Rowland Raiders Compete in Worldwide

24-Hour Animation Contest

Rowland High School students who participated in the 24-Hour Animation Contest.

The RHS winning team named "5/5th Blind lads wielding 2B pencils" placed 15th out of 65 high school teams!

Rowland High Students Meet Industry Guru Mike Hollins, a 30-year animation veteran prior to the competition. 

Computers were grinding, creativity was flowing, and the clock was ticking as 25 students from Rowland High School competed in the worldwide 24 Hour Animation Contest for Students hosted by Cal State University Long Beach. Student teams were asked to create a mind-blowing 30-second animated short film in just 24 HOURS, judged by industry giants.


The results are in, and Rowland High School’s 24-hour animation team placed 15th out of 65 High Schools in this international event!


Students shared they loved the experience to animate, draw and produce a short film while collaborating with their team mates. The added fun of working all night and of course the food for the overnight adventure is a memory they won't forget!


“In 2015, Rowland High School was the first high school to enter this college competition – now our students compete against students from high schools and colleges from around the world,” said Edwin Gomez, Rowland High School Design Visual Media Teacher. “What makes this so exciting is there is no limit to how they can animate, they can do live action, stop motion, 3D, 2D or a combination of mixed media. What’s fun is watching them work through it…I can’t help them as soon as it begins. Students had to use their teamwork skills and learn how to problem solve under pressure, create a concept, storyboard and build a full short. I am so proud of their professionalism and what they were able to accomplish.”


Rowland High School offers classes in Digital Media Graphic Design, Animation, Studio Production and Video Production.

Congratulations to the following students (pictured left to right) Leah Yafuso, Iris Huang, Briana Ruiz, Ashley Mori, and Evelyn Hsieh.



Click to watch their winning short


Newsflash! Nogales Girls Volleyball

in CIF State Regional Semifinals - DIV V

The Nogales Girls Volleyball Team fought last night in San Diego against O'Farrell Charter School and won! Let's cheer them on as they play Round 3 in the CIF State Regional Semifinals tomorrow, Saturday, against Morro Bay at 6 PM. This is historic - Go Lady Nobles!

Rowland Unified Announces Miriam Kim as New Assistant Superintendent

Miriam Kim with her family and the RUSD Board of Education at her appointment

as the new Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services.

Stepping into her new role on November 15, 2025, Rowland Unified is proud to announce that Miriam Kim will be the new Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services.


An RUSD icon, she is known for the pivotal roles she has played as a co-founder of College Connect, founder of Family Connect, launching The Learning Bridge center for RUSD parents and her many administrative roles across the District since 2003. Kim has served in many capacities such as assistant principal at Yorbita Elementary, principal at Holingworth Elementary, was the founding principal of Telesis Academy of Science and Math, Director of Elementary Education, Director of the Family Resource Center, and most recently, Director of Outreach and Community Relations.


“I am truly honored and humbled to continue to serve this district which has always been more than a "workplace" for me,” said Kim.  “As a proud mom of two Rowland Unified students, I know how wonderful our district is. I am so thankful to our Board of Education and Superintendent Flores for their support. I look forward to continuing the outstanding work our district does and supporting the incredible students, staff, families and community of Rowland Unified.” 

Family and friends watch as Ms. Kim is appointed at Board Meeting.

District Opens The Learning Bridge

Superintendent Flores with Miriam Kim at the soft opening of The Learning Bridge on November 6 at Villacorta Elementary.

Rowland Unifed understands that when we partner with our parents and families for student success - magic happens!


Superintendent Alejandro Flores and Director of Outreach and Community Relations Miriam Kim invited parents to the soft opening of "The Learning Bridge," a new place that was built for our parents to gather and learn. Remodeled internally by RUSD Building Services, this new area on the Villacorta campus features breakout rooms and a kitchen that will be available for parent meetings, school and district family functions.


More information to come!

Parents tour the "The Learning Bridge" - a beautiful new training center where RUSD families can gather and learn from one another at school and district functions.

Don't Miss This Year's Family Connect Sessions FOR PARENTS - BY PARENTS

Rowland Unified Parents across the District have joined together to form Family Connect, a team excited to share and learn together. They have listened to what parents have asked for and have built the first workshop, "What I Wish I Knew..." All parents and guardians are invited to come listen and ask questions. Translators available! All sessions are at 6 PM:


  • Elementary Session: November 18 at Telesis Academy
  • Middle School Session: November 19 at Telesis Academy
  • High School Session: December 9 at Giano Intermediate

MED STUDENTS IN TRAINING

Learning Together: Both Rowland and Nogales High School students at the Cal-HOSA Fall Conference, who aspire to become future healthcare professional leaders.

Nogales and Rowland High School students in the Health Science & Medical Technology Career Pathway took their learning on the road as they participated in the Cal-HOSA Fall Leadership Conference, an event that prepares students for careers in the healthcare industry.


They had the opportunity to gain skills in leadership and learn through keynote speakers, workshops, and competitive events where they networked with fellow members and industry partners. The conference was held at the Medical Science Academy located at Valencia High School in Valencia, CA.


Rowland Unified is proud to offer students 13 Career Technical Education (CTE) Career Pathways representing 8 industry sectors for students to learn about future careers. 

November 14, 2025 Issue RUSD News Editor gward@rowlandschools.org

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