Newsletter

Principal’s Message

Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos,

I hope you had a wonderful spring break. Students returned super energized. It is hard to believe we only have nine weeks left of the 2015 - 2016 school year. It is especially difficult to imagine because we have so many upcoming events.

The Los Ranchos Celebration of Science and Inventions is coming up on April 21. All students are invited to participate. You can find  guidelines posted on our Los Ranchos Website under Announcements (see Celebration of Science and Inventions). Parents are welcomed to enjoy the Celebration between 1:30pm-2:50pm on the 21st.

We are anticipating a Science Celebration bursting with projects this year.  Over the next couple of weeks all of Los Ranchos students will be involved in STEAM lessons. A few classes will research, design and build an earthquake safe structure, some will  focus in bridge building, others will design a windmill. Some of these projects will be on display on April 21.  In addition, students who have been enjoying the Tinker Room, will be displaying two of their creations.  I want to thank Erin Linvall for her leadership and commitment to the Tinker Room. It has provided new opportunities for innovation for our students.

Speaking of Science, many of our fourth, fifth and sixth graders have enjoyed some additional time digging into different scientific topics with the Cal Poly Science Club. Activities have included investigations into chemistry and tectonic plates. They have observed chemical reactions in lava lamps and created  structures to withstand an earthquake. This next week they will examine the cell structures of different fruits. I want to thank these Cal Poly students for sharing their time, passion and expertise with our students.

Before I sign off, I want to make sure you know about a Parent Coffee I am hosting on Thursday, April 28th.  Neil Eckardt will be our guest speaker. He will share valuable information with parents about the the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System. All 3rd - 6th graders will take the CAASPP in May. Students continue to take this test in Junior High and High School. All parents are welcomed,  even if your children are not old enough to  take the tests yet. The coffee and presentation will be in the library at 8:30 a.m. I hope you can join us.

Sincerely,

Marlie Schmidt

Remember to vist our website for up to date information at http://lr.slcusd.org/

Upcoming Dates

• Science and Invention Celebration -Thursday, April 21st
• SBAC Parent Presentation by Neil Eckardt - Friday, April 28, 8:30am
• Los Ranchos Bike Parade, Friday, April 29th
• Battle of the Books, Friday, May 13
• Kindergarten Round-Up, May 16-17th
• Last Day of School, June 9th
• First day of 2016-2017 School Year, August 22nd

Book Recommendation

Book recommendations from friends are always my favorite books. We would like to recommend Mindset, The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck. Carol Dweck explores the importance of nurturing perseverance and resilience in our children. Most of the teachers and staff at Los Ranchos will be reading and discussing this book through the end of the year.  We think you may enjoy it too!

Bike Parade

This year’s Paul Reinhardt Bike Parade is scheduled for April 29, 2016.

Please have students ride or bring their bikes to school for the parade which begins at 8:40am. Kinder/1st graders ride at 8:40am and 2nd - 6th will ride at 9:00am

Reminders:

• All riders must wear helmets
• Bikes only- no scooters, tricycles, etc.
• Training wheels are fine
• Decorate your bike to add to the fun
• Wear a bike jersey or create your own biking outfit
• Decorate your helmet
• Create a theme and do a coordinated look for your bike, helmet and outfit
• Bikes may be parked in the quad in front of your classroom
• Make arrangements to have your bike picked up at the end of the day
• Non-riders will be spectators
• Scott Smith of Art’s Cyclery will be set up at 8:15am in the quad are to assist children with minor mechanical issues

Battle of the Books

What is the Battle?

The Battle is a full-day tournament on Friday, May 13, 2016, in which student teams earn points by answering questions about the books and the authors on the book list. Students meet in the multi-purpose room where they are randomly assigned a team and a mascot. The teams play several rounds against different teams. At the end of the morning, points are tallied, and the two teams with the most points compete in a Grand Battle after lunch. All other teams join in the  audience where parents are encouraged to join in the fun.

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Newsletter 3/21/2016

Principal’s Message

Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos,

The Los Ranchos Variety Show, Talent’s in Bloom, was a big success. We had 38 different acts;  dancing, singing, leaping, twirling, flipping and drumming to an enthusiastic crowd of friends and families. Sixth graders did a great job of keeping the show moving with introductions and entertaining quips. We were worried that the Los Ranchos Variety Show would not go on this year. I want to thank Matt Walker and his team of parent volunteers. The show went on thanks to their time, energy and commitment.

Included in this newsletter is important information about the California assessments that all third  - sixth grades take in the spring. Last year was the first time that we took these tests. We will be taking them this year in May.  These new assessments generate new questions for parents.  I will host a Parent Coffee on Friday, April 28 at 8:30 a.m. to share information about  the assessments and the results that follow. Our guest speaker will be Neil Eckardt. Mr. Eckardt is very knowledgeable about the assessments under CAASPP System. I hope you will be able to join the discussion.

