Dear Students, Families, and Staff,
Happy Friday-ROWUSD students, families, and staff! Thank you for your continued support, positivity, and partnership as we create safe and inspiring spaces for our students to learn and grow! Whether it is classroom creativity, school events-every learning moment matters!
 Let's keep the momentum going strong as we wind down the school year in the next few weeks.  
Wishing everyone a fantastic week ahead!


Page 1: Rim’s Edge of Excellence Newsletter; May 16th, 2025. Let’s Stay Informed! Come Join Us at the Next..School Board Meeting. Date of School Board Meeting: 
Thursday, June 5th, 2025 ; Time: 5:30 p.m. Place: Rim of the World Unified School  District Office. If you are unable to attend in Person,  watch the meeting live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@rowusdschools/streams
Page 2: From ROWUSD Superintendent, Dr. Paul Sevillano; A Message from the Superintendent: Dear ROWUSD Families, Staff, and Community Members,
We are excited to share that Rim of the World Unified School District is moving forward with plans to offer new Adult Education opportunities that better serve the needs of our mountain community. Although these classes are not yet available, we are actively developing programs to support adult learners in continuing their education and achieving their personal and professional goals. We are currently preparing to introduce two foundational offerings-at no cost to participants:
English as a Second Language (ESL) for Spanish-speaking adults; High School Diploma-Based course . These classes will be held at Mountain High School and are intended to support adults who are ready to invest in their education. Additionally, we are exploring the future launch of a Pharmacy Technician Certification course, also free of charge, to provide even more pathways for career development.  As we plan the next steps , we want to hear from YOU! If you or someone you know may be interested in these opportunities, please take a few moments to complete our short interest survey. Your feedback will help guide the development of these programs and ensure they meet the needs of our community. Click here to take the survey: https://forms.gle/jNUvhpTNHcQfi6YV7
We are excited about the possibilities ahead and grateful for your support as we work to expand educational access for ALL adults in our district-at no cost to them!
Page 3: Dates to Remember. Next School Board Meeting: Thursday, June 5th at 5:30 pm Open House Dates: 5/20: Mountain High School; 5/21: Mary Putnam Intermediate; 5/22: Lake Arrowhead Elementary; 5/29: Charles Hoffman Elementary; Health & Resource Fair. Wednesday, May 21st  from 4 pm to 7 pm ; At Rim High School Memorial Day-No School on  Monday, May 26th, 2025; The Class of 2025 Graduation; MHS: June 9th, 2025; RHS & RVA: June 10th, 2025 ; Last Day of School: June 10th, 2025 (3 1/2 weeks left).
Page 4: In observance of Memorial Day-there will be no school on Monday , May 26th, 2025. Let's take this time to Honor & Remember the brave individuals who have served-and continue to serve-our Country-with dedication, sacrifice, yesterday, today, and tomorrow! Enjoy the Long Weekend. Classes will resume on Tuesday,  May 27th, 2025. 
Page 5: Honoring Excellence at the 23rd Annual Mountain Communities Recognition Awards Banquet. We are proud to celebrate the 23rd Annual Mountain Communities Recognition Awards Banquet, hosted by the Rotary Club of Crestline-Lake Gregory, a cherished tradition that brings together our mountain community to recognize and honor individuals who go above and beyond in service, leadership, and dedication.  This event was an opportunity to spotlight
 those who have made a significant impact on our schools and mountain community. We are thrilled to announce our honorees from ROWUSD, who were recognized for their outstanding service and achievements. These remarkable individuals-our teachers, and staff who exemplify the spirit of compassion, commitment, and community that define our School District.  Please Join us in celebrating these dedicated members of our school family: Amber McCauley, Andis Strauja, Carla Malagoli-Vitti, Colleen Stebbing, Darlyn Phillips, Elizabeth Harryman, Julia Daigle, Micaela Caballero, and Veronica Pelayo.
Page 6: ROWUSD District Staff Appreciation Week! Staff Appreciation Lunch-Thank you Mountain Council PTA! On May 6th, the Mountain Council treated our district staff to a delicious lunch in appreciation of all they do. It was a wonderful opportunity for team members-especially those working behind the scenes-to relax, connect, & share some laughs! Thank you for helping us feel valued & celebrated! Thank You, ROWUSD! We would like to extend our thanks to the Rim of the World Unified School District for their continued support and unwavering commitment to their incredible staff who serve across ALL of our schools and the District Office.
