New Bulletin Board
Have you seen our new bulletin board in front of the school? Well, if you haven’t, take a look now and forevermore to get the latest information about your favorite school and mine, Rancho! It’ll be chock full of pictures, articles and general memorabilia about Rancho. After you take a gander, go thank the Myers and Lestochi families for their wonderful donation.

PTA Nominations
We’re still looking for PTA representatives in all categories and are inviting one and all to apply. If you have an interest in participating in one of the most important jobs you can have on this campus, e-mail your name to me Chris Calabrese at ccalabrese@livermore.k12.ca.us, Nicole Lestochi at NLestochi@comcast.net, Deedra deLisser at rddd@sbcglobal.net or Lexie Hinds at lexiehinds@yahoo.com.

Help Needed
If anyone has access to a transfer trailer or a dump truck which is needed to haul materials for our up and coming track, please contact the office at 606-4748. Weather permitting, we will need your services to put in the side boards over spring break (4/2-4/9).

STAR Testing
Mark your calendars for Rancho’s STAR testing dates:  April 26th – May 7th

Register for Kindergarten
Don’t forget to Register for Kindergarten next year; it’s never too late! New K parents: We look forward to seeing you on March 24th for our Kindergarten orientation at 6:30 p.m.

HR Block Schoolhouse Program
Stop by the office for a $25.00 off coupon for HR Block 2009 Income Tax Preparation services. Not only do you get a discount, but Rancho gets a $25.00 donation. A win-win situation! 

Rancho Families,
On Monday April 12th  our students, staff, and family will begin the California Governor’s Fitness Challenge. This will be the fourth year Rancho has participated in this remarkable contest. The last three years, we have had 100% completion. We expect to reach this mark again this year. Please have your student(s) be active for 30 - 60 minutes at least 3 times a week from April 12th – May 9th.  If you are NOT active, please e-mail Bret Dupuis at eastbaydupuis@comcast.net.

Previous results: 

• 2007 Regional Finalist
• 2008 Bay Area Regional Champion
• 2009 California State Champion

This year we are challenging parents to sign up for the Governor’s challenge. Last year our parent participation was an integral part of our winning strategy and approach. Please go to the following site and sign up for your challenge http://www.calgovcouncil.org/challenge/ (Do NOT sign up students).

Thanks in advance for your help. Please contact us with any questions.

Bret Dupuis – eastbaydupuis@comcast.net
Dave Hinds

Governor’s Fitness Challenge
Last Wednesday I was invited to attend the Governor’s Summit on Health, Nutrition and Obesity. I was part of the Governor’s Fitness Challenge group attending the summit. The Governor and former President Clinton led the discussion. Questions from the audience revolved around: school lunches, fitness vs. PE, labeling food, community support of families and fitness. First, let me thank all of you and the PTA for sponsoring my flight down to L.A. I came away with many great ideas to better support our students. One idea is how to open up our campus on weekends but still ensure safety, with no vandalism on Monday mornings. I will need your support in this. I will be talking more to our district and the city about ways we can do this. See our website for more information on the Summit.