We wish you a relaxing and memorable spring break.

Sincerely,

Marlie Schmidt

Upcoming Dates

• Social Media Presentation for Parents - Tuesday, March 22nd at 6:00pm
• Staff Appreciation Meeting in the Music Rm, Wednesday, March 23rd at 6:00pm
• Spring Break - Friday, March 25-April 1st
• (Students return April 4th)
• Science and Invention Celebration -Thursday, April 21st
• Los Ranchos Bike Parade, Friday, April 29th
• Kindergarten Round-Up, May 16-17th
• Last Day of School, June 9th
• First day of 2016-2017 School Year, August 22nd

Open Enrollment

If you are interested in applying for a school outside your assigned home school, Open Enrollment Forms are available until March 24th. Please stop by your home school for the packet and information.

Lost and Found

Please stop by Lost and Found before Spring Break. We have quite a collection of jackets, sweatshirts and misc. items. We will be taking the remaining items to Good Will if they are not picked up by Thursday, March 24th. Thank you for your help

Social Media Presentation - Tuesday

Tuesday, March 22, 6:00-7:00pm

followed by a 30-minute Q&A session

Los Ranchos Elementary School

Your 5th and 6th graders will attend an assembly with Eileen on March 23

Talking with your kids about social media use and how to be good digital citizens is a crucial part of parenting.

Learn about digital footprints on social media and how online behavior can affect kid’s futures. Discover how to set boundaries, and begin to create a family plan and/or contract for your kids on social media.  Gain exposure to social media platforms and ways to talk to your kids about expectations for social media use.

Staff Appreciation Committee Meeting

Staff appreciation week is right around the corner. We have having a meeting Wednesday night (March 23rd) at 6pm in the music room. Everyone is welcome! If you can't make it to the meeting, but would still like to help, email Tiffany Emry at bongogme@gmail.com or Amy Garrett at agarrettpt@yahoo.com.
Thank you, Your Hospitality Chairs

Los Ranchos Newsletter

Principal’s Message

Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos Elementary,

We are wrapping up Parent Conferences this week. Conferences are a powerful time to learn about the curriculum of the last trimester, the focus for the next trimester and the goals for your child. It is an opportunity to celebrate progress and successes and to brainstorm strategies that will maximize growth for the last trimester. Your partnership makes all the difference.

Sometimes it can be tricky to know how to best partner with your child’s teacher. There is one thing that every parent can do. It is not easy, but it will have a powerful impact.  Make sure that reading time is sacred every day in your home. Abundant, daily reading is the number one key to academic success.  It is harder to do than it sounds. There are many other distractions  for students these days.  Parents have to be strong and determined to create time and space for reading. But, nurturing a reading habit will have huge benefits for your child.

We had a lovely day of celebrating reading last week.  Read Across America Day is the day we celebrate Dr. Seuss and the rich literature he authored. I want to thank Mrs. Greer and Mrs. Ortiz for organizing a community reading celebration.

Thanks to the generous contributions of our PTA, our students have daily access to technology.  As educators, we are constantly searching for ways to use technology in more meaningful ways. Next week Mrs. Gomes, Mr. Kersten and Miss Grossi will be heading to the National CUE Conference  to learn more about effective ways to integrate and innovate. I want to thank the teachers for taking time to attend the conference. This professional opportunity would not be possible without the generous funding of our Los Ranchos PTA and your donations. Thank you!  

Thank you,

Marlie Schmidt

Favorite quotes from Read Across America Day:

“I liked that we got to bring books from home and wear crazy clothes and read outside with the whole school. And, Miss Grossi got to read too!”

Maggie, 2nd grade

“We got to read a lot and I love reading!”

Corrina, 2nd grade

“It was one of my favorite days. I got to read Fox in Socks outside!”

Ryan, Kindergarten

Upcoming Dates:

• Variety Show - Friday, March 18th at 6:30pm
• Social Media Presentation for Parents - Tuesday, March 22nd at 6:00pm
• Spring Break - Friday, March 25-April 1st
• (Students return April 4th)
• Science and Invention Celebration -Thursday, April 21st
• Los Ranchos Bike Parade, Friday, April 29th

Variety Show

Bring your family to  Los Ranchos’ 2016 Variety Show on March 18th at 6:oopm.  Come see a variety of acts presented by our very own talented students!

