Principal's Message

WELCOME BACK, RANCHO COMMUNITY! It is with much excitement that 2021-2022 begins IN-PERSON after being online in distance learning since March 16, 2020!  In my third year as RANCHO’s principal, I realized I have been with students, staff, and parents twice as long online as I have been in person, so I am thrilled to be back in-person! I look forward to continuing to cultivate an environment of joy where students, staff, and families feel supported, which includes continuing to build relationships with all of you as we get back into the rhythm of being together. 

As I continue to have the honor of leading Rancho Santa Gertrudes Elementary School, I recognize that there is a lot of hard work ahead of us as we meet the challenges of loss from the pandemic that impacted our students emotionally, mentally, physically, and academically. To help support our students as they transition back to in-person instruction, we will enhance our school-wide focus on social emotional learning with daily social-emotional lessons, maintaining behavioral expectations for everyone through our Safe & Civil Schools program, and continuing our student-led, Rancho Kindness Krew. 

To meet the challenge of learning loss during distance learning, our staff will be implementing the Getting Reading Right program. Our staff continues to embrace the diverse needs of our students through purposeful small group instruction and deliberate Tier 1 whole class intervention. With regular grade-level review of student data, additional support for identified students in Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions are further provided by our district staff and TOSAs. 

Through the challenges of the pandemic, we have learned to see opportunity out of adversity. Everyone’s technology skills have improved, and our district continues to provide 1:1 devices for students both at home and school. We have also recognized how frequent communication strengthens the partnership between home and school. The continued opportunities to connect include email, Facebook, Twitter, and Class Dojo, along with attending school events as much as possible. Class Dojo remains the best way to stay up-to-date about upcoming events and important reminders, and is a direct communication to me since I am a co-teacher in every class. 

We know that some of our routines, procedures, and events may be modified during the year, including the continuation of the renovation and modernization of our entire campus. As information and guidelines change, we will be flexible in adapting them and proactive in communicating this information to you. As always, please contact me if you have questions and concerns. I am beyond thrilled that our students are all returning in-person and can’t wait to see the progress they make during the 2021-2022 school year.

We are Team RANCHO Strong as we embrace the challenges ahead, encourage each other with grace and appreciation, and empower one another as we work together to do what is best for our deserving students! 

Here is to a phenomenal 2021-2022 school year!

Kelly Collazo, M.A.Ed.

Principal