Back-to-School Information

Welcome back from what we hope was a relaxing summer filled with great memories. It’s hard to believe we’re days away from the start of a new school year. As you relish the last few days of summer vacation, everyone at SBCUSD is busy getting ready to welcome students back.

With the implementation of Senate Bill 328 (Portantino Rule) this school year, you will see significant changes in the bell schedules (mostly for middle and high school students), transportation and before- and after-school programs.

School Schedules

The first day of school is Monday, July 31 and it’s a minimum day for all students, so please be sure to make arrangements to pick up children early.

Elementary School	8:50 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Middle School	8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
High School	8:30 a.m. - 1:20 p.m.

Following July 31, the school schedules will be the following:

Elementary School
Regular Day: 8:50 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Collaboration Day Monday: 8:50 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Minimum Day: 8:50 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Middle School
Regular Day: 8:00 a.m. - 2:31 p.m.
Collaboration Day Monday: 9:45 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.
Minimum Day: 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

High School
Regular Day: 8:30 a.m. - 3:35 p.m.
Collaboration Day Monday: 9:45 a.m. - 2:50 p.m.
Minimum Day: 8:30 a.m. - 1:20 p.m.

Transportation

With the implementation of the new late start schedule, the District can no longer tier the busing schedule the way it was previously tiered. Therefore, your child’s bus may look different because the District is using three different bus companies; First Student, Durham, and Zum.

Before- and After-School Programs

Our Expanded Learning program, formerly Sunrise/CAPS, now known as EXL, will be expanded to include all middle and high schools for the 2023-2024 school year. Visit sbcusd.com/latestart or sbcusd.com/exl for how to enroll.

Stay Connected with SBCUSD using ParentSquare

To stay abreast of all the latest developments and information in SBCUSD and your child’s school, I encourage you to sign up for ParentSquare if you have not already by visiting parentsquare.com/signin and registering using the email address or phone number on file at your child’s school. For more information, please visit sbcusd.com/parentsquare.

Making Things Go Right at School

In SBCUSD, we want all student to feel welcome, supported, and safe at school so they are best able to learn. Together we can make things go right at school and together we can resolve problems too.

How to Make Things Go Right

Meet your child’s teacher right away at the beginning of the school year.
Insider Tip: Your school’s back to school night is a great time to connect with your child’s teacher.
Check in with your child’s teacher regularly and especially when you have questions or concerns.
Make sure your child gets to school every day. Daily attendance at school helps students to succeed.
Show your child you are interested in what they are learning.
What you say to your child about learning matters. Your praise and positive encouragement will make your child enjoy learning.
Come to school events whenever you can so you can get to know the principal and other school staff. More relationships at school can make more things go right.

Steps to Take When Things Go Wrong

Like all relationships, a healthy connection between you and the school doesn’t mean everything will go perfectly. When challenges arise, the best solutions protect an ongoing partnership between the teacher and parent or guardian.

These steps, in this order, are the best way to approach an issue at school.

STEP 1: Talk with your child’s teacher first. Call, write a letter, or request a meeting in person or online. Most challenges are solved quickest this way.

allow enough time for teacher to respond

If needed - STEP 2: Reach out to the principal. If you’ve spoken with the teacher and still have a concern, the school principal can help you resolve the issue.

allow enough time for principal to respond

If needed - STEP 3: Contact the District office and ask to speak with the Assistant Superintendent who oversees the school site. The Assistant Superintendent can intercede to find solutions too.

Resources

As we embark on another school year, let’s continue to focus on the success of all students. Together we will make a tremendous impact. Here’s to a great school year! We can’t wait to see your children on Monday, July 31.

USEFUL LINKS

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