An excessive heat warning has been issued for San Diego County over the last week. Here are a couple reminders to help ensure our students and staff are safe and comfortable:

• All classrooms are equipped with air conditioning
• Encourage your students to bring a refillable water bottle
• Dress your students in light clothing appropriate for the weather
• Remind students to take water breaks throughout the day

Please click here to complete the first requirement of the Pepper Drive Volunteer Application. After completion, you will need to bring your Photo ID to the school office. Background checks take approximately 2 weeks. You will be notified by email when you are approved. Then you can arrange volunteer opportunities with the classroom teacher.

This week, your student reviewed the TIGER expectations for Pepper Drive School. Ask what they have learned. Also, we had our first Friday Assemblies, where individual students were announced as "Tiger of the Week" by their teachers.

It is hot outside, we know. School dress code still has to apply. Please check outfits before students leave for school. The school Handbook is attached below for reference.

• Appropriate shoes must be worn. Sandals must have heel straps. Flip-flops or backless shoes or sandals are not acceptable.
• Clothing, jewelry and personal items shall be free of writing, pictures or any other insignia which are crude, vulgar, profane or sexually suggestive, which bear drug, alcohol or tobacco company advertising, promotions and likenesses, or which advocate death, violence, racial, ethnic or religious prejudice.
• Hats, caps and other head coverings shall not be worn indoors.
• Clothes shall be sufficient to conceal undergarments at all times. See-through or fish-net fabrics, halter tops, spaghetti straps, off-the-shoulder or low-cut tops, strapless or tube tops, backless shirts, bare midriffs and skirts or shorts shorter than mid-thigh are prohibited.
• Gym shorts may not be worn in classes other than physical education.
• Hair shall be clean and neatly groomed and the color may not cause a distraction to the educational environment. Hair may not be sprayed by any coloring that would drip when wet.
• Spiked jewelry and waist chains will not be allowed.
• Bandanas and sweatbands shall not be worn unless prior approval is granted by a site administrator.
• Muscle shirts, tank shirts, or underwear shirts may not be worn. Clothing that is suggestive or revealing will not be allowed.
• Pants must not be worn to expose undergarments or bare skin above the waist.
• Clothing that is considered nightwear (pajamas and slippers) may not be worn, with the exception of a designated day by the school.

Our goal is to maintain our educational purpose and provide instruction to students with minimal distractions. Outside of school-sanctioned dress-up days, costumes are not permitted, as they do not serve an educational purpose. Outside of any school-sanctioned event, please follow these general rules:

• No Costumes (this includes fake ears, noses, wigs, etc.)
• No Fake Blood/Fake Weapons
• No Full-Face Coverings, Masks, or Face Paint
• Student dress should not create a disruption to classroom instruction or learning

You might qualify for free or reduced-cost childcare from Project Safe. Please see the flyer below. The qualifications for FREE care have been expanded this year and more people will qualify than ever before. Check it out!

School lunches are still FREE this year to all students. Here is a link to the district website for Child Nutrition. There you will find directions for downloading the app to see monthly lunch menus. Sometimes younger students get confused between snacks and lunch. Please talk to your student(s) about whether or not they are getting a school lunch. Our Campus Aides are excellent at connecting with students and offering lunches to anyone needing help getting one. Lunch periods are about 40 minutes long (this includes recess). If you send a packed lunch from home, it is helpful to include only items that students can open without assistance.

Several parents have expressed an interest in serving on the Pepper Drive School Site Council (SSC) for the 2022–2023 school year. School Site Council consists of the principal, parents, and staff members who work together to discuss school issues, make decisions regarding the school budget, and monitor implementation of the academic program as presented in the Single Plan for Student Achievement. There are 3 Vacant Positions for parents on the council for this year. If you would like to nominate yourself (or a friend or loved one), please send an email to our school Principal. She can share more information about typical meeting dates, times, etc. Summer.Bradbury@santeesd.net Nominations close on 9/8/22.

September

9/5 No School (Memorial Day)

9/7 Panda Express PTA Fundraiser (All Day)

9/20 Back to School Night (TK-5) (5:30-6:30)

9/20 PTA Association Meeting 5:15-5:30

9/21 Back to School Night (6th-8th)

9/26 SSC Meeting & Elections

9/28 TIGER Awards

9/30 Fall Picture Day

District Calendar

Santee School District Website

District Covid Information Page