Back-to-school with Principal Casey McMurray of Rancho

Casey McMurray is embarking upon his sixth year as Principal of Rancho Middle School. 
Before that, he spent two decades at Milpitas High School (MHS). During the first 11 of those years at MHS, he taught Spanish; and in the last 9, he was Assistant Principal there. 

And now, as he and the Rancho team welcome students on campus and into the 2019-2020 school year, Casey is excited about all the new opportunities that lie ahead.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to strengthen our instructional practices, particularly in the area of literacy,” said Casey. “Also…new opportunities, new students, and the work we’re continuing with our professional learning communities; the work we’re doing to support our longterm English learners to help them progress toward reclassification.” 

This year, Casey is joined by Lori Nuno, who will be coming in as Rancho’s Assistant Principal. Lori was a teacher at Rancho during Casey’s first year as Principal; then she was Assistant Principal over at Rose Elementary for the past 4 years. 

“Lori is a great team lead and I'm happy she’s back with us and that I get to work with her in a new capacity,” said Casey. “She brings a new perspective and ideas, along with her experience. And her experience will definitely be helpful as we work to plan for our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.” 

One of the things that Casey appreciates about Rancho is the family-like feel among staff. They put a great deal of attention and thought into working together to provide a sense of belonging for students. Staff also strives to stay connected to the parent community through different opportunities like Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE), through which they offer parent workshops in Spanish and English. This will be their third year of doing so. They also offer work through the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) and the PTA to engage and involve parents. 

One of the things Casey loves most about Rancho? 
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"The opportunity I have every day to interact with great students, professional staff, and also the opportunity I have to help the parent community in whatever way that might be,” said Casey. “I really look forward to coming to work every day.”