Ventana Ranch Elementary

🚸 School is almost back in session!

That means buses will be rolling, crossing guards will be out, and students will be walking and biking to school.

As you're getting back into your routine, please remember to:
🛑 Slow down in school zones.
🚶 Watch for students walking to school and bus stops.
🚌 Stop for school buses when required.
💙 Help us make the start of the school year a safe one for everyone.

Welcome Back, Ventana Ranch Families!

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! We are excited to welcome both our returning and new Roadrunner families. Our staff has been working hard to prepare for an amazing year of learning, growth, and connection.

Here are a few important reminders as we get ready for the first day:

Meet the Teacher: August 6 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. for students in Grades 1-5.
First Day of School: August 7 for Grades 1-5 and August 11 for Pre-K and Kindergarten.
School Hours: Campus opens at 7:15 a.m., school begins promptly at 7:30 a.m., and dismissal is at 2:15 p.m. for Grades 1-5.
Please review the arrival and dismissal procedures before the first day, including our two-lane drop-off and pick-up process, to help keep traffic moving safely.
Families are invited to the PTA’s Boo-Hoo/Woo-Hoo Breakfast on August 11 from 7:30-8:00 a.m. in the cafeteria after dropping off students.
Be sure to review the important handbook links and our new CENTEGIX visitor check-in procedures before visiting campus.

🚌🍎 You're invited!

Join APS for our Welcome Back to School Community Listening Session on Monday, July 27, and help shape the conversation around Food & Nutrition Services and Transportation as we prepare for the new school year.

Come early for a sneak peek at what's ahead!
🚌 Tour APS' new electric school buses
🍽️ Sample new cafeteria menu items inspired by student feedback
🎁 Stay through the listening session for a chance to win giveaways!

📅 Monday, July 27
⏰ 5-6 p.m.: Electric Bus Showcase & Menu Tastings
🗣️ 6-7:30 p.m.: Community Listening Session
📍 Alice and Bruce King Educational Complex: 6400 Uptown Blvd. NE

Can't make it in person? The listening session will be livestreamed on the APS Board of Education YouTube channel.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.aps.edu/news/news-from-2026-2027/electric-buses-and-menu-tastings

Hello Families and Friends of VRES!
The new school year is just around the corner, and we can't wait to see you soon! Please check out the attached flier for key back-to-school details, and note a few quick reminders below:
Accepting Transfers: Please share with your family and friends we are accepting transfers for grade K-5. Registration: Please take a moment to register your child or update your info via ParentVUE.
Tax-Free Weekend: New Mexico’s tax holiday starts July 31st. Plan your school shopping by checking the Tax Holiday Guide.
Support: If you have any questions, our school office team is happy to help, just give us a call. 505-890-7375. Follow on VRES Facebook, VRES Instagram
We look forward to a wonderful year ahead!

Best regards,
Paula Garcia, Principal

School Supplies

https://ventanaranch.aps.edu/our-school/school-supply-lists

Handbook

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SREseSi5jf_P-PCDlmsv_vU2pns542RQ/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=105680807914569701535&rtpof=true&sd=true

School website

https://ventanaranch.aps.edu/

Thank you to the Larry H Miller team that provided our school with 20 hours volunteering to support our campus in getting ready for the new 26/27 school year. We appreciate you all: Adriano Rapoza, Kailei Radtke, Dawson Turney, Casey Rieben, Robert Lentner, and Julie Love-Pond

The 2026/2027 APS Calendar

July Updates
Hello Families and Friends of VRES,

I hope you are enjoying your summer break.

Our school offices will open back up on July 16th. Please be sure to register your child on ParentVue https://nm-abq-psv.edupoint.com/PXP2_Login_Parent.aspx?regenerateSessionId=True. We are currently accepting transfers for all grade levels. Please share this information with your family and friends.

Here is some additional infromation for those who are interested in a free backpack with supplies:

The Black Education Act is Partnering with University of New Mexico Hospital and New Hope Baptist Church to host a Backpack Giveaway and Health Resource Fair on July 18th in Taylor Park. All families are welcome. We have 600 backpacks stuffed with school supplies to give away on a first come first served basis (NM students must be present to receive backpacks). No registration required. There will also be several health providers on site providing health screenings, tangible health resources, and information about their programs and initiatives.

Early arrival is encouraged. Families will line up, be guided through sign-in, and visit at least 10 health vendors (getting their “passports” stamped) before receiving a backpack. Sign-up and administration of screenings will be handled by those specific vendors.

Happy Summer!

Paula Garcia, Principal

🎒 Back-to-school help is on the way!

The New Mexico Public Education Department's Black Education Act Bureau is hosting a FREE Backpack Giveaway for New Mexico students on July 18. Families can also take advantage of free health screenings provided by UNM Hospital and community partners.

Backpacks and supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Students must be present to receive a backpack.

📅 July 18
⏰ 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
📍 Taylor Park (7701 Indian School Rd. NE)

🥳 You are invited to the Storytime in the Park Kickoff! 🥳

Before Storytime in the Park begins, we invite all students and their families to our kickoff event. Please join us for books, snacks, face painting and more, all for FREE!

📅 June 7
⌚️ 1-3 p.m.
📍 Isotopes Park - 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE

Learn more about Storytime in the Park: https://www.aps.edu/extended-learning/story-time-in-the-park