RUSD Family & Community eNews

💰 As the Purchasing Director for Redlands Unified School District, I am excited to introduce you to my teams that are typically behind the scenes. The collaborative efforts of the Purchasing, Warehouse and Reprographic departments provide the district with materials and supplies that support our students and staff. 👏

📋 The Purchasing team is the driving force behind our procurement strategies and guidelines. We focus on strong supplier relations, sourcing high-quality items and services, and are dedicated to cost efficiency. Our Purchasing Assistant and Buyers work diligently to implement procurement methods to meet our expectations and timelines. 🤝 Superior customer service affords us the ability to negotiate favorably on behalf the community we serve. This team is also instrumental in maintaining a myriad of compliances including safety and insurances, cyber security, and public contract codes.

🚛 Our Warehouse is the backbone of our logistical operations. On average, our supply center receives 12 truckloads of various supplies each day. This team is responsible for managing inventory, optimizing storage space, and ensuring timely delivery of goods to our sites and departments. 📦 A function that typically goes unnoticed is the check-in process. Each item is inspected for accuracy before being sent with a driver for delivery. ✅ Often, staff only know their items arrive as ordered, and in perfect condition. The work done by the Warehouse team ensures the sites do not have to count items, investigate for damage, or handle the return/exchange processes.

🖨️ The Reprographic department is the epitome of service with a smile. 😊 Although we have only two staff members in this department, they process thousands of orders each month for our teachers, providing invaluable materials for our students. 📝 Reprographics handles crucial documents, stays current on copyright law, and stays attuned to the ever-changing technologies available to create quality reproductions.

⏳ Logistics and the element of time are critical within all three departments. Each area is quite familiar with handling rush orders and working collaboratively to accomplish the tasks at hand. ⏱️ Whatever your purchasing needs may be, know that we are here to support you!

Sincerely,

Amy Drummond, Purchasing Director

🎧 Listen in to this special end-of-year video message from Superintendent Juan Cabral as we celebrate our achievements, finish strong, and look forward to graduations! 🎓

❤️ At the heart of inclusion lies the commitment to ensuring access for all students in the general education setting, transcending mere academics to foster a sense of belonging and accomplishment throughout their educational experience. As educators, the mission is to create classrooms where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. 💪

✨ Throughout this academic year, we've witnessed the remarkable dedication of educators like Mrs. Judy Stotz at Cram Elementary and Mrs. Stephanie Noble at Judson & Brown Elementary, who exemplify the spirit of inclusion in action. Stotz emphasizes the importance of students participating in every activity, adjusting assignments to meet their diverse needs. "In my classroom, inclusion happens every day," she shares. "All of the students participate in every activity I do." 👩‍🏫

🏫 Stotz's approach to inclusion extends beyond academics, incorporating activities that cater to diverse learning styles and abilities. "When the children are grouped heterogeneously, they can support and collaborate with each other," she explains. 🙌

📖 One of Stotz's most rewarding challenges this year was teaching a hearing-disabled child how to read. 🦻 Despite facing challenges, she persevered, seeking out resources and leveraging the support of her team to ensure the student's success. This dogged determination in meeting the needs of every learner reflects the true spirit of inclusion in action.

"All children benefit from new activities, for instance, in my class, they have been learning some sign language," Stotz explains. 🤟 "My families were very excited to know that their children would be learning sign language and fully supported having additional adults in our classroom to help."

🐆 Similarly, Mrs. Noble at Judson & Brown Elementary describes inclusion as "teaching all students at their levels by providing differentiation and accommodations if or when needed." Noble's practices include providing extra time, assistance through the use of instructional aides, calming corners for breaks, visual picture cues, and mindfulness techniques to accommodate students with diverse learning styles and abilities. ⚖️

🗣️ Noble promotes collaboration and peer support among students by providing opportunities for purposeful play and communication with peers to complete tasks. Families are encouraged to volunteer in the classroom, assisting all students with tasks while fostering communication among peers.

Reflecting on their experiences, both educators demonstrate that all students, regardless of their abilities, can learn and grow in an inclusive classroom environment. As we celebrate the hard work and dedication of educators like Mrs. Stotz and Mrs. Noble, let us continue to champion inclusion in our classrooms, enriching the educational experience for all students and embodying the values of diversity, equity, and belonging that lie at the heart of our district. 💙 🧡

The Optimist Games, sponsored by the Optimist Club of Redlands in partnership with Redlands Unified School District for nearly four decades, has become a cherished tradition within our community.

