Parent Handbook
Sanislo Parent Handbook
- Adult Visitors vs. Adult Volunteers
- Anti-Bullying Policy
- Harassment
- Our Schools Protect Students from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)
- Attendance Policy
- Bus Expectations
- Cell Phones
- Chain of Communication
- Discipline
- Dress Code
- Emergency Building Lockdown
- Emergency Drills
- Field Trips
- Homework
- Library
- Lost and Found
- Lunchroom
- Medications at school
- Morning Drop off/End of the Day Student Pickup
- Ombudsperson
- Pets
- Picking up Your Child Early
- Play Dates
- Progress Reports
- PTA
- Reading Partners
- Recess
- Restorative Practices
- RULER (Social Emotional Learning)
- Social Worker
- Student Intervention Team (SIT)
- The Source
- Toys
- Weapons at School
- Ultimate Frisbee
Adult Visitors vs. Adult Volunteers
Adult visitors are the occasional visitors to school who may only interact with their child (grandma visiting from out of town; a parent attending a writing celebration during school hours). Adult volunteers have completed the volunteer paperwork (see below) and may chaperone field trips, volunteer for Field Day, volunteer in the classroom, repeatedly visit their child for lunch, etc.
Adult Visitors
Visitors are defined as anyone who has not completed all the paperwork necessary to be a volunteer. Visitors should only interact with children who are not their own when Sanislo staff are present. Visitors in the school on a regular basis will be asked to complete all the volunteer paperwork so that a background check is completed.
Parents are always welcome to visit their child’s room. However, prior arrangements need to be made with the teacher. All visitors must sign in at the office. Teachers or Principal must approve the presence of any visitor (other than a parent) at least 24 hours prior to the visit and have the right to decline to accept any unannounced visitor other than a parent.
All adult visitors are required to use the adult bathrooms located at the end of the hallway the past front office. No adult visitors are allowed to enter the student restrooms. Visitors with younger children should use the adult restrooms.
Adult Volunteers
Volunteers may interact with students under the direction of staff.
Volunteers over the age of 18 must complete the following requirements before interacting with students. Field trip chaperones must be at least 21 years of age.
Step 1: Online Training – Preventing Sexual Abuse of Children and Youth
Nationally, 1 in 4 girls & 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before age 18. Through this course, you will help protect children by learning to recognize and respond to sexual abuse.
- Complete the 20-min Adult Sexual Misconduct Prevention training.
- Answer test questions during the training and on your volunteer application.
Step 2: Volunteer Handbook
Carefully review our online Volunteer Handbook to learn about laws and policies volunteers are required to follow, volunteer rights, and tips for successful volunteering.
Step 3: Volunteer Application (includes Background Check)
Complete the volunteer application
- Volunteer applications are processed online. Every year SPS volunteers save 14 trees by completing and/or updating their applications online. Thank you!
- Once you are approved as a volunteer in our online system, your application materials will stay active for as long as you volunteer with SPS. Every two years, we will ask whether you would like to stay active and, if so, request your permission to complete a new background check.
- If you experience problems creating your volunteer application, visit our volunteer portal guide for tips.
Volunteer guidelines for Sanislo:
- Sign in at the office.
- No weapons of any kind are permitted on school grounds. This includes pen knives, mace, and firearms – even if you have a permit to carry the weapon.
- Respect the students and staff. If the teacher has students present, please allow the teacher to be fully present with students. Teachers are unable to discuss issues/concerns with parents when students are present. Please schedule a time to speak to the teacher when students are not present.
- All adult volunteers are required to use the adult bathrooms located at the end of the hallway past the front office. No adult volunteers are allowed to enter the student restrooms. Volunteers with younger children should use the adult restrooms.
- Please turn your cell phone off or set it to silent while in the building and do not use it in locations where you could be observed by students.
- All field trip chaperones must complete all volunteer paperwork and be 21 years of age.
- If you are unsure or uncomfortable about any student’s behavior, consult with a staff member. No adults should have any contact with children other than their own child unless a teacher has asked for him/her to do so.
- Maintain the privacy of students. Don’t discuss academic or discipline issues that you may have observed while volunteering in the school.
