San Marcos Elementary School, as part of the San Marcos Unified School District, follows a set curriculum outlined by the California State Content Standards for kindergarten through fifth grade. All content standards for each curricular area are outlined on the California Department of Education’s website . You may also obtain a copy of the content standards from your child’s teacher.

Homework is an important part of the educational program, and will be assigned on a regular basis. Homework is assigned using the following district guidelines:

• Grades 1-3    15-20 mins    3-4 days a week
• Grades 4-5    30-45 mins.    3-4 days a week

• Understand and know how to do the assignment.
• Have the necessary materials.
• Follow study techniques outlined by the teacher.
• Strive for the best quality of work of which s/he is capable.
• Complete and return assignments on time.

• Provide the child with a quiet place and adequate time to do homework.
• Encourage the child to do his best work.
• Encourage the use of good study habits and completion of assignments.
• Remind the child to bring all materials back to school each day.

Report cards are sent home at the end of each semester. First semester report cards are sent home at the end of January and second semester report card goes home at the end of the school year. A parent/teacher conference is held in mid-October to talk about student goals. Academic marks on the report cards are based on grade level proficiency and are as follows: 4- exceeding, demonstrates a greater depth of knowledge with complex reasoning grade level standards, 3 - proficient, consistently meeting grade level standards, 2 - developing, approaching grade level standards and 1- emerging, not meeting grade level expectations.