RUSD Family & Community eNews
January 2024
Dear Redlands Unified School District Community,
🥳 Happy New Year from the Elementary Education Department! 🎉
As the Director of Elementary Education, I have the privilege of contributing to the success of our Elementary Schools through overseeing Curriculum & Instruction, providing teacher support and training, and supporting our amazing administrators! 🤝
Elementary Education is always buzzing with excitement as we plan various opportunities for our students! Here are a few of the initiatives we are currently fostering:
📖 Reading Foundations:
This academic year, we are introducing Benchmark Phonics, a comprehensive Phonics Instruction Program that aims to equip students with the fundamental reading skills essential for a successful and confident journey in literacy. Benchmark Phonics stands out for its individualized approach to each grade level. Our program is carefully designed to meet the specific developmental reading needs of students in each grade. From Kindergarten to fifth grade, every lesson is thoughtfully crafted to ensure that students are building upon their Phonics skills in a way that aligns with their current reading abilities. 📚
🎼 Arts and Culture Exploration:
We are thrilled to share some melodious news that fills our halls with pride and joy – our Elementary Instrumental Music program for 4th and 5th-grade students is experiencing an unprecedented surge in enrollment! 🤩 This year marks a record high, with more students than ever before expressing their interest in learning to play an instrument. We are so proud that we have been able to provide instruments or rental equipment for every student interested in learning how to play a wind 🎷 or string 🎻 instrument, and look forward to more opportunities to expand the Arts and Music Programs with NEW voter-approved Proposition 28 funds coming this Spring. 🎶
🏫 School Culture:
🗓️ As we step into the new year, get ready for an event that adds a sprinkle of excitement to the month of January – the much-anticipated 100th Day of School celebration! 🎉 This tradition has become a highlight in our academic calendar, bringing joy, laughter, and a touch of whimsy to our classrooms. Keep an eye out for school announcements detailing the exciting ways we'll be marking this special day. From dressing up as lively centenarians 👴🏼, to counting 100 of everything we can find in our school, and even bringing in 100 items such as beans or buttons – the creativity of this celebration knows no bounds! It's not just about the festivities; it's a fantastic opportunity to reinforce math concepts in a fun and interactive way. 💯
100th Day of School Judson & Brown 2023
100th Day of School Judson & Brown 2023
100th Day of School Arroyo Verde 2023
✏️ Embracing Daily Discovery:
We believe that regular attendance is a key ingredient in the recipe for academic success and are encouraging all students to embrace the excitement of daily discovery by attending school regularly. 📝 Each day is an opportunity for new experiences, friendships, and learning adventures. Regular attendance not only ensures that students stay on track academically, but also fosters a sense of routine and responsibility. It lays the foundation for a positive attitude towards learning and helps students build the discipline needed for future endeavors. 🎓
We're excited to continue on this educational journey with your child and look forward to the year filled with growth, exploration, and joy. Connect to your school’s Aeries Parent Portal for regular updates on your child's adventures in learning! 📲
Warm regards,
Jean Joye
Director Elementary Education
What's Happening in Redlands USD
🖥️ New Website 🧑💻
📣 We are thrilled to announce the launch of new district and school websites! Our new websites designed and hosted by Finalsite feature modern, easy-to-navigate, accessible designs that will make it easier for you to find the information you need. Whether you're looking for information on our academic programs, extracurricular activities, what's for lunch, or school policies, you'll be able to find it quickly and easily.
In addition to our improved navigation and design, we have added a number of new features to the site, including enhanced language translation and a communications hub where you can read about the latest happenings in the school community, including student achievements, staff news, and much more. 🗣️
Our new websites will help us better serve our students and their families. We are committed to continually improving our community engagement efforts, and our new online presence will make it easier for us to communicate with you. We invite you to visit our website and explore all the new features we have to offer!
❄️ Winter Wonders: Unwrapping Joy and Discovery with ELOP 🔎💡
🌨️ During the Winter Break, the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP) kicked off their Winter Session with an unforgettable "Holiday Extravaganza." The festivities included a special visit from Santa Claus 🎅, enchanting encounters with Anna and Elsa from Frozen ❄️, ornament crafting 🎄, gingerbread cookie decoration 🍪, the sweet melodies of carol singers 🎵, and so much more. The joyous occasion set a festive tone for the break, delighting attendees of all ages.
