Superintendent
April 2024
Superintendent's Message
A Season of Transition
As April graces us with warmer days and longer sunshine, we find ourselves in another season of change. While families anticipate transitions from one grade to the next, with many middle schoolers stepping up to high school, our dedicated staff gears up for the final stretch of the academic year.
After a well-deserved spring break, students and staff are preparing for state testing, which includes the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). These standardized assessments in English Language Arts, math, and science (for 5th and 8th graders) align with California Common Core State Standards, providing valuable insights into student progress and guiding instruction. Educators, schools, and the district then use these assessment results to evaluate student performance, identify areas for improvement, and inform instructional practices.
To help your child feel prepared, encourage them to rest well, fuel up with a nutritious breakfast, approach the tests with confidence, and do their best. For extra practice, explore practice tests together and reassure them that giving their all is all that matters – we’re already proud of their hard work!
A major component of how we ensure our students excel is by effectively staffing our sites and programs to support all students. This sometimes means an increase in staffing needs, so we’re actively seeking individuals of strong character who are caring, competent, and compassionate. If you or someone you know fits the bill, explore our open positions at EdJoin.org/RCSDK8!
As we navigate this season of transition together, our focus remains on supporting students to finish the year strong. Your continued partnership in education is the backbone of our success as a district community. Thank you!
March 2024
Superintendent's Message
Students, Spring and Golf Swings!
We are gearing up for what is sure to be a bustling spring on campuses and throughout our RCSD communities! As we make our way through the second half of the school year, I wanted to share some updates from across our district.
February 2024
Superintendent's Message
Student Registration and The Month of Love!
It’s chilly, love is in the air and my car was covered in rain this morning – it must be February at RCSD! As we prepare for the 2024-25 school year (already!), student registration becomes a crucial step as RCSD plans for staffing, facilities, programming, after-school opportunities, and more for the upcoming year.
January 2024
Superintendent's Message
Here’s to 2024…and 94 more!
As we usher in 2024, a new year brings a sense of renewal, opportunity, and the chance to build upon the foundations of success we’ve established as a close-knit educational community. Once we return from winter break, we have 94 days left to make the most out of this school year. That’s at least 94 opportunities to challenge oneself, learn something new, master a skill, improve our performance, and seek connections.
December 2023
Superintendent's Message
A December To Cherish
December is a cherished month within the RCSD community, marked not only by the excited students and festive staff members but also by a profound sense of togetherness that defines our district family. As we eagerly anticipate the winter break and holiday season, it’s a time for reflection on the year’s achievements and the importance of the bonds we share within our educational family.
October 2023
Superintendent's Message
Consistency Compounds for our RCSD Champions!
Balancing Fall Festivities and Wellness: Tips from Our School Superintendent
It feels like I’ve been waiting for the start of fall for an entire year – and I absolutely have! Fall signals the holidays are upon us. From our first order of a pumpkin spice latte to the fall festivities, it really is a wonderful time in education. Students and staff are deep into their lessons and curriculum and we can count the weekends until 2024!
September 2023
Superintendent's Message
Consistency Compounds for our RCSD Champions!
As September unfolds, school morning routines are gradually becoming more familiar and routine for our RCSD Champions. Kindergartners are enjoying smoother drop-offs while our middle schoolers can now recall with ease the location of each of their classes while they learn how to manage their time during the passing period. Resilience and time management: These are just a couple skills our students learn through consistent practice and attendance. Consistency is key!
August 2023
Superintendent's Message
Maximizing The School Year Through Preparation and Partnership
The smell of freshly sharpened pencils, the sound of zipping up a new backpack, the excitement of picking out the first day of school outfit – August has arrived! As over 11,900 students prepare to begin the 2023-24 school year at RCSD, it’s essential for families to stay organized and informed about the various activities and events that lie ahead.
Here are the major details you’ll need to start the school year off like a true #RCSDChampion!
