Category: Education

Thousands gathered at Carter High School on October 26th for the 17th Annual Rialto Unified School District Family Summit, an event themed “Roots and Dreams” that united students, families, and educators for a day of inspiration and community celebration. The summit featured a college and career fair, informative booths, and engaging activities, all underscoring the Rialto community’s commitment to growth and educational aspirations. Jim Rodriguez, an Eisenhower High School alum and now a respected editor and reporter for KCAL/KCBS, served as the event’s keynote speaker. In a memorable moment, Rodriguez surprised Simpson Elementary School fourth-grader Kaylyn Colvin with a gift card after she correctly answered a question during his address, embodying the day’s theme by celebrating young scholars and their potential. This year’s theme—‘Raíces y Sueños’ or ‘Roots and Dreams’—honored the strong community roots and collective dreams the district is nurturing through education. The summit’s vibrant atmosphere reflected these values, with hundreds of families, students, and educators connecting to build on shared hopes for future success. Continue Reading

The Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD) held its Community Cabinet event on October 23, bringing together district leaders, students, and community members in a compelling showcase of student perspectives and the district’s vision for equity in education. The event, focused on transparency and inclusivity, highlighted the findings from a series of student voice interviews, exposing challenges, aspirations, and crucial insights from the district’s diverse student body. CJUSD Superintendent Dr. Frank Miranda underscored the district’s commitment to equity, achievement, and wellness in addressing students’ evolving needs. “We are doing a lot of work in terms of equity, achievement, and wellness,” said Dr. Miranda. “We are working to ensure our students get the best education possible in our district, and we are doing this together.” Dr. Miranda’s remarks acknowledged the challenges of providing a high-caliber education to a vast population, referencing the Inland region’s significant student body. “There are about 1 million students in the Inland regions alone out of 5.9 million statewide,” he said, recognizing the CJUSD’s share in this educational responsibility. With ambitious goals set for the 2024-25 academic year — a 10% increase

Distinguished Rialto Unified School District teachers Catherine Sanchez and Laurie Fiscella were among 15 individuals and groups honored at the annual Rialto Democratic Club’s Who’s Who Awards Dinner on October 17 at the Grace Vargas Senior Center. This year’s awards ceremony, which was themed “United We Stand,” celebrated outstanding leaders in education, public service, and community engagement. Sanchez, a Wilmer Amina Carter High School science teacher, received the 2024 “Excellence in Education” award. With over 26 years of experience, including 20 years in the RUSD, Sanchez is recognized for her dedication to students’ success in STEM. Sanchez’s tenure in the RUSD also included teaching at Ben F. Kolb Middle School from 2005 to 2016. Her extensive work in the Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) program has led her students to excel in District, County, and international competitions. A three-time “MESA High School of the Year” award recipient, Sanchez has fostered strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, alike. Reflecting on her award, Sanchez shared, “This recognition is a humbling reflection of my commitment to making science and engineering come alive for my students. Each

In a spirited display of community and educational support, students, educators, and local officials gathered at Kelley Elementary School last week for Think Together’s “Lights On Afterschool” event. The celebration highlighted the critical role of afterschool programs through a dynamic literacy and numeracy carnival, where students practiced reading and math skills in a lively, supportive environment. Special guests included field representatives from the offices of Senator Rosilicie Ochoa-Bogh and Assemblymember James C. Ramos, as well as Rialto Unified Superintendent Dr. Ed D’Souza, school board member Evelyn Dominguez, and Kelley Elementary Principal Aldo Velasco. Think Together’s Founder and CEO Randy Barth, alongside regional program leaders, also joined to celebrate the impact of expanded learning programs on Rialto’s youth. Guests engaged with students at interactive booths, participating in skill-building games such as “Sight Word Swap,” “Number Tower,” and “Hammer Head Number Hunt.” Principal Velasco praised the event, noting, “Think Together’s involvement strengthens our school and our community, providing essential resources that help shape our students’ futures.” Think Together received certificates of recognition from both the offices of Senator Ochoa-Bogh and Assemblymember Ramos, honoring the organization’s dedication to