Ranch Round Up 3-15-2024
Highland Ranch Elementary School
A Message From Ms. Barry
Budget Update
Dear Stallion Families,
We are navigating through a challenging period, as many of you may be aware, with our state facing a $73 billion deficit. In such uncertain times, it's natural to feel concerned about the impact on education. Despite these challenges, I firmly believe in the principle of preparing for the worst while hoping for the best. You might wonder what this financial situation means for our Stallions. At PUSD, we are tasked with reducing our budget by $15 million. Our district has diligently worked to ensure these cuts spare our classrooms, focusing instead on other areas.
This is why more than ever, we need to support our PTA and our Foundation—two pivotal organizations that bolster our school's funding. In the upcoming week, you'll receive updates about our APEX Fun Run, an exhilarating event that stands as our PTA's sole fundraiser. This initiative is crucial for providing our teachers with essential supplies, curriculum resources, and rewards for our "bucket fillers," among other necessities.
Beginning in April, information will be shared regarding our Foundation Silent Auction. This event plays a critical role in supporting our innovative teaching grants, funding our PE and Science educators, and sustaining our World Music program. Additionally, at the end of this month, you'll be invited to a principal's coffee meeting, offering a wonderful opportunity to connect directly with me.
Your unwavering support is more crucial than ever as we steer through these unprecedented times. Together, we can make a significant difference for our teachers and students. Thank you for being such an integral part of our Stallion family.
Ms. Barry
New Information
PUSD 2024-2025 Continuing Student Registration is Open
Online Continuing Student Registration will be open from March 1- March 31, 2024. We must receive a completed digital packet for all returning students. This will allow for proper placement of your student for the 2024-2025 school year. This annual digital process allows a family to complete one single “family” packet instead of completing one packet per student. Packets can be completed using any computer, tablet or smartphone with an internet connection.
Continuing Registration Steps:
Login and complete the digital registration packet via the online registration portal found here.
Review and complete any required forms located at the conclusion of the process. A packet is not considered finalized until this step is completed.
Please note: MEDICATION FORMS or ADDITIONAL SIGNED SITE SPECIFIC FORMS WILL NOT BE COLLECTED UNTIL SCHOOL BEGINS IN AUGUST FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR.
Forgot your username or password? Need technical help? You can retrieve your username as well as reset your password by visiting https://password.powayusd.com and clicking the button that represents the help you require. Technical help is also available by sending an email to accounthelp@powayusd.com.
Please email your current Principal as soon as possible if you do not plan to return to PUSD for the 2024-2025 school year.
Thank you for your attention to this important process,
The PUSD Enrollment Team
CAASPP: Smarter Balanced Assessments for English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Math
Every year, California students take several statewide tests. When combined with other measures such as grades, class work, and teacher observations, these tests give families and teachers a more complete picture of their child’s learning. You can use the results to identify where your child is doing well and where they might need more support.
Your child may be taking one or more of the following California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) tests. Pursuant to California Education Code Section 60615, parents/guardians may annually submit to the school a written request to excuse their child from any or all the CAASPP assessments.
CAASPP: Smarter Balanced Assessments for English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) and Math
Who takes these tests? Students in grades 3–8 and grade 11.
What is the test format? The Smarter Balanced assessments are computer-based.
Which standards are tested? The California Common Core State Standards.
CAASPP: California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) for ELA and Math
Who takes these tests? Students in grades 3–8 and grade 11 whose individualized education program (IEP) identifies the use of alternate assessments.
What is the test format? The CAAs for ELA and math are computer-based tests that are administered one-on-one by a test examiner who is familiar with the student.
Which standards are tested? The California Common Core State Standards through the Core Content Connectors.
CAASPP: California Science Test (CAST)
Who takes the test? Students take the CAST in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school, either in grade 10, 11, or 12.
What is the test format? The CAST is computer-based.
Which standards are tested? The California Next Generation Science Standards (CA NGSS).
