RUSD Family & Community eNews

As we approach the close of another remarkable school year, I find myself reflecting not only on the accomplishments of our students and staff, but also on the deep sense of pride and gratitude I carry for Redlands Unified School District and the community we serve. ❤️🖤

Redlands Unified has always held a special place in my heart. After raising five children who graduated from our district 🎓 and now watching our grandchildren create memories of their own here 📚✨, I have experienced firsthand the lasting impact of an RUSD education across generations.

There is something truly unique about this district — the traditions we share 🏫, the pride we feel in our schools ❤️, and the way our community continues to come together in support of students 🤝⭐. Every day, I am reminded that Redlands Unified is more than a school district; it is a family dedicated to helping every student learn, grow, and succeed. 🌟🍎📖

This year, I had the privilege of attending so many meaningful events across our district that reminded me why RUSD is such a special place. ❤️🏫 From celebrating student achievements at Board meetings and the Superintendent Awards 🎉🏆, to experiencing firsthand the innovation and progress taking place in classrooms across the District 💡📚, to witnessing the joy and inclusivity of the PossAbilities Prom 💃✨, each and every event reflects the heart of our schools and the strength of our community. 🤝❤️

I was equally inspired during Read Across America 📖🇺🇸 as I watched students discover the joy of reading 📚😊, and during our Community Resource Fair 🤝🌟, where families, staff, and community organizations came together to support one another. These moments may all look different, but they share something important in common: they represent connection 🤗, opportunity 🌱, and the unwavering commitment we have to our students. ⭐🍎

Throughout this school year, our students have continued to impress me with their resilience 💪, creativity 🎨, compassion ❤️, and determination 🌟. Whether in academics 📚, athletics 🏅, the arts 🎭🎶, career technical education 🔧💻, leadership programs 👩‍💼👨‍💼, or service to others 🤲, our students continue to demonstrate what it means to lead with purpose and excellence. 🌟 I have been continually inspired by their ability to rise to challenges ⛰️ while supporting one another along the way. 🤝❤️👏

To our teachers 🍎📚, support staff 🤝, administrators 👩‍💼👨‍💼, and employees across the district — thank you. ❤️ Your dedication shapes the experiences our students will carry with them for the rest of their lives. 🌟 The care you show each day, often in ways unseen by others, creates schools where students feel valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. 🌱✨

To our families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 and community members 🤝🏡, thank you for your partnership and trust. ❤️ The strength of Redlands Unified has always been rooted in strong parental engagement and the relationships between our schools and our community. Together, we continue to create an environment where students can thrive. 🌟📚🍎

And to the Class of 2026 🎓🎉: as you prepare to walk across the graduation stage, I hope you take with you more than just a diploma. Carry the memories you created here — the friendships, the teachers who believed in you, the lessons learned, the traditions celebrated , and the moments that shaped who you are becoming. 🌟 Wherever life takes you next, I hope you always remember the experiences and community that helped guide your journey here in Redlands Unified. ❤️🖤🏫

As summer approaches, I wish all of our students, families, and staff a safe season filled with rest 😌, joy 😊, and time with loved ones. Thank you for another unforgettable year in Redlands Unified School District. 🏫✨ It has truly been an honor to serve our community alongside all of you. 🤝❤️

With heartfelt appreciation,

Michele Rendler
President, Board of Education

🦅 Citrus Valley High School• 🗓️ 6/2/2026 • ⏰ 6:30 PM

https://bit.ly/CVHSGrad2026

https://bit.ly/REVHSGrad2026

https://bit.ly/RHS2026Grad

🎓 Class of 2026: YOU DID IT! 👏

Before you go, the Class of 2038 (our current Kindergarteners) have a few things to say!

Hear them out:

The B.R.I.D.G.E. Adult Transition Program, which stands for Building Resilience, Independence, and Daily living skills for Growth and Empowerment, celebrated students in the 2026 exiting class as they marked an important milestone in their journey. 🏁 Over the past four years, students have built their job readiness, life skills, confidence, independence, and meaningful connections that will support them as they take their next steps. 📈

🏆 This celebration centered on the growth, hard work, and accomplishments of each student. Families and staff joined together to recognize how much students have learned, practiced, and achieved throughout their time in the program. 👏 Congratulations to the B.R.I.D.G.E. 2026 exiting class. We are proud of you, and we look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the community and beyond. 💗

🍊 Redlands Instructional Coaching hosted its End-of-Year Colloquium to recognize Year 1 and Year 2 teachers participating in RUSD’s Induction program. 🧑‍🏫 Induction supports teachers in the early years of their careers as they continue developing their practice and work toward earning a clear credential. The program provides a two-year structure focused on mentoring, reflection, and professional growth aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession. 💪

