Ranch Round Up 10-6-2023
Highland Ranch Elementary School
A Message From Ms. Barry
Stanley The Stallion
Embracing the spirit of community lies at the heart of Highland Ranch. We love our students and families and we cannot build this community without the help of our PTA and Foundation. Supporting these organizations is vital to nurturing the strong bonds within our community. Whether you attend meetings, participate in events, or contribute financially, your involvement makes a significant difference. When staff, students, and families unite in support of our school, our students flourish.
For those who attended Friday Flag, you were among the first to learn about our newly chosen mascot. Our students' voices were heard, and now, Stanley The Stallion proudly represents us. Thanks to the generosity of the PTA, a new sound system (arriving next month) and the Stallion Mascot costume were funded. Selected 5th grade students met with me and Ms. Edrington today to discuss representing our mascot at future Friday Flags.
I encourage you to explore important updates in this week's Round Up, including information about our PTA Reflections Program, Return to Learn, our Math Club, and much more. Your active engagement enriches the Highland Ranch experience for everyone, and together, we continue to strengthen our wonderful community.
October's Character Pillar
New Information
Retun to Learn
You have until Friday, October 6th to reach $350 of family donations to qualify for the sealed silent auction and a chance to win your own RESERVED parking spot! Winner can drive into their spot MONDAY 10/9! Donations of any amount are accepted through October 13. Visit https://app.99pledges.com/fund/HREF2023, find your family page, and donate today!
Join the next General Foundation Board Meeting - November 1 in the HRES Library at 6:30 to find out how the Return to Learn donations are allocated and spent!
PTA Reflections
NATIONAL PTA REFLECTIONS ARTS CONTEST
If your child loves to create art, music, dance routines, and short films, the National PTA Arts Contest deadline is Friday, October 13th and rules and guidelines for each art category is linked to the beginning of the Google Entry form. Highland Ranch PTA will judge the entries and send the 1st & 2nd place winners in each arts category off to the next level of judging. The theme this year is “I am hopeful because…”
Here is the entry link with rules and guidelines:
https://forms.gle/3UVvGEUos2c5tfVaA
To check out last year’s entries, click this link:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1m1fRu5dVPjEZFtBt2QzQhPV6XknXPu-XrSO_LGuZD7M/edit
Email hmoreno@rsf.k12.ca.us with any and all questions too
Trunk or Treat
We Need Candy/Prize Donations:
Preschool/TK Candy/Prize Donation Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4CA5AA23A0FF2-44493515-preschool
Kindergarten Candy/Prize Donation Signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4CA5AA23A0FF2-44495251-kindergarten
First Grade Candy/Prize Donation Signup:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4CA5AA23A0FF2-44495582-first
Second Grade & 2/3 Combo Class Candy/Prize Donation Signup:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4CA5AA23A0FF2-44495624-second
Third Grade Candy/Prize Donation Signup:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4CA5AA23A0FF2-44495620-third
Fourth Grade Candy/Prize Donation Signup:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4CA5AA23A0FF2-44495675-fourth
Fifth Grade Candy/Prize Donation Signup:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F4CA5AA23A0FF2-44495666-fifth
Candy/Inedible donations will be collected by PTA Board Members/Chairpersons the Tues/Wed/Thurs before Trunk or Treat & stored in large trash bags (one for each class) each donation needs to be labeled with Teacher name & Room Number.
o Tuesday, 10/17 at 7:20-7:50am or 1:20-1:50pm @ MPR
o Wednesday, 10/18 at 7:20-7:50am or 1:20-1:50pm @MPR
o Thursday, 10/19 at 7:20-7:50am or 1:20-1:50pm @MPR
Timeline of Event:
2-3pm Vehicles Check-In (staff parking lot - school gates will be closed)
3:30pm All Vehicles In
4-6pm Flippin Pizza Food Truck
4:30-7pm Sunny Scoops Ice Cream
4:30-5:30pm Trunk or Treat
5:30pm School gates open
5:30-7:30pm Concessions Open, CASH ONLY
5:45pm Costume Contest
6:00pm Movie Starts
HRES Math Club
We are excited to announce a revival of the HRES Math Club for 2023. Whether you are a veteran math club participant or brand new to it, read on for more information about this year’s possibilities!
Math Clubs are organized in many schools across the country by parent volunteers. This club allows the students from a particular school to register as a “Team” and participate in the various math competitions held across the country during the school year. These contests encourage students to flex their math muscles and indulge in some creative thinking & problem-solving outside of their regular classroom curriculum. We had a great response last year with about 50 students participating in 3 contests. The robust response has inspired us to take on an additional contest - Math Olympiads along with Noetic, Math Kangaroo & Perennial Math.
Please sign up by October 10, 2023 Tuesday in the sign-up link provided below.
