RUSD Family & Community eNews
September 2024
👋 As we kick off another exciting school year, I’m thrilled to share some of the wonderful things happening in our Child Nutrition Services (CNS) department! We are passionate about ensuring every student has access to nutritious, delicious meals that fuel their success in the classroom and beyond. 💪
Our team is constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve, and this year is no exception. Thanks to the dedication of our team, we’ve been able to broaden our menu offerings to include more fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. 🥗 We know that healthy eating habits start with having access to a variety of foods, so we’re committed to providing meals that are not only nutritious, but also diverse and exciting for students to try. 🫑
🐄 We've also been able to expand our the "Farm to School" initiative! 🌾 We’re bringing even more fresh produce to our kitchens by building stronger partnerships with local farms. 🧑🌾 This not only supports our local economy, but also helps teach students about where their food comes from and the importance of sustainable practices. 🚜
This year, we’re focused on enhancing our nutrition education efforts. 🧑🏫 We’re planning fun and interactive ways to teach students about healthy eating habits, the benefits of different food groups, and how to make informed food choices. 🧠
🍊 I’m especially excited to continue developing our brand, “Medley Station,” integrating CNS into each of our campuses' culture, and working to make special events even more memorable! 🎉 This will include new, tailored, and themed menu items that reflect the diversity and creativity of our students and schools. Whether it’s a cultural celebration, a holiday feast, or a fun-themed day, Medley Station will bring an extra layer of excitement and engagement to the school dining experience. 👀 Keep an eye out for us throughout the year and be sure to say hello! 👋
Speaking of reaching out, I want to ensure our department is connected to all of you. 📣 Our Instagram page, @medleystation_rusd, is the perfect place to stay in the loop with everything happening in the Child Nutrition Services department. 📲 Through this platform, we aim to create a space where our entire community can be a part of the work we’re doing. 🤳 Whether it’s sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of our kitchen teams in action, highlighting professional development and training, or showcasing special events, we want you to feel like you’re right there with us! 🤗
I want you to know that every decision we make is centered around the well-being of our students, and I’m incredibly proud of our team’s hard work and dedication. We’re not just here to provide meals; we’re here to make a positive impact on their health, learning, and overall school experience! 🙌
Warmly,
Alyssa Cummings
Director of Child Nutrition Services
🏫 First Day of School 🥳
🗓️ On August 7, students across the Redlands Unified School District walked, ran, rolled, and even danced their way back onto campus for the first day of the new school year. 💃🏽 Proud parents snapped photos of their students, documenting the start of a new grade and the classic, ever-important first day of school outfit. 📸 Some shared tearful goodbyes as they sent their little ones off for the first time, while high school seniors experienced the final first day of their K-12 education. 🥹
👋 Staff members were ready with smiles, warm welcomes, and plenty of directions for those new to their campuses. 🗺️ Whether guiding middle schoolers to their classrooms or helping freshmen navigate their high school hallways, teachers and administrators ensured every student started the year off smoothly. It was a day of fresh beginnings, filled with joy and anticipation for all the learning and growth in the year ahead. 🎓
🌐 Aeries Student Data Confirmation 🖥️
🔔 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. ✅
🚀 **STEAM & Innovation is already off and running in RUSD!** 🎉 For example, students in grades 1-5 at Kimberly, Lugonia, Mariposa & Mission are experiencing coding & robotics through our nationally recognized LEGO Education program. 🤖 Who knew that a six-year-old could code a miniature robot to dance? 💃🤖
✨ The Redlands Educational Partnership (REP) foundation will be supporting schools with Technology, Arts, Gardens, and Science (TAGS) grants this fall. 🍂 Applications for teachers will be available on September 23rd. 📝 To learn more about REP, or to see how you can support, listen to President Jennifer Moore on the most recent Ed. Tech podcast HERE. 🎧 You can also visit the REP website @ www.rep4schools.com 🌐
🔜 Finally, Digital Citizenship Week is coming up next month from October 14-18. 🗓️ Keep an eye out for student activities and additional ways families can help support safe & responsible use of technology at home. 💻📱
🏫 Classified Spotlight: Redlands High School Secretary II, Christine Martinez
👋 Meet Christine Martinez, our Secretary II at Redlands High School (Go Terriers 🐾)! Before becoming a Terrier in 2018, Christine started in the District working in RSEED at Special Services.
The day begins early with a much-needed cup of coffee ☕ for Christine. Once logged in, the first task is to check Frontline, ensuring that all 1:1 students are adequately covered for the day. Following this, she reviews her Assistant Principal’s (Dr. Rehage) calendar 📅 to ensure that everything is prepared for any upcoming meetings and events.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her role is the close-knit, team-oriented environment at Redlands High School. "We definitely work as a team and we aim to provide the best service to our parents, students, staff, and community members."
For Christine, representing the District her children attend is important. "Because my children attend schools in the district ... I have a part in providing all students with the best education possible."
🎃 Fun fact about Christine: She and her family are currently growing pumpkins in their backyard!
🗣️ Advice for students and families: Advocate for yourself and get involved. 💫
🏫 Certificated Spotlight: Instructional Coach for Induction and PAR, Kelly Batres 🌟
👋 Meet Kelly Batres, our Instructional Coach for Induction and PAR! 📝 She was a PE teacher at Moore Middle School for 6 years before entering the world of Redlands Instructional Coaching! 👏
🌞 Every day brings something different for Kelly, from spending time with teachers to researching best practices. Her daily responsibilities culminate in the highlight of her work: New Teacher Orientation week. 👩🏫 This week provides a special chance to connect with new staff joining the community and laying the groundwork for a year of support. 🎉 She emphasizes that the best part of her job is the daily interactions with teachers. "They are doing the heavy lifting, and every time they stop to spend some time with me to share what's happening in their classrooms, I am grateful as we learn and grow together [...] I am passionate about making sure that teachers are supported, valued, and empowered because this is how we impact students!" ✨
For her, representing Redlands is recognizing the importance of progress and innovation. 🍊 "I think it's important to challenge students to be their best, and to be active citizens who will contribute positively to our community and beyond." 🫶
Fun fact about Kelly: She grew up in a small town in Iowa! It had no stoplights. 🤯 She also loves to play golf and pickleball with her family!
🗣️ Advice for students and families: "Be an active participant in the school community, whether it's sports, academics, theater, music - find your passion and share it with those around you!" 💫
Become a PTA Member! 🙌
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! 🍎
📣 School Site Volunteer Information 🖥️
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! ✨ 🙌 🎓
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