In honor of the Homecoming dance held in the autumn of every school year, Rancho students get the opportunity to dress up for different, fun themes every day of the week, otherwise known as Spirit Week. This year’s dress-up themes were pajama day, Adam Sandler day, bikers vs. surfers, jersey day, and class color day. Ms. Otter, one of the Student Government advisors who helped plan this week, said her favorite theme was Adam Sandler day because of “how goofy some of the outfi

Homecoming King and Queen: Madi Blacketer and Natan Berger This past weekend was one of sunsets, royalty, and Cha-Cha slides. As the sun set, Rancho High School students gathered in the gym... or should I say, the sandy oasis of a sunset in paradise. This homecoming was one to remember for freshmen as their introduction to the homecoming experience, for sophomores and juniors as a glimpse of what our talented student government team can accomplish, and for seniors as the sun

It was a delightful summer at the cinema. From historical epics and superheroic crusades to family friendly adventures, there was a film for almost everybody.

Targets, bounties, and water guns fuel a senior-year competition where no one knows who they can trust. Contrary to popular belief, the game “Senior Assassins” is not a new social media born craze. The game “assassins” started on college campuses in the 1980s based on Killer: The Game of Assassination, a live action role play game. High schools adopted it with two things in mind: ending senior year with a heated competition, and water guns. The objective is to receive your ta

New languages, new cultures, and new friendships shape the journey of Rancho’s international students. Rancho Solano International Students for this school year. Every school year brings fresh faces to Rancho Solano, but for a unique group of students, entering the classroom means stepping into an entirely new culture, language, and way of life. The international student community is a vital pillar of Rancho’s diversity and success, yet the journey of leaving one’s home count

With clubs, competitions, and community projects, Rancho gives artists plenty of ways to share their creativity. As we settle back into school during the months of August and September, the decision about which clubs we will join this year is upon us once again. At Rancho Solano, there are a wide variety of clubs available to students that allow them to express themselves and connect with each other. Participating in clubs allows those with similar interests to join together

A new lineup of snacks brings healthier options—and mixed reactions—to the Student Store. Out with the old items and in with the new. Comfort snacks and food combos are the most satisfying, nostalgic foods we know and love. They restore you in a way you never thought possible. That’s the school snack store. As you wait in line with your money in hand — one bill folded at extreme angles and another with a crease so deep it could sever in two — you lean right to get a glance a

Ninth graders discover that working together can lead to new friendships and unforgettable memories. The 9th grade class who attended the retreat! Ninety-three miles brought fire, smores, rain, and friendship at the 9th grade retreat in August where small acts created big impacts. The retreat included many fun activities like the magic forest or the team building exercises where we, quite literally, lifted each other up to new heights. The retreat brought all of 9th grade clo

With 40 minutes to eat, drive, and return to class, senior lunch is freedom with a deadline. Seniors enjoying some time away from campus as they explore local establishments. The new school year at Rancho Solano has finally begun, and 12th graders are starting to receive the exclusive privileges that come with being a senior, a recent one being off campus lunch. Seniors have the special opportunity on Tuesdays and Thursdays to escape the cafeteria and head to any local food

One playful tradition gives seniors a chance to reconnect with childhood before taking their next big step. Seniors rocking their character backpacks. Every year, Rancho seniors get to participate in a longstanding tradition: wearing children’s backpacks to school. Senior backpacks, along with senior skip days and senior pranks, reflect the bridge between childhood and adulthood that make senior year a symbolic form of closure. Perhaps it is a calculated form of regression, a

From Eastman to Rancho, Dr. Sloyka brings decades of musical experience and a passion for student growth. Dr. Sloyka, Guitar and Ukulele teacher The students of today are in a constant game of tug-of-war throughout their lives, facing pulls from social media, yanks from school, and jerks from a myriad of other commitments. There is always something demanding attention, whether it is an assignment, a notification, a practice, or another responsibility waiting to be completed.

Meet the new face in Room 209 and discover the experiences, passions, and personality behind the teacher. Mrs. Fajardo, Biology and Earth Science teacher. Also enjoys Harry Potter and the Phillies. As the new school year begins, you may notice a new face among faculty.  This year, Rancho Solano welcomed a new face to its science department. Mrs. Fajardo, the new biology and earth science teacher. So, who is Mrs. Fajardo? the spirit of this year’s slogan “Small Acts, Big Impac

Thirty-three juniors step into a demanding two-year journey designed to challenge how they think, learn, and grow. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a notoriously rigorous, two-year academic curriculum that fosters critical thinking skills, and sets students up for success in university and beyond. In the class of 2028, there are thirty-three IBDP candidates ready to take on the scholarly challenge. The transition from sophomore college prep and honors cl

Tri-M turns a love of music into performances, service, and opportunities for the entire Rancho community. Tri-M members working at the Club Fair trying to bring in new members. “We are out there. We are in the community,” says Mr. Zale, Rancho’s Tri-M advisor. That is the plan. We love talking about music, but at some point, somebody should probably make some. Tri-M is Rancho’s chapter of the National Music Honor Society, bringing together students enrolled in school music

From service to hobbies, Rancho students have plenty of ways to get involved. Angel Club talking to potential members. This year, at our annual club fair in August, we had 24 clubs represented by our Rancho students. These clubs included chapters of different national honor societies including National Honor Society (NHS), Tri-M national music honor society, National Art Honors Society (NAHS), and the National English Honor Society (NEHS). The remainder of the clubs are inter

An early morning, a beautiful view, and the beginning of one unforgettable final year. On September 18th, the class of 2027 joined together for an early morning tradition: Senior Sunrise. The tradition is, fittingly, the first of many for this year’s graduating class. Taking place at the beginning of the school year, Senior Sunrise represents the beginning of a new, exciting, and stressful year for students. This year, Senior Sunrise was at the Hole in the Rock at Papago Park

A new team takes the reins with fresh ideas, new traditions, and plenty of school spirit. This school year, STUGO has not only had many exciting leadership changes, but also advisor changes! Curious about our ever-evolving mission and visions for the Rancho community, I asked some of our representatives to share their perspective for the new school year. STUGO has previously been led by Ms. Drummond and Ms. Adam for many years. This year, two new advisors, Ms. Jongewaard and

A roaring crowd and relentless teamwork fuel the Mustangs through an unforgettable home opener. Varsity POM receiving their State Championship Rings Whistles, shoes squeaking, and cheers from the growing crowd. On Thursday evening, September 3rd, the girls’ varsity volleyball team warmed up in the gym, preparing for their first home game of the season. Everyone was expectant, as seen when asking the senior Allie Brooks (player 10) how she thought this season would go; she rep

With a championship legacy behind them, Rancho’s POM team starts a new season ready to bring the spirit. Varsity POM receiving their State Championship Rings Give me a P, give me an O, give me an M! The POM team is coming in, hot! These past few weeks, the Rancho POM team has kicked off its 10th season. Since the first day of school, they have been diligent with their dancing. The first few practices were filled with learning simple chants and sidelines, before progressing qu