New Families FAQs
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Welcome to La Costa Heights Elementary!
We, at the LCH PTA, are so excited to have your kids as part of our school, and your family as part of our school community. We know that you might have some questions about how things work at LCH, and have included some frequently asked questions and answers below. If there’s anything else we can do to help make your transition to LCH a smooth one, please contact our New Family Coordinator, Karina Shaver. |
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How does drive-through drop-off and pick-up work?
If you have a 1st-6th grader, you may opt to use our drive-through lanes to drop off or pick up your child. Please note the following safety guidelines:
These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of all our students, and also to make the drive-through lanes as efficient as possible for everyone. Positive and patient parent attitudes are a must for drive-through drop-off and pick-up.
Kindergarteners are not allowed to use the drop-off/pick-up lane. Please refer to the LCH Traffic and Safety Brief for more information.
Where can I park for drop-off and pick-up if I don’t want to drive through?
There is ample street parking along Levante, Romeria, and nearby streets in the front of the school, and also in the back of school along Segovia Street (2 ways to access campus between Estancia and Gaviota). The limited front school parking lot is reserved for teachers and staff only. If you arrive after 7:45 AM for drop-off or after 2:10 PM for pick-up, be prepared to park a little farther away and enjoy our fabulous San Diego weather during your short walk to school. Please obey all traffic rules and crosswalks when driving and parking, for the safety of our students.
What time does school start and end?
Monday–Thursday, school starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 2:20 PM for grades 1-6 (Kindergarteners are released at 2:15 PM).
Fridays, school starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 12:45 PM for all grades.
The front Kindergarten gate and the 2 back access gates are locked at 8:05 AM every morning, and open at 2:10 PM before students are let out in the afternoon.
Do I need to pack a lunch for my child?
Students should bring a snack, drink, and lunch each day. Water fountains are available all over campus (and a filtered water bottle refill station is available near the grade 1-6 lunch tables to fill reusable water bottles). There are designated nut-free snack benches and lunch tables if your child has a nut allergy.
Can my child buy lunch? How? What is served?
If your child would like to purchase lunch, they can do so on a day-by-day basis by using a debit system that can be loaded online. Check out our great monthly lunch calendars! A fresh (and largely locally sourced) salad bar is always offered with any lunch purchase. Students will need to learn their unique ID code to purchase lunch using their debit accounts. You can find out that number from the front office or from their teacher. (Kindergarteners will be given a card by their teacher each day they buy lunch, so they don’t have to remember their code just yet.)
When will I find out my child’s teacher?
Kindergarteners will receive their teacher assignment at the Kinder Social typically held the Thursday evening prior to the first day of school (check the school calendar here for exact date for this school year). All other grades will receive their teacher assignment by e-mail prior to the first day of school. If you did not receive the email, you may stop by the front office on the first day of school to learn your teacher assignment.
What school supplies should my child bring on the first day? Where do I find teachers’ school supply lists?
Each teacher will have their own unique supply list, and often will either provide it (for Kindergarteners) at the Kinder Social, or (for all other grades) during the first few weeks of school. All you need to send with your child on the first day is a backpack, lunchbox, snack, drink, and lunch. Teachers will have everything else the students need on that first day. If you have questions about supply lists, please reach out to your child’s teacher directly.
Is it true iPads are provided for every student? Even Kindergarteners?
Yes! Our district is very fortunate to be able to provide a 1:1 Digital Learning Program, which means that every student–Kindergarten through Sixth Grade–will be assigned an iPad for the school year. Kindergarteners do not take their school iPads home, and other grades/classes make those determinations on a class-by-class basis. More information will be coming home about iPads and insurance options in first-week registration packets. If you have questions about which apps will be used in your child’s classroom, please reach out to your child’s teacher directly.
Can my child ride a bike to school? Are there bike racks on campus? Where?
We have limited bike racks for students near the 6th grade building located near the baseball field. Use of these bike racks is limited to students 3rd grade and higher. It is advisable to provide a lock for your child's bike and teach her or him how to use it properly. All bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc. must be walked (not ridden) once you are on school grounds.
I have an incoming Kindergartener … what is the first day of school like?
So much fun! We encourage you to arrive at school a little early to accommodate for first-day parking volume and to not have your child feel rushed during their first day’s drop-off. The classroom doors are often decorated, and it makes for a great photo opp! A quick hug, wishes of good luck, and a confident and prompt parent departure when the time comes can ease separation anxiety for the children on this big day. (You can do it! Your child is in great hands.)
