It was a packed, capacity audi-ence when two board members for the Rialto Unified School District Board of Education were sworn in at the Dr. John R. Kazalunas District Educa-tion Center. On Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014, RUSD Board Incumbent,

Mr. Edgar Montes and RUSD newcomer, Ms. Dina Walker were sworn in, as outgoing Board President, Mrs. Joanne T. Gilbert announced that af-ter 13 years on the Board, she would not seek reelection. Both Mr. Montes and Ms. Walkers’ families, friends and

supporters cheered during their swearing in during the tele-vised board meeting. As a courtesy for the new board member, outgoing Board Vice President, Mr. Joe Ayala announced that Ms. Walker be sworn in first. Former Assem-blywoman, board member (and

RUSD school namesake) Wil-mer Amina Carter, swore in Walker. Mr. Montes was sworn in while holding his youngest son, 2-years-old Quetzal. He was sworn in by former Sena-tor-turned Congresswoman–Elect, Norma Torres.

Two take RUSD board seats

SECONDARY SCHOOLS SHINE, Page 3

January 2015 Winter Quarterly

RUSD News

Garcia Elementary’s brightest stars shine

ELEMENTARY SEES RED, Page 2

‘THE RITZ’ HELD MARCH 7, Page 4

RUSD Board Incumbent, Edgar Montes (above, left), with his youngest son, Quetzal, 2, was sworn-in by Congresswoman-elect, Norma Torres and newly elected Board Member, Dina Walker (on right), was sworn-in by former Assemblywoman and former RUSD Board Member Wilmer Amina Carter. At the Dec. 10, 2014, RUSD school board meeting, Montes was elected as president and Walker was elected as clerk.

It was a fairytale event for top student winners - and yes, even a Disney star was present! An enthusiastic crowd of stu-

dents, parents, and staff mem-bers attended the Brightest Star Calendar Art Contest Awards Ceremony held at Dr. Ernest

Garcia Elementary School on December 8, 2014. Although television superstar Ashley Argota, from ABC’s hit show “The Fosters” was the highly recognizable guest speaker, and shared the stage with Garcia Principal, Ra-mona Rodriguez, Asst. Princi-pal, Yolanda Jackson, Rialto Mayor Deborah Robertson, school namesake, Dr. Ernest Garcia, Interim Superinten-dent, Mohammad Z. Islam, and District officials, the true stars were the student winners. “I’m excited to be able to offer The Brightest Star Pro-gram to RUSD students, be-cause they are so deserving,” said the founder of The Bright-est Star Program, Lea Cash. Garcia students had the op-portunity to design art for a calendar with the theme, “Rainbows and Flowers, But-

terflies and Stars: My bucket is filled with kindness and love.” Calendar student winners in-cluded: Wendy Lopez, Jason Romero, Alyson Pineda, Ka-lina Zuniga, Luis Trujillo, Lillianna Vergara, Hannah Gutierrez, Julie Palacios and Itzel Cortes. Chloe Brantley designed the cover and the first, second and third place winners were Kevin DeOrta-Quezada, Angie Cortez Ra-mos and Noemi Romo, re-spectively. All winners re-ceived gift bags that included books, games, and electronics. Later, Argota took a group ‘selfie’ in the packed cafeteria. “It was a wonderful assem-bly, honoring our talented stu-dents,” replied Principal Ro-driquez. “We thank Ms. Cash for rewarding our top students, and for bringing Ashley Argo-ta to surprise our students.”

Grizzly Pride... Garcia Elementary student, Kevin DeOrta-Quezada, smiles with his First Place ‘Brightest Star Calendar Contest’ prize, a brand new bike. Inset, TV actress, Ashley Arogota takes a selfie.

RUSD employees, givers of lives Page 2

WINTER QUARTERLY BULLETIN

Elementary schools dominated Red Ribbon Week

The National Red Ribbon

Week Commemoration (October 23-31), promoting a drug-free lifestyle for families, was celebrated through the longstanding RUSD Red Rib-

bon Week School wide Deco-ration Competition, held Oct. 29, 2014. The competition was sponsored by RUSD Safety & Security, Risk Management, and the Communications Office. Ten impartial judges sat in unmarked vans and graded all 29 RUSD schools. RUSD elementary schools dominated the competition this year, with the judging based on Originality, Visual Appearance, and Best Display of Message.

