September 30, 2026

Two image collage: Image 1 A group of dancers in colorful traditional Mexican dresses pose together on a school track, holding their skirts out to display the vibrant patterns. Image 2 A folklórico dance troupe performs on a school football field, wearing colorful traditional Mexican dresses as they move with their skirts raised.

STUDENTS CELEBRATE

HISPANIC HERITAGE

MONTH

RUSD is proud to celebrate the rich culture and history of Hispanic Heritage Month in our schools. One of the many ways to celebrate is through the power of music. Shelyn Sharks experienced one of Cuba's oldest popular music styles and traditions, changüí, which blends African rhythms and Spanish string instruments to create lively, rhythmic music that has everyone dancing along with the beat. Changüí Majadero performed as part of the Music Center’s education program.

Nogales High School also celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a performance by the school’s Folklórico dance troupe that kicked off the Homecoming Game, with staff member Mrs. Romero also singing!

Two musicians in white outfits and cowboy hats perform onstage for a large group of students gathered on a school basketball court. visible in the background.

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SUPERINTENDENT FLORES HONORED

As Outstanding Latino Leader

Two adults stand beside a decorated sign for the 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month Reception, which features colorful floral borders and the words “¡Bienvenidos!” in the center.

When Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis began searching for Hispanic leaders to celebrate, she found inspiration here at Rowland Unified School District.

Superintendent Alex Flores was honored as one of 12 Latino leaders at the supervisor’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Reception, held at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in downtown Los Angeles on September 18. The event recognized honorees for their work in government, education, health care, civic engagement and community service. Solis, who has hosted the reception throughout her nearly 12 years on the Board of Supervisors, celebrated her final Hispanic Heritage Month as First District Supervisor at this year's event.

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STUDENTS EARN NATIONAL HONORS

2026 FCCLA Leadership Conference Celebrates Achievements

Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) students from both Rowland High School and Alvarado Intermediate represented the district this summer at the 2026 FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. The RUSD students earned an impressive collection of Gold and Silver honors while competing among more than 10,000 students and educators from across the nation.

A large group of FCCLA students and educators wearing red shirts pose on the lawn in Washington, D.C., with the U.S. Capitol visible in the background.

A three-photo collage highlighting FCCLA students and achievements: top, students and educators hold certificates during a recognition ceremony; bottom left, a group of FCCLA members in red jackets pose together at an FCCLA event; bottom right, a student in a red FCCLA jacket holds a certificate beside a “Silver” award banner.

“For our chapter, the National Leadership Conference was more than a trip,” said 2025-26 State Vice President Rebeca Guevara-Galo. “It was an opportunity to see what is possible when students are given the skills, support, and confidence to lead.”

In addition, among thousands of FCCLA advisers nationwide, Mrs. Tracy Taylor, FCCLA adviser at Rowland High School for the past 25 years, has been selected as California's sole recipient of the 2026 National Spirit of Advising Award. Presented annually to just one chapter adviser from each state, the award recognizes extraordinary educators whose dedication, leadership, and commitment to student success have strengthened FCCLA programs and inspired future leaders.

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lime green icon with football stadium graphic. symbolizing homecoming game

NOBLE PRIDE SHINES

Football Victory Highlights Homecoming 2026

Students perform on a football field at night while carrying colorful international flags, including flags representing Brazil and other countries.

Stepping on campus, you could feel the excitement in the air as Nogales High School students embraced Homecoming Week, a celebration of school spirit, culture, student involvement, and community. With the theme “Rio After Dark” (inspired by the popular animated movie “Rio”), music, dancing, and animal-fun activities took place all week and ended with a Homecoming Festival and Pregame Show before the main event, the Nogales Homecoming Football game against Covina on September 18.

With light sticks thrown in the air, flags flying and the Noble Regiment Band energizing the crowd for the halftime show, it was time for the big announcement. Fireworks burst in the sky as Senior Fiza Ahmad was crowned Homecoming Queen, joined by King Alejandro Jimenez. The night ended with the score Nobles 47, Covina 22.

A two-photo collage featuring school spirit and football: cheerleaders in green and black uniforms pose on a track, while football players in green and black uniforms compete against a team in white during a game.

This victory marked Nogales’ fifth consecutive win to start the season – a 5-0 record for the first time since 2016. Congratulations to Christian Flores, Junior Ronquillo, Isaac Guzman and Jadyne Yack for being selected as the Players of the Game by MaxPreps.

"Nogales Homecoming 2026 was one for the books,” said new Assistant Principal Juan Carlos (JC) Olivares, Ed.D. “It was amazing seeing students from various social groups on campus come together to put on our halftime show and showcase one of our beliefs that a strong community uplifts all. I applaud all the students and their advisors for helping us make Homecoming 2026 an event to remember!"

A two-photo collage featuring school spirit: football players in green and black uniforms run onto the field through banners, and students hold colorful handmade posters in the stands during a nighttime football game.

CLICK TO VIEW MORE GAME HIGHLIGHTS

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OSWALT

ACADEMY

The Board of Education recognized Stanley G. Oswalt Academy as the Spotlight School at the September 10, 2026, Board Meeting. Thank you to Oswalt staff, students and community - complete with the cheer squad - who came out to share the great things happening at the campus to support Oswalt Eagles. Congratulations to Oswalt Academy PTSA Board Member Mrs. Kathleen Cook, who was honored by the Board for her outstanding volunteer efforts.

A group of students and young athletes pose outside a school while holding large red-and-white “OSWALT” letters.

To view the entire September Board Meeting and presentations, visit:

CLICK HERE

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RACE COUNSELING CORNER

A STATEWIDE LEADER

Named as a California Adult Education Model Program

Two educators hold certificates and bouquets of flowers during a recognition ceremony with school district administrators.

Congratulations to Rowland Adult & Community Education (RACE) Counseling Program for being named a California Adult Education Program (CAEP) Model Program. Through the collaborative efforts of two counselors, RACE developed a proactive, data-driven counseling model that provides adult learners with individualized support, flexible access, and early intervention to help them stay engaged and achieve their goals. CAEP recognized this innovative work with an Achievement Award, and it will be highlighted as a model of promising practices in adult education.

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ALL-STAR STUDENT ATHLETE

ON AND OFF THE FIELD

Rowland Raider Named to CIF Advisory Council

For the first time, a Rowland Unified student has been chosen to serve on the CIF Southern Section Student-Athlete Advisory Council. Ethan De Anda, a scholar-athlete and Varsity Captain of Rowland High School’s Football Team, is one of 16 student-athletes with a voice on the council to share input and suggest improvements to high school athletics.

“My first meeting was a great experience, especially meeting other high academic-achieving athletes,” said De Anda.

“An example of a topic that we all shared was the difficulties of balancing sports and academics. Obviously, there are only 24 hours in a day, and we are supposed to get 8 hours of sleep – so when you stack on school, homework and sports, it becomes difficult and a struggle we all face, so we shared tips with each other. I look forward to working with CIF this year to share our perspectives and experience on a variety of topics.”

Homegrown Raider: “My parents met at Rowland High School, so it was very important to them that I attend and get the Raider experience,” said De Anda, who is an AP student. As part of the track and field team, he competes in shot put and discus. He is also an active leader in ASB.

He is excited to play his first year on Varsity Football as the Center. Watch him in action at Rowland High School’s Homecoming Football Game on Friday, October 9 at 7 p.m.