The Round-Up
The Sonoma Ranch Elementary School Principal's Newsletter
Issue 277
Hello Stallion Families,
We made it! It is hard to believe that the end of the year is upon us. Way back in August we began with Meet the Teacher night, and on Thursday we will end the year with our Success Assembly and 6th Grade Walk. The days in between have been filled with challenges unlike those we have experienced in years past. The days have also been filled with successes too many to name. Sonoma Ranch Elementary has had a successful year!
Your students have shown tremendous growth and achievement this year. I can assure you they have worked hard for their success. Our students leave us on Thursday after a year filled with challenges and accomplishments. I am proud of their efforts.
This week we say goodbye to three truly amazing Stallions who begin their retirement at the end of the week.
- Peggy Dearth began her career with Gilbert Public Schools more than a dozen years ago. As a paraprofessional specialist in our SPICE I (Autism) classrooms Peggy has been a rock of consistency and dedication to her students. Peggy has worked tirelessly to meet all the needs of the students in her charge. She always does what it best for kids. Our SPICE I Primary classroom is a better place for having had Peggy a part of it for so many years.
- Nancy Gromek also began her career with GPS more than a dozen years ago. For years Nancy has been a fixture in our 6th grade classrooms. Supporting our students with Autism in the general education classroom Nancy has guided countless students toward success academically, socially and emotionally. Nancy's impact extends beyond the students in her charge, as she is often the extra teacher in the room for all students.
- Patti Munley began teaching music at Sonoma Ranch in 2007. The innumerable music programs she produced has brought joy to families and instilled a love of music in her students. In her 15 years at Sonoma Ranch she has become the gold standard by which all music instruction is measured. Patti truly embodies the true meaning of the word teacher.
It is hard to put into words the impact Peggy, Nancy and Patti have made in the lives of the students and adults at Sonoma Ranch Elementary. That impact is evident every day at the Ranch. We are a better place for having had the opportunity to engage, to educate and to inspire alongside them.
The end of the school year marks the end of the terms for our PTSO Executive Board members. They have given a great deal of their time and effort for the benefit of all our students. Tim Roan has been our PTSO Treasurer for the past several years. Tim streamlined our accounting practices and provided financial guidance and leadership. Chermay Mayfield has been a constant presence at Sonoma Ranch for years. Chermay has lead the PTSO Teacher Appreciation efforts year after year with a steadfast focus on showing our staff how much they are appreciated. It would be hard to count the number of meals she has coordindated for the Stallion Staff. We are tremendously grateful to both these wonderful people for their dedication to the Sonoma Ranch community. They will be missed!
As we head into summer I want to thank each and every one of you for your support of Sonoma Ranch Elementary. The Ranch is an amazing school with terrific students, a dedicated staff and supportive community. It has been a successful school year for everyone despite the many challenges we've faced. Thank you all so very much for what you do for the Sonoma Ranch Elementary School community.
May 2022 Events
- StuCo Spirit Day - Future Day - May 24
- 1:55 Early Release - May 25
- Last Day for Students - May 26
- Success Assembly and 6th Grade Walk - May 26
- 11:55 AM Dismissal - May 26
Dates for 2022
- Teacher assignments available in IC - July 19
- Open House/Meet the Teacher Night - July 22
- First Full Day of School - July 26
Infinite Campus - Important Dates For 2022/23
Our Annual Update begins on July 11th. It is very important that all families complete the online ‘Annual Update’ to prepare for the new school year. The ‘Annual Update’ in Infinite Campus allows you to tell us of any updates to your contact information, address changes, and updates to emergency contacts. In order to ensure we can communicate with you regarding your student, or in case of emergency, it is essential that we have your up to date contact details. Please log in to your Infinite Campus parent portal and complete your student’s ‘Annual Update’ today. To access the IC portal visit www.gilbertschools.net/IC
The IC parent portal opens for all of our elementary students, including details of your student’s teacher(s) for the new school year on July 19th at 4:00 pm.
Download the GPS App
The GPS App includes a link to IC, as well as access to your student’s school calendar, meal information, bus routes, and other helpful information for parents and students. Visit www.gilbertschools.net/app for more information.
GPS Summer Programs
Free & Reduced Meals Program for 2022/23 School Year
Meals will not be free next year.
In order to receive free and reduced meals following July 1, 2022 families will need to fill out an application. Students who apply and are eligible for free and reduced meals will also receive additional benefits such as waived summer school fees, waived college testing fees, waived musical instrument fees, waived or reduced college application fees, reduced internet fees, and much more!
Additionally, the free and reduced meal program ensures your school continues to receive funding for many school programs.
Learn more here - https://www.gilbertschools.net/menu.
Apply online starting July 1, 2022, for the 2022/23 school year - gilbertschools.net/meals
This Week @ The Ranch
Monday
Last day for art
Tuesday
StuCo Spirit Day - Future Day
(Future Day is for everyone to dress how they want to be when they grow up - their future self)
Ms. Erickson’s 2nd Grade end of year celebration 6:15 PM
Wednesday
Early Release 1:55 PM
Last day for Library, PE, General Music, Band, & String
Thursday
Last Day for Students
Success Assembly 10:45 AM (students/staff only)
6th Grade Walk 11:30 AM ish (families welcome)
Students dismiss 11:55 AM
Principal
About us
Email: lori.schuermann@gilbertschools.net
Website: sonomaranch.gilbertschools.net
Location: 601 N Key Biscayne Dr, Gilbert, AZ, United States
Phone: (480) 497-9343
Twitter: @stallion_strong
Lunch (and breakfast) is FREE
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extended free meals for children 18 years and younger until further notice to help ensure all children have access to nutritious food as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gilbert Public Schools will provide combo meals at no cost to students for breakfast and lunch. A combo meal includes an entree, fruit and/or vegetable and beverage (milk and/or juice).
We certainly encourage our families to take advantage of this opportunity.