Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos,

Our curriculum and instruction are both complex and comprehensive.  Our reading program involves many components including, but not limited to: independent reading, guided reading, shared reading, interactive reading, literature clubs, and, of course, explicit instruction.  

We begin the year by focusing on independent reading. Independent reading is critical for academic achievement. It is also critical because this is how children develop a reading identity and a passion for books. Independent reading is an area where you as a parent can make a significant difference. There are a few guidelines you want to be mindful of when nurturing your child's reading life.

• First, choice matters. Children want to choose their own books. This is true for you as an adult too. Children will read faster, longer and happier if they are choosing their own titles. Helping your child find the right title, topic, author or series can be tricky, but don’t give up. Once your child gets hooked he/she will be unstoppable. Our teachers and librarian can help. Our city librarians are also a rich resource. 
• Second, accuracy and comprehension matters. As adults we read books with 99.5% accuracy. If we have to struggle with one or two words we put the book down. The same is true for children. It is not uncommon for kids to read with a fairly high level of accuracy, but they do not understand what is going on. The challenge comes when your child wants to read a Harry Potter-like book when he/she is not ready. No problem. Make that book a read aloud. Sharing a good book together is a great idea no matter how old your child is. 
• Third, time matters. Reading is like anything else. The more you do it, the better you get. The better you get, the more you enjoy it. The independent reading that is assigned for homework is a minimum. If you want to see amazing progress set 45 minutes to an hour a night for reading.
• Fourth, your commitment to reading matters. You are your child’s most influential teacher. If you make reading a positive and pleasurable experience, your child will follow your lead.  

When you support your child’s reading life, you are supporting their academic success and nurturing a healthy habit for life.

Happy Reading!

Marlie Schmidt

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 PTA Facebook Page -- PTA is making a HUGE effort to communicate events and happenings at Los Ranchos.  One of the best ways to stay in contact is to "Like" our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LosRachosPTA.


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Box Tops-- This year we are collecting Box Tops in each classroom as a class competition.  The first competition ends October 25th.  Turn in Box Tops in brown folders or in containers located in each classroom.  The wining class will enjoy an ice cream bar party!  Look for more Box Top tips on our facebook page.

The chalk festival is this Friday, September 25th.   Please  send your student(s) with hats and sunscreen. We could also use more "ez up"  tent loans.  Volunteers are also needed. If you would like to help please contact Kasey Rosecrans at 704-3983 or kaseysews@earthlink.net.

Los Ranchos Annual Fall Family DinnerOur annual Fall Family dinner is on Friday, September 25th from 5:30-7:30pm. The buffet dinner is by the Chef at Avila Valley Barn. Come by the office to pick up your order form and purchase tickets ($10 per person). We will also have baked goodies which support the 6th grade outdoor school so be ready to buy some yummy treats!

Dear Los Ranchos Friends and Families,

We are off to a great year. It was wonderful to see so many of you at Back to School Night. I ran into a parent the next morning while walking my dog. When asked about Back to School Night she exclaimed, "It made me want to be in school again." That is great to hear. Your children are fortunate  to be part of all the recent changes in education. The changes are grounded in years of research on how children learn best and what they need to know, or  what they need to be able to do, to be successful in college and/or a career. It is a good time to be working and learning at Los Ranchos Elementary.

Energy remains high on the playground. The new structure continues to provide opportunities for everyone to stretch and strengthen. We have some other opportunities for students during lunch recess. Our librarian, Mrs. Sabo, has the library open on Mondays and Thursdays. And, the music room is converted into a lively game room on Tuesdays and Wednesdays thanks to our PTA volunteers Kristin Escalle and Tiffany Emry. This is a very popular place. Kristin and Tiffany are always looking for other parents to enjoy the energy. 

Students are enjoying options during lunch recess. I am looking for a couple of parent volunteers who are interested in starting a Tinker Room. Tinkering is the simple act of messing around with parts to see what you can build.  Please call or email me if you, or someone you know is interested in getting this started. Parent and neighborhood volunteers strengthen our community of learners in countless ways. 

Sincerely,

Marlie Schmidt

The chalk festival is scheduled for September 25th.   Please remember to send your student(s) with hats and sunscreen. We are also looking for "ez up"  tent loans.  Volunteers are also needed. If you would like to help please contact Kasey Rosecrans at 704-3983 or kaseysews@earthlink.net.
The fall family dinner will also be on the evening of September 25th. 

Counselor’s Corner

Greetings!  My name is Mary Kay Stratton and it is a pleasure to be here at Los Ranchos School for another year.  Here’s a little bit of information about me.  I have worked in the SLCUSD for the past 22 years at Bishop’s Peak/Teach and Pacheco Elementary Schools.  Prior to that, I spent 7 years at Fesler Jr. High School in Santa Maria.  I am at Los Ranchos on Thursdays and Fridays from 8:00 – 3:30 and my office/playroom is Room 35.  I hope to become acquainted with your child through classroom lessons on “Steps to Respect”, lunchtime fun, or counseling support.  My office, Rm. 35 ,is open to students during lunchtime as an alternative space to the playground.  I have a variety of games, toys, Legos, and drawing materials.  Your child might be recommended for emotional/social support which I provide through small social skills groups or individual counseling sessions. During a counseling session, your child will receive training and support with emotional/social management skills through breathing and focusing exercises, role playing, and games that promote empathic, rational and consequential thinking. Like the counselors before me, I hope that my office is thought of as a fun, safe, and helpful place to be.  I am here to assist and support you and your children.  Feel free to call (596-4075 X 2290) or stop by Room 35.  

Calling the office:

Please call the office by 10 a.m. if there are changes to after school plans. This will help us to minimize disrupting classroom instruction. We understand that this is not always possible. We appreciate your help.  If you are calling in an absence, you may call it into 596-4079. All other calls 596-4075.

Donations:  The sniffles are starting early this year.  We are in need of tissues for classrooms.  If you are able to donate tissues, please drop them off at the office.  Thank you!


Sheltering Kits

·        In order to be prepared if there is an emergency that requires sheltering, each child needs a “Sheltering Kit”.  The kit contains a snack and a picture of the child’s family to provide comfort.  Please send ONE sealed snack (granola bar, peanuts, cheese & crackers) and a picture of your family to school for each child.  Unused items will be returned at the end of the year.  The picture can be photocopied, scanned or an original.

·        Donations of a case of bottled water (500 ml) are also being accepted.  Each classroom needs a case of water to have on hand if there is an emergency.