Page: Rim’s Edge of Excellence Newsletter-March 6, 2026: Date of School Board Meeting: Thursday, March 12th, 2026  Time: 5:30 p.m.  Place:
Rim of the World Unified School District Office. 24740 San Moritz Way, Crestline, CA 92325. If you are unable to attend in Person, 
You can watch the meeting live on YouTube:  https://youtube.com/@rowusdschools/streams
Page: From ROWUSD Director of Education, Jennifer Whiteside A Message from the Director of Education: Dear ROWUSD Students, Families, Staff, and Community Members, At ROWUSD, we believe that the success of our students is strongest when schools and families work together. Your involvement in your child’s education plays an important role in helping them grow academically, socially, and personally. 
The Department of Education is committed to providing high-quality learning environments that support every child’s development and create a strong foundation for lifelong success. We work to ensure our teachers and staff are well-trained and equipped to meet the diverse needs of our students, while fostering supportive and nurturing classrooms where every student feels valued and encouraged to learn. 
We encourage families to stay engaged in key areas that contribute to student success, including regular attendance, which helps students remain connected to instruction and build strong learning habits. Your support and encouragement during state and local assessments help students approach testing with confidence and demonstrate their progress. Additionally, we invite families to explore the many academic and enrichment programs available throughout our district that help develop their talents and prepare them for future opportunities. 
The Department of Education's commitment remains strong as we continue working to increase literacy achievement, accelerate academic growth, expand workforce readiness opportunities, and enhance student wellness. We believe in leading with support and with a purpose so that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. 
Education is how one generation communicates with the next, and it is how we inspire students today to pursue their aspirations and eventually step forward to lead and serve in our communities. Because of this, education truly matters. At ROWUSD, we strive to ensure every student has the opportunity to learn and contribute to the best of their ability, to have a voice, and to thrive in an environment that values their potential.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support for our schools. Together, we will continue to create opportunities that inspire learning, strengthen our community, and prepare our students for a successful future.
Page: Dear ROWUSD Parents, The state of California requires each school district to develop and annually update a Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), a comprehensive document that outlines how we educate and support all students. This plan is developed collaboratively with input from all educational partners, as their perspectives are vital to ensuring we provide the highest levels of support to optimize student achievement and prepare students for future success.
Our district's three goals are as follows:
Increase student learning and support professional development.
Facilitate a safe and positive school climate.
Engage families and the community.
We invite you to share your ideas and suggestions for strategies to support each goal. Your feedback is invaluable and will be thoughtfully reviewed as we revise the next LCAP document. Please complete both of the surveys below, which will be open for input through March 13th, 2026, and all responses will remain anonymous.
Survey 1: LCAP Parent Involvement and Family Engagement Survey 2026/ Encuesta sobre participación de padres y familias del LCAP 2026
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdKQSfjjswM99k7adyKpmakLkRvTtrEvlpUvPElvaV-ZK4ACQ/viewform?usp=dialogSurvey 2: LCAP Educational Partners Survey-Parent/Guardian Voice in the LCAP 2026/ Encuesta de socios educativos del LCAP: La voz de los padres y tutores en el LCAP 2026
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1Ut3BDTbhFgifHTNCciyUtuEmMHdFpmXi0WOMPJHZmfqDAw/viewform?usp=dialog
Thank you for your time and collaboration in shaping the future of our schools!
Page: The TEAM Behind The Scenes of  ROWUSD Education Services: How Our Educational Services Team Supports Every Student’s Success! When you walk into our schools, you see our amazing teachers, students engaged, supportive staff, and vibrant learning environments. What you may not see is the dedicated individuals working behind the scenes every day to ensure every student in the District has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive! Our Education 
Department: Veronica Pelayo (left), Assistant to Office  Education Services, Jennifer Whiteside (middle), Director of Education,  Luz Pizana (right), EL & Parent Engagement Specialist.
Page: The TEAM Behind The Scenes of  ROWUSD Education Services: How Our Educational Services Team Supports Every Student’s Success! Our Educational Services Department works tirelessly to support instruction across all schools.  Their work centers on one core belief: Every student deserves access to high-quality learning experiences that meet their individual needs and prepare them for the future. Supports Cirriculum & Instruction:
Our teachers receive a high-quality curriculum, updated instructional materials, and meaningful professional development that strengthens classroom instruction. 
Uses Data to Guide Growth: The Educational Department reviews student achievement data, identifies areas of need, and collaborates with principals to implement strategies that promote learning and continuous improvement for all students.