- All adults (visitors or volunteers) must enter the main doors and sign in at the office.
- Finally, thank you for volunteering. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Anti-Bullying Policy
Sanislo Elementary is committed to making our school a safe and caring place for all students. The Sanislo Elementary definition of bullying is as follows:
Bullying is unfair and one-sided. It happens when someone repeatedly hurts, frightens, threatens or leaves someone out on purpose.
Bullying behaviors include the following:
- Hurting someone physically by hitting, kicking, tripping or pushing
- Stealing or damaging another person’s things
- Ganging up on someone
- Teasing someone in a hurtful way
- Using put-downs, such as insulting someone’s physical characteristics, or making fun of someone due to their skill in a game
- Touching or showing private body parts
- Spreading rumors or untruths about someone
- Leaving someone out on purpose or trying to get other kids not to play with someone
- Using the internet/technology to harass another person
To prevent bullying, students at Sanislo are expected to:
- Treat each other respectfully
- Refuse to let others be bullied
- Refuse to bully others
- Try to include everyone in play, especially those who are often left out
- Report bullying to an adult
Teachers and staff at Sanislo will do the following:
- Supervise students in all areas of the school and playground
- Watch for signs of bullying and stop it when it happens
- Respond quickly and sensitively to bullying reports
- Investigate reported bullying incidents
- Assign consequences for bullying based on the school discipline code
- Provide immediate consequences for retaliation against students who report bullying
- Teach the children who are “victims” how to stop the bullying
- Work closely with the children who bully others to teach them other ways to exert their leadership and power in a positive direction
- Ask for parental support in hopes that you will work with us to help all the children
We expect parents to:
- Report bullying behavior to the classroom teacher, head teacher, social worker, or principal
- Not confront/talk to the alleged bully themselves but rather refer the issue to a staff member
Harassment
Malicious and intentional intimidation, unwelcome conduct or harassing another person because of that person’s race, color, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry or national origin is strictly prohibited. Any such acts will be dealt with according to School District Policies.
Our Schools Protect Students from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB)
Schools are meant to be safe and inclusive environments where all students are protected from Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB), including in the classroom, on the school bus, in school sports, and during other school activities. This section defines HIB, explains what to do when you see or experience it, and our school’s process for responding to it.
What is HIB?
State law defines HIB in RCW 28A.600.477(5)(b)(i) as “any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act including, but not limited to, one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 28A.640.010 and 28A.642.010 (discrimination based on a protected class) or other distinguishing characteristics, when the intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act:
(A) Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property;
(B) Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education;
(C) Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
(D) Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school”
HIB may involve an observed or perceived power imbalance and is repeated multiple times or is highly likely to be repeated. HIB is not allowed, by law, in our schools.
How can I make a report or complaint about HIB?
Talk to any school staff member (consider starting with whoever you are most comfortable with!). You may use our district’s reporting form to share concerns about HIB (Form) but reports about HIB can be made in writing or verbally. Your report can be made anonymously, if you are uncomfortable revealing your identity, or confidentially if you prefer it not be shared with other students involved with the report. No disciplinary action will be taken against another student based solely on an anonymous or confidential report.
If a staff member is notified of, observes, overhears, or otherwise witnesses HIB, they must take prompt and appropriate action to stop the HIB behavior and to prevent it from happening again. Our district also has a HIB Compliance Officer (Natasha Roberts, oscr@seattleschools.org ) that supports prevention and response to HIB.
What happens after I make a report about HIB?
If you report HIB, school staff must attempt to resolve the concerns. If the concerns are resolved, then no further action may be necessary. However, if you feel that you or someone you know is the victim of unresolved, severe, or persistent HIB that requires further investigation and action, then you should request an official HIB investigation.
Also, the school must take actions to ensure that those who report HIB don’t experience retaliation.
What is the investigation process?
When you report a complaint, the HIB Compliance Officer or staff member leading the investigation must notify the families of the students involved with the complaint and must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 5 school days, unless you agree on a different timeline. If your complaint involves circumstances that require a longer investigation, the district will notify you with the anticipated date for their response.
