Friday, September 30, 2016

Newsletter, September 30, 2016

Principal’s Message

Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos,

We ended last week with a delightful Fall Family Dinner. There was a great turn out. Many of our new families participated. Kids and parents danced to music provided by Melissa and Beau Kramer from  Kramer Events, a new Los Ranchos family. We all enjoyed the art from the day’s Chalk Festival.  And the food was delicious. Whitney Baird and Jenny Quaglino outdid themselves again. The mac n’ cheese was the best I have ever had. It was a lovely evening of connection, community and conversation.
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Mrs. Stratton, our school counselor,  launched the Pal Program this week with our sixth graders. The Pal Program is designed to support more connection among students on the playground at lunch. Starting this week we have four Pals on the playground. They are designated with red t-shirts and the word Pal printed on the front. The job of the sixth grade Pal is to reach out to younger students who may be having a hard time finding someone to play with, or needing help in learning a new game, or maybe just needing a Pal to eat lunch with. We had lots of sixth graders wanting to participate. I think this program will be a great addition to our school. Another addition is the Buddy Bench that our PTA purchased to further support friendship and connection. It has arrived and will soon be a part of our playground.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Sincerely,
Marlie Schmidt



Visitors on Campus
If you are on campus at any time of the day, even before school, we need you to stop in the office to sign in as a visitor and to get a visitor sticker.  As you know, one of our top priorities is safety.  If you sign in and have a badge, we can better identify adults on campus which helps us keep everyone safe.

Upcoming Dates
  • PTA Meeting, Tuesday, October 4th at 12:15pm
  • Walk and Bike to school day, Wednesday, October 5th
  • Hearing Screening, Monday, October 10th morning
  • Roadrunner Assembly, Friday, October 14th at 8:45am
  • Vision Screening, Friday, October 28th, morning



Walk and Bike to School Day
Learn more at walkbiketoschool.org.  The YMCA is hosting the Los Ranchos walk to school day. Please see our flyer for additional information.

Hearing Screening
  • Hearing Screening for 1st/2nd/5th Gr and students with an IEP: Oct 10th
On October 10th, students in grades l, 2, 5 and special day classes will have their hearing checked by an audiometrist.  This is a screening only.  If you do not want your child screened, please send a note addressed to the school nurse the day of the screening.


Office Donations
The office is still in need of student clothing, mostly pants and shorts with elastic waist bands.  We could also use kleenex and unscented baby wipes. Thank you for your donations!

Mark your Calendars for Walk-A-Thon on
October 28, 2016

Friday, September 23, 2016

Roadrunner September 23, 2016

Principal’s Message

Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos,

It was a beautiful day for our Chalk Festival. Artists from TK to 6th grade created spectacular pieces of artwork on the blacktop. The weather even cooperated. A cool breeze and a crop of shade pop-ups kept our artists cool. And, an army of parent volunteers and art-enthusiasts encouraged the artistic process. Thanks again to Barbara Beckett for being the fearless Chalk Festival organizer.
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We are so fortunate to nurture art year round at Los Ranchos. All of our students enjoy fifteen lessons of art from our talented art teacher, Bonnie Johnson. I imagine your walls are adorned with some breathtaking artwork if you are part of the Los Ranchos community. We owe all of that to you, our parent community. The money our PTA raises at the Walk-a-thon provides 100% of our art program and much, much more. Thank you for your continued support!

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Sincerely,
Marlie Schmidt

Upcoming Dates
  • Hearing Screening for 1st/2nd/5th Gr and students with an IEP: Oct 10th
Mark your Calendars for Walk-A-Thon on
October 28, 2016

On October 10th , students in grades   l, 2, 5 and special day classes will have their hearing checked by an audiometrist.  This is a screening only.  If you do not want your child screened, please send a note addressed to the school nurse the day of the screening.”

Friday, September 16, 2016

September 16, 2016

Principal’s Message


Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos,


We enjoyed the time-honored tradition of Picture Day this week. Students arrived with cascading curls, buttoned up shirts and a little extra dippity-do.  Even our P.E. teachers supported the cause by planning activities that required minimum amounts of aerobic exercise and sweat. I want to thank Tiffany Emry for organizing an army of parent volunteers. We couldn’t do it without our you.


Our Chalk Festival and Fall Family Dinner are coming up next Friday. These are two more time-honored traditions at Los Ranchos. I hope you can join us for either or both. The Festival is a wonderful celebration of student art.  And, the Fall Family Dinner gives parents and students a lovely opportunity to reconnect and enjoy a delicious meal. I want to thank Barb Beckett for taking the lead on the Chalk Festival and Jenny Quaglino and Whitney Baird for organizing the Fall Family Dinner. I hope to see you there!


