FAQs
Where is JOES located?
We are located at 400 Sargent St in the Ocean View/Merced Heights/ Ingleside (OMI) neighborhood just off of 19th Avenue (the opposite side of San Francisco State University and Park Merced) atop a hill on Sargent Street.
You can access JOES from I-280 and Junipero Serra Boulevard, the Muni 29-line at Head Street or the Muni M-line at Arch Street. In addition, three school bus lines (Sunset/Park Merced, Bayview-Hunter’s Point and Excelsior/Ocean View neighborhoods) provide transportation to JOES. Copies of the school bus schedule are located in the office or here.
What are the school hours? May I tour the school?
The school day is from 7:50 am – 1:50 pm. Breakfast is served from 7:30-8:00 am. Two on-site YMCA After School Programs operate from 1:50-6:00 pm. School tours begin in October 2009 on Tuesday mornings for families entering kindergarten in 2010. They feature our four academic programs: General Education, Mandarin Immersion, Full Inclusion (Special Education), and Cantonese-English Bilingual. Please call the office (415) 469-4726 to sign up for a tour.
How many students are enrolled at JOES and what is the cultural diversity like?
There are 270 students as of September 2009. The general ethnic representation is as follows: 32% Asian, 28% African American, 13% Hispanic, 10% White, 8% Filipino, 2% Pacific Islander and 7% Other.
Does JOES offer Physical Education, Art, Music, and Dance programs? More? Yes!
Art: Look throughout the school and you’ll see many fine works from our young artists. Two Artists in Residence and an Art Content Specialist work directly with our teachers and students. Students receive a minimum of 60 minutes of art per week.- Music: Free music lessons are offered beginning in the 3rd grade through a district-wide program however music is featured at every grade level. The school community assembles for a weekly Friday Sing-Along featuring seasonal songs and our popular school song. The SF Symphony’s Adventures in Music (AIM) Program provides a series of music education performances for the entire school and the YMCA After School Program provides music enrichment courses. Teachers and students produce two yearly musical variety performances for family and friends.
- Dance: Jose Ortega’s Shining Star Dancers, a troupe of 4th and 5th grade girls and boys, performs at City College, neighborhood festivals and at our school.
- Physical Education: Students receive approximately 100 minutes per week of curriculum-based PE. We often combine two different classrooms to encourage friendship.
- Library: Our teacher librarian hosts weekly visits to our library and students check out books.
- Student Nutrition: Our school nutritionist educates students about ways to make healthy food choices. A few activities include a walk-a-thon, in-class fruit or vegetable of the month tasting, and monthly healthy birthday celebrations.
How active is the PTA?
Our PTA is directing the approximately $31,000 raised last year right back to support teacher and student needs including new iMacs, play structure components, planters, benches, and tutoring services. Major fundraisers include the Annual Fund campaign, the Walk-a-thon and a spring fundraiser. Our active membership will continue to enhance the educational experience of our students through volunteerism, community building events, grant writing and fundraising support.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Students generally wear navy blue cardigans/sweat jackets, navy blue pants (no jeans), navy blue jumpers, navy blue, light blue or white collared shirts or blouses and white or blue socks. If you are purchasing clothing online, check out the list of online merchants who give money back to Jose Ortega.
How many kindergarten classrooms are there?
There are 3-1/2 classrooms: 2 General Education classrooms including full inclusion/special education students, 1 Mandarin Immersion classroom and a split kindergarten-first grade Cantonese-English Bilingual Bicultural classroom.
Is there a bathroom in each kindergarten classroom?
Each kindergarten classroom shares a bathroom with an adjoining kindergarten classroom. The bathrooms have separate stalls for boys and girls with the toilets, doors, sinks and paper towel dispensers at the appropriate size.
What about recess and lunch breaks?
There are three 20-minute recess breaks and three 40-minute lunch periods. These breaks are divided by grade levels to ensure safety and order, and teachers escort their students out to the play yard and cafeteria. Kindergarten recess is from 8:55-9:15 am and Kindergarten lunch is from 11-11:45 am. Teachers, Paraprofessionals, staff members and parents oversee both lunch and recess.
How is positive behavior taught and encouraged at school?
Students learn positive behavior by observing and doing positive things for others. Our popular Caring Communities program celebrates desired virtues as respect, honesty, integrity, perseverance and positive problem solving. Our principal, teachers, and support staff award PAWS tickets (Positive Attitudes Worth Spreading) whenever they spot students doing positive things for others. In addition, each lower grade student is paired with an upper grade student as part of our Buddy Program.
What after school care options are available?
- YMCA After School Program (ASP): Two on-site programs are under the care of professionally trained YMCA employees, a YMCA ASP on-site coordinator and our principal. The programs offer academic support, project-based learning, recreation, craft activities and enrichment.1. Licensed Childcare: This fee-based program is for kindergarten and 1st grades. The price ranges from $225 to $450 per month based on two, three or five attendance days. Financial aid is available.2. ExCel: A free daily grant-funded program for 2nd through 5th grades. Pick-up between 5:00 and 6:00 pm.
- The Pride After School Enrichment Program at the I.T. Bookman Community Center: The center offers a free program for children ages 6 to 16 years old. The center is located at 446 Randolph Street @ Ramsell Street.
- SF Parks and Recreation’s Minnie & Lovie Ward Recreation Center: The center offers many fun afternoon and weekend classes. Visit www.sfreconline.com for class descriptions and times. The center is located at 650 Capitol at Montana Street, close to Sheridan Elementary School.
Are there other special programs? Yes.
GATE (Gifted and Talented Education): This is a district-wide program that is offered to academically successful students starting in the 3rd grade.
More questions? We’re here to help!
Please contact the Jose Ortega office at (415) 469-4726 or email us at pta@joseortegaschool.org.
