Dear Rancho Families,
What a wonderful day on campus! Our costume parade was a joyous success, and it was incredible to see all the creative costumes, big smiles, and community spirit. A massive thank you to all the parents who stepped in to help organize and support every aspect of the parade, we truly could not have done it without your time and energy!
As we celebrate these fun moments together, I also want to take a moment to address our ongoing commitment to student safety. Events occurring in our surrounding community can naturally impact our school, which is why we practice safety drills regularly. These drills ensure our staff and students know exactly what to do in any situation.
My primary role is to respond to situations as effectively as possible, reflect thoughtfully after each drill or event, and make any necessary adjustments to refine our procedures. I genuinely welcome feedback from our families and want to thank those who reach out directly with questions. Contacting me directly is always the best and fastest way to get accurate, clear information.
I also know that talking to children about safety can be delicate. It is so important that families feel confident using age-appropriate language with their children. Please remember that our school is always here as a resource for you, if you ever need guidance or common language to help discuss safety at home, please do not hesitate to ask.
This is an amazing community, full of heart and love, and I am so grateful to partner with each of you.
Have a safe, happy, and fun Halloween!
Warmly,
AnnaMaria Young
Principal
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Your Photos Are Ready — Early Bird Discount & Free Shipping End Soon at Rancho Elementary School!
Great news — your student's portraits from Rancho Elementary School are ready to view! Log in or create an account at MugsyClicks.com to see their gallery, order prints, and share with family.
Don't wait too long: the Early Bird discount and free shipping both end 11/19/2026, so now's the best time to order.
Access Code
Every student has their own private code, emailed from info@mugsyclicks.com once photos are uploaded. Check your spam folder — and if you got a postcard from Photo Day or Gallery Release, your code is on it.
Promotion Details
Offer ends: 11/19/2026 — covers both the Early Bird discount and free shipping below
Early Bird Ordering Discount: Applied automatically at checkout — no code needed
Free Shipping Code: 8I3pMR
Minimum order: $40
How to Order
1. Log in or create an account at MugsyClicks.com — use the email your school has on file.
2. If you've viewed photos with us before, or your school shared your email, your photos may already be in your account.
3. Not there? Enter your student's personal access code (see above).
4. View your student's portraits and place your order.
Your School Page
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Meet Mrs. Howard!
Mrs. Howard has been part of the Rancho community for 23 years and currently is a 2nd grade teacher! One of her favorite parts of teaching is watching students grow in confidence, build friendships, and strengthen their learning. She especially loves when former students return to share all the amazing things they’re doing. Originally from Santa Cruz, Mrs. Howard enjoys visiting the beach, attending sporting events, and playing board games with her family. She’s also a fan of ’80s movies, Giants baseball games, snorkeling in Maui, and watercolor painting. Rancho holds a special place in her heart, and she feels lucky to be part of our school community!
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Meet Mrs. G. (Eva Gaborjak)!
Mrs. G. has been helping Rancho students grow for six years and is currently a Reading Intervention specialist. She loves seeing students recognize how much they are learning and growing, describing it as watching a Rancho Eagle spread their wings! Originally from Hungary, she has lived in the United States for 16 years and spent seven years in Denmark. She has explored six languages, though she now speaks two fluently. She lives in the Rancho neighborhood, so be sure to say hello if you see her around! In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and son, crocheting adorable amigurumi figures, and relaxing with a good movie or book. Her three favorite things? Coffee, chocolate, and crocheting!
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Our playground is a wonderful space for families to connect after dismissal, and we love seeing our community enjoy our campus! To keep everyone safe and ensure our resources stay in good shape for physical education and recess, please review these reminders with your students:
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Supervision Required: All students must be directly supervised by a parent or guardian after dismissal.
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Eagle Expectations Apply: We ask that students continue following all standard playground rules after school, including respecting school property and using equipment appropriately.
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School Equipment is Off-Limits: School equipment carts and balls (including those near the primary bathrooms) are for school-hour use only. Students should not access equipment carts after dismissal, even with prior permission during the school day.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our campus safe, calm, and welcoming for all of our Eagles!
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The Five Safety Actions
HOLD — Used when hallways or common areas need to remain clear while a situation inside the school is addressed. Students may hear a direction to remain in their classroom or current learning space. Instruction can continue when appropriate.
SECURE — Used when there is a potential concern outside the school. Students may hear an announcement directing everyone to come inside and remain indoors. Exterior access is secured, and learning may continue inside when appropriate.
LOCKDOWN — Used when there is an immediate threat on or very near campus. Students may hear a clear lockdown announcement and direct instructions from their teacher. Students and staff move to or remain in secure locations, maintain quiet, and follow trained procedures until law enforcement or school administration provides further direction.
