Dear Students, Families, Staff, and Community members,

We hope you enjoy this latest publication of the Rim’s Edge of Excellence Newsletter. 
With so many activities, from our recent Teacher Professional Development Day to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to the incredible talents of our students, it has been an exciting and busy two weeks across our district.

We thank you for your continued support and for being such an important part of our school community.
Page: Rim's Edge of Excellence Newsletter for March 20th, 2026. Date of School Board Workshop: Thursday, March 26th, 2026  Time: 4:00 p.m.
Place: Rim of the World Unified School District Office. 24740 San Moritz Way, Crestline, CA 92325.
 Please scan the QR code to view the agenda
Page: From ROWUSD Director of Transportation, Jennifer Kawell
A Message from the Director of Transportation: Dear ROWUSD Students, Families, Staff, and Community Members,
On behalf of the Rim of the World Unified School District Transportation Department,
 I would like to take a moment to share my appreciation and reflect on the important role transportation plays in supporting our school community.
Every day, our team is entrusted with the safe transport of your children, a responsibility we take very seriously and to heart. Whether traveling along our winding mountain roads, through snow, fog, or rain, our drivers and staff are committed to ensuring that every student arrives safely, calmly, and ready to learn, and returns home safely. 
Our transportation team does much more than drive buses. Behind the scenes, they work year-round to maintain and prepare our transportation fleet: repairing bus seats, washing & waxing buses, and ensuring every vehicle meets the highest safety standards! On snow days, they arrive early to shovel and prepare safe access points. They also participate in ongoing training, including first aid and safety preparedness, so they are always ready to respond when needed.
Beyond daily responsibilities, our team proudly represents our district at community events, reflecting our pride in serving this mountain community! In addition to daily routes, our transportation team plays a vital role in enriching student experiences beyond the classroom. We proudly transport students to field trips that expand learning, as well as to sporting events and competitions where teamwork and school spirit thrive. Our drivers also support music, band, and theatrical programs by ensuring students arrive safely to performances and competitions, helping showcase our students' incredible talents across the region. These opportunities are an essential part of a well-rounded education, and our team is honored to help make them possible.
At ROWUSD, we believe that transportation is an extension of the classroom, a place where students should feel safe, respected, and cared for.  Our goal is to create a positive and supportive environment from the moment a student steps on the bus!
Thank you for your continued trust and support. 
It is our honor to serve you and your children each and every day!
Page: The TEAM Behind The Scenes of  ROWUSD Transportation Department-ROWUSD  Transportation Hero Spotlight: Deborah Rogers
We are proud to highlight a recent Mountain News “Hero Highlight” recognizing one of our very own, Deborah Rogers. 
RIM’s dedicated bus-driving instructor serving Rim of the World USD and our mountain communities for over 20 years! Deborah plays a vital role behind the scenes, training and mentoring our transportation team to ensure every driver is prepared to safely navigate our unique mountain roads, especially during all weather conditions. Deborah’s work reflects the heart of our transportation department:  professionalism, care, and an unwavering focus on student safety. 
Through her leadership, she not only supports our drivers, but helps build a culture of excellence across the entire team. Her commitment helps ensure that
 “Every student” arrives at and from school safely each day. We are grateful for Deborah and all of our transportation staff who go above and beyond for our students and families every day.
Page: The TEAM Behind The Scenes of  ROWUSD Transportation Department-Shoutout to ROWUSD Transportation Team! At Rim School District, our transportation department works year-round — through rain, snow, & even mountain fog! They make sure our students arrive safely every single day.
Page: Keeping Us Rolling:  A Thank You to Our Mechanics-We also want to give a big thank you to our hardworking & dedicated mechanics who work behind the scenes to keep our buses running in tip-top shape every single day. Your commitment keeps our students safe & on the move! We Appreciate You!
Page: The TEAM Behind The Scenes of  ROWUSD Transportation Department-From maintaining & painting the transportation dept. buildings & washing/waxing school buses...We are so grateful for the care, reliability, and heart they bring to our school community every day! We are so grateful for the care, reliability, and heart they bring to our school community every day! Our AMAZING bus drivers, dispatcher, & mechanics, RIM’s transportation team do so much more than get students from 
point A to point B.
Page: The TEAM Behind The Scenes of  ROWUSD Transportation Department- Our Transportation Department shows their school spirit by participating in local parades & community events, helping bring our school district & community together. You’ll even see our drivers with decorated school buses at community events like the Christmas and 4th of July parades! Thank you for going above & beyond for our students,  families, & community!
