The Blazer Bulletin

Hello Trailblazers!

As we head into a holiday break, it is nice to pause and reflect on the many things for which we are thankful. I would like to take a moment to share some of the things that I am thankful for with you.

I am thankful for each of our students who come to school every day ready to learn and grow. Your smiles and hugs truly make my days joyful and bright. I absolutely adore being your principal.

I am thankful for one of the most dedicated and incredible group of teachers and staff that I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. Working alongside such thoughtful and committed partners is a gift I treasure daily.

And I am thankful for our parents and guardians who care so greatly about your children and our school community. Your partnership helps to make Stone Ranch the incredible place that it is.

I encourage you to take a moment this coming week to reflect on all the things you are grateful for and to share those items with the important people in your life.

Warmly,

Teri Heard

Your Very Proud Principal

November 25-29: No School - Holiday

December 2-3: Hearing and Vision Testing

December 6: Community Gathering

December 13: VAPA VISION

The North County Turkey Trot is scheduled for Thursday, November 28th right here at the 4S Ranch Boys and Girls Club. The purpose of this race is to raise money to give back to kids sports and schools. Stone Ranch currently has the most registration from any school in the area! We are only 20 registrations away from earning $500 from this organization. If you are looking for a fun way to get outside and exercise, we encourage you to consider signing up for the Turkey Trot.

You can sign up at www.northcountyturkeytrot.org!

We made some changes to our lunchtime routines. We have seen an increase in unexpected behaviors during lunch. Unfortunately, some students are making a mess of the lunch area (squirting ketchup packets, stomping on juice/milk cartons, leaving trash), getting up and bothering peers, and being defiant to our Character Coaches.

These new routines and rules are in effect for all students in grades TK-5. The cafeteria expectations are that students stay seated during their eating time (they may get up to use the restroom or grab an item from the share bin), keep the area clean, and be respectful to adults. We will be sitting in the front cafeteria area only in order to better monitor students.

Please review the slide shared with teachers. It would be wonderful if you could review these cafeteria rules with your child as well.

Unfortunately, our Safety Patrol has reported increased levels of unsafe driving. We have parents disobeying traffic regulations, shouting at students, and causing potentially dangerous situations. Our Safety Patrol is comprised of 5th grade students. It is very difficult for them to have parents shout and ignore them. I am asking for your partnership in supporting our drop off and pick up process.

Please be our partners in ensuring safety during drop off and pick up. We simply ask you to adhere to the stop signs, pull all the way up in the bus/staff loop, and refrain from parking cars in the bus/staff loop areas. What seems like a minute for you to find your child, impacts the efficiency of the drop off/pick up process and causes potential hazards. Parents are encouraged to park in a designated parking spot if you need to get out of your car for any reason.

We appreciate your partnership in keeping our school a safe place!

As the holidays approach, we know that some families may be planning an extended absence. Please note that district policies allow for students to earn credit for missed days through an OCIS (off campus independent study) contract. This contract may be used for up to 15 days of absence. Please reach out to Mrs. Rubino, our Health Tech, if your child is planning on an extended absence and she can support you with the OCIS process. Mrs. Rubino's email is rrubino@powayusd.com.

Absences beyond 15 days have additional implications. It is very important that you reach out and communicate these absences with the school as soon as possible.

As the holiday season approaches, we are reminded of the importance of community, kindness, and supporting one another. At Stone Ranch, we recognize that this time of year can be especially challenging for some of our families. In the spirit of giving, we are reaching out to ask for your help in making the holidays brighter for those in need within our school community.

Keep an eye out for our “Giving Tree” which will be located in the front entryway. If you are able to, please consider donating a gift card that will directly support families. The tree will have "ornamental leaves" with gift ideas or gift card amounts. You can simply select one of the "ornamental leaves" and return it with the designated item.

If your family is in need of support and you would like to receive help, please reach out to our school counselor, Ms. Nikki, via email. This is completely confidential. Our goal is to ensure that every child and family feels cared for and supported, no matter their circumstances.

