The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has officially declared the H1N1 (swine flu) outbreak a pandemic, and health officials believe this flu strain will have a significant presence from September, possibly up through December. To read more please go to the Crane Flu Update page found under the Parent Information tab. [Flu Update page...]

The Avenue B Wal-Mart donated ten $100 gift cards to Rancho Viejo for a drawing for our teachers. The teachers who won were Mrs. Barrero, Mrs. Vicki Peterson, Mrs. Deanna Peterson, Mrs. Worley, Mrs. Davis-Avila, Mrs. Stewart, Ms. Dombrowski, Ms. Berg, Mrs. Meza, and Mrs. Dodd. Thank you, Wal-Mart!

Thank you to all parents who donated hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes for our Healthy Student Drive. We use the hand sanitizer after every recess, before lunch, and whenever a child sneezes or coughs. We will be using the sanitizing wipes on the keyboards of our computers. Research says there are four times the amount of germs on a computer keyboard then there is on a toilet seat. Mrs. Acedo’s, Ms. Mawdsley’s, and Ms. Burton’s classes won the Healthy Student Drive sponsored by Student Council. Thank you for helping to keep our students healthy and in school learning.

We are providing an after school reading and math program for students who have not met the standard on the AIMS test. Beginning November 2, the classes will meet on Monday and Tuesday until 5:05. Thanks to the parents who signed a permission slip during conferences to have their child receive this extra instruction. Students participating in a sport after school will attend after school for 45 minutes and the sport for 45 minutes.

Reminder: You have until December 18, 2009, to make up to a $400 (married filing jointly) $250 (single or filing separately) donation to a school and then receive a tax credit for that amount. This is a great way to help contribute to your child’s class field trip and take advantage of the tax credit at the same time. Forms are available in the school office. You may make your donation there until December 18th, or go to Crane Schools District Office before December 23rd.
Please contact the RV Office for more information (928)373-3800. [Tax Credit Form...]

Congratulations to our new student council officers: President - Jorge Mata, Vice President – Abby Kern, Secretary - Destinee Luevanos, Treasurer – Rebekah Bracy, Sergeant at Arms – Dalen Johnson. Student Council meetings are Wednesdays at 8:00 a. m. in Mrs. Rico’s classroom.

Thanks to parents who attended our fall conferences. You should have received a chart of your child’s past scores on the AIMS test. Our goals this and every year are for all students to meet the standard in reading and math on the AIMS test in April. Students not meeting the standard on the 2009 AIMS test will receive extra help in these areas at school. They may also be invited to attend the after school program starting November 2. Parents can help their child at home by making sure they read each night and do their homework. Keeping students on a regular sleeping and eating schedule make s a huge difference on their performance at school. Research shows when the teachers and parents communicate and work together those students do better in school.

School t-shirts can be ordered in the office for only $9.00. The shirts are royal blue with our mascot Eager Eagle on the front. Polo shirts are available in either royal blue or bright yellow for $16 ($17 for adult sizes. Eager Eagle and the school name are embroidered on the polos. Zippered, hooded sweatshirts in royal blue can be purchased for $26 ($27 for adult sizes). In addition to Eager Eagle and Rancho Viejo, the student’s name can be embroidered at no additional cost.
School t-shirts, polo shirts, and sweatshirts can be worn any day to school and we encourage students to wear them on Spirit Days throughout the year. You may place your order any time in the front office. Cash or money orders accepted.
[Order Form...]

ELL TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Congratulations to Mrs. Davis-Avila for being nominated English Language Learner Teacher of the Year for Rancho Viejo. She has been a teacher for 10 years at Rancho Viejo. She is on the teacher leadership team and has been a mentor for several teachers over the years. Many students have become proficient in English because of her teaching. Her application will be submitted for the selection of the Arizona English Language Learner Teacher of the year. Good luck, Mrs. Davis-Avila!

Do you shop at Food City? You can help Rancho Viejo earn credit for free educational equipment by scanning your Food City “For My School” key tag. The fundraising runs from now through April 30, 2010. For more information, call our school coordinator, Becky Barajas at 373-3800.