Dear Dickson Star Families, ⭐
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! On behalf of our entire Dickson Elementary staff, I am thrilled to welcome both our returning families and those joining our school community for the very first time.
As we begin another exciting year together, I want to thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. It is truly an honor to partner with you in helping every student learn, grow, and shine. At Dickson, we believe that strong relationships between home and school are the foundation for student success. When we work together, there is no limit to what our students can achieve.
Our dedicated staff has been working hard to prepare classrooms, plan engaging learning experiences, and create a safe, welcoming environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired. We are committed to providing high-quality instruction while nurturing the character, confidence, and unique strengths of every Dickson Star.
This year, we look forward to celebrating student growth, building meaningful connections, and creating memorable experiences that make elementary school such a special time. We are proud to continue strengthening partnerships with our families and community so that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Thank you for being an essential part of our Dickson family. I encourage you to stay connected through ParentSquare, participate in our school events, and never hesitate to reach out if we can support your family in any way.
Together, we will make the 2026–2027 school year one filled with learning, laughter, and success. Thank you for being part of what makes Dickson such an extraordinary place to learn and grow.
Here's to an amazing year ahead—and to every Dickson Star shining brightly!
With gratitude,
Renae McCain
Proud Principal
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Thank you for preparing to make the first day of school extra special for our Dickson Stars!
Thank you to everyone who came out to fill our sidewalks with colorful chalk messages, smiles, and words of encouragement. Your time and creativity created such a warm and welcoming start to the new school year!
Want to be part of more family events and student celebrations throughout the year? Follow Dickson PTA on Instagram to stay connected and learn about upcoming opportunities to get involved.
The best way to support our students is by becoming a PTA member! Your membership helps make incredible programs, events, and experiences possible for our Dickson Stars—all while giving you the opportunity to make a positive impact on our school community. See below for more details.
Thank you for helping make Dickson such a special place to learn and grow! 🌟
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Monday, August 10th, is the 1st day of school.
Free breakfast is available from 7:10 - 7:40 every morning.
Here are some helpful tips for a smoother first day.
Arrival:
- Administration will be welcoming students at the drop off curb every morning.
- All students will be dropped off at the cafeteria doors to either eat breakfast or sit at the tables.
- TK & Kinder students will sit together in a designated area, monitored and guided by Dickson staff directly to their teachers. (more information at TK/K Orientation Night)
- At 7:30 am, 1st-6th grade students will exit the cafeteria and walk to the blacktop to either the 1st-3rd or 4th-6th walking area to participate in Dickson Arts in Motion until the warning bell rings to line up with your teacher.
- An adult will stay with TK & Kindergarten students and will stay with them and release them directly to their teacher.
Dismissal:
- TK and Kindergarten will review dismissal procedures at TK/K Orientation Night.
- 1st grade will be walked out by their teachers at the small gate behind the office near the curve of the parking lot.
- TK, Kinder, and 1st: An approved adult must walk up to have their child released from their teacher.
- If driving, park legally and in a parking spot marked visitor and use the crosswalk.
- 2nd - 6th grade students will be walked out by their teachers to the double gates next to the cafeteria (tall building). If you are walking up to meet your child, please park safely in a visitor spot or on the street along, avoiding red curbs and driveways. Please do not exit your car if you are in the drive through lane. We will have staff outside helping students during dismissal.
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August
August 6 - September 30: PTA Membership Drive
Monday, August 10: 1st Day of School | 7:40 am - 2:30 p.m.
August 17 - September 2: PTA Clothing Drive
Wednesday, August 26: 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Back To School Night (For Parents/Guardians)
Friday, August 28: Field Day for Specific Student Achievement on CAASPP 2026
September
September 1 - October 31: PTA Think-n-Local Fundraiser
Monday, September 7: NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
September 9: PTA Meeting 2:45 p.m.
September 16: PTA Dine out Night for 6th Grade
Wednesday, September 16: Monthly Awards
September 16: PTA Playdough Day
September 18: Grandparents Day (Light Breakfast) 6:45-7:45 a.m.
September 18: Rice Krispie Treat Day
September 25: PTA Family Bingo Night 4:30-6:30 p.m.
September 24 - October 1: Minimum Days all week for Parent Teacher Conferences
September 28 - October 2: PTA 6th Grade Candy Grams
September 28 - October 2: PTA STAND Dine Out Night
September 29: PTA National Coffee Day - Offer to families before school
October
Wednesday, October 14: Monthly Awards
October 14: PTA Wetzel Pretzels
October 23: PTA Trunk or Treat Event
October 26 - 30: Red Ribbon Week
Friday, October 30: Special MINIMUM DAY for optional Parent Teacher Conferences
November
November 4: PTA Meeting 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, November 11: NO SCHOOL - Veterans Day
November 13: PTA Friendsgiving at Tropical Mexico (RSVP Required)
Wednesday, November 18: Trimester 1 Awards
November 18: PTA Selling Coffee during Trimester Awards
November 23 - 27: NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break
December
December 2: PTA Meeting 12:30 p.m.
