Dear RBUSD families and staff,

As we reach this point in the school year, we’re proud of the amazing work happening every day in and out of the classroom. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Strategic Plan Goal #1: Academic Achievement, a shared commitment that guides everything we do. From engaging lessons in classrooms to special programs that support and inspire our students, our teachers and staff have been incredible in ensuring every learner feels empowered to succeed. Let’s take a look at the exciting progress and achievements happening across our schools.

Reflecting on the Year So Far

At this point in the school year, we are celebrating exciting milestones across RBUSD. Elementary students have completed their first trimester, and secondary students are nearing the end of their first semester, which concludes on January 24.

This month, we’re focusing on Strategic Plan Goal #1: Academic Achievement, which was readopted by the Board on October 22nd after a thorough review of district-wide data. In addition, each school’s Instructional Leadership Team (ILT) has been analyzing its school data and working collaboratively to create student achievement goals. A big thank you goes out to our teachers and staff for prioritizing academic excellence in RBUSD classrooms. Your dedication to creating engaging, relevant, and rigorous lessons makes all the difference for our students.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Growth Through Wit & Wisdom

Wit & Wisdom in Action

In Year 3 of implementation, we’re seeing stronger alignment in lessons across grades and schools.

Cursive Writing Returns

Grade 3 students are learning cursive as part of the Fundations curriculum in alignment with new California legislation, Assembly Bill 446. Cursive writing is returning because of its role in brain development, reading skills and fine motor movement.

Student Support

Intervention programs like Fundations and Just Words are helping meet the unique needs of students requiring additional assistance.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Preparing for Advanced Success

ELA Pilot

The Wit & Wisdom ELA pilot is underway, with middle school teachers leveraging students’ foundational skills from elementary school.

As a part of the Wit & Wisdom ELA pilot at the middle schools, Adams MS students engage in a poetry unit, performing their poems for a partner, and experimenting with how they would change the performance for a different audience.

"It has been really fun to see our students’ confidence in writing and reading poetry grow over the course of the unit!"

Leslie Spainhower, Adams Middle School Language Arts Teacher

Math Pilots

Teachers are exploring two math curriculums, selected by the Math Adoption Committee, to enhance student readiness for advanced high school math.

Career Exploration

Adams Middle School introduced a Career Exploration class, where hands-on lessons help students discover potential career paths.

HIGH SCHOOL

Recognizing Outstanding Achievement

Academic Excellence

RUHS and the PTA honored 760 juniors and seniors at Academic Letter Night. With proud families in attendance, students were recognized for maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher over the past 2-3 years.

Math Curriculum Pilots

Similar to middle school, high school math teachers also piloted new math curricular programs and will continue to explore options prior to selecting the best curriculum for high school math students.

Honors Committee

As a part of our Strategic Plan Goal #1, a committee made of teachers, administrators, parents, and students are meeting to discuss the current structure of Honors in our secondary schools, exploring the level of alignment and consistency among classes, reviewing research related to best practices for engaging high achieving students, and exploring the ways to enhance RBUSD’s Honors offerings to students. To be clear, Honors is not going away. While it could look different, Honors will continue to be an option for students.

LOOKING AHEAD

Data-Driven Goals & Study Tips

At the November 12 Board meeting, our Educational Services team presented a CAASPP Smarter Balance data summary, highlighting the areas of growth from last year and the areas of focus for this school year, which is informing our school-wide goals.

And finally, our teachers offer some study tips:

“Set SMART goals for every task!”
“Make actual flashcards using 3x5 cards writing out the word on one side, the definition/formula and diagram if needed on the back.”
“Actively listen in class, take as many notes as possible and review them before bed nightly.”
“When working on a study guide or studying for a unit exam, do the hardest, most confusing content during class time so you have peers/teachers to help. Save the 'easy' stuff for home.”
“Choose a well-lit, comfortable workspace—but skip the bed or couch because those are best for your rest and sleep time!”