Sincerely,
Marlie Schmidt


Upcoming Dates
  • Chalk Festival and Fall Family Dinner, Friday, September 23rd
  • Hearing Screening for 1st/2nd/5th Gr and students with an IEP: Oct 10th
  • Mark your Calendars for Walk-A-Thon on October 28, 2016


Chalk Festival
Next Friday, September 23rd, is our Chalk Festival.  If you have any pop-ups to help shade the blacktop, please let us know and plan on bringing them to school on Friday morning.  We could also use donations of bottled water.  We have volunteers signed up to help, but if you’re interested in helping contact Barbara Beckett at bpbeckett69@yahoo.com.


Fall Family Dinner
NEW THIS YEAR!!  Fall Family Dinner tickets can also be purchased by credit card - We have corrected the link so you can now  visit the PTA Online Store at https://squareup.com/store/LosRanchosElementaryPTA to sign up for the dinner.   Don't forget to include your student's Last Name and Teacher's Name in the Notes before you check out - this is how we keep track of your tickets!!


Please join us on Friday, September 23rd from 6:00-8:00 pm to celebrate the start of the new school year. We will be having a buffet style dinner with cider brined chicken, homemade mac-n-cheese, salad, and more that will be prepared by the chef at the Avila Valley Barn. Mu-sic entertainment will be provided by Kramer Events. Also, the 6th graders will be hosting a bake sale that night to raise money for the 6th grade outdoor school so bring some cash!
Don’t forget that you’ll be able to see your kids’ wonderful chalk art from the
Chalk Festival that evening!
Please fill out the form and return to the classroom or main office with
your check as soon as possible.
*NO PAPER TICKETS WILL BE ISSUED. YOUR NAME WILL BE ON THE LIST AT THE DOOR*

Any questions please call Jenny Quaglino at 805-441-4528 or email: jenny@quaglino.com

Friday, September 9, 2016

Newsletter, September 9, 2016

Principal’s Message

Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos,


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Volunteerism is one cornerstone of our school. On Saturday, September 3, twenty-six  parents, teachers, and students showed up with shovels, rakes and trowels in hand to prepare our garden for first grade science. It was a team effort and they transformed the garden area. I want to thank Ms. Baele for leading the gardening crew. It was a beautiful garden party!
There are many different opportunities for volunteering at Los Ranchos. You can volunteer in your child’s classroom, the library, PTA events, etc. We have a huge need in all areas and your time will have a positive impact on your child’s school community. Another way to volunteer is through our lunchtime activities. The playground is a fun place at lunch, but kids like options. Here are just a few options organized and run by parents:
  • Tinker Room -  Last year Erin Lindvall started a Tinker Room. It was a huge success. It started with students  tinkering with tools and taking things apart. It evolved into a design challenge process. Students designed and built a beautiful chair. The chair will be auctioned at our Fall Family Dinner.  
  • School Newspaper - A school newspaper has already started. There were twenty-five enthusiastic journalists at this week’s meeting. Traci Robertson is looking for one or two parents to help.
  • Game Room - The Game Room is a popular lunch place.  Kristin Escalle is seeking another parent’s help.
  • Ping-Pong - We have four ping-pong tables. It would be great to make those available for students during lunch. We just need a ping-pong enthusiast to head that up.
  • Chess Club - Students have been requesting a Chess Club. This could be the club for you!
Please contact me if you, or someone you know (we have many grandparents who volunteer), would be interested in getting involved. Together, we make Los Ranchos a great place to learn, grow and play!


Sincerely,
Marlie Schmidt


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Upcoming Dates
  • Picture Day, Thursday, September 15th
  • Roadrunner Assembly:  Friday, September 16th at 8:45 a.m.
  • Chalk Festival and Fall Family Dinner, Friday, September 23rd
  • Hearing Screening for 1st/2nd/5th Gr and students with an IEP: Date change: Now Oct 10th
  • Mark your Calendars for Walk-A-Thon on October 28, 2016

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San Luis Obispo Symphony:
Los Ranchos Elementary (violin)
San Luis Obispo
Mondays 8:20-9:20am


The San Luis Obispo Symphony offers beginning instruction on the violin, viola and cello for students in 3rd-6th grade. Classes begin the week of September 12th and meet weekly for 30 sessions. Students are expected to commit for the entire school year. Classes meet each week on the days listed below and enrollment is open to students from all schools.
For information on instrument rentals, visit our website at www.slosymphony.org. Additional rentals are available from Shar Music (sharmusic.com), Antonio Violin (antonioviolin.com), and locally at Music
Motive or Grand Central. Symphony instruments are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be checked out for a rental fee of $65 for the entire school year. The instrument checkout date is Saturday, September 24th (sizing and more information will be given on the first day of class).
Tuition is $375 for the year ($12.50 per class), and it’s easy to enroll!
When you return this form, or register online, you will be contacted with further information. Partial
Grants are available, please visit slosymphony.org for details.
Students who participated in Strings in the Schools last year are eligible for SUPERBOWS!, a beginning string orchestra. For more information on SUPERBOWS! visit slosymphony.org or call 548-1583.
Sign up NOW!!!
ONLINE: Visit slosymphony.org to submit a form online
Fast and Easy!
BY MAIL: Complete this form and send a check by mail to the address on the flyer attached to the newsletter email.


