RUSD Family & Community eNews

👋 Even with 30 years in education, I continue to be inspired by the collaborative spirit of our educational community. 🤝 As your Coordinator of Categorical Programs, I'm excited to share an important opportunity for families and staff to help shape the future of our district's educational programs!

🔎 We are currently seeking dedicated individuals to join our Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Advisory Committee for a two-year term.

This committee plays a vital role in:

• Reviewing district programs and their impact on student achievement 🏅
• Providing input on resource allocation to meet student needs 📊
• Representing our diverse community's voices in educational planning 🗣️
• Helping ensure our funding decisions align with district goals 🎯

📝 The LCAP is more than just a document – it's our roadmap for ensuring every student receives the support they need to succeed. 💪 This month, we'll be distributing a survey to identify potential committee members who are passionate about education and ready to make a difference in our district. Whether you're a parent, staff member, or community partner, your perspective matters. 📣

Working in Categorical Programs, I've seen firsthand how collaborative decision-making leads to better outcomes for our students. 📈 The LCAP Advisory Committee is one of the most direct ways you can contribute to this important work. Please watch for the upcoming survey in your email and consider joining us in this meaningful opportunity to shape our district's future. 🙌

Best regards,

Kristi Hubbard

Coordinator of Categorical Programs

The Redlands Unified School District State of the District event, held on October 29 at the Grace Mullen Auditorium at Redlands High School, was a successful gathering with over 200 attendees, including students, families, staff, board members, and community partners. 👏 The evening offered an engaging program that highlighted the district’s achievements, ongoing projects, and future goals, reinforcing a strong sense of community commitment to student success. 💪

Superintendent Juan J. Cabral opened the evening, expressing gratitude to all attendees for their support and presence, setting a collaborative and positive tone for the event. Superintendent Cabral, alongside Deputy Superintendent Jason Hill and Interim Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Lisa Bruich, presented a comprehensive overview of the District’s current status and future plans. The key topics included:

• Academic Achievements and Initiatives 📚
• Facility and Infrastructure Projects under Measure D: Student Health/Safety Classroom Repair Measure 🏫
• Staff and Student Support Services 🤝
• Vision for the Future ✨

Special acknowledgment was given to the following groups for their participation and support in the event:

• RHS Principal Cullen and administration for hosting the event at Grace Mullen Auditorium at Redlands High School; and the RHS custodial staff for setting up and tearing down the event. 🏫
• To the following student groups that participated during the event – RHS Chamber Singers, led by Director of Choirs Mr. Diaz for singing "Bogoroditse Devo," "Alleluia," and the National Anthem 🎶; RHS AFJROTC Color Guard, led by First Sargeant Barnes-Joshua, for presenting the colors; and the Judson and Brown Elementary School Student Council, led by Ms. Windver, Ms. Ginnetty, and Assistant Principal Rivera, for leading the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. 🇺🇸
• Child Nutrition Services, Medley Station, for providing refreshments and desserts.
• Clement Middle School Mr. Davis and Mr. Hetrick and Technology Services for their project tech mapping contributions. 🔦
• Mission Elementary School students Harmony, Addison, Nicholas, Michael, and Orion and teacher Ms. Lee for the innovative hologram display. 🤖
• RUSD volunteers for greeting attendees and organizing the event. 🍊
• Lugonia Elementary School parents for the creating balloon arch. 🎈

A special shoutout went to all of the students, families, staff, and community members that attended the event. "Your ongoing support and involvement are what drive the success of Redlands Unified," shared Superintended Cabral. "Together, we are creating a brighter future for our students, and it’s a privilege to share this journey with you." 🤝

The Family and Community Engagement (FACE) team held the annual Community Resource Fair at Redlands High School, bringing together over 40 community organizations from Redlands and the surrounding areas. "The Community Resource Fair promotes a stronger, more connected community, that empowers families to thrive," shared FACE liaison, La'Rena Garcia. 🫶

Many families walked away with a wealth of knowledge and contact information of community organizations ready to take the first steps for all types of support. 💪

"The most impactful takeaway is the relationships and awareness the Community Resource Fair builds," shared FACE liaison, Anthony Chavez. "The Community Resource Fair exposes families to resources and organizations that they may not know exist."

