Empire Oaks Elementary

School Mission and Vision: EOE Mission Statement: Educate and empower lifelong learners EOE

Vision Statement: In collaboration with our community, we will educate and empower lifelong learners in academic and social emotional competencies in a respectful, inclusive

Empire Oaks embraces the Folsom Cordova Unified Districts vision statement, which states: FCUSD Vision Statement: Empowering all students to thrive through educational excellence.

FCUSD Mission Statement: FCUSD is committed to providing excellence in educational programs that carry high expectations for each student's success. In collaboration with our community, the mission of FCUSD is to ensure all students demonstrate high levels of learning through our commitment to continuous cycles of improvement, transformative social emotional learning, and engaging, culturally responsive instruction.

School & Community Profile: Empire Oaks Elementary School was selected as a 2023 California Distinguished School for the second time. Nestled against the foothills of El Dorado, the homes of the Empire Ranch community surround the campus. Hazel McFarland Park is adjacent to the campus and serves as a wonderful area for families to meet and play. Students in Transitional kindergarten through fifth grade attend Empire Oaks. In addition, our campus has three Special Day programs for preschool through fifth grade.

There are approximately 409 students at Empire Oaks Elementary, with an 13% poverty rate, a population with 7.3% identified English Learner (EL) students, 0% homeless rate,14.29% of students qualifying for "unduplicated" status, and 19% of students with special needs. The surrounding neighborhood is populated with families who are eager to participate in the education of their children. The school reflects a culture of learning and a strong home-school connection. Empire Oaks operates on a traditional calendar that begins in August and provides three trimesters of instruction for our students. The staff is made up of educators who hold California Teaching Credentials and paraprofessionals who support our students and staff. The campus is made up of five classroom buildings, a library, an Extended Learning Program Building and a multipurpose room, surrounding the Administration building. The students are engaged in instruction as you enter each classroom. Everyone on campus has a sense of pride in our learning community.

Parents are typically an important part of the daily classroom routine. Whether it is working with a small group, one-on-one, or assisting with procedures, volunteers are visible on a daily basis. Parent volunteers also help in our library and serve as docents for our Meet the Masters' Art program. Many students attend the before and after school Student Care Center located on campus. Our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and School Site Council (SSC) are actively involved in our educational program. Our PTO Board plans numerous activities and events, which enhance family engagement and positive relationships among families, teachers, and students.

The PTO provides financial support through fundraising that supplements the schoolwide curriculum, consistently supporting Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math (STEAM) integration, educational field trips and assemblies, and increasing and updating our library collection, in an effort to support our core curriculum. The school has Chromebooks in every classroom to enhance access to technology as a tool for learning. Each classroom is equipped with a document camera and Promethean Board to enhance learning and allow teachers to interact and engage with their students through technology. Empire Oaks Elementary School students have opportunities to be involved in Student Leadership, Physical Education, Gifted & Talented Education (GATE), Music, and Special Education.

Throughout the school year, students can participate in after school activities such as theater, engineering, art, coding, dance, chess, athletics, and other extra-curricular clubs. Our school is structured around high academic and behavioral expectations, which help maintain a positive school culture and climate. Our staff believes that all students have the ability to learn and are committed to providing conditions that promote student success. This success is accomplished using clear expectations that are directly taught throughout the school year. Students are recognized through verbal and written feedback for expected behavior. The entire staff believes that "all means all" and shares in the collective responsibility of providing an environment where every student can meet or exceed their educational goals. At Empire Oaks, we believe that all students can learn and that we, working in partnership with families, can facilitate learning to ensure that our students will achieve their greatest potential. This will be accomplished by teaching a rigorous curriculum, maintaining high academic standards, promoting good character, and supporting the social and emotional needs of our students and staff.

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