When the investigation is complete, the HIB Compliance Officer or the staff member leading the investigation must provide you with the outcomes of the investigation within 2 school days. This response should include:
- A summary of the results of the investigation
- A determination of whether the HIB is substantiated
- Any corrective measures or remedies needed
- Clear information about how you can appeal the decision
What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?
For the student designated as the “targeted student” in a complaint:
If you do not agree with the school district’s decision, you may appeal the decision and include any additional information regarding the complaint to the superintendent, or the person assigned to lead the appeal, and then to the school board.
For the student designated as the “aggressor” in a complaint:
A student found to be an “aggressor” in a HIB complaint may not appeal the decision of a HIB investigation. They can, however, appeal corrective actions that result from the findings of the HIB investigation.
For more information about the HIB complaint process, including important timelines, please see the district’s HIB webpage or the district’s HIB Policy [3207] and Procedure [3207P].
Our School Stands Against Discrimination
Discrimination can happen when someone is treated differently or unfairly because they are part of a protected class, including their race, ethnicity, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, homelessness, religion, creed, disability, neurodivergence, use of a service animal, or veteran or military status.
What is discriminatory harassment?
Discriminatory harassment can include teasing and name-calling; graphic and written statements; or other conduct that may be physically threatening, harmful, or humiliating. Discriminatory harassment happens when the conduct is based on a student’s protected class and is serious enough to create a hostile environment. A hostile environment is created when conduct is so severe, pervasive, or persistent that it limits a student’s ability to participate in, or benefit from, the school’s services, activities, or opportunities.
Review the district’s Nondiscrimination Policy 3210 and Procedure 3210SP
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome conduct or communication that is sexual in nature and substantially interferes with a student’s educational performance or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Sexual harassment can also occur when a student is led to believe they must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communication to gain something in return, such as a grade or a place on a sports team.
Examples of sexual harassment can include pressuring a person for sexual actions or favors; unwelcome touching of a sexual nature; graphic or written statements of a sexual nature; distributing sexually explicit texts, e-mails, or pictures; making sexual jokes, rumors, or suggestive remarks; and physical violence, including rape and sexual assault.
Our schools do not discriminate based on sex and prohibit sex discrimination in all of our education programs and employment, as required by Title IX and state law.
Review the district’s Sexual Harassment Policy 3208 and Procedure 3208SPA & 3208SPB
What should my school do about discriminatory and sexual harassment?
When a school becomes aware of possible discriminatory or sexual harassment, it must investigate and stop the harassment. The school must address any effects the harassment had on the student at school, including eliminating the hostile environment, and make sure that the harassment does not happen again.
What can I do if I’m concerned about discrimination or harassment?
Talk to a Coordinator or submit a written complaint. You may contact the following school district staff members to report your concerns, ask questions, or learn more about how to resolve your concerns.
Concerns about discrimination:
Civil Rights Coordinator: Natasha Roberts, Director of Investigations & Compliance Phone: 206-252-0306 Email: oscr@seattleschools.org
Office of Student Civil Rights
Seattle Public Schools
MS 33-157
P.O. Box 34165 Seattle, WA 98124-1165
Concerns about sex discrimination, including sexual harassment:
Title IX Coordinator: Harvard Jones, Student Civil Rights Compliance Officer
Phone: 206-252-0367 Email: title.ix@seattleschools.org
Title IX Coordinator
Office of Student Civil Rights
Seattle Public Schools
MS 33-157
P.O. Box 34165
Seattle, WA 98124-1165
Concerns about disability discrimination:
Section 504 Coordinator: Shanon Lewis, 504/ADA Coordinator
Phone: 206-252-0306 Email: 504coordinator@seattleschools.org
504/ADA Coordinator
Seattle Public Schools
MS 31-681
P.O. Box 34165
Seattle, WA 98124-1165
Concerns about discrimination based on gender identity:
Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Lisa Love, Manager – Health Education
Phone: 206-252-0982 Email: llove@seattleschools.org
Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator
Seattle Public Schools
Mail Stop: 31-644
P.O. Box 34165
Seattle, WA 98124-1165
To submit a written complaint, describe the conduct or incident that may be discriminatory and send it by mail, fax, email, or hand delivery to the school principal, district superintendent, or civil rights coordinator. Submit the complaint as soon as possible for a prompt investigation, and within one year of the conduct or incident.