Additionally, the Redlands Education Support Professionals Association (RESPA) donated funds toward the event, allowing RUSD’s Medley Station to provide free unlimited burgers to all student-aged children and the first 150 families. 👏

It wouldn’t be a FACE event without opportunity drawings, and the most anticipated drawing was for a signed Lakers jersey by Brandon Ingram donated to FACE by the Boys and Girls Club of Redlands! 💛💜

We congratulate the FACE team for yet another successful Community Resource Fair and thank all the volunteers who helped make it possible: RHS AFJROTC, Clement ASB, and RHS International Club! 🌟

Red Ribbon Week at Redlands Unified School District brought together students and staff to participate in fun and creative activities pledging to be drug-free. This year’s theme for Red Ribbon Week was “Life is a Movie, Film Drug-Free,” and our schools did not disappoint. From dressing up as their favorite movie characters to a fun door-decorating contest, every aspect of Red Ribbon Week reflected our schools' dedication to promoting a healthy and drug-free environment. ❤️

Redlands High School MEChA Club hosted its’ first districtwide Noche Cultural festival and it was a hit! Families were entertained with performances by Aztec dancers, Baile Folklórico, Student Music Group, Edgar Gaspar Music, and Mrs. Jaime Ochoa! 💫 Additionally, the festival brought together over 10 vendors selling artisan products and traditional food. "Noche Cultural was a Hispanic/Latinx/Chicano cultural celebration imagined and created by MEChA students and its purpose was to celebrate our rich cultural diversity, resiliency, and highlight our cultural values such as familia, comunidad, educacion, e historia," shared co-advisor Noemi Villagrana. 🥹

It was a beautiful night and a celebration our community won't forget! 🎉

The A.K. Smiley Library’s annual Dia de los Muertos event was an exciting time for students and families! Many of our students joined in on the fun through the Teen Art Contest where a lot of talent was uncovered. 🎨 Congratulations to the winners! 👏 Additionally, the Catrina-Calavera Costume Contest revealed many creative costumes and talented face painting.

A big shoutout to the A.K. Smiley Library for inviting the Redlands Unified School District to be part of this amazing cultural celebration for all our Redlands community! 🫶

Students from Cope Middle School, Beattie Middle School, Redlands High School, and Citrus Valley High School recently came together at RHS's Clock Auditorium for the Theatre Clinic workshop. 👏 It was truly heartwarming to see middle and high schoolers supporting one another through a shared passion, bridging ages and schools with their love of theatre. 🥰 After each performance, local theatre professionals and educators generously offered feedback and tips, helping our young Thespians sharpen their skills. A heartfelt thank you to these mentors for guiding our students so thoughtfully and patiently!

With the enthusiasm and talent we've seen, this year's theatre season is set to be phenomenal. Great job to everyone who participated! 📸 Click here to see photos from this event.

🐾 Redlands High School held their College Application "I Applied!" Day, where over 200 seniors came together to work on their college applications! 📝 The supportive environment helped students navigate the often stressful and confusing process. Staff from the University of Redlands, Crafton Hills College, San Bernardino Valley College, Riverside City College, and UC Santa Cruz were on hand to offer one-on-one assistance and guidance. 🙌 Their expertise ensured students received personalized support as they prepared for the next step in their education. 🗓️ Up next, Citrus Valley High School will host its own "I Applied!" Day on November 6th, followed by Redlands East Valley High School's college application day on November 14th, offering additional opportunities for RUSD students to come together and celebrate their progress as they prepare for college! 🎓 Click here to see photos from this event! 📸

🔔 DON'T FORGET! Update your Aeries Parent Portal to ensure you receive school site and district communication. 📲

Go to https://redlands.asp.aeries.net/student/LoginParent and complete each tab. ✅

🔎 Looking for more photos from recent events? Check out our District Photo Gallery! Families can view and download photos from all events the Communications Department covers. 💾

Visit https://redlandsusd.smugmug.com/

Last Month’s Digital Citizenship Week activities were a big hit! Many students across the district learned what it means to practice good, safe, and kind online behaviors. Three RUSD schools have recently become Common Sense Media Certified for Digital Citizenship: eAcademy, Franklin, and Judson & Brown. Great job!

This month, we are focusing on National Geography Week (November 18-22) and GIS Day on Wednesday, November 20th. Please see the flyers below for information on some of the exciting activities available to students.

We also want to remind all students who are interested to consider participating in the 2024-25 science fair. Hear from teacher, Colleen Duncan, and student, Michael Stodelle, on our most recent podcast about science fair participation: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/Y7csC6anHNb

Finally, signups are out regarding RUSD’s 3rd Annual FilmFest. Is your student interested in making videos, telling stories, or operating a camera? Well, they just might have a chance to see their creation on the big screen at Harkins Theater. Check on the flyer below!

The District African American Parent Advisory Council (DAAPAC) aims to create a welcoming space for families, community partners, and school leaders to work together in supporting and uplifting our African American students. 💛

Join DAAPAC's in-person meeting on November 21, 2024. Keep an eye out on Parent Square for more details. For more information on DAAPAC please visit the DAAPAC Information page on our district website! 🖥️

The District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) is a group of parents, staff, and community members that helps our district improve programs and services for English learners. 🤝

DELAC welcomes families of multilingual learners to learn more about how they can support their students. The next meeting will be virtual on November 20, 2024. 💻

For more information please visit the DELAC Information page on our website!

