

RUSD Family & Community eNews
June 2025

Message from Board of Education President
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 itβs 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 Classicβs 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 canβt 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
CLASS OF 2025 GRADUATION CEREMONIES π
π GRADUATION 2025: Times and Links
π¦ Redlands eAcademy β’ ποΈ 6/2/2025 β’ β° 9 AM
π Orangewood β’ ποΈ 6/2/2025 β’ β° 6 PM
πΌ Redlands East Valley β’ ποΈ 6/3/2025 β’ β° 6:30 PM
πΎ Redlands High School β’ ποΈ 6/4/2025 β’ β° 6:45 PM
π¦ Citrus Valley High School β’ ποΈ 6/5/2025 β’ β° 6:30 PM
π¦ Redlands Adult School β’ ποΈ 6/6/2025 β’ β° 6 PM
What's Happening in Redlands USD
Dear Class of 2025
π Class of 2025: YOU DID IT! π
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:
Where Everyone Wins: Redlands Optimist Games Uplifts and Unites Students
More than 300 students with disabilities from across Redlands Unified School District participated in the annual Redlands Optimist Games π on May 9 at Redlands High Schoolβs Dodge Stadium ποΈ.
Sponsored by the Redlands Optimist Club in partnership with RUSD, this cherished eventβnow in its 40th yearβoffers students of all abilities a day of inclusive, hands-on athletic activities π€ΎββοΈπββοΈ supported by staff and student volunteers π.
βThe 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,β said Director of Special Services Todd Rossi. βAfter all, everyone has gifts π, and everyone has something that they can learn from each other.β
Participants rotated through stations that encouraged movement, teamwork, and joy π, earning ribbons ποΈ and medals π₯ along the way. The event concluded with a celebratory lunch π½οΈ provided by Child Nutrition Servicesβ Medley Station team.
Unity Through Diversity: A Multicultural Celebration π
The RUSD Multicultural Fair was an afternoon full of fun, entertainment, and giveaways! π€
Many booths were available for families to visit, including our very own RHSβs MEChA club, RHS AVID, CVβs Entrepreneurs Club, and more. Many students walked away with fun giveaways, which included books, wireless headphones, a Kindle, and more! π
Thank you to all the families and our community for joining us in celebrating the diversity of our schools community! π
Inspire Choir Rising up Together Through SongsπΆ
The Inspire Choir Spring Showcase, βBest Day of My Life!β was an incredible night. π«Ά The middle school and high school combined choirs showcased their talent, featuring a surprise performance β a guitar solo by Mark Akporavbare. πΈ
The night included solos from students as well as a moment where audience members joined in to sing βLean on Me,β with the combined choirs. β¨
Thank you to Ms. Cindy Van Horn, the driving force behind the choir, and to everyone who has contributed to its success. π
π· District Event Photos Are In! πΈ
π 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. πΎ
Awards and Recognition
Empowering Tomorrowβs Leaders, Today πͺ
π Seniors across the District were honored with scholarships during their school's recognition evenings. We extend our heartfelt thanks β€οΈ to the generous community partners who made these opportunities possible for our future leaders π. Thank you as well to the friends, families π¨βπ©βπ§βπ¦, and staff members π who came out to support and celebrate our seniors.
πΈ Click the link below to view more photos from these memorable events:
REP Honoring Excellence in Education
Each year, deserving educators π are nominated by their colleagues to receive the prestigious Outstanding Teacher and Classified Staff Awards πβa special recognition celebrating excellence in RUSD. These awards are proudly funded by the Redlands Educational Partnership (REP) π€ in honor of the dedication, innovation, and impact these individuals have on students and school communities across the District πβ¨. 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
REP Awards - Students ArtsAlive! 2025 Elementary Schools Student Art Notecard Collection
This yearβs Arts Alive! Student Showcase was bursting with color, creativity, & RUSD spirit! π 14 elementary student artists were recognized by REP for their incredible submissions! π ποΈ Each student got to see their designs displayed for all to see.
Redlands SEPTA Recognized for Empowering Families and Advocating for Students
The Redlands Special Education PTA (SEPTA) received two Spotlight Awards from the California State PTA on May 4, 2025 for Family Engagement and Advocacy:
From Language to Leadership: Celebrating Student Success
Over 200 RUSD students have earned the prestigious Seal of Biliteracy, representing more than 20 languages! π 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. π Our multilingual scholars will be wearing their Seal of Biliteracy medals at graduation. π
Certificated and Classified Spotlights!
School Communications
Parent Communication: What to Expect ππ
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.
π’ 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). π²
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 π
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! π±
π« 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!
π² 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.
SAVE THE DATE!
We are Hiring!
Join Our Team!
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.
Stay Connected!
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