December 4: PTA Holiday Shop Preview
December 7 - 9: PTA Holiday Shop - Shopping for classes
Wednesday, December 9: PTA Winter Wonderland
Thursday, December 17: Special MINIMUM DAY for optional Parent Teacher Conferences
December 18 - January 5: NO SCHOOL - Winter Break
January
Wednesday, January 6: 1st Day Back to School in 2027!
Wednesday, January 6: Monthly Awards
Friday, January 15: Special MINIMUM DAY for optional Parent Teacher Conferences
Monday, January 18: NO SCHOOL - MLK Jr. Day
February
Wednesday, February 3 Monthly Awards
Monday, February 8: NO SCHOOL - Monday, Washington's Birthday
February 15: NO SCHOOL - Presidents' Day
March
Wednesday, March 3: Trimester 2 Awards
Tuesday, March 9: CVUSD Choir Showcase - DON LUGO FEEDER (DICKSON)
March 22 - 29: NO SCHOOL - Spring Break
Tuesday, March 30: 1st Day back to school
April
Wednesday, April 7: Monthly Awards
Friday, April 16: Special MINIMUM DAY for optional Parent Teacher Conferences
Tuesday, April 27: CVUSD Band Showcase - Don Lugo Feeder (DICKSON)
May
Tuesday, May 25: Don Lugo HS Graduation
Wednesday, May 26: 6th Grade Promotion 8:15-9:15 a.m.
Thursday, May 27: Special MINIMUM DAY for optional Parent Teacher Conferences
Thursday, May 27: Last Day of School
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At Dickson, our students benefit from Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 support.
Request For Support
Click on the picture to access the online Parent Request for Support form.
For social emotional support, academic support and/or family support
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Dickson's Intervention Teacher, Miss Kertesz, works with small groups of students to provide Tier 3 academic support with curriculum and programs focused on supporting our student's academic foundational skills. Speak to your child's teacher about academic concerns and to schedule a parent teacher conference. |
Dickson's Counselor, Jacquline Sanchez, works with small groups of students to provide Tier 2 and Tier 3 counseling with a curriculum focused on supporting our students' social-emotional health. You can request support if you have concerns regarding your child's social-emotional health.
We also have additional counseling services:
Positive Action for Life Success (PALS) program (skills based group)
Chino Human Services (Individual School Based Counseling)
Behavior Health Counseling (Therapeutic Individual Counseling)
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This form will be checked regularly during school hours, excluding holidays and breaks, and we will respond as soon as possible.
If this is a medical/mental health emergency, call 911 immediately!
Note: Below are resources available should you find yourself or someone else in a situation where immediate mental health services are needed.
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline--- 1.800.273.8255
- Central Crisis & Suicide Prevention Hotline --- 1.888.506.5991
- Crisis Text Line --- Text HOME to 741741
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DICKSON has been awarded PLATINUM Status!
We are 1 of 611 schools in all of California to earn this status!
To monitor our implementation, we complete school-wide Tiered Fidelity Inventories (TFI) 3 times a year.
Internal TFI = School Team monitor's our implementation
External TFI = School Team with a trained certified evaluator checks our implementation
2026-27 TFI Dates: To Be Determined
Tier 1 Internal TFI #1
Tier 1 Internal TFI #2
Tier 1 External TFI
Tier 2/3 Internal TFI #1
Tier 2/3 Internal TFI #2
Tier 2/3 External TFI
We applied for Platinum Recognition again! We will hear the result in the Fall 2026!
2025-26 TFI Results:
Tier 1 Internal TFI #1: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. | Tier 1 93%
Tier 2/3 Internal TFI #1: Thursday, Nov 6, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. | Tier 2 100% | Tier 3 85%
Tier 1 Internal TFI #2: Monday, February 17, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. | Tier 1 97%
Tier 2/3 Internal TFI #2: Thursday, Feb 17, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. | Tier 2 100% | Tier 3 97%
Tier 1 External TFI: Thursday, April 16, 2025 at 8:35 a.m. | Tier 1 97%
Tier 2/3 External TFI: Thursday, April 16, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. Tier 2 100% | Tier 3 100%
We will apply for Platinum Recognition again! Results will be released in Fall 2026.
