

Ellerth E. Larson Elementary
August 20th, 2023

Principal Corner
Dear Larson Families,
As we wrap up the school year, we appreciate your continued support in helping us maintain a safe and focused learning environment. Please remind your child not to bring items from home that may cause distractions during the school day.
If any concerns arise, we kindly ask that you contact the school office directly. This helps us ensure that all interactions at school remain respectful and appropriate for our learning environment.
Thank you for being wonderful partners in your child’s education. Let’s finish the year strong and positive!
With appreciation,
Sarah Santana
Character Trait and Great 28
Great 28 Focus: Perseverance
#1 When responding to any adult, you must answer by saying “yes,” or “no.” #6 Respond respectfully to others. #13 Be as organized as possible
Yearly Winner Celebration
Use THIS LINK to update your child's SKYZONE waiver. We do not know which HOUSE will be our yearly WINNER, but things will be simplified if your waiver is complete prior to the BIG announcement in May. GOOD LUCK to each and every HOUSE! Go for it!
Upcoming Dates and Events
Dates to Remember!
Please check out the upcoming events:
THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE LOVE LODI EVENT on Saturday!!
4/29 & 4/30 5th Grade Science CAASPP test
5/1 Music In Our Schools Concert at 7:00 pm Tokay High
5/2 Jogathon: A House Olympics Event- This is our **biggest PTO fundraiser of the year—the Larson Jog-A-Thon!
Jog-A-Thon packets went home in Friday Folders (4/18) and our digital fundraising platform is live !
You received a personalized link via email to access your student’s digital fundraising platform that can be shared with friends and family to help us reach our goal.
Last year, we raised over $22,000—this year, we’re aiming for $30,000 so we can fund all things student enrichment and send our students on even more exciting field trip adventures next school year. Let’s make this our best fundraiser yet!
Looking Ahead
5/5 Open House 6-7 pm
5/15 TK, 1st, 3rd & 5th grades Lunch on the Lawn
5/16 K, 2nd, 4th & 6th grades Lunch on the Lawn
5/22 PTO Meeting 6 pm
5/28 Kindergarten Promotion 8:15 am
5/29 6th Grade Promotion 8:00 am
PTO News, Notes, and Events
🏰 Help Us Make Teacher Appreciation Week Magical! ✨
Dear Larson Families,
Teacher Appreciation Week is coming up May 5–9, 2025, and this year we’re going all out with a “Dream Big at Larson” theme — celebrating our incredible staff with the magic of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars! 🎉
We need YOUR help to make this enchanting week unforgettable for our amazing teachers and staff. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
🎁 1. Gift Basket Donations for Staff Raffles
We’re hosting daily drawings to surprise staff with gift baskets and goodies! You can help by donating:
Gift cards
Fun individual items (self-care, school supplies, snacks, etc.)
Completed themed gift baskets
👉 Please drop off all donations in the front office by April 28, 2025.
🍪 2. Sweet Treat Friday – Baked Goods Sign-Up
Help us spoil our staff with some sweet treats on Friday, May 9!
Bring homemade or store-bought baked goods
Drop off at the office between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM Friday May 9th.
You’ll receive a label to write your family name, a message of thanks, and what your treat is
👉 A Sign-Up Genius link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4DACAB29A6FDCF8-56453946-teacher so you can reserve your spot!
🎨 3. Amazon Wish List + Craft Volunteers Needed
We’re decking out the staff lounge and school in full magical style!
Donate from our Amazon Wish List: https://a.co/4DzEiN0
Volunteer to help create and hang decorations — crafting skills welcome but not required! Please reply to this email if you can help
🧡 4. Spirit Dress-Up Week for Students
Let’s spread joy by having students dress up Friday May 9 in their favorite Disney, Pixar, Marvel, or Star Wars attire!
Think fun Disney t-shirts, Marvel hoodies, Pixar hats, or school-appropriate Star Wars gear! No masks or weapons
We appreciate any way you can help—big or small! Stay tuned for a second email with opportunities to volunteer in person and help bring the week’s magic to life.
With gratitude,
Larson PTO Team.
Lodi Unified District Information
Student Smartphone Letter for Families
This important update is being shared regarding smartphone use during school in 2025-2026.
Beginning next school year, students will be required to keep their smartphones turned off and stored in their backpacks during the regular school day. This practice, already in place at many of our elementary and middle schools, aligns with Lodi Unified School District’s Board Policy 5131: Student Conduct.
This Board of Education approved change is designed to reduce distractions, support student mental health, minimize instances of cyberbullying and support student academic discourse throughout the school day. Research strongly supports limiting phone use during the school day, and similar policies are being adopted in schools across the state. In fact, California’s Assembly Bill 3216 will require school districts to adopt such policies by July 1, 2026. Please note that exceptions will be made for students with medical needs or accommodations outlined in their IEPs.
