RUSD Family & Community eNews
January 2025
๐ผ Inspire Choir's Holiday Concert ๐
๐ถ More than 100 students from the Inspire Choir brought holiday spirit to Clock Auditorium during the โHolidays & Hot Chocolateโ concert at Redlands High School. โ The event showcased festive favorites like โRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeerโ ๐ฆ and โAll I Want for Christmas is You,โ ๐ spreading cheer to everyone in attendance.
๐ต This annual holiday concert is part of the Inspire Music program, founded by director Cindy Van Horn, which has grown significantly since its start in 2015 at Citrus Valley High School. ๐ค Today, Inspire Music spans 12 school sites and serves over 250 special services students, providing them with the opportunity to learn vocal techniques, explore music theory, and perform together. ๐
Spreading Holiday Cheer for RUSD Families
The Redlands Unified School District recently partnered with Redlands Education Support Professionals Association (RESPA) ๐ค, Family and Community Engagement (FACE) ๐๏ธ, and Child Nutrition Services (CNS) ๐ for the Winter Donation Distribution event. This collaborative effort brought much-needed support and holiday cheer ๐โ๏ธ to families across the district.
The distribution featured an array of essential items and gifts, including snack packs ๐ช, toys ๐, socks ๐งฆ, underwear, and T-shirts ๐. These contributions were made possible through the generosity and dedication of our community and partner organizations, ensuring that families received extra support during the holiday season.
This event is a shining example of how RUSD prioritizes the well-being of its students and families ๐, fostering a sense of community and care. FACE, CNS, and RESPA are proud to work together to make a meaningful impact, especially during the colder months when a little extra help goes a long way.
For more information about how to support our students and families, call ๐ 909-307-5300 ext. 20304. ๐ฌ
Moore Middle School Library Furniture ๐ช
The new KI furniture will allow an open layout with adaptable seating arrangements for different learning styles and activities. โจ โUpgrading our school library with furniture can significantly enhance student engagement and learning,โ shared Ms. Elias. ๐ โFrom quiet reading nooks, collaborative workspaces, and creative areas to browse books this flexibility allows students to choose how they want to engage with the space, fostering autonomy and catering to different moods and needs.โ ๐
Thank you to all who supported Ms. Elias and Moore Middle School by voting for her during KIโs Third Annual Classroom Furniture Giveaway! ๐
Greetings Families, and Happy New Year! ๐โจ
2024 saw many opportunities for STEAM and Innovation experiences for students in RUSD. ๐งช๐ฅ๏ธ Kindergarteners are coding, elementary students are experiencing enhanced learning through robotics ๐ค and digital storytelling. RUSD students are learning in unique ways such as CSTEM, Garner Holt Animaker Spaces ๐จ, and STEM Electives. High School Students are learning in incredible hands-on electives through CTE and CRYROP. ๐ ๏ธ๐ RUSD also saw its highest AP Computer Science participation and pass rates in RUSD history. ๐๐
To cap all of the achievements of 2024, RUSD was awarded a prestigious Golden Bell Award ๐ฅ, for our K-12 STEAM and Innovation Pathway, by the California School Board Association. This is validation of one of the most organized, superb district-wide programs in California. It is also a true testament to the effort, dedication, and courage of our teaching & support staffs ๐ฉโ๐ซ๐จโ๐ซ for supporting our cutting-edge, innovative programs for kids. ๐๐
The good news is that we are just getting started. With emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality ๐ and Artificial Intelligence ๐ค, RUSD students and families can be certain that they will get to experience cutting-edge in the years to come. ๐ฎ๐ก
District Receives Another Golden Bell ๐
The District was selected as a recipient of Californiaโs leading educational honor, the Golden Bell Award ๐ for their K-12 Computer Science and STEM Pathway program. The Golden Bell Awards, celebrating their 45th year ๐, are presented by the California School Boards Association (CSBA) to promote excellence in public education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs and governance practices. The awards reflect the depth and breadth of education programs and governance decisions supporting these programs that are necessary to address studentsโ changing needs. ๐ก๐
Superintendent Cabral and Vice President Michele Rendler received the award ๐ฅ on behalf of the District at a well-attended reception and ceremony on Dec. 5, 2024, at the Anaheim Marriott. ๐จ The awards ceremony was part of CSBAโs Annual Education Conference and Trade Show held from Dec. 5-7 in Anaheim. ๐๏ธ The conference is the premier continuing education event for California school board members and the largest education leadership conference in the state. ๐
Special thanks to CSBA for the recognition and to all of the dedicated educators and staff ๐ฉโ๐ซ๐จโ๐ซ for all they do to support students in this pathway every day. ๐๐โจ
Classified Spotlight: Paraprofessional Jessica Pooley
Though she's a relative newcomer - starting as a base para just two short years ago - Jessica has already immersed herself in the district! She's the Site Representative with the Redlands Education Support Professionals Association (RESPA), a member of the Local Control Accountability Program (LCAP) Committee, a member of the RUSD Paraprofessional Committee, and is on the Kingsbury School Site Council. Talk about engaged! ๐
๐ Jessica describes her days at Kingsbury as filled with smiles, friendships, and plenty of learning. She loves watching her students brighten the classroom with their enthusiasm, and sheโs grateful for the warm connections she has built with everyoneโfrom administrators to campus monitors. ๐ค
๐To her, representing Redlands Unified means creating an inclusive, multicultural environment where every student can thrive and pursue their academic dreams. She believes itโs her role to help students excel, ensuring they feel supported and valued every step of the way. ๐
๐ A fun fact about Jessica: Jessica is also a student herself. Sheโs working toward her Bachelor of Arts degree, class of 2026! ๐
๐ฃ๏ธ Advice for students & families: "Families should foster open and honest communication, empower students to be their best, and support their individual needs. Students - don't defeat yourself! Develop strong study habits, seek support, and believe in yourself!"
Certificated Spotlight: School Psychologist Kristen Williams
๐ฎ She has an astounding 34 years in education and has been with us here at Redlands Unified School District for over 20 years! ๐คฉ
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She says that while every day is a little bit different, the one thing that never changes is how busy she is! Every day, Kristen works to meet the needs of students, parents, and staff. ๐ She assesses students, writes reports, attends IEP meetings, collaborates with other staff members, and provides much-needed counseling services! ๐ค
๐ง Some of Kristen's favorite moments include helping students and parents understand the student's learning profile and strengths. ๐ง
She also loves supporting new school psychologists and working collaboratively with colleagues and her coordinator as a part of the leadership team. ๐ช
๐ For Kristen, representing Redlands Unified means giving back to the community where she was raised and where she attended school! She currently works at Cope, where both she AND her children attended. She even graduated from RHS... back when there was only one high school! ๐พ
โณ A fun fact about Kristen: In high school, she was both a swimmer ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ and a cheerleader ๐ฃ "It seems like only a few years ago!"
๐ฃ๏ธ Advice for students & families: "Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek help. โ Let's work together to provide a positive educational experience for your child!" ๐
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