Jeremy Ranch Elementary School

Jeremy Ranch Mission

We work as a team to create a respectful place that empowers our students to be joyful lifelong learners, who are prepared to soar to their individual, academic, and social potentials.

Student Statement

At Jeremy Ranch, we...

Honor each other
Achieve our personal best
Widen our world
Keep on learning
and
Soar to success

GO HAWKS!

A Note From Mr Kuennen

August 30, 2010

Dear Parents,

Jeremy Ranch Elementary is undergoing a number of changes this year. In this letter I will address a dramatic change to the types of food that will be welcomed in to our building and offered to our students.

This year is the beginning of the end of unhealthy treats in the classroom. It is also the year that non-food celebrations become the rule, rather than the exception. I recognize that this is not an easy change, or always a welcome one. However, in the long run, it is better for our students.

I must ask for your help and support in order for this change to be successful. One of the greatest hurdles that I see is birthday celebrations. I know this will disappoint many of our fine dessert chefs, and everyone else who enjoys a birthday cookie or cupcake as much as I do. With over 500 birthdays to celebrate in the course of a year, there are simply too many opportunities for our students to eat unplanned and unhealthy foods.

There are non-food options that have tremendous appeal for kids. Something as simple as a pencil or eraser to share with each student can be exciting and fun for the birthday star. It is the act of sharing that offers the most fun.

My favorite option for a classroom birthday celebration is a gift of the birthday student’s favorite book. This offers the student a spot in the limelight while the teacher (or student) reads the book to the class. The parent or teacher and student can inscribe the name and date in the front cover and add the book to the class library. This sends a strong message about the value of literacy, and is a lasting tribute to the birthday student’s book choice.

Beyond birthdays, there are myriad opportunities for snacking. For those appropriate times, we will seek healthy snack options. In order to be in compliance with state law, any food served at our school must be prepared in a commercial kitchen. The following snacks will be permitted at Jeremy Ranch:

Vegetables                   Fruit                              Popcorn                    Cheerios (plain)

Triscuits                        Saltines                        Cheese                       Wheat Thins

Pretzels                        Cheezits                        Ritz Crackers            Goldfish

There may be occasions throughout the year in which your teacher may desire to bend the rules regarding unhealthy treats. I have asked that they offer ample notification to parents, and offer an alternate choice to all students.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and support of this change.

Shawn Kuennen

Principal