✨ The Games bring together moderate to severe special education elementary to transition-aged students to participate in a variety of athletic events. In the Optimist Games, everyone is a winner, with the emphasis placed not strictly on competition but on camaraderie, sportsmanship, and acceptance. 🏅

This year's Optimist Games held a special significance for Karen Lesondak, the dedicated organizer of the Games and Adaptive Physical Education teacher. After three decades of unwavering commitment, she will finally cross her career finish line into retirement. 🌟 We express our heartfelt gratitude for her immense contributions to our students and extend warm wishes for a joyous retirement! 🎉

🙌 What truly sets this event apart is the spirit of volunteerism and inclusion that permeates every aspect of the day. General education students from various clubs and athletics programs, alongside staff volunteers, lend their time and energy to ensure the smooth operation of the games. From running the games and cheering on the participants, to assisting with setup and cleanup, these dedicated volunteers go above and beyond to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all participants. 👏

The World-Famous Harlem Wizards took over the court for a thrilling fundraiser basketball game against our very own REP Rebounders.This event brought the community together for an evening of high-flying action and unforgettable entertainment.

Organized by the Redlands Educational Partnership (REP), the fundraiser showcased the talents of the REP Rebounders team, made up of dedicated teachers and district staff. As they squared off against the Wizards, spectators were treated to a spectacle of trick hoops, alley-oops, slam dunks, and jaw-dropping trick-shots.

But the game was more than just a display of athletic prowess—with every ticket sold, every laugh shared during the comedy segments, and every participant in audience contests, attendees contributed to the ongoing efforts of REP to enrich educational opportunities across the district. The funds raised from ticket sales directly benefit REP programs and provide grants for teachers, ensuring that students have access to the resources they need to thrive. As the final buzzer sounded and the Harlem Wizards claimed victory, the true winners were the students and educators of the Redlands Unified School District.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to its success by coming to the game. Your support ensures that REP can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of students and educators, empowering them to reach new heights.

The 2nd Annual Super Smash Bros. Tournament was a resounding success! 👏 Esports clubs from our secondary schools came together to go player vs. player until only one winner was left for middle school and high school. ☝️ Students, staff, and families were all on the edge of their seats as competitors had to win two out of three games to move forward in the bracket. The biggest takeaways of the tournament included:

• 🏠 A parent involvement opportunity: The Super Smash Bros. Tournament was an opportunity for families to experience the thrill of competition and bonding! Families united to cheer on their talented students, marveling at their skills with every aerial and smash attack. For one parent, it was a heartwarming opportunity to stay involved in her child's passions, especially as they transitioned to secondary school. The tournament allowed everyone to witness the joy of support and skill as our students showcased their gaming talents in an event that brought us all together.

• 🤝 Sportsmanship: During the intense competition, our students exemplified exceptional sportsmanship, proving that winning isn't everything. After each match, students shared a high five or fist bump, and even complimented each other's techniques, fostering a spirit of camaraderie. It was inspiring to see students not only strive for victory but also share insights and strategies, learning from one another and enriching their gaming experience.
• 🏆 The best of the best & heartfelt words: The 2nd Annual Super Smash Bros. Tournament culminated in an exhilarating victory for Noah (middle school) and Anthony (high school) who emerged as champions of the night. Beyond the winners, students extended appreciation to their coaches for facilitating connections with fellow gamers, fostering new friendships, and uniting individuals with shared interests. Congratulations to all participants for showcasing talent, sportsmanship, and the power of community!

✨ Amidst the glitz and glamour of Southern California's entertainment hub, Redlands Unified School District rolled out the red carpet for its second annual Student Film Fest. The event, held at Harkins Premiere Theaters, showcased a dazzling array of talent, imagination, and creativity from students across the district. 🎞️

From the heartwarming 🥰 to the heart-pounding 😬, twelve student-created films took center stage, captivating audiences with across genres. Among the highlights was "Cipher in the Grove," a gripping remake of a 1974 classic produced by Moore Middle School that had viewers reaching for tissues. 🥺

🍿 Representing a spectrum of storytelling styles, from sequels like "Alone Again" from Arroyo Verde Elementary and "Big Heist 2" by Cope Middle School, to the thrilling polar adventure 🐧 flick "The Atlas Paradox" from Victoria Elementary, the films showcased the boundless creativity and technical prowess of RUSD's budding filmmakers. With several productions partially filmed on location on Catalina Island, students brought their stories to life against stunning backdrops and scenic vistas. 🏝️

🎬 The excitement didn't end when production wrapped however - as students stepped out of a limousine onto the red carpet, they were greeted by a spectacle reminiscent of Hollywood's A-list premieres. Over 1400 movie-goers queued eagerly as they awaited the screening of their top most anticipated films and took pictures of their beloved stars, a few of whom even granted autographs to their fans. 📸

🎞️ RUSD's Student Film Fest isn't just about entertainment—it's about empowering students to explore their passions, hone their skills, and unleash their creativity. Through digital storytelling, students learn valuable lessons in collaboration, critical thinking, and utilizing cutting-edge technology. By providing a platform for young talent to shine, the event fosters a culture of innovation and artistic expression within our schools.