Page: The TEAM Behind The Scenes of  ROWUSD Education Services: How Our Educational Services Team Supports Every Student’s Success! Ensures Accountability & Compliance: The Education Department manages state and federal requirements, assessments, and reporting processes to keep our district aligned with educational standards while staying focused on student learning and outcomes. Drives Innovation & Improvement: The 
Education Department continues to explore new strategies, programs, and partnerships that expand opportunities for students to provide pathways to college, careers, and lifelong learning. While much of this work happens outside of the spotlight, its impact is felt in every classroom, every lesson, and every student success story.
Page: VOE Preschool! High in the tall trees of our beautiful Big Bear forest lives a very famous eagle family,
Jackie and Shadow!  These majestic bald eagles returned to their royal nest once again and laid a new set of precious eggs at the end of February. Our little explorers quietly watched like forest fairies, whispering and wondering when the tiny eaglets might appear. With wide eyes and curious hearts, the children learned that even the greatest creatures begin as small treasures waiting to hatch. Who knows… maybe one day they’ll see fluffy eaglets stretching their wings in the mountain sky! 
Earthquake Drill – Hiding Under the Tables.  When the “rumble of the pretend dragon” (also known as our earthquake drill!) arrived, VOE’s clever preschool heroes knew exactly what to do. They quickly tucked themselves safely under the tables like little turtles in their shells. Calm, brave, & ready, they practiced staying safe!!!
Page: VOE Preschool! Ms. Jen’s Red Nails- One thoughtful little artist decided that Ms. Jen needed something very important… red nails! So the preschool nail salon opened for business. With great care and lots of concentration, tiny hands colored Ms. Jen’s nails bright red. The result? A very fashionable teacher and a room full of proud little stylists! Snack Time & Playing Outside in the Mountains. VOE’s happy student enjoys a tasty snack!! Surrounded by tall forest trees, fresh air, and laughter, VOE’s preschoolers are busy growing strong, playing outside with their friends, and making magical memories in VOE’s beautiful mountain Preschool playground.
Page: VOE Preschool! Sand Art Outside. Out in the sunshine studio, VOE’s youngest artists painted their masterpieces. But the magic didn’t stop there! With a sprinkle of sand here and a sprinkle of sand there, the artwork turned into beautiful mountain sand art, sparkling like treasures from the forest floor.
In VOE’s preschool village, a special mission was underway! Splash by splash, the important job was completed with big smiles and proud determination. Using the Wagon to Bring Water to the Water Table. Splash by splash, the important job was completed with a big smile and proud determination. And of course, the giggles flowed just as freely as the water!
Page: LAE ELOP! LAE ELOP TK & Kinder Students have been busy creating and discovering in the most paws-itively fun way! Students designed & crafted adorable dog-inspired art pieces, showcasing their creativity through floppy ears, wagging tails, and plenty of personality. Each masterpiece was as unique as the student who created it! What a wonderful example of hands-on exploration in action! Beyond the art, LAE’s young learners also explored all the amazing things dogs can do. They learned how dogs serve as helpers in our communities, from service and therapy dogs to police and rescue dogs, and how they are loyal companions at home.
Page: VOE’s ELOP! Students Sparkle  After Snow Days! After a few magical snow days, VOE students returned ready to bring a little winter sparkle into the classroom!
To celebrate, students created beautiful beaded snowflake crafts, carefully designing each one with colorful beads and unique patterns. Be sure to take a look at their dazzling creations... they truly are snow small feats!
Page: VOE’s Special Education classroom is a beautiful example of joy, connection, and learning in action. These photos capture the heart of the program perfectly: students & staff together as one big team, smiling and celebrating the strong relationships they’ve built. A sweet moment shows one student happily pushing a classmate around the room, both having a wheeling good time!. The friendship and trust in that moment say it all! VOE’s teachers & staff share big smiles with their students (as captured on camera), which is a snapshot of the friendship, trust, encouragement, & positive support VOE’s staff provides every single day.
Page: Charles Hoffman Elementary-CHE students in TK–K had a fun & creative way to celebrate the Olympics! CHE’s TK–K students celebrated the Olympics in the coziest way possible..by coming to school in their pj’s  & creating their very own edible & tastee Olympic rings! With colorful treats & big smiles, students enjoyed learning about the Olympic spirit of friendship, teamwork, & fun. What a joyful and playful day of learning, creativity, and sweet Olympic fun!
