Dear Students, Families, and Staff, 
Look what we’ve been up to! From exciting classroom science experiments to outstanding musical achievements to the Community Health & Resource Fair, the last two weeks have been packed with incredible moments across the district.
Last week, we had the honor of celebrating our amazing teachers and staff during Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, recognizing their dedication, passion, and care for our students every day.
We hope you enjoy this edition of our newsletter, which highlights some of our favorite moments and celebrates the achievements of our students, teachers, and staff! Have a great weekend! 
Enjoy Reading!
Page: Rim’s Edge of Excellence Newsletter. May 15th, 2026. Date of Public Hearing  School Board Meeting: Monday, May 18th at 5:30 pm
 Place: Rim of the World Unified School District Office.24740 San Moritz Way, Crestline, CA 92325. If you are unable to attend in Person, 
Watch the meeting live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@rowusdschools/streams
Page: From ROWUSD Superintendent, Dr. Paul Sevillano, A Message from the Superintendent:
Dear ROWUSD Students, Families, Staff, and Community Members,
As we are now in the heart of CAASPP  Assessments across our schools, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of these assessments and thank our students, staff, and families for their ongoing support and dedication throughout this process. 
Throughout this school year, our students and teachers have worked diligently to meet academic standards and achieve meaningful growth. CAASPP Assessments are only one of the measures we use to assess student progress and academic achievement. While these assessments help demonstrate growth and reflect the hard work taking place across the district, they also provide meaningful information about student learning. The results help us continue strengthening instructional programs and support systems that enable all students to learn, grow, and thrive. 
CAASPP testing measures students’ academic growth and provides teachers with actionable feedback by identifying students’ strengths and weaknesses. The results also help teachers recognize learning gaps and adapt teaching methods in targeted areas to better support student success and achievement. These assessments are an important tool for helping our schools across the district continue to improve learning opportunities for all students.
Student participation during testing is extremely important, and success is best achieved when home and school work together. We would like to thank our parents and families for the continued support, encouragement, and care you provide every day to help our students succeed.  Your partnership makes a tremendous difference.  
Creating a positive and supportive assessment environment is key to helping students do their best. At school, our staff remains committed to fostering calm and creating spaces where students feel supported. We encourage families to continue supporting students by promoting positive mindsets, offering encouragement and reassurance, and reminding students to approach taking assessments with confidence to do their very best. At home, please remind your child that CAASPP tests are simply a snapshot to show what they know, not a pass or fail grade. Encourage them to take deep breaths and remember that effort matters most. While it is important for students to do their best, they should not feel overwhelmed if they are unable to answer difficult questions.  
Together, we can continue to show the dedication, perseverance, and hard work of our entire school community and celebrate the progress we have made this year. 
Thank you for your continued partnership, encouragement, and unwavering support of our students and schools.
Page: On Cinco de Mayo, the Mountain Councils PTA celebrated Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week by treating the District Office staff to a delicious Mexican lunch!
Staff enjoyed mouthwatering burritos, beans and rice, chips and salsa, & of course, dessert to top it all off! It was a wonderful way to celebrate & show appreciation for all the hard work & dedication of our district staff. A huge thank you to Kim S. for providing such an amazing lunch for the District Office staff. Everyone is still talking about those delicious burritos!!
Page: ROWUSD Adult Ed Team Engages in Professional Learning. ROWUSD is proud to share that our Adult Ed team continues to invest in excellence and student success! (Front row: Joanne Williams, Ged Teacher, Back row, left to right: Adrian Williams, High School Diploma Teacher, Veronica Pelayo, ESL teacher, and Jeremy Montiel, Administrator). ROWUSD dedicated Adult Education teachers, along with their administrator, recently attended a professional training conference alongside fellow adult educators. This valuable opportunity allowed them to collaborate, learn best practices, & explore new tools & strategies to better support their students on their educational journeys. Their commitment to growth ensures that Rim Adult Ed continually strengthens its programs and empowers its students to achieve success!
