<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of Students in Grades 4 &amp; 7,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Re: Foundation Skills Assessment 2026</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This is the time of year when our students in grades 4 &amp; 7 begin participating in the Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA). This annual provincial assessment measures students’ academic skills and provides the District with a snapshot of students’ foundational skills in literacy and numeracy. All students in grades 4 &amp; 7 are required by the Ministry of Education and Child Care to participate in FSA.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Parents and caregivers who would like more information about the FSA, including sample questions, brochures, and frequently asked questions, can visit the Ministry's Foundation Skills Assessment webpage: </span><a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/program-management/assessment/foundation-skills-assessment#brochures" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) - Province of British Columbia</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) is a legislated provincial assessment and is considered part of the regular curriculum, instruction, and learning that takes place at school. As such, schools will not be providing alternate instruction or programming for students on the days the FSA is being administered. Students who attend school on scheduled assessment days will be expected to participate in the FSA unless a decision has been made at the school level to exclude an individual student from participating, based on the criteria established for FSA participation. We appreciate families’ support in ensuring students attend school regularly and participate fully in the learning and assessment activities that form part of their educational program.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The District does not use the FSA data to rank or compare schools, teachers, or students. The results of the FSA serve as an important tool to support student learning in SD83. Results from the assessment data assists in supporting the alignment of resources during our annual budget discussions. It is important to note that FSA data is not part of the formal student evaluation process and is not included in student report cards.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;Some quick facts about the FSA include:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The FSA is written in sections that are spread over six weeks between September 28 – November 6, 2026.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">FSA data is not part of the formal student evaluation process and is not included in student report cards.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Most students required a total of 3.75 hours over those 6 weeks to complete all the components of the FSA. Students requiring additional time are provided with that time.</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The written response section of the FSA is marked within the District by our educators.</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The First Nations Leadership Council of BC strongly supports the FSA, identifying it as an important tool to assist learning and gauge system progress in improving outcomes for Indigenous learners.</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> English Language Learning (ELL) students who have not reached a level of proficiency sufficient to provide meaningful responses to the literacy or numeracy sections of the FSA are excused from participating.</span></li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School principals may excuse students whose Individual Education Plan (IEP) documents a learning need, that precludes the student from writing the FSA.</span></li><li value="8" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Principals may excuse a student in the event of a family emergency, lengthy illness, or other extenuating circumstances of similar seriousness.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;I trust this information will clarify any questions you may have about the Foundation Skills Assessment.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;As always, I thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in your child(ren)’s learning.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sincerely,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Donna Kriger</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Superintendent of Schools</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Additional Resources:</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><a href="/documents/255bc5f3-46fc-47c8-a832-df338858523d/FSA-Parent-Letter-2026.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20260915203047" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Downloadable Letter to Grades 4 &amp; 7 Parents Regarding Foundation Skills Assessment 2026</strong></b></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><a href="https://www.sd83.bc.ca/fsa-information" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Foundation Skills Assessment (District webpage)</strong></b></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 2fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/2315e2ad-1593-4582-94c0-65371fbc05ca?fingerprint=ppb20260911193307" alt="Gov BC 2024 Logo" width="584" height="190" style="display:inline-block;max-width:100%;width:584px;height:190px"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></div><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">September 3, 2026</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Parents and Caregivers:</span><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The start of a new school year is always an exciting time for students and families. As schools reopen this fall, I am pleased to share important information about early literacy screening which will support and strengthen your child's learning. it also plays a vital role in how government is focusing on educational excellence for all British Columbia students. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Across the province, government has been focused on improving literacy outcomes for all students. Early literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning, student confidence, and learner well-being. One of the most effective ways to ensure children stay on track with their reading development is through early literacy screening. Beginning this year, all public schools from Kindergarten to Grade 3 will use screening tools to help teachers identify when students may benefit from additional instruction or early intervention. This helps build strong reading skills and sets students up for future success. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You may not be familiar with early literacy screening but it is important to know what it is and why it matters. Early literacy screening is an assessment that happens in your child's classroom, two to three times across each school year. Screening is a way to check in on your child's early literacy skill development, and it can help identify any gaps in their learning that may require additional support. Screening is one of the tools that supports quality classroom instruction and intervention, and this is the first school year where screening is required for all public schools from Kindergarten to Grade 3.