October 23rd, 2026: RIM's Edge of Excellence Newsletter

Dear Students, Families, Staff, and Community Members, 

What an exciting couple of weeks across Rim of the World Unified School District! This edition of Rim’s Edge of Excellence is bursting with school spirit, student achievements, creativity, collaboration, and community connections!
From the excitement of Homecoming celebrations and CIF playoffs to hands-on classroom adventures, Halloween-inspired learning, and the magic of expanded learning programs, our students and staff continue to show us what makes our mountain schools so extraordinary!
We're also highlighting inspiring moments from our districtwide Professional Development Day, where our dedicated educators came together to learn, collaborate, and strengthen the educational experiences we provide.
 Every classroom has a story, every achievement deserves recognition, and every student is part of what makes Rim exceptional!
Grab a cozy drink, settle in, and enjoy this edition filled with the people, programs, and unforgettable moments that make our district shine!
💙Together, we learn. Together, we grow. Together, we celebrate EXCELLENCE! 
Page: Rim's Edge of Excellence Newsletter. October 23rd, 2026. ROWUSD School Board Meeting
 is scheduled for Thursday, November 19th, 20265:30 p.m., located at the District Office.24740 San Moritz Way, Crestline. If you cannot attend in person, you can watch the meeting live on YouTube or scan the QR Code to view it on your phone. We hope to see you there or online! Public Participation
This meeting will be held at the Rim of the World Unified School District and via YouTube.
If you wish to view the meeting, log in to: https://www.youtube.com/@rowusdschools/streams
Page: As If! Clueless About Learning? Not These Principals! Professional Development Day on October 16th brought a little Hollywood flair and a whole lot of learning to ROWUSD! Three of our elementary principals dressed as characters from the hit movie Clueless, but when it came to student discourse and instructional excellence, they were anything BUT clueless! Our Not  ‘Clueless’  principals shared their schools' three Instructional Pillars with teachers, sparking meaningful conversations about teaching & student success. MPH leaders also presented valuable information and training on student efficacy & discourse. San Bernardino County Sheriff representatives provided essential emergency safety training, reinforcing the importance of staying prepared for all types of emergency settings... because when it comes to safety, there's no such thing as being too prepared!
Page: Who says teachers can't be students, too? The spotlight was on three powerful instructional pillars: Instructional Design, Teacher Clarity & Learning Targets, and Student Discourse & Student Efficacy! But wait... there’s more! Each school site rolled out the applause, celebrating educators who are shining brightly & making great things happen! With fresh ideas,  collaboration, shared successes, & renewed inspiration, the day reminded all that when educators learn, grow, & support one another, their students reap the rewards! Fresh ideas? Check! Teamwork? Double check! Inspired educators ready to help students soar? TRIPLE CHECK!
Page: Celebrating Collaboration, Appreciation, and Teamwork! On October 16th, secretarial staff from schools across ROWUSD & the District Office came together for a special ‘Appreciation Breakfast’ & a wonderful opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, & learn from one another! The day was filled with appreciation, meaningful conversations, teamwork, &  collaboration as staff shared best practices & strengthened relationships across the district. It was a productive & inspiring day, reminding us that although we serve in different roles & locations, we are united by one shared vision & goal: providing exceptional service & support to our students, families, & school communities! Thank you to our amazing secretarial staff for all they do each day to help our district thrive!
Page: Big Ideas, Fresh Perspectives, and Learning That Inspires! On October 16th, our ELOP staff traded their daily routines for a day of brainstorming, collaboration, & creativity! During their Professional Development Day, staff rolled up their sleeves & took a deep dive into enrichment lesson planning, sharing fresh ideas & exploring fun, hands-on ways to keep students engaged & excited about learning! With their creative wheels turning & a few new tricks up their sleeves, staff wrapped up the day feeling refreshed, motivated, & ready to bring their ideas to life the following week! The best part? When great minds come together, great learning happens!