CAASPP: California Alternate Assessment (CAA) for Science
Who takes the test? Students whose IEP identifies the use of an alternate assessment take the CAA for Science in grades 5 and 8 and once in high school, either in grade 10, 11, or 12.
What is the test format? The CAA for Science is a series of four performance tasks that can be administered throughout the year as the content is taught.
Which standards are tested? Alternate achievement standards derived from the CA NGSS.
How can I help my child get ready for the CAASPP?
You are an important part of your child’s education. Some things you can do to help your child are:
Explain to your child that these tests are tools to help them learn, and they should not be anxious or scared.
Remind your child that you and his or her teacher have high expectations and that you are both there to help, every step of the way.
Explore the practice tests with your child at caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html so they can become familiar with the platform and setup of the tests.
Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and a nutritious breakfast before testing.
To learn more about these tests go to the Starting Smarter web page at ca.startingsmarter.org or review the Parent Guides to Understanding at cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/ca/parentguidetounderstand.asp.
You will receive your child’s results at or before the beginning of the next school year. The results will identify where your child is doing well or needs more help, so you can better support their learning at home and teachers can better support their learning in the classroom.
PTA Announcements
SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR NEXT PTA ASSOCIATION MEETING ON MARCH 21st @ 6PM IN THE MPR FOLLOWED BY FAMILY ART NIGHT!!!
PTA members! Mark your calendars and join us for our next PTA Association Meeting of the 2023-2024 school year! PTA Officers will be elected for the next term, and below is the Slate of Nominees for next year's board. The meeting will be held on March 21st at 6:00 p.m. in the school’s MPR. Stay after the meeting for another amazing Family Art Night led by one of our very own HRES parents where families will learn how to make beautiful pop-up cards for any occasion. Hope to see you there!
President- Rachel Ashcraft
Executive Vice President- Ha Rana
Recording Secretary- Heidi Moreno
Treasurer- Sarah Reymond
Historian- Melissa Pascual
VP of Membership- Emily Meeson
VP of Publicity- Henna Hussain
VP of Ways & Means- Yesenia Diaz
VP of Programs- Osmilda Riley
Parliamentarian (Elected by the President)- Leila Dagher
APEX Fun Run is Back!!!!
We are so excited to have APEX back at school to prepare us for the Thursday, March 28 Fun Run. What is APEX Fun Run? APEX leaders visit our school and teach our students awesome lessons in being good humans and leaders. They end the lessons with a fun run and PTA fundraiser for our school. The funds are used to help provide supplies to the classroom, playground equipment, and more! The kids look forward to APEX every year as they bring so much fun and energy to the school.
This year’s theme: POWER - We all have the power to be the leaders this world needs
Proactive approaches
Optimistic outlooks
Working it out in a healthy way
Effort
Reality checks
We are looking for volunteers to help cheer the kids on during the run and to help mark the laps on the kids’ T-Shirts during the fun run. Here are the details:
When: March 28, 2024
Where: playground
Times:
– 8:00 am to 9:00 am: Preschool, TK, K, 1
– 9:00 am to 10:00 am: Grades 2 and 3
– 10:00 am to 11:00 am: Grades 4 and 5
Sign up to volunteer here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4CA5AA23A0FF2-48365204-apex
Thank you in advance for your support & help,
Your Highland Ranch PTA
Annual PTA Waiver
ANNUAL PTA FAMILY PARTICIPANT WAIVER
If you plan on attending any of our events such asTrunk-or-Treat/Outdoor Movie Night, International Night, Family Dance, STEAM Night and more, please take a quick moment to fill out our Annual PTA Family Participant Waiver: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdX37bo6ttMrlD5CfJMhmOmykOKsCoR2SOoDc6rBVyqFlFiVg/viewform?usp=sf_link
*We need one on file per family per year to attend all PTA events.
HRES Spiritwear
GOT HRES SPIRITWEAR?
