Newsletter, February 9, 2018

Principal's Message
Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos Elementary,

On Tuesday, February 13, Dr. Prater was scheduled to present at our PTA meeting from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Please note, this presentation is being rescheduled.  We will still be having our PTA meeting that evening. Stay tuned, we will let you know as soon as we know the new date and time for Dr. Prater's presentation.  We will still be having a Literacy Night for parents from 6 - 7:00 p.m. and a PTA meeting from 7:00 to 8:00. This will all be happening in the library.

Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Marlie Schmidt

For your Calendar

No School - Monday, February 12th 
Dental Screening - Thursday, February 15th Tk/K/3rd/5th and IEP Students
Family Literacy Night 6p.m. and PTA Meeting 7p.m. - Tuesday, Feb.13th
No School - Monday, February 19th
Wisdom Parenting Workshop - Tuesday, February 20th at 4:30 p.m.
Minimum Days - February 22nd and February 23rd 
TK and Kindergarten Registration - Starts March 5th -March 30th


Wisdom Parenting Workshop

February 20th at 4:30pm in the Los Ranchos Library

This one hour workshop will explore how the practice of mindfulness can support parents to stay meaningfully connected to themselves and their families, even as the demands and complexities of life increase. The practice of mindfulness teaches us to stay more present to ourselves and our children and increases our capacity to respond rather than react to the challenges of life. Mindfulness also grows our ability to meet conflict with compassion and increases our capacity for self-awareness, humor and love. This workshop is an introduction to mindfulness and how to practice it, as well as a discussion on how to specifically apply mindfulness to the rich experience of parenting.

Deborah Halpern, MEd, MATP, spent 8 years practicing and studying yoga and meditation full-time in retreat. She has earned master’s degrees in both Education and Psychology and has taught mindfulness practices to both children and adults. She is an instructional assistant at Los Ranchos!

Kindergarten, Transitional Kindergarten Registration and
Open Enrollment
March 5th through March 30th we will start our registration for Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten.  If you (or if anyone else  you know) has a child who will be 5, on or before  September 1, 2018, they are eligible for Kindergarten. If the child turns 5 between September 2, 2018 and December 1, 2018, they are eligible for Transitional Kindergarten. 

This is also Open Enrollment time. This means that if you are considering  moving your child going to a different school outside of your school boundaries (including Teach for 4th, 5th or 6th graders) you will need to fill out an Open Enrollment Request. The approvals and denials for open enrollment are decided at the district office level.

Spring Cleaning- If you are cleaning out closets and have any clothing (shorts or pants with elastic waists are the best) in sizes 8, 10, 12 or 15. We could really use them in the office. 

Spring Break
Mark your calendar - Spring Break is April 1st -April 6th

Newsletter, February 2, 2018

Principal's Message
Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos Elementary,

If you have a child in 4 - 6th grade you have probably heard about STEAM. STEAM is about the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Over the last couple of years we continue to develop more and more meaningful STEAM opportunities for all of our students. Many of our buddy classes work collaboratively on STEAM projects. Our 5th and 6th graders are all engaged in rotations in robotics and other STEAM activities and our Science curriculum integrates STEAM activities into each unit.  On March 22 we will celebrate STEAM Night at Los Ranchos. There will be lots of fun interactive opportunities:  robots, icehouses, bridges, waterwheels and more.  Every grade level will have examples of their projects. Mark your calendars. It is going to be a fun evening!

Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Marlie Schmidt

For your Calendar:

No School - Monday, February 12th 
Dental Screening - Thursday, February 15th Tk/K/2rd/5th and IEP Students
No School - Monday, February 19th
Family Literacy Night 6p.m. and PTA Meeting 7p.m. - Tuesday, Feb.13th
Minimum Days - February 22nd and February 23rd 

Literacy Night
February 13th 6:00-7:00 p.m.
You will learn specific strategies to support your child's reading life and we will share information about the state testing that all 3rd - 6th graders participate in. Literacy Night will be  on the same night as Dr. Prater's presentation.  Come learn about reading and the district's future. Both have an impact on your child(ren).

PTA Meeting - Dr. Prater will be joining us..we hope you will too

Plan on joining us for our next meeting on February 13th at 7:00 p.m. in our school library.  Dr. Prater will be our special guest and will be telling us about the impact of the closure of Diablo Canyon. Child care will be provided.

