Sumner Danbury Elementary School

Family Newsletter

Back-to-School Edition, August 2024
Welcome Back to School!
Sumner Danbury Elementary

Dear Sumner Danbury Families,

Welcome back to school! We hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits as we gear up for an exciting new school year. We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome back to all our returning families and a heartfelt greeting to those who are joining the Sumner Danbury community for the first time. Thank you for entrusting us to partner with you in your child's education. Together, we will make this school year a remarkable and fulfilling experience.

In this newsletter, we'd like to introduce you to the important spaces, people, events, and routines at your school in advance of the beginning of the year.

Every Sunday during the school year, we will email and text you the link to the Weekly Family Newsletter which will be filled with updates on school events and student learning. Also, all newsletters will be linked on our school's website at https://sumnerdanbury.cusd.claremont.edu for your reference and convenience.

In this first newsletter, you will find the following information about Back-to-School at Sumner Danbury:

  • Back to School Night

  • School & District Calendars

  • Bell Schedule

  • Attendance

  • Traffic & Parking

  • An Introduction to our office and maintenance staff and places on campus

  • Parent-Student Handbook

  • Supply Donations

  • Parent Faculty Association (PFA)

  • Lunch Menu Link

As partners in your child's education, we encourage open communication and invite you to stay actively involved in their learning journey. Our school thrives on the strong bond between home and school, and your input and support play a pivotal role in creating a successful and vibrant community. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, concerns, or suggestions. Our lines of communication are always open, and we value your feedback.

Here's to an incredible year of growth, connection, and achievement!

Best regards,

Elisabeth Jones

Principal, Sumner Programs

ejones@cusd.claremont.edu

Eduardo Acevedo

Principal, Danbury Programs and Sumner SDC

eacevedo@cusd.claremont.edu

Sumner Danbury Elementary

(909) 398-0320

sumnerdanbury.cusd.claremont.edu

Hello, from our School Offices

Every morning when students arrive to school, there will be the principal or a staff member to greet you and your child to make sure you know where to go. In our walkways and play areas, we have staff members there to supervise and provide assistance. On the first day of school, you may accompany your child on campus to their new classroom if you wish. After the first day, please say goodbye to your child outside of school grounds and allow your child to walk to class.

Elisabeth Jones

Mrs. Elisabeth Jones

Principal of Sumner Programs

Eduardo Acevedo

Mr. Eduardo Acevedo

Principal of Danbury Programs and Sumner Special Day Classes (SDC)

Barbie Skeels

Ms. Barbara Skeels

Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)

Maria Rivasplata

Ms. Maria Rivasplata

Sumner Office Manager

Maria Meza

Ms. Maria Meza

Danbury Office Manager & Sumner Danbury Attendance Clerk

Ms. Emma Birur RN- School Nurse

Ms. Emma Birur

RN, School Nurse

.

Ms. Tara Diebolt

LVN

.

Ms. Tracey Kaufold

Health Clerk

You're Invited to Back to School Night on Monday, August 26 at 5:30 PM

Back to School Night

Back to School Night Monday, August 26 at 5:30 PM - 7:05 PM

  • 5:00 PM - PFA Spirit Shirt Sale

  • 5:30-6:00 - TK-3rd Grade, SDC, and OI Classroom Presentations

  • 6:05-6:30 PM - Parent Orientation with the Principals and Teacher Introductions in the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR)

  • 6:35-7:05 - 4th-6th Grade Classroom Presentations

First Day of School Aug. 28

Dates to Remember

Thursday, August 22

  • TK & Kindergarten Orientation & Observation Day

    • Meet in front of the classrooms on the TK/K Playground

    • TK 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

    • Kindergarten 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM

Friday, August 23

  • Find out your child’s teacher - Class Placement available to view in Parent Connect beginning at 5:00 PM

Monday, August 26

  • Back to School Night 5:30 PM - 7:05 PM

    • 5:00 PM - PFA Spirit Shirt Sale

    • 5:30-6:00 - TK-3rd Grade, SDC, and OI Classroom Presentations

    • 6:05-6:30 PM - Parent Orientation with the Principals and Teacher Introductions in the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR)

    • 6:35-7:05 - 4th-6th Grade Classroom Presentations

Wednesday, August 28 - Early Dismissal at 1:00 PM Every Wednesday for K-6th Grade

  • First Day of School

    • 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Transitional Kindergarten

    • 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Kindergarten - 6th Grade

  • PFA Back to School Coffee 8:10 AM - 9:10 AM in the Multi-Purpose Room (MPR)

Friday, August 30

  • Kona Ice 2:30 PM


Mark Your Calendar for Future Dates

  • 9/2 - No School Labor Day Holiday

  • Tuesday, 10/1 - Tuesday, 10/8 - Fall Parent/Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal at 1PM every day. Please make child care arrangements.)