Page: A Bushel of Fun & a Whole Lot of Yum at VOE’s Preschool! VOE's preschoolers were whipping up some
 core-geous creations as they made homemade applesauce & apple pie using all-natural ingredients & no added sugar! Before mixing up their tasty masterpieces,  these pint-sized chefs put their taste buds to the test, sampling apples, cinnamon, heavy whipping cream, graham crackers, and honey separately! With a pinch of curiosity, a sprinkle of creativity, & a bushel of excitement, these little chefs discovered just how delicious hands-on learning can be! From tiny taste testers to sticky fingers, this was one un-peel-ievably sweet adventure!
Page: A Little Hocus Pocus & a Whole Lot of YUM! Double, Double, Toil & TREATS! At CHE ELOP, a little magic filled the air, as students made witches' hats with flair! A pinch of fun, a dash of cheer, Halloween magic was surely here! No tricks, just treats and giggles galore; at CHE, learning is SWEET—and so much more! But these little hats had a delicious fate; they disappeared right off the plate!
Page: Let It Glow! ELOP's Halloween Glow Party Lights Up Afterschool! Glow sticks, giggles, and a whole lot of Halloween fun! On Thursday, October 22nd, ELOP turned up the glow & welcomed families to a spook-tacular Lights On Afterschool Halloween Glow Party at all three of our elementary schools!
Page: Families joined their little learners for an afternoon filled with creative crafts, yummy refreshments, laughter, & special moments together. From making Halloween masterpieces to sharing smiles & sweet treats, it was a celebration of family, fun, & learning beyond the classroom!
Page: But this celebration was about more than glowing decorations and Halloween excitement! Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide celebration that shines a spotlight on the importance of afterschool & expanded learning programs & the incredible opportunities they provide for students & families
Page: A heartfelt thank you to our ELOP staff and families for helping make this celebration shine! Because when we keep the lights on after school, we brighten opportunities, spark creativity, and help our students GLOW and GROW!
Page: Beep! Boop! LAE's Future Coders Are on the Move! With every twist, turn, and command, these young innovators are exploring the exciting world of coding, problem-solving, and technology. Who knew learning could be so ‘wheelie’ fun? The future is looking bright at LAE, one colorful code at a time!
 Page: Little Builders, BIG Imaginations! ELOP students are putting their creativity to work in LAE’s  STEM Center! Using blocks of all shapes & sizes, these young innovators are designing, building, & bringing their imaginative creations to life! These STEM activities are helping students learn critical thinking, teamwork, & engineering skills while having a ‘block-tastic’ time! From stacking & balancing to experimenting & problem-solving, every block opens the door to new discoveries! At LAE, imagination is the blueprint, creativity is the foundation, and the possibilities are endless!
Page: Something's Fishy at VOE ELOP... & Science Is Getting SWEET! Splish, Splash, & a Dash of Science! Something fin-tastically fun is bubbling up at VOE’s ELOP!  Students are swimming in creativity as they craft colorful paper fish, dive into hands-on sensory play, & let their imaginations float away! But wait... there's a sprinkle of Halloween magic in the mix! Curious little scientists are putting candy corn to the test, experimenting, observing, & discovering that science can be just as colorful as it is fascinating! A little splash, a little sweet, and lots of discoveries at VOE, learning is quite the TREAT!
Page: California Dreamin'… Right in CHE’s 4th  Grade Classroom!  Who needs a road trip when you can explore the Golden State without leaving school? Creative 4th graders brought California to life with their very own “Walk Through California” classroom experience! From exploring California's rich history to discovering what makes our Golden State so special, these young adventurers turned their classroom into a journey of learning, imagination, & discovery! From exploring California's rich history to discovering what makes our Golden State so special, these young adventurers turned their classroom into a journey of learning, imagination, & discovery!
Page: Paws, Applause & Fire Safety with Sparky at CHE! Fire safety got a paws-itively fun twist at CHE! Students welcomed special visitors from RHS, along with everyone's favorite fire safety pup, Sparky the Fire Dog mascot! With Sparky bringing smiles and excitement, students enjoyed a fun-filled assembly packed with important lessons about fire prevention and staying safe! A whole lot of Sparky.. Because being fire-smart is always PAW-some! Inspired safety fun!
Page: All Aboard for Pumpkins, Sprinkles & Smiles… Oh My! CHE’s TK little adventurers were off to SkyPark for a pumpkin-perfect field trip! All aboard the fall fun express! From a magical train ride filled with excitement & smiles to painting pumpkins with splashes of color....What could make this delightful day even sweeter?
 Yummy treats topped with sprinkles, of course! A little paint, a little sugar, & a whole lot of giggles. Choo-choo! Next stop… more unforgettable TK adventures!
Page: Oh, the Bridges We’ll Build! A STEM-tastic Adventure! CHE students put their creativity, problem-solving skills, and engineering talents to the test with an exciting Family STEM Bridge-Building Challenge! Inspired by their reading of Pop’s Bridge, students explored the incredible engineering challenges behind the construction of San Francisco’s iconic Golden Gate Bridge in 1937.
Page: CHE STEM Builds Bridges of Possibilities! These young engineers had to build bridges at least 12 inches long, using no more than five of each permitted material, & strong enough to hold 3 pounds for at least 10 seconds! Talk about putting these engineering skills to work!
Page: Big Ideas, Little Engineers, & Bridges Built to Last! With a little imagination, a lot of determination, & some family teamwork, these creators designed, built, tested, & rebuilt their bridges until their engineering dreams took shape! The grand finale? Three-minute classroom presentations where students proudly shared their creations while practicing their speaking and listening skills.
Page: Building Bridges, One Brilliant Idea at a Time! From wobbly beginnings to wonderful creations, these young engineers discovered that sometimes the strongest bridges are built with creativity, perseverance, & a little help from family! BRIDGE-ing the gap between learning & FUN… one brilliant idea at a time! Thank You
 Mrs. Bernstein for an Amazing STEM Learning Activity!!
Page: Meet the Masters… Little Artists, BIG Masterpieces! Move over, Picasso… LAE's artists are in the house! LAE students tapped into their inner artists during Meet the Masters, working together as a class to create their very own works of art! With colorful creativity, imagination, and teamwork, these budding artists turned inspiration into masterpieces. Every brushstroke told a story, and every creation was a reason to celebrate!
Page: Reading for a Reason… Pali Mountain, Here We Come! LAE’s 5th graders turned the pages & turned up the fun during their Read-a-Thon for Pali Mountain! 
With books in hand & excitement in the air, students enjoyed a wonderful reading adventure while working toward a special goal. Every chapter brought them one page closer to Pali Mountain! Hands Up for Some Spooky 3-D Art! Hands Up for Some Spooky 3-D Art! Look out! These hands are practically jumping off the page!
 LAE students got into the spooky spirit by creating  3-D handprint artwork! With a little artistic magic & some creativity, their handprints appeared to leap right off the paper. These young artists couldn't wait to show off their eerie-sistible masterpieces! A round of applause for artwork that's truly hands-on… & a little haunting!
Page: There's a New Principal in Town! Move over, Principal Mrs. Loncteaux … there's a new boss in the building! LAE welcomed its very first Principal for the Day!
Dressed to look just like the principal, this young leader stepped into the role with style & confidence. From student to school leader, it was a memorable day filled with smiles & school spirit! Up, Up & Away… GATE Takes Flight! LAE's GATE students took learning to new heights while exploring the exciting world of drones! 
Two young pilots put their skills to the test, working to keep their drone hovering in the air. Judging by their smiles, they were having a blast! Who knew learning could be this uplifting?
Page: Math Magic… It's All in the Family! VOE's 2nd graders are putting their math minds to work! Through fact families & number bonds, students are discovering how numbers connect & work together. Using exit tickets to show what they've learned, these mathematicians are building confidence in their addition & subtraction skills & learning that numbers really do belong together! Meet Mat Man… Learning from Head to Toe! Head, shoulders, knees, & toes… Mat Man knows how learning goes! 
One of VOE's SDC classes enjoyed a hands-on Mat Man lesson, bringing learning to life through creativity & independent practice!
 Piece by piece, these young learners strengthened their fine motor skills, confidence, & understanding of how parts come together to make a whole. Way to go, VOE! 
Every little step builds BIG learning!
Page: Multiply the Fun… Learning in Groups! Ready, Set, GROUP!  Mrs. Phillips' class turned math into a lively, interactive adventure as students explored equal groups & the magic of multiplication! With listening ears & quick feet, students raced to organize themselves into groups based on the numbers they heard. Through movement, teamwork, & a little mathematical thinking, these young learners discovered how equal groups help us find totals & build the foundation for multiplication!
Who says math has to stay at a desk? Sometimes the best learning happens when you get up, move around, & multiply the fun!
Page: Seeds of Imagination… A Royal Pitch to King Warhol! Big ideas are growing in the classroom! Students put their creativity to the test by inventing their very own seeds, each with a unique twist! From a garden of imaginative ideas, the top 6 inventions were selected for a special challenge: create a presentation & convince King Warhol that their seed was worth investing in! With persuasive pitches, clever thinking, & plenty of enthusiasm, these young inventors brought their ideas to life. It was a day of imagination, innovation, & public speaking! Who knows? The next BIG idea might just start with one tiny seed!
Page: VOE’s Ticket to Math… Counting Coins Together! Students teamed up for an exciting, hands-on activity that put their money-counting skills to the test! A penny for your thoughts… these math whizzes are making every cent count! VOE students dove hands-first into some pumpkin-powered learning as they scooped out slimy pumpkin guts, discovered handfuls of seeds, & put their estimating skills to the test! Pumpkin Guts, Seeds. It's time to roll up those sleeves and get a little gooey!
 & Math… Oh My! These mathematicians made predictions about how many seeds were hiding inside their pumpkins & estimated their pumpkins' measurements. Who knew a pumpkin could hold so many seeds… & so much learning?
Page: Who knew a pumpkin could hold so many seeds… & so much learning? Mrs. Phillips' 3rd graders at VOE turned their classroom upside down in the BEST way as students traded their pencils for the teacher’s spotlight! Working in pairs, these budding mathematicians created their very own triple-digit addition problems with regrouping, then stepped up to teach their classmates how to solve them! Working in pairs, these budding mathematicians created their very own triple-digit addition problems with regrouping, then stepped up to teach their classmates how to solve them! But the learning didn’t stop there! VOE’s mini teachers walked around the classroom, checked answers, helped their peers, & made sure everyone was adding up to success! Meanwhile, their teacher happily took on the role of a student, giving these young scholars a chance to shine! The best part? They loved being teachers so much, they’re already asking when they can do it again! Who knew learning could be so sum-tastically fun?
Page: Picture Perfect… Photography in Action! Lights, Camera, Creativity! MPH students are seeing the world through a whole new lens as they put their photography skills into action! From finding the perfect angle to capturing just the right moment, these photographers are discovering how creativity can turn an ordinary snapshot into something extraordinary! Every picture tells a story… Making Waves in Science… Exploring Water Pollution! Dive into Discovery! MPH students got their hands on science as the California State University, San Bernardino Watershed Team, led by Dr. Alford, brought an exciting laboratory learning experience to campus! Students explored water & groundwater pollution, gaining a deeper understanding of how contaminants affect our water resources. Through hands-on investigation & scientific discovery, these environmental explorers learned why protecting our water matters!
Page: Rockin’ a Growth Mindset… One Emotion at a Time! MHS art students are turning ordinary stones into colorful expressions of creativity by painting growth mindset emotion faces! From happy smiles to thoughtful expressions, each rock tells its own little story about feelings, emotions, & the power of a positive mindset. A little paint, a little positivity, & a whole lot of ROCK-solid creativity!
Page: Behind the Scenes at MHS & RVA: 
Meet the People