School Accountability Report Card
Please click here to view our 2016-2017 Accountability Report Card
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0ByzQaOjc5gX1ajRjdE9KUmlTek1HbjJaZDh2TVFxX21zclFV

LCAP

Local Control Accountability (LCAP) Survey:

All school districts in California are required to develop a three-year Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) that describes how state funds will be used to improve student academic achievement. The LCAP must incorporate how the district is spending its supplementary funds, 4.5 million dollars, to meet the needs of students with greater challenges, including English learners, socio-economically disadvantaged students, and foster/homeless youth. In San Luis Coastal Unified School District (SLCUSD), we have constructed an LCAP that takes those supplementary funds along with general fund dollars (federal, state, and local) to implement five focus areas established by our Board of Trustees. The overall LCAP budget is approximately 6 million dollars out of our 92 million dollar budget. Engaging parents, students, community members, and school employees in developing, reviewing, and supporting implementation of the LCAP is critical to its success.

Please take a few minutes to complete the LCAP Survey. We value and appreciate the input from parents, staff, and community. The feedback will be used to revise our LCAP for 2018-2019. The LCAP Survey will be open until March 23rd.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SLCUSDLCAP

Encuesta de Plan de Responsabilidad de Control Local (LCAP):

Todos los distritos escolares de California están obligados a desarrollar un Plan de Responsabilidad de Control Local (LCAP por sus siglas en inglés) de tres años que describa cómo se utilizarán los fondos estatales para mejorar el logro académico del estudiante. El LCAP debe incorporar cómo el distrito está gastando sus fondos suplementarios, 4.500.000 dólares, para satisfacer las necesidades de los alumnos con mayores dificultades, incluyendo aprendices de inglés, estudiantes desfavorecidos socioeconómicamente, y jóvenes en hogares de acogida/sin hogar. En el Distrito Escolar Unificado de San Luis y Costa (SLCUSD por sus siglas en inglés), hemos construido un LCAP que toma los fondos complementarios, junto con dinero del fondo general (federal, estatal y local), para implementar cinco grandes áreas establecidas por nuestro Consejo Directivo. El presupuesto global del LCAP es aproximadamente $6,000,000 proveniente de nuestro presupuesto de $92,000,000. El involucramiento de los padres, estudiantes, miembros de la comunidad y empleados de la escuela en la elaboración, revisión y apoyo de implementación del LCAP es crítico para su éxito.

Por favor tómese unos minutos para completar la encuesta del LCAP. Valoramos y agradecemos el aporte de los padres, el personal y la comunidad. Los comentarios se utilizarán para revisar nuestro LCAP para 2018-2019.  La encuesta LCAP estará abierta hasta el 23 de marzo.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SLCUSDLCAP

DENTAL SCREENING PROGRAM

As part of our school health program, a volunteer dentist from the Central Coast Dental Society will provide dental screenings at your child’s school.  This year we will be screening TK, Kindergarten, third and fifth grade students on February 15th.  If you do not want your student screened please notify the teacher with a note for the nurse.

The dental screening consists of a simple visual inspection of your child’s teeth and will not involve the use of x-rays or other dental equipment.  This screening does not replace an in-office dental examination by your family dentist.

A letter will be sent home only if the screening identifies a potential dental problem. 

If you do not have a family dentist and you need help in obtaining dental care, you may contact:

• Central Coast Dental Society: 544-1113             Public Health Department: 781-5564 

Sweetheart

Dance

Saturday, February 10th, 5:00-6:30 PM

San Luis Obispo High School would like to invite all elementary school girls and their father-figure to our Annual Sweetheart Dance! This would be a fantastic time for daughters to connect and share a memorable experience with their father-figures. Music, arts & crafts, and goodies will be provided, as well as a photo booth for FREE priceless mementos.

Tickets:

$10 Per Couple +$2 additional Child

*Tickets will be sold at the door of the SLOHS New Gym

Newsletter, January 26, 2018

Principal's Message
Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos Elementary,

We will have a special presentation at our next PTA meeting that you won't want to miss. Dr. Prater will be presenting information about Diablo's closer and the resulting impact on our district. The meeting will be on Tuesday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. We hope to see you all there we will be providing childcare.