Page: Stronger Together was more than just a Health & Resource Fair... it was a celebration of community, care, & connection! On Wednesday, May 6th, Rim High School welcomed over 45 organizations offering valuable resources and services for students, families, and community members of all ages. 
Page: High school students were able to visit the booths, receive sports physicals, vision exams with glasses made on-site, hearing tests, & dental screenings during the school day. ROWUSD Superintendent enjoyed spending the afternoon with his grandchildren, meeting community members, visiting booths, and supporting the district alongside families, students, organizations, & community members throughout the event. RVA shared information about the ROWUSD Virtual Academy, while Rim Adult Education and VOE Preschool also welcomed visitors and highlighted the amazing programs available throughout our district.
Page: The district’s ELOP program hosted a booth where students created heartfelt keychains reminding younger students they are loved, important, & cared for.
Page: The event truly reflected the power of schools & community partners working together to create healthy, supportive environments for everyone.
Page: Throughout the day, students & families could be seen laughing, learning, & connecting with organizations dedicated to supporting the health &
 well-being of our mountain community. From interactive activities and giveaways to educational resources and wellness screenings, every booth provided an opportunity to learn something new and build stronger community connections.
Page: The Stronger Together Health & Resource Fair also highlighted the importance of kindness, inclusion, and community support. One of the best parts of the Health & Resource Fair was seeing the community come together in a positive, welcoming way. Whether visitors stopped for a chair massage, played pickleball outside, explored recreational opportunities, or gathered important family resources, there was something meaningful for everyone to enjoy. The smiles, conversations, & shared experiences throughout the day remind us that when schools, families, and community organizations work together, we create stronger connections & brighter futures for our students, families, & community.
Page: Congratulations to Mrs. Tracy Marshall on her official appointment as Principal of Charles Hoffman Elementary! While she has already served the school community exceptionally well as Interim Principal, we are excited to celebrate her in this well-deserved official role. Mrs. Marshall’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to students, staff, and families have made a positive impact throughout the school community. We know she will continue to do an outstanding job leading Charles Hoffman Elementary and supporting student success!. Congratulations, Mrs. Marshall! We look forward to all the great things ahead at CHE under your leadership!
Page: RHS Choir Festival Success! We are proud to share that our RHS Choir performed beautifully at their festival competition on Saturday, April 25th, held at the Wilshire Auditorium at Fullerton College. RHS Students showcased their talent by performing three pieces for adjudicators, gaining valuable performance experience & expert feedback. The Choir earned a Silver rating, placing them among the top performers and recognized in the top 20% nationwide by Forum Music Festivals! A Shout-out & Congratulations to Aidan Lynch, who received the Outstanding Musician Award for his impressive solo performance of “Sh-Boom!”
To hear more from our talented students, join us for the Spring Concert on May 15th at 6:00 PM. We hope to see you there!
Page: A Superior Performance Worth Celebrating! RHS is proud to share that its Wind Ensemble delivered an outstanding performance at the Regional Festival at 
Excelsior High School! Adjudicators were deeply impressed, sharing praise such as: “I LOVED listening to this group… BE PROUD. Bravo! Rim is the best-kept secret in Southern California.” “Your attention to detail & fundamentals brought the music to life… Congratulations.” “Wonderful attention to detail… percussion is well balanced to the winds.” Their challenge with a difficult sight-reading piece earned them the highest possible score: SUPERIOR!!! A unanimous SUPERIOR rating from every judge... the highest honor possible and the equivalent of FIRST PLACE!! RHS Wind Ensemble’s achievement is a testament to the hard work of our students, the leadership of our director, Kari Stebbing, & the powerful impact of music education in our schools.
