RUSD News: November 16, 2023

Rowland High School's Big Kids help the Littles' creativity to thrive at first STEAM Fair. High School programs and clubs in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math encourage exploration.

Wonder Ignites at Rowland High's STEAM FAIR

Catapults… robots… paper airplanes… art and science in action… just another day of innovation in RUSD! Raider students from nine clubs and ASB created a day of discovery in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. Squeals of joy were heard as visiting elementary students explored Rowland High School’s first STEAM Fair.


“Today is about bringing awareness and spreading the joy of hands-on learning and creativity so that we can foster in kids an early love of maker culture,” said Ivy Dong, Rowland High Senior and President of the MakerSpace Club, the host of the fair. The MakerSpace Club is a fun space for exploration in STEM where students can gather to create, invent, and learn. “This year we are excited to expand our outreach to the community by inviting students from both Killian and Shelyn to our event. Tomorrow all Rowland Raiders can take part in the activities.”


Physics students, the Robotics Club, Math Club, Skills USA Engineering Club, The Programming Club, DMV drawing club and more took part in the fair. “We want to show people how special art is and to express it by giving students the opportunity to do face painting and temporary tattoos,” said Nadia Jong, a Raider Senior and Vice President of The Art Club.


“Our club is showing the students density, and asking each the question whether something will float or sink. This applies to liquids too because oil is floating on top of the water and has a lighter density. It’s like a mini experiment and they love it,” said Raider Amanda Li of the Chemistry Club.

“This is our first activity like this. We hope to bring more awareness to aeronautics and the aerospace industry to Rowland High School students,” said Samuel Jeong, Senior Raider and President of The Aeronautics Club. Members enjoyed teaching kids how to make paper airplanes at the STEAM Fair.

(Above) Shelyn Kinders play The Circuit Playground Express at The Programming Club booth. (Below) Skills USA Engineering Club shows off robots and the MakerSpace Club has fun hands-on activities.

Rorimer Celebrates Walk to School Day


Rorimer Elementary celebrated the national event #WalkToSchoolDay on November 14 to remember Ruby Bridges, a six-year-old African American girl in New Orleans, Louisiana, who wanted to show everyone that she had the right to attend school, no matter the color of her skin, background, or socio-economic status. Approximately 150 students, parents, and school staff met at Sunshine Park at 7:45 am and marched to Rorimer Elementary. The Industry Sheriff’s Department accompanied the group to ensure the safety of everyone. “We also wanted to use this day to promote EXERCISE amongst our youth and to help primary school kids build healthy habits for life,” said Rorimer Principal Heidi West. 

“As we walked through the neighborhood, many cars honked and waved to encourage our group. When we arrived at school, we were greeted with cheers, water, and snacks. The event was sponsored by PTA and we are looking forward to an even bigger group next year.”

Students Take the Lead at Cyber Security Business Partner Luncheon 

There was a buzz in the room as business and community leaders from across the region met with Nogales High School students at the RUSD Cyber Security Business Luncheon to learn how they could partner and support the brand new Cyber Security program.


Cyber Security is one of the fastest growing, high-demand industries in the world and Rowland Unified is proud to be on the cutting edge as one of only 11 Districts in the nation to offer students the chance to study this exciting and challenging field. The three-year program enables students to earn industry certifications and opportunities to engage with industry partners, including mentoring, field trips and internships.

SEEKING BUSINESS PARTNERS: Rowland Unified wants to thank the more than 50 businesses who attended our first business partner event! If your business or organization would like to learn more on how you can support our Cyber Security students by providing them real-world experiences so they are workforce and college ready, please contact our School to Career Office at (626)965-5975 or email [email protected].

Board of Education Recognitions

Nogales Water Polo Team Makes It to CIF

First Time in Over a Decade

Due to the COVID shut down, the Nogales High School Water Polo Team lost their coach and all of its prior existing members. During the last school year, Nogales relaunched the Water Polo program, literally starting in the shallow end with all new players who had never played the game. Virtually all players returned this year as well as a few more recruited athletes. This year's 2023-2024 coed team ended the season with a record of 15 wins and 9 losses and took third place in the league to qualify for the CIF playoffs for the first time in over a decade.


Congratulations to Coach Miguel Espinoza, Assistant Coach Courtney White and the following Nogales Nobel students: Angel Camacho, Kevin Dubon,

Emily Huazano, Leandro Martinez-Hernandez,

Robert Montes Jr., Azaela (AJ) Morales,

Kevin Perez, Marco Pineda, Nayeli Ruiz, Saniyah Suarez Hernandez, Seth Traba, Tanner Yocum, Citlalli Calvo, Melissa Camacho, Ileen Dubon and

Arianny Hernandez.

Noble parents and staff cheer for the Water Polo team at the November 9 Board of Education Meeting.

Rowland High School National Hispanic Recognition Award Winners

The National Hispanic Recognition Award (NHRA), given by the College Board, recognizes students of Hispanic origin who score in the top 10% among PSAT test-takers in the state. In a new record, six top students at Rowland High School were awarded the Hispanic Recognition Scholar distinction. These students have taken the most rigorous courses such as AP and IB and have worked tirelessly to achieve academic excellence. 


Congratulations to the following Raiders:

Christopher Hernandez, Javier

Bahena, Landon Bonilla-Rivera,

Leila Saure, Lucas Patterson, and Melissa Reepolrujee.

Spotlight On...Educator Jake Magnant

Rowland Unified School District’s very own Mr. Jake Ryan Magnant was recognized by the LA Kings AHL team, the Ontario Reign, for his tireless efforts and support of the students of our community. “Mr. M,” as the students call him, continues to go above and beyond to ensure his students have the opportunity to realize their full potential. 

 

The Ontario Reign's "Educator of the Month" program recognizes outstanding educators for their hard work and dedication to their students. The organization spotlights these real MVPs, every day, continuously and tirelessly cheering on students to succeed in school and life.

 

Magnant is a Special Education teacher for John A. Rowland High School and is the boys’ and girls’ head varsity tennis coach. He is also a member of the Golden Bell Award Winning RUSD College Connect team, head of the RUSD Extended Learning Opportunities, a former RHS AVID Coordinator, and current CIF Tennis Committee Member for both the boys and girls seasons. Magnant is also a supporter of various clubs and organizations throughout the district.


“I’m honored to be able to work with some amazing students throughout our school district. Having the opportunity to help our students realize their potential and achieve their goals never gets old.”

Come Work for RUSD!

November 16, 2023 RUSD News Editor [email protected]

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