📽️ Events like these not only celebrate the diverse talents of our students but also prepare them for future endeavors in the arts and beyond. By premiering their films alongside Hollywood blockbusters, students are inspired to pursue their dreams with confidence and enthusiasm, knowing that the sky's the limit. 🤩

As the curtains close on another successful Student Film Fest, we applaud the dedication and talent of our students and educators. Their commitment to excellence and their passion for storytelling remind us that the future of cinema—and our world—is in good hands. Let's continue to revel in the magic of filmmaking and nurture the dreams of tomorrow's storytellers. 👏

📣 Exciting news for the Class of 2026!
We are thrilled to present a new dual enrollment opportunity with the University of Redlands! Have a high attendance rate and a 3.75 or better GPA? Planning to pursue a career in education? Learn more about the program and APPLY TODAY by visiting https://bit.ly/RUSD-UoR-DE-Info

🔎 Looking for more photos from district events? Check out the new District photo gallery! Families can view and download photos from all events the Communications Department covers. 💾

Visit https://redlandsusd.smugmug.com/.

📣 This recognition ceremony shines a spotlight on the exceptional achievements of our students. Under this program, each principal has the honor of recognizing two outstanding students each month. These students are handpicked by their respective schools, with a focus on both remarkable academic performance and exemplary citizenship. 🙌

🎉 This prestigious awards program not only acknowledges the remarkable dedication and effort put forth by our students, but also provides our community with an additional opportunity to come together and celebrate the students' hard-earned successes.

🏆 The final Superintendent Awards of the year, held on April 16 at Redlands High School's historic Clock Auditorium, was a celebration of achievement and excellence. Recognizing students from each school, winners of the SIMSEF Awards, along with AP Scholars, AP Scholars with Honor, and AP Scholars with Distinction from all three high schools, the event highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of our students. 👏

🚴‍♂️ The Redlands Bicycle Classic School Duel, sponsored by Stater Bros Charities, turned downtown streets into race tracks as students pedaled their way to victory... or at least to the finish line! 🏁

With over 350 students from the Redlands Unified School District, the true measure of success was not speed, but engagement and school spirit. 📣 The School Duel is won by the school with the most racers participating across all heats and ages. Thanks to the generous sponsorship, students faced no expense to register or race, ensuring that anyone who owned or borrowed a bike could ride. 🙌

🐆 The highlight of the event was the fierce, yet friendly, competition among schools, with Judson and Brown Elementary School emerging victorious once again, clinching the Primary School Duel trophy for the remarkable 8th consecutive time with 124 racers!

Meanwhile, Cope and Moore Middle Schools share the glory, tying for the Intermediate School Duel trophy. Notable participation was seen from Kingsbury and Arroyo Verde schools this year... will they break J&B's streak next year? We'll see! 🔮

🙏 Behind the scenes and on the sidelines, over 40 RUSD teachers, counselors, administrators, campus monitors, and volunteers, including Superintendent Juan Cabral, lent their support to make the event a resounding success. Their dedication and enthusiasm were instrumental in creating a memorable experience for all involved. 👏

📢 We are currently accepting nominations for both our classified and certificated employees who have consistently gone above and beyond in their roles. Whether it's a dedicated teacher 🧑‍🏫 who inspires their 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 take a moment to 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. 🙌

Curious about becoming a PTA member? Check in with your school to join and support their fantastic initiatives! 🍎 Together, let's 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. By reading through the communication, you are helping your student(s) stay on top of any pressing issues, updates and information. 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.

This event will focus on providing employment information to individuals who are interested in applying for special education paraprofessional positions (both contract and substitute).

Redlands USD Board Room
25 West Lugonia Avenue, Redlands, CA 92374

Thursday, May 16, 2024

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

This event will provide a great opportunity for individuals to learn more about the these positions and to speak with HR and Special Services staff members. Additionally, interviews for special education paraprofessional positions will be conducted during the job fair.

To glean insight into the day-to-day work of a paraprofessional, watch our "Day in the Life" video below to see if the position may be a good fit for you!

The Redlands Unified School District Family and Community Engagement Department invites you to the annual Multicultural Fair: Cultural Kaleidoscope celebrating our cultures and traditions.

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): twitter.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.