On Thursday, the District Office generously provided lunch for ALL staff throughout the district-a thoughtful gesture that was deeply appreciated by everyone. Thank you for reminding us how valued we are as part of this educational community. Thank you for investing in your people, recognizing their hard work, and fostering a culture of appreciation. Your support truly makes a difference!
Page 7: Charles Hoffman Elementary; A fresh ‘Thank You’ to the CHE PTA! Staff Appreciation Week just got even more delicious! A big Thank You to the incredible Charles Hoffman PTA for bringing beautiful salad bars to the amazing staff at CHE this week! The PTA’s thoughtful gesture added a fresh & healthy boost to everyone’s day at CHE, & reminded them just how much they are valued.  The kindness & generosity from CHE’s PTA never goes unnoticed! Thank you CHE PTA for all you do to support your school!Here’ to Community, gratitude, and lots of Green!!💚🥒🍅
Page 7A: Mrs Schmidt 1st Grade Class at CHE-First Grade Fun at the Reptile Assembly! Mrs. Schmidt’s first grade class had a WILDLY exciting time at the PTA Reptile Assembly on May 15th! From slithering snakes to amazing amphibians, students got an up-close look at some incredible reptile friends! There were wide eyes, curious questions, and lots of "oohs" and "aahs" as the reptiles made their grand appearances! 
Page 8: CHE; 🌿 Rainforest Adventures in 3rd Grade! 🌿 Mrs. Armellini &  Mrs. Serano’s 3rd-grade Explorers have been diving into the wonders of the rainforest! From colorful creatures to lush greenery, students have been learning all about this incredible ecosystem through interactive lessons and hands-on projects. CHE’s young scientists brought the rainforest to life with creativity, curiosity, and a whole lot of enthusiasm!
Page 9: CHE; 🌿 JUNGLE VIBES at CHE🌿 Get ready to swing into the rainforest—right here at CHE! Our talented students have been busy painting vibrant rainforest animals in preparation for Open House. From the forest floor to the emergent layer, our classroom is being transformed into a full tropical rainforest, complete with hanging vines and animal art representing the unique strata of this incredible biome. Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve journeyed deep into the jungle—where creativity, learning, and a whole lot of imagination are growing wild! Big thanks to our awesome PTA for bringing this unforgettable, hands-on learning experience to life. It was a reptile-tastic day for our first graders!
Page 10: ELOP at CHE; Eco-Friendly Fun at CHE  In celebration of Earth Day, ELOP students at CHE designed their own personalized Eco-Bags. This creative and eco-conscious project helped spark conversations about sustainability and the importance of caring for our planet. Ocean Explorers at CHE:
At CHE’s ELOP, students came together to create beautiful seashell bracelets while learning about different types of shells and ocean life! It was a hands-on way to combine creativity with curiosity about the  natural world beneath the waves!
Page 11: ELOP at LAE; STEM Building at LAE. STEM was in full swing at LAE, where ELOP students put their engineering minds to the test, creating imaginative towers..  From strategy to structure, their hands-on work showcased teamwork, perseverance, and problem-solving skills! 
Page 12: ELOP at VOE; BINGO Time at VOE. TK and Kinder students at VOE ELOP had a blast playing Number Bingo! This engaging game helped reinforce number recognition and early math skills—all through the joy of play. Movement & Music! Laughter & energy filled the air as LAE ELOP students played the classic game “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Grab!” This interactive activity promotes coordination, listening skills, and plenty of giggles! Snack time at LAE’s ELOP program is both nutritious and delicious! Students enjoyed a variety of healthy options including fresh fruit, whole grain crackers, string cheese, yogurt smoothies and salami slices-a balance way to refuel for Fun & Learning!
Page 13: Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate; Students at MPH recently took a big leap into life science—by dissecting frogs! This hands-on lab experience gave students a fascinating look at anatomy, allowing them to explore organs and systems they’ve been learning about in class. With gloves on and curiosity engaged, our young scientists examined real-life biological structures and deepened their understanding of how living organisms function. It was a memorable and educational experience that brought textbook science to life—ribbit by ribbit!
Page 14: Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate; What a performance! The MPH Choir wowed the crowd with their recent musical showcase, delivering beautiful harmonies, confident stage presence, and pure heart. Their voices filled the room with energy and emotion, leaving the audience clapping, cheering, and smiling from ear to ear! These talented students have worked hard, practiced with dedication, and truly shined on stage. We couldn’t be more proud of their incredible performance—way to go, MPH Choir!
