The Blazer Bulletin

Hello Trailblazers!

Welcome back! We hope that everyone had an enjoyable winter break.

On Friday, we were visited by Dr. Benjamin Churchill, our new Superintendent and Mr. David Cheng, one of the new PUSD Board Members. They had the opportunity to tour the campus, walk through classes, and meet students and staff. We are excited for Dr. Churchill's leadership and look forward to his direction in leading our district.

I want to call your attention to a few items in today's newsletter. We have exciting activities from both the Foundation (Jammie Jam) and the PTA (Spell-A-Thon). Please take a moment to read about these events and consider participating.

Warmly,

Teri Heard

Your Very Proud Principal

January 15 - 2nd Grade Critter Encounter Field Trip (On Site)

January 16 - Fire Drill

January 17 - PTA Sponsored Spell-A-Thon

January 17 - VAPA Vision

January 17 - 5th Grade Dance Lessons

January 20 - Non Student Day (MLK Observance)

January 27 - Non Student Day (Staff Professional Growth Day)

It’s hard to believe it but it’s already time to begin to think about the 2025-2026 school year!

Here are some important dates to mark on your calendars:

• Transfer Requests - beginning on February 1st at 8:00 am, we will accept transfer requests for students who live in the Poway Unified boundaries and would like to attend a different Poway school. This includes incoming siblings of current students, as well as students who have not yet enrolled. Transfer requests can be made on the Poway Unified website by clicking THIS link. The transfer window closes on March 31st at 5:00 pm.

• Continuing Student Registration - from February 28 - March 31st, all parents whose current students will continue in Poway Unified for the 2025-26 school year need to complete online continuing registration. Look for more information coming soon.

• New Student Enrollment - beginning on April 1st at 8:00 am, new student enrollment opens on the Poway Unified website. We are excited to welcome our new students!

More details can be found on the Poway Unified website at www.powayusd.com.

Thank you to all of our families who joined the North County Turkey Trot. As a result of this participation, Stone Ranch will receive $500 to use towards purchasing new playground equipment. We want to hear from our students and staff about what type of equipment you want us to purchase. Parents, you can help by sharing this short survey with your students. I've had 22 responses so far and would love to have more. The survey will stay open for another week and close on Friday, January 17th.

During the week of January 28-31, Student Council will be in front of the school collecting donations for the Poway Unified Youth in Transition program. Student Council officers chose this program as our charity this year, as we want to give back to students in our school district.

Kids, get ready to party with your Stone Ranch Teachers! Parents, drop your kids off wearing their favorite PJs to join their grade-level teachers for fun activities and a pajama party on Thursday, February 13th from 5-7:30pm. The cost if $50 per child and all proceeds directly benefit the SRES Foundation.

Sign ups coming soon!

Please consider helping out the school by eating at El Pollo Loco on Friday, January 17th. 20% of your purchase will be donated back to the school.

Although it may seem small, each of these efforts combine to support many initiatives at Stone Ranch. Without the financial support from the SRES Foundation, we would not have our beloved art classes or much needed impact teachers.

We appreciate your support in helping us to reach our fundraising goals!

Have you heard the BUZZZZ? The Stone Ranch PTA is sponsoring an optional enrichment activity for 2nd through 5th grade students!

On Friday, January 17 2025, students in grades 2-5 will have the opportunity to participate in a written Spell-a-thon involving high frequency, grade-level words.

Students who score 100% on the Spell-a-Thon are then invited to participate in their grade-level oral Spelling Bee. This will take place January 28th and 30th.

See below for copies of the January 17th Spell-a-thon word lists for each grade.

Please check your child's backpack for a copy of the word list too.

Happy spelling!

If you have any photos from the Paper Family Picnic or from your child participating in Band or Orchestra, please share them with us in dropbox so this year's yearbook can be our best ever! Please upload your photos to the appropriate links:

2025 - Family Picnic

2025 - Band & Orchestra

Our Volunteers make SRES the amazing place that it is. Please share any pictures you have of yourself volunteering in class, the library, or other events to show how parents make a difference!

2025 - Volunteers

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

The Education Office of the Consulate General of Spain and the California Department of Education would like to invite all California students to participate in the 2024–2025 “Escribo en Español” writing contest. “Escribo en Español” encourages students in grade three through grade twelve to further their Spanish writing skills by providing awards for the best prose and poetry. The theme for this year’s contest is “El planeta en peligro". All the necessary documents to participate can be found at https://bit.ly/EEE25. Teachers or administrative staff can enroll students at https://tinyurl.com/EEE2425. If you have any additional questions, please direct them to Sonia Cabrerizo Diago e Inés García Sal by email at escriboenespanol@educacion.gob.es.

In PUSD, we are committed to ensuring your child's online safety and privacy. As students engage in digital spaces—whether playing multiplayer games, using educational apps, or exploring new interests online—it’s crucial they understand the importance of keeping their personal information safe. With guidance on avoiding scams and protecting their digital footprints, students can enjoy learning and fun online while staying in control of their privacy. Families play an important role in helping children navigate these topics and establishing healthy, safe digital habits. Below are some Privacy and Security tips to share with your family.

• K-5 Family Tips

• 6-12 Family Tips

Sincerely,

Amy Fousek and Ken Wall

Director of Educational Technology and Director of Information Technology

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