El Rancho Charter School
March 1, 2024
Office Hours
Office hours will be as follows for the school year:
Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Reminders
Hooded Sweatshirts
Coyotes! As a reminder, hooded sweatshirts of any kind are not allowed. Students must be in uniform attire at all times. If you have any questions, please ask an adult on campus. Failing to follow the rules will result in consequences.
This Week at El Rancho...
2024 California Distinguished School
Congratulations! El Rancho Charter School was named a 2024 California Distinguished School. We could not be more proud of our students, families, and staff!
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today announced that 293 middle schools and high schools have been selected for the prestigious 2024 California Distinguished Schools Program, California’s school recognition program that recognizes two categories of exceptional schools: those closing the achievement gap and those demonstrating exceptional student performance.
Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students.
The exceptional middle and high schools recognized this year are illustrative of the persistence and promise of California’s students, educators, and schools. To select California Distinguished Schools, the California Department of Education (CDE) uses multiple measures to identify eligible schools based on their performance on the state indicators as specified on the California School Dashboard (Dashboard).
Specifically, schools were selected by analyzing data reported through the 2023 Dashboard, with a focus on demonstrating excellence and growth in academic achievement and ensuring a positive school climate.
Schools are recognized for exceptional student performance based on achieving exemplary performance in English Language Arts (ELA) and math, reducing suspensions, and demonstrating high graduation rates (high schools only).
Schools recognized for closing the achievement gap enroll at least 40 percent of their students from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and, in addition to demonstrating exemplary overall performance in ELA and math, achieve accelerated academic growth for one or more historically underserved student groups.
Information regarding the 2023 Dashboard is provided on the CDE California School Dashboard and System of Support web page.
“It is my pleasure to honor and recognize these 293 secondary schools for their efforts to provide exemplary public education to all students. Excellent middle schools and high schools play a critical role in the life outcomes of our young people,” Thurmond said. “This year’s California Distinguished Schools celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our secondary educators and school staff who help our young adults discover passions and access college- and career-ready experiences that will propel them through life.”
The 2024 California Distinguished Schools, along with the 2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools, 2023 Civic Learning Award Schools, and 2023 and 2024 California Exemplary Dual Enrollment Award Schools, will be recognized at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim on May 3, 2024.
The list of 293 schools for 2024 is below. Elementary schools and middle and high schools are recognized in alternate years; therefore, awardees hold the title for two years. For more information, please visit the CDE California Distinguished Schools Program web page.
2024-2025 8th Grade Electives
On Tuesday, February 27th, 7th-grade students attended the elective presentation for the 2024-2025 school year. Elective forms were given to students to take home and are due back at school by Friday, March 8th, 2024, to the front office. Students who choose to sign up for electives that require an application must submit the application by March 8th as well. The presentation is included below for your convenience.
Career Day
On Tuesday, February 27th, 2024, PTSA hosted Career Day. We want to thank the El Rancho parents who volunteered and PTSA for providing this opportunity for our students.
Thank you, Parent Participants!
Greg Buie: Vision Global Empowerment - International Development
Christina Byrne: OC Transportation Authority
Patty Chau: Operating Room Nurse
Susanne Disparte: Disparte Tax Firm - Tax Attorney and Small Business Owner
Josh Esquer: (TAG) The Anaheim Group - Building Inspection for Schools and Healthcare Facilities
Samah Haggag: Experian Credit Bureau Marketing
Ryan Junsay: Pacific Pulmonary - Physician Associate
Lia Marentes: School Psychology
Maria Moncayo: Active Steps, LLC - Behavior Health Service (ABA)
David Munoz: Amgen - Medical Sales
Jill Pederson: Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Mental Health Therapist
Chris Fries: Voiceover Actor
Megan Crumpler: County of Orange, Public Health Care Agency
Next Week at El Rancho...
Orange County Spelling Bee
Congratulations for a job well done on the written round of the OC Spelling Bee Monday evening! All three students representing El Rancho qualified to advance to the oral round at the Orange County Department of Education this Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, at 9:00 am.
Great job and good luck, Sofia, Shubhay, and Danielle!
Elective Wheel Rotation
On Wednesday, March 6th, the 3rd trimester will begin. Students in the 7th grade Exploratory Wheel: Art, Woodshop, and Computers will rotate to their final class. Please see below for the rotation.
Computers (RM 303) to Woodshop (RM 500)
Woodshop(RM 500) to Art (RM 503)
Art (RM 503) to Computers (RM 301)
7th Grade Physical Education Testing
7th grade students will be participating in the Physical Fitness Test in their PE classes from February 26 through March 23rd. If there are any questions please contact your student's PE teacher.
Girls and Boys Basketball
On Monday, March 4th, the basketball teams will play Santiago Charter Middle School. The girls' team will be in the El Rancho gym and the boys' will be at Santiago. Both games begin at 3:00 pm.
2024-2025 8th Grade Electives
All 2024-2025 elective forms and applications are due Friday, March 8th, 2024. Forms can be turned in to Mrs. Abifadel in the front office.
Canyon Registration Presentation
On Tuesday, March 5th, Canyon High Counselors will be on campus to explain course options and the registration process to our current 8th graders. They will return on March 13th and 14th to collect registration forms.
2024-2025 Enrollment
OUSD's Open Enrollment reopened on February 5th. If your student plans on attending a school within OUSD, but outside of their home attendance area, an Open Enrollment form needs to be completed.
Current 7th-grade students will receive information about 8th-grade electives on February 27, 2024, during their history class. Students will hear about 8th-grade elective options and honors courses during the presentation.
8th-grade students will receive registration information for Canyon High School on March 5, 2024. Canyon's counselors will return on March 13th and 14th to pick registration materials up and meet with students during their PE class.