Page: Worms, Wiggles, & Wonderful Minds at VOE Preschool! VOE Preschool was BUSY making memories and keeping teachers on their toes! One little reader was hard at work diving into a book… while across the table, another student was pulling out their BEST funny faces! Let’s be honest... preschoolers LOVE trying to make their teachers laugh, & this crew definitely understood the assignment. Next up… WORM HUNTING!  The young students searched through the worm garden to find 10 worms, &  let’s just say things got delightfully slimy! Tiny hands, squeals, giggles, & lots of “EWWWW!” made this activity a preschool favorite. To top it all off, our young scientists put on their thinking caps & got busy with a hands-on science project!  Curiosity, creativity, & fun were in full force all day long. At VOE Preschool, every day is an adventure filled with learning, laughter, & a little bit of slime!
Page: Mother’s Day at VOE-Smiles, hugs, flowers, and a little sparkle of preschool magic filled the air during the VOE Preschool Mother’s Day Celebration Community Event!  Families & community members gathered together to celebrate the amazing moms & mother figures in our students’ lives with sweet treats, iced tea, cookies, & lots of love. The room was filled with excitement as preschool students proudly presented their handmade classic macaroni necklaces  & colorful treasures created with tiny hands & big hearts. Adding an extra special touch to the celebration, each mother received a beautiful bouquet of flowers generously donated by Goodwin’s. 
The smiles on the children’s faces as they gifted their moms with flowers & handmade creations were unforgettable. Events like these help create meaningful connections between families, students, and our school community while building joyful memories that will last a lifetime. At VOE Preschool, learning goes far beyond the classroom; it is about building love, kindness, confidence, & community from the very beginning.
Page: ELOP’s Wellness Wednesday-ELOP staff work with high school students on
 Wellness Wednesday at RHS. High School students created keychains & positive notes to give to elementary ELOP students. ELOP staff work with high school students on Wellness Wednesday at RHS. High School students created keychains & positive notes to give to elementary ELOP students. Activities like these help build meaningful connections between students of all ages across ROWUSD. By encouraging high school students to mentor & uplift younger students, the district’s ELOP program helps create a culture of inclusion, belonging, & support from an early age. The simple act of creating a thoughtful gift becomes something much bigger: a reminder that “every” student is part of the ROWUSD family. Even the simplest  & smallest gestures can make a HUGE IMPACT!!
Page: CHE ELOP-Love, glue, glitter, and lots of creativity were in the air as the 1st and 2nd grade ELOP students at CHE worked hard on their special Mother’s Day projects! Students used their imaginations, artistic talents, and big hearts to create thoughtful surprises for the amazing moms and loved ones in their lives. From colorful crafts to sweet handmade gifts, every project was made with love and care. We can only imagine the smiles on Mother’s Day when these special creations make their way home!
Page: CHE’s Final Movie Night a Sweet Success-CHE wrapped up the school year with their final Movie Night, and it was a great success! 
Families enjoyed a fun evening together, complete with DIY dirt cups and, of course, classic movie popcorn. 
Thank you to all the families who joined CHE’s Movie Night &d helped make the night so special! They are already planning ahead to next year’s movie nights!
Page: Science got a little WACKY at CHE-Mrs. Scott’s second graders took science class to a WHOLE new level during their outdoor Matter adventure! Dressed as a wild & wacky scientist, Mrs. Scott brought plenty of flair, fun, & excitement while teaching students all about the states of matter. From solids to liquids to gases, these 
young scientists were discovering that science is everywhere ... even outside! With curious minds, lots of laughs, & maybe just a little “mad scientist” energy, students explored the world around them while learning through hands-on fun. At CHE, science isn’t just taught... it’s experienced! Let’s just say… when Mrs. Scott shows up in scientist mode, learning MATTERS!
Page: SSSSSomething exciting slithered into Classroom 4 at CHE! The classroom was filled with reptiles as students enjoyed an interactive afternoon of learning, exploring, & even a little brave snake petting! From scaly skin to slithery movements, students got up close & personal with some fascinating reptile friends.
Page: Slithers, Smiles, & Scaly Surprises @ CHE! There were squeals, giggles, wide eyes, and lots of “Can I touch it again?!” as students learned fun facts about snakes and reptiles while overcoming fears and discovering just how amazing these creatures really are. Who knew science could be this hysterical?  It was a wildly fun afternoon packed with hands-on learning & unforgettable memories!
