RUSD Family & Community eNews

As we close out another remarkable school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what a true honor it is to serve as the Board President for our wonderful school district. As a longtime resident, a parent of children who graduated from this district, and now a proud grandparent of current students, this role holds deep personal meaning to me.

It is with immense pride and gratitude that I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our incredible students, dedicated educators, and engaged families of RUSD. Together, we continue to shape a community where learning thrives, achievements soar, and the future is filled with promise.

Our students have demonstrated outstanding commitment to excellence in many areas including academics, athletics, arts, and community service. I have been so blessed and honored to witness this commitment firsthand while attending many events and visiting many classrooms across our district. Whether it’s a student prepared meal at Studio 24, an athletic event at a Middle or High School, experiencing Civics Day, attending musical performances and plays, or participating in the partnership RUSD has with the Redlands Bicycle Classic’s School Duel competition, I am so proud of how our district fosters excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

I am continually impressed by the high academics, innovation and creativity of our students.Their dedication to growth and leadership embodies the spirit of Redlands, and their success is a testament to their hard work and perseverance. I applaud each and every student for their accomplishments and encourage them to continue striving for their dreams. None of this would be possible without the invaluable support of parents and guardians. Your involvement in your children's education strengthens the very foundation of their success. From cheering at school events to guiding them through challenges, your commitment creates an environment of encouragement and inspiration. Parent engagement is key to fostering a strong learning community, and I deeply appreciate your partnership.

Equally important are the teachers and staff whose tireless dedication nurtures and empowers our students. Your passion, creativity, and commitment shape the minds and futures of our young learners. Whether in classrooms, counseling offices, support services, or administrative roles, your work makes a lasting impact, and I cannot thank you enough.

As we celebrate the achievements of our students and recognize the vital role of parents, teachers, and staff, let us continue working together to foster a community of excellence, kindness, and lifelong learning. Thank you for your contributions to RUSD and for making a difference in the lives of our students every day.

To the Class of 2025: watching you prepare to walk across the graduation stage fills me with gratitude and hope. You have overcome so much and accomplished so many milestones. I can’t wait to cheer you on as you receive your diploma and step into your next chapter.

And finally, with just a few days left in the school year, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a restful and safe summer break to all our students, families, and our dedicated staff. Your hard work and commitment are what makes Redlands Unified such a special place to learn and grow.

With deep appreciation,

Michele Rendler

President, Board of Education

🦅 Redlands eAcademy • 🗓️ 6/2/2025 • ⏰ 9 AM

https://bit.ly/REAGrad2025

🐉 Orangewood • 🗓️ 6/2/2025 • ⏰ 6 PM

https://bit.ly/OHSGrad2025

😼 Redlands East Valley • 🗓️ 6/3/2025 • ⏰ 6:30 PM

https://bit.ly/REVHSGrad2025

🐾 Redlands High School • 🗓️ 6/4/2025 • ⏰ 6:45 PM

https://bit.ly/RHSGrad2025

🦅 Citrus Valley High School • 🗓️ 6/5/2025 • ⏰ 6:30 PM

https://bit.ly/CVHSGrad2025

🦉 Redlands Adult School • 🗓️ 6/6/2025 • ⏰ 6 PM

https://bit.ly/RASGrad2025

🎓 Class of 2025: YOU DID IT! 👏

Before you go, the Class of 2037 (our current Kindergarteners) have a few things to say! From what you should do after you graduate to well wishes! Hear them out:

More than 300 students with disabilities from across Redlands Unified School District participated in the annual Redlands Optimist Games 🎉 on May 9 at Redlands High School’s Dodge Stadium 🏟️.

Sponsored by the Redlands Optimist Club in partnership with RUSD, this cherished event—now in its 40th year—offers students of all abilities a day of inclusive, hands-on athletic activities 🤾‍♂️🏃‍♀️ supported by staff and student volunteers 🙌.

“The Optimist Games is an opportunity for students of all ages and all abilities to come together to support one another and celebrate not just our differences, but also how we are alike,” said Director of Special Services Todd Rossi. “After all, everyone has gifts 🎁, and everyone has something that they can learn from each other.”