Page 15:  RIM HS CHOIR Shines at Festival Competition! RHS talented Choir traveled to Wilshire Auditorium at Fullerton College to participate in the Festival Competition hosted by Forum Music Festivals-& what a Memorable Day it was! The choir performed 3 musical selections in front of 2 expert adjudicators, aiming to gain valuable experience, perform alongside other schools, and receive professional feedback from seasoned musical directors. After the performance, the group celebrated their hard work with a fun-filled trip to Knott’s Berry Farm! We’re proud to share that RHS Choir earned a Silver Rating—a tremendous achievement! In the world of music festivals, this is equivalent to Second Place, and it places our students among the top 20% of performers nationwide. Way to go, team! 🎹 Special Recognition: A huge congratulations to Hannah Tallman, who was awarded Outstanding Musician by the judges! Hannah has been an incredible accompanist all year, and this award highlights her exceptional talent and dedication. At every competition, the judges choose one performer who stands out as the MVP—and Hannah earned that honor for our school! Don’t miss it! Come support our amazing choir at the Spring Concert on May 16th—a chance to experience their incredible talent and celebrate all their hard work!
Page 16: RIM HS JAZZ BAND shines at RCC Jazz Festival! We are excited to share that RHS Jazz Band took 2nd Place at their FInal Festival of the season-the prestigious Jazz Festival! This 2-day event welcomed over 100 bands from across California, bringing together some of the TOP High School Jazz Band ensembles & RCC’s renowned jazz groups for a weekend of awesome music! Despite a last-minute challenge—our jazz drummer couldn’t attend—our students rose to the occasion. RCC graciously provided a professional drummer, Jessica Ragsdale, a Rim High alumna, who immediately made our musicians feel at home. With her support, the band delivered a truly spectacular performance.
Following their set, the students received valuable feedback from the festival judges. One judge noted that the band’s areas for improvement were minor—a true testament to the skill and heart they brought to the stage. To top off the experience, our students participated in a hands-on jazz clinic led by two more Rim alumni from the Class of 2008—now associate professors of jazz studies at RCC! Their warm welcome and expert guidance made the experience even more meaningful.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to the Blue Jay Jazz Foundation for generously funding our transportation. Your support helps make moments like these possible!
Page 17: RIM High School AVID CLASS! A Big Congratulations to our Senior AVID class for being a part of the RIMS AVID Senior Recognition last week in the Toyota Arena in Ontario. RHS joined over 3,000 AVID Senior to celebrate their work and successes over the past 4 years. We are so proud of our students and their efforts throughout their high school careers. Our AVID students have an over 95% 4-year college acceptance rate and a 100% graduation rate.
Page 18: RIM High School ShoutOuts!!! Student Spotlight: Odaliz Shines at Toyota Arena! Check out the photo to get a sense of just how BIG that moment really was!Let’s give a Standing Ovation to Odaliz, who bravely and beautifully took the stage in front of nearly 10,000 people at the RIMs AVID Senior Recognition event at the Toyota Arena. Odaliz delivered an awesome speech about her personal journey & How RHS AVID has supported & shaped her throughout High School! 
Her speech made a HUGE IMPACT-Powerful, Moving, and Inspiring! A Special Thanks to Carolyn Nora & Flo for making this opportunity possible for our students! Staff Shout-Out: Thank You!We want to give a Huge Round of applause to Amy for her incredible work in organizing RHS Staff Appreciation Week!
Thanks to her leadership & dedication, the entire week ran seamlessly-from coordinating moving pieces to distributing thoughtful gifts & running  an on-point coffee giveaway. Her efforts were truly behind the Celebration, and we are grateful for everything she did to make the staff at Rim High School feel valued & appreciated. 
Thank you Again, Amy!
Page 19: RVA Open House:  A Night of Learning, Laughter, & Connection! It was a fantastic evening at the RVA Open House. Families from all over the district came together to learn about RVA’s one-of-a-kind Alternative Hybrid Learning Model-a innovative option for grades K-12, and a powerful alternative to Homeschooling!
We were honored to welcome Superintendent Dr. Paul Sevillano, and School Board President Jordana Ridland, and Board Trustees-Jordan Zarate, William Mellinger, and Cindy Gardner-who stopped by to support & connect with our RVA community! Principal Jeremy led a lively & informative presentation, giving families the tools & knowledge they need to get ready for the 2025-2026 school year. From curriculum highlights to the Master Agreement & exciting virtual learning plans, families left informed & inspired!
