Dear Rancho Families,
We officially closed our gradebooks for the first trimester this week! I am so thrilled to see the incredible growth our students have made so far this year.
We use a Standards-Based Report Card.
The California State Standards are grade-level metrics that outline specific strands of subject-matter content designed to build upon one another year after year. Often, standards look very similar from grade to grade, especially in English Language Arts - while others shift more dramatically, such as in Mathematics. This intentional progression is called vertical articulation. During our Professional Learning Community (PLC) and professional development time, our teachers collaborate to understand how these standards build, ensuring seamless learning transitions across all grade levels.
Our new Benchmark English Language Arts curriculum aligns content across grade levels while weaving in Social Studies and Science standards. This week, I had the pleasure of seeing this in action:
-
2nd Grade: I watched students connect long-vowel learning targets directly to their reading passages and writing.
-
Transitional Kindergarten (TK): I observed fine motor development and play-based learning in action as our youngest learners build essential student skills. Plus, our TK students joined us at Friday Flag for the very first time this week! They did a fantastic job showing excellent audience behavior, we are so proud of our youngest "Wee Eaglets"!
-
Physical Education: Ms. Shelley wrapped up throwing and catching last week, and students moved on to kicking this week. Ms. Shelley makes PE incredibly fun-talk about play-based education! PE also follows a systematic set of state standards that we teach across all grade levels.
Rancho is a beautiful place where we are growing and nurturing the whole child. Our students gain rich exposure to music, physical activity, science, social studies, English language arts, mathematics, art, garden, and social-emotional learning every single day.
Upcoming Events & Important Dates
-
Wednesday, November 11: No School in honor of Veterans Day.
-
Tuesday, November 10 (Evening Meetings):
-
5:30 PM: Rancho Family Listening Session
-
6:30 PM: ELAC & School Site Council Meetings
Thank you for your continued partnership and support in making our school community so vibrant. Have a wonderful weekend!
Warmly,
AnnaMaria Young
Principal
|
Dear Rancho families,
This Thursday, November 12, our students and families will get to explore six hands-on STEAM stations, from stomp rockets to simple circuits. Thank you to everyone who signed up through Friday’s PTA post! If you’d like to help, we’d love to have you join us.
-
Before the event: Set up tables, post signs, and lay out supplies.
-
During the event: Welcome families or help students try an experiment. Station volunteers will receive simple instructions ahead of time and a quick walkthrough before doors open. If you have just 5–15 minutes, you can restock supplies or reset a table for the next group.
-
After the event: Pack up materials and help return the room to its usual setup.
Please include your name, preferred role, and the time you’re available. No STEAM experience is needed. If you have questions, please email our parent volunteer co-coordinator, Tom Jordan, at tomj415@gmail.com. Thank you for helping our students explore something new together. I look forward to seeing you Thursday!
|
Our Lost and Found is getting very big again! It will be bagged up next week, held for a month, and then donated. Please come get your children's lost items! Make sure to label all items, because we look for names and return the items rather than have them sit in the Lost n Found. |
Mrs. Chipman has been part of the Rancho community for 17 years and brings 23 years of experience in education. As a 4th grade teacher, she loves working with children and creating a classroom environment that challenges students while inspiring them to love learning. She is especially passionate about Rancho’s Trout in the Classroom program, where she works with California Fish and Wildlife to hatch trout eggs and then release the young trout, called “fry,” into our local Scottsdale Pond. She loves helping students make meaningful connections to caring for our environment. Outside of school, Mrs. Chipman enjoys cooking, trying new recipes, and relaxing with her husband of 32 years. She is also very proud of her three daughters and recently welcomed a new son-in-law to the family! |
Mrs. Hart has been part of the Rancho community for five years and brings 17 years of experience in education. As a kindergarten teacher, she loves working with her students but also enjoys connecting with new teachers and sharing in all things “teacher talk”! Originally from Colorado, she has also lived in Alaska and Florida before making California home in 2009. She has two young adult children and has been with her husband since they were 18! Outside of school, Mrs. Hart enjoys reading, hiking, shopping, getting her nails done, and listening to true crime podcasts on the trails. She's a big Denver Broncos fan, loves baseball games, '80s music and '90s country, and is a devoted cat lover. Her favorite meal? Mexican food with a margarita! She also enjoys making Instagram videos and dreams of becoming an influencer or podcaster someday—although she jokingly wonders if anyone would actually listen or watch! |
Rancho Family Listening Session & SSC/ELAC Meeting
Tuesday November 10th
5:30 pm Listening Session
*District Office Staff, Novato Police Department, and North Bay Security will be on this call to answer questions and hear your concerns.