Introduction to

Parenting Kids on Social Media

Talking with your kids about social media use and how to be good digital citizens is a crucial part of parenting. Learn about digital footprints on social media and how online behavior can affect kid’s futures. Discover how to set boundaries, and begin to create a family plan and/or contract for your kids on social media.  Gain exposure to social media platforms and ways to talk to your kids about expectations for social media use. Tuesday, March 22, 6:00-7:00pm followed by a 30-minute Q&A session Los Ranchos Elementary School Your 5th and 6th graders will attend an assembly with Eileen on March 23 Noon Supervisors We need your help. We are looking for some new noon supervisors. We  need you, whether you can commit to one, two, three, four or five days a week. It is not great money, and the hours are difficult (12:00 - 1:00). But, it is a great opportunity to get to know your child’s school community in a new and more meaningful way.  Please let Cherie Bruce know if you are interested, 596-4095.

Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos Elementary,

As you know, conferences are coming up. The minimum day schedule has been different this year due to our new report cards. We apologize for the inconvenience this new schedule may have created last week. We will have minimum days all next week, March 7 - 11. All of our students, K - 6 grade, will get out at 1:00. TK will continue to get out at 12:20 p.m.

We have another event coming up that you will not want to miss. On Tuesday, March 22 our PTA is sponsoring a presentation on the challenges of raising children safely and responsibly in a digital world. Eileen Calandro will be presenting Introduction to Parenting Kids on Social Media from 6:00 - 7:00 followed up by 30 minutes of questions on the evening of March 22nd. She will be doing a follow-up presentation to all of our 5th and 6th graders on March 23. I want to thank our PTA for sponsoring these presentations. The information will be both empowering and enlightening.

Sincerely,

Marlie Schmidt

Minimum Days

Next week, March 7-11th.

All of our students, K - 6 grade, will get out at 1:00. TK will continue to be dismissed att at 12:20 p.m

Release of Identifying Student Data:

There is a recent court decision involving the California Department of Education (CDE) and the release of identifying data regarding students. SLCUSD is not a party to the litigation and is not required to disclose any student information, nor does it intend to do so. However, while SLCUSD will not directly release any information, the data requested in the litigation will be that which has been collected over the years from California School Districts by the CDE and stored by CDE. The CDE may release this information unless parents fill out the "Notice and Objection" Form (see link below).

Regarding the case: The California Department of Education (“CDE”) is currently engaged in litigation with two non-profit associations comprised of parents and guardians of children with disabilities. The plaintiffs in that litigation have requested numerous documents, as well as student data collected and stored by CDE, which may include personally identifiable student information.

To comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), CDE has been ordered, among other things, to inform parents and students of the disclosure of such information.

CDE has requested that school districts and SELPAs post the following link to CDE’swebsite:

http://www.cde.ca.gov/morganhillcase.

The link provides a Notice and Objection Form to allow parents to object, by April 1, 2016, to the disclosure of personally identifiable information related to their children.

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Variety Show at Los Ranchos

If your child would like to be part of our Variety Show, please sign a  permission slip and your child will attend an audition on March 7th or 8th.  The parent show will be held on March 18th at 6pm.

Introduction to Parenting Kids on Social Media - 

Parent Presentation

Los Ranchos Multi-Use Room. 

Join us on March 22nd from  6:00pm-7:00pm

Spring Break

Students are out for Spring Break from Friday, March 25th - April 1st. Students return to school on April 4th .

Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos,

Parent conferences will be here soon. They are scheduled for the week of March 7 - 11. During that week you children will have minimum school days. In addition, February 25th and 26th will also be minimum days.  Everyone, except T-K, will get out at 1:00. TK students will end their day at the usual time, 12:20 p.m.  

Parent Conferences are a wonderful time for parents and teachers to discuss a variety of topics. First and foremost, the goal of a Parent-Teacher conference is to provide valuable time to communicate, celebrate and plan for your child’s progress. This communication works both ways. It is a time for us to share evidence of progress and observations, but it is also a time for us to learn from you. What are you noticing at home? How is homework going? Second, conferences are also a time for parents  to learn more deeply about the content that was covered over the last trimester and content that is on the horizon. There is a lot to be learned about the new state standards in reading, writing and in math. Learning about them through examples of your child’s work can make it more meaningful and relevant. And third, we are most effective when we team up. Parent-Teacher conferences are a powerful opportunity to celebrate your child’s successes and collaborate over the next set of goals.

Not all of you will be required to have a conference this trimester. In the fall, all parents attend. In the spring, students who are receiving all 3’s (meeting academic expectations) and C’s and U’s (Consistently and Usually meeting behavior expectations) do not need to attend. Your child’s teacher will let you know. A parent can always request a conference even when it is not required.

Sincerely,

Marlie Schmidt

Open Enrollment Registration:

Our Kindergarten Registration, TK Registration and Open Enrollment period begins on Monday, February 29th through March 25th. You will need to enroll at your home school, so, if Los Ranchos is your home school, please come by the office for the appropriate enrollment paperwork.

Parent Education:

Parent Social Media Presentation:

Parents are invited to attend a presentation regarding Social Media in our Multi-Use- Room on March 22nd from 6-7:30pm. This is a parent-only meeting which will provide you with important information on how to keep your children safe in the new world of social media.