My child is in before and/or after-school care (ASPIRE) at school. Do they come get my child, or if not, where should they go?
Kindergarteners are picked up after school by ASPIRE staff at their classroom door. The teachers have a list of which students are going to ASPIRE. Older students are allowed to walk directly to the ASPIRE classroom after school where roll will be taken. You can contact ASPIRE directly to find out which classroom they are in for this school year.
How do I report a child's absence from school?
Call the LCH 24-Hour Attendance Line: (760) 944-4377 and leave a message before 10 am the day of their absence. You may note several days of absence in advance if needed.
I would like to be involved with the school in some way. How do I do that?
Thank you for your interest! There are so many different ways to get involved, whether in the classroom (see your teacher for volunteer needs), or with the school overall (check out “Get Involved”).
We invite you to attend our Volunteer Orientation on Friday, Sept. 1 at 8:15 am in the Media Center (library), where you can learn more about various parent committees, roles, and volunteering in general. We have tremendous parent involvement at LCH … and this is a great opportunity to meet more LCH parents too! An online survey will also be sent out via email, if you’re unable to make it.
Whether you are a stay-at-home parent, a working parent, have a lot of time to give, or just a little, we welcome your participation and likely have the perfect role for you! Parent involvement and support is one of the things that makes LCH so special. Thank you for volunteering to be a part of that.
How do I stay up to date on things happening at LCH?
Start off by signing up to receive the Sunday morning “Wise Owl Weekly” emailed newsletter by clicking here. So much school activity, info, and updates are included there! Also “like” our PTA Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/LCHPTA) and Instagram accounts (lch_pta), as more timely updates and reminders (and fun photos of LCH goings-on) will be shared through those channels. Another great source of reminders, links, documents and handy tips is our PTA website (http://www.lacostaheightspta.org).
Any other questions? Feel free to contact our Membership Chair at welcome@lacostaheightspta.org anytime. We are here to help make your family’s time at LCH a great one!
If you have a 1st-6th grader, you may opt to use our drive-through lanes to drop off or pick up your child. Please note the following safety guidelines:
- No left turn from Levante St. into the school parking lot during drop off and pickup times – this is a big safety issue, and greatly slows down traffic
- Have your child ready to get out (backpack in hand) once you reach the curb in front of the school
- Only let kids out on the curb side of the car
- Be aware of the flow of traffic so as not to hold up the line
- Do not park in the curb zone between 7:45-8:00 AM and 2:00-2:20 PM
- Patiently stay in the single drive-through lane (do not exit “early” by cutting left)
- Kindly respect any instructions given by the safety officers in the parking lot
- Obey the crossing guard at the end of the drive-through lane (no left turn out of the parking lot; only turn right once s/he has indicated so)
These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of all our students, and also to make the drive-through lanes as efficient as possible for everyone. Positive and patient parent attitudes are a must for drive-through drop-off and pick-up.
Kindergarteners are not allowed to use the drop-off/pick-up lane. Please refer to the LCH Traffic and Safety Brief for more information.
Where can I park for drop-off and pick-up if I don’t want to drive through?
There is ample street parking along Levante, Romeria, and nearby streets in the front of the school, and also in the back of school along Segovia Street (2 ways to access campus between Estancia and Gaviota). The limited front school parking lot is reserved for teachers and staff only. If you arrive after 7:45 AM for drop-off or after 2:10 PM for pick-up, be prepared to park a little farther away and enjoy our fabulous San Diego weather during your short walk to school. Please obey all traffic rules and crosswalks when driving and parking, for the safety of our students.
What time does school start and end?
Monday–Thursday, school starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 2:20 PM for grades 1-6 (Kindergarteners are released at 2:15 PM).
Fridays, school starts at 8:00 AM and ends at 12:45 PM for all grades.
The front Kindergarten gate and the 2 back access gates are locked at 8:05 AM every morning, and open at 2:10 PM before students are let out in the afternoon.
Do I need to pack a lunch for my child?
Students should bring a snack, drink, and lunch each day. Water fountains are available all over campus (and a filtered water bottle refill station is available near the grade 1-6 lunch tables to fill reusable water bottles). There are designated nut-free snack benches and lunch tables if your child has a nut allergy.
Can my child buy lunch? How? What is served?