  • 11/1 - No School Pupil Free Day

  • 11/11 - No School Veterans' Day Holiday

  • 11/22 - End of 1st Trimester Grading Period

School Google Calendar
Click to View School Google Calendar
Pastries with Parents 8/28
August Dates

Claremont Unified School District Student Calendar

District Calendar 2024-2025

Bell Schedule

Before School 7:40 AM - 7:55 AM

  • Students are to arrive between 7:40 AM - 7:55 AM

  • Optional breakfast is available for free in our MPR cafeteria 7:40 AM - 7:55 AM

  • The playground is also open for play during this time (NEW)

  • The Line up bell rings at 7:55 AM

  • School begins every day at 8:00 AM

  • Teachers pick up their students from their line at 8:00 AM

  • Students are late and will be marked tardy if they arrive after 8:00 AM

School Begins at 8:00 AM
Bell Schedule

Attendance Counts

Prompt and regular attendance is a key component to your child’s success in school. Students need to attend school to achieve in school. When students are not in school, they fall behind. Chronic absenteeism impacts all students—no matter their age. Students that miss just two days a month for any reason are more likely to not read at grade level, and more likely to not graduate.

When excessive absences (excused and unexcused) or tardies occur, the school district’s automated system notifies parents with a letter expressing concern. The school site makes every effort to work with families to solve attendance problems. However, if poor attendance continues, the matter may be referred to the School Attendance and Review Board of Los Angeles County (SARB).

Parents can help promote good attendance by scheduling home activities, appointments, trips, and family vacations outside of regular school days and times.


When your child is absent

As soon as you know your child will be absent from school, please call the office to speak to the office directly or call the Attendance Hotline. You can call this number any time; it is available 24 hours.

Attendance Hotine: (909) 399-1749

If you do not call, please expect a call from the office that day. As you can imagine, this is a time consuming job, so your help in calling the office is greatly appreciated.

Contracts - Independent Study

If it becomes necessary for your child to be absent from school for three or more days in a row, please let your child’s teacher know at least three days in advance, if possible. Classroom work will be sent with your child and he/she is expected to complete this work during the contract dates. When the work is completed, it must be returned to the school immediately. The funding credit collected from the state is based on the percentage of the work completed by the student.

Attendance
Attendance Spanish
Traffic

Traffic & Parking Guidelines

Parking Lots - Staff & Handicap Only

  • There is no parking in either of our parking lots on Sumner Ave. and Lynoak Dr. except for staff and those with Accessible parking permits.

  • Students and adults are not allowed to walk through either of the parking lots unless permitted to park there.

Sumner Avenue Drive Through Lane for Drop Off & Pick Up

  1. When you enter the parking lot, pull forward to allow as many cars as possible to enter the lot.

  2. Load and unload your car as quickly as possible along the curb.

  3. Use the passenger side of your vehicle to pick up and drop off. This helps to keep children safe and to keep the traffic moving through the parking lot.

  4. Drivers should NOT get out of cars when in the drive through lane. Any car that is holding up the flow of traffic must exit and park or re-enter the drop off / pick up zone. This applies to TK/K as well. If you need to get out of your car or walk your child to the gate, please park outside of the lot.

  5. When leaving the Sumner Ave. parking lot, you must make a right turn only and proceed north on Sumner Ave. To avoid traffic issues, Claremont Police Department has determined this flow of traffic in one direction only.

  6. Students and adults are not allowed to walk through the parking lot at any time unless they are parked in the Accessible spaces or are staff (who may have their own children with them). Walking through the parking lot is a safety hazard.

  7. The service gate north of the MPR (Sumner Ave.) is not to be used as an entrance or exit at any time.


car
Drive Through Only. No Parking.

Drive Through Only

Drivers must stay in the car when using the drive through lane.

Pull Forward

Pull all the way forward along the curb

We use the entire curb in our parking lot for drive through drop off and pick up.

No Left Turn

No Left Turn out of the Sumner Parking Lot

Lynoak Drive Parking Lot

  1. This parking lot is for buses, staff, and those with Accessible parking permits only.

  2. The large part of the lot and curbside directly in front of the office is for buses only. Our buses are on strict time schedules. Please be aware and do not impede their entry/exit of the parking lot.

  3. Most of our students using ambulatory supports (wheelchairs, walkers, adult assistance) use this parking lot and entry to our school. Please be courteous and careful, offering the right of way to our friends who are working hard to get where they are going.

  4. State Preschool parents must park on neighboring streets, walk their student to the Preschool Entrance Gate, and sign them in. Do not attempt to park in the parking lot unless you need a Handicapped space.

  5. Lastly, please be respectful of our neighbors. Do not block driveways or use them to turn around in the street. And remember, patience and safety go hand in hand.

bus
Buses Only

Bus Drive Through Only

This driveway is not a drive thru and it is only for school buses.

