Special Student Services and Programs

Student Academic Support Programs



Parent Support and Community Partnerships

SPECIAL STUDENT SERVICES AND PROGRAMS

Library

We have a school library that is open approximately four hours daily and is staffed by an Instructional Assistant. This program is financed only by our site funds. We are on an automated check out system and have multimedia research stations for students. We have a collection of over 14,000 books in our library. Children come to the library with their class either once a week or once every two weeks. Please see the attached Library Policy for Overdue Books and complete and return to your child's teacher. The library is also open to parents on Thursdays after school.

Music Education

For half of the year (once a week), extra music support is provided to the students and is taught by a credentialed staff member.

Art Education

For half of the year (once a week), extra art support is provided to the students and is taught by a credentialed staff member.

Instrumental Music

A music teacher visits the school twice a week to provide instrumental music lessons to interested students in grade five. Each student needs to furnish his/her own instrument. The music teacher can provide assistance to address the instrument need. The lessons are voluntary and free of charge.

Reading and Math Clubs and Intersession

Extended day reading and math clubs are offered to support students for 20-25 weeks per year. Intersession is offered (offsite) to support English Learner students and students on Learning Contracts.

Computer Lab and Technology

Our site has worked hard to provide our students with technology experiences both inside and outside the classroom. Presently, grades one through five have the opportunity to come to the computer lab, adjacent to the library, and receive instruction in keyboarding and beyond. The lab is supported by site-generated funds and donations. An Instructional Assistant presently supports the instruction.

Student Store

Ericson PTA sponsors a "mini mart" outside of the main office for students to purchase school related items: erasers, pencils, folders, bookmarkers, etc. The Student Store was designed not to make a profit but to be a convenience for parents and students.

After School Enrichment Programs

This privately sponsored program by Harmonium, Inc. offers student activities after school on Thursdays (our modified day). Programs such as piano keyboard, art, clay, science, aerobics, magic, etc. may be offered. Watch for the flyer at the beginning of each trimester.


STUDENT ACADEMIC SUPPORT PROGRAMS

Guidance Program

At Ericson we receive two days a week of district counselor support. The service that is provided by the district counselor to students and parents in our counseling center is NOT therapy. Referrals can be recommended to families seeking ongoing treatment.

The district counselor and guidance assistance works with students for a variety of reasons that may be impacting their academic success. The district counselor also works with students to develop incentive programs and a variety of pro-active trainings.

The district counselor is responsible for coordinating the Student Study Team referrals (see below) and reviews attendance concerns with families.

Student Study Team (SST)

From time to time a teacher may refer a student to the SST. This is a great opportunity to take an in-depth look at a student. Parents are encouraged to attend. Information gathered can help develop interventions to assist the student in the classroom.

Resource Specialist Program

A special education program is provided to support students who have identified learning disabilities and are certified for service on an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).

Other programs available for Special Education Students

  • Special Education Early Childhood (SEEC preschool)
  • Adaptive PE
  • Inclusion Program
  • Learning Handicap Special Day Class
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Speech Therapy

Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) Program

Based on specific criteria provided by the Board of Education, students can be certified for this program. Ericson offers GATE instruction for students who can access this curriculum in grades 3-5.

Seminar (GATE) Program

This is a specialized program requiring superior qualifying criteria over and above GATE criteria. Presently Ericson has two seminar classes for grade 3 and grades 4 / 5.

English Language Learner Program

Students who come to Ericson with a primary language other than English are in classrooms with teachers who have received training specific to the language development of a second language learner.

Literacy Resource Teacher

Our site has a Literacy Resource Teacher who works in classrooms to support teachers and students. The Literacy Resource Teacher also provides professional development training for teachers and workshops for parents.

After School Reading and Math Clubs

Students who are in need of extra support in reading and/or math are recommended by their teacher to be members of these special clubs.

Push In Teacher

The Push In Teacher is available to offer extra academic support in reading and mathematics. Students are recommended by their teacher. The Push In Teacher meets either individually or in small groups with students in the classroom.

Business Partner Tutoring

We have alliances with the Mira Mesa Senior Citizen Center, Washington Mutual Bank-Scripps Ranch, Souplantation-Mira Mesa and NAMTRA U Miramar and throughout the year they work with our teachers by providing support for students who are in need.


PARENT SUPPORT AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

School Site Council (SSC)/ Shared Governance Team (SGT)

This is a decision making and governing body over School Improvement Program Funds and school issues. The team is composed of parents, administrators, teachers and support staff. They meet once a month in the school library. Members serve a two year term. Parents are welcomed to call their parent representative on the SGT to voice opinions and concerns. Meetings are open to all parents. Meeting minutes and the monthly agenda is posted in the school glass showcase.

Parent-Teacher Association (PTA)

This association is made up of parents and teachers to support activities for our students. The executive board meets during the first week of each month. Unit meetings are held three or four times a year. Look for the membership envelope during the month of October and join to demonstrate your support.

Friends of Ericson

This foundation was formed by a group of parents and community members to raise funds to support educationally enriching and supporting programs at Ericson. Most of the recent donations have gone to our technology efforts for the children.

Fundraising

During the course of the year there are many fundraisers sponsored by classroom programs, our Foundation and PTA. Although we would hope that all families would be able to participate, it is a parent's right to opt their child out of participating in any fundraising event. If you have any questions regarding the division of funds or results of the fundraiser, please notify the school. Personal or privately sponsored fundraising (i.e. soccer team, church, youth group, etc.) is not allowed on campus.

Partnerships in Education

This program teams community organizations and business with our school to support the children at Ericson in a variety of ways. The newest district direction to develop our liaison with these special groups will be in the area of literacy. Our present partners are Mira Mesa Senior Citizen Center, Washington Mutual Bank-Scripps Ranch, Souplantation Mira Mesa and NAMTRAU NORIS.

Klassic Kids

Harmonium, Inc. operates these childcare facilities and although on the Ericson campus, they are not directly affiliated with the school. For more information about their programs, please call Klassic Kids at (858)549-3640.

Reporting Student Progress/Parent Conferences

Teachers and other staff contact students' families to share progress, relate positive aspects of students' development, and discuss areas for improvement. This is accomplished through student progress reports, telephone calls, letters, meetings and conferences.

Report cards are distributed three times a year: November, March and July using the district report card to reflect achievement and effort. Minimum days are scheduled during the first two reporting periods for parent conferences. Parent conferences are scheduled during the Report Card period and at other times as parents or teachers deem appropriate. Parents are encouraged to keep in contact with the teacher on a regular basis over and above these official conference periods.

Spanish and Tagalog speaking staff are available to assist in home/school communications.

Interpreters for some languages, as well as deaf and hard of hearing services are available on request through the district. Please advise your child's teacher if this would be helpful.