Russell Ranch Elementary School
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 2014-2015
Dear Parents of New or Returning Students:
Welcome to our 2014-2015 school year! We have compiled some quick answers to simple questions
that seem to come up most often. Please note that this document does not, in any way, substitute for
reading the Parent / Student Handbook closely. Much more detail can be gained from that handbook
in addition to other information not included in these FAQ’s.
CALENDARS, DATES AND TIMES:

When is the first day of school? Where can I find the dates for other events and activities?
o

When does my student start and end school?
o

Depending on their grade level, students start at different times.
 Kindergarten: parents receive a placement letter in June with classroom assignment and session;
(AM SLIP, PM SLIP, AM Session, PM Session).

Grades 1 and 2: All students in grades 1 and 2 will start school at 8:25 am and end at 1:52 am
from August 13 through August 29. Starting on September 2, students will be divided into early
and later groups.
o Early Students:
8:25 am - 1:52 pm
o Later Students:
9:10 am - 2:37 pm
 Please note that starting on September 3, and on each and every
Wednesday thereafter, all students in grades 1 and 2 will start school
at 8:25 am and end at 1: 52 pm, no matter what their am or pm
assignment is.

Grades 3, 4 and 5: Students start at 8:25 am and end at 2:37 pm.
What is a SLIP session?
o

The first day of school is Wednesday, August 13. All school events will be listed in the school handbook, our
website and in weekly bulletins. In addition, the FCUSD website can also provide district calendar dates.
A SLIP session schedule is most simply defined as an early/late program for Kindergarten students, similar
to the early/late programs in grades 1 and 2. It allows for a possible 16:1 student/teacher ratio for most of
the day, with a short, common session hosting all 32 students in the middle. The common session is when
students will participate in P.E., computer lab and library.
What is and Early Friend or Later Friend?
o
The early/later schedules are in place to allow for teachers to work with specific students in smaller
groups, focusing on skill based or leveled groupings. Students are assigned their time slot by the teacher
based on academic needs; not placed per parent request or convenience.
375 Dry Creek Rd., Folsom, CA 95630
916-294-2430
www.fcusg.org/rrweb
TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING

Where can I park as a parent or a volunteer?
o
o

Please notice the front parking lot with unmarked spaces. We respectfully ask for teachers / staff to have
priority when it comes to parking when possible.
Parking also is first come, first serve on Owl Meadow and Dry Creek as well, but please be considerate to
the neighbors that reside there.
Where do I drop my student off in the morning or pick up in the afternoon if I am driving
them to school and I don’t want to park?
o
o
o
Students may be dropped off in DROP OFF / PICK UP zones located in the front parking lots. Each lot is
separate and we ask that you observe and follow signage and directional flow of traffic.
DO NOT LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE UNATTENDED WHEN IN THE DROP OFF / PICK UP zone.
If you need to
leave your vehicle, please park safely in an available space.
The DROP OFF / PICK UP zone in not intended to have parents park for long durations of time, so please
time your drop offs / pick ups accordingly to avoid idling and extra pollution.
ATTENDANCE

What do I do if my child is unable to make it to school?
o

Please call the school office @ 294-2430, and report the absence on the Attendance Voicemail. The
absence will be documented along with the reason behind it. Please note that a reported absence does
not always equal an excused absence.
Occasionally our family goes on vacation and we leave early on Friday or stay through
Monday. How do I let the school know this is the case so my student isn’t marked unexcused?
o
In this case – you have no option. FCUSD does not allow parents to remove their student from school for a
vacation and have it marked as an excused absence. District policy states that since these absences are a
choice, they will be marked as “unexcused” and can lead to the generation of truancy letters.

Our family will be traveling for a long period of time, and my child will be missing more than 5
days of school. What do I do in this case?
o If you must be gone for 5 or more days, please contact the front office regarding an
“Independent Study Contract.” If the contract/work is completed and returned by the
date required, the student will not be marked as unexcused. Independent Study
Contracts are only permissible for students who will be absent 5 or more consecutive
days and are approved by the school principal on individual basis.

I received a truancy letter in the mail. What do I do?
o
These letters are automatically generated based on our attendance records. If you receive a letter, please
read it carefully for instructions or actions that are needed. They are intended to inform you of the
situation and potentially offer options or help to prevent future truancies. You may always call the front
office for further explanation or help with any discrepancies.
375 Dry Creek Rd., Folsom, CA 95630
916-294-2430
www.fcusg.org/rrweb
COMMUNICATION

What are the different methods used to communicate with parents at Russell Ranch?
o

RR has numerous ways of communicating with parents / families. Our weekly newsletter, website, PTA
bulletin and Friday folder communications are most often used. Email and voicemail are also used
frequently, but please consult with your child’s teacher for their preferred method of communication.
How can I communicate with the PTA or get more PTA information?
o
PTA has a designated phone extension and voicemail is checked often. You may call the front office and
ask to be transferred to the PTA extension; one of the board members will return your call. Feel free to also
utilize the PTA website, find them on Facebook, or email is also available.
VOLUNTEERING / VISITING / ACCESS TO CAMPUS

What is the process for a parent to gain access to the campus during school hours?
o

If you wish to come on to campus for any reason, please check in at the front office. If you are
interested in volunteering, you need to have appropriate paperwork on file with the office. At that
time, you are issued a volunteer badge or sticker to be worn while on campus.
What does “Category 1” Volunteer status mean?
o This category only requires TB clearance to participate in a classroom or school event. Category 1
volunteers are with a credentialed teacher at all times and are never alone with students. These
volunteers only come when scheduled or arrangements are made with a staff
member / teacher.

What does “Category 2” Volunteer status mean?
o

What does visiting or observing at school mean?
o

This category requires TB clearance and Fingerprint clearance (arranged through the district office).
Category 2 volunteers can work with small groups of students away from the credentialed teacher (in
the pod, on a field trip, etc.). These volunteers only come when scheduled or arrangements are made
with a staff member / teacher.
A visit/observation (with appropriate check in and identification) is defined as a 20 minute maximum
stay, with a pre-arranged appointment. “Drop-In” parents are not permitted due to the interruption it
causes for students and teachers.
My child left something at home (instrument, homework, lunch, books, etc.). What is the
policy for delivering forgotten items to school?
o
Please bring any / all items to the front off and we will message the teacher, who will alert the
student. For safety reasons, please DO NOT go directly to the classroom to deliver the item(s). This
causes tremendous interruption and staff are instructed NOT to accept the item(s) and refer you back
to the front office. Thank you for your help in keeping our campus safe and on task.
375 Dry Creek Rd., Folsom, CA 95630
916-294-2430
www.fcusg.org/rrweb

May I have lunch with my child?
o

Yes! However, you will need to check in at the front office as a visitor and obtain the appropriate pass
for the cafeteria. Once the designated eating time is completed, you must exit and check out at that
time, as parents are not allowed to accompany students at recess / on the playground.
May I join my child at recess so I can see who their playing with and what they are doing?
o
No, unfortunately not. Due to safety and liability concerns, the only adults permitted on the yard with
students at any time are those employed with FCUSD. If you have recess / playground concerns or
questions, please talk with your child’s teacher to help with specific issues.
375 Dry Creek Rd., Folsom, CA 95630
916-294-2430
www.fcusg.org/rrweb