Principal’s Message
Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos,
It has been a great first week. Teachers and students did not miss a beat as they slipped back into school routines and instruction. Thank you for all that you do at home to maximize our school day. It makes all the difference.
We hope to see everyone at Back to School Night next Thursday, August 31. Please plan extra time when leaving your house, the traffic and parking can be difficult. Parents of TK - 3rd graders will begin the evening in the classrooms from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. There will be a five minute passing period. All parents are invited to the multipurpose room to hear about this year’s focus from 6:20 - 7:05 p.m. Parents of 4th - 6th graders will then head to classrooms from 7:10 - 7:55 p.m. Our YMCA will be offering childcare during Back to School Night that evening.
Please take time to read the rest of the newsletter. It is packed with important information.
Have a restful weekend.
Sincerely,
Marlie Schmidt
Some quotes from the first week . . .
“I like swinging.” Suree, 1st grade
“I like having my own desk.” Maui, 1st grade
“I am looking forward to doing math. .. . and reading . . . and writing.” Connor, 2nd grade
“I like writing my ideas down on paper.” Stella, 2nd grade
“I like how my teacher always talks about being kind and brave.” Kandon, 2nd grade
“I like having two teachers. You get to experience switching classes.” Emerson, 5th grade
“It (school) is really fun. You get to see your old friends and meet your new teacher and make new friends.” Mateo, 6th grade
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Student Safety
Please be extra cautious and careful during pick-up and drop off. We have many new kinder students and parents dropping off for the first time. Plan on needing a little extra time. Remember that students getting picked up in the pick-up zone need to picked up at the curb. They will not be allowed to get in a car that is in the drive through area. Safety is a top priority.
Changes to Lunch:
Please note that lunches are now $3.00 and snacks are $2.00. If you you have been eligible for the hot lunch program in the past, you must reapply every year so please get your application in to the office as soon as you can. If you think your family might qualify, fill out the form from the first day packet and we will send it to Food Service for review.
Thank you, The Office
Morning Routines
Students have done a great job transitioning to the new school year. Mornings can be difficult for some. It helps when parents say their good-byes at the gate. That way students can connect with friends before the whistle blows. Let us know if your child is needing a little extra support as they get use to the routine.
School Site Council
We are looking for new members to join our School Site Council. This is a two year commitment which involves meeting monthly (with some exceptions) for approximately 1 hour.
The School Site Council (SSC) collaborates to develop and implement Los Ranchos Elementary’s Academic Plan. This play highlights the specific goals and activities for the school in the areas of:
- School Safety
- Parent Involvement
- Instructional Practice
- Student Equity
- Academic Achievement
- Expanding and Promoting Technology
- Instructional Practice
- Strengthening Use of Data for Academic Achievement
Please email Cherie Bruce at cbruce@slcusd.org with a short bio of yourself, by Thursday, August 31st, if you are interested in being part of this important council.
Upcoming Dates
Back to School Night schedule at a glance - August 31:
- Tk - 3rd Classroom presentations: 5:30 - 6:15
- Passing time: 6:15 - 6:20
- General Meeting for everyone: 6:20 - 7:05
- Passing time 7:05 - 7:10
- 4th, 5 & 6 Classroom Presentations: 7:10 - 7:55
- Labor Day - No School - Monday, September 4
- Picture Day - Thursday, September 14
- Fall Family Dinner and Chalk Festival - Thursday, September 21
Counselor’s Corner
Greetings! My name is Mary Kay Stratton and it is a pleasure to be here at Los Ranchos School for another school year. Here’s a little bit of information about me. I have worked in the SLCUSD for the past 23 years and am currently working at Teach, Bishop’s Peak, and Los Ranchos Elementary Schools. 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, and/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. I hand out “passes” at morning recess and try to alternate the students each week. 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. I hope that my office is thought of as a fun, safe, and helpful place to be. I am here to assist and and support you and your children. Feel free to call (596 4075) or stop by room 35.