Participants rotated through stations that encouraged movement, teamwork, and joy 😊, earning ribbons 🎗️ and medals 🥇 along the way. The event concluded with a celebratory lunch 🍽️ provided by Child Nutrition Services’ Medley Station team.

The RUSD Multicultural Fair was an afternoon full of fun, entertainment, and giveaways! 🤗

Many booths were available for families to visit, including our very own RHS’s MEChA club, RHS AVID, CV’s Entrepreneurs Club, and more. Many students walked away with fun giveaways, which included books, wireless headphones, a Kindle, and more! 🎉

Thank you to all the families and our community for joining us in celebrating the diversity of our schools community! 🌎

The Inspire Choir Spring Showcase, “Best Day of My Life!” was an incredible night. 🫶 The middle school and high school combined choirs showcased their talent, featuring a surprise performance — a guitar solo by Mark Akporavbare. 🎸

The night included solos from students as well as a moment where audience members joined in to sing “Lean on Me,” with the combined choirs. ✨

Thank you to Ms. Cindy Van Horn, the driving force behind the choir, and to everyone who has contributed to its success. 💙

🔎 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/

🎓 Seniors across the District were honored with scholarships during their school's recognition evenings. We extend our heartfelt thanks ❤️ to the generous community partners who made these opportunities possible for our future leaders 🌟. Thank you as well to the friends, families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, and staff members 👏 who came out to support and celebrate our seniors.

📸 Click the link below to view more photos from these memorable events:

Each year, deserving educators 🍎 are nominated by their colleagues to receive the prestigious Outstanding Teacher and Classified Staff Awards 🏆—a special recognition celebrating excellence in RUSD. These awards are proudly funded by the Redlands Educational Partnership (REP) 🤝 in honor of the dedication, innovation, and impact these individuals have on students and school communities across the District 📚✨. Amongst the individuals that were awarded, eight of them were selected to receive Outstanding Awards.

Four educators were named Outstanding Teachers of the Year:

• Carol Burroughs, Highland Grove Elementary
• Stephanie Noble, Judson & Brown Elementary
• Brandi Ordaz, Kingsbury Elementary
• Patrick Walker, McKinley Elementary

Four classified employees received Outstanding Classified Employee Awards:

• Jessica Ard, Cram Elementary
• Sandrea Camarena, Judson & Brown Elementary
• Jennifer Day, Crafton Elementary
• Jordan Gonzales, Franklin Elementary

This year’s Arts Alive! Student Showcase was bursting with color, creativity, & RUSD spirit! 👏 14 elementary student artists were recognized by REP for their incredible submissions! 🎉 🖍️ Each student got to see their designs displayed for all to see.

The Redlands Special Education PTA (SEPTA) received two Spotlight Awards from the California State PTA on May 4, 2025 for Family Engagement and Advocacy:

🎉 Redlands SEPTA was honored with the Family Engagement Spotlight Award and the Advocacy Spotlight Award for their incredible efforts to support families and advocate for special education students. Their monthly morning support group for parents and caregivers—later expanded to evenings—provides a space to share strategies, resources, and encouragement 🤝. SEPTA members also advocate locally and statewide, serving on advisory boards such as LCAP, the Inclusion and Equity Task Force, and the SELPA Community Advisory Commission to ensure special education voices are heard 🗣️. They actively participate in district events, host IEP and inclusion workshops, and were awarded $4,000 in California State PTA grants 💰 to expand programs like the Sensory Dispensary, a film series with A.K. Smiley Library 🎬, and translated IEP workshops for Spanish-speaking families 🌍.

Over 200 RUSD students have earned the prestigious Seal of Biliteracy, representing more than 20 languages! 🌎 This award recognizes high school graduates who have attained a high level of

proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing, in one or more languages in addition to English. 📚 Our multilingual scholars will be wearing their Seal of Biliteracy medals at graduation. 🏅

Our AVID Seniors were also recognized in front of the Board of Education, showcasing their college acceptances and where they plan to attend or pursue. 🏫 Four students from each high school were also selected by advisors to receive the Optimist Club Scholarships. 💰 AVID students will be wearing their AVID sash at graduation. 🎓

📢 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. 🙌

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.