Page: Charles Hoffman Elementary-Read Across America Breakfast with Books! CHE started the day with a delicious and inspiring celebration during our Read Across America Breakfast with Books! Students enjoyed a yummy breakfast while diving into wonderful stories, turning pages filled with adventure, imagination, and discovery.
Page: Charles Hoffman Elementary-Read Across America Breakfast with Books! There’s something magical about sharing a good book, especially when students can picture themselves as part of the story. From brave heroes to curious explorers, every page opens the door to creativity & a lifelong love of reading. It was a GREAT morning with full bellies, bright minds, and stories that spark imagination!
Page: A Book Lover’s Dream at the CHE Book Fair! CHE turned into a reader’s paradise during their recent Book Fair! Events like CHE’s Book Fair help grow a student’s love for reading and remind us that every book opens the door to a brand-new adventure! With so many books to choose from, it was easy for every young reader to find a story that sparked their imagination. Rowan and Brody had some extra special responsibilities after spinning the Principal’s Wheel—they became Honorary Yard Duties for the day! With big smiles and lots of pride, they helped watch over the playground, keeping an eye on the fun and making sure everyone was playing safely. They took their important roles seriously and did a fantastic job helping out around campus. Great work, Rowan and Brody! Thank you for being such responsible leaders and helping make recess fun for everyone!
Page: Lake Arrowhead Elementary-A Little Ink, A Lot of Imagination! One LAE young scholar dipped a quill into ink, carefully practicing the art of writing the old-fashioned way, just like storytellers from long ago. With each careful stroke, hearts began to appear as if by magic! Meanwhile, another brave student stepped to the front of the class, proudly presenting his ideas like a true storyteller sharing an important tale. From quills & ink to confident voices & curious minds, LAE’s students are learning that every great story begins with a bold idea, & the courage to share it!
Page: Lake Arrowhead Elementary-Our kindergarteners turned a snowy day into a cool learning adventure! With mittens on and imaginations ready, students explored the snow while becoming little engineers in the making. They scooped, packed, stacked, and experimented—discovering how snow can be shaped, built, and balanced. From tiny snow creations to creative structures, our young learners were busy testing ideas and solving problems while having lots of snowy fun. Who knew engineering could be this frosty and fun on the same day? These kindergarteners proved that big ideas can grow even in the snow!
Page: Lake Arrowhead Elementary-LAE’s TK and Kinder classes had a wildly fun & wonderfully messy “Shred Party!” Students lined up for a giggly team challenge: here’s how-the first student started with a full basket of shredded paper. The mission?  Pour the paper over their head to fill the student behind them's basket, sending a fluffy paper shower down the line!  Bucket by bucket, the shredded paper traveled from one giggling student to the next in a race to see which team could move the most. The best part? There was paper flying everywhere, and plenty of fun chaos as TK and Kinder students worked together to complete the challenge!! Best of all, their teamwork,  laughter, & Lots & Lots of energy earned them Cubbie Coupons!!
Page: Lake Arrowhead Elementary- Dribble, pass, laugh, repeat! LAE students hit the court for a basketball incentive day full of energy & excitement, led by some very special volunteers...Some really COOL Rim High School graduates who came back to give their time and share their skills. LAE students practiced drills, sharpened their moves, & maybe a few slam-dunks along with lots of laughter & fun!!! That’s what we call a full-court win! The Rim alumni student encouraged and cheered them on, proving that once you’re part of the Rim family, you’re always part of the team.
Page: LAE was excited to welcome back some very special visitors from Inland Empire Therapy Dogs! During the visit, one student enjoyed reading a book to a calm & attentive therapy dog, while two other students happily spent time petting & relaxing with their furry friend. Students soaked up the comfort & joy from this loving 
therapy dog! • A little reading, a lot of petting, and plenty of smiles made it a tail-wagging kind of day for LAE students!
Page: LAE’s 5th graders are putting their creativity & problem-solving skills to the test as they dive into an exciting engineering project.
 Working together, students are designing, building, and exploring how ideas turn into real solutions. What a fantastic snow day in the sunny mountains! 3rd-grade students from LAE had an exciting trip to Snow Valley, where they learned to ski and snowboard. They did an amazing job building new skills & confidence on the slopes.
Page: Lake Arrowhead Elementary- Students also had the opportunity to meet members of the Ski Patrol, including their incredible ski patrol dog & even got to check out this COOL ski-patrol snow bike. There were plenty of smiles as everyone paused for a photo to capture the moment. It was a fun-filled day of learning, adventure, and mountain memories for LAE students!