Staff Parking Only

Staff Parking

This lot is for staff parking and those with Accessible parking permits only. Please do not drive through and drop off or pick up students here.

Danbury Office

Sumner Danbury Campus

Playground

Playground

We have outdoor recess, weather permitting.

PE

Physical Education

Students have a variety of physical education opportunities at Sumner Danbury.

Music

Music & Art

Music and Art classes are offered to all students.

Our Lunch Area 🌮

  • Classes eat together in the lunch area with noon duty supervisors.

  • Some students each hot lunch provided and some bring a lunch from home.

Lunch Tables
MPR
Lunch

Our School Library đź“–

  • All students visit the school library with their classroom teacher.

  • Our librarian, Mrs. Annick Tanner, is excited to help students find the perfect book.

Librarian

Ms. Annick Tanner

Librarian

Librarian

The Amazing Staff Who Take Care of Our School

Jose Vargas

Mr. Jose Vargas

Custodian

Martha Medina

Ms. Martha Medina

Custodian

Gina Carmona

Ms. Gina Carmona

Custodian

Solen Castillo

Ms. Solen Castillo

Custodian

  • Every day, we are grateful for their hard work.

  • When you see them at school, introduce yourself!

Sumner Danbury Parent-Student Handbook

Please access for guidelines on attendance, discipline plan, volunteering, and 25 other topics.

Handbook
Click to View the Parent-Student Handbook

Supply Donations

The school and teachers provide all the school supplies individual children need for the year. However, if you would like to donate frequently used classroom supplies that we constantly need throughout the year, we would be very grateful. Below is a list of these frequently needed items.

We appreciate any supply donations. Thank you!

With gratitude,

Your Sumner Danbury Teachers

Supply Donations

The Autism Corner

Welcome to the Autism Corner! Here you will find resources for supporting students with Autism at home. This resource will help prepare kids with autism for the new school year and help ease the stressful transition from summer to school.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often thrive on consistent routines, so it’s understandable that significant transitions—like starting a new school year—can be stressful.

To help ease any anxiety or challenging behaviors during this time, it’s beneficial to plan ahead and involve your child in the preparations. Here are some steps to make the transition smoother:

1. Discuss School with Your Child: Talk about the upcoming school year and set expectations together. If you know any of your child’s classmates, consider arranging a play date before summer ends to help them reconnect.

2. Prepare Early and Make it Fun: Turn shopping for school supplies and clothes into a fun event. Look for sensory-friendly items, such as fidget spinners, to support your child’s coping strategies. Ensure new clothes are comfortable and washed, and allow time for new shoes to be broken in.

3. Visit the School Together: Take your child to explore the school, including the classroom and areas they will frequent, such as the front office, cafeteria, music room, APE gym, OT Clinic and playground. Arrange for your child to meet their new teacher and principal so that your child can become familiar these individuals.

4. Connect with School Staff: Reach out to school leadership and support staff to learn about resources and accommodations available for children with autism. Establish a communication plan with your child’s teacher and share important information about your child and their diagnosis. Feel free to offer your child's teacher helpful resources that have worked for your child.

5. Practice the New Routine: If possible take photos of the school environment and teachers to create a social story that your child can refer to. Click HERE to see an example of a social story.

6. Create Visual Schedules: Post a visual schedule or calendar in advance so your child knows what to expect with the new routine. As you learn about the new daily schedule, gradually adjust your child’s wake-up and meal times to prepare them for the school year ahead.

By taking these steps, you can help your child navigate the transition more smoothly and confidently.

Click for more Autism Resources.

Parent Faculty Association (PFA)

Introducing the 2024 PFA Board

PFA 2024-2025 Board

Click for PFA Website

PFA Website
PFA
Calendar
Volunteers Needed
Spirit Shirts
Raise Right
PFA Social Media

Monthly Lunch & Snack Menus

Menus
Click for Menus

Parent Connect ("Q")

Parent Connect Q
Click for Parent Connect

Mission

Sumner Danbury Elementary School will provide challenging academic experiences that will encourage each child to reach his/her full academic and social potential. Learning will occur in a safe and caring environment that fosters excitement, enthusiasm, and discovery. Students will be encouraged to appreciate their own worth and importance, as well as that of others. Sumner Danbury Elementary School will provide an atmosphere that will enable each child to develop a respect for the differences of others and nurture a sense of responsibility to the community and the environment.

Core Values

Contact Us

Sumner Danbury Elementary School

Elisabeth Jones

Principal, Sumner Programs

Email: ejones@cusd.claremont.edu

Eduardo Acevedo

Principal, Danbury and Sumner SDC Programs

Email: eacevedo@cusd.claremont.edu

Website: https://sumnerdanbury.cusd.claremont.edu
Phone
: (909) 398-0320

Attendance Hotline: (909) 399-1749

Location: 1770 Sumner Ave. Claremont, CA 91711

AVID
PBIS Seal
RULER
CUSD