July 2023
Superintendent's Article
Charting the Course: Strategizing for a Successful Start of School
June 2023
Superintendent's Article
Soaring into Summer
As we embrace summer, while the noise level at our school sites is quieter, at our district office, we’re diligently working all summer to ensure our campuses and classrooms are maintained and prepared for August. From thorough classroom cleaning to essential software updates, from hiring talented new staff members to undertaking numerous Maintenance and Facilities Department projects – we leave no stone unturned in our commitment to educational excellence!
May 2023
Superintendent's Article
A Sprint to the Finish
As the school year nears its end, it’s important to pause and reflect on where we are, where we’ve been and where we’re headed. We often talk about the beginning of the school year as the starting line and that’s certainly true. It’s when we implement our plans, strive to reach our goals and put our best foot forward. But just as important is the halfway point, also known as winter break. This is when we take stock of our progress, adjust our plans if necessary and recharge our batteries for the final stretch.
April 2023
Superintendent's Message
A Season of Transition
One of my favorite aspects of April, other than the warmer, longer days, is that spring ushers in a season of transition. All of our students and their families are preparing for transitions from one grade to the next, many graduating from our RCSD middle schools and stepping up to the big league – high school. But as our families enjoy a spring break respite from the hustle and bustle of the school year, our staff are readying themselves for the final push of the year.
March 2023
Superintendent's Message
We are gearing up for what is sure to be a bustling spring on campuses and throughout our RCSD communities!
As we make our way through the second half of the school year, I wanted to share that we are seeing the same trend that school districts across the nation are seeing: increased absenteeism.
February 2023
Superintendent's Message
Have you ever noticed that without a plan, time just starts flying by and we don’t accomplish as much? I have found time and time again that developing and instituting a solid plan helps keep us on track and accountable – both individually and as a whole.
I carry that philosophy through all my work at RCSD, and that’s why I’m ready to help each of you plan for 2023-2024! Yes, it’s already that time: Priority registration and after-school care options for the next school year are officially underway.
January 2023
Superintendent's Message
Welcome to the second half of the school year. Like many of you, I’m eager for a new year and a fresh start.
We have so much to be proud of at RCSD. As we move into 2023, I encourage each of us to keep looking ahead with an eye on how we can work together to best serve our students – not just today but far into the future. We have overcome a lot in recent years, so let’s keep moving forward. There’s no need to look back – that’s not where we’re going!
December 2022
Superintendent's Article
December is truly one of my favorite times of year on campus – excited kids, staff members looking festive, and the general air of joy as we count down to a fun winter break and holiday season.
November 2022
Superintendent's Article
Has anyone noticed how busy life has felt this academic year? Instead of getting caught up in the word “busy,” I like to think of it from the standpoint of life being full. Full of people, full of activity and full of fun! I encourage each RCSD family to make November a month of kindness and gratitude.
October 2022
Superintendent's Article
Professional Development Makes All the Difference!
I’ve always loved watching our school district operate similar to a little city within a city. Each and every one of us–staff, admin, students, educators, volunteers and families–plays an important role in our district. Like cogs in a clock, we all work best when we’re working together and given the tools to do the job. So it’s important to me that everyone receives the support and resources they deserve so they can do and feel their best.
Superintendent’s Article
September 2022
Welcome to the 2022/23 School Year!
I’ll just say it – I love the familiar schedule and predictability of the school year – and I know many families do, too! As we welcome the rhythm of the academic year, I think most of us are feeling a sense of optimism for what looks to be the most “normal” start to school we’ve had in a long time.
Superintendent’s Article
June 2022
The parking lots at each of our school sites look emptier than normal. After all, it is summer! But what you may not see is the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep our schools well kept and ready for fall. Each summer and during most holiday breaks, RCSD staff prepare for students’ return on August 11, 2022. This means classroom cleaning, software updates, hiring of new staff members and Maintenance and Facilities Department projects galore.
Superintendents Article
May 2022
May Means a Strong Finish!
May means many things at RCSD. The school year is winding down, the weather is beautiful and we’re celebrating Staff Appreciation Week throughout the first week of May. Why do we celebrate staff during this week if we truly appreciate them all year long? Well, because they deserve it. This week, RCSD staff are celebrated across the district and throughout each of our departments. It takes a whole lot of us to provide the services, programs, facilities and resources it takes to support nearly 12,000 students.