Page: The TEAM Behind The Scenes of  ROWUSD Transportation Department-Rain, Snow, or Shine!   Our Drivers Show Up for Our Students! Our transportation department is a vital part of the Rim School District family. Every day, in all weather conditions, they care for our students with dedication & pride. On snow days, they’re out early shoveling paths. More Than Drivers...They are  Caregivers on Wheels!
Page: The TEAM Behind The Scenes of  ROWUSD Transportation Department-Throughout the year, they take on additional duties such as custodial work, bus maintenance, and safety training. From fire extinguisher & first aid training to hands-on work like seat repairs and bus upkeep, their behind-the-scenes efforts 
make a huge impact.
Page: March 13th ROWUSD Professional Development Day. We want to say “Thank you”  to everyone who contributed to a successful and impactful Professional Development Day for our teachers &  staff! A special recognition goes to our Department of Education team and the incredible behind-the-scenes support that made the day run smoothly. We extend our sincere appreciation to Veronica Pelayo, Admin Assistant to the DOE, Stephanie Phillips at RHS, and Mark Mahone, IT Director, whose dedication and coordination were instrumental. From organizing logistics to ensuring breakfast and lunch were provided, & making sure internet and Wi-Fi access were fully available for all presenters & teachers across multiple sessions at both MPH and RHS...
Your efforts did not go unnoticed.
Page: March 13th ROWUSD Professional Development Day-The Professional Development Day was thoughtfully organized into three focused sessions:
 grades TK–1, 2-5th, 6th-12th...Allowing for targeted learning and meaningful collaboration across grade levels.
Page: March 13th ROWUSD Professional Development Day-Educators participated in a variety of engaging workshops, including the Performance Matters assessment,
 AI training and instructional block interventions. The day was filled with collaborative, hands-on, and interactive learning experiences that supported professional gro
 It was a great day of learning for all!
Page: A Race Toward Implementation- RIM’s Professional Development Day was the perfect blend of learning & connection, with a beautiful day outside offering time to recharge and collaborate, before the second half of the training in the afternoon! Adding energy & excitement to the day, 
Our 3 Amazing Elementary Principals  ( From left to right: Tracy Marshall, Bethany Negersmith, & Jaclyn Loncteaux)from CHE, VOE, & LAE 
suited up in running gear to present “A Race Toward Implementation.” With enthusiasm & a shared vision, our elementary teams are off to the races..!
They’re working together to implement targeted instruction for all students through Intervention, Enrichment, and Acceleration. The momentum is strong, & their commitment to student success is even stronger!
Page: Lucky to Learn & Lead Together-Another lucky session came together, led by Jeremy Montiel, 
Principal of RIM Virtual Academy, Mountain High School, & RIM Adult Ed. Jeremy shared how Rim’s alternative schools are leading the way in targeting instruction for all students through GVC, fostering positive assessment & cultures, strengthening interventions, &  student engagement. At ROWUSD- Together, we continue to learn, grow, and lead with purpose, ensuring every student has the support and opportunities they need to succeed.
Page: Support Staff Professional Day on Friday, March 13th: A Great Success at MPH! Support staff from across all school sites came together at MPH for a meaningful and engaging Professional Development Day. The day brought together classroom aides, Special Education aides, noon duties, ELOP aides, and EL aides, all collaborating, sharing experiences, and strengthening their collective impact on student success. It was an inspiring day of connection, 
growth, & collaboration! Staff had the opportunity to learn from special guest speaker Marc Rosenberg, whose insights added great value to the day’s learning.
Page: RHS Theatre & Video Students Shine at  State Thespian Festival. Students from the RHS Theatre & Video Arts Department recently attended the California State Thespian Festival! This was a dynamic 3-day event filled with guest speakers, live performances, competitions, and hands-on theatre workshops. Throughout the festival, students had the opportunity to expand their skills, learn from industry professionals, & connect with fellow theatre students from across the state. From participating in workshops to showcasing their talents in competitions, RHS students fully immersed themselves in this enriching experience! We are proud of their dedication, passion & commitment to the arts!
Page: RHS Theatre & Video Arts Students Shine at State Thespian Festival-These Opportunities allow our students to grow both creatively & personally while representing Rim High School with pride! We are proud of their dedication, passion, & commitment to the arts!
Page: Rim HS Mountain Bike Team Takes on Race #3-Trailblazing at Cachuma! Last weekend,  Rim High School Mountain Bike Team hit the trails at Cachuma Lake for their 3rd race of the season! Our riders tackled the course with determination, skill, and true Rim grit!  They showed what it means to ride strong and represent our mountain community with pride.