Note: Sign-ups beyond Oct 10 will not be considered for the Noetic Fall contest.
Grade 4 & 5 - those interested in Math Olympiad, late sign-up results in late fee payable
for the contest. Earliest sign-up is recommended.
Cost: Enrollment fees are to be paid to all the contests. The total cost of the contest will be split up among all participants of the contest. We estimate the fee per student to be around $35-40 to attend all contests. (Math Kangaroo additional). So, the more the merrier (less expensive)!!
The actual cost & mode of payment will be communicated to all those interested once we have the participant list.
Please click the link to know more details about the various contests.
3 HRES Math Club 2023 Information
Please click the link here to sign up for one/more/all of the contests.
https://forms.gle/fbqCTFiFFAFUP2A76
The HRES Math Club has been formed by a dedicated group of parent-volunteers and as such is not a part of the school curriculum. Participation is optional. Teachers and the school administration do not manage the activities of the Math Club. (The Math Club is not a part of the PTA or the HREFoundation). Please direct any questions/comments to the Math Club Volunteers here math.club.hres@gmail.com
Our Garden Needs Help
Do you have a green thumb? Do you love working with students and teaching them a love for gardening? Then we need YOU! Please email Ms. Barry at mbarry@powayusd.com
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week is coming October 23 - 27. Please see attached flier for the individual Spirit Days
Upcoming Events
School Site Council Meeting
If you would like to view the SSC meeting as a parent of the school, please email Ms. Barry at mbarry@powayusd.com for the zoom link. This is just to join the meeting and view the meeting, not to be on School Site Council.
Wednesday, Oct 18, 2023, 03:30 PM
PTA Trunk or Treat/Outdoor Movie Night
More details to come!
Saturday, Oct 21, 2023, 04:30 PM
Halloween Parade at 8 a.m.
We will be hosting a Halloween Parade on the morning of Halloween. More information to come!
Tuesday, Oct 31, 2023, 08:00 AM
Playground
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Minimum Day
Please be sure to follow our Min. Day schedule
Tuesday, Oct 31, 2023, 12:00 PM
International Night
Each year, the Highland Ranch community comes together to celebrate our diversity. You can have the opportunity to showcase your culture or country of choice at International Night!
HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?
*HOST a particular country or culture. It can be any country you want to represent, and not necessarily where you are from.
*DISPLAY posters, photos, clothing, crafts, language and food (If you are providing homemade food, please clearly list all ingredients for those with allergies; food will be served Costco style & only be passed out to children with a guardian present.)
*DEMONSTRATE a cultural activity, game or craft.
*PERFORM a dance, sing or play a musical instrument (2 minute minimum)
*SIGN UP by Friday October 19, 2023 to showcase a country at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSethLLzTTNIYPE1XYxjoPlQtT5p85fS00sPGp25MlGM914R8g/viewform?usp=sf_link
For additional information, please contact Kelly Nguyen (ksengsourya@gmail.com)
Thursday, Nov 9, 2023, 05:00 PM
MPR
Foundation Announcements
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! This year the Foundation is thrilled to continue the fantastic Junior Achievement program, providing our Stallions with a unique opportunity to participate in an engaging financial literacy program designed for elementary students right in their classroom! Each week for five weeks, the students will participate in a 45 minute hands-on lesson led by a parent volunteer and supported by the classroom teacher.
If you would like to partner with us to bring this program to your child’s classroom, WE NEED YOU! No experience or prior knowledge is necessary and you will receive proper training and all classroom materials! Please complete our short volunteer interest form https://forms.gle/Bc1UpnaW4UWWcjyY8 to learn more and get involved!
FOUNDATION CLASSROOM LIAISONS NEEDED! The Highland Ranch Educational Foundation is looking for parent volunteers like YOU to be a Liaison for YOUR classroom. What do you need to do? It's EASY! Throughout the school year we will be sending you emails to forward to the rest of the parents in your classroom. These emails will give important information about upcoming events the Foundation is hosting and how they can donate! In your very important role as Foundation liaison, we highly encourage you to join us for our scheduled general meetings only if you have the bandwidth! There, you can get to know the board, learn about the three major fundraising events we host each year, and provide input on Foundation’s funding priorities.
Let your teacher know today that you would like to be your classroom Educational Foundation Liaison. Our vision for the Foundation Liaison is that you are a natural extension of the board. We cannot personally visit each classroom to spread our initiatives, so we depend on you as our voice.
PTA Announcements
JOIN AND DONATE TO THE PTA BY SEPTEMBER 30TH TO BE ENTERED INTO OUR MEMBERSHIP DRAWING TO WIN FUN PRIZES!
