The Round-Up
The Sonoma Ranch Elementary School Principal's Newsletter
Year 7 Issue 202
We Engage We Educate We Inspire
Our students have done an AMAZING job over the two weeks of Hybrid learning. I am so proud of all the changes they have managed. During this time we have been able to make some adjustments to our schedule and routines. We have also taught all our students "zombie arms"...if they haven't shown you this yet, ask them to do so!
On Monday we have our third "1st" day of school. We will have all our in-person students together for the first time. This will double the number of students in the building and in most classrooms. While we are excited to be able to teach full classes, we are also cognizant of the concern for everyone's safety.
Students need to continue to wear a face covering. They can wear a mask or a face shield. Masks provide a greater level of safety, but face shields are allowed. I would ask that all students put a spare mask or two in their backpacks in case something happens to the one they wear to school. Students will wear their face covering throughout the day, except while eating, or outside at recess or during PE. Adults will wear face coverings as well.
We will continue to space our students out in the Ranch cafe, so there are fewer students at each of the tables. They will wear their masks to lunch, and then be able to put their mask in a labeled baggie we will provide for them. Once they are finished eating, students will put their masks on to exit the building. Once outside, the students can again put their masks in their baggies as they do not have to wear them while at play outside. Each class will have a location to put their masks while outside. Students will put their masks on again when returning to the building.
There are hand sanitizer stations at each of the entrances from the playgrounds for students to use when coming back inside. Students will also be encouraged to and provided time to wash their hands throughout the day.
It will continue to be important for all students to come to school each day with a water bottle. The drinking fountains are not available for us. Our classrooms all have sinks, and there are PTSO water filling stations in the hallways for student use.
As a reminder to our families, we will be limiting visitors to campus. Family members will not be able to come to school and eat with their students. Likewise, they will not be allowed on the playground during recess times. Parent volunteers will be utilized to a much lesser extent in the classrooms as well.
The increase in the number of students on campus means that the wait time for families picking students up in the afternoons will also increase. Please be patient. After a few days, the times will improve. Our students are still getting used to this process.
It would be super helpful if you could put your students' name(s) on a sheet of paper and display it on the dashboard. This greatly increases our pick up times. The other piece of advice that I give to families is that there is no need to arrive on campus before or at dismissal time (2:55 PM/1:55 PM on Weds). Students will not walk out the door to cars at that time. It takes us a few minutes to line them up and bring them out. If you live nearby, you can leave your house at dismissal time, and still arrive in plenty of time to get your students. The line will more than likely be shorter by the time you arrive.
The driveway for student drop off/pick up is one way. The parking spots in all our lots are angled to help facilitate the traffic flow. Vehicles enter at the marquee and exit after making the right turn in the back of the building. Please do not try to exit the driveway at the marquee. Traffic flows in one direction.
The Health Office
Daily Student Health Assessment
Before attending each day on campus, you and your student must complete a student health assessment. Please view the assessment here. Students who are sick or feeling any COVID like symptoms can’t be on campus. For more information including health resources and information please visit www.gilbertschools.net/healthservices.
Acknowledgment Form
If you haven't yet done so, please complete the acknowledgment form electronically included at the link below confirming your understanding of the COVID - 19 pandemic. Please complete this form for each of your students returning to in-person instruction COVID~19 Acknowledgement and Disclosure Form
Snacks and Treats for the classroom
For the 20-21 school year, all classroom treats brought in for students must be pre-packaged and be sent at beginning of the day where possible, to reduce contamination potential and decrease the need for campus visitors.
This includes treats for holidays and birthdays, as well. We appreciate your support in helping keep our campus community safe!
VIK
If you are interested in registering for our before and after school VIK program please visit our website for more information and registration details.
Yearbook and T-Shirt Distribution
Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 PM we will be set up in the main hallway to distribute both t-shirts and yearbooks to anyone who ordered them.
Please park in the lot and enter through the side doors behind the office.
Yearbooks not picked up on Tuesday will be sent home with students starting on Wednesdays.
This Week at the Ranch
Monday
First Day with full in person.
Tuesday
PTSO meeting/Yearbook/T-shirt distribution night 5-7 PM
Wednesday
College Day
1:55 PM Dismissal
Thursday
Alexa Carrasco-Tanquary’s B-Day!
Friday
Stallion Style Day
Do you shop at Fry's?
Enroll in Fry's Community Rewards and earn money for a Sonoma Ranch every time you shop. It’s easy and free to enroll! When you link your Shopper’s Card, every purchase you make provides funds for the Ranch! Plus, you’ll earn fuel points at the same time. Click the link to sign up: https://www.frysfood.com/topic/school-programs
InstaTwit
Sonoma Ranch Elementary has a presence in the social media world. We have both an Instagram and Twitter account. The same content is posted to both, and it is a fun way to see all the amazing things happening at the Ranch. Follow us @Stallion_Strong on Twitter and Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/stallion_strong/?hl=en)
Questions?
Thank you for reading the Round-Up. I understand that this school year is so much different than anything we have done in the past. If you have questions or need clarification, please reach out to me. Send me an email at colin.kelly@gilbertschools.net and I will be in touch.
Thank you and Be Safe!
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
Support for Online Instruction
Each of the buttons below will remain in the Round-Up each week so you have easy access. They are also available on the parent resources page of our website.
If you have further issues, give us a call at school and we can help you through it!