Dear RBUSD Students & Families,

Before we begin sharing how RBUSD is preparing students for their future and how our district is standing out on the national stage, we want to take a moment to say “Happy 100th Birthday, Beryl Heights Elementary School!” Thank you to the Beryl PTA and all of the volunteers that made the birthday celebration one filled with history, fun facts, fun activities, and a walk down memory lane for many former students and staff. 

This month, we also want to honor our Teacher of the Year, Mr. Nick Sklarenko from RUHS. He teaches AP Modern World History. Congratulations, Mr. Sklarenko!

As we move deeper into the 2025 school year, We are excited to share how our district is positioning itself at the forefront of educational innovation. We're not just adapting to change - we're leading it. Our recent selection into the League of Innovative Schools, from a competitive national pool, demonstrates our commitment to forward-thinking education. RBUSD is one of 175 districts across 35 states that are a part of this distinct collaborative network.

Adding to this momentum, Redondo Union High School was ranked in the top 0.5% nationwide and top 5% in California by U.S. News & World Report, while RBUSD as a whole earned recognition in the top 1% of U.S. districts, with every single RBUSD school ranked. In addition, Niche honored us as one of the Top 10 districts in California, the #5 District in the Los Angeles area, and an A+ overall grade, highlighting the exceptional dedication of our teachers, staff, students, and community. 

Just as calculators evolved from prohibited tools to essential aids in math class, we're at a similar turning point with AI. It's fundamentally changing how we think, learn, and collaborate, ushering in what we call the "Reskilling Revolution."

As AI capabilities grow, so does the need for human skills: critical thinking, creativity, resilience, collaboration, and effective communication. RBUSD is preparing students for a future where success depends not on memorizing answers, but on solving complex problems and applying knowledge in innovative ways.

We're moving from the knowledge era to the intelligence era in order to prepare our students for their future.

ProSolve CEO Travis Allen energized our staff at the Back to School Rally with insights on AI

Board Readopts Strategic Plan

Our commitment to future readiness spans all grade levels through exciting program expansions and partnerships. This work is guided by our Strategic Plan, which the Board readopted on September 30th, prioritizing academic achievement, social-emotional learning, and post-secondary preparedness.

At RUHS, we've added an Aerospace program to our engineering pathway, providing hands-on experiences that mirror real-world applications. This reflects our commitment to pathways aligned with emerging career opportunities.

At the middle school level, Parras launched a new Career Technical Education class, introducing younger students to practical skills and career exploration earlier. Adams MS added this class last year.

A grant from Career Technical Education (CTE) equipped Parras’ new broadcasting class

Igniting Science in our Elementary Schools

Elementary students are engaging with the Amplify Science curriculum, ensuring our youngest learners access the most current and engaging scientific curriculum.

Curiosity sparks fun with engaging science lessons

A hands-on exercise helped students learn about genetic traits

Beryl's robotics team gears up for a competitive season

Innovation in Professional Development

October 3rd was Districtwide Professional Development Day 

Our commitment extends to ensuring educators have the knowledge and tools needed to guide students effectively. 

Featured Partnerships and Sessions 

MagicSchool AI sessions instructed teachers on AI platforms used for planning, differentiation, and feedback, plus creating structured classroom environments where students engage with AI tools under proper guidance.

Secondary Math Teachers reviewed top-rated math curriculum for adoption

Elementary teachers explore MagicSchool AI for smarter planning

AI in Action: High School Marketing Class

Our high school marketing students are using Adobe Express and Gemini to create professional presentations, posters, and animations. They leverage AI for feedback while maintaining their own voice, learning ethical AI use as a collaborative tool. Students also research responsible AI applications, developing into thoughtful digital citizens. The Marketing Class students are competing to create an AI Ethical Use poster, and the winning team will have their posters displayed around the schools.

HERE is a link to a comprehensive resource that focuses on responsibly using AI to complement and enhance study habits rather than replace critical thinking. The guidebook includes practical examples:



• Using AI to check homework and provide explanations
• Creating study materials tailored to individual learning needs
• Generating practice quizzes and personalized study guides
• Exploring creative ways to understand complex concepts

The guidebook represents our philosophy that AI should make us better learners by deepening our work, not bypassing it. It's about shifting how we teach and learn, preparing students to apply knowledge, analyze information, and collaborate on meaningful solutions.

Together, We Thrive

Our commitment is clear: we're preparing every student to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. This isn't just about AI access, it is a fundamental shift in teaching and learning that equips students for future careers that may not yet exist. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, we're developing skills that transcend technology.

Dr. Anthony Taranto, Executive Director of Career Pathways, speaks to the Round Table about the industry & career pathways available to RUHS students

At RUHS, Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways combine academic knowledge with real-world technical skills. Eleven pathways let students pursue interests in Film/TV Production, Graphic Design, Business & Finance, Computer Science, Culinary Arts, Gaming, Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Engineering, and PLTW Biomedical Sciences. Through hands-on, project-based learning, students discover their passions, explore career options, and prepare for future success.

With our community's partnership, we're empowering students not just to adapt to the future, but to shape it. This requires all of us working together to ensure that as we integrate new tools, we preserve the human skills and values that define excellence in education.

Together, we're preparing thoughtful, creative, and resilient contributors to their communities and the world. Our gratitude runs deep, and our excitement for the future is strong. Thank you for your partnership!

Your Superintendent, 

Nikki Wesley, Ed.D.

Join the Journey!