We understand that this may change how you communicate with your child during the day, even though they will be able to retrieve messages or return calls at the end of the regular school day. Our school offices are always available to relay important messages, and students can use office phones if needed. In the event of an emergency, it's essential that students stay focused on staff instructions. First responders recommend limiting phone use to ensure safety and clear communication.
We’ll share more information as the school year approaches, but we appreciate your support in preparing your student for this shift. Please take a moment to discuss these expectations with your child.
Thank you for partnering with us to create a safe and focused learning environme
Summer Programs 2025 (TK-8)
Student Registration Link: HTTPS://WWW.EZCHILDTRACK.COM/LODI/PARENT
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 19, 2025
For more information, see program flyer below:
English Flyer: Elementary Summer School 2025
Spanish Flyer: Escuela de Verano - 2025
Summer 2025 STEAM Camp
Student Registration Link: Summer STEAM Program
For more information on the Summer 2025 STEAM Program, see program flyer below:
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 19, 2025
- English: STEAM Flyer 2025
- Spanish: Verano de STEAM 2025
CS Innovate Middle School Summer Program
Student Registration Link: M.S. Student Registration 2025
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MAY 19, 2025
For more information, see program flyer below:
English Flyer: M.S. Summer School 2025
Spanish Flyer: Escuela de Verano - 2025
Community Resources
Community Connections
Please click below for a great local resource for our community. The following are some of the resources: Clothes, Education/Training & Employment, Families and Children, Financial Counseling, Food Banks, Health, Housing, Immediate Needs, Legal, Literacy Education, Mental Health, Re-Entry and Transition, Recreation, Seniors, Substance Abuse, Transportation, Veterans Services, Youth, and Public Safety and Violence Prevention.
New National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (K-12)
We want to inform you about the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a new, free, 24/7 helpline for anyone in emotional distress or facing a mental health crisis. If you or your child ever need support, simply call or text 988 or call 1-800-273-8255 to connect with trained professionals who can help.
This is an important resource for your family’s well-being. Please save this number.
Larson Elementary Resources
From the School Counselor
In today’s digital age, children are exposed to screens more than ever. Below are research-based insights into how screen time can affect your child’s development, particularly for elementary-aged children. Understanding the effects and setting boundaries is crucial for promoting healthy development.
Social Media Safety for students
See the resources for tips on monitoring social media
Larson Elementary Student Handbook - 2024/2025
- Mission/Vision
- Bell Schedule
- School Policies
- Staff List
- Calendar
- Other various school resources
School Wide Behavior Matrix - S.H.I.N.E.
Below is a PDF version of our school wide behavior matrix. It is basically what we expect students to show through their actions. We call it S.H.I.N.E., which stands for the following:
Successful
Honest
Independent
KiNdness
Effort
The GREAT 28
Below is a PDF version of 28 different skills we teach students. These skills are part of our core values, which encompass the attributes of the Ron Clark Academy and our house system.
Larson House System Brochure
Below is a link to a PDF that does a great job of explaining our house system and what the core of our school believes in engaging our students in a high quality education.
"The goal of the Larson House System and The Great 28 is to encourage a supportive and engaging environment for our students. Studies show that schools with house systems have happier, more engaged students and have more school spirit than they did before a house system was implemented."
Safety
Parking Lot Procedures
The following are reminders for all parents to ensure the safety of our students and staff:
- Please make sure you pick up your child on time every day. Our dismissal time for a regular day schedule is:
- 11:50 for AM TK/Kinder
- 2:00 for PM TK/Kinder
- 2:06 for 1st--6th grade
- Dismissal time for minimum day schedule is:
- 11:50 for All TK/Kinder
- 12:00 for 1st-6th grade
- Please do not park in the drop off/pick up lane. If you need to get out of your car to meet your child, then please park your car on the street or in the parking lot and meet them at a designated location.
- Please DO NOT make any U-turns on Heavenly Wy. when picking up in the back parking lot or in front of the bus loop at Wyndham and Legacy Wy.
See Something, Say Something - Sandy Hook Promise
Sandy Hook Promise Mission:
The mission of Sandy Hook Promise is to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities. Through our proven, evidence-informed Know the Signs programs and sensible, bipartisan school and gun safety legislation, we teach young people and adults to recognize, intervene, and get help for individuals who may be socially isolated and/or at risk of hurting themselves or others.
Public Service Announcement from LUSD:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS_Tkmnp1o0
To Report an anonymous tip, click here: