Extended Student Services (ESS) Program
15250 Avenue of Science, San Diego, CA 92128
(858) 521-2800   Fax: (858) 485-1937
Johneen Gregg, Director, (858) 521-2850
Betsy Crook, Administrative Asst, (858) 521-2848
Cindi Hodnett, Office Assistant II, (858) 521-2800 ext. 2231

ESS Finance Team

Judy Nichols, Accountant II (858) 521-2800 ext.2233

Billing Questions:
Melanie Hart (858) 521-2800 ext.2229
Ricardo Cordero (858) 521-2800 ext.2228
Laura Attard (858) 521-2800 ext.2232

Credit Card Inquiries and Payments:
Melanie Hart (858) 521-2800 ext.2229

Letter to Parents
Print Version

September 2011

Dear ESS Families ~

Thank you for letting your children join us for another school year. It is a pleasure to see those bright smiling faces as they come in the door, knowing you are entrusting us with your most prized possession. It is always great to ask a child what was the favorite part of the day and hear them say “ESS”!

We are now serving approximately 3200 students and so it keeps everyone on their toes as we strive to offer the best possible program for our children and families. I have to give a huge shoutout to the Supervisors and Lead Assistants who not only lead and manage, but also welcome, nurture, supervise, teach, and mend – children, staff, and even parents. They give their all to make sure your children are safe and happy during their time with us!

As we move forward there are always new opportunities and challenges for us in our quest to improve our program and our practices. We are now in the process of looking at professional development that can be offered for staff this year either through in-house sessions, webinars and conferences. ESS is also moving more and more toward that linkage with the school day, so as children transition into our program we are keeping strong communication with the school site for greater student success.

Always learning of course – the blackout was a good opportunity for us to review our practices when it came to an emergency situation. We are most grateful that it was an emergency and not a disaster but it taught us to cover all of our bases. Each ESS site handled it very well and also applauded the calm demeanor of the children. We are in the process of working with the district as we look at the different scenarios to see where we need the most support. Each site received a crank radio/flashlight to increase the ability to access information, and we are continuing to re-evaluate. My request to our families is to put someone on your emergency card. I know many of you say you do not know of anyone or do not want someone else picking up your child……..however, in case of an emergency or disaster, the worse alternative is that if you cannot get there your child might need to be transported somewhere else. Put a neighbor or an acquaintance on the card, knowing that the likelihood is very small, but necessary. I will be asking Supervisors to go through their emergency cards and anyone that does not have another person listed will be contacted to add someone.

We will continue to work closely with our families, knowing that strong communication and teamwork is always in the best interest of our children. We welcome your input, so please feel free to contact me at jgregg@powayusd.com or 858-521-2850 with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Thank you again for sharing your children with us!

Sincerely,

Johneen Gregg
Director, Extended Student Services

 

 

The Extended Student Services (ESS) Program extends Poway Unified School District's educational program into the hours before and after school, and during school vacations. ESS provides a comprehensive program of developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities. Skills are developed in the following areas:

Cognitive Development:   homework assistance, science experiments, arts and crafts projects, cooking, gardening, and computer-assisted learning;

Physical development: small and large motor skills, sports, non-competitive games, and playground use: and,

Social-emotional development: cooperative learning, group participation, conflict resolution, peer interactions.

ESS provides time, space, encouragement and support for learning.  ESS centers are located at all elementary schools. Each program is supervised by staff members trained in child development. Students enroll in the program on a full-time basis. Centers are open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 Program Overview  

This extended-day program extends the excellence of each child's school experience into before and after school.

ESS is staffed by highly-qualified professionals and trained instructional assistants. The staff provides for the academic and social needs of children in safe and nurturing environments. There is time, space, encouragement, and support for learning good study habits.

 Program Activities

The program is geared toward expanding each child's world through arts and crafts projects, science activities, reading and language arts reinforcement, and math concept development. The program reinforces the social, motor, and academic skills children learn in the classroom. An opportunity is provided for each child to complete homework assignments.

 Program History

The ESS program began in 1980 and is now offered in every elementary school in the Poway Unified School District. All children who attend elementary school in the District are eligible for enrollment.

 Program Operations

The ESS program operates 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. daily. Students are enrolled on a full time basis. Each child is allowed two weeks vacation credit per year. The centers are closed on the following holidays: Martin Luther King Day, Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving (3 days), Christmas (1 week), and New Year's Day. The programs are closed on ESS Professional Development days in June (2 days), August (2 days) and Sept (1 day).

 Summer Program

A very intensive summer program is offered. It includes numerous extended learning opportunities provided throughout the community. Field trips, special interest clubs, guest speakers, and special events are scheduled.

ESS Contract Options1

 

ESS offers PUSD families 2 additional options for ESS enrollment:

1. ESS, Before School Only
2. ESS, After School Only (includes time banking day use)

ESS will continue to offer our ESS Full Time contract (before/ after school with time banking day included) as well as our popular Alternative Contract for just time banking days.

Please see your school site ESS Supervisor or Lead Assistant for more information and to discuss the contract option that best serves you and your child(ren’s) needs.