Ranchdale Public School is located south of York Mills Road and west of Victoria Park Avenue. The school was once an extensive apple orchard. A few aging apple trees still remain on the property providing shade and a boundary for our playground. The school first opened over forty years ago as an open concept school and has since been renovated to accommodate a variety of teaching and learning styles. The school population is approximately 240 students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 5. We have a Special Education Diagnostic Kindergarten Program that services JK and SK students with special learning needs.
Numeracy Focus
Numeracy is a major focus at Ranchdale. Teachers use effective instructional strategies; Three-Part lessons, differentiated instruction, and the direct teaching of math vocabulary and problem solving strategies. Students are involved in 60 minutes per day of math instruction, learn to use tools (e.g., math manipulatives, technology) to develop the mathematical thinking and vocabulary necessary to communicate their understanding of concepts.
Interesting Feature
We All Belong at Ranchdale!
Ranchdale P.S. prides itself on being a community school and in utilizing the strengths and talents of all. One of our goals this year is to create opportunities for everyone to get involved. This is the first full year of our nutrition program, "The Morning Munch," which is run by a dedicated group of parent volunteers. We are also pleased to offer First Language Story Times, drawing upon the parents in the community who can read to our students in different languages. We are always looking for new ways for parents to get involved. We know that together we are stronger!
More Information about Ranchdale Public School
Student Well-Being
We offer a variety of school-wide events that promote a healthy, active lifestyle, good nutrition, and mental health. Students are involved in extra-curricular clubs, the Terry Fox Run, and benefit from the "Morning Munch." We have a dedicated student leaders who help throughout the school, and our 'Girls on the Move' who lead activities for younger students.
Technology
We strive to develop media and technology skills in our students. We integrate the use of iPads, tablets, Chrome Books, and Interactive Whiteboards as tools to deliver curriculum and to digitally capture the learning of our students. Technology motivates our students to experiment, develop their knowledge and to communicate.
A Variety of Reading Opportunities
All students are involved in guided and independent reading activities. Reading Buddies/Learning Partners between different grades is in evidence throughout the school. There is a highly successful Booster Reading program facilitated by a teacher and run by parent volunteers. Extra-curricular opportunities to read include the Blue Spruce Club and First Language Story Time.
The Arts
The Arts are a highly valued aspect of our school culture. The tile mosaic mural in our lobby was created by students during an-artist-in-the-school program. All our students are involved in Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts activities. We have monthly assemblies, school performances and the Ranchdale Choir enabling students to showcase their creativity and skills.
Additional Features
- Diagnostic Kindergarten Program
- Updated Technology in Classrooms
- Library Learning Commons
- Many Extra-Curricular activities
- Caring and Safe School Environment
- Community Service Projects
- Custom-built Kindergarten Rooms
- Beautiful School Grounds
Student Life - Where You Belong
At Ranchdale Public School, students have the opportunity to be involved in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities at all grade levels. From sports activities, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, cross country and track and field and floor hockey, to general interest clubs such as reading, drama, Eco, crafts, gardening, and choir, to Girls on the Move and student leadership opportunities, everyone has an opportunity to be involved! There is a Junior Tech team that helps teachers set up and "trouble shoot" iPads and tablets that are used in classrooms every day. To support our Eco School initiatives, there is a team of Recycling Monitors who assist with our recycling bins and a gardening club that is working to beautify our school gardens. Our motto in the front foyer is: Dream It, Believe It, Achieve It. At Ranchdale, we demonstrate respect for all! Everyone is encouraged to be the best that they can be!
What Sets Us Apart
At Ranchdale we provide a challenging program which effectively implements the Ontario Curriculum in all subject areas. We have a strong focus on promoting a healthy, active lifestyle, character education, and a instilling an appreciation for the Arts in all our students. Being an accredited Eco School, we want our students to have a sense of stewardship for the environment and pride in becoming responsible citizens of the world. A unique feature of our school is our Diagnostic Kindergarten program. We have two specialized classrooms that service students with special needs from the wider community. The staff in the DK program are specially trained Teachers and Educational Assistants who are supported by Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists, Special Education Consultants and other TDSB personnel. The students in the DK program are offered opportunities for inclusion in our Full Day Kindergarten program, as appropriate, and participate in all school events; Reading/Learning Buddies, assemblies, play days, and school arts presentations.
Parent and Community Engagement
Ranchdale has an active School Council which meets regularly during the school year. There is parent representation on school committees: Caring and Safe Schools, Information Technology and Fundraising. Parent volunteers are involved in our Morning Munch, Booster Reading program, assist on school trips and coordinate fundraising. Ranchdale parents actively support their children by participating in all school-wide events. The community and local retailers are always supportive of our school events by providing prizes for fundraisers, gardening supplies for our student gardening club and by supporting our annual "We Scare Hunger" food drive.
Imagine a TDSB where all schools share a common core set of characteristics. They are community-driven and focused on teaching and learning. Students and parents have a wide variety of opportunities and there are enough students in every school to increase program choices.
Imagine there is a clear focus on achieving student success and every student is engaged, has a voice, access to a caring adult and the opportunity to develop their full potential. Here at the TDSB our focus is on student achievement, parent and community engagement and financial stability.