Highland Ranch PTA has you covered! To view and purchase HRES Spirit Wear shirts and hoodies, please visit our spiritwear website: https://hrespta.itemorder.com/shop/home
*You can choose to pick up your order at Big Frog for free or get it shipped directly to you for a fee.
Foundation Announcements
Meet Our New PE Teacher: Coach G!!!!
The Highland Ranch Foundation is pleased to introduce Ms. Genia Duffell, who will be teaching Physical Education and is fondly known as “Coach G” by her students. Coach G, an employee of PUSD, brings a strong athletic background to our team, with a passion for soccer and coaching experience at Escondido Soccer Club. She’s also played baseball and basketball and competed in cross country, track and field, swimming, and crew. You can find Coach G with the 4th and 5th graders until April, then she turns to coaching the 2nd and 3rd graders.
Thanks to your support of the Highland Ranch Educational Foundation, two amazing teachers are making a difference.
STEAM Night Recap
Thank you to all who participated in PTA’s STEAM Night last night! So many talented young minds came out to display their love for all things STEAM. Special thanks to our own HRES science teacher, Ms. Nicole Wilson, for not only being an esteemed judge at the event but for always inspiring budding scientists.
Foundation Meeting Monday, May 6th at 6:30 PM
Next HR Educational Foundation Meeting: Monday, May 6
Join us on Monday, May 6th, in the HRES Library at 6:30 and hear about how the HREF supports the advancement of educational enrichment in TK-5th! Contact president@hrefoundation.org with any questions or concerns.
Older Information
TK/Kinder Information Night Thursday, April 25th
Save the Date: (Please note that the previous date was incorrect)
Thursday, April 25th
5 - 6 pm in the MPR
It is not too late to order your yearbook!
The last day to order or create personalized pages is April 9th. Yearbooks are not sold at school, so order today! TreeRing.com and Passcode 1013489799753947
Upload photos for 2023-24 School Year at TreeRing once you have an Account.
Cold and Flu Season
As we enter the cold and flu season, we want to ensure that you are well-informed about our health and medication procedures. Kindly take a moment to review the guidelines in the link above thoroughly, so you are prepared to handle situations where your child may need to stay home due to illness. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated.
Attendance Matters
Our school's primary objective is to enhance our daily attendance rates. Following the Winter Break, our school administrators will engage in discussions with families facing chronic absenteeism. We kindly emphasize the importance of scheduling vacations within the 180 days when school is not in session.
Research indicates a significant influence on students' academic and social well-being when they consistently miss school. In 2024, we will introduce incentives for students and classes that consistently exhibit good attendance.
Need Additional Illustrative Math Resources
We invite you to explore the provided link above for access to Illustrative Math resources that can enhance your students' learning experience during the Thanksgiving or Winter break. This resource-packed site is designed to complement Illustrative Math, offering valuable support for your students' mathematical journey. Your students will find a wealth of materials to reinforce their math skills and enrich their understanding. Happy learning!
Food and Nutrition Updates
School breakfast and school lunch are FREE for all enrolled students, every school day. Meals must still be entered into the cafeteria computer by individual student account.
Even though meals are free, families are still highly encouraged to complete the application for free and reduced-price meal eligibility. School site funding depends in part on the number of students eligible for free/reduced-price meals. Families that qualify for free/reduced-price meals may qualify for other benefits, as well. The meal application is available online at MySchoolApps.com.
Printer-friendly PDF menus are available on the PUSD Food and Nutrition webpage. At the top of the page, click or hover over School Menus + and then Printable PDF Menus.
Interactive, web-based menus containing nutrient and allergen details are available at MySchoolMenus.com, as well as via links from the F&N webpage.
Highland Ranch Elementary School
Website: https://highlandranch.powayusd.com/
Location: 14840 Waverly Downs Way, San Diego, CA 92128, USA
Phone: 858-674-4707