Jose Ortega Elementary School

Jose Ortega Elementary School, a culturally diverse school, provides a rich, stimulating program that challenges all students to reach their fullest potential. Teachers use a variety of instructional strategies to fit the needs of all students. Students, parents, and staff work cooperatively to sustain a positive school climate. We strive to communicate honestly with parents in a culture of service. There are numerous opportunities for family involvement in school activities such as Family Nights, the Greening Team, UMOJA Cultural Day, Lunar New Year Events and Dia De Los Muertos.

We offer many programs to accommodate all of our students. Our Mandarin Immersion program helps students develop Mandarin language skills. Our Full Inclusion, RSP and Speech programs ensure that children in Special Education have their Individual Education Plans met. We believe that a high and equitable level of student achievement can be achieved by having easy access to mental health services.

Many opportunities augment the academic curriculum at Ortega. Students receive 100 minutes of physical education weekly. Our community garden and our greening projects are connected with science education. The Stonestown YMCA runs an onsite afterschool program that provides a nurturing environment for our students. Additional programs offered at Ortega include social awareness programs (penny and can drives), performance opportunities, kickball and cheerleading teams, Ocean's week, and the 5th grade camping trip.

Reporting Student Absences

The parent/caregiver is responsible for ensuring their child gets to school daily. 

If a student will remain at home, the parent/ guardian/caregiver must communicate with the school in one of the following ways before or on the day of the absence:

• Submit an absence notification via ParentVue (Instructions)*
• Email to attendance clerk: carandangm@sfusd.edu and lintzg@sfusd.edu 
• Written note
• Phone call (415) 469-4726

(*After an absence you will not be able to report an absence through ParentVue and must email, use the school form: if available, call, or send a note with your student.)

In all communications with the school regarding a student's absence, please provide the following:

• Your name and identify yourself as the parent/guardian/caregiver of the student
• Student’s name
• Date(s) of the absence(s)
• Reason for the absence
• Signature of a parent/caregiver and current date  (if a written note)

We encourage parents/guardians/caregivers to review their student's attendance record regularly and communicate any discrepancies to the school. 

Students and Families can learn more about SFUSD Attendance policies in the Student and Family Handbook.