🔎 👀 Beyond the holiday celebrations, our ELOP students engaged in a series of captivating exploration activities. From a mobile zoo that brought them face-to-face with many different critters 🐍 and creatures 🕷️, to delving into the principles of motion and energy, and learning about plants 🌱 and healthy grocery shopping 🛒, students got to explore their boundless curiosity about the world we live in! 🌎 An exciting journey to the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles introduced the students to paleontology and fossils 🦣, while a visit to our very own San Bernardino County Museum offered opportunities to explore local history, earth science, biodiversity, fossils, and geology! 🐾 🦕 💎
Celebrating Biodiversity by Meeting Critters Furry and Scaly
Exploring History at San Bernardino County Museum
Budding Paleontologists at the La Brea Tar Pits
🎓 FAFSA 💵
🚨 Attention all seniors! Did you know that you can complete the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid TODAY?!? 💻 FAFSA is your key to securing financial assistance for college. 🗝️ It's a straightforward process that involves providing your financial information to determine your eligibility for various forms of aid, such as grants, scholarships, and loans. 💰 By completing the FAFSA, you're opening the door to potential funding options that can help make your higher education more affordable. So take a moment to navigate the application, and let's turn those college aspirations into a practical financial plan! 🎓 🤑
💼 BOE Update 🏫
During the December 12, 2023 Board of Education Meeting, the Redlands Unified School District Board of Education nominated and voted for new members to join the leadership team! These dedicated individuals have taken up the following leadership roles and are committed to upholding our core governance priorities. 🗳️
Board President Alex Vara, Trustee Area 4
Board Vice President Michele Rendler, Trustee Area 2
Board Clerk Jim O'Neill, Trustee Area 5
👋 We continue to invite our community to join us at our regular board meetings, which are typically scheduled for the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Board Room, located at 25 West Lugonia in Redlands. 🤝 Together, we aim to focus on key areas: Academic Achievement for All Students, Fiscal Responsibility and Well Managed Resources, Fostering an Environment that Attracts and Retains High-Quality Employees, and Providing Opportunities for Every Student to Participate Fully. We look forward to working collaboratively with our board members to ensure the continued success of our district and the well-being of our students. 💪
📷 District Event Photos Are In! 📸
Awards and Recognition
💫 RUSD Presents the Superintendent Awards 🏆
📣 This district brand-new 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. 👏
📸 Visit https://redlandsusd.smugmug.com/ to view the pictures from that evening. Join us at the next Superintendent Awards: January 16 at Citrus Valley High School at 5:30PM! 🗓️
Certificated and Classified Spotlights!
Redlands Council of PTAs Updates
Join Your PTA!
📣 Join the Redlands Unified School District's PTA and make a difference in your child's education and our community! 🌟
Here's why YOU should join today:
1️⃣ Empower Students: Your involvement in the PTA directly impacts student success. From funding essential programs to organizing enriching activities, your support helps create an environment where all students can thrive and reach their full potential.
2️⃣ Foster a Sense of Belonging: By joining the PTA, you become part of a supportive network of parents and community members who share a strong commitment to supporting our students' well-being and educational growth.
3️⃣ Student-Centered Benefits: PTA membership provides opportunities for parents and community members to actively contribute to enhancing the academic and extracurricular experiences of our students.
4️⃣ Stay Informed: Membership offers access to important updates, upcoming events, and educational resources, ensuring you are always in the know about what's happening in your child's school.
5️⃣ Boost Collaboration: By joining forces with other parents and community members, we can work together to address challenges, support teachers, and strive for continuous improvement within our school district.
Be a part of the positive change we want to see in our schools. Together, let's pave the way for a brighter future for our children and community! ✨🙌🎓
Contact your child's school for more information!
School Communications
Parent Communication: What to Expect 👂👀
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.
Christine Stephens, Communications Manager/Public Information Officer
Phone: (909) 307-5300 ext. 20480
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): twitter.com/RedlandsUSD
YouTube: youtube.com/RedlandsUSD Media
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/redlandsusd
Photo Gallery: redlandsusd.smugmug.com
See ways we can improve our monthly newsletter? Let us know here!