Frequently Asked Questions from 6th grade Families

1) When is the first day of school? 

The first day of school for the 2025-2026 school year is Thursday, September 4th.

2) What time does the school day start and end? 

Mondays/Thursdays 8:50am-3:30pm

Tuesdays *8:00am-3:30

Wednesdays 8:50am-2:40pm

Fridays *8:00am-1:30pm

*Tuesdays/Thursdays 6th grade PE starts at 8am

3) Who is my child's advisor, and when will I hear from them? 

Your child's advisor is your main contact at East Side. They will communicate with you about attendance, updates on grades, behavior, and everything in between! Before the first day of school, your child's advisor will reach out to you to introduce themselves and set up a Meet & Greet.

4) What is a Meet & Greet? 

It is important to us for you to be able to meet your child's advisor face to face and see the space(s) where they will spend much of their days. In early September, you will have a Meet & Greet in which you will meet with your child's advisor, share important information about your child, and ask questions. 

5)  How are absences and tardiness handled?

Attendance is one of the most critical factors that determines success in middle school. Students cannot learn if they are not in school! Attendance is taken daily in AM Advisory by your child's advisory. If your child must be absent, we ask that you notify the school and let us know as soon as possible. East Side teachers and staff will communicate with families early and often to provide support if we see a student's attendance is dropping. 

6) Cell phone policy during school hours?

During the day, students will place their personal devices in a Yondr pouch. Students lock their device into the pouch during morning entry, carry the pouch in their bag all day, and unlock the pouch when they leave the building.

7) Who should I contact with questions—teachers, parent coordinator, guidance counselors, or administrators?

Your first and best contact during the year will be your child's advisor. You can always contact Leona Rodriguez, Middle School Assistant Principal, or Carla Montoya, Assistant Principal of Family and Special Education, with any questions as well! 

During the summer, email msadmissions@eschs.org or leonar@eschs.org with any questions!

8) What clubs, sports, or after-school programs are available?

East Side is excited to partner with the University Settlement Beacon/SONYC program! The Beacon/SONYC program is housed in our building and offers a full list of afterschool programming. Beacon/SONYC offers a wide selection of sports and activities, including arts and crafts, soccer, volleyball, table tennis, cooking, and much more! Beacon/SONYC applications will be available in late August or early September. 

9) Will students use laptops or tablets? Are they provided?

In the 6th grade, teachers have class sets of computers that will be used as needed. Students will not be asked to bring a device to school. 

10) What school supplies will my child need? 

School supply lists will be emailed home and posted here during the last week of August. 

11) Will there be volunteer opportunities or a PA?

East Side has an active Parent Association, or PA! More info about joining to come in September!

12) How can I stay informed about school events and updates? 

There are many opportunities for families to learn about school events and updates. Daily announcements will be emailed home each day. Bi-weekly family updates will also be sent to families. Finally, the East Side school calendar is a resource families can check regularly for updates on events. 

13) Are parent-teacher conferences scheduled regularly? 

Family conferences are scheduled at the end of each marking period. 

14) What subjects will my child take in sixth grade?

In 6th grade, students will take ELA, Math, Science, and History. Students will also take a Studio class. They will have a selection of the following classes: Chess, Knitting, Dance, Health, Digital Art, Music, and Visual Art.

15) How is academic progress tracked and communicated?

Grades are updated regularly on JumpRope, a digital grading platform. Students and families can log on at any time to check student grades. Advisors will help families and students sign up for JumpRope during Meet & Greets. 

16) What kind of homework load can we expect?

Students can expect approximately 45 minutes of written homework and 30-45 minutes of Independent Reading homework daily.