Page: A Trout Adventure for CHE’s TK & Kinder Students! CHE’s young students bundled up in raincoats, boots, & colorful umbrellas for a magical mountain adventure to Green Valley Lake! Even the foggy skies couldn’t stop the excitement as students watched trout splash & swim into their new lake home during the trout release.
 With chilly mountain air, misty views, & plenty of curious little eyes, students learned all about the local environment & the beautiful wildlife that makes our mountain communities so special! From spotting fish in the water to exploring nature, every moment was filled with wonder and discovery. The day may have been foggy, but the smiles were bright! It was a fin-tastic adventure full of learning, laughter, & memories of the great outdoors.
Page: CHE YoYo assembly with Ned.  CHE students had a fun time at the exciting NED Yo-Yo Assembly! With amazing yo-yo tricks, lots of laughter,& an inspiring message about resilience, students were reminded of what it means to NEVER GIVE UP!!!  NED stands for:
⭐ Never give up   ⭐ Encourage others ⭐ Do your best Monika, NED’s energetic host, had students cheering, laughing, & fully engaged as she encouraged everyone to work hard & believe in themselves... especially as they tackle CAASPP TESTING! The assembly was packed with fun, motivation, & the message that success comes from perseverance, kindness, & always trying your best!  CHE's food crew appreciation! CHE took the time to celebrate their amazing ladies behind all the delicious meals, warm smiles, & hard work that keep their students fueled & ready to learn every day! From early mornings to busy lunch lines, CHE’s incredible Food Crew serves up more than just great food... they serve kindness, care, & lots of love to CHE’s school community. Thank you to these hardworking superheroes for everything they do behind the scenes to make CHE such a special place! We appreciate you more than words can say!
Page: Walking Rainbows at CHE! CHE students recently explored the magic of science by creating their very own “walking rainbows!” Through this colorful experiment, these kiddos learned about absorbency & how water can travel from one cup to another using paper towels. Watching the rainbow colors slowly mix & “walk” across the table brought lots of excitement, curiosity, & smiles to the classroom, making Science FUN! Handmade Mother’s Day Gifts from the Heart. Students put their creativity to work, creating beautiful pottery Mother’s Day gifts to take home & share with their loved ones. Each handmade piece was crafted with love & imagination, making every gift extra special! The students were so excited to surprise their moms & families with these heartfelt treasures. What a wonderful way to celebrate love, creativity, & appreciation! 
Page: CHE Kindergarten Students Explore the Amazing Life Cycle of Chicks! Mrs. Guzman’s kindergarten class has been busy learning all about the incredible life cycle of a chick, an experience that her students will never forget! Students had the chance to witness science come to life right before their eyes. Students completed creative & educational activities, including labeling the parts of a chick, studying the different stages of the chick's life cycle, & comparing how the chicks looked & behaved from the day they hatched to 3 weeks later. Students also shared thoughtful reflections on what they learned as they watched them grow every day! The classroom was filled with curiosity, excitement, & learning as students connected science, writing, observation, & creativity together in a FUN way! Experiences like this help CHE’s youngest learners build a deeper understanding of the world around them while creating memories they will treasure for years to come!
Page: 21 Days of Chirps, Fluff, and Learning! at CHE. CHE’s kindergarten class has been on an egg-citing journey over the past 21 days, learning all about the life cycle of a baby chick!  From the moment the eggs began to hatch, students watched in amazement as 11 fluffy baby chicks hatched. Since then, the chicks have grown bigger, stronger, & even more playful in their cozy classroom home. The kindergarteners have loved every part of this learning adventure, from coloring chick pictures and observing the chicks’ daily growth to learning how living things change and grow over time. The excitement in the classroom has been contagious as students eagerly check on their feathered friends each day. This unforgettable experience has given our young learners a wonderful opportunity to explore science &  responsibility in a fun and meaningful way. CHE’s little chicks have certainly made a BIG impact on our kindergarten classroom!
