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Letter from Administration


 

Rockets Rise: Higher Together

July 16, 2026

Dear Rocket Families,

Welcome to a new year at Rancho Vista Elementary! As we begin this exciting journey together into the 2026-2027 school year, our school community is embracing a theme that reflects our shared strength, collaboration, and limitless potential: Rockets Rise: Higher Together!

At Rancho Vista, we believe that every day is an opportunity to elevate our learning, our connections, and our goals. Having established a strong foundation together, we are ready to soar even higher this year. Just as a rocket relies on a powerful collective lift to reach the stars, our students thrive when we rise together as a united community of educators, classmates, and families.

Our focus this year is built upon three important principles:

  • CONNECT: Connection is the foundation of our flight. We are committed to building positive relationships with students, families, and one another. When students feel seen, valued, and supported, they have the confidence to engage deeply in their learning and lift each other up.
  • GROW: Growth is how we climb higher. Real progress happens when we challenge ourselves, learn from our stumbles, and persevere through difficulties. We encourage our students to develop a growth mindset, celebrate every step of their progress, and keep reaching for new heights.
  • ACHIEVE: Achievement is the peak of our journey. Whether in academics, behavior, attendance, leadership, or citizenship, we want every student to recognize their incredible potential, celebrate their milestones, and take pride in how far they have come.

Rising higher also reminds us that progress is a daily practice and everyone deserves a fresh start. Mistakes are not dead ends; they are simply the launchpad for learning. Challenges help us build the resilience we need to soar. Together, we will focus on solutions, support one another, and create a school environment where every single child can flourish.

We invite our families to partner with us on this journey as we rise together by:

  • Maintaining regular school attendance to ensure your child never misses an opportunity to soar.
  • Encouraging positive communication and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Supporting learning at home to reinforce the discoveries made in the classroom.
  • Celebrating effort, growth, and achievement in all its forms.
  • Staying connected with teachers and school events.

At Rancho Vista, we are more than a school—we are a community united by a shared purpose: helping every child reach their highest potential. Thank you for being an indispensable part of our Rocket family. We look forward to an incredible year of elevated connection, growth, and achievement.

Together, we will rise!

We would like to welcome the new members of our Rancho Vista Team. 

  • Alexis Johnson, TK
  • Kaitlyn Mang, 1st
  • Alexis Casselman, Physical Education
  • Liliana Anguiano Cintron, School Psychologist

This year, as we examine systems with staff, we will work within the goals of the School Site Plan for Student Achievement, which is aligned to Board Goals and our LCAP to continue on improving our school environment and educational outcomes and need parent input and participation.  

  • Goal 1: Rancho Vista Elementary will ensure that all students are equipped with the cognitive, linguistic, intrapersonal, and interpersonal skills to be successful in a global society.
  • Goal 2: Rancho Vista Elementary will ensure all students have equitable access to a high-quality instructional program and research-based supports that they need to engage fully and meaningfully with the program. 
  • Goal 3: Rancho Vista Elementary will develop and implement programs that support students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional growth. 
  • Goal 4: Rancho Vista Elementary School will create opportunities for community engagement to increase student attendance and communication as well as identify barriers to school success.

This summer, there have been some upgrades and projects completed at Rancho Vista. New to our campus, the Rocket Reset is a dedicated wellness center designed to support students when they need a moment to regulate, pause, and refocus.

The Rocket Reset serves as a vital tool for restorative practice and acts as an alternative to traditional discipline. When students experience behavioral or emotional challenges, this supportive space allows them to work directly with staff to learn healthy coping skills, reflect on their choices, and de-escalate safely. Our goal is to keep students engaged in their learning environment by teaching them the emotional tools they need to succeed. We are so appreciative of all the construction work to provide a safe space for our students. 

  • Back to School Night TK-3rd Grade Friday, July 31st,  4:00 - 5:15 p.m.
  • Back to School Night 4th-6th Grade, Wednesday, August 5th, 4:00 - 5:15 p.m.
  • First Day of School, Monday, August 3rd. Minimum Day
  • Minimum Day, Tuesday, August 4th. 

Teachers return to school on July 30th. Your child's teacher will send out a ParentSquare message introducing themselves, no later than Friday, July 31st, 2026. On the first day of school, staff will have teacher and room assignments to assist parents and students. Parents are welcome to walk their student to class on the first day of school, however, campus will close for all parents at 8:00 a.m. Gates open at 7:20 a.m. 

Families, you are so important to us. We want to connect with you, and again, thank you for choosing Rancho Vista as your school community.  And together, we will create a space where our Rockets can rise—because when we are united in purpose, our students thrive.

With appreciation and Rocket pride,

Justin Holtfreter and Rebecca Davis, Co-Principals