Page: Rim HS Mountain Bike Team Takes on Race #3 Racing with Rim Pride...And the Best Finish of All! Our Rim HS Mountain Bike Team took on Race #3 by bringing energy, focus, and fearless riding to every turn of the trail. From climbs to coastlines, our athletes gave it their all and made our Rim Community proud!
Page: Lucky Creations & Leprechaun Fun at  ELOP CHE! CHE ELOP students celebrated St. Patty’s Day in the most magical way...through creativity, color, and a little leprechaun luck! Students crafted shamrocks, gold coins, hearts, and pots of gold, along with festive Irish hats & whimsical horseshoes with rainbow cheer. With green all around and imagination in full swing, it was a joyful way to celebrate the day with lots of creativity & a little Luck, & maybe a sneaky visit from a leprechaun or two can make learning extra fun!!
Page: ELOP at VOE-Luck, Learning, &  Leprechaun Traps at VOE! Students engineered clever contraptions they hoped would outsmart even the sneakiest leprechauns.
ELOP students at VOE put their creativity to the test as they teamed up to design & build a collaborative leprechaun trap! With a sprinkle of imagination and a dash of teamwork, from rainbows to tricky gold coins, each direction showcased problem-solving, creativity, and plenty of St. Patrick’s Day spirit. While no leprechauns have been officially caught yet! ELOP students definitely struck gold in learning, collaboration, and fun!
Page: VOE Preschool! A Special Treat for VOE Preschoolers! It was a very special day for our VOE preschoolers! Elementary students brought out their chickens for a hands-on visit, giving our littlest learners the chance to pet, observe, and even “chat” with these feathered friends. There were smiles, giggles, and lots of curiosity...
What a Fun & memorable experience! Learning Never Tasted So Good! VOE preschoolers enjoyed a yummy meal while learning all about “family-style dining!” From sharing food to practicing manners and conversation, this lesson was full of fun and life skills. What a great time to be a preschooler at VOE!
Page: Play, Paint, & Pretend at VOE Preschool! From colorful painting masterpieces to cozy storytime adventures, our VOE preschoolers are busy learning through play! And the fun doesn’t stop there...Imagination takes over during makeup playtime (yes… even the teacher got a makeover! )...& sweet buddy interactions that build friendships & smiles all around. It’s a joyful mix of creativity, laughter, & learning every single day. Way to go, VOE little learners!
Page: Snow Much Learning & Fun at CHE’s Saturday Academy! Students dove into the science of motion by exploring static and kinetic friction in the coolest way...They designed their own snowboards and snowboarders! After testing them out in the snow, they headed back inside to make improvements & raced their creations in an exciting snowboard showdown.
Page: From Science to Snow Day Olympics at CHE’s Saturday Academy! Students also showcased their artistic skills with a directed snowboarder drawing & others kept the energy going with their own Olympic-style games in the cafeteria!
Page: CHE’s Saturday Academy’s  Perfect Finish…After a full day of science, art, & Olympic fun, students celebrated their hard work & teamwork with well-earned, yummy pizza! Saturday Academy = learning + fun!
Page: CHE Meet the Masters: Inspiring Young Artists-CHE students had a wonderful opportunity to explore the world of art through the Meet the Masters program!
 With creativity flowing and imaginations sparked, students learned about famous artists & brought their own masterpieces to life!! Supporting Success: 2EL Parent Nights-partnerships in action! CHE hosted 2 successful 2EL Parent Nights focused on helping families better understand the assessment process & how to support their students at home. A special thank you to Ms. Vega, who worked closely with parents during both evenings, providing guidance & support every step of the way.
CHE Parents learned about the test and ways to practice effectively., families brought their own devices, allowing for hands-on support in accessing practice tests alongside their students.
Page: The Great Leprechaun Trap Adventure. Deep in Mrs. Tuffin’s classroom, where giggles echoed & creativity sparkled, a mischievous leprechaun was on the loose!
Mr. Leprechaun, known for his sneaky tricks, tiny footprints, & love of shiny gold, this little rascal thought he could outsmart everyone… but he hadn’t met Mrs. Tuffin’s class yet! With determination & a sprinkle of luck, students got to work designing clever traps—filled with rainbow bait, hidden doors, and just the right amount of trickery. “This time, we’ll catch him!” they whispered as they set their plans in motion. But oh, that leprechaun… always one step ahead!