Page 20: RIM VIRTUAL ACADEMY; WHY do Families love RVA? A supportive alternative to Homeschooling-with built-in structure and guidance.  Access to sports, clubs, and ALL senior graduation activities-yes, your student can have it all! Parents are empowered as Learning Coaches, playing a key role in their child’s success! Students were able to Jumpstart on the next school year 2025-2026 by: Signing up early for Electives Selecting their Chromebooks Completing the Master Agreement Families who completed all 3 were entered into a Raffle with fun prizes! The Little Ones got crafty with hands-on art & craft activities, and a special shoutout to Mountain Counseling & Training who brought their Treasure Chest of Goodies-a Huge hit with our youngest visitors! And of course-everyone enjoyed a free meal featuring Domino’s pizza, fresh salad, and icy slushies!!
Page 21: Mountain HS; Mr. Whiteside brings history & economics to life with engaging  lessons & witty puns, making learning both FUN & MEANINGFUL! 
His classroom is a supportive space where students grow academically & emotionally-preparing for a bright future while exploring the past. \Thank you Mr. Whiteside for all you do! A Standing Ovation for Ms. Patron at MHS!Everyday Ms. Patton stands watch with unwavering vigilance, creating a safe and welcoming space where  their students & staff can learn, grow, & dream without worry.  Her presence brings peace of mind, & her care for our community shines through in everything she does. Thank you for facing every challenge with courage & protecting our school with heart & strength. Your commitment inspires us all to walk confidently toward our futures! A Round of Applause for Mrs. Williams!Let’s give it up for Mrs. Williams, MHS math marvel for M1, M2, & Financial Algebra! She doesn’t just teach equations-she multiplies our confidence, subtracts our doubts, and adds meaning to every lesson! Whether we’re solving for x or mapping our future-she’s always there to guide us!Thank You for helping your students grow solve, succeed every day at Mountain High School! A standing ovation to Mrs. Harryman, MHS sensational administrative secretary and the heartbeat of MHS! From expertly managing enrollment and intakes to keeping flawless attendance records, she ensures every student is on track for success.  With her sharp  eye for detail & unbeatable flair as registrar, she turns every task into a stepping stone toward brighter futures-all while bumping the best tunes in the front office!Thank You, Mrs. Harryman, for being a ROCKSTAR, & a guiding light in the world of alternative education!
Page 22: RVA & Mountain High School; Staff Appreciation Scavenger Hunt! RVA and MHS staff participated in not one-but TWO exciting scavenger hunts-one virtual & one in-person. Both hunts brought lots of laughter, teamwork, & good-natured competition! Parent Square Shout-Outs: Throughout the week, appreciation messages were shared on ParentSquare, highlighting the dedication & heart our staff bring to our schools every day! Families joined in the celebration with kind words & messages of thanks! District Provided Lunch! To wrap up the week,  the district provided sandwiches & RIM water cups, giving our staff a well-deserved break and a delicious lunch to enjoy TOGETHER! Thank you to everyone who helped make Staff Appreciation Week such a meaningful celebration!
Page 23: News & Fun Facts Did You Know? Memorial Day, originally known as “Decoration Day”, began shortly after the end of the American Civil War-a conflict that claimed more lives than any war in U.S. history and necessitated the establishment of national cemeteries. In the late 1860's, Americans across the country began holding springtime tributes to the fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers. Memorial Day was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 1971, following the passage of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968, which aimed to provide 3-day weekends to federal employees. This act moved Memorial Day to the last Monday in May. This holiday became a time not only for remembering fallen soldiers but also for family gatherings, parades, & community events! The National Monument of Remembrance-is observed at 3:00 pm local time  on Memorial Day , to pause and reflect on the sacrifices made. Also, Flying the American flag at half-staff until noon, then raising  it to full staff for the rest of the day.
Kid Friendly Desserts: Red, white, and blue fruit kabobs Ingredients. Strawberries red, bananas or  mini marshmallows white, and blueberries-blue.  Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks and optional dip: vanilla yogurt or marshmallow fluff. How to make: wash and slice fruit (strawberries and bananas) Secondly, let kids thread the fruit onto the skewers in a red-white-blue pattern. And lastly serve a small cup of dip on the side. Patriotic Ice Cream Sandwichers-Ingredients: ice cream sandwiches (store bought or handmade), red, white, and blue sprinkles, mini M & M's (optional) and popsicle sticks (optional for easier handling). How to Make: 1) unwrap ice cream sandwiches (you can cut them in 1/2 for smaller portions). 2) roll edges in patriotic sprinkles  or M & M's while the ice cream is soft. 3) Optional: insert a popsicle stick into each for a fun, mess-free treat. 4) Place them on a tray & freeze again for 15-30 minutes before serving. Festive, easy and fun treats to make.