Joaquin Miller School » Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Joaquin Miller School

How does Joaquin Miller handle students with different needs?
Is there an extended day or after-care program?
Are there enrichment classes?
What are minimum days?
What does homework look like at Joaquin Miller?
How do I reach my classroom teacher with concerns?

How does Joaquin Miller handle students with different needs?
The Joaquin Miller philosophy about special needs and gifted students stresses inclusion and flexibility of teacher curriculum that lends itself to tailoring for students’ specific needs. Parent volunteers and aides are indispensable in providing one-on-one help for students as well as working with above-level students, freeing teachers to work with kids who need more attention.

Question: Is there an extended day or after-care program?
Yes, a private company called Adventure Time provides reasonably priced before- and after-school care starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. Call 1-800-339-6832 for more information.

Question: Are there enrichment classes?
Yes, the PTA sponsors a fee-based enrichment program. Offerings vary from year-to-year,but some examples include cartooning, ceramics, science, chess, cooking, drama, art and sewing. Look for information to be distributed in the early fall. Also, Spanish instruction is offered to first-through fifth-graders.

Question: What are minimum days?
Every Wednesday is a minimum day, with all classes being released by 1:25 p.m. You can find the Bell Schedule here. Check the Joaquin Miller Calendar for occasional changes in schedule: during Parent/Teacher Conference weeks, there may be additional minimum days.

Question: What does homework look like at Joaquin Miller?
Homework is going to vary from teacher to teacher. Talk to your child's teacher to find out more.

Question: How do I reach my classroom teacher with concerns?
Feel free to either leave a message in his/her mailbox in the main office or call and leave a message on the main line. Your child's teacher will reach you as soon as possible, probably during lunch hour or after school if possible. Some teachers have e-mail addresses. Ask you child's teacher how she/he prefers to be contacted. In addition, parent-teacher conferences are held twice a year.