👩‍💻 During the colloquium, participating educators reflected on their development, shared what they learned throughout the year, and celebrated the progress they have made in their classrooms. 📈 With site and district staff in attendance, the event highlighted the collaboration and encouragement that help our new teachers build their skills and confidence. 👏 Congratulations to all of RUSD’s participating educators on this meaningful step in their teaching journey. 🎉

🎼 Redlands Unified’s Inspire Choir spring concert brought students from across the district together for an evening filled with music, connection, and joy. 💖 Featuring Special Services students from elementary through high school, the concert gave students an opportunity to share their talents on stage with their peers. This year's concert was marked by a new variety of instruments from bucket drums and bells to the electric guitar. 🎸

🗓️ The 2025–26 school year marks the 10th anniversary of the Inspire Music program, which was created to provide inclusive and enriching musical opportunities for students with moderate to severe disabilities. 🎵 Today, the program continues to bring students, staff, and families together through music and shared celebration. 👏 Congratulations and THANK YOU to all of the students, staff, families, and community supporters who have helped make Inspire Choir a meaningful part of the RUSD community for the past decade!

🔎 Looking for more photos from recent events? Visit our District Photo Gallery to view and download images from events covered by the Communications Department. 📸

Visit: redlandsusd.smugmug.com

🍊 Across Redlands Unified’s four high schools, graduating seniors were honored for their numerous accomplishments:

📝 Academic Achievements

🗣️ Leadership

🤲 Service

🏋️‍♀️ Athletics

💡 Career Technical Education Achievements

💪 Resilience and so much more!

🏆 Students received hundreds of scholarships and dozens of awards, reflecting years of hard work, perseverance, and the many ways they have contributed to their schools and communities. 👏

🎓 As graduation approaches, these celebrations offered a meaningful opportunity to recognize seniors not only for what they have accomplished, but also for the plans they have made for their futures and the world they hope to build. 📈

🙏 A very special thank you goes to the Redlands Community Scholarship Foundation, whose work makes these scholarship opportunities possible for our students. 💰 Through its administration of the scholarship application process and ongoing partnership with local donors and schools, RCSF plays an essential role in connecting students with community support for their future goals. 🤝

💙🧡 We are also grateful to the families, staff, and community members who continue to encourage and invest in our students. 🎉 Congratulations to the Class of 2026. We look forward to celebrating you at graduation! 🥳

The Redlands Educational Partnership (REP) celebrated its annual Evening of Appreciation, honoring outstanding teachers and classified staff in the Redlands Unified School District. ✨

• Congratulations to:

• The Outstanding Teachers of the Year:

• Paola Wagner ~ Citrus Valley High School 🦅

• Haley Sambrano ~ Clement Middle School ⚔️

• Paul Bush ~ Moore Middle School 🦁

• Mike Aranda ~ Redlands East Valley High School 😼

• The Outstanding Classified Employees of the Year:

• Ronni Garcia ~ Citrus Valley High School 🦅
• Brianna Shink ~ Clement Middle School ⚔️
• Micheal Craig ~ Redlands High School 🐶
• Patti Swogger ~ Redlands East Valley High School 😼

Citrus Valley and Redlands East Valley’s culinary students provided free desserts during the student showcase before the ceremony. Many guests enjoyed the treats, especially the Nutella Crème Brûlée. 🍫

Students from CVHS, REV, and RHS also walked away with scholarships to pursue their future endeavors! 💰

We proudly celebrate and honor 21 dedicated employees whose careers have left a lasting impact on our students, schools, and community. ❤️🏫

Our retirees represent the very best of Redlands Unified. 🍊 They have served in a variety of roles across the district, from classrooms 📚 and school offices 🖥️ to transportation 🚌, student support services 🤝, and district operations ⚙️. While their job titles may have differed, they shared a common commitment: supporting students and helping our schools thrive. 🌟

Throughout their years of service, these individuals have greeted students each morning ☀️, provided encouragement during challenging times ❤️, kept our schools running smoothly behind the scenes 🔧, transported students safely 🚌, supported teachers and families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, and helped create learning environments where students could succeed. 🎓 Their contributions have touched countless lives and helped shape the experiences of generations of Redlands Unified students. 🍎✨

Please join us in thanking and celebrating 🎊 our 2025-2026 retirees for their dedication, service, and unwavering commitment to Redlands Unified School District. 🏫🍊 We wish them all the best as they begin this well-earned next adventure. ✈️🌴📖

At the May Board of Education meeting, we recognized our 2025-2026 Student Trustees for their outstanding leadership and service throughout the school year. 🌟