Page: Lake Arrowhead Elementary INVENTION CONVENTION. Lake Arrowhead Elementary fifth-grade students showcased their creativity during the school’s 9th Annual Invention Convention on May 1st. Students designed original inventions to solve real-world problems while learning the engineering design process. Projects ranged from sports tools & pet products to eco-friendly creations, highlighting students’ imagination, teamwork, & problem-solving skills. The event gave students a 
hands-on opportunity to turn creative ideas into practical solutions!!
Pages 1-5 Mountain News Article: At Lake Arrowhead Elementary School on Friday, May 1, fifth-grade students transformed their cafeteria into a hub of creativity and innovation during the school’s annual Invention Convention. Now in its ninth year, the event continues to highlight the power of student imagination while reinforcing essential science and engineering skills.
Unlike a traditional science fair, the Invention Convention challenges every fifth-grade student to think like an engineer. Each participant must identify a real-world problem and design an original invention to address it. Students can choose to work independently or collaborate with peers, allowing for both individual creativity and teamwork.
“The primary goal is to teach students the engineering design process,” said fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Alicia Wilson, one of the event’s organizers. “It aligns directly with our science standards, but more importantly, it gives students a chance to apply what they’ve learned in a hands-on, meaningful way.”
Preparation for the convention is a combination of in-class instruction and independent work at home. In the classroom, students learn about the different stages of the engineering design process—such as identifying problems, brainstorming, prototyping, and testing. Once they have a solid understanding, they begin developing their own inventions outside of school.
“We guide them through the process in class, but the actual project is completed at home,” Wilson explained. “That gives them the flexibility to work with any fifth grader, not just their classmates, or to take full ownership and work independently.”
The result is a diverse and impressive collection of inventions. This year’s projects ranged from sports-related tools designed to improve athletic performance to environmentally focused creations like water filtration systems made from natural materials. Other students focused on everyday needs, including a variety of dog-related products aimed at improving pet care and convenience.
Beyond the individual categories, what stood out most was the thought process behind each invention. Students were required not only to build or design their product but also to explain the problem it addressed, how their solution worked, and why it was effective. Many displays included detailed diagrams, prototypes, and written explanations, showing a level of effort and understanding that impressed both teachers and visitors.
Walking through the displays, visitors could see firsthand how students connected their ideas to real-life challenges. Some inventions addressed common household problems, while others reflected personal interests or hobbies.
“What always amazes me is their imagination,” Wilson said. “They come up with simple but effective solutions to problems people actually face every day. It’s incredible to see how they think.”
The convention also emphasizes the development of critical thinking and creativity. Students are encouraged to research their ideas, gather feedback, and refine their designs. This process helps them understand that innovation is not just about having a good idea, but also about improving and adapting it.
“It really pushes them to think critically,” Wilson added. “They have to identify a problem, figure out what needs to be improved, and then come up with a solution. That combination of creativity and problem-solving is what makes this project so valuable.”
Over the years, the Invention Convention has produced a number of memorable projects. Wilson recalled one standout invention from a previous year: a trash can dolly system that allowed families to transport multiple bins at once. “It was such a simple idea, but incredibly practical,” she said. “Another group of students built their own pitching machine because they couldn’t afford one. That kind of resourcefulness is exactly what this project is all about.”
Educators believe that elementary school is the ideal time to nurture innovation. At this age, students are naturally curious and open to new ideas, making them more willing to experiment and take creative risks.
“Kids at this age are naturally innovative,” Wilson said. “They’re not afraid to try something new or think outside the box. This gives them a space to really explore that.”
The collaborative aspect of the project also plays an important role. Students who work in groups learn to share ideas, divide responsibilities, and communicate effectively—skills that are essential in both academic and real-world settings. Meanwhile, those who choose to work independently gain confidence in their ability to bring an idea to life on their own.