We know that it is challenging for parents to attend meetings at night, so we scheduled our Literacy Night on the same night as Dr. Prater's presentation.  Reading is one of the most important academic areas. Strong reading skills impact Math, Science, Writing and Social Studies in powerful ways. On February 13 you will learn specific strategies to support your child's reading. In addition, we will share information about the state testing in reading that all 3rd - 6th graders participate in. Literacy Night will begin at 6:00 p.m. Come learn about reading and the district's future. Both have an impact on your child(ren).

Cal Poly students are a wonderful resource in our community. Los Ranchos students are benefitting from their enthusiasm and knowledge in a couple ways. First, for the fourth year in a row, the Science Club from Cal Poly is sponsoring a Science Club at Los Ranchos. We have over 30 students participating. And second, a Landscape Architecture class is creating some designs to beautify our quad area. The Cal Poly students met with our Management Team and LR parent and Landscape Architect Scott Wright. The team shared  the challenges of the current design and our hopes and wishes for a more beautiful, inviting and functional quad. On Friday, March 2 the students will share their designs with the whole school community. We hope you can join us. Designs will be on display from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Marlie Schmidt

For your Calendar:

No School - Monday, February 12th 
No School - Monday, February 19th
Family Literacy Night 6p.m. and PTA Meeting 7p.m. - Tuesday, February 13thMinimum Days - February 22nd and February 23rd 

For district fliers go to http://www.slcusd.org/fliers.php

Newsletter, January 19, 2018

Principal's Message


 Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos,

Over the last 30+ years our school district has received additional funding due to taxes generated from Diablo Nuclear Power Plant. Our funding will be heavily impacted with the closer. Dr. Prater, district administrators and our school board have been keenly focused on preparing and advocating for our district ever since PG&E made the announcement. Dr. Prater will be presenting the most relevant and updated information about Diablo's closure and the resulting impact on our district. The meeting will be on Tuesday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. We hope to see you there. We will be providing childcare.

On that same night we will host a Literacy Night for parents. Reading is one of the most important academic areas.  Strong reading skills impact Math, Science, Writing, and Social Studies in powerful ways. You will learn specific strategies to support your child's reading life and we will share information about the state testing that all 3rd - 6th graders participate in. Literacy Night will be  on the same night as Dr. Prater's presentation. Literacy Night will be from 6 - 7:00 p.m. on February 13th. Come learn about reading and the district's future. Both have an impact on your child(ren).

Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Marlie Schmidt

For your Calendar:

No School - Monday, February 12
No School - Monday, February 19
Minimum Days - February 22nd and February 23rd 


PTA
Plan on joining us for our next meeting on February 13th at 7:00 p.m. in our school library.  Dr. Prater will be our special guest and will be telling us about the impact of the closure of Diablo Canyon. Child care will be provided.

Newsletter, January 12, 2018

Principal’s Message

Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos,

I hope you and your family had a family filled and memorable holiday season. The two weeks off was a great break for our students. They came back rested and invigorated. The level of academic engagement was an impressive sight in every classroom. Thank you for all your support in helping your students to re-engage.

This week we kicked off a 28 day kindness challenge. The goal is for everyone to do one act of kindness a day. Each day the students and staff are given an invitation for an act of kindness they can do. You can join in on the fun too! Ask your child what the act of kindness was for the day and if they have completed it yet. We can all do our part to take care of each other and take care of this place by being more kind. A special thanks to Miss Grossi and her students for leading the charge.

We will have a special presentation at our next PTA meeting. Dr. Prater will be presenting information about Diablo’s closer and the resulting impact on our district. The meeting will be on Tuesday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m. We hope to see you all there. We will be providing childcare.

I hope you and your family are enjoying your four day weekend.

Sincerely,

Marlie Schmidt

Note From Our School Nurse- Dental Screening

As part of our school health program, a volunteer dentist from the Central Coast Dental Society will provide dental screenings at your child’s school.  This year we will be screening TK, Kindergarten, third and fifth grade students, as well as students with IEP's,  on the 15th of February.  If you do not want your student screened please notify the teacher with a note for the nurse.

The dental screening consists of a simple visual inspection of your child’s teeth and will not involve the use of x-rays or other dental equipment.  This screening does not replace an in-office dental examination by your family dentist.

A letter will be sent home only if the screening identifies a potential dental problem. 

