RUSD Family & Community eNews
November 2023
π So much has been happening in the Special Services Department this fall! π We are excited to offer so many more inclusive options for our students with special needs than ever before. We have now rolled out inclusive classrooms in Grades TK-2, middle school, and Grades 9-10, and are running a pilot program for preschool. πΆ
Special education inclusion is a commitment to providing every child the best possible learning environment for their individual needs. Inclusion recognizes that every child, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, has the right to learn, grow, and thrive together. In inclusive classrooms, all students experience respect and have a sense of belonging.
Ways You Can Support Inclusion at Home:
Stay Informed - Get involved at your childβs school through the PTA,Booster clubs, or other groups. Attend your childβs parent/teacher conferences, and IST, 504, or IEP meetings.
Promote Inclusivity at Home - Teach your child the values of acceptance, empathy, and kindness. Encourage friendships with peers of all ability levels.
Be an Advocate for your Child - You know your childβs individual needs best and should feel comfortable having open and honest conversations about your childβs needs with teachers and administrators.
Encourage Independence - Help your child to become as independent as possible by encouraging them to do things for themselves whenever possible, even if this is more time consuming.
Celebrate Differences - Teach your child to recognize that everyone has unique strengths and challenges. Foster a culture of acceptance.
In partnership,
Patti Buchmiller
Executive Director of Special Services
π πΆοΈ Tips & Salsa Podcast with Juan Cabral πΌ
"Everyone was admittedly a little nervous to get to talk to the 'Big Boss,'β shared Director of Innovation, Technology, and Accountability Jamie Cortz. "However, Mr. Cabralβs authenticity, humor, and humility put everyone at ease--this is a trait that has become evident for our new leader the more we get to know him." πΌ
ποΈ Stay tuned for more exciting episodes!
π§ββοΈ Civics Day Takeover at the District π«
βοΈ Citrus Valley, Orangewood, Redlands, and Redlands East Valley High School students had an enriching experience during Civics Day, as they spent the day with district board members and leadership. Immersed in the workings of their school district, they worked alongside leaders, participated in a mock board meeting, and gained valuable insights into the administrative side of education. The day also included a visit to Child Nutrition Services, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how food is received and distributed. π΄ The students even got to taste test newer meals, adding a flavorful twist to their day. The experience culminated with a lunch provided by the Optimist Club, where the students shared their newfound knowledge and memorable moments from the day.
π£ National Merit Scholars Announced π§βπ
π Six RUSD students are among the semifinalists announced in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program.
π― The students must meet a number of requirements, including showing an βoutstanding academic recordβ and leadership and service in the community. The National Merit program will award nearly $28 million in Spring scholarships to students across the country.
Less than 1% of high school seniors are named semifinalists, making this an already outstanding achievement! π
π§ Classified Staff Spotlight: Professional Development Center Specialist Ms. Ashley Marquez
π» In the dynamic world of Educational Services, her day in the office involves managing contracts, supporting textbook adoptions, and overseeing annual consumable purchases for all school sites. π π Memorable moments in the department include festive Halloween celebrations, where dressing up with colleagues and distributing candy to preschool kiddos is a highlight. π
Representing Redlands Unified School District to her signifies a commitment to excellence in education, one family unit at a time, fostering a sense of community with a common goal. 𧑠π
π£οΈ Advice for students and families: "Parents - get involved with the schools your student(s) attends and get to know people: teachers, staff, students, etc. Students β get involved at school, play a sport (or two)!" ποΈ
πΌ Certificated Staff Spotlight: Redlands High School Career Center Teacher Ms. Christa Padilla
Meet Redlands High School Career Center Teacher Ms. Christa Padilla! She has been working in her position since 2019.
π«Έ π«·A typical day in Ms. Padilla's role is anything but typical, involving event coordination, student meetings, and a constant stream of creative planning to support students and families. The most rewarding moments come from sitting down with students, offering a listening ear, and guiding them through the overwhelming process of post-high school decisions. ππ
"I really appreciate this time when Iβm able to slow things down and focus on how to help them bring the puzzle pieces together," she shared. π§©
Representing Redlands Unified School District holds a special meaning for Ms. Padilla.
"Coming on as a Teacher at RUSD, it did not take me long to notice the rich culture, timeless traditions and pride that is felt throughout the community," she shared. "This is something that is special to RUSD and I enjoy having the opportunity to be part of that." π
Advice to students and families: "Be open to opportunities along the way and be ready to grow from every experience, including all the highs and lows that you face. Itβs all about your mindset that can change how you view whatβs happening around you and how you live life." π
Nominations are Open! π³οΈ
π We are seeking nominations for next month's Certificated and Classified Spotlight!
Students, parents, community members and staff can recognize a RUSD staff member by clicking this link.
π Get to Know PTA President Jessica Keating
As the newly appointed president of the Redlands Council of PTAs, this passionate parent was inspired by the incredible engagement and support she witnessed at Smiley Elementary when her daughter started kindergarten. Her goal is to empower PTA leaders with the resources needed to organize fun, interactive, and educational programs and events for all students. Having been involved with PTA since 2010, she has served in various roles at Smiley Elementary, Cope Middle, and Redlands High schools, as well as at the Redlands Council and Fifth District PTA. π€
π€© Highlighting recent impactful initiatives, she emphasizes the diverse projects undertaken by PTAs, from book fairs π and movie nights ποΈ to special assemblies promoting healthy living. π§ She encourages community members to stay informed about upcoming events by checking with their local PTAs, which often share updates on social media and school websites. π² To promote PTA involvement, she urges families and community members to attend meetings, learn about PTA programs, and consider joining to support Redlands schools. Emphasizing the vital role of PTA in enhancing students' educational experiences, she invites everyone to join and contribute to making school a place children eagerly look forward to every day.
Website: www.redlandsusd.net
Location: 20 West Lugonia Avenue Redlands, CA 92374
Phone: (909) 307-5300
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