What happens after I file a discrimination complaint?
The Civil Rights Coordinator will give you a copy of the school district’s discrimination complaint procedure. The Civil Rights Coordinator must make sure a prompt and thorough investigation takes place. The investigation must be completed within 30 calendar days unless you agree to a different timeline. If your complaint involves exceptional circumstances that require a longer investigation, the Civil Rights Coordinator will notify you in writing with the anticipated date for their response.
When the investigation is complete, the school district superintendent or the staff member leading the investigation will send you a written response. This response will include:
- A summary of the results of the investigation
- A determination of whether the school district failed to comply with civil rights laws
- Any corrective measures or remedies needed
- Notice about how you can appeal the decision
What are the next steps if I disagree with the outcome?
If you do not agree with the outcome of your complaint, you may appeal the decision to the superintendent and then to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information about this process, including important timelines, is included in the district’s Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210SP) and Sexual Harassment Procedure (3207SP.A, 3208SP.B). For the 2026–27 school year, this complaint process will be updated as required by the new state law, ESHB 1296.
I already submitted an HIB complaint – what will my school do?
Harassment, intimidation, or bullying (HIB) can also be discrimination if it’s related to a protected class. If you give your school a written report of HIB that involves discrimination or sexual harassment, your school will notify the Civil Rights Coordinator. The school district will investigate the complaint using both the Nondiscrimination Procedure (3210SP) and the HIB Procedure (3207SP) to fully resolve your complaint.
Who else can help with HIB or Discrimination Concerns?
Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
All reports must start locally at the school or district level. However, OSPI can assist students, families, communities, and school staff with questions about state law, the HIB complaint process, and the discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes.
OSPI School Safety Center (For questions about harassment, intimidation, and bullying)
- OSPI School Safety Center
- Email: schoolsafety@k12.wa.us
- Phone: 360-725-6068
OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office (For questions about discrimination and sexual harassment)
- OSPI Equity and Civil Rights Office
- Email: equity@k12.wa.us
- Phone: 360-725-6162
Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO)
The Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds works with families, communities, and schools to address problems together so every student can fully participate and thrive in Washington’s K-12 public schools. OEO provides informal conflict resolution tools, coaching, facilitation, and training about family, community engagement, and systems advocacy.
- Website: Education Ombuds
- Email: oeoinfo@gov.wa.gov
- Phone: 1-866-297-2597
U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
The U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforces federal nondiscrimination laws in public schools, including those that prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, national origin, disability, and age. OCR also has a discrimination complaint process.
- US Department of Education
- Email: ocr@ed.gov
- Phone: 800-421-3481
Our School is Gender-Inclusive
In Washington, all students have the right to be treated consistent with their gender identity at school. Our school will:
- Address students by their requested name and pronouns, with or without a legal name change
- Change a student’s gender designation and have their gender accurately reflected in school records
- Allow students to use restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity
- Allow students to participate in sports, physical education courses, field trips, and overnight trips in accordance with their gender identity
- Keep health and education information confidential and private
- Allow students to wear clothing that reflects their gender identity and apply dress codes without regard to a student’s gender or perceived gender
- Protect students from teasing, bullying, or harassment based on their gender or gender identity
Review the district’s Gender-Inclusive Schools Policy 3211 and Procedure 3211SP . If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator:
Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator: Lisa Love, Manager – Health Education
Phone: 206-252-0982 Email: llove@seattleschools.org
Gender-Inclusive Schools Coordinator
Seattle Public Schools
Mail Stop: 31-644
P.O. Box 34165
Seattle, WA 98124-1165
For concerns about discrimination or discriminatory harassment based on gender identity or gender expression, please see the information above.
Attendance Policy
As school attendance is legally required for children, the following guidelines are set for the 2024-25 school year. Excused absences include when students are ill, at a medical or therapy appointment, have a family emergency that requires an absence, or any event that cannot be rescheduled.
If you know ahead of time that your child will be absent two or more days due to a medical situation, if they will be absent for a funeral, religious holiday or other one-time special events or if they will be out of town, please email sanislo@seattleschools.org.
