Podesta Ranch Newletter 01/18/2026

Thank you for a rocking second week of the quarter. Our campus has been full of energy, focus, and growth, and we couldn’t do it without your continued partnership and support. A special thank-you to the families who joined us at last week’s PTA meeting and contributed to our Future-Focused Forum—we truly value your voices and your commitment to our school community.

This week, our students are working hard to show what they know. Students in grades 3–6 are continuing to complete their i-Ready Reading Diagnostics, while our K–2 team continues with 1:1 DIBELS assessments to closely monitor reading development and growth. We appreciate your encouragement at home as students put forth their best effort—these assessments help us better support each child’s learning journey.

Looking ahead to the week:

• Monday is a holiday in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

• Tuesday marks our 100th Day of School—a big milestone we’re excited to celebrate!

• Wednesday through Friday, our sixth graders will head off to science camp, where they’ll enjoy an unforgettable hands-on learning adventure. We are so excited for this experience and can’t wait to hear all about it when they return.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership and for supporting the growth of our students—academically, socially, and beyond.

Alyssa Barban,

Principal

Podesta Ranch Elementary

Friendly reminder that our school campus will be closed Monday, January 19th, 2026 in observance for Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday.

School will resume on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 7:45 AM.

Our students are 100 days smarter! Join us in celebrating your child's 100th day of learning for the 2025/2026 school year on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026!

Don’t wait, sign up TODAY! Kids Heart Challenge starts soon, and I’m proud of our school for supporting the American Heart Association to help save lives! Our school can also earn funding and PE equipment along the way!

1. Sign Up at http://www2.heart.org/goto/PodestaRanch or download the AHA Schools app
2. Make a personal gift to kickstart your efforts
3. Send 5 texts or emails asking for support

Sign up and complete Finn’s Mission before the assembly on Jan 27th to be recognized and earn a Victor keychain!

Click the image below to meet Heart Survivor, Ridge and hear how you can learn lifesaving skills and help kids with special hearts through Kids Heart Challenge. Thank you for being a Heart Hero!

Upcoming minimum days are the following:

• Wednesday, February 4th, 2026
• Wednesday, February 18th, 2026

Please be sure to pick up your children at their designated dismissal time as staff have meetings and professional development immediately after school. All PM TK and Kindergarten classes start at 8:15 AM.

Support our 6th grade team by buying Valentine's Day Grams for $1 for a friend or loved one! Preorder forms will be sent out soon! Sales start Monday, February 2nd, 2026. Gram includes a card and small treat!

Friendly reminder that our school campus will be closed Friday, February 6th, 2025 in observance for Abraham Lincoln's Birthday.

School will resume on Monday, February 9th, 2026 at 7:45 AM.

Friendly reminder that our school campus will be closed Monday, February 16th, 2025 in observance for President's Day.

School will resume on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 at 7:45 AM.

Attached is Podesta's calendar of events for January 2026.

Please click on the image for the pdf file of the calendar.

Save the Date! Join us on Friday, January 30th, 2026 for our annual Ties and Tiaras event. You can purchase TICKETS NOW online at our PTA Square site!

Click on the link below to purchase tickets:

https://bit.ly/PREPTAsquare

PTA is handing out donuts on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026 in the morning, at the drop off area, by the parking lot. Be sure to stop by for a quick breakfast as a THANK YOU for being awesome! :)

Every contribution of time makes an impact. Whether you can assist at events, lend a hand from home, or give just a few minutes, your involvement strengthens our school community.
Volunteer opportunities are available for all skill levels, and your support directly benefits our students, teachers, and families.

👉 Sign up today and help us create an extraordinary year at Podesta Ranch

Please note: The 4th Grade Lottery Choice Google Form must be submitted to the GATE Office by Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

Detailed information was sent to families via email and U.S. mail on Friday, January 2, 2026.

For questions, please contact the GATE Office:
Tammy Alexander
Administrative Secretary
talexander@lodiusd.org
(209) 953-8318

Join us for FREE nutritious breakfast each morning at 7:45 AM!

Please click on the image on the right to see a live view of the cafeteria menu for our school. Make sure to click on the drop down menu for Podesta Ranch Elementary School.

Click the BLUE WORDS MENU below for the digital pdf copy of the lunch menu.

T2 MENU

For more information about lunches and nutrition on the LodiUSD website, please click on the BLUE words below.

FOOD SERVICES

Free breakfast is served every school day at 7:45 AM - 8:00 AM. If your child intends on eating free breakfast at school, they may arrive no earlier than 7:45 AM. If they are not eating breakfast, children should not arrive at school before 8:00 AM in lieu to safety concerns. No adults are supervising the students before 7:45 AM.

Please click on the blue words student and family handbook for the pdf of school rules/policies for 2025/2026 school year, as it has important information about all school expectations.

You may also click on the image on the right for the same document.

As a safety reminder, please send your student to school in appropriate attire, including shoes. Our dress code can be found in the Student Handbook in your student's planner or online. Students are expected to wear closed toe/heeled shoes. Students with sandals, slippers/UGGS, slides, or Crocs will be asked to sit out during recess and PE to ensure student safety on the playground, stairwell and in the bark box.

Please click on the image on the right for the digital Student Handbook regarding their dress code.