RUSD News: August 23, 2023

WELCOME TO THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR

A Yorbita student shares his excitement with Dr. Mitchell about the sign language club he wants to start at his school.

Dr. Mitchell with the Nogales Noble Color Guard.

Welcome to the start of the 2023-2024 school year in Rowland Unified!

I am so proud of the many care and connect activities that took place before the start of the school year to engage with students and families to get to know one another. This is what makes Rowland Unified so special, the relationships we build and our student-centered focus.

The first week of school was filled with joy and festivities as our students and families were welcomed back. Thank you to everyone for such a smooth and successful start of the school year -- and even overcoming a tropical storm!

I wish all of you the best school year ever and look forward to working together as we celebrate our students' achievements.

Dr. Julie Mitchell,

Superintendent of Schools

#WeAreRUSD

Everyone Fits In at Hollingworth! The school-wide Care and Connect event had families do puzzles with teachers and staff.

Welcome Back rallies at Rowland High School (above) and Nogales High School (below) took place the first week, showcasing to students the more than 40 clubs available to participate in and with performances by performing arts groups and even staff having the opportunity to join in the fun!

Helpful RUSD Tech Tool for Families for Back to School Success

There is so much information to navigate, especially at the beginning of the school year. To streamline communication, RUSD schools and teachers use one tool for you to stay connected: ParentSquare. To make the most of our communications system, we encourage families to download the ParentSquare Mobile App.

To provide families with tips for back-to-school success, check out the RUSD Tech Tool. Watch helpful videos in English, Spanish and Chinese about some of the technology programs you and your student will be using including ParentSquare, Aeries Student Information Systems (Homelink), Clever, Seesaw, Google Classroom and Zoom.

RUSD Tech Tool

New Administrative Appointments

Killian Principal Maria Descallar and the Killian team rolled out the red carpet to welcome students and families on the first day of school.

Killian Principal Maria Descallar

Maria Descallar has been a proud member of the Rowland Unified family since 2005 and most recently served as the Assistant Principal of Blandford Elementary. “I am immensely grateful for the trust that has been given to me to serve the Killian School community. I am committed to serving the needs of our students, families, and staff and believe in creating pathways and opportunities for all children to discover their unique gifts and talents. Go Cougars!”

Nogales High School Principal Scott Cavanias with students at their Welcome Back Rally.

Nogales High School Principal

Scott Cavanias

Scott Cavanias was Principal of Alvarado Intermediate in RUSD for the last seven years and now leads the Nogales Nobles. "I am extremely excited and honored to join Nogales High School as the new principal! In just a short period of time serving in this role. I have had the opportunity to meet several students, parents, staff members, families, and others who make the Nogales community such a beautiful place! I look forward to continuing to build upon all of the amazing things that are already in place at Nogales High and feel super grateful to have this opportunity! GO NOBLES!"

New Principal Jacob Jung welcoming back students on the first day of school at Alvarado Intermediate. CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO of the Alvarado team welcoming students @RowlandSchools

Alvarado Principal

Jacob Jung, Ed.D.

Dr. Jacob Jung joins RUSD as the new Principal of Alvarado Intermediate, with administrative experience at both the middle and high school levels.

"I'm humbled and honored to return to Rowland Unified and serve as the new Principal at Alvarado Intermediate School. I am dedicated and committed to working alongside the incredible staff, students, families, and the community to continue strong traditions and to be the World's Greatest School. I am proud to be a Matador!"

Northam Elementary Principal Karen Magana having fun with students on the playground on the first day of school.

Northam Principal

Karen Magana

Karen Magana has served as an administrator in RUSD for the last 17 years, most recently as the Principal of Killian Elementary. “I am honored and privileged to join the Northam community, which has a strong commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. It is my utmost priority to build upon this foundation and work collaboratively with the staff, students, and parents to further enhance the educational experience at our school.”

Lisa Perez, Asst. Principal

Giano Intermediate

Lisa Perez joins RUSD as the new Assistant Principal at Giano Intermediate. "I believe every student can succeed, and Giano is the perfect school for students to get inspired, learn, and grow to their highest potential. My motto is Keep Learning, Keep Growing, and Keep Going! Giano is an amazing school and I am honored to serve as the Assistant Principal." #GianoPROUD

Connie Takemoto-Hamachi, Asst. Principal Alvarado

Connie Takemoto-Hamachi began in RUSD as a teacher and was the summer school principal at Alvarado and the Summer Enrichment Principal at Hollingworth. "I am appreciative of the trust and confidence placed in me in to lead and serve as the Assistant Principal of Alvarado Intermediate School. I am dedicated to the growth and well-being of our students, families, and staff."

Jessica Delavigne, Asst. Principal Nogales High School

Jessica Delavigne is the Assistant Principal at Nogales High School and was formerly the Assistant Principal at Alvarado Intermediate and the 2020-2021 RUSD Teacher of the Year.

"I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve Rowland Unified and partner with our amazing community. I truly believe that schools and learning environments stand as reservoirs of hope, and I am so excited to work with our Nogales Nobles to empower ALL learners."

Annette Martinez, Asst. Principal Blandford Elementary

Annette Martinez has served in RUSD for the past 18 years, most recently as the Coordinator of Special Education.

"My time in serving our students with exceptional needs provided me a lifetime of rewards. I am grateful for the trust and opportunity that has been given to me to serve the Blandford Elementary community. I am committed to working alongside the staff and families to ensure that all students are included and know that they can be successful.”