- Homework Policy
- Cellphone Policy
- Nutrition Policy for Celebrations and Parties
- School Uniforms
- School Improvement Plan
- Tech Plan
- Mandarin Language Program
- Spectrum Program
Homework Policy
At John Muir, we believe that children should spend time each night reinforcing the social, academic, and life skills taught to them in their school community. Homework at Muir emphasizes practice in basic skills previously taught by the teachers, make-up work following absences from school, remedial activities, and enrichment that extend classroom learning and student interests.
Many of our teachers assign weekly homework packets. The expectation is that students will pace themselves according to the assignments, and not leave the packet until the night before it is due. Daily assignments are due the next day. Parents or Guardians should look over ALL homework and sign each packet/assignment.
In addition to this homework, the Muir community is expected to read a minimum of 30 minutes per night. Some teachers’ expectations will vary depending on the individual needs of the student. This expectation continues over holiday and vacation periods as children tend to lose skills learned when they are away from school over extended periods of time. Activities to help maintain your child’s skills may also be assigned during these school breaks.
We also offer Powerful School’s Homework Club, which provides after school homework support twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
With consistent and high expectations our scholars will succeed!
Cellphone Policy
We are seeing an increasing number of cell phones coming to school. While the safety and convenience of being in contact with your student is very reassuring, the potential for distraction, and disruption in the classroom is overwhelming. Our policy is that all cell phones are to be turned off, not just silenced, during the day and stored in the student’s backpack. Anytime you need to reach your student during the day, please call the main office and we get the student from class or take a message depending on the situation. We cannot have students accessing their cell phones during the school day.
Nutrition Policy
Since healthy eating and active living are a foundation for learning, John Muir Elementary will have healthier foods provided at the following events this school year.
Birthdays:
Your child’s birthday comes only once a year, so it’s understandable how special it is for your family. At school we have birthdays everyday with a endless supply of frosted cupcakes and sweet drinks. Celebrating birthdays in this manner is expensive for families, time-consuming for classrooms, and not as healthy as our environment could be.
This school year student birthdays will be celebrated with a Principal Popsicle party once a month. Students who have birthdays during the summer months will celebrate along with those in June.
Heart Healthy Valentine’s Day:
Students will celebrate Valentine’s Day with Ruby Red Smoothies (frozen berries, yogurt, 100% fruit juice) or Pink Parfaits (frozen fruit, yogurt, whole grain cereal). Sweet treats like cupcakes, candy, etc. will not be accepted by classrooms at John Muir this year.
Marble Jar Day:
Marble Jar Day is a fun and relaxing event for students, is earned through good behavior. Parties at school are an opportunity to help make healthful eating fun and exciting for children. This year, John Muir will take advantage of the Marble Jar party by serving snacks that taste good, are nutritious, and show kids that healthy eating can be a part of celebrations.
- Support healthy celebrations by sending your student to school with nutritious snacks like fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and low fat dairy products. See the last section of this Star Packet for a snack guide with more detailed suggestions.
- Do not bring junk foods or those high in fat, sugar, and/or salt to school on Marble Jar Day. With this change in policy, teachers will be required to turn away such foods.
- Prior to Marble Jar Day, students will be sent home with a letter detailing items that are suggested additions to this celebration (i.e. a special toy or book and nutritious snack ideas).
Click Here for a Healthy Snack Guide
School Uniforms
John Muir is a uniform school. The uniform at Muir will consist of the following items as described below.
- No stripes and no logos except John Muir and Hip to be Fit shirts
- No headwear such as sweatbands, hats, or scarves unless worn for religious or health reasons.
- Only the first Friday of Each month and picture day are free choice days
- On days the class is scheduled for physical education, students will be expected to try to do handstands and run. Students wearing jumpers or dresses should have under garments such as tights or shorts.
Colors Allowed |
Additional Notes |
|
Pants |
Dark blue or khaki |
Either long or short |
Shirts |
Dark blue or white |
Collars preferred, no undershirts. John Muir T-shirts are OK. |
Turtle Necks |
Dark blue or white |
… |
Dresses |
Dark blue or khaki |
… |
Jumpers |
Dark blue, blue plaid, or khaki |
… |
Cardigans |
Dark blue or white |
… |
Sweat Shirts |
Dark blue or white |
… |
Sweat Pants |
Dark blue |
… |
Shoes |
Colors optional |
Must allow for continued running |
School Improvement Plan
Check out our School Improvement plan to improve instructional practice, increase family participation, and close the gap in academic achievement. The plan is in Adobe Acrobat format.
Tech Plan
Technology is becoming an integral part of education and we are striving to incorporate it in teaching. Our technology plan outlines what will be done to promote reliability and use of technology tools. Again, the plan is in Adobe Acrobat format.
Mandarin Language Program
A wonderful opportunity is currently available to our Kin. through 3rd grade students. They participate in our new Mandarin language program. The program is designed to help children learn Mandarin, and will also teach numbers, concepts, and mathematics.
