Before and After School Recreation, Day Camps, and After School Enrichment

NOTE TO ALL FAMILIES: All families must agree to the Rec Parent Agreements each year even if you do not plan to use the program in case you need to use it on an emergency basis. This agreement is included in the online back-to-school paperwork.

GRACE PERIOD: All students will be signed into Little or Big Rec, and assessed the relevant fees, if any, if they are not picked up and removed from the general rec area within 10 minutes of the end of school. We have done everything we can to make Rec affordable. The 10 minute grace period is not negotiable. Please do not argue with our staff about late pick-ups. Our staff need to get paid for their time and efforts, and your compliance with this policy helps the whole school run more smoothly.

COMMUNICATION: You can communicate with all Rec staff at once with [email protected].
Little Rec for Preschoolers, TK Students, and Kindergarteners
Little Rec serves Preschool, TK, and Kindergarten students from 12:15-2:45.  TK and K students may stay for Big Rec from 2:45-5:15. Children who are younger than TK age, however, must be picked up by 2:45 and cannot be enrolled in Big Rec.
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Little Rec will focus on outside, screen-free play separated from older students. Students should be sent with a substantial healthy snack each day they are participating in Little Rec. Families must sign students out at pickup each day.
Big Rec for Transitional Kindergarteners through Sixth Graders
Transitional kindergarteners through sixth graders can participate in Big Rec. The program hours are:
  • 2:45-5:15 Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays
  • 1:10-5:15 Wednesdays
The program is an opportunity for students to have supervised, screen-free, outside time. Families must sign students out at pickup each day.
Fees, Billing, and Late Pick-Ups
COST:  If applicable, families will be invoiced monthly by email and should pay promptly. A student attending both little and big rec in the same day must pay both fees. The fees for the recreation program depend on your family's situation:

Rate A - FREE: Thanks to grants from the state and the Santa Cruz County Department of Parks, little and big rec programs are FREE for the following:
  • Families who meet the federal income qualifications for free or reduced price lunch
  • Families who qualify as homeless
  • Students who are foster youth
  • Students of staff members
It is not necessary to apply to receive Rec Rate A, as this information is automatically collected by the school.
Rate B - Affordable: Recognizing the importance of affordable child care, the board has chosen to offer a middle rate for families that do not qualify for rate A, but whose total family income falls below the thresholds below. ​
To receive Rec Rate B, you need to complete this application and attach a copy of your most recent tax returns (or similar income documentation). Submit your paperwork to the office.

​Little Rec (morning or afternoon) Rate B is $8 per day.

Big Rec Rate B is:
  • $5 for 30 minutes or less OR
  • $8 for more than 30 minutes each day

Day Camp Rate B is $20 per day (until 3:00).
Rate C - Full Price: Families who do not qualify for Rates A or B must pay Rate C, full price. 

Little Rec (morning or afternoon) Rate C is $20 per day.

Big Rec Rate C is:
  • $5 for 30 minutes or less OR
  • $15 for more than 30 minutes each day

Day Camp Rate C is $45 per day (until 3:00).

LATE PICK-UP: 
Late fees of $1 per minute may be imposed for any preschooler not picked up by 2:45, regardless of fee category. Kindergarteners not picked up by 2:45 will be automatically enrolled in Big Rec and families will be responsible for any associated fees.

Late fees of $1 per minute may be imposed starting at 5:15 for all families of TK-6th graders, regardless of fee category.

BILLING:
​Billing for Little Rec and Big Rec occurs monthly by email. Please pay by check or cash promptly. 
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Stacey Reynolds leads Little Rec for Preschoolers.
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Kim Sakellis leads Little Rec
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Jason Cowley leads Big Rec.
Mission Statement: The mission of Pacific Elementary School's Recreation program is to provide a safe, screen-free, primarily outside, enjoyable environment for students to play, explore, socialize, rest, discover, and develop their interests and abilities.
2024-25 Staff
  • Little Rec: Kim Sakellis, Andrea Rabe, Stacey Reynolds, Carmen Lawler
  • Big Rec: Jason Cowley, Rosie Perez, Jennifer Konicke, Neredya de la O, Mailynn Flores
Tutoring/Homework Help
Pacific School works with the Davenport Resource Service Center to offer tutoring/homework help after school to qualified 2nd-6th grade students. Tutors work with students on homework, reading, English language, and other skills as needed. Students are expected to stay for their entire tutoring appointment each week, regardless of whether they have completed their homework. Pacific School is very grateful for efforts of the Davenport Resource Service Center, which make the tutoring program possible.
Vacation Day Camp
Pacific School offers vacation day camp for enrolled students. Camp days during the school year are listed on the school calendar. Vacation camp hours are 8:15 to 3:00 and after-camp rec is available from 3:00-5:15. Camp is free for the same group of students for whom after school rec is free, i.e. rate A families. For other students, vacation day camp costs $20/day (rate B) or $45/day (rate C) and after-camp rec costs the usual Big Rec rates. Like the rec programs, camp will be screen-free and take place primarily outside. Food is not provided on day camp days. Families must provide students with healthy snacks and lunches. 
Summer Day Camp
Due to planned construction projects, Pacific School is collaborating with Bonny Doon Elementary School to provide summer day camp. 

For the summer of 2024, camp will be offered by Champions at the Bonny Doon School campus, 1492 Pine Flat Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
  • Ages 4-12
  • $329 per week - scholarships available*
  • June 10 - July 12, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  • No camp July 4 & 5; tuition will be prorated that week
  • Flyer, Spanish Flyer
  • ​To enroll, 1. go to Registration Information, 2. click on the "Enroll Now" button, 3. follow the directions to create a family portal account.
*Students who are enrolled at Pacific School in TK-5th grade in 2023-24 and who qualify for Recreation Rate A (see above) can attend summer camp for free, thanks to a grant from the state. All other students must pay tuition.
Rainbow Garden Club
​Join Kris Kifer in the Life Lab garden on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30-4:30 for the Rainbow Garden Club. LGBTQ+ and gender expansive students and allies are invited to join forces to revitalize our flower garden. Club members will work towards creating a diverse plant community to welcome more pollinators to our garden. Gardens, like communities, thrive on diversity!
  
What? A community building garden club 
Who? For LGBTQ+ and gender expansive youth and their allies. Open to 3rd through 6th grade students. Limit of 10 students. 
When? Meets on Tuesdays, 3:15-4:15
Where? In the Pacific Elementary Life Lab Garden
Why? Pacific Elementary School received the Pride Specialty Award from kidsgardening.org to meet some of the needs of the LGBTQ+ youth at our school through garden based learning. If you have questions, or are wondering if it is a good fit for your child, please reach out to Kris, [email protected]
Chorus
Traditionally, Pacific School offers an after school chorus program. For various reasons, chorus has been on hold, but the Board and Parents' Club hope that the program will be able to return in the future.
Pacific School Federal Tax ID Number: 32-0453360