• Homework Policy
• Before- and After-School Academic Support
• Before & After School Child Care
• Libraries In School
• Reading Program
• Technology

Homework is an important part of the instructional program when properly designed to help a student’s academic development. The district’s policy calls for regular homework assignments and for careful monitoring of the work by teachers. Meaningful homework helps children develop effective study habits, reinforces classroom learning, and enriches learning by building upon supplemental activities, projects and field trips.

At each school, the principal and teachers are responsible for implementing the homework policy. Homework is the responsibility of the student, with the assistance of parents. Teachers review completed homework. This combined effort of home and school assists students in extending their learning and in improving achievement.

Cooperation between parents and the school is essential for effective homework completion. At the elementary level, the district recommends that students in grades K-2 be introduced gradually to homework, with assignments increased in time and complexity in Grades 3-5.

At the secondary level, homework is a regular part of the instructional program. The frequency and length of homework will vary by subject matter.

Parents are encouraged to support successful completion of homework by encouraging children to make the work a priority and by setting aside a quiet study area and regular time for the work to be done.

All Capistrano Unified schools offer before-and/or-after school intervention programs to help at-risk students, taught by teachers specially trained to boost skills development. Elementary intervention focuses on students identified as having difficulty meeting grade-level expectations. The elementary reading element emphasizes phonics, word analysis, fluency and vocabulary development, and textual and functional comprehension.

YMCA School-Age Child Care is available to parents of all children enrolled in Capistrano Unified School District, at an elementary school campus, ages 4.9 to 12 years old (kindergarten through 6th grade). Any transportation associated with the program is the responsibility of the parent.

Program Goals

• Provide an environment of safety, support and care.
• Develop the inner-strength of young people.
• Focus on increasing self-confidence and feelings of self-worth.
• Develop interpersonal skills.
• Focus on learning to be an effective member of a group.
• Improve the ability of parents and children to communicate with and understand each other.
• Complement the child’s school program.

The children participate in a balanced program of open play and structured activities while being supervised by well-trained and caring staff. Children have the opportunity to get involved in a variety of learning centers in addition to a well-balanced curriculum. YMCA School-Age Child Care ensures children are given a unique mix of activities that focus on developmental assets, the building blocks that teach children how to make positive and intelligent decisions throughout life.

For information to register for the YMCA Child Care program at your elementary school, please visit the YMCA website at www.ymcaoc.org or contact your local YMCA branch (see phone numbers here).

School-Age Child Care Available on Campus

All Capistrano Unified schools have libraries. Students are encouraged to use the school library for study, research and recreational reading. Each school has a library plan to make sure that the facility is up-to-date and provides a strong resource for students.

A branch of the Orange County Public Library is part of the Ladera Ranch Elementary & Middle School complex. The upper level of the library is open regularly to the public, and the lower level is available exclusively for students during school hours and available to the public after the instructional day ends. It provides powerful opportunities for strong child literacy development and serves as a neighborhood resource to strengthen family participation in boosting the enjoyment and scope of reading.

Capistrano Unified works to improve teaching and learning through the meaningful use of instructional technology in its schools. Students should be technologically empowered, life-long learners who are prepared to enter the workforce. The following principles guide the technology program:

• Technology is a tool which supports and develops communication of ideas, problem solving, critical thinking, and collaborative work skills.
• The use of technology encourages active, independent, life-long learning.
• All students and teachers must have equal access to the tools of technology.
• Teachers must be supported in their use of technology with continuous staff development, coaching and technical assistance.

The district has received several technology grants to further these efforts. These funds, coupled with the support of the local community and vendors, enable technology upgrades and enhancements in schools, as well as ongoing staff development.

All schools received one-time funds from the California Legislature this spring. Coupled with funds provided to the district for technology, schools and district staff developed a plan for the replacement of most computers purchased in the late 1990s and the early years of this decade.

For more information, contact your child’s school. The district’s policy on student use of technology and Internet safety is provided in the Parental Notificationshandout, as required by state law.

Related Links:

Technology and Information Services Home Page

Web Guidelines & Publishing Standards