 Did he escape? Maybe. Did he leave behind a little magic and a lot of laughter? Absolutely. One thing’s for sure, Mrs. Tuffin’s class proved that with imagination, teamwork, & a bit of St. Patty’s Day spirit, anything is possible… even catching a leprechaun (well… almost)!
Page: LAE’s kindergarteners took creativity to new heights...literally! As part of Meet the Masters, LAE’s young artists explored the imaginative world of Alexander Calder & dove right into creating their very own mobile art. With colorful shapes, a little bit of balance, and a whole lot of excitement, students discovered how art can move, sway, and come to life! Tiny hands got busy designing, building, & assembling their masterpieces...each one as unique and full of personality as the artist who made it. There may have even been a few “engineers” in the making as they figured out how to keep everything perfectly balanced! From curious minds to creative masterpieces, it was a joyful day of learning, laughter, and lots of wiggly, wonderful art. Who knew kindergarteners could turn the classroom into a mini art gallery in motion?
Page: LAE Readers Are On Fire… Even in Ice! LAE’s AMAZING 2nd & 3rd graders took their learning to the next level by engineering ice crystals for their 3rd trimester Accelerated Reading (AR) party! Even more AWESOME… EVERY single student reached their AR goals!  Talk about dedication, drive, & a love for reading!
How cool is that?! We are so proud of these young scholars for working hard, staying curious, and celebrating their success in such a creative way. LAE students...
You are shining bright!
Page: VOE’s 4th and 5th Grade Peace Keeper Meeting-VOE’s Peace Keepers are strengthening their voices, making a difference on campus every day. 4th and 5th Grade Peace Keepers recently came together for an inspiring & impactful meeting! These student leaders are learning the importance of kindness, responsibility, & creating a positive school environment for everyone. We are so proud of these students for stepping up as role models & helping to spread respect, empathy, & leadership throughout VOE! With pencils in hand & smiles on their faces, they’re practicing, learning, & maybe even making a few “backwards B’s” along the way.... (we’ve all been there!) VOE’s Universal Access Kindergarten students are becoming letter legends!  From recognizing their ABCs to carefully writing each letter, these young learners are turning squiggles into super skills! We are so proud of their growing confidence and excitement for learning, one letter at a time!
Page: 3rd Grade Math Madness at VOE!  Our 3rd graders are turning addition into an epic showdown! Our 3rd graders are turning addition into an epic showdown! From clever strategies to lightning-fast thinking, students are competing against each other to see who can solve it best & the fastest! It’s all fun and games… until the numbers get serious!  But don’t worry, these math stars are rising to the challenge and showing off their skills every step of the way.
Page: Learning in Action at VOE! LAE’s amazing 1st-grade students recently had an exciting hands-on learning experience alongside Dr. Alford and the Watershed Team! With curious minds & big smiles, students explored the wonders of our local environment. They learned how water moves, why it matters, and how we can all help protect it. From interactive activities to real-world connections, our young learners were fully engaged & eager to share what they discovered. It’s inspiring to see such enthusiasm for science and stewardship at such an early age! A big thank you to Dr. Alford and the Watershed Team for bringing learning to life in such a meaningful and memorable way!
Page: RHS Students Visit MPH! Rim High School students recently visited Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate to share all the exciting sports and elective opportunities available to our soon-to-be freshmen! Welcome, future Fighting Scots! 2026-2027. It was a great chance to connect, inspire, and help students start thinking about all the amazing possibilities waiting for them at RHS. The future looks bright1
Page: A Round of Applause for the mph Band! Ms. Fird’s band proudly performed at Redlands High School in a Bands & Strings competition...& what an amazing performance it was! Their hard work, talent, & dedication truly shone on stage. We are so proud of our musicians for representing RHS with excellence! Exploring Choices at MPH!  MPH counselors did an incredible job guiding 6th-grade students through their elective options, helping them better understand all the opportunities available to them! With support and encouragement, students are beginning to discover their interests & plan for an exciting academic journey ahead.
 Way to go, MPH!
Page: Rim HS  Choir Shines with Excellence at High Desert Festival-On March 17th, RHS talented students competed at the High Desert Festival in Victorville. 
Among 8 ensembles, RHS choral students earned an Excellent rating, equivalent to a strong second-place finish at this level of competition. Rim Choir, you represent our school with pride, passion, & professionalism. We celebrate you & look forward to all that is still to come! This achievement is even more impressive...RHS students performed alongside much larger schools with more extensive choir programs, yet our students held their own with confidence and excellence! Thanks to the Lamperts Family for their continued support. Your encouragement & presence make a meaningful difference for our students.
