RUSD Family & Community eNews

👋 It is an honor to serve as your Director of Special Services and I am grateful for the opportunity to share information about the department.

⚖️ Special Services is committed to ensuring that all students—regardless of their individual needs—have access to a high-quality, inclusive education. 📖 We provide a continuum of programs and services designed to meet diverse learning profiles, including specialized academic instruction, speech and language services, occupational and physical therapy, counseling supports, and behavioral interventions. 🚧 Our goal is to remove barriers to learning while fostering independence, confidence, and meaningful participation in school and community life. 🙌

We proudly support students through a variety of programs, including services for students with disabilities, early intervention supports, and collaborative general education partnerships. 💖 Our teams work closely with families, teachers, and support staff to develop individualized plans that reflect each student’s unique strengths, needs, and aspirations. 📈 Through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, we ensure that students receive tailored supports that promote both academic and social-emotional growth. 📊

In addition to direct services, we emphasize inclusive practices that allow students to learn alongside their peers to the greatest extent appropriate. 🧑‍🏫 We also provide professional development for staff, guidance for families, and access to resources that empower our entire community to better support student success.

🤝 We believe that strong partnerships with families are essential. Your voice, insight, and collaboration play a vital role in shaping effective supports for your child. 🗣️ We encourage open communication and invite you to reach out with questions, concerns, or ideas.💡

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership. 🙏 Together, we can create an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. 🎓🍊

Respectfully,

Todd Rossi

Director of Special Services

🦅 Citrus Valley High School• 🗓️ 6/2/2025 • ⏰ 6:30 PM

The Redlands Career Fest welcomed over 350 students and families from across the district and throughout neighboring communities. The Career Fest brought together over 30 representatives from community programs, colleges 🏫, and employers ✍️, internship/apprentice programs 📄, volunteer organizations 🤝, military recruiters 🪖, police 🚓, sheriff 🚨, and fire departments. 🚒

This year, the Redlands Chamber of Commerce and the San Bernardino County gave presentations on career readiness.

• 💼 The Redlands Chamber of Commerce presented NextGen Ready: a hands-on program for students ages 16-18 to explore future-focused careers, receive behind-the-scenes experiences, and connect with industry pros (including potential employers), building the skills and connections to launch their career with confidence.

• 🤝 The San Bernardino County Human Resources department shared details about the new CTE Connections Program, bridging the gap between CTE Pathway completion and entry-level careers with the county.

It was a great event, full of opportunities for students and empowering them to start on the right path! ⚡

More than 400 Redlands Unified students took part in this year’s Optimist Games at Redlands High School’s Dodge Stadium, bringing together students with disabilities from across the District for a day focused on movement, connection, and inclusion. 💖 Held in partnership with the Redlands Optimist Club, the long-running event creates a welcoming space where students of all abilities can participate, try new activities, and connect with peers. 🏃

🎳 Throughout the day, students rotated through activity stations designed to build coordination and confidence, supported by staff, families, and more than 200 student volunteers. 🏅 Each completed activity was celebrated with ribbons, and all participants received medals, reinforcing a shared focus on participation and belonging. 👏 With cheers, encouragement, and moments of pride across the field, the Optimist Games continue to reflect a collective commitment to making sure every student feels valued, supported, and connected. 🙌

1st Place - 🦁 Lugonia's Light-Years

2nd Place - 🐻 Highland Grove's Hubbles

3rd Place - 🐾 Crafton's Craters

4th Place - 🐦 Bryn Mawr's Black Holes

5th Place - 🐎 Ms. Ramos' Rovers (Mentone)

“The purpose behind the ELOP escape room is to help students practice their teamwork 🤜🤛 and problem-solving skills 🧐, and to prepare them for the upcoming state test in a fun, exciting, and innovative way. 👏 Students will be able to relate the feelings and emotions they experienced in the escape room to those they may have during the state test. This experience will help them understand and prepare for those emotions, and it will build an educational memory that will last a lifetime,” 🧠 shared ELOP teacher on assignment, Janelle Vecchio. 👩‍🏫

“Honestly, our annual multicultural fair isn’t just an event; it’s where we can hear each other’s stories, experience each other’s cultures, and share each other’s identities. The multicultural fair makes the district feel less divided and more like a community where everyone belongs,” shared Naleiah Miller, REVHS BSU Co-President. 🖤

Throughout the event, attendees also had access to free books, toys, backpacks, as well as opportunity drawings for many giveaway baskets donated by the Arroyo Verde PTA, Beattie Middle School PTA, Special Education Parent Teacher Association, and the district office. 🧺 In addition, the Redlands SEPTA provided a sensory dispensary for students, offering a safe, inclusive, and accessible friendly space. 🧩

🏀 Redlands East Valley High School welcomed students, families, and community members on April 24 for a Harlem Wizards fundraising basketball game hosted by the Redlands Educational Partnership (REP). 🍊📚 The Harlem Wizards faced off against the REP Rebounders, a team of Redlands Unified teachers, administrators, and staff, creating a high-energy evening centered on connection, entertainment, and support for local schools. 🏫

🤪 The event combined basketball with humor and audience interaction, giving students opportunities to meet players and be part of the experience both on and off the court. Staff participation helped create a welcoming, school-centered atmosphere, with moments throughout the night that brought the crowd together. 🏀 Kavon Nash, a fourth-grade student at Franklin Elementary School, shared that while meeting the players was exciting, watching his P.E. teacher score baskets was the best part of the night. 🎉

🎥 Redlands Unified’s fourth annual FilmFest brought students, staff, and families together at Harkins Theatres on April 29 to celebrate student creativity across the District. 🎞️ The event featured 59 student-produced media projects representing more than 100 students from elementary through high school, with top entries premiering for an audience of more than 550 attendees! 🍿

Across school sites, students took on roles in writing ✍️, directing 🎬, filming 📹, and editing 🎞️. Elementary Fiction winners Paloma Resquites, Sadie, and Catherine of Kimberly Elementary created Into the Forest, with Paloma sharing that the experience felt like a glimpse into her future as she hopes to become a director. 📣 Experiences like these give students a chance to explore ideas, collaborate with peers, and see their work come together on the big screen. 📽️

🏆 This year’s top-scoring entries were recognized across fiction & nonfiction categories:

🦌 Elementary Fiction: Into the Forest – Paloma Resquites, Catherine Dickerson & Sadie Cross
🏊🏼‍♀️ Elementary Nonfiction: Ready, Set, Swim – Emma Sapp
🎋 Middle School Fiction: Lost in the Bamboo – James Knapp
🤲 Middle School Nonfiction (Tie): Kindness in Action – Evie Simmons
🐶 Middle School Nonfiction (Tie): Finding Forever Homes – Eesha Pillai, Shriya Shodhan & Amy Zhou
👋 High School Fiction: The End: ASL Music Video – Graeden Airell Espelita
😰 High School Nonfiction: Emotional Regulation PSA – Brenden Medina & Marcos Rodriguez

The RUSD FilmFest continues to provide students with an opportunity to share their work with a wider audience and supports creativity, communication, collaboration, and learning across the District. 👏

Click here to view all of this year's accepted submissions on YouTube! 📺

Led by Assistant Superintendent of Compliance Dr. Rudy Wilson, the session focused on Title IX and Uniform Complaint Procedures (UCP), including how to access information, navigate reporting processes, and understand the steps the District takes to address concerns. 🗣️ The workshop also created space for questions and conversation where families could ask questions about their specific situations. Thank you to all who attended! 🙏

🔎 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

🏆 Superintendent Awards Night is a recognition program that regularly honors two students from each school for exemplifying one or more of the EMPOWER traits. 🎓🍊 At times, a staff member may also be recognized for their contributions to the school community. Congratulations to the April 21st recipients! 👏

Big dreams are turning into extraordinary opportunities at Redlands High School! The District is proud to announce that Jiarui L., a senior at RHS, was named a 2026 Edison Scholar, earning a $50,000 college scholarship to support her future in STEM. 🚀🔬

Jiarui was surprised on campus with a special reception celebrating her achievement — a meaningful moment shared with her family and school community. 🎊 The recognition comes on the heels of another incredible milestone: Jiarui has also been accepted to Princeton University, where she plans to begin her studies this fall. 📚✨

“This scholarship means everything to me,” Jiarui shared. “I’ve always dreamed of using STEM to solve real-world problems, and this support gives me the opportunity to keep learning, growing, and making a difference. I’m excited to take this next step and see where it leads.”

Since 2006, Edison International has awarded more than $22 million in scholarships to 850 students, empowering the next generation of leaders to innovate and contribute to a more sustainable, energy-conscious future. 🌱⚡

As an Edison Scholar, Jiarui now joins a network of driven students and alumni working to create meaningful change through STEM. Her achievements reflect not only academic excellence, but also a deep commitment to making a positive impact.

Mentone Elementary celebrates Aedan Burrows, the first third-grader to become an author. His book Good Morning Fire Dozer is about a fire dozer fighting a fire, and is inspired by his father, a firefighter. 👨‍🚒

A few fun facts about his book:

• The art in his book are inspired by photos taken by Aedan’s father! 📷

• There are fire prevention rules at the end of the story. 📋

• Aedan’s favorite part is when the fire dozer drives back home. 🏡

“It feels great and awesome to be a published author,” shared Aedan. “Now everyone wants me to read the book to them.” 📚

He shared the page he wrote, of words that he tells his father at night.

“Sleep so tight, don’t let the dirt bugs bite, wish you a very good night.” 🌝

When asked what he would tell other students who want to publish a book, he said, “HAVE FUN!”

Anne Montiglio, Beattie Middle School’s English Language Development rep and teacher, was recognized by Assemblymember Greg Wallis as a 2026 Woman of Distinction. 💜 This honor is given to women who make a positive impact through their work and service. It is earned through dedication, leadership, and contributions to the community. 🙌

“As an ELD teacher, I believe my focus on building relationships, supporting language growth, and creating an inclusive classroom contributed to this recognition. I hope this inspires my students to believe in themselves and see that their hard work matters.” 👏

Ms. Montiglio has been at BMS for 7 years, working with ELD students from various backgrounds. 🌎 She supports them throughout the year as they prepare for the ELPAC test; scoring a 4 or higher on the ELPAC and meeting district requirements allows students to reclassify and enroll in an elective. She recalls a reclassification story of one of her students who persevered through challenges. 💪

“Although he earned a level 4 on the ELPAC last year, he initially struggled to meet the additional criteria. We worked on strengthening his writing and test-taking skills. I’m proud to share that he met all the requirements during his 8th-grade year. I believe helping him understand the importance of fully utilizing the support and resources available in his ELD class made a meaningful difference in his progress. Now, he is thriving in his English class and is even enrolled in a STEAM elective that he truly enjoys. Seeing his growth has been incredibly rewarding.” ✨

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This year, 177 students met the district criteria for reclassification! 🎉 The goal is to continue supporting reclassified students to earn the Seal of Biliteracy. 🏅

Support ELs by joining the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC). DELAC helps to:

• Develop the district master plan for ELs

• Completes a district-wide EL education needs assessment on a site-by-site basis

• Develops parent involvement and training opportunities and more!

For more information, please visit the RUSD DELAC webpage.

🏆 Five Redlands Unified educators were recently honored during The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Teachers of Excellence awards program, recognizing their impact in classrooms across the District. 🎉 This year’s honorees include:

This recognition reflects the meaningful, lasting contributions these educators make in the lives of students and the broader school community. 🙌

Lugonia Elementary PTA hosted its first-ever Bubble Run! 🫧🏃‍♂️ The day kicked off with TKers through 2nd grade making their way around the field, going through a variety of bubble machines. Right after, the 3rd graders made their way out for their turn, along with the 4th and 5th graders. While it wasn’t a competitive race, students ran lap after lap, enjoying their friends' company and the bubbles. The funds that were raised will be used to give back to the school.

“My intention with the Bubble Run fundraiser/event was not just to raise funds for the future benefit of our students and school, but to give the kids some FUN at school. School is about learning and building relationships, and being able to do that while also having fun makes it go by faster and more enjoyable,” shared Cristina Manzano, PTA President. ✨

The same day as the Bubble Run, PTA partnered with Lugonia to welcome parents and families of students for a family picnic and relaxing space with a few yard games to play together. 🧡🦁💙

“I heard kids telling their families about the Run and being excited to show their parents things at their school and playground. I feel it gave the kids a tangible experience to share with their families and help bring them into this space, parents aren't always involved in,” shared Manzano.

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