The Tier 1 team represents multiple and diverse perspectives to co-create the systems and practices for Tier 1 support. This team is responsible for uncovering strengths and needs by monitoring school and community data, ensuring students receive equitable access to these supports, and evaluating overall effectiveness.
PBIS Tier 1 Team:
Jacquline Sanchez, MTSS-B Counselor
Renae McCain, Principal
Kristin McConnell, Teacher
Brit Bedolla, Teacher
Sandra Noon, Parent
Tier 2 supports refers to the practices and systems that enable targeted interventions for students who are not successful with Tier 1 supports alone. The focus at Tier 2 is supporting students who are at risk for developing more serious unwanted behaviors before they start. Essentially, intervention at this level is more targeted than Tier 1 but less intensive than Tier 3. The Tier 2 team meets regularly to design and refine Tier 2 interventions within the building to meet the needs of their students. The team is responsible for the student referral process related to interventions. The team also provides training to families, school personnel, and students regarding interventions. The Tier 2 Team may include someone to coordinate each Tier 2 intervention, a school administrator, a behavior specialist, and classroom teachers. Schools are also encouraged to consider community and family members.
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Tier 3 team membership includes an administrator, a coach/behavior representative, others with basic knowledge of problem solving. Team members should also include personnel who actively provide Tier 3 support in the school. This gives them input on decisions about interventions they provide to students they serve. Including school personnel from different departments ensures an array of perspectives.
PBIS Tier 2 & 3 Team:
Jacquline Sanchez, MTSS-B Counselor
Celina Sedillo, Assistant Principal
Kathryn Kertesz, Academic Intervention Teacher
Claudia Castro, RSP Teacher
Marilu Foss, School Psychologist
Amanda Dayhoff, Behavior Health Associate
Priscilla Sosa, Behavior Health Counselor
California PBIS Vision Statement: California PBIS supports the sustainable development of a safe, equitable, and positive climate and social culture for ALL.
Our schoolwide expectations are:
Be Respectful
Be Responsible
Be Safe
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This video is a great way to review school expectations with your child. |
We invite our parents/guardians to support the learning of character by discussing the following:
Respect - Follow the "Golden Rule": Treat others like the way you would like to be treated.
Responsibility - We take responsibility for our actions.
Trustworthiness - Be a person others can trust. We follow through our promises.
Fairness - We can think of others when making decisions. Treat others with fairness.
Caring - Care for others, and not just about ourselves.
Citizenship - We do the right thing, and follow the rules/expectations. We get involved in our community.
August/September: Respect
October/November: Responsibility
December/January: Caring
February/March: Trustworthiness
April/May: Citizenship
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To help keep California and our school beautiful, Dickson students and staff are educated on the importance of reducing food waste, recycling, and saving energy. Dickson participates in sorting our food and trashing during breakfast and lunch.
If you would like to learn more about saving energy at home, please see the tips sheet below.
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The Chino Valley Unified School District is excited to engage with families using Aeries Communications powered by ParentSquare (voicemail, email and text message)! ParentSquare is designed to keep parents informed and facilitate participation between school and home. It provides a safe way for school principals, teachers, staff, and parents to:
- Send and receive district, school, and class information
- Submit attendance notes
- Share photos, files, and links
- Post and see calendar items
- And so much more!
Communications are all in one convenient location!
Parents and Guardians are able to access posts using:
- Email
- Smartphone app
- Phone (voice)
- SMS (text) message
- Web app within Aeries Parent Portal
To activate your ParentSquare account, enter your Aeries Parent Portal, tap on Communications, and confirm the data you see there.
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Aeries is the student information system (SIS) the Chino Valley Unified School District uses to manage student data. It acts as a central hub for storing and accessing information related to students, such as academic records, attendance, grades, and personal details. SIS solutions streamline administrative tasks, facilitate communication between students, parents, and staff, and support various educational processes.
Visit the Aeries Parent Portal login page to sign into your Parent Portal and access your student’s records.
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5 minutes late or early out = 15 hours of missed instruction
10 minutes late or early out = 30 hours of missed instruction
Importance of Attendance
Regular school attendance is crucial for children's future success. A strong academic foundation helps students excel and achieve their goals. Attending class every day is key to mastering grade-level skills and graduating high school.
School Schedule
School starts daily at 7:50 a.m., so students should be seated and ready for instruction. To help, we offer breakfast and supervision from 7:10 - 7:40 a.m., when traffic is light.
Attendance Matters
Please make illness the only reason for absences. Missing school means missing important lessons, and catching up can be challenging. Last year, Dickson's attendance rate was 93%. Our goal is to reach a 96.5% attendance rate. This year’s campaign is ATTEND TODAY, ACHIEVE TOMORROW! The school with the highest attendance in each feeder group will win a trophy and a pizza party from the District!