This year’s theme was: “Love Yourself, Be Drug-Free.” “The messages at the elemen-tary schools were so positive and they looked so well decorat-ed,” smiled Rialto Fire Chief, Mat Fratus, who was one of the judges. “It was just a fantastic event.” The first place winners (a tie) included: Hughbanks Elemen-tary School and Werner Ele-mentary School, which each received $1,000 for their schools. The second place win-ner was Dunn Elementary School. Dunn El. received $750. The third place winner was also a tie between Casey Elemen-tary School and Garcia Ele-mentary School. Each school received $500. The three honor-

able mentions were Frisbie Middle School and Simpson and Henry Elementary Schools. All schools that placed re-ceived trophies/certificates and recognitions by the RUSD Board of Education at the tele-vised school board meeting. Hughbanks El. Principal Dr. Monte Stewart replied, “I am so proud of our students and Hughbanks parents. It’s a worth-while commemoration that al-lows us to promote a healthy lifestyle for our kids.” Werner Principal, Cherylynn Scott, added, “This honor confirms how important it

is to all Werner students, staff members, and our supportive parents, that we all live our lives free from harmful choices.” RUSD Interim Superinten-dent, Mr. Mohammad Z. Is-lam, sat in one of the vans and observed the judging, which took place between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. “It was a wonderful experi-ence to observe so many crea-tive student posters and artistic messages,” said Interim Super-intendent Islam. “As far as I am concerned, when we partici-pate in a positive school-wide drug-free event for our students, we are all winners.”

Shining Stars… Werner Elementary School Principal Cherylynn Scott (far right) proudly smiled with Werner parent volunteers while posing with their check for First Place. Werner tied with Hughbanks El.

Hughbanks Elementary School Principal, Dr. Monte Stewart (middle back), stands with parent volunteers. He credited parents with tying for First Place in the Red Ribbon Week School wide Decoration Contest.

Preston Elementary School custodian donates kidney, joins Casey Elementary teacher, in spirit of giving

It is much easier to say that we can save someone’s life, however, when reality struck and decisions had to be made,

two employees of the Rialto Unified School District stepped up. In February 2012, Sunitha Gokavi, a kindergarten teacher

at Casey Elementary School, was informed that a fellow Casey teacher, Keith Shattuck, needed a kidney transplant. “I actually did not know Keith, personally,” said the 51-year-old educator, who has been a teacher at RUSD for 15 years, “but it was a calling, and I felt that if I’m healthy, it’s just the right thing for me to do.” A couple years later, on Oct. 24, 2014, John Devries, head custodian at Preston Elementary School, did the same. “I was in church with my wife Jeri, when a man, who I did not know, announced that he needed a kidney,” explained the 56-year-old Devries, who has worked in the RUSD for 22 years. “I turned around and told my wife I wanted to do this for him. She said, “ok,” and that was pretty much it.” Both humanitarians went through various, intensive tests and had to be certified in order

to become donors. Both donors do not drink or smoke. After the success of their transplants, which lasted approximately five hours, they were given about six weeks of rest from the doctors. “It’s an exciting feeling to be able to do what we did for someone else,” smiled Devries. “I don’t think of it as a big deal, but just as an opportunity that God presented to me.” Gokavi agreed. “Many people want to donate organs, but many of them are turned down for various reasons,” she added. “I just thought to myself, if God is showing me that I am healthy and that I am able to help another person, then I’m in.” The co-workers recommend the surgery to anyone who is healthy and committed. “It’s a rewarding experience,” Devries concluded, “We would do it again, if we could.”

Giving hearts… Preston Elementary School custodian, John Devries (left) and Casey Elementary School teacher, Sunitha Goka-vi (right) have given the gift of life. Both humanitarians and RUSD colleagues are kidney donors.