Please note that family vacations are not considered an excused absence. They will be marked as an unexcused vacation. The teaching schedule is tightly packed with little room for alterations to accommodate extended student absences. Classroom teachers are rarely able to supply make-up work that adequately replaces missed learning experiences.
Students arriving to their classrooms after 7:55 a.m. are marked tardy. Medically related reasons or family emergencies are excused. Any student who arrives at 7:55 or later will need to check in at the front office and get a slip in order to be admitted into class.
Reporting an Absence
Please call the office or email sanislo@seattleschools.org and report that your child will not be attending school due to illness or medical appointment. We are legally required to make contact with a parent or guardian regarding all absences. All unreported absences are marked as unexcused until we hear from the parent. The school has a message machine so absences can be left during all hours.
Children with fevers should be kept home until 24 hours after the fever has broken. Children should also remain home for 24 hours after vomiting or having diarrhea.
Bus Expectations
Following this paragraph, you will find expectations of students who ride the bus to/from Sanislo. Please go over the bus expectations with your child. They are important to follow because they involve the safety and well-being of your child and others.
In the event your child receives a bus conduct notice (write-up) for violating bus expectations, these are the procedures which will be followed:
- First Notice – The student will talk with an administrator about the incident. Bus expectations will be discussed. The citation will be sent home.
- Second Notice – The student will talk with an administrator about the incident. The citation will be sent home.
- Third Notice – The student will talk with an administrator about the incident. The parent/guardian will be contacted. The student will be suspended from the bus for 1 day.
- Fourth Notice- The student will be suspended from the bus for 1 to 5 days.
- Fighting – Students engaging in fighting on the bus will automatically be suspended from the bus for 1 to 5 days.
If the student engages in exceptional misconduct, the child will be suspended/removed from the bus.
Bus Loop
The bus loop is available for families to drop off their child in the mornings only. The gates are closed and locked from 8:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m. for student safety. The loop front of the school is restricted for buses in the afternoon. Please do not park there or drop off students in the bus loop in the afternoon.
Cell Phones
Students are only permitted to use cell phones and electronic devices outside the building before and after school. All cell phones should be put away when students enter the building. During the school day, cell phones and electronic devices should be kept in backpacks and not brought out for any reason. These items will be confiscated if these rules are not adhered to and parents will be asked to retrieve them from the school office. The only exception to this rule is electronic readers such as Kindles and Nooks that are used in the classroom if approved by the teacher. If students take the bus, electronic devices should stay in the student’s backpacks until they are on the bus. Lost or stolen items are not the responsibility of the school.
Chain of Communication
The classroom teacher is the first point of contact for all parental concerns unless it is an immediate safety or health concern. This includes any concerns about classroom dynamics and academic/social-emotional/behavioral needs of your child. Talking first with the teacher promotes a healthy working relationship between parents and teachers. Administration become involved only when the issue cannot be resolved with the teacher. (The only exceptions to this would be immediate health or safety needs of a child.)
Discipline
The foundation of Seattle Public Schools’ discipline policy is one of prevention, by establishing a positive school climate that includes shared behavioral expectations and a common language for talking about expected behavior that is inclusive of students, families, teachers, administrators, volunteers, and other staff (within a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework). Discipline procedures and strategies aim to maximize instructional time and reduce out of school consequences for behavior. This document applies to all students and is designed to apply to all students and is designed to educate all members of the educational community as to the rules, regulations, and due process procedures. We encourage families to review the Student Rights & Responsibilities with their student. It describes our expectations at school as well as what students can expect from adults at school. This document was in the first day packets but is also available in the front office.
Dress Code
It is the policy of the Seattle School Board that the student and their parent/guardian hold the primary responsibility in determining the student’s personal attire, hairstyle, jewelry, and personal items (e.g. backpacks, book bags). Schools are responsible for assuring that student attire, hairstyle, jewelry, and personal items do not interfere with the health or safety of any student and do not contribute to a hostile or intimidating environment for any student.