Another unique feature of the Invention Convention is the involvement of families. Because much of the work is completed at home, parents and siblings often become part of the process, offering support and feedback along the way.
“It becomes more than just a school project,” Wilson noted. “It turns into something the whole family can be involved in, which makes it even more meaningful for the students.”
School leadership also sees the convention as an important stepping stone for students’ future academic and career development.
“It builds students’ problem-solving and creativity while giving them valuable teamwork experience,” Principal Jaclyn Loncteaux explained. “Most importantly, it prepares them for future CTE pathways by giving them early, hands-on experience with real-world thinking and design.”
As the student body and their teachers visited the event, inventors eagerly presented their inventions, explaining the problems they identified and how their solutions worked. The experience not only showcased their hard work but also helped build confidence in public speaking and communication.
Now a well-established tradition at Lake Arrowhead Elementary School, the Invention Convention continues to inspire each new group of fifth graders. By combining creativity, critical thinking, and real-world application, the event provides students with skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
In the end, the convention is not just about the inventions themselves, but about the process behind them. It teaches students to observe the world around them, ask questions, and believe that they have the ability to make a difference.
As Wilson put it, “This is where they start to see that their ideas matter—and that they’re capable of creating real solutions.”
Page:  VOE Staff Appreciation Week: The Best in the West..Yeehaw!! VOE rolled out the western fun during Staff Appreciation Week with this year’s theme, “Best in the West!” The campus was full of cowboy spirit as staff & teachers were celebrated for the awesome work they do every day for students & families. One of the highlights was the creative “Wanted” posters featuring VOE’s amazing teachers & staff proudly recognized as the Best in the West! From classroom heroes to campus leaders, each staff member was celebrated for the dedication, kindness, & hard work they bring to VOE each day. The week was filled with laughter, appreciation, and western-themed fun as the VOE community took time to honor the outstanding staff members who help make the school such a special place. Saddle up & give a big round of applause to the incredible VOE team!
Page: At VOE, the PTA put together a thoughtful & fun “Staff Appreciation Week” celebrating their amazing staff! With the theme, “Best in the West,” each day brought a creative western-inspired celebration, including Boot Scootin’ Day, Hats Off to Amazing Staff Day, Howdy Partner Day, This Ain’t Our Staff’s First Rodeo Day, & Rest Up Partner Day. And let’s talk about the good fixin’s & treats! Staff members were appreciated with delicious goodies, snacks, & thoughtful surprises that made the celebration even more special!
Page: A Day at CSUSB for MPH Middle School! MPH students took an exciting AVID field trip to CSUSB...and what a day it was! Students had the opportunity to hear from a college student panel, gaining real insight into campus life & what it takes to succeed. They also enjoyed a campus tour, exploring the university & imagining their own future as college students. And let’s not forget the highlight for many...the amazing buffet that students absolutely loved! It was truly a fantastic day, giving students a glimpse into college life & inspiring them to start thinking about their future pathways. What a great way to experience college while still in middle school!
Page: ALPINE Mountaineer: ROWUSD would like to thank Mary-Jane Lanyon for the awesome article about MPH’s middle school students and their AVID trip to CSUSB. A special thank you as well to the Rim Educational Foundation for making this trip happen and for supporting opportunities that inspire and empower our students! Thank you to the Alpine Mountaineer for allowing us to share this article with our school community. It’s not often that middle school students
have the opportunity to tour a university. But that’s exactly what 88 students from MaryPutnam Henck Middle School did on April 24 when they took a field trip to Cal State University, San Bernardino. Most of those students are part of the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program at MPH; that program is funded in part by the Rim of the World Educational Foundation. Threemembers of the Rim Ed board – Jo BonitaRains, Carol Kinzel and I – were invited toaccompany the students on the field trip. At CSUSB, the MPH students were divided into four groups; each group was led by a college student who gave them a tour of the campus. They got to see what stadiumseating at the college looks like and heardabout the study abroad program. The four groups came together in a lecture hall where the four tour guides participated in a panel discussion. Moderating the discussion was Demia, a recent CSUSC graduate. The other three students were Lindsay, Jesus, and Jesse.
