Welcome to Cascade Christian Schools' Tacoma Elementary, we are so glad you are here!
Tacoma Elementary Family Frequently Asked Questions for New Families.
When is arrival and dismissal?
School begins promptly at 8:30 a.m. Parents may drop their students off beginning at 8:20 a.m., unless they are in extended day. The school day ends at 3 p.m. Half-Day Kindergarten ends at 11:30 a.m. Students not picked up from their classroom by 3:15 will be placed in Extended Day.
Do full-day kindergarteners take naps?
No, full day kindergarten students do not take naps. On occasion, the teacher might provide a brief quiet time for the students as needed.
What procedure should I follow when dropping off or picking up my child?
Students in grades K-3 are to be dropped off at their classroom with their teacher. Students in grades 4-6 may be dropped off in the front of building. Pick up for all students is at the classroom door directly with the teacher.
Can I visit anytime?
Yes, parents are always welcome to visit. We just ask that you sign in at the office and get a visitor tag to wear while you’re here and then sign out and return the tag before you leave.
Do you offer hot lunch?
Yes
How do we purchase lunch tickets?
You can stop by the office and purchase as many tickets/lunch cards ahead of time. Lunch prices are $2.75/student, $.45/milk or juice or $3.00/adult. $5.00 or $10.00 Lunch Cards may be purchased for $13.75 or $27.50.
Do you offer reduced lunches?
No
Can I eat lunch with my child anytime?
Yes, we just ask that you call the office the morning of your visit if you are buying a school lunch so we can ensure you getting on the lunch count. Please check-in at the office upon arrival.
Can I bring lunch in for my child?
Yes, parents are welcome any time, just check-in at the office when you arrive.
How do I get involved in the parent group?
Parents for Cascade meets once a month for an event planning and fellowship time. Call the office for the next meeting date. All parents are welcome!
What type of care do we offer to students before and after school? Is the fee included in the tuition? How do I sign up?
Our dynamic Extended Day Enrichment Program which operates from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. provides loving care and enriching opportunities outside of the regular school day hours. The fee is a separate tuition, based on the number of hours for which the student is enrolled each week. There is also the opportunity to utilize the program on a drop in, as needed basis. Parents may enroll their students in the program by filling out the application and contracting for the days required. Non-CCS students must pay a registration fee.
What is the procedure if we know ahead of time that my child will be absent for another reason besides illness?
Please call or email us the morning of the illness to let us know the reason. If your child is going to be gone for extended length of time, please fill out a pre-arranged absence form (available in the office).
How do I contact my child's teacher?
You may contact your child’s teacher by e-mail through the CCS website. You may also contact your child’s teacher by calling the school office. The office personnel will connect you with the teacher if the teacher is available at the time. If no, he/she will be given a message to return your call. Your teacher will attempt to reach you within 24 hours.
Do you have a school nurse?
We do not have a school nurse. The Principal and office personnel handle minor health and first aid needs. All elementary staff members are required to be current on first aid training, CPR training, and the proper handling of blood-born pathogens. For a major emergency, 911 is called immediately.
Do you offer classes for accelerated or gifted kids?
Our educational philosophy is to strive to meet the individual academic needs of each student. Classroom teachers strive to differentiate their instruction according to student needs. The Accelerated Reader Program is utilized to encourage children to continue to grow in their reading skills and to advance to their individual success level. Our Extended Day Enrichment Program provides many other enriching opportunities for children before school and after school.
Do you accept students with special needs?
Our entrance testing and interview process help our administrators to determine whether or not we are able to serve an individual special needs student. We will accept any student that we feel that we are properly equipped to serve well.
Do you accept state assistance to pay for tuition?
No, we do not accept state assistance to pay for tuition at the elementary level.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes, we do offer financial assistance. Once a student is accepted and enrolled, the family may apply for financial assistance. Click here to go to the financial information page.
Do you provide transportation?
We do not offer transportation through our school district. Most children come to school in carpools arranged by their parents. To help facilitate this process, the school office is able to direct parents to other CCS families who live in the same vicinity.
What type of technology do we offer our students?
Students begin computer classes in Kindergarten, focusing first on computer literacy - learning the parts of the computer and the language of technology. By sixth grade, students will have had opportunity to apply Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point in classroom projects.
Do the students wear uniforms?
Students in our schools do not wear uniforms. The complete dress code is stated in the Parent/Student Handbook. In general, students are expected to be well-groomed in clean, properly-fitting clothing appropriate for school activities and suitable for a Christian school environment.
Do you offer PE, music, library, or band?
All elementary students have: General Music, Technology class and Library. (Deleted a line here) All fifth and sixth grade students experience instrumental music through our elementary Band program. Tacoma Elementary is especially known for its Performing Arts emphasis. An annual spring musical involves all students in Grades K-6. Special coaching is given in choreography, drama, and vocals. Performances have included: Annie Jr., 101 Dalmatians, Jungle Book, Seussical Jr., Alice in Wonderland, and Beauty and the Beast.
Do your students take standardized testing?
The SAT test (Stanford Achievement Test) is administered to all K-6 students each spring, and the results are analyzed each year for the purpose of increased student learning.
What type of curriculum do you use?
Our reading/language arts program is Harcourt Trophies. Math curriculum is Saxon Math in Grades K-5, and Holt in Grade 6. We utilize ABeka materials for Science. Our Social Studies curriculum is Harcourt. Zaner Bloser provides our handwriting materials. Our Bible curriculum, “Biblical Choices for a New Generation,” is published by Standard Publishing. “God’s World” and “Weekly Reader” publications enhance our base curriculums.
What is the class size and teacher-to-student ratio?
In most cases, an elementary school classroom would be 24-25 students to one teacher. Our current class average is 20 students per classroom. On occasion, classrooms might be larger in which case a classroom assistant would usually be assigned to aid the teacher. Kindergarten classes have part-time or full-time assistants depending on the enrollment in the classroom.
What denomination is your school?
Cascade Christian Schools is an independent, interdenominational Christian school system. Our founding churches are Sound Life Church of the Assemblies of God, Champions Centre, and Destiny Christian Center. Faculty and staff members and CCS families worship at a variety of Christian churches in our area. All staff members must be born-again Christians who actively participate in a local church.
How do you keep students safe on campus?
Emergency preparedness is a key way that we keep children safe on campus. We routinely rehearse procedures that our staff would use in the event of an emergency incident. We regularly conduct drills for fire, lockdown, shelter-in-place, evacuation to a mutual aid site, and earthquake.
Other safety procedures on campus include: all staff members wear staff identification badges; all visitors are instructed to check –in and out at the school office and to wear an identification badge while on campus; safe routes for traveling around campus are taught to students and are reinforced routinely; playground times are supervised by a playground supervisor/teacher; dismissal procedures are monitored carefully; playground areas and routes to playground areas are off limits to vehicles during school hours; and students are always supervised and are not allowed to walk around campus alone.
Not finding the answer you where looking for?
Please give our campus a call @ 253-473-0590