Classroom Competitions
We will also have weekly attendance competitions in classrooms. Students with absences or tardies will be invited to attend Saturday School. Families with excessive absences (10%), tardies, or leaving early will be asked to attend a SART Meeting (School Attendance Review Team) with school administration to discuss how we can provide support.
How You Can Help
Healthy school attendance is a team effort. Here’s how you can support:
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Prepare: Get lunches, bookbags, and outfits ready the night before.
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Schedule: Plan medical visits after school hours.
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Plan: Arrange family activities when school is not in session.
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Limit Absences: Only keep your child home if they have a contagious illness or have a fever over 101°.
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Communicate: Talk to your child about their feelings about school.
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Inform: Share the importance of consistent attendance.
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Reach Out: Contact teachers or staff for assistance.
With your support, we can achieve the attendance goal of 96.5% and help students build confidence, friendships, academic skills, and life skills.
Let's Prioritize Attendance!
If you're facing any challenges, please let us know how we can help.
Reminder:
If students arrive after the 7:50 a.m. bell, please sign them in. This ensures accurate attendance records. Students arriving late will be marked tardy, regardless of their entry point. We welcome every student warmly, but we want them to get every minute of learning!
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We want to take a moment to express our deep gratitude to our incredible PTA Board and the many volunteers who support our school community. Often, the hard work and dedication of our parent and staff volunteers go unrecognized, and we want to shine a light on the amazing contributions they make.
Every member of our PTA, including the board members, is a volunteer, and we encourage more families to get involved. The more volunteers we have, the more wonderful events we can bring to the Dickson community.
As Bill Richardson wisely said, "We cannot accomplish all that we need to do without working together." Let's continue to work hand in hand to create memorable experiences for our children and families!
The Dickson PTA plays a vital role in planning, organizing, and executing a variety of enriching activities for our students and families, including:
- Testing Kick off Color Fun Run
- Decorations for the 5th Grade are Graduation
- Organizing, ordering, and fulfilling Spirit Wear
- Hosting the PTA Membership Drive
- Running After School Snack Cart Concessions on Wednesdays
- Managing the Birthday Marquee funds
- Conducting Fundraising efforts (Thinknlocal, Pacific, Otis Spunkmeyer, See's Candy, Family Dinner Nights, etc.)
- Organizing Trunk or Treat - Family Night
- Coordinating Buddy Pictures
- Helping with Yearbook Sales
- Conducting Clothing Drives
- Organizing the volunteers for the Book Fair
- Organizing the Fun Run
- Planning Starchella - Family Dance
- Supporting 6th Grade Activities
- Creating decor like Balloon Arches, Banners, etc... for events
- Purchasing and dispersing student treats for Spirit Wear and Attendance Winners
- And much much more!
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Anyone can join PTA at any time! There is no mandatory commitment, participate any way that you are able. Please contact a PTA Board Member or the school office for more information.
Wednesday, PTA Snack Cart - Always looking for more help!
The PTA volunteers generously give their time selling snacks after school on Wednesdays. All proceeds go directly back to our students.
- All students are expected to wait respectfully in line.
- Only students with money may stand in line for a snack. All students without money must exit campus to wait for their ride home.
- Families may not park or wait on the drive through curb for their child to get a snack. Please find a place to park so you do not hold up traffic for families that need to pick up and leave.
- Bus riders MUST go straight to the bus. The bus is on a schedule and is not allowed to wait. We give reminders that all Bus riders must go straight to the bus.
- SOAR students are required to check in with SOAR immediately after school. Soar staff members will walk students with money over to the PTA snack cart.
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PTA continues to accepts PTA Memberships throughout the year. Every membership makes a difference and supports students directly.
Every class that has 100% PTA Memberships will earn an Ice Cream Party! Families are welcome to donate and/or sponsor memberships for their child’s class as well.
If you pay for anything via Zelle, make sure you type your student’s name, teacher and reason for payment to ensure PTA aligns your payment correctly. Payments with no memo/note may go into overall donations.
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We wear our Dickson Spirit Wear every Friday! Classes with the highest participation win a prize.
Spirit Wear must be official Dickson Spirit Wear or a full red shirt to count toward the participation.
sʜᴏᴡ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴅɪᴄᴋsᴏɴ sᴘɪʀɪᴛ ғʀɪᴅᴀʏ ʙʏ ᴡᴇᴀʀɪɴɢ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴅɪᴄᴋsᴏɴ sʜɪʀᴛ ᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴏʟᴏʀ ʀᴇᴅ!
ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ᴅɪᴄᴋsᴏɴ sʜɪʀᴛ ʏᴇᴛ?
ᴅᴏɴ’ᴛ ᴡᴏʀʀʏ, sᴀʟᴇs ᴀʀᴇ ɴᴏᴡ ᴏᴘᴇɴ!
ғɪʟʟ ᴏᴜᴛ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴏʀᴅᴇʀ ғᴏʀᴍ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏғғɪᴄᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴡᴇ ᴄᴀɴ ɢᴇᴛ sᴘɪʀɪᴛ ᴡᴇᴀʀ ᴅᴇʟɪᴠᴇʀᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ʏᴏᴜʀ ᴄʜɪʟᴅ’s ᴄʟᴀss ᴀsᴀᴘ! ʀᴇᴍᴇᴍʙᴇʀ ᴄᴀsʜ ᴏɴʟʏ!
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Feel free to follow PTA on Instagram.
Most current information will be on the Dickson Website or available by calling the office.
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We kindly ask for your help in ensuring a safe environment during drop-off and pick-up times. Please adhere to all traffic laws, posted signs, and staff instructions. Every individual's cooperation is essential in creating a safer environment. While I understand that many adults may be in a hurry, it is imperative that we prioritize safety above all else.
Key Points:
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Safety First: Adult behaviors during arrival and dismissal can impact student safety. Please prioritize safety over speed, even when in a hurry.
- Drop-Off Guidelines:
- Follow the signs to the designated drop-off area.
- Pull up as far as possible to accommodate more cars and help students enter and exit efficiently.
- Important Safety Reminders:
- Children must not exit vehicles in the parking lot. Please park and walk your child across the designated crosswalk.
- Drive slowly and attentively in the parking lot. Stay vigilant and cautious.
- Crosswalk Usage:
- Always use the crosswalk and set a positive example for our students.
- Do not stop or park along the red-painted curbs on Roswell Street, as these are for emergency vehicles.
By working together and following these safety practices, we can enhance student safety and improve traffic flow.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation. The drop-off and pick-up procedures are available below and on the Dickson Website.
We appreciate families who:
- Pull up to the curb, allowing more cars and ensuring safe student entry and exit.
- Park in visitor spots and accompany their children across the parking lot safely.
Arrival and Dismissal Tips:
- Arrive between 7:10-7:40 to avoid the 7:40-7:50 traffic.
- The best options are to walk from home or drive through the drop-off/pick-up line.
- Do not stop in the middle of any street or at red/yellow curbs.
- Be respectful of neighbors by keeping mailboxes and driveways accessible.
- Cross at the stop sign with the crossing guard to ensure safety.
Parking Policy:
- Parking spots are designated for staff and visitors. Please avoid blocking staff parking.
Thank you for your continued commitment to safety! Please review the arrival and dismissal map and share these guidelines with anyone picking up your child.
If you have any questions, feel free to call the office.
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To sign out your student(s) out of SOAR, please park on Roswell Ave. or in the Doris Dickson parking lot and walk to the side gate. This gate is located on the left side of the school on Roswell between the cafeteria and the tennis courts.
When you arrive, please call the SOAR site phone number (909) 536-6420, and a staff member will meet you at the side gate to sign out your student(s). Staff will no longer walk students to the front of the school to exit. Please be sure to share this information with all approved individuals on your student's emergency contact list.
For questions regarding the new Dickson SOAR sign-out procedures, please contact Tricia Huffman by calling (909) 628-1202 ext. 8990 or by emailing tricia_huffman@chino.k12.ca.us.
Thank you.
Tricia Huffman
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Para firmar la salida de su(s) estudiante(s), por favor estacione en Roswell Ave. o en el estacionamiento de Doris Dickson y camine hasta la puerta lateral. Esta puerta se encuentra en el lado izquierdo de la escuela entre la cafetería y las canchas de tenis.
Cuando llegue, llame al número de teléfono del sitio (909-664-3447), y un miembro del personal se reunirá con usted en la puerta lateral para firmar la salida de su(s) estudiante(s). El personal ya no caminará con los estudiantes hasta el frente de la escuela para salir. Por favor, asegúrese de compartir esta información con todas las personas aprobadas en la lista de contactos de emergencia de su estudiante.
Si tiene preguntas sobre los nuevos procedimientos de cierre de sesión de Dickson SOAR, comuníquese con Tricia Huffman llamando al 909-628-1202 ext. 8990 o enviando un correo electrónico a: tricia_huffman@chino.k12.ca.us.
Gracias.
Tricia Huffman
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