First Demia asked the other guides toidentify themselves by name and major. Their goals are to be social workers, a school counselor, and a math teacher. All four
work on campus and at least two are first-generation college students. Almost all had been part of AVID in high school; that program, they said, helped them improve their grades. “You have to get serious in high school,” Jesus told the younger students. “Your grades count, especially if you want to go to college.”Asked about a typical day, each one described their course and work schedules.“Don’t be intimidated when they talk about their schedules,” Demia cautioned the MPH students. “You’ll get reminders about homework. You will develop those time management skills.”She then asked the other three what they were nervous about when they got to
college. “I was scared about the homework load,” Jesse said. “But that depends on the professor.” He said if you don’t get a homework assignment done on time, you can email the professor and ask for some extra time. They are usually very understanding, he noted. Jesus added that every major is different. In his counseling major, grades depend heavily on class attendance. Lindsay admitted she is a big procrastinator. She was nervous about knowing when and how to study, something she said they didn’t teach her in high school. “You have to learn that on your own,” Demia said she was nervous about making friends. But she discovered there are a lot of opportunities through the clubs on campus. They all encouraged the younger students to join a club or two that interests them. Jesse reminded them that they can start
a club if one doesn’t exist in their area of interest. As for how they found jobs, they all stressed the importance of connection, of networking. “It’s about who you know,whoyou talk to,” Jesse said.“Networking is the best thing you cando,” Demia said, repeating it twice to drivehome the message. As for things they learned from their mistakes, Jesus said he waited until the day a big essay was due for his English class. “It wasn’t my best work. I decided not to make that a habit.” Lindsay said her first year was hardest as she made the transition from high school to college. “I didn’t realize howmuch bigger the workload was,” she said.“My mistake was not studying for tests. And I had to learn to manage my time.”Jesse said it was more of a regret than a mistake, not being involved on campus. The first couple of years, all his focus was on classes, work, and his family. “Being involved will help you survive. You’ll meet interesting people.”It’s important to learn from your mistakes,” Demia said. She said her approach was to do everything herself, not to ask for any help. “I thought that was the best way to go. But trying to do it myself drove me down into a mental health hole. Always ask for help,” she said, asking the students to repeat it. “And if you fail one time, come back 100times harder.”It was then the MPH students’ chance
to ask questions. When asked if they would have chosen a different college, Jesse said he wishes he had started at a community college and then transferred. It is, he noted, a cheaper way to get those core classes out of the way. As for the benefits of AVID, Lindsay said the program “helps you prepare for college and helps with the applications. And I learned how to take notes.”Following the student panel, the MPH students were treated to lunch in the dining commons. They were able to choose frompizza, burgers, tacos, chicken and rice, asalad bar – and they all found the soft serveice cream. Following the field trip, Rains –president of the Rim Ed Foundation
– thanked Dr. Monica Alejandre, Erica Gutierrez, and Adrian Hermosillo for making it happen.“On behalf of the thrilled students from our Mary Putnam Henck (MPH) Intermediate School and the adults who joined them, we thank you. Everyone from CSUSB energetically engaged our students, most of whom were AVID students.
“Thank you is not enough. We all appreciated the way the staff engaged ourRim students by making each aspect of your university as something they could see themselves involved in! Our MPH studentsfelt comfortable asking questions, exploringthe venues and listening and interactingwith the moderator and panelists of CSUSBstudents.“Thank you for opening their eyes to the wonderful opportunities that are available at CSUSB, just down the mountain! On behalf of our Rim of the World Educational Foundation, which provided funds that helped to make this experience occur, we thank you with great sincerity.”