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WINTER QUARTERLY BULLETIN

Middle College Prep Academy geared towards freshmen

High schools staying community connected

ABOVE: Once an Eagle… Eisenhower High School Class Reunion

Committee of 1964 (above) came by to drop off a check to their Alma Mater. Pictured from left are: Evelyn Perkins, Barbara Badger, Phyllis Lawson Hagman, Beverly Martinez, Ike Principal, Scott

Sparks (also an alumni), ASB President Jenee Wilson, ASB Senior Class President, Chris Lopez, Committee Members, Earleen Hoover

Dudley, Pam Ollson Firestone, and Trudie Kilgore Barton proudly

donated a check of $2,000. The Committee has worked to promote and give back to their Alma Mater, throughout the years. Additionally, the

passage of Measure Y general obligation bond will also be extremely beneficial to upgrade the flagship high school’s Ronnie Lott Stadium,

and various facilities projects throughout the District.

BELOW: Talented Rialto Knights… Rialto High School Choir

students cozied up to RUSD Associate Superintendent of Elementary

Education, Jasmin Valenzuela (middle), after they performed for

local military families and district leaders during a Veteran’s Day

Luncheon hosted by RHS Culinary Arts students. Under the

leadership of RHS Choir Director, Mr. Steven Rodriguez, and

Drama Director, Mary Bartlett (not pictured), RHS Choir and

Drama students performed fabulously. Pictured below, from left are:

Cheri Jocson, Jude Romano, Ricky Lucio, J. Valenzuela, Angela

Paz, Victoria Batiz, Odai Garrido. Back Row L-R. Christopher

Saracho, James Truong, Ethan Shepherd, Destin Brown, Erin

Sanders, and Kimberly Urrea.

There’s exciting news for 9th grade students and parents/guardians in the RUSD! The Middle College Prep Acad-emy is now offered! The MCPA involves 9th grade cohort of stu-dents attending comprehensive high schools in Rialto Unified School District with the potential for enrollment in the 2015-2016 Middle College Program, where students can concurrently pro-gress towards a high school di-ploma, and a San Bernardino

Valley Community College (SBVC) Associate of Arts De-gree. “Students in the prep academy are required to enroll in SBVC and successfully complete the Career Exploration and Life Planning, beginning second se-mester 2014-2015,” stated Peggy Wheeler, the District’s Alterna-tive, Adult and ROP Education Director. “Students must main-tain positive attendance and be-havior patterns in high school

and community college courses. Upon completion of the prep academy and 9th grade course of study, students will be consid-ered for participation in the first cohort for the fall semester Mid-dle College Program 2015-2016.” The purpose of the program is to give students direction in set-ting life, academic and career goals, pro-vide high school stu-dents the opportuni-ty to earn three (3) community college units that will apply to an Asso-ciate Arts Degree (which can be transferable to a CSU/UC system), and allow RUSD students dual credit (10 electives) towards high school graduation. “This is one of our passions for our students,” said RUSD Inter-im Superintendent, Mohammad Z. Islam. “Our District’s team leaders are knowledgeable and dedicated in making sure this Middle College Prep Academy is successfully implemented for our RUSD freshmen, who deserve higher academic opportunities.” The lead RUSD curriculum team for the MCPA are: Dr. Ed-

ward D’Souza, Associate Su-perintendent of Secondary In-struction, Peggy Wheeler, Direc-tor of Alternative Education/Adult Education and ROP, Ve-ronica Smith-Iszard, Director of Career & Technical Education/College Outreach, and Amanda McLeod-Weiser, Senior Coordi-nator of Counseling Services. The Career Exploration and

Life Plan-ning (SDEV103) course will be offered at all three comprehen-sive high schools in RUSD ac-cording to the curricu-lum team. An infor-

mational notification letter was sent home to 9th grade parents/guardians on the schedules, cur-riculum options, transportation solutions, procedures, and specif-ic academic requirements. “The ability to earn both an associate’s degree and a high school diploma will motivate many of our students in this pro-gram,” replied Dr. D’Souza. “We are very excited to intro-duce this Middle College Prep Academy to our freshmen.”