Page: Snow Much Creativity at VOE!- These four talented artists turned simple construction paper into snowy mountain masterpieces! With a sprinkle of imagination and a flurry of creativity in art class, they built their very own winter wonderlands. no mittens required! Judging by those big smiles, the forecast calls for a 100% chance of creativity and pride. We love seeing our students reach new heights… one paper mountain at a time!
Page: At VOE: Turtle vs. Shark Science Fun! VOE’s 1st Grade Students had a blast turning science into an action-packed experiment! 
A squishy ball of clay became a turtle’s soft body, and a black comb turned into a shark’s sharp teeth. First, students built “shells” around their clay turtles using different materials, just as real turtles protect themselves. Then came the big test… could their turtle survive a shark attack?
Page: At VOE: Turtle vs. Shark Science Fun! With lots of smiles and learning, students discovered how animal adaptations help creatures stay safe in the wild. 
Science has never been so interesting!! Thank you to their teacher, Noel Ballew, for this great science activity!!
Page: Valley of Enchantment Elementary-Kristen McGregor’s TK students at VOE turned up the energy for their Letter G celebration with an unforgettable
 Glow Dance Party! The room was filled with music, movement, and glowing smiles as students danced, jumped, and giggled their way through the day. TK stars definitely know how to celebrate the Letter G in style!
Page: It’s been an exciting TK Transportation Week. Students explored STEAM concepts by building ramps for toy cars and experimenting with movement and design. They also learned the basics of problem-solving & working as a team at such an early age. Way to Go, TK!
Page: VOE-Warhol’s class took learning outside & into the “oment!” Students bundled up and headed into the snow to explore area and buoyancy in a hands-on lesson you could almost call snow-mazing. The plan? A real-life comparison test in the snow! Mother Nature, however, had other ideas; the snow wasn’t quite deep enough for the full experiment. The Best Part: That didn’t stop VOE’s creative thinkers? Even without perfect snow conditions, students still grasped the concepts and made meaningful connections. Sometimes the best lessons happen when we have to pivot and think on our feet (literally!).
Page: VOE’s Special Education classroom is a beautiful example of joy, connection, and learning in action. These photos capture the heart of the program perfectly: students & staff together as one big team, smiling and celebrating the strong relationships they’ve built. A sweet moment shows one student happily pushing a classmate around the room, both having a wheeling good time!. The friendship and trust in that moment say it all! VOE’s teachers & staff share big smiles with their students (as captured on camera), which is a snapshot of the friendship, trust, encouragement, & positive support VOE’s staff provides every single day.
Page: VOE Olympic Day: A Plate-tastic Competition! On Saturday, February 28th, VOE Saturday Academy brought the excitement with a fun-filled 
Olympic Day! Students got creative by designing their own “pucks” out of paper plates, then put their engineering skills to the test. 
Page: VOE’s Saturday Academy Goes for the Gold! Students used brooms to push their plates; they competed to see whose puck traveled the farthest to score points.
The room was full of cheers, laughter, and friendly competition as everyone took turns trying out their plate and encouraging one another. A true gold-medal day for Saturday Academy!
Page: Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate-MPH Team teaching in Action! Thanks to a great photo from MPH’s principal, we get a front row seat to MPH’s amazing middle school students fully engaged with the MPH  team! From curious questions to “aha” moments, MPH students are diving in, thinking big, and bringing their best energy to the classroom!  Middle school is where confidence grows & ideas spark! MPH Student Breakfast! A Sweet Start to the Day at MPH! Students at MPH were treated to a delicious breakfast thanks to our amazing MPH Child Nutrition Services team! The morning menu featured warm, golden French toast topped with fluffy whipped cream and served alongside fresh fruit. It looks absolutely delicious! What a sweet way to start the day! A big thank you to our Child Nutrition Services staff for fueling our students with meals that are both nourishing and fun.
Page: MPH Snowball Dance: A Night to Remember! MPH students had an unforgettable time at the Snowball Dance!  With cool music, a lively dance floor, & plenty of laughter!  The energy in the room was ELECTRIC!. Students enjoyed dancing the night away and making wonderful memories with friends. It was truly a fantastic evening filled with FUN, FRIENDSHIP, &  CELEBRATION!  What a great night to dance the night away! Students at the Coventina brewed up some amazing hot drinks for their teachers, serving more than just a warm cup of coffee... they delivered smiles & appreciation in every pour! It was a wonderful opportunity for them to practice their skills & to show gratitude to MPH’s hardworking staff.
Page: Celebrating Our MPH Award Winners! We are proud to recognize three outstanding MPH students for their recent achievements! Danna & Riley were honored for Exceptional Attendance, demonstrating their commitment and dedication to being present and engaged each day! 
Elsie earned recognition for making the Honor Roll, an accomplishment that reflects hard work, perseverance, and academic excellence!! MPH is incredibly proud of these hardworking students & celebrates their commitment to success. Keep up the amazing work!
Page: Mountain High School-Mountain Counseling brought creativity and care to our campus with a wonderful arts and crafts activity focused on emotional regulation!
Art provides the opportunity to express oneself through color, creativity, & meaningful conversations as students to explore tools to help them stay focused, calm, & confident! We are so grateful for MHS’s partnership with Mountain Counseling and the supportive spaces they help create for MHS’s students. When creativity and wellness come together, amazing things happen!
Page: Mountain HS E-Sports program is leveling up in more ways than one! 
 We are excited to share that students participating in E-Sports are more eligible than ever, showing significant gains in their average credits earned during each 6-week grading period. Their incredible progress highlights the positive impact of engagement, teamwork, and goal-setting both in & out of the gaming arena. 
E-Sports continues to provide students with motivation, connection, & a strong sense of accountability, proving that when students are inspired, ACHIEVEMENT FOLLOWS! Keep up the great work!
Page: RIM HS Media Arts & Entertainment Dept. Lights, Camera, RIM Today! We are thrilled to celebrate an exciting milestone! 
RIM students from the  Media Arts & Entertainment Class and Drama class have officially produced their 7th episode of RIM Today! And what a journey it has been!
This year, the classroom has transformed into a professional, industry-style studio where students are mastering scheduling, filming on location, and gaining incredible
 real-world experience.
Page:  Their growth, creativity, and teamwork have been incredible. The impact is reaching far beyond campus, with our latest Instagram post reaching 38,000+ people and generating thousands of likes and shares!. This week’s photos highlight students in action alongside talented actors from our drama program, a fantastic crossover that reminds us that theatre & filmmaking are truly two sides of the same coin. Both craft stories that captivate, inspire, and transport audiences into new worlds, whether on stage or on screen. We are so proud of the dedication and professionalism these students bring to every production. 
Be sure to follow @RimToday on Instagram to stay up to date and support their incredible work! Their future is bright…and it’s rolling!
Page: Rim HS Mountain Bike Team-Rolling Forward with Community Support! RHS Bike Team wants to express our gratitude to our amazing mountain community!  "Our Krispy Kreme fundraiser raised $547.50 for the Rim of the World High School Mountain Bike Team, and that’s because of YOU!"  Your generosity helps RHS Bike student-athletes continue chasing big goals on two wheels, building determination, teamwork, and resilience along the way. We are so grateful for a community that believes in our kids and shows up to support them. Thank you for your support! From all of us on the Mountain Bike Team  Thank you for helping us keep
 rolling forward!
Page: Rim HS Mountain Bike Team-Great News from the Trail. At their 2nd race of the season, RHS’ Mountain bike riders pedaled their way up the standings, moving from 15th place to 9th place. Talk about climbing the hill and gaining momentum! With determination, teamwork, & a whole lot of grit on the trail, RIM’s athletes are proving that when you keep your wheels turning & your eyes on the path ahead, great things happen! Keep pedaling, RHS ... 
The trail ahead looks bright!
Page: Rim High School-Love and kindness were in full bloom as students celebrated Kindness Day with a festive party and the sweet tradition of Valentine carnations.  Students shared smiles, friendship, and thoughtful gestures as carnations were passed out to brighten someone’s day. Its a Reminder to Us all... small acts of kindness can truly make a big difference.
Page: Rim High School Scots-Rim High School Boys Baseball vs. Big Bear! From the dugout to the field, the RHS SCOTS were strong. It was a beautiful sunny day on the diamond as Rim High School’s boys baseball team faced off against Big Bear High School. The Scots brought strong swings, solid defense, & great teamwork to the field, showing determination and school pride throughout the game. ALL RIM SCOTS  showed great hustle & determination in every game!.
We are Proud of You!! The energy was high, and the competition was fierce as Rim High School’s boys volleyball team hit the court! With powerful serves, quick sets, and impressive teamwork, the Scots kept the crowd on their feet.