EVACUATE — Used when it is safer to leave a building or area. Students may hear a fire alarm, PA announcement, whistle, or adult direction telling them where to move. Classes leave together, report to a designated location, and remain with staff while attendance is checked. Earthquake and fire procedures may include evacuation.
SHELTER — Used when conditions make it safer to remain indoors or take a specific protective action, such as during an environmental or community hazard. Students may hear an announcement identifying the protective action and should follow staff directions.
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On Tuesday, students heard a Secure the Campus. They hear me say over the loud speaker: "We are moving into Secure Campus. Teachers, please release the lock block and ensure your class is locked. You may continue teaching. If you are outside, please come inside to your classroom. If you need to use the bathroom, please call the office. Thank you!"
Once we have determined we can lift a Secure Campus, I say, "We are no longer in Secure Campus, have a great day!"
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Families, please remember that you will hear an update from the school once we are available, we are ensuring the campus is safe and then we will send out communication.
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Copperfield’s Books Fundraising Weekend – November 6–8!
Support the Rancho Library while shopping at Copperfield’s Books! From November 6–8, visit any Copperfield’s Books location listed on the flyer, mention Rancho Elementary School at checkout, and Copperfield’s will donate 20% of your purchase to the Rancho Library Book Program.
You can also shop at their new Novato location at 834 Grant Avenue!
It’s a great opportunity to find new books for your family while helping us grow and refresh our school library collection. Please spread the word to friends and family, too!
Thank you for supporting our Rancho readers!
Jessica Gamboa Paradise
Library Media Specialist
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Rainy Day & Outdoor Recess Info
With a wet winter ahead, we want to share a quick update on how we handle outdoor play. Our goal is always to get students outside for fresh air as much as possible.
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Outdoor Play Guidelines: Unless it is actively raining, students will be playing outside during recess and lunch.
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Equipment Maintenance: Our staff will do our best to wipe down benches and playground equipment so students can play safely.
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Extra Clothes: You are always welcome to stash a fresh, dry set of clothes (including socks) in your child's backpack just in case they get wet or muddy while playing.
Thank you for helping us keep our students warm, dry, and active this winter!
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Picture Make Up Day
If your child was absent for picture day, the make up day will be Monday, November 16. We will be printing the absence lists so no one gets missed. Also, if your student is new to Rancho, they will also have their picture taken on November 16.
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We've noticed an uptick in tardies and absences lately. Everyday counts, and every minute matters! Thank you for helping your student arrive at school on time and ready to learn. We truly appreciate your students' regular attendance. We love having our Rancho Eagles here!
Also, looking ahead, please take a moment to review our official Novato Unified School District Calendar and work to plan family vacations during scheduled school breaks, which include November 23 - 27, 2026, December 21, 2026 - January 4, 2027, February 15 - 19, 2027 and April 5 - 9, 2027. NUSD School Calendar 2026-2027
Having your students here each day makes a big difference. We love seeing them learning and growing with us. Thank you for being here and for your continued support!
If your student will be absent, please let us know each day by using one of the following options:
- Scan the QR Code Below
- Use the Absence Link: Click HERE
- Call the Attendance Line: (415) 897-9082
- Email: byaeger@nusd.org
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Upcoming TK/K Tour Dates are:
Wednesday, November 4 at 9:30am
Wednesday, December 2 at 11:00am
Wednesday, January 6 at 9:30am
Wednesday, February 3 at 11:00am
Wednesday, March 3 at 9:30am
Please secure a spot with Lisa Casey at lcasey@nusd.org. We do ask that only adults attend the tours.
Also, do you have a new student who will be attending either TK or Kindergarten for the 2026-27 school year? Registration opens on November 1. You will be able to register at nusd.org beginning then.
If your student is currently in TK, you do not need to register for Kindergarten. Your student will roll over into the next grade.
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11/5 - Fire Drill
11/6 - End of Trimester 1
11/10 - ELAC And SSC moved 5:30 and 6:30 pm
11/11 - No School - Veterans Day
11/12 - Family STEAM night
11/16 - Picture Day Make Up
11/16 - PTA General Meeting 6:30pm
11/23 - 11/27 - Thanksgiving Break
Parent-Teacher Conference Week is November 16–20.
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Lara Karl and all our Parent Volunteers for making our Costume Parade so special and memorable! |
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If your student will be absent, please let us know by doing one of the following:
- Scan the QR Code
- Use the absence link - CLICK HERE
- Call the Attendance Line: (415) 897-9082
- email Brandi Yaeger: byaeger@nusd.org
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