Join the PTA
Our PTA  membership drive will run through Friday, September 30th.  Any class that reaches 80% or more in parents signing up to join the PTA will participate in a popsicle party on Friday, October 7th.  
Each classroom has an ice cream cone tracking outside their room which lists the percentage for each teacher. We will get weekly updates on our ice cream cones!  NEW this year . . PAY ONLINE!! https://squareup.com/store/LosRanchosElementaryPTA


Fall Family Dinner
NEW THIS YEAR!!  Fall Family Dinner tickets can also be purchased by credit card - visit the PTA Online Store at https://squareup.com/store/LosRanchosElementaryPTA.  Don't forget to include your student's Last Name and Teacher's Name in the Notes before you check out - this is how we keep track of your tickets!!


Please join us on Friday, September 23rd from 6:00-8:00 pm to celebrate the start of the new school year. We will be having a buffet style dinner with cider brined chicken, homemade mac-n-cheese, salad, and more that will be prepared by the chef at the Avila Valley Barn. Mu-sic entertainment will be provided by Kramer Events. Also, the 6th graders will be hosting a bake sale that night to raise money for the 6th grade outdoor school so bring some cash!
Don’t forget that you’ll be able to see your kids’ wonderful chalk art from the
Chalk Festival that evening!
Please fill out the form and return to the classroom or main office with
your check as soon as possible.
*NO PAPER TICKETS WILL BE ISSUED. YOUR NAME WILL BE ON THE LIST AT THE DOOR*
Any questions please call Jenny Quaglino at 805-441-4528 or email: jenny@quaglino.com


Friday, September 2, 2016

Newsletter September 2, 2016

Principal’s Message

Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos,


Thank you for your participation in Back to School Night. It was great to have so many parents present. Reading is, and always will be, a big focus for us. Developing a strong foundation in reading supports a student in all academic areas. I addressed the importance building daily reading time for independent reading Just Right books, and I know teachers also talked about it. A parent of a first grader recently told me that his son reads everyday, but he still prefers being read to. That is great. Keep that up in addition to independent reading. I encourage parents of older students to read aloud to their children. When children grow out of that I encourage parents to read the same books as their children. It can be a book club of two. There are excellent teen books that adults enjoy too. Most importantly, books become great vehicles to discuss difficult topics like drugs, alcohol, and bullying in a safe and comfortable way.


School safety is something we take very seriously. We also think about students getting to and from school safely. Many of our students ride the bus. I had an opportunity to ride #13 with 78 Los Ranchos students and their bus driver, Carmen. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We also have many students who ride their bikes to school. On any given day you can see a parade of bikes making their way to school. It is a lovely thing. Whether students walk, ride, or bus home we want them to always be safe, be responsible and be respectful. Thank you for reminding your children of these simple and important rules.    


Sincerely,
Marlie Schmidt


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No School Monday, September 5th - Labor Day


Upcoming Dates
  • Holiday: Monday, September 5th
  • Picture Day, Thursday, September 15th
  • Roadrunner Assembly:  Friday, September 16th at 8:45 a.m.
  • Chalk Festival and Fall Family Dinner, Friday, September 23rd
  • Hearing Screening for 1st/2nd/5th Gr and students with an IEP: Date change: Now Oct 10th


Join the PTA
Our PTA  membership drive will run through Friday, September 30th.  Any class that reaches 80% or more in parents signing up to join the PTA will participate in a popsicle party on Friday, October 7th.  
Each classroom has an ice cream cone tracking outside their room which lists the percentage for each teacher. We will get weekly updates on our ice cream cones!  NEW this year . . PAY ONLINE!! https://squareup.com/store/LosRanchosElementaryPTA


Clothing Donations:
At times, students come in the office in need of a change of clothing. If you have any gently used  clothes, especially shorts or sweatpants with elastic waistbands, we could use them in our office. We could also use new packs of underwear in children's sizes.
The office can also use unscented baby wipes and kleenex donations!


School Site Council Parents:
We are looking for a few parents to be on our School Site Council. This is a 2 year position in which you are part of a committee of parents, teachers and other staff members who review policies, how money is spent and other basic oversight duties.  We meet once a month in the office.  Please email Cherie Bruce at cbruce@slcusd.org if you are intersted.