Core Values
In relation to student dress, the district’s core values are the following:
- Students should be able to dress and style their hair for school in a manner that expresses their individuality without fear of unnecessary discipline or body shaming;
- Students have the right to be treated equitably. Dress code enforcement will not create disparities, reinforce or increase marginalization of any group, nor will it be more strictly enforced against students because of racial identity, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, gender nonconformity, sexual orientation, cultural or religious identity, household income, body size/type, or body maturity;
- Students and staff are responsible for managing their personal distractions; and
- Students should not face unnecessary barriers to school attendance.
Universal Dress Code
Students must wear:
- Top (shirt, blouse, sweater, sweatshirt, tank, etc.);
- Bottom (pants, shorts, skirt, dress, etc.); and
- Footwear.
This policy permits additional student attire requirements when necessary to ensure safety in certain academic settings (e.g. physical activity, science or CTE courses). Additionally, this policy allows for reasonable variation in required student attire for participation in activities such as swimming or gymnastics.
Students may not wear clothing, jewelry, or personal items that:
- Are pornographic, contain threats, or that promote illegal or violent conduct such as the unlawful use of weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or drug paraphernalia;
- Demonstrate hate group association/affiliation and/or use hate speech targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or other protected groups;
- Intentionally show private parts (nipples, genitals, buttocks). Clothing must cover private parts in opaque (not able to be seen-through) material;
- Cover the student’s face to the extent that the student is not identifiable (except clothing/headgear worn for a religious or medical purpose); or
- Demonstrate gang association/affiliation.
Attire worn in observance of a student’s religion are not subject to this policy
All staff members have district email addresses. Staff will make every effort to return emails within 48 hours. Teachers are often unable to check email during instructional hours. For timely needs, always contact the main office.
Emergency Building Lockdown
Sanislo’s building lock-down plan assists in maintaining order and safety within the school building. In the event of an intruder or some other issue that requires a lockdown to maintain safety, students and adults are expected to go to a pre-designated safe area, remain quiet and try not to be seen from windows and the street. In a lock-down, parents and visitors will not be allowed to enter the building. “Lock-down” means all inner and outer doors are locked, including classroom doors. No one may come in or out. “Shelter in Place” means that the outer doors are locked but staff and students may move within the building and instruction continues as normal.
Emergency Drills
Emergency drill are conducted each month. Drills include: fire/evacuation, lock-down, shelter-in-place and earthquake.
Field Trips
Several times throughout the school year, your child’s teacher may take his/her class on field trips. Field Trip Permission Forms will be sent home for parent/guardian’s signature.
If your child has not returned the Field Trip Permission Form to school, your child will not be permitted to participate on the field trip. If your child is unable to attend a field trip, he/she will be placed into another classroom until his/her class returns.
If you plan to chaperone a field trip, a background check must be completed prior to the day of the field trip. In a perfect world, volunteer paperwork will be completed by September 30.
If you plan to drive on a field trip or chaperone, you must complete the volunteer approval process and also complete a field trip chaperone form that the teacher will provide.
Homework
Homework will be assigned according to the age and maturity level of students by the individual teacher for:
- Emphasizing practice in skill previously taught
- Make-up work following absences from school
- Remedial work
- Enrichment activities that extend classroom learning activities.
- Enhance school to home connections
Additional Projects may increase time.
Homework should be coordinated by grade-level teams to avoid unreasonable workloads. Homework may be given Monday through Friday. Homework must be monitored regularly. Homework will not be used as a disciplinary measure.
The following number of minutes will be used as a guide for daily or weekly homework assignments for students:
Grade | # of minutes |
---|---|
K-1 | 20 minutes of reading/day; other homework/10 minutes maximum/day |
2-3 | 30 minutes of reading/day; 10-20 minutes of other homework/day |
4-5 | Maximum of 60 minutes/day |
Library
The Sanislo library is working to build a library and information technology program that supports literacy and critical thinking skills. The library is a learning hub in the Sanislo community, we enthusiastically welcome all students, staff, and families.
Students come to the library once a week with their class for a library lesson and to check out books. Kindergarteners check out one book which stays in their classroom. First through fifth may check out books to take home.
The librarian is in the library all day Monday and Tuesday and every other Wednesday. If you would like to contact her, please email at reshipe@seattleschools.org.
