Frequently Asked Questions from 9th 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? 

Mon/Tues/Thurs 8:50am-3:30pm

Wednesdays 8:50am-2:40pm

Fridays 8:00am-1pm

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 share important back to school information. 

4)   How are absences and tardiness handled?

Attendance is one of the most critical factors that determine success in school. Students cannot learn if they are not in school! Attendance is taken daily in AM Advisory by your child's advisor. If your child needs to be absent, please let the school 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. 

5) 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.

6) 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 Audrey Federman, 9th/10th Grade Assistant Principal, or Carla Montoya, Assistant Principal of Family and Special Education, with any questions as well! 

During the summer, email hsadmissions@eschs.org or audreyf@eschs.org with any questions!

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

East Side is excited to offer a range of PSAL sports, both in-house and connected with other high schools.  More information will be provided soon. 

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

In the 9th grade, students are expected to have a device daily.  Students in need of laptops will be provided with one.  There is a strict contract to be signed, which helps to hold students accountable for the care of their device.

9) What school supplies will my child need? 

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

10) 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!

11) 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. 

12) Are parent-teacher conferences scheduled regularly? 

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

13) 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 early in the school year. 

14) 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.