Page: SCVA Choral Festival  2026- The judges were highly impressed by our students' UNITY, STAGE PRESENCE, PROFESSIONALISM, & overall performance QUALITY!!  SCVA Choral Festival 2026ROWUSD Choir Class III Award:  Excellent!!
Page: Choral Festival  2026-A standout moment was sophomore accompanist Hannah Tallman, who performed one of the festival’s most challenging pieces with exceptional skill...rivaling professional adult pianists.
Page: Rim High School-Biology in Action with Mrs. Lai! Learning in Mrs. Emily Lai’s Biology class at Rim High School is anything but ordinary! Students recently took a hands-on approach to understanding the Meiosis cell cycle, turning their classroom tables into interactive learning spaces. Using liquid chalk right on the tabletops, students mapped out and illustrated the stages of meiosis, bringing this complex biological process to life in a creative and memorable way. From chromosomes separating to cells dividing, the classroom was buzzing with collaboration, curiosity, and discovery. We love seeing our students dive into learning with creativity and enthusiasm. Great work, Mrs. Lai and Rim High Biologists!
Page: Biology in Action with Mrs. Lai! Activities like this show that science isn’t just something you read about...
it’s something you experience!  Mrs. Lai’s students are proving that when learning is hands-on, it can be both engaging & a whole lot of fun! We love seeing our students dive into learning with creativity and enthusiasm. Great work, Mrs. Lai & Rim High Biologists!
Page: RHS had a surprise St. Patty’s Day visitor...A bright green dino stopped by to keep the day extra lucky! Smiles, laughs, & a little prehistoric charm, the RHS dino friend made sure the spirit of FUN & LUCK was alive all across campus. Who knew good luck could come with such big footprints?! Rim  HS Student Artist 
Earns Top Honors at CSUSB Exhibit-We are proud to share that a talented Rim art student was featured in an art exhibit at CSUSB, with their piece earning 2nd place among hundreds of submissions. This outstanding achievement highlights the creativity, dedication, and artistic excellence of our students. Congratulations on representing Rim with such distinction!
Page: RHS Baseball Takes the Baseball Field at Angel Stadium-The Fighting Scots Varsity Baseball Team had an unforgettable experience last week as they traveled to Angel Stadium in Anaheim to compete in the Halo Classic. From left to right, Tyler Avila, Head Coach, Richard Daniels, JV Coach, Mike Clark, Varsity Coach, John Gray, JV Coach, Jeremiah Reitz, Varsity Coach. A  powerful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner led by the Rim HS  Band! started off!
 & then the umpire called, “Play ball!” our Scots took the field ready to represent Rim with excellence. The event also served as a meaningful fundraiser, with proceeds supporting RIM’s baseball program. Thank you to those who came & supported the team! Even tho’ RIM SCOTS didn’t come away with a win, 
We are incredibly proud of our Fighting Scots Varsity Baseball Team for playing with Respect, Honor, & true Rim spirit. Go Rim!
Page: Mountain High School Eagles are soaring!! Mountain High School students are stepping into something powerful...they are becoming LEADERS! Progress doesn’t just happen by accident...it takes focus, commitment, & a whole lot of Eagle pride. This success is rooted in intentional action:
MHS Students worked hard to meet their individual goals  & perhaps most impressively, they practiced setting boundaries around distractions to stay on track! MHS Students are not the kind of leaders who simply take charge, but the kind who show up every day, support one another, and grow together.  Across campus, you can see it happening: students working as a team, encouraging their peers, and recognizing that success is even better when it’s shared.
Page: Mountain High School students are stepping into something powerful...they are becoming LEADERS! Through group activities & daily interactions, MHS students are building habits that reach far beyond the classroom. They are learning how to communicate, collaborate, and lift each other up!
These skills will serve them for a lifetime. Whether it’s participating in discussions, engaging in team challenges, or simply taking the time to connect with someone new, these moments are shaping confident, compassionate individuals. MHS students are proving that leadership isn’t about standing alone; it’s about standing together.
Page: RVA and MHS sure know how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the right way! What happens when you mix festive spirit, great food, creative crafts, & a little friendly competition? You get a St. Patty’s Social full of laughter, connection, and just the right amount of UNO-induced suspense. Students gathered to enjoy delicious treats, get crafty with some fun projects, & challenge their friends to classic games...Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good round of UNO or an intense Connect 4 showdown? More than anything, the day was about spending time together, building friendships, and enjoying the simple joy of being with classmates outside the usual routine. Smiles were everywhere, conversations were flowing, and the sense of community was stronger than ever. All in all...it was a shamrockin’ good time!