The Redlands Unified School District invites parents of students with unique needs to join the Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC), where they can share ideas, collaborate with other parents, and help improve special education services together! 🙌

Save the dates for future in-person and virtual meetings: October 17, 2024; February 20, 2025; and April 17, 2025. 📆

Additionally, please join the Special Services Department for their Special Education Parent Coffee Chat from 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM. Meet at the Boardroom on January 22, 2025 and at the District Office Conference Room on April 16, 2025! ☕️

Last month, a few of our teachers and administrators visited UC Davis for the 14th Annual C-STEM Conference at UC Davis. The event focused on “Accelerating Student Achievement in Math, Computer Science, and Engineering” through inspiring speeches, hands-on sessions, and best practices for integrating coding and robotics into K-12 education. 🚀

We’d like to recognize and give a big shoutout to our C-STEM Teachers of the Year:

🌟 Nellie Aboytes, Clement Middle School

🌟 Robin O'Brine, Victoria Elementary School

🌟 Noah Rosen, Cope Middle School

If you see them around, congratulate them for their dedication innovating education! 🤖

Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK) of Redlands recently celebrated the District's first-year teachers by hosting an event where each teacher was recognized by their school administrators. 🤝 As part of this tradition, ADK provided refreshments, and each principal received a new book for their school’s library. 📕 This annual collaboration between RUSD and ADK highlights a shared commitment to supporting educators and fostering a welcoming environment. Here's to many more years of this meaningful partnership! ✨

📢 We are currently accepting nominations for both classified and certificated employees who have consistently gone above and beyond in their roles. Whether it's a dedicated teacher 🧑‍🏫 who inspires students daily, a compassionate paraprofessional 🤲 who provides invaluable support, or a dependable bus driver 🚌 who ensures the safe transportation of our students, we want to hear about these exceptional individuals! If you know someone who deserves recognition for their outstanding contributions, please click the link and submit your nominations. 🗳️ Let’s come together to celebrate the remarkable individuals who continue to shine and make a positive impact throughout our district. 🙌

Follow these steps:

• 🌐 Go to https://jointotem.com/ca/pta/fifth-district-pta/redlands-council
• 🔍 Search and click on your student's school on the list
• ✅ Click "Join Now" and follow the steps on the next screen!

PTA supports their school sites through fantastic initiatives for families and students! 🍎

Visit our School Site Volunteer information page: https://www.redlandsusd.net/school-site-volunteer-information

A few things you can do as a School Site Volunteer:

• 📝 Help teachers in classrooms
• 🚌 Chaperone field trips
• 🎟️ Help PTA with events during the school day and so on!

Together, we pave the way for a brighter future for our children and community! ✨ 🙌 🎓

Staying informed is key to a smooth school year (for everyone!). Outlined below are ways the district as well as school sites will communicate with you.

🏢 District Communication

The District will send monthly newsletters, letters from the Superintendent, and updates through ParentSquare containing important information and various action items. ParentSquare is also an app you can download on your phone and set up your personal communication preferences. Seeing too many emails? You can adjust your notification preferences to digest mode and only receive one email from both your child(ren)'s school and the district in one readers digest format (click here to see how!). You can also enable text and push notifications (which we recommend in case of emergency). 📲

In an effort to effectively and efficiently communicate with our staff, families, and community members, the Redlands Unified School District has adopted an electronic flyer communication tool, Peachjar. If you have any questions regarding this new digital flyer service, please email peachjar@redlands.k12.ca.us 🍑

The District also uses social media to share positive stories and happenings throughout the district, in addition to important dates and reminders. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Formerly Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn! 📱

🏫 School Site Communication

School site communication varies depending on site and grade level. However, all sites will send out either weekly or monthly newsletter-style communication through ParentSquare. For questions related to school site communication, please reach out to the site directly!

📲 ParentSquare Resources

Here is a link to more information and resources related to ParentSquare. See the contact information below for assistance with your ParentSquare account.

We post new positions regularly! Join our school community by applying here, or share this link with someone who may wish to apply. Call Human Resources at (909) 307-5300 with any questions.

Website: www.redlandsusd.net

Location: 20 West Lugonia Avenue Redlands, CA 92374

Phone: (909) 307-5300

Facebook: facebook.com/RedlandsUSD

Instagram: instagram.com/redlandsusd

X (Formerly Twitter): https://x.com/RedlandsUSD

YouTube: youtube.com/RedlandsUSD Media

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/redlandsusd

Photo Gallery: redlandsusd.smugmug.com

Redlands Unified School District, as a unifying agent of several unique communities rich in local history, culture, and tradition, is committed to preparing students to become productive participants in a diverse, multi-cultural, democratic society through quality education, high expectations, flexible programs and innovative partnerships. Our students will be empowered with the knowledge and commitment necessary to confront the challenges of our changing world, as they become the leaders of the 21st century.