Your Annual PTA Membership truly supports all the community building events and programs your Highland Ranch PTA puts on such as Book Fair, Family Art Night, Trunk-or-Treat/Outdoor Movie Night, Choir, and so much more! Click the following link to join if you haven’t already done so:
https://jointotem.com/ca/san-diego/highland-ranch-elementary-pta. Only $10 per member. Anyone can join (parents, grandparents, teachers, staff and even students!) and your annual PTA membership benefits all children in our school!
*All who join PTA by September 30th will be entered into a drawing to win a special Stallion gift basket including a Highland Ranch Spiritwear T-Shirt of your choice, an HRES tote bag, two free open gym passes to Gymminy Kids, and a certificate for a free Tony Pepperoni Pizza! All donations of $100 or more will also be entered into a drawing for a special Stallion gift basket as well!
Join PTA for just $10/member: https://jointotem.com/ca/san-diego/highland-ranch-elementary-pta
*Like & Follow PTA on Facebook: www.facebook.com/highlandranchpta
*Check out our website: www.highlandranchpta.com
BUSINESS MARKETING OPPORTUNITY - HRES PTA BANNER SPONSORSHIP
Have a business you would like to feature on your very own 3X5 banner on the chain link fence facing Eastbourne Rd. at our school? We have a couple spots left so reserve yours today! All proceeds directly benefit our school and your sponsorship donation may be tax deductible (HRES PTA is a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status)! For more information, contact our HRES PTA Parliamentarian, Melissa Pascual at melissa@melimarmonte.com. Thank you in advance for your support!
ANNUAL PTA FAMILY PARTICIPANT WAIVER
If you plan on attending any of our events such as Trunk-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. This will also speed up your entry to these events.
NATIONAL PTA REFLECTIONS ARTS CONTEST
Each year, students in Pre-K through Grade 12 are invited to create and submit original works of art in the areas of Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts, in a nationwide contest. The theme this year is “I Am Hopeful Because…” See Link for more information on what PTA Reflections is. Once students have completed their works, complete this entry form and submit a digital file of their entry. Please email Heidi Moreno at hmoreno@rsf.k12.ca.us for more information. The deadline is Friday, October 13th.
Full entry form link: https://forms.gle/E13kRcbdW4ZDguLA8
GOT HRES SPIRITWEAR?
Highland Ranch PTA has you covered! To view and purchase HRES Spirit Wear shirts and hoodies, please visit our spirit wear 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.
Order Your Yearbook Today!
PURCHASE YOUR YEARBOOK EARLY and SAVE TODAY!
It is never too early to purchase your 2023-2024 Yearbook! Buy today through October 31st and save 10%! A portion of your purchase comes back to the school. Visit TreeRing.com and enter Passcode 1013489799753947.
Upload photos from the first day of Popsicle Party and the 1st Day of School.
Upload photos for 2023-24 School Year at TreeRing once you have an Account.
Older Information
Looking To Book Travel Plans?
As families begin to organize their holiday travel arrangements, we kindly request that you take into consideration the non-student days provided by PUSD to accommodate your travel needs. Thanksgiving Break spans from November 20th to November 24th, and Winter Break extends from December 25th to January 5th.
In line with our overarching goal of promoting consistent attendance throughout the school, we encourage you to schedule your travel plans during these designated periods. It's crucial to remember that students who are absent from school may miss valuable instruction. When absences become a recurring issue, students can fall behind academically, leading to lower academic performance and potential challenges that extend beyond the classroom. Your cooperation in prioritizing regular attendance greatly contributes to your child's success.
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.
October 2023 Parent Education Courses
Parent Learning Opportunity: For all families of students receiving special education services, please plan to join us on Thursday, October 5th from 6-7:30 p.m. for our first parent education class. The class will be led by Moira and Joe from Exceptional Family Resource Center and held at the District Office in the Community Room.
Talking and Listening to Your Kids – 6th -12th Grade NEW
Early Childhood Development: Shaping the Mindset TK-3rd Grade NEW
Help Your Children Manage Stress and Anxiety – TK-5th Grade
Using your Strengths to Navigate Life Storms – All Grades NEW
Help Your Teen Manage Stress and Anxiety – 6th-12th Grade NEW
Developing an Effective Individualized Education Program – All Grades
Empowering Parents with Consequences that Work – TK-5th Grade NEW
To enroll, click here: https://www.powayusd.com/apps/pages/parenting-classes-education
Computers2Kids
The San Diego County Office of Education and Computers2Kids are hosting an event for families to purchase affordable computers on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at San Marcos Elementary School 1 Tiger Way, San Marcos CA 92069 (Drive Thru Event).
See attached or on this link for details.
Since July 2023 the partnership between SDCOE and Computers2Kids has provided over 1,288 refurbished computers to 797 San Diego families. We hope your families are able to benefit from this event.
Highland Ranch Elementary School
Website: https://highlandranch.powayusd.com/
Location: 14840 Waverly Downs Way, San Diego, CA 92128, USA
Phone: 858-674-4707