Lost and Found
The Lost and Found will be located in the hallway past the front office. To reduce the amount of goods that are deposited on the lost and found racks, we ask that parents put names on the label of all coats, sweatshirts, jackets, lunchboxes, and any other items your child is likely to leave sitting around on the playground or hallways. This helps to ensure the items are returned to the owners. Lost and found items will be donated to charity; parents will be notified when this occurs.
Lunchroom
We are required to compost and recycle all student waste. It is helpful for students to use reusable containers for lunches from home. No glass bottles/containers are allowed in the lunchroom due to concerns over broken glass. Students should not bring pop or large bags of “snack food” to the cafeteria. Any snacks should be single serving size only. Due to allergy concerns, students are expected to eat their own lunch. Parents and adults are always welcome to join their children for lunch and recess. No prior notice is required. Just sign in when you enter the school and come directly to the lunchroom. Due to allergy concerns, we request that adults who join their children for lunch do not share food with any other children.
Lunchroom Expectations:
- Eat only your food and clean up your messes
- Remain seated until dismissed to clean up
- Use a level 2 voice
Medications at school
If your child must take either prescription or non-prescription medication during school hours, a written permission slip for the school to administer the medication must be signed by the parent/guardian and doctor, and the medication kept in the nurse’s office as a safeguard for all. Medication permission forms are available in the front office. Nonprescription medication must be in its original sealed container. Children should never carry or hold thier own medication during the school day. All medications must be checked in at the nurse’s office.
Morning Drop off/End of the Day Student Pickup
Due to our challenging location and the safety of all children, the following procedures are in place for students:
Morning drop-off:
- No Sanislo students should arrive before 7:40. There is no adult supervision before 7:40
- Buses and families are welcome to utilize the bus loop for morning drop-off. The bus loop is for buses only in the afternoon.
- Please DO NOT use the parking lot for drop-off.
- At 7:40, students will be welcomed into the building where they are encouraged to eat free school breakfast.
- Students who have completed breakfast or who do not participate in school breakfast will head directly to the gym.
- Teachers pick up their students in the gym at 7:55
Afternoon pickup:
- Children will be dismissed from the playground. Parents may line up in their cars on the east side of 21st to pick up their children at the north gate of the playground. Your child will be brought to your car when you are in the front of the line. If you would like to park, please do so on 18th. If you would like your child to walk home without an adult, please send a note to your child’s teacher.
- The front circle is for buses only in the afternoon. The parking lot will be closed off during arrival and dismissal for safety.
Ombudsperson
The District Ombudsperson serves as an independent liaison to assist SPS parents and community members in helping to resolve problems, complaints, conflicts, and other school-related issues when normal procedures have failed. The Ombudsperson office does not have authority and can only make recommendations. Information will be kept confidential at your request.
The mission of the District Ombudsperson is to ensure the process is followed and that all members of the Seattle Public Schools; community receive fair and equitable treatment in matters of concern or complaint.
Pets
Animals are not allowed on school grounds at any time. Dogs are not allowed on the playground or the playfield. For both your own legal protection as well as the safety of our students, it is best that dogs be left at home.
Picking up Your Child Early
If your child needs to leave early from school, please come into the office to sign them out. Please ensure that any adults picking up your student, are listed on your child’s form. We cannot accommodate early dismissal after 2pm unless we are notified by noon that day.
Play Dates
Play dates need to be arranged before students arrive to school. We do not allow students to miss class time to go to the office to call home for such arrangements.
Progress Reports
Progress reports are available on The Source at the conclusion of each trimester. A formal conference with your child’s teacher will be scheduled in November.
PTA
This year the PTA would like to focus on building and fostering relationships so that we can meet our vision and goals for the year. We are looking forward to collaborating with parents, teachers, administration, and community partners to find the best fit for the needs of our small, diverse, and unique community. Your voice and ideas are vital to our community and we would not be able to do this work without you. There are numerous ways to get involved and if you would like to volunteer your time, we look forward to hearing from you. Please reach out to us with any questions, comments or concerns at sanisloelementarypta@gmail.com
Reading Partners
Reading Partners is a national education nonprofit that opened its Seattle chapter in 2014. We work to help close the opportunity gap by mobilizing community members to provide proven evidence-based one-on-one tutoring at Title I elementary schools.
