Headline News - Wednesday, November 15, 2023

Dear RUSD Community,

Class 3 E-Bikes & E-Scooters - Since class 3 E-Bikes and E-Scooters require a driver’s license, we will not allow students to use these two types of vehicles on school grounds. We will begin enforcing this on January 9th as students return from Winter Break. Hopefully, this gives families a reasonable chance to make adjustments, if needed. It’s also a reminder not to purchase these vehicles for school use. Thanks for your cooperation.
YouthTruth Survey - Only 10 minutes per child. We need your input by November 17th ytsurvey.org/rusdfamily23
Join us on November 30 at 6:00pm for a Parent Education Event: Screenagers – Growing Up in the Digital Age, Panel Discussion and Q&A

Screenagers is an award-winning movie highlighting the struggles over social media, video games, and academics. Screenagers reveals how tech time impacts kids’ development and offers solutions on how adults can empower kids to best navigate the digital world and find balance. The movie will be followed by panel discussion moderated by our school psychologist, Dr. Kover, with pre-teens and teens who are facing the struggle of technology, and discuss potential solutions and boundaries parents can implement. Please RSVP via EventBright HERE.
Strategic Planning - Make plans to attend the in-person Strategic Planning session on Friday, December 8th at 9:00 AM in Del Mar’s Gym. Just 90 minutes. Let’s dream big about where we take RUSD!
Next District Wide Drill - On Monday, December 4th at 8:40 AM, we will conduct our next district wide drill. This time it will be a fire drill.
Personal Note - As most of you know, I’ve been on a journey with cancer. I am out this week recovering from (my 5th and hopefully final) surgery. My goal is to return on November 27th. Please know that during this time of year where we often give thanks, I am so thankful for your continued support and kindness. See you soon!

Best regards,

Dr. Kimberly McGrath
Superintendent
Reed Union School District
"We are even stronger together!"

At the RUSD Board Meeting on 11/15, the following topics were reviewed:

Reports from the Administrative Team – Reed Elementary Principal, Dr. Mary Niesyn, shared the many professional development activities that have taken place at Reed this year and played a wonderful Community Time video showing second graders embodying the Reed values of sharing and caring for others.
Reports from the Foundation and PTA – PTA President, Mickey Hubbell, reported that the PTA has reached 54% membership, which is a notable increase from last year to date. She also shared the PTA sponsored staff and student activities this Fall have been a success. Foundation Director, Annie Defesche, announced the Foundation has had a successful Fall as well, reaching 46% participation and raising $1.26M to date, which is also up from last year.
Board of Trustees Update – The Board of Trustees shared their thanks and gratitude to the District as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday and provided updates on the meetings they have attended this month including The Ranch, E2, JLAC and community conversations about the crisis in Israel. The Board also encouraged families to complete the YouthTruth Survey due by Nov. 17th and attend the Strategic Planning Meeting on Dec. 8th to help shape the future for RUSD.
Superintendent Update – RUSD Chief Business Official, Mr. Carlos Estrella, provided the Superintendent Update on behalf of Dr. McGrath, sharing updates on E-Bike Safety, the first Strategic Planning session completed at Del Mar, the Spanish Taskforce and progress on the Website.
Curriculum Timeline and Update – Reed Elementary Principal, Dr. Mary Niesyn, presented information on behalf of Dr. McGrath, on the current curriculum timeline and planning. The primary objectives moving forward are to create a rotating cycle of curriculum analysis, ongoing pilots and adoption, and high-quality curriculum offerings, with the goal of one adoption per year. The presentation can be viewed here.
Closing the Achievement Gap – Director of Student Services, Mr. Brian Lynch, presented an update on the Closing the Achievement Gap initiative in the District, with key priority areas of academic excellence, sense of belonging, and building relationships. Mr. Lynch shared the progress underway with professional development, the new school counselor and inclusion specialists, after school tutoring, Math TOSA, Pre-kindergarten, and universal meals. The presentation can be viewed here.
Food Services Update – RUSD Chief Business Official, Mr. Carlos Estrella, provided an update on the Food Services program offered by RUSD to provide universal meals to all students as mandated by the state of CA in 2022-23. Mr. Estrella shared the program has successfully balanced District costs with total meal reimbursements from the state. Also, the average participation rate is 34%, which is up from 30% who participated in the prior ChoiceLunch program.

The next Regular Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 12, 2023.

RUSD Mission & Vision: Each student will be challenged and inspired to reach their fullest intellectual, social-emotional and creative potential to positively impact the world.