Information for Families
Last Updated: December 2024
Welcome to La Cima Charter School! This overview highlights essential information about our school. For a more comprehensive guide, please refer to the Student Handbook. If you have any questions or need assistance, contact the Main Office at (718) 443-2136.
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School OperationsAttendanceUniform GuidelinesCommunicationTransportationHealth and Food PoliciesTechnology UseSchool Operations
La Cima operates Monday through Thursday from 7:30 AM to 3:45 PM and on Fridays from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Scholars must arrive between 7:30 and 7:55 AM to eat breakfast and prepare for the day. Late arrivals after 7:55 AM must use the Gates Avenue entrance and be signed in by an adult unless authorized to walk independently.
Attendance Policy
Attendance is critical to student success; every absence represents a loss of instructional time. Absences must be documented in writing to be considered excused, but both excused and unexcused absences count as lost time. Excessive absences or tardies may lead to meetings with administrators, mandated reporting, or further interventions. Families are strongly encouraged to prioritize consistent attendance to avoid falling behind academically.
Uniform Guidelines
All scholars wear the La Cima uniform daily, which includes a royal blue polo shirt with the school emblem and navy blue pants or sweatpants. Black sneakers are required, and cold-weather attire should include blue sweaters or vests. Hoodies, hats, and makeup, including tinted lip gloss, are not permitted.
To foster a safe and distraction-free learning environment, excessive jewelry and flashy accessories are discouraged. Families should label all clothing items to reduce the chances of lost or misplaced belongings.
Kindergarten scholars should also keep an extra uniform at school in case of accidents.
Communication
ClassDojo serves as the primary communication tool for school updates, notifications, and direct messaging with teachers. Families are encouraged to sign up at the start of the school year to stay informed. Parent involvement is vital to the school community, with opportunities to join events like Family Culture Day, fundraising initiatives, or teacher appreciation efforts.
As an alternative, parents and guardians can contact their child’s teacher via email or phone during the hours of 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. See the Faculty Directory for a list of emails and phone numbers.
Contact the Main Office at (718) 443-2136 for assistance or to schedule meetings with teachers or administrators.
Transportation
La Cima provides MetroCards for eligible scholars or bus service based on grade level and distance from the school. Families needing MetroCards should contact the Main Office at (718) 443-2136 for assistance.
Stop-to-school bus service is available for K-2 scholars living 0.5 to 3 miles away and grades 3-5 scholars living 1 to 3 miles away. Families must sign a bus contract outlining behavior expectations, such as respecting the driver, staying seated, and using quiet voices.
Complaints about bus service can be reported to the OPT Hotline at (718) 392-8855 using La Cima’s school codes (OPT Code: 16564, School Code: 84K649).
Health & Food Policies
The school nurse is available daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM to assist scholars with chronic conditions or medication needs.
A Medication Administration Form, completed by a healthcare provider, is required for any medicine administered at school. Families must ensure all health documentation is updated annually.
The school is a nut-free environment to ensure the safety of all scholars.
Families are encouraged to provide healthy, room-temperature meals if not utilizing school-provided breakfast, snack, and lunch options. Prohibited items include soda, candy, chips, and cookies.
Technology Use
La Cima provides access to a secure network and devices for educational purposes. Scholars are responsible for using technology appropriately and following internet safety rules. Families are encouraged to monitor their child’s technology use outside of school. Misuse of school devices or the network, such as bypassing web filters or engaging in cyberbullying, can result in revoked access and disciplinary action.
Refer to the Student Handbook for additional details and rules regarding technology use.