If your child would like to purchase lunch, they can do so on a day-by-day basis by using a debit system that can be loaded online. Check out our great monthly lunch calendars! A fresh (and largely locally sourced) salad bar is always offered with any lunch purchase. Students will need to learn their unique ID code to purchase lunch using their debit accounts. You can find out that number from the front office or from their teacher. (Kindergarteners will be given a card by their teacher each day they buy lunch, so they don’t have to remember their code just yet.)
When will I find out my child’s teacher?
Kindergarteners will receive their teacher assignment at the Kinder Social typically held the Thursday evening prior to the first day of school (check the school calendar here for exact date for this school year). All other grades will receive their teacher assignment by e-mail prior to the first day of school. If you did not receive the email, you may stop by the front office on the first day of school to learn your teacher assignment.
What school supplies should my child bring on the first day? Where do I find teachers’ school supply lists?
Each teacher will have their own unique supply list, and often will either provide it (for Kindergarteners) at the Kinder Social, or (for all other grades) during the first few weeks of school. All you need to send with your child on the first day is a backpack, lunchbox, snack, drink, and lunch. Teachers will have everything else the students need on that first day. If you have questions about supply lists, please reach out to your child’s teacher directly.
Is it true iPads are provided for every student? Even Kindergarteners?
Yes! Our district is very fortunate to be able to provide a 1:1 Digital Learning Program, which means that every student–Kindergarten through Sixth Grade–will be assigned an iPad for the school year. Kindergarteners do not take their school iPads home, and other grades/classes make those determinations on a class-by-class basis. More information will be coming home about iPads and insurance options in first-week registration packets. If you have questions about which apps will be used in your child’s classroom, please reach out to your child’s teacher directly.
Can my child ride a bike to school? Are there bike racks on campus? Where?
We have limited bike racks for students near the 6th grade building located near the baseball field. Use of these bike racks is limited to students 3rd grade and higher. It is advisable to provide a lock for your child's bike and teach her or him how to use it properly. All bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc. must be walked (not ridden) once you are on school grounds.
I have an incoming Kindergartener … what is the first day of school like?
So much fun! We encourage you to arrive at school a little early to accommodate for first-day parking volume and to not have your child feel rushed during their first day’s drop-off. The classroom doors are often decorated, and it makes for a great photo opp! A quick hug, wishes of good luck, and a confident and prompt parent departure when the time comes can ease separation anxiety for the children on this big day. (You can do it! Your child is in great hands.)
My child is in before and/or after-school care (ASPIRE) at school. Do they come get my child, or if not, where should they go?
Kindergarteners are picked up after school by ASPIRE staff at their classroom door. The teachers have a list of which students are going to ASPIRE. Older students are allowed to walk directly to the ASPIRE classroom after school where roll will be taken. You can contact ASPIRE directly to find out which classroom they are in for this school year.
How do I report a child's absence from school?
Call the LCH 24-Hour Attendance Line: (760) 944-4377 and leave a message before 10 am the day of their absence. You may note several days of absence in advance if needed.
I would like to be involved with the school in some way. How do I do that?
Thank you for your interest! There are so many different ways to get involved, whether in the classroom (see your teacher for volunteer needs), or with the school overall (check out “Get Involved”).
We invite you to attend our Volunteer Orientation on Friday, Sept. 1 at 8:15 am in the Media Center (library), where you can learn more about various parent committees, roles, and volunteering in general. We have tremendous parent involvement at LCH … and this is a great opportunity to meet more LCH parents too! An online survey will also be sent out via email, if you’re unable to make it.
Whether you are a stay-at-home parent, a working parent, have a lot of time to give, or just a little, we welcome your participation and likely have the perfect role for you! Parent involvement and support is one of the things that makes LCH so special. Thank you for volunteering to be a part of that.
How do I stay up to date on things happening at LCH?
Start off by signing up to receive the Sunday morning “Wise Owl Weekly” emailed newsletter by clicking here. So much school activity, info, and updates are included there! Also “like” our PTA Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/LCHPTA) and Instagram accounts (lch_pta), as more timely updates and reminders (and fun photos of LCH goings-on) will be shared through those channels. Another great source of reminders, links, documents and handy tips is our PTA website (http://www.lacostaheightspta.org).
Any other questions? Feel free to contact our Membership Chair at welcome@lacostaheightspta.org anytime. We are here to help make your family’s time at LCH a great one!
