Dear RBUSD Students & Families,

Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! We look forward to our students returning on Wednesday, August 20! RBUSD has a lot to be proud of, and it’s all thanks to you. Together, we will keep the momentum going as we focus on our Strategic Plan goals, persevere through challenges, and create lasting memories together.

Parents and guardians, please take the Parent Education Interest Survey at the end of this newsletter. We value your input!

Before we dive into the new school year, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the RBUSD staff who worked tirelessly this summer. Thank you to our custodians, grounds crew, and maintenance teams who refreshed our campuses and to our CDC team who kept joy alive for our youngest learners; your work did not go unnoticed!

Maintenance & Operations Team

Thank you to our summer school educators and support staff for nurturing learning, to RBEF for the engaging summer classes, and to our IT department and Library Media Techs for prepping Chromebooks and materials to set students up for success. Our Child Nutrition Services team kept bellies full and menus fresh - thank you! A shoutout to our coaches who ran engaging sports camps, and to our District office staff who ensured everything kept moving smoothly behind the scenes. Fired up and ready, let’s make this year unforgettable, RBUSD!

Middle School Fashion Design Summer School Class

Middle School Stocks Summer School Class

Middle School Hardware Hackers Summer School class

RUHS Summer Tennis Camp

RUHS Summer Soccer Camp

Human Resources onboards our new Washington Assistant Principal

I want to share a mural I had the privilege of viewing in person this summer. Learning about the symbolism of this mural in Bilbao, Spain made a lasting impression. It is called La Llave or “The Key.” 

At first glance, you see two women in conversation. Their differences are unmistakable - age, attire, posture, but their connection runs deeper, as seen in the colors flowing from their hearts and minds. They’re communicating not just with words, but with empathy, curiosity, and care. The mural’s message is clear: open-hearted communication is the key that unlocks understanding between people. It transforms differences into discovery.

La Llave made me reflect on our RBUSD community, how vibrant and varied we are, and how powerful our connections can be through dialogue and trust. So, as we begin this school year, let’s embrace “The Key.” Let’s speak openly, listen generously, and learn from one another. Because through meaningful communication, we don’t just grow as individuals, we grow as one united district.

These leaders are committed to the children and adults we so proudly serve. They are an impressive group!

RBUSD Leaders participate in a team-bonding competition at their annual Leadership Retreat. They sure are competitive!

Thank you, community, for the passage of Measure S! We are pleased to share that Measure S projects are gaining traction. Nine million dollars in roofing projects will have been completed by the time school begins. Indoor and outdoor lighting is being upgraded to LED, which will save the district in both energy costs and workforce hours. Upgraded fencing and privacy screening projects are underway too, with anticipated completion later this fall. New IT upgrades such as new security cameras, phones, PA system, and clocks are almost complete at Lincoln and Parras MS. New elementary playground equipment is coming this school year. There is much to be excited about around facilities upgrades. More updates will come next month in a separate Measure S Bond email.

Alta Vista front office roof before renovation

Alta Vista front office roof after renovation

New, taller, non-climbable fence at Beryl Elementary

New playground rendering - sample design

Educational Services is committed to supporting the implementation of high-quality, standards-aligned curriculum across all schools. This year, we will continue the secondary math curriculum adoption and support the rollout of Wit & Wisdom, English Lang Arts curriculum, at the middle school level to ensure coherent instruction and equitable learning experiences across classrooms. To strengthen instruction and student support, Educational Services will align procedures for early literacy screenings, Student Success Team meetings (SSTs), and implementation of academic and behavior interventions. We will continue efforts to promote a positive and supportive school climate through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and related practices. Instructional Leadership Teams (ILTs) will engage staff in collaborative planning, continued data analysis, and ongoing school improvement efforts. 

Middle School teacher training on Wit & Wisdom curriculum this summer

New secondary math curriculum adoption coming this year

RBUSD is on the map, thanks to our #1 Niche rating in LA County and #5 in the state, along with the numerous programs and experiences that our students enjoy and in which they thrive. As we celebrate our highlights and achievements, let us not forget our primary focus: that each and every RBUSD student achieves academic growth and experiences social-emotional wellbeing. We expect every student to have a positive journey through RBUSD, and we believe this is a team effort. Students, staff, administration, parents/guardians, and our entire school community are key stakeholders in moving RBUSD forward. We all play an integral role, and by remaining united and committed to excellence, we make RBUSD GREAT!

Let us continue our road to excellence by challenging our students to acquire and refine three key qualities that are essential for success and happiness at school, a future career, and in life: involvement, advocacy, and resilience.

Students, discovering your passion and purpose on your educational journey happens through both academics AND activities, so get involved! Whether you choose sports, ASB, theatre, music, robotics, or other pursuits, you're opening doors to explore new interests while broadening your perspective on what's possible. These experiences do something remarkable: they build self-esteem and confidence that radiates into every aspect of your life.

RUHS ASB Students hosting a back to school night booth

Students actively involved in school activities tend to show stronger academic performance, but the real magic lies in developing essential life skills. You'll master time management, learn to excel under competitive pressure, experience teamwork, and discover leadership opportunities that shape who you become. Every activity offers a chance to challenge yourself and grow in unexpected ways. This year, find something that excites you and jump in. Your future self will thank you!

Jefferson students participating in Battle of the Books

Adams students playing in a dodgeball tournament

Parras students and Principal Shaw participating in a multicultural festival

Hadestown cast from RUHS receiving an award

Students, your voices truly matter. This year, we challenge you to take ownership of your educational journey by embracing both sides of advocacy: speaking up when something matters to you AND listening thoughtfully to others around you. Whether you're advocating for yourself by asking questions, seeking support, or stepping up as an advocate for classmates who might need encouragement, you have the power to create positive change.

Dr. Wesley’s Superintendent Student Advisory Council

BCHS Allcove Center

Effective advocacy isn't just about being heard; it's about building understanding, fostering connection, and ensuring everyone has what they need to thrive. Your voice can be the difference-maker in someone's day, including your own.

Middle School Friendship Sports

Students, resilience empowers you to manage stress and adapt when challenges arise, and they will. The key is understanding that neither your triumphs nor your disappointments define who you are; it's your ability to persevere when things don't unfold as expected that builds character.

RUHS student proudly accepts his diploma

Elementary students building skills in the library

Lawns of Love campaign showed support for students, by students

Developing this strength takes practice, but you're surrounded by a RBUSD community ready to support you through every obstacle. Each setback becomes a stepping stone to discovering your true potential and growing stronger.

Parents are key to students’ learning, growth, and well-being. RBUSD is planning a Parent Education Series to give families practical tools to strengthen the school-home partnership. We’d like your input on topics for this series, so please complete this short form. Our first workshop is tentatively set for September 25, 2025.

RBUSD Parent Education Workshop Interest Survey

As we step into a new school year, let’s bring our curiosity, kindness, and commitment to making every day count. I’m excited for the connections we’ll build, the challenges we’ll tackle, and the successes we’ll celebrate together. Here’s to an inspiring and memorable 2025–26! See you on Wednesday, August 20th!

With appreciation,

Your Superintendent, 

Nikki Wesley, Ed.D.

Join the Journey!