If you do not have a family dentist and you need help in obtaining dental care, you may contact:

• Central Coast Dental Society: 544-1113             Public Health Department: 781-5564
• Kristy Lazanoff, School Nurse                            Cherie Bruce, School Secretary  
• 
  

Information from Superintendent Prater

The Winter Community Update is now available online. It includes:

• Letter from Superintendent Prater
• Board of Trustees Reorganization
• President’s Outgoing Message
• Student Performance Leads the County
• Local Control Accountability Plan Update
• LOMS Meets With Schools to Watch
• Morro Bay Pool Grand Opening 
• Measure D: Construction Continues
• Cardboard Challenge
• Budget Update 
• Focusing on Family for Over Forty Years
• A Look at SLCUSD Employees

Newsletter, December 21, 2017

Principal’s Message

Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos,

We have much to celebrate as we say goodbye to 2017! First, our PTA sponsored a super successful Walk-a-thon and fundraiser! A letter with details is going home today. Please take a minute to learn more about all of the rich learning opportunities this fundraiser makes possible. And, you won’t want to miss the Walk-a-thon Video. It is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.  Second, our students have been making outstanding academic growth. And third, our students continue to grow as thoughtful, respectful individuals.

I wish you and your family a relaxing and memorable winter break. I look forward to seeing you  next year!

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Marlie Schmidt

Upcoming Dates

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
				December 22 ☃ First day of Winter Break NO SCHOOL
December 25 Winter Break Christmas Day	December 26 ☃ Winter Break	December 27 ☃ Winter Break	December 28 ☃ Winter Break	December 29 ☃ Winter Break
January 1 Winter Break Happy New Year!	January 2 ☃ Winter Break	January 3 ☃ Winter Break	January 4☃ Winter Break	January 5 ☃ Winter Break
January 8 STUDENTS RETURN First Day Back at School	January 9	January 10	January 11	January 12 Staff Development NO School for Students
January 15 No School Martin Luther King Jr. Day	January 16	January 17	January 18	January 19

Newsletter, December 15, 2017

Principal’s Message

Dear Friends and Families of Los Ranchos,

Today was a day of celebration! In addition to recognizing mathematicians and  great citizens we celebrated our amazing Walk-a-thon success.  The numbers are impressive. 1,707 miles counted (6,827 laps) and $72,000.00 were raised! 40 medals were awarded to students for their exceptional efforts on the field in laps run and off the field in fundraising. But the numbers only tell part of the story. We also celebrated acts of kindness and sportsmanship. The grit and elation of the day are beautifully documented in a video (coming your way soon) thanks to Los Ranchos parent Wolfgang Kaml.   We owe a huge debt of gratitude to Stacey White. She was the mastermind behind the event, thoughtfully planning every detail, right down to a beautiful celebration. We will send out a letter next week highlighting more specifics about the generous donations made to our school and a link to the inspiring video. What a great way to wrap up 2017!

We just wrapped up our Holiday Family Adoption this last week. Thank you for your generosity. Dozens of families are going to enjoy brighter holidays thanks to you. A special thanks to Mrs. Greer for organizing this event for Los Ranchos. Have a great weekend! Sincerely, Marlie Schmidt

Upcoming Dates

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
December 18	December 19	December 20	December 21 Full Day of School	December 22 ☃ First day of Winter Break NO SCHOOL
December 25 Winter Break Christmas Day	December 26 ☃ Winter Break	December 27 ☃ Winter Break	December 28 ☃ Winter Break	December 29 ☃ Winter Break
January 1 Winter Break Happy New Year!	January 2 ☃ Winter Break	January 3 ☃ Winter Break	January 4☃ Winter Break	January 5 ☃ Winter Break
January 8 STUDENTS RETURN First Day Back at School	January 9	January 10	January 11	January 12 Staff Development NO School for Students
January 15 No School Martin Luther King Jr. Day	January 16	January 17	January 18	January 19

.

Attention Parents

Dear Parents,

We want to give you all a quick head’s up. There has been a recent report of a purse being stolen out of a car during TK pick-up time (12:20ish). The Sheriff’s Office was notified by the parent. We have heard that a few other similar incidents have occurred recently at other schools and daycares around town. Please remember to lock your car doors when you leave it unattended in our school parking lot. Please notify the school office if you see anything suspicious in the parking lot. The better we get to know each other, the stronger we are as a community.

Thank you

Los Ranchos Gear
If you're looking for holiday gift ideas, check out Los Ranchos Gear at J. Carroll
https://www.jcarroll.com/collections/los-ranchos-elementary