Recess
With the exception of major downpours, we go outside for recess. Students should have proper outdoor apparel. For safety reasons, umbrellas are not allowed at recess. If your child walks to and from school, they may bring a collapsible umbrella. All K-5 students have a lunch recess for 20 minutes and another afternoon recess for 15 minutes.
Our goal is to send all students outside to every recess. Exceptions are made when a child is non-compliant, disrespectful, or harming others. Teachers may opt to keep a child inside in order to address such behaviors.
Parents often ask if a child can remain inside should there be a health reason. That child will be allowed to go to the office during recess.
Playground Expectations
- Wetlands off limits
- Respect the trees and plants
- When bell rings, grab equipment and line up with equipment. Return equipment to cart as you walk past
- Walk on the bark, run on the grass and pavement
- Walk on paths
- Feet first on slide – down only
- One way on the monkey bars
- No tag on big toy
- Stop at the tall tree on the hill
- Jump ropes are used for jumping
- Follow teacher in line on the right side of path
Restorative Practices
At Sanislo, we believe that a strong, supportive community is the foundation for student success. That’s why we’ve embraced restorative practices as part of our approach to building relationships, resolving conflicts, and creating a positive school environment.
Restorative practices empower students to take responsibility for their actions, understand how their behavior impacts others, and work collaboratively to repair harm. Through tools like community circles, restorative conversations, and collaborative problem-solving, we help students develop critical skills like empathy, communication, and accountability.
By focusing on relationships and respect, restorative practices create a culture where every student feels valued, heard, and supported. Together, we’re building a thriving school community where learning and growth happen every day.
RULER (Social Emotional Learning)
RULER is a Social/Emotional program from Yale University which uses a framework for teaching students about how to name their feelings and understand them so they can ultimately become better at regulating their emotions and developing a deeper sense of empathy for others. RULER is utilized school-wide.
RULER is an acronym for the five skills of emotional intelligence:
- Recognizing emotions in self and others
- Understanding the causes and consequences of emotions
- Labeling emotions accurately
- Expressing emotions appropriately
- Regulating emotions effectively
Social Worker
The social worker at Sanislo supports students individually, in small groups and provides class lessons for Social-Emotional Learning (Second Step/Bullying Prevention). Both individually and in small groups, the social worker works with students on building skills for success including: social/friendship skills, working out conflicts, managing emotions, and strategies for problem solving. The social worker also partners with parents and teachers to address individual students’ social-emotional, academic and behavioral needs. The social worker is available to meet/consult with parents/guardians to find options that would best support the student, including one-on-one counseling, classroom support or referrals to outside services and resources. Building a positive and welcoming schoolwide culture is an important part of our social worker’s role.
Student Intervention Team (SIT)
Staff members or parents, who have a concern regarding a child’s academic, social or emotional growth, may refer their concerns to the school’s Student Intervention Team (SIT). This team is made up of the classroom teacher(s), the principal, the school psychologist, and other specialists. A meeting is held at school to determine what we can do to best support the child. Our aim is to work together as a staff, with parents, to help the child learn and grow to his/her greatest abilities. Parents may request a SIT meeting by contacting their child’s teacher. The SIT typically meets weekly.
The Source
The Source displays attendance, assessment scores, and library books students have currently checked out. SchoolPay, Students Verification forms, Schoology Access Codes and other family resources are also found on the Source.
Toys
Sports equipment and toys (including playing or trading cards) from home should not be brought to school. All necessary playground equipment will be provided to students
Weapons at School
Common sense and district policy say that students should not bring guns, play guns, pocket knives, throwing stars, laser-light pens, weapons, or any other device that might injure another person at school. The district penalty for possession of a weapon, toy or real, will be strictly enforced. Please have a conversation with your child as to why we do not joke about weapons or sneak toy weapons to school.
Ultimate Frisbee
Sanislo 3rd-5th grade students have the opportunity to play in an Elementary Co-ed Ultimate Frisbee league. The students practice twice a week after school starting in March and have games against other Elementary Schools in Seattle. It is the only Elementary League in the country. Ultimate is a non-contact sport with no referee or umpire.