Nouellette@powayusd.com

Thank you for your support and kindness,

Nikki Ouellette, School Counselor

Please join us in donating to our Foundation’s 30 Days of Giving fundraiser! The class with the most participants will earn a special surprise each Friday of the Fundraiser! This week's winner was Mrs. Ow's class. Congratulations 🌟

Your donations help enhance the learning experience for each Trailblazer, and provide the sole source of funding for:

• TK/K Aides

• Impact Teachers

• PE Coaches

• Classroom Funds

• Teacher Assessment Days

• STEM equipment and new technology

• School safety equipment

The suggested donation of $300 is based on the budget needs and goals to support the above teaching professionals, programs, and equipment. However, any and all donations are appreciated! Stone Ranch Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. Ask your employer about corporate matching, as well! Donate online at: www.stoneranchfoundation.org , or through Venmo at: @SRESFoundation .

DISNEY RAFFLE- November 7 through December 6

🎉✨ Get ready for some magical news! Enter our raffle for a chance to win Disney gift cards! Whether you’re dreaming of a trip to the parks, unforgettable merchandise, or movie nights at home, these gift cards will bring the magic of Disney straight to you. Don’t miss your chance to experience the joy and wonder of Disney!🌟🏰

Hearing and vision testing for all students will be conducted by our health office on December 2nd and 3rd and we need your help! Below you will find a link to sign up for slots to assist with this testing. We have broken up the days in 1-hour increments so you can sign up for as much or as little time as your schedules allow. Thank you!

https://evite.me/6cBwthJGED

Ralph’s and the Kroger family have long supported schools in passive fundraising efforts but we need 5 minutes of your time to help us get a piece of the pie! This is an incredibly easy way to help us raise money for Stone Ranch! Up to 4% of your purchases come directly back to our school.

Even if you have done this in the past you will need to do this again! There are two easy ways to make this happen. The easiest way is to download the Ralphs app, sign up for an account or login to your account if you already have one. In the top right hand corner click the three little lines. A drop down menu will appear. Click “Rewards”, then click “Community Contributions” and search for our school. That’s it!

Alternatively, if you do not want to download the app, you may create an account on the Ralphs website and then follow these steps:

• Scroll to the bottom of the page

• Look under Community

• Click on Ralphs Community Rewards

• Under instruction Number 2 - Link your card to an Organization

• Go to Number 2 - Search for your Organization here (click Here)

• You may have to sign in again

• Search for Stone Ranch Elementary School PTA (organization number DB957)

• Add to your account

Every year during this season we put up a tree in the front office that is adorned with wish lists from children in PUSD. This year, Stone Ranch is committed to helping 9 children that are part of the Stone Ranch community. On the tree you will find apples, leaves and pumpkin pies that contain these wish lists as well as gift card options that can be used to support these children or other families in PUSD. Items will be put on the tree on Monday, December 2nd. Please come by the office starting December 3rd to pick an apple, leaf or pie and help us give back this season. All unwrapped items need to be returned to the front office no later than December 18th. Please contact presidentsres@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Please complete the free/reduced-price meal application! Although school meals are free for all students, the application for free and reduced-price meal eligibility is still very important. School funding depends in part on the number of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. If income-eligible families do not apply, we risk losing important educational funds for our school.

Students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals may also qualify for discounts on testing fees, before and after school care, and home internet! Income qualifications change annually, so a new application is needed every school year. For school year 2024-2025, children from a family of four are eligible if the total gross (pre-tax) household income is less than $4,810 per month, or less than $57,720 per year. Household income information is confidential and applying online is quick and easy. Apply online at MySchoolApps.com, or pick up a paper application in the

Nondiscrimination Philosophy and Policy Statement

The Poway Unified School District (PUSD) is an equal opportunity employer/program and is committed to an active Nondiscrimination Program. PUSD prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, nationality, immigration status, ethnicity, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital or parental status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression or association with a person or a group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. For more information, please contact: Title IX/Equity Compliance Officer, James Jimenez, Associate Superintendent of Personnel support Services, Poway Unified School District, 15250 Avenue of Science, San Diego, CA 92128, 1-858-521-2800, extension 2121, jjimenez@powayusd.com. For students, you may contact Title IX Coordinator/504 Coordinator Jamie Dayhoff, Director of Attendance and Discipline, Poway Unified School District, 1-858-521-2840, jdayhoff@powayusd.com.

Stone Ranch Mission: To create an environment where each and every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to be their authentic self.

Principal email: theard@powayusd.com

Website: stoneranch.powayusd.com

Location: 16150 4S Ranch Parkway, San Diego, CA 92127

Phone: 858-487-8474