Student Trustees play a vital role in representing the voices, experiences, and perspectives of their peers. By attending Board meetings, participating in discussions, and sharing student viewpoints, they help ensure that decisions made at the district level reflect the needs and interests of our students. 🏫

This year’s Student Trustees included:

• Bella Salazar, Redlands High School 🎓
• Aubrey Schan, Redlands East Valley High School 🎓
• Ella Ford, Redlands eAcademy 🎓

Throughout the year, these student leaders demonstrated thoughtfulness, professionalism, and a strong commitment to serving their school communities. Their contributions provided valuable insight to the Board of Education and helped strengthen the connection between students and district leadership. 🤝✨

On behalf of the Board of Education and the entire Redlands Unified community, we thank our Student Trustees for their dedication, advocacy, and leadership. Their willingness to share their perspectives and represent their peers has left a lasting impact on our district. 💙🍊

The Board recognized Clement Middle School teacher Nellie Aboytes as Redlands Unified’s nominee for California Teacher of the Year. With more than nine years of experience in education, Aboytes brings a unique perspective to her classroom as a former English learner and first-generation college graduate. Through innovative instruction that integrates mathematics, coding, and robotics, she inspires students to think creatively, solve problems, and build confidence in their abilities. 📚🤖✨

Since her recognition by Redlands Unified, we are proud to share that Aboytes was also selected as San Bernardino County’s California Teacher of the Year representative, advancing to the county level of the prestigious statewide program. 🎉🏆 Her selection is a testament to the exceptional impact she has on students and the field of education.

Three exceptional classified employees were recognized as Redlands Unified nominees for California Classified School Employee of the Year:

• Marcus Dashoff, Systems Specialist in Technology Services, was nominated in the Technology Services category for his leadership, innovation, and unwavering support of districtwide technology initiatives. 💻🔧
• John “JP” Gutierrez, Instructional Paraprofessional II at Kingsbury Elementary School, was nominated in the Paraprofessional Services category for his compassion, adaptability, and dedication to supporting students and fostering a positive school culture. 🤝❤️
• Don Stutz, Carpenter in the Maintenance and Operations Department, was nominated in the Skilled Trades Services category for his 35 years of outstanding service, craftsmanship, and commitment to maintaining safe and welcoming learning environments. 🛠️🏫 Don was also selected to represent San Bernardino County in the California Classified School Employee of the Year program. 👏⭐

The Board also recognized Roland Hosch, a fifth-grade teacher at Kimberly Elementary School, as the recipient of the prestigious C-STEM Teacher of the Year award. With more than 20 years in education, Hosch has transformed student learning by integrating robotics, coding, and computer science into mathematics instruction. His innovative approach empowers students to think critically, collaborate effectively, and develop confidence in STEM-related fields. 🚀📊🤖

Redlands Unified is proud to celebrate these outstanding educators and staff members whose passion, leadership, and dedication continue to enrich the lives of students and strengthen our school communities. Their work exemplifies the excellence found throughout our district every day. 🌟🍊

Congratulations to:

• The Outstanding Teacher Award is given to a teacher in special recognition for outstanding service in positively impacting the lives and welfare of children and youth in the PTA, school, or community.

A few ways you can be involved as a School Site Volunteer:

• 📝 Help teachers in classrooms
• 🚌 Chaperone field trips
• 🎟️ Help PTA with events during the school day

Visit our School Site Volunteer information page to apply: redlandsusd.net/school-site-volunteer-information

Together, we pave the way toward a brighter future for our children and community. ✨ 🙌

Clear communication helps make the school year run smoothly for everyone. Below are the ways the District and school sites share important information with families.

📩 ParentSquare

The District uses ParentSquare to send monthly newsletters, letters from the Superintendent, and important updates that may include action items. 📬 To reduce email volume, you can switch to Digest mode which will send all posts for the day in one single digest at the end of the day (recommended). Text and push notifications are also available and recommended for urgent communications. 📲 ParentSquare is also available as a mobile app.

🍑 Peachjar

The District uses Peachjar to distribute electronic flyers from schools and approved community organizations. This helps reduce paper flyers while keeping families informed. Questions about Peachjar may be directed to peachjar@redlands.k12.ca.us.

🌐 Social Media

The District also shares important reminders, events, and positive stories across our schools on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

🏫 Each school site communicates directly with students ad families through ParentSquare. Communication may vary by site and grade level. For site specific questions, families should contact their school directly.

Website: www.redlandsusd.net

Address: 20 West Lugonia Avenue Redlands, CA 92374

Phone: (909) 307-5300

Instagram: instagram.com/redlandsusd

Facebook: facebook.com/RedlandsUSD

YouTube: youtube.com/@RedlandsUSD_Communications

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/redlandsusd

Photo Gallery: redlandsusd.smugmug.com