Fall Family Dinner
NEW THIS YEAR!!  Fall Family Dinner tickets can also be purchased by credit card - visit the PTA Online Store at https://squareup.com/store/LosRanchosElementaryPTA.  Don't forget to include your student's Last Name and Teacher's Name in the Notes before you check out - this is how we keep track of your tickets!!


Please join us on Friday, September 23rd from 6:00-8:00 pm to celebrate the start of the new school year. We will be having a buffet style dinner with cider brined chicken, homemade mac-n-cheese, salad, and more that will be prepared by the chef at the Avila Valley Barn. Mu-sic entertainment will be provided by Kramer Events. Also, the 6th graders will be hosting a bake sale that night to raise money for the 6th grade outdoor school so bring some cash!
Don’t forget that you’ll be able to see your kids’ wonderful chalk art from the
Chalk Festival that evening!
Please fill out the form and return to the classroom or main office with
your check as soon as possible.
*NO PAPER TICKETS WILL BE ISSUED. YOUR NAME WILL BE ON THE LIST AT THE DOOR*
Any questions please call Jenny Quaglino at 805-441-4528 or email: jenny@quaglino.com


Help Our School Raise Money
Los Ranchos PTA provides critical funds which contribute to funding assemblies, transportation for field trips, field trips, teacher classroom grants, literacy programs, teacher professional development, technology equipment, library books, school supplies and much more. Although the WalkAThon is our main fundraiser, we do have other ways of raising funds throughout the year. Below are additional fundraising activities that contribute to the PTA.
  • We count on  generous donations of companies. Sunrun is one of those companies.   Sunrun has agreed to donate $250.00 to our PTA for any family from Los Ranchos that gets solar through them. We have already received one donation. Thank you Sunrun!
  • Box Tops for Education – For every Box Top we send in, we receive $.10 for our school from General Mills.Box Tops are found on the packaging of items you buy every day. No additional purchase necessary. Visit www.boxtops4education.com for coupons and additional ways to collect box tops for our school. Turn in your Box Tops to your child’s class or to the main office. Organizer Kiley Wellner kileysim@hotmail.com .
  • AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to our school.
  • Shoparoo — Snap pictures of your receipts from any store, big or small,that sells grocery items to earn Roo Points (cash donations) for your school. Whether you’re shopping at a supercenter, dollar store, or local convenience store it doesn’t matter where you shop or what items you
buy Shoparoo will make a cash donation for every receipt! Sign up at www.shoparoo.com . . Organizer, Tiffany Emry bongogme@gmail.com
  • Holiday Boutique – Tuesday, December 13, 1:00pm - 4:30PM multipurpose room. Vendors donate a portion of their  sales to the PTA and many of the vendors are from our LR family. LuLaRoe, Mary Kay, and Jamberry are just a few of the vendors. Great for teacher or holiday gifts. Organizer Tiffany Emry bongogme@gmail.com .
  • Ravine Day —Friday, June 9, 2017 (the day after school is out). PTA sells tickets to the Ravine Waterpark in Paso Robles. The Ravine donates $4.00 per ticket. Fun family way to celebrate the end of school!


Have an Idea? We are always looking for new and fun ways to raise funds. If you have any ideas
or suggestions please contact Jen Ross at jentross1@gmail.com .
Want to help or volunteer? Contact Kristen Escalle Kristin.gracia@ferguson.com.  We always
need parents or grandparents that have special skills to contribute.


Box Tops For Education
Classroom Challenge is back! The winning class for each challenge will win an ice cream sandwich party!
Clip Box Tops for Los Ranchos!
It’s easy to find Box Tops. In fact, you may have some in your home right now. Clip Box Tops from your favorite products and turn them into your class today!
Easy as 1 2 3!
1.Clip Box Tops-Don’t forget to check the expiration date and make sure it is visible!
2.Tape or glue clipped Box Tops to the collection sheet, envelope or put  in a sandwich bag. Please note, bonus certificates must be submitted separately.
3.Send completed sheets or bags to your child’s class or return them in the office with your students teacher’s name. For more information on Los Ranchos Box Top program, contact kileysim@hotmail.com. To see more ways to earn cash for our school go to BTFE.com
This is a Box Top!
Challenge due dates:
Challenge 1: October 28th
Challenge 2: February 24th
Challenge 3: June 1st

9/11 Commemoration:
The SLO County Chapter of the American Legion will commemorate this historic event
What: 9/11 Celebration
(no speakers - just Taps, flags, and recognition of this event in our history)
When: Sunday, September 11, 2016, 8:45 a.m. sharp
Where: Firestation #1 in SLO
Bring your family and friends to honor those who lost their lives.