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Every day, your child will engage in early literacy learning through play-based activities and targeted instruction that builds oral language, reading, and writing skills. Whether they are singing the alphabet, exploring letter sounds and new vocabulary, or beginning to write simple sentences, these foundational experiences are essential building blocks for future academic success. If you would like to learn more about what your child is learning, please connect with their teacher. You can also explore the </span><a href="https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">BC Curriculum</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> for literacy and numeracy expectations by grade:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/english-language-arts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">English Language Arts</span></a></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/fral" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Français Langue Seconde</span></a></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/francais-langue-premiere" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Français Langue Permiére</span></a></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><a href="https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/curriculum/mathematics" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mathematics</span></a></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To better understand what proficiency looks like in foundational literacy and numeracy, you can refer to the Pathways to Proficiency parent and caregiver resources for both </span><a href="https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/learning-pathways/foundational-literacy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Language Arts </span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">and </span><a href="https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/learning-pathways/foundational-numeracy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Math</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><a href="https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/sites/curriculum.gov.bc.ca/files/pdf/literacy-screening/parent-caregiver-brochure-early-literacy-screening.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A Parent Brochure</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> is also available with more details on early literacy, screening, and ways to support learning at home. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As a parent myself, I know how important it is to receive clear information about your child's learning and to feel confident that they are progressing. here are a few ways you can stay connected and informed throughout the year:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Monitor report card feedback: Watch for your child's report cards and review teacher comments about their literacy and numeracy development;</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Talk with your child's teacher: Regular communication helps ensure your child receives the support they need both at school and at home; and</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reach out with questions: If you have questions about what your child is learning or the resources being used in their classroom, connect with your child's teacher first, or your school principal if needed. You can also refer to the </span><a href="https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/sites/curriculum.gov.bc.ca/files/pdf/resource-selection/learning_resources_policy_clarification.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learning Resources Policy Clarification</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to learn more about the resource challenge process (see page 5). </span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When parents, caregivers, and teachers work together, students benefit from the strongest possible support. i wish you and your family a smooth and positive transition into the new school year. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sincerely, </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lisa Beare</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Minister</span></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Download </span><a href="/documents/79067c9e-fee5-4cbf-988d-5a13e5f24a55/minister-letter-back-to-school-literacy-screening.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20260911193524" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Letter from Minister Lisa Beare</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></h3>

<h3 class="editor-heading-h3"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Principal's Message</strong></b></h3><h3 class="editor-heading-h3"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Welcome to a New School Year at Ranchero Elementary!</strong></b></h3><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Ranchero Families,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As we welcome a new school year, I am reminded that what makes a school truly special is the people within it. I feel fortunate to work alongside a dedicated team of teachers, support staff, office staff, custodians, bus drivers, and district staff who care deeply about the success and well-being of our students. Their commitment, kindness, and hard work help create a school where every child can thrive.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Equally important are the families who partner with us each day. Thank you for the trust you place in us. I encourage you to stay connected throughout the year, celebrate your child's growth, and reach out whenever you have questions or need support. When families and schools work together, we create the conditions for every student to feel valued, connected, and successful.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Important Dates &amp; Reminders</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tuesday, September 1 new</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> student registration day 9:00 am-2:00 pm</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tuesday, September 8</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">• non-instructional day (students do not attend; staff planning day)</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Wednesday, September 9 – First Day for Grades 1–8 8:03-11:08 am</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">• Early dismissal at 11:08 AM buses leave around 11:20 AM</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">• Students spend the day and week with last year’s teacher and classmates when possible</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">• Welcome Bell rings at 8:03 AM and students line up behind pylons labeled with teacher names at the front of the school</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">• New students will be placed with similar-aged peers</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">•&nbsp;</span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kindergarten students do not attend this day</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thursday, September 10 – Kindergarten Begins</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">First day: 8:15–9:15 am Parent meet and greet, informational session and CHEQ survey in the library 8:30-9:00</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Class placements for the 2026-27 school year will be posted on a bulletin board at the front of the school on Monday, September 14.</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Placements will include each student's first name and last initial, along with their teacher's name. Staff members will be available to help students find their classroom and ensure a smooth start to the day.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We know that class placement information is important to families. Waiting until September 14 allows us time to account for enrolment changes and thoughtfully create balanced classrooms that support the learning and well-being of all students. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to ensure the best possible start to the school year for every child.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At Ranchero, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and joyful learning community where every child feels valued, connected, and inspired to learn. It is a privilege to serve alongside such remarkable students, dedicated staff, and supportive families, and I look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, laughter, and connection.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:clangsto@sd83.bc.ca" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">clangsto@sd83.bc.ca</strong></b></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp; or call us at&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">250-803-7018</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Warm regards,</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Corrinne Langston </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Principal, Ranchero Elementary</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/ea73fe6a-07fe-5f54-9c4e-29cc711e4161?fingerprint=ppb20260302190716" alt="cropped-ranchero-logo1" style="display:inline-block;max-width:100%"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>