removal of Child from Program
Children must be signed out by the site lead daily. Afternoon pick-up should be before 6:00 PM.
LATE PICK UP
If a child is left after 6:00 p.m., it's considered a late pickup. Notify the site lead by 4:00 p.m. about delays. Failure to notify site may result in the involvement of Sacramento Police or Child Protective Services.
You are required to CHECK-OUT your child, in person, every day.
The safety of your child is our primary goal. The following is an outline of the START
Expanded Learning Program accountability system:
Pick up/Drop off: Attendance for all students will be taken by START staff.
The school office or an authorized adult must verify all absences. If your child will not attend the START program for any reason, please call the site lead to report the absence.
Students participating in on-site extra-curricular activities (sports practice, club meetings, etc.) must check in with START first.
Any student who fails to attend the program at check-in and/or their absence cannot be verified by the school office or authorized adult; it may result in a report to the local authorities as a “missing child.”
Please have identification ready when you pick up your student. Your child will not be released to any adult not included on your emergency/release contact list unless it is in writing and authorized by the enrolling parent.
You are required to CHECK-OUT your child, in person, every day.
Students can only sign out early if the enrolling parent completes a Walker form. This form is also used for anyone under 18 picking up students from the START.
Please ensure that your Expanded Learning Program school site always has your correct address and telephone numbers. You may update your information at any time at the site by requesting a Site Change Form from the Program Coordinator.
START staff supervises students at all times, including transitions from one area or portable to another.
START staff maintains safety headcounts of the students in the program every twenty minutes.
You are required to CHECK-OUT your child, in person, every day.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
The Sacramento START Expanded Learning program provides a variety of activities. If an item is used for “sharing” during the school day, the student must keep the item in his/her backpack while at START. Students are asked not to bring toys or games from home unless prior permission is given by site staff.
Cell Phones: The cell phone policy established by the Robla Board of Trustees for all students applies to students participating in START. Students can keep cell phones in their backpacks turned off while at START.
START is not responsible for damaged or stolen personal items.
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
START students are required to uphold Robla’s school rules and START’s agreements. We are an extention of the school day. Students must follow the 4 R’s (Respoct, Responsibile, Ready to Learn, and Really Safe.
Disruptive and Disrespectful behavior towards other students or staff will not be tolerated. START has a zero tolerance for violence against other students or staff.
Program Coordinators will connect with school staff and families to help guide student behavior.
All START staff members use the Bahavior Management System in order to allow students to self correct their behavior.
STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR
1.Non-cooperation by the participant or by the parent/guardian.
2.Physical or verbal abuse of another child or leader by a participant or parent/guardian.
3.Bringing any weapon or threatening item to the program.
BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
As a student in START and a member of the Expanded Learning program, your student has certain responsibilities. Your student will be held accountable for the choices he/she makes during program time. START adheres to the Robla discipline policy.
It is important for your student to understand and accept the following personal responsibilities:
Report to START immediately after school. Follow all school and program rules. Respect other people and their property.
Conduct Violation Consequences
(School rules, policies, and procedures apply)
1st - Warning, guidance, and parental contact.
2nd - Letter home, counseling, administrator, and/or Program Coordinator, and student conference.
3rd - Suspension, the student will be sent home, parent, Administrator, and/or Program Coordinator, and student Conference.
4th- Dismissal from program
SACRAMENTO START BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
HARASSMENT BP5145.3
This City of Sacramento program and activities, including the Spring Camp program, shall be free from discrimination, including harassment, concerning a person’s actual or perceived sex, gender, ethnic group identification, race, national origin, religion, color, physical or mental disability, age, or sexual orientation.
CIVILITY
POLICY
This policy promotes mutual respect, civility, and orderly conduct among District employees, START staff, parents, and the public. Members of the START staff will treat parents with respect and expect the same in return.
CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES
All Expanded Learning Club staff are child-care custodians and are mandated reporters inclusive of public school employees.
MEDICATION
Staff members do not dispense medications to children. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to ensure that children have taken their medication before the program begins. Students are not allowed to carry medication on the school grounds. Students who need inhalers must follow the protocol set up by the Robla District by having a Medication Authorization form on file with the school office. If a child requires medication during the program, it must be in its original labeled container with accurate information. START staff are not trained to administer medication to students. The school office must dispense all medication before coming to START.
ILLNESS – General
Illness: Parents will be contacted if their student becomes ill during the program. It is expected that parents will pick up their students within one (1) hour. The following guidelines will be used to determine if your child will be excluded from the program due to illness.
A fever of one hundred (100) degrees or has had one in the past 24 hours.
A constant cough, wheezing, nasal discharge, sneezing, vomiting or diarrhea.
Symptoms of a communicable condition.
Health Concerns: Students with existing health conditions must be reported to the school office and START staff.
If the parent cannot be reached, the staff will phone the emergency contact person(s) listed on the child’s enrollment form.
INJURY
START staff make every effort to ensure the safety of your student. However, minor to serious accidents may occur during the program. START staff will dispense first aid items in minor cases. Injuries will be treated through washing, and Band-Aids or ice packs will be provided. Emergency services will be contacted whenever it's appropriate. Staff cannot administer any cream ointment or anti-bacterial solutions.
Parents will always be contacted when an injury occurs. Parents will be notified upon pick up and given an “Ouch Report” explaining the details. Parents will be contacted immediately in the case of more severe injuries in which medical attention is needed.
In an emergency, we will make sure your child gets the necessary treatment (911) until you are reached.
PARENT COMMUNICATION
To best meet the needs of students in the program, we expect parents to share pertinent information with the site lead. Health concerns should also be shared with the school office staff.
Each program portable has a "Parent Wall" that will provide program information. The site lead is available during the afterschool program to help answer specific questions or concerns. Parents are also encouraged to contact the Sacramento START Office at Jmarson@cityofsacramento.org if further support is needed.
In addition to your site lead, the following supervisors and administrators can be of assistance when needed:
Program Supervisor (Joanne Marson)
Recreation Superintendent (Joyce Wenger-Johnson)
Recreation Superintendent (Katie Houser) Director of YPCE (Jackie Beecham)
Here are the mandatory START form links. All forms are due to your sites Program Coordinator by 12th, 2024
FORM LINK
REGISTRATION FORM
WALKING/BIKING RELEASE WAIVER
PARENT ORIENTATION
STUDENT PLEDGE
PARENT AGREEMENT
EMERGENCY CARD
PARENT HANDBOOK
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING
Do you have any questions?