8th Grade Updates
Important Dates for Canyon High School
March 5th: Canyon Registration Presentation for students during history classes
March 13th and 14th: Canyon Registration Pick-Up during PE classes
April 1st, 3rd, & 5th: Canyon Cheer Tryouts from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm
April 6th: Song Clinic 8:30 am to 2:00 pm
April 8th: Athletic Open House from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Gym
April 8th: Sports Physicals from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the MPR
April 15th-17th: Canyon Song Tryouts
May 7th: Canyon Dance Tryouts from 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Aug. 12th-15th: Taking Care of Business
Tutorial Menu-March 6 & 7
On each Wednesday and Thursday, we have Tutorial for 30 minutes before lunch. Students should use this time to make up tests, complete missing assignments, and get help from teachers when needed.
Students who are stamped by their teacher must attend that tutorial session. If stamped by multiple teachers, the subject that has priority that day takes precedence.
Students who have C grades or better, are not stamped by a teacher, and do not have any detention stamps, can go to PE, the Little Theater, or Library to complete homework. It is the student's responsibility to check their grades prior to Tutorial.
Students have a 5-minute passing period to get to their tutorial room. Once students arrive at their Tutorial destination, they stay there for the entire 30 minutes. Please use the menu below to make a plan for this week!
Athletics
Boys' and Girls' Basketball
All games begin at 3:00 PM
Girls' Schedule
Monday, February 12th: El Rancho @ Portola Middle School (W)
Monday, February 26th: Yorba Middle School @ El Rancho-canceled
Monday, March 4th: Santiago Charter @ El Rancho
Monday, March 11th: El Rancho @ McPherson
Monday, March 18th: Cerro Villa @ El Rancho
Boys' Schedule
Monday, February 12th: Portola Middle School @ El Rancho (W)
Monday, February 26th: El Rancho @ Yorba Middle School-canceled
Monday, March 4th: El Rancho @ Santiago Charter
Monday, March 11th: McPherson @ El Rancho
Monday, March 18th: El Rancho @ Cerro Villa
North Orange County (NOC) Volleyball
After School Programs
After-school programs are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 2:50 PM to 3:50 PM
Homework Club in the library
Math Academy in room 306
Garden Gnomes (Wednesdays)
Parents will need to provide transportation as there is no late bus.
Staff Coyote of the Month
We would love to recognize our staff who go above and beyond. So, just like Student of the Month, we have Staff of the Month! If you would like to recognize one of our staff members who exemplifies our Coyote qualities, please use the form below to recognize them.
To be eligible for a Staff of the Month Award, an employee must demonstrate one or more of the following traits:
C: Compassion, Character, and Community
O: Outlook (Positive)
Y: Yearning for Excellence
O: Outstanding insight into students
T: Team Player
E: Excites students to learn
February Staff Coyote of the Month
Congratulations to Mr. Castro, February's Staff of the Month! Good morning, Coyotes! Students described Mr. Castro as kind and understanding. They also noticed what a great job he does building good relationships with students. He’s able to have fun in the classroom as he knows a lot of kids don’t like school, but he works hard to change that.
Great job, Mr. Castro!
Get Psyched!
Mental Health Newsletter
El Rancho Charter School is dedicated to supporting its students and staff during these unprecedented times. The site below serves as a means to share school-wide strategies we have in place to support mental health as well as provide resources, suggestions, and tips to help during this difficult time. Although we are apart, we are all in this together.
Important Dates...Mark Your Calendars!
Mar. 5: Canyon Registration Presentation during History class
Mar. 5: End of 2nd Trimester
Mar. 6: 3rd Trimester Begins
Mar. 6: Choir Performance at Disneyland CA Adventure
Mar. 13 & 14: Canyon Registration Pick-Up during PE
Mar. 20: Honor Band & Orchestra Performances at Chapman University 6:00 PM
Mar. 21: Open House
Mar. 25-29: Spring Break
Apr. 4: Advance Band & Orchestra Performance at Knott's Berry Farm
Apr. 5: 7th Grade Medieval Times Field Trip
Apr. 12: Theater Arts Play 5:00 PM
Apr. 22: Advance Band Performance at Angel Stadium
Apr. 24-May 24 SBAC Testing on Wednesdays-Fridays
Information and Resources
Administration and Communication
El Rancho administration works as a management team with three assistant principals, called advisors, who work alongside our Executive Director, Mrs. Walker, to help students be successful. Advisors work with students in the areas of attendance, academics, behavior, and scheduling. The student body is divided into groups by their last name and assigned to an advisor who is like the principal for that part of the alphabet. Students with Section 504 Plans will have Mrs. Beard as their advisor.
Advisors are always happy to help answer general questions regarding school programs. We encourage families to first address questions regarding the grade book, assignments, and classroom interaction to the individual teacher and advisors can be cc'd on communications at any time.
- A-G..........Mrs. Ozuna.......... kozuna@orangeusd.org
- H-P..........Mr. Kilgore........... gkilgore@orangeusd.org
- Q-Z..........Mrs. Beard........... kbeard@orangeusd.org
Attendance Hotline/Attendance Office
Mrs. Cannon, our Attendance Clerk, appreciates your phone call if your child has to miss school. Please call the Attendance Hotline 714-628-5427 on the day of your student's absence.
Please check Google Classroom for work missed up to 3 days.
Students who have a planned absence that is more than 3 days should pick-up an absence form at the attendance office.
During Tutorial, on Wednesdays and Thursdays, please avoid picking students up early, between 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM.
The Attendance Office is for signing-in students who are late to school and signing-out students who are picked-up early from school.
Bell Schedule
3 Trimester Calendar
New to El Rancho?
Link to Previous Newsletters
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