Release of Identifying Student Data:

There is a recent court decision involving the California Department of Education (CDE) and the release of identifying data regarding students. SLCUSD is not a party to the litigation and is not required to disclose any student information, nor does it intend to do so. However, while SLCUSD will not directly release any information, the data requested in the litigation will be that which has been collected over the years from California School Districts by the CDE and stored by CDE. The CDE may release this information unless parents fill out the "Notice and Objection" Form (see link below).

Regarding the case: The California Department of Education (“CDE”) is currently engaged in litigation with two non-profit associations comprised of parents and guardians of children with disabilities. The plaintiffs in that litigation have requested numerous documents, as well as student data collected and stored by CDE, which may include personally identifiable student information.

To comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”), CDE has been ordered, among other things, to inform parents and students of the disclosure of such information.

CDE has requested that school districts and SELPAs post the following link to CDE’swebsite:

http://www.cde.ca.gov/morganhillcase.

The link provides a Notice and Objection Form to allow parents to object, by April 1, 2016, to the disclosure of personally identifiable information related to their children.

Instructional Materials Review Committee Seeks Parent Input

San Luis Coastal Unified School District has formed an Instructional Materials Adoption Panel (IMAP) to review kindergarten – 5th grade English Language Arts materials for possible adoption. The committee is requesting community input in this process. Interested parents and community members are invited to visit our school during regular business hours to review English Language Arts textbooks and complete a School Community Evaluation forms. Textbooks and materials will be on display at the school from February 22 to March 4, 2016. We encourage you to participate and value your input. All completed School Community Evaluations will be reviewed by the IMAP prior to making a recommendation to our School Board.

Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos Elementary,

As you know we had a very successful fundraising event with our Walk-a-thon.   As a result our PTA thought long and hard about finding the best ways to spend the extra dollars.

In December, our PTA reached out to the Los Ranchos staff. Every teacher was given the opportunity to submit a proposal for their grade level and they did! Everyone had great ideas to enrich and extend learning. Even our librarian, Mrs. Sabo, had some great ideas to update our library. Our art teacher, Mrs. Johnson, also provided some suggestions in order to maintain the richness of our visual arts program. The variety of proposals was impressive. They included: music lessons, a new kiln, science-focused field trips, ipad apps in primary classes and many more.  The PTA examined and debated every proposal anxious to ensure that all students would benefit from your generosity. In the end almost every proposal was entirely, or partially funded.

I want to thank the PTA for the thoughtful process and thank you again for your contributions. I know teachers will be providing updates about the ways your children are benefitting.

Our PTA meets once a month at lunch. You can learn about upcoming meetings on the calendar on our website. I hope you can join us.

Sincerely,

Marlie Schmidt

Favorite quotes from the week  . . .

“I have written so many books I can hardly put them in my folder!”

Corinne, Knder author

“I wrote two books in one day. I wrote about soccer because I love soccer!”

Tanner, Kinder author

“I like the 'Give and Take' strategy. It gets me to a number that is easier to add.”

Dylan, 4th grade mathematician

“Now that I know the 'Give and Take' strategy, it is one of the best ones. It really helps me because it really makes it easier to add really big numbers.”

Gavin, 4th grade mathematician

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PLEASE REMEMBER

THERE IS

IN THE BUS ZONE!!!

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Instructional Materials Review Committee Seeks Parent Input

San Luis Coastal Unified School District has formed an Instructional Materials Adoption Panel (IMAP) to review kindergarten – 5th grade English Language Arts materials for possible adoption. The committee is requesting community input in this process. Interested parents and community members are invited to visit our school during regular business hours to review English Language Arts textbooks and complete a School Community Evaluation forms. Textbooks and materials will be on display at the school from February 22 to March 4, 2016. We encourage you to participate and value your input. All completed School Community Evaluations will be reviewed by the IMAP prior to making a recommendation to our School Board.

The Los Ranchos Talent Show is ON.

Thanks to several parents who have graciously volunteered their time, we are able to once again offer your wonderful children the opportunity to showcase their talents. The date of the event will be the evening of Friday, March 18th, 2016.

Tryouts will be March 2nd, 3rd, and 4th during lunch periods. Children should be prepared to discuss what they will be doing, do a brief 1 minute audition, and submit the music they will be using during the show. Maximum time for every act should not exceed 2 ½ minutes. WE get it... there may be some time exceptions but let’s not get too carried away. More information will follow this week so look for that in the brown envelope.

The theme will be SUMMER SLAM. So parents start helping your kids think big. Let’s allow them to be bold, be audacious, and bring their best musical, instrument, comedy, athletic showcase to present. Think of this as a prelude to the best summer ever. “BE Epic” is our mantra.