6:30 pm School Site Council and ELAC
Thank you to everyone who has reached out regarding recent events at Rancho. To ensure our community feels heard and supported, I invite you to join us for an informal virtual listening session.
To help us make the most of our time together, please share any questions or topics you would like addressed using [this form]. Gathering these in advance helps us prepare clear, helpful answers for the meeting. We look forward to connecting with you.
|
Rancho Elementary School Makeup Day
Makeup Day: 11/16/2026
This is the last opportunity for individual portraits this year.*
Missed Photo Day?
Students who were absent on the original Photo Day are on the Makeup Day list and will be photographed at no charge. This is their first session. Only students on the Makeup Day list can be photographed.
*Retakes are available for $10 through your student's online gallery until midnight before Makeup Day. Your student's original portrait gallery selections were provided at no cost; the $10 covers a brand-new photo session. High school students can also pay on-site with a QR code. If your student can't attend after paying, email CustomerSupport@MugsyClicks.com for a refund.
Your School Page
|
On Wednesday, November 18, students across Marin will celebrate Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day—honoring the courage of a six-year-old girl whose walk to school helped change history.
Gather your friends, classmates, and families and walk & roll together in a celebration of kindness, courage, community, and inclusion.
Our fall theme continues: Community + Consistency. Every trip together strengthens our school community—and every positive habit starts with one step.
El miércoles 18 de noviembre, los estudiantes de todo Marin celebrarán el Día de Caminar a la Escuela en Honor a Ruby Bridges, recordando la valentía de una niña de seis años cuyo camino a la escuela ayudó a cambiar la historia.
Reúne a tus amigos, compañeros de clase y familiares para caminar o ir sobre ruedas juntos en una celebración de la bondad, la valentía, la comunidad y la inclusión.
Nuestro tema de otoño continúa: Comunidad + Constancia. Cada recorrido que hacemos juntos fortalece nuestra comunidad escolar, y cada hábito positivo comienza con un primer paso.
|
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
|
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.
-
Outdoor Play Guidelines: Unless it is actively raining, students will be playing outside during recess and lunch.
-
Equipment Maintenance: Our staff will do our best to wipe down benches and playground equipment so students can play safely.
-
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!
|
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
|
Upcoming TK/K Tour Dates are:
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.
|
11/10 - 5:30 pm Listening Session with District Leadership and NPD
11/10 - ELAC And SSC 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.
|
|
THANK YOU to
Forrest & Charlie Gay
for assembling our new Book Box, A Gift from the Class of 2026, last year’s 5th Graders, to our Rancho Eagles!
THANK YOU to Kelly Mullane for creating and managing the Costume Swap this year!
THANK YOU to Costume Parade Volunteers:
Alinne Steiger, Ryan Strong, Kelly Mullane, Julie Raymann, Pamela Merideth, Jimena Motta, Emily Manuel, Fariba Hicks, Jessica & Dom Taylor, Ingrid Sandoval, Tiara Johnson, Christina Chan, Natalie Leonard, Sandee Differding, Lindsey Burdick, Jennifer Sims, Telma Robles, Raum Palacios, Jenn England, Sarah Walter & DJ Forrest Gay.
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