Middle College Informational Session... Parents gather at the RUS District Office to learn more about the Middle College Prep Acade-my, set to begin August 2015.

Page 4

Rialto Unified School District Board of Education: President, Edgar Montes , Vice President, Nancy O’Kelley, Clerk, Dina Walker,

Members, Joseph W. Martinez and Joseph Ayala, RUSD Student Member, Marisol Angulo

INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT, MOHAMMAD Z. ISLAM

The Rialto Bulletin is published by the RUSD Communications Services, story ideas can be emailed to Syeda Jafri, sjafri@rialto.k12.ca.us

Ask Jay!

Curtis T. Winton Building, dedicated

With smiles and warm thoughts, the Rialto Unified School District honored the memory of the late Curtis T.

Winton on October 10, 2014, with the new Curtis T. Winton Parent Institute Building, namesake, located at the Cesar

Chavez/Dolores Huerta Cen-ter for Education, 324 North Palm Avenue in Rialto. “In 2009, Curtis spearheaded a vision where parents would become more involved in their children’s education and com-municate effectively with staff members,” said Board Member, Joseph W. Martinez, “He un-derstood the common ground of doing what’s best for kids.” Board Member Joe Ayala added, “This is what it’s about, families, and District staff com-ing together for our children.” Corrine Winton, with tears in her eyes, thanked the Board of Education, District staff and Parent Institute coordinators, Rhonda McIver-Jackson and Monica Del Rio. RUSD Board Vice President, Nancy O’Kelley, said, “Curtis introduced the Parent Summit, which has been beneficial to our parents, our students and our staff. He was so deserving.”

Jay Kim is the RUSD’s Energy Manager. If you have any energy ques-tions, please email Jay at:

jkim@rialto.k12.ca.us

Q: Jay, I noticed new light fixtures all over Rialto

High School. What’s so special about them?

A: These new fixtures, funded by the State, are new LED lights that only use 52 watts of electricity versus the usual 200 watts. Califor-nia is a leader in energy ef-ficiency and now requires that outside lights utilize “smart controls.” The little box above the light is a motion sensor that will provide 100 percent lighting when people are in the area. Otherwise, it saves

energy by dimming the light to minimum safety levels. Another bonus is that this fixture is rated to

last 27 years!

Q: Jay, should I buy LED lights for my home? A: As LED technology be-comes more mainstream, you will notice that prices

will drop. To share with you about my personal choice, I recently bought some LED “screw-in” bulbs for $8 each. They actually last longer than CFL’s (Compact Fluorescent Lights or “twisties”) use less energy, and now have a smoother light quality. Try one out and see how you like it!

Happy 2015 to all!

Curtains raised for the Ritz, March 7th!

Honoring Mr. Curtis Winton… On Oct. 10, 2014, the RUSD Board

of Education, Interim Superintendent, Mohammad Z. Islam, dignitar-ies, family, friends and supporters, assisted Corrine Winton (pictured in the middle with honorary scissors), the widow of Curtis T. Winton,

with the Curtis T. Parent Institute Building dedication.

The Puttin’ on the Ritz Fine Arts Gala, since its inception in 2005, has raised more than $400,000 for fine arts class-room teachers and students. This year, the 11th Annual Ritz will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2015, 6:00 p.m., at Wilmer A. Carter High School Theater Hall, located at 2630 N. Linden Avenue in Rialto. Tickets will go on sale

on February 9, 2015. Tickets are $20 per person, which in-cludes complimentary appetiz-ers during intermission, or $50 for a VIP ticket, which includes hosted hot and cold hors d'oeu-vres and a backstage meet-and-greet with dignitaries/VIPs. The 14 member Gala Commit-tee works tirelessly to showcase the talents of the District’s top students. The Ritzy Silent Auc-

tion baskets, ticket sales, and support from the District’s edu-cational partners, also assist in the fundraising efforts. The Ritz has been recognized at the State and regional levels. For more information on do-nations or tickets to the 11th Annual Puttin’ on the Ritz, please contact the Communica-tions Department at (909) 820-7700, ext. 2127.

WINTER QUARTERLY BULLETIN