Welcome to Rancho Elementary 2025-2026

Posted Date: 8/06/25 (4:00 PM)

EAGLE NEWS

August 6, 2025

Principal Message

Dear Rancho Parents and Guardians,

I am honored and excited to serve as the interim Principal at Rancho Elementary School during Catherine Nam’s absence. I had the pleasure of working as a substitute principal at Rancho last year and truly enjoyed my time at this warm and welcoming school community.

I bring with me 38 years of experience in education. I spent 32 years teaching elementary students in Sonoma County, served as a principal for the past six years, and currently mentor new principals through the Sonoma County Office of Education. Supporting students, staff, and families has always been the heart of my work.

On a personal note, I’m a proud mom of two adult children, and I share my home with a dog named Bailey and a cat named Banjo. I have a deep love for music, nature, and lifelong learning, but most of all, I love being around children.

Although I will be attending my oldest child’s out-of-state wedding the week before school begins, I’ll be here on the first day of school to warmly welcome our students and families. I look forward to a wonderful start to the school year and to partnering with you in support of your children’s growth and success.

If you have a new 1st-5th grade student attending Rancho Elementary for the first time, you are invited to take a campus tour and orientation on Aug. 20th at 2:30 pm.

TK and K families have an assessment time on August 14th. Please call the office if you have questions.

We have a Welcome Back Day for all students is on August 20th at 3:30 pm.

I look forward to connecting with the students, staff, and families. Please reach out if you have questions or concerns.

Fondly,

Shawne Kearney (she/her)

Interim Principal

Communication

You can reach us by calling Rancho Elementary School Office (415) 897-3101
Interim Principal Shawne Kearney skearney@nusd.org.
Office manager email lcasey@nusd.org

ParentSquare is where the school and district send messages, newsletters (Eagle News).

What You Need To Do Before School Begins

Complete the On-line Aeries Parent Data Back to School Information. A link will be sent out to all families on 8/6/2025. This is critical information for NUSD for many reasons. You will be able to find out who your student’s teacher is, once that information has been completed on-line.
Bell Schedule (link here) which includes our school arrival and dismissal times, recesses and minimum days.
School Calendar (link here)
Welcome Back Day On Aug. 20th from 3:30-5:00 pm. Come join us to find out where your student's classroom is located, meet our amazing PTA board members, connect with families and friends. You will need to complete the Aeries Data Welcome Back Packet if you want to find out who your student’s teacher is that day.

DropOff/Pick Up

Students and parents/guardians, please say good-bye at the gate. We kindly ask that families say goodbye at the designated drop-off areas. Students will walk to class on their own.
Our drive through drop off is called the Kiss and Go Circle. Children quickly exit on the curb side ONLY.

Important Reminder: Student Pick-Up Please ensure that arrangements are made for your student to be picked up promptly at dismissal time. Our office staff is not available to provide supervision or childcare after school hours. If you are in need of before or after school care, please contact the YMCA (415) 610-1541 for more information about available programs.

UPCOMING DATES

August

8/1 and more: TK/K No Host Playdates Aug. 1st at 11:00 am, Aug. 3rd at 2:00 pm and Aug. 5th at 9:00 am. Come meet new families and make connections.
Aug. 14th TK/K Assessments. Bring your TK/K student at your scheduled time.
Aug. 20th New student orientation grades 1st-5th at 3:00 at the office.
Aug. 20th from 3:30- 5:00 Welcome Back Day. Find out who your child’s teacher will be for the 2025-2026 school year. The district has sent out the link for a data registration/welcome back packet that MUST be completed before finding out who your child’s teacher will be. Our wonderful PTA will be kicking off the annual membership drive and more.
Aug. 21st First Day of School. 8:40am

September