Page: mph-MPH Students Celebrate with a Fun Bowling Adventure! After a week of hard work and focus during CAASP testing, MPH students enjoyed a well-deserved Principal’s Field Trip to the Crestline Bowling Alley! Students had an amazing time relaxing, laughing, and bonding with friends while showing off their bowling skills.
The day was filled with strikes, smiles, friendly competition, and unforgettable memories as students celebrated all of their effort and perseverance throughout testing week. Opportunities like this help build school connections, friendships, and positive experiences outside of the classroom. Engineering Creativity at MPH Middle School! Students recently put their AVID engineering skills to the test during a hands-on design challenge! Using creative materials such as foil, cotton balls, popsicle sticks, toilet paper rolls, scotch tape, pipe cleaners, and straws, students designed and built unique engineering projects. Throughout the activity, students practiced important engineering skills including problem-solving, creativity, planning, & critical thinking. They explored how different materials could be used to create strong structures & innovative designs while learning that engineering is all about testing ideas, making improvements, & thinking outside the box.
Page: Mountain High School- Mountain High School students recently participated in their Quarter 6 Real Talk session. During this meaningful discussion, students reflected on their progress & identified clear next steps to help them stay on track. Each student set three personalized goals in key areas: expanding their credit progress, improving their attendance (if needed), &  developing a personalized academic plan that supports their success! These goal-setting conversations empower students to take ownership of their education while building the skills & habits needed to reach graduation & beyond. We are proud of our students for their commitment & focus as they continue working toward their goals!
Page: AVID Senior Awards Night! AVID Senior Awards Night at the Toyota Arena was truly a celebration to remember! Students, families, & staff came together for an unforgettable evening filled with excitement, recognition, & pride as seniors were honored for their hard work & accomplishments.  From cheers & smiles to special moments shared with loved ones, the night was full of energy & celebration. Congratulations to all our amazing AVID seniors as they prepare for their bright futures!
Page: Rim High School-Club Rush Brings Fun, Food, & School Spirit! The high school campus was buzzing with excitement during this year’s Club Rush! Students explored a variety of club booths, activities, & delicious treats while learning more about ways to get involved on campus. One crowd favorite was the French Club, which sold tasty cream puffs, refreshing lemonade, and syrup treats that students loved! From creative displays to enthusiastic club members, the event showcased the many opportunities students have to connect, build friendships, and share their interests. The excitement continued as staff members took one for the team during a hilarious whipped cream event that had students cheering and laughing throughout the day! Thanks to the incredible support from students and the community, student clubs also raised an impressive $4,000 to support future activities and events. What a fun-filled day celebrating leadership, teamwork, school spirit, and community at the high school!
Page: Celebrating Our Amazing MHS Teachers & Staff Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week 2026. This week, MHS staff took time to relax, connect
 & enjoy some sweet treats together during Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week.  It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible dedication, hard work, & positive impact our teachers & staff make every day. Thank you to our amazing MHS team for all you do to support & inspire your students!!
Page: Celebrating the Incredible Teachers & Staff at RVA! While every day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the amazing heroes who make Rim Virtual Academy such a special place, Staff Appreciation Day gave everyone an extra reason to smile! From fun staff scavenger hunts to delicious potluck treats and tasty Goodwin sandwiches, the day was filled with laughter, teamwork, & appreciation for the dedicated staff & teachers who go above & beyond for students every day. RVA is grateful for the passion, care, &  commitment our staff brings to the school community. Thank you for all you do to inspire, support, & make a difference in our students' lives!
Page: Game on at RVA. On April 29th, RVA eSports leveled up the fun with a fantastic family potluck and gaming afternoon hosted by the one and only Mrs. Marinara. Students and their families brought delicious dishes to share, creating the perfect fuel for an afternoon full of friendly competition and connection. From epic matches to lots of laughs, the room was buzzing with energy as everyone jumped into eSports action together. It wasn't just about the games; it was about community, teamwork, and making great memories. Final Score? Fun=100%; Smile=Unlimited A huge thank you to Mrs Marinara for hosting such an awesome event, everyone had an amazing time!