News from Across the Rowland Unified School District (4/12/24)

RUSD Board Approves Contract for Next

RUSD Superintendent Alex Flores

Employees congratulate Rowland Unified School District Deputy Superintendent Alejandro (Alex) Flores at last night's Board of Education Meeting.

The Board of Education took action last night to approve the contract for RUSD Deputy Superintendent Alex Flores for his new position as Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2027, after Superintendent Dr. Julie Mitchell retires.

"Thank you for the trust you have in me. I also want to thank the Board for the process. You listened to the community and the thoughtful questions you had were based upon what the community members asked and the characteristcs they were looking for," said Flores.

He continued, "I wouldn't be here tonight without the support of my wife who has been my rock and who for the past 31 years has kept me in the classroom as she shares with me everyday her experience as a teacher. My kids really ground me and make me know that I want for every student here in Rowland Unified what I want for my kids; and my parents, who who gave me the reason for why I am here and what they did to immigrate to this country. I am so honored and humbled and look forward to move together this great District."

Board of Education Recognitions

Stop4AidanVideo Contest Winners

Stop4Aidan is a non profit organization created by the Tam family that brings attention to and advocates for pedestrian safety awareness to the greater Southern California community. Aidan Tam was a Blandford Elementary student who was tragically hit by a driver in 2014 who did not have the patience to wait for pedestrians to cross in the crosswalk and lost his life.

This is the third year Stop4 Aidan initiated a video contest for high school students to bring awareness to pedestrian safety and the family recognized student winners from Nogales, Rowland and Santana High Schools for their video submissions.

Rowland High School's ASB Receives Outstanding Leadership Award

The Outstanding Leadership Program Award (OLPA) is a distinguished honor presented to schools whose student leadership programs are proven spaces where student leaders grow as ethical, responsible, and servant-minded architects of change.

After reviewing the self-study prepared by Rowland High School's Associated Student Body Leadership Program, they were named a finalist. This honor is presented to only 5% of eligible schools. Under the leadership and guidance of advisor Leslie Phillips, student leaders were recognized for providing resources to underprivileged families and students, uniting the campus through adversities, addressing and supporting students and staff struggling with mental health, creating a community of inclusivity and encouraging a culture of service.

Telesis Academy Debate Team

For the first time, Telesis Academy of Science and Math Debate team students earned a first place overall trophy from the Inland Valley Debate League. Spending five Saturdays during the school year, these students have dedicated their efforts perfecting their parliamentary debate skills and becoming experts on both sides of up to 20 different topics. The Debate team is led by Telesis Teacher Paula Stella Martinez, who is also this year's Rowland Unified School District Teacher of the Year. "These students represent the best of the Rowland Unified School District because they value learning, teamwork, and dedication to personal growth. I am so proud of them for their achievement," said Martinez.

Titan parents pack the house at last night's Board Meeting to also honor the Telesis Academy Debate Team.

Community Groups Honored for Their Support of Family Resource Center's Heart & Sole Event

It takes a village to support our students and Rowland Unified School District is lucky to have an incredible community that does just that! RUSD's Family Resource Center held its annual Heart and Sole event on February 24 where 129 students in grades K-12 were able to be given a brand new pair of shoes to finish out the school year along with five pairs of socks and toys donated from local businesses. Key monetary donations from individuals Wilson Mach, Mathew Malkin and Shezad allowed for a successful distribution.

Last night the Board recognized Heart and Sole event volunteers from the Rowland Heights Women's Club, Hacienda Heights Women's Club, Rowland Heights Kiwanis Club and the Hacienda Heights Kiwanis Club, who assisted with greeting students and families and distributing the new shoes and socks at the event.

Dr. Mitchell Awarded Alfonso Iniguez Memorial Award for Support of Students with Special Needs

It's hard to sneak something past Superintendent Dr. Mitchell, especially at a Board Meeting, but last night her genuine suprise was felt as she was awarded the Alfonso Iniguez Memorial Award. Several years ago a goup of devoted parents, in collaboration with the Iniguez family, established this honor named after a remarkable member of the RUSD family, whose life work mirrored the highest ideals of service and advocacy, a spirit of dedication, compassion and unwavering support for children with special needs. Alfonso Iniguez was a beacon of hope and strength within the Rowland community and he had a deepseated commitment to enriching the lives of every student and family he encountered. In this spirit, the award seeks to honor those who exemplify these qualities. This year, the Rowland families presented the award with great pride and immense gratitude to Superintendent Dr. Mitchell who has been an advoacte for children with disabilities, supporting their families and ensuring that schools are places of learning and growth.

Villacorta Packs the House for Their

Spotlight Report

At most every Board of Education Meeting, we spotlight one of our RUSD schools. Last night Villacorta Elementary staff and families came out to support their student speakers as they presented the work being done by Villacorta Vikings.

Couldn't Attend the Meeting? Don't Worry!

You can watch all the awards from last night in the compfort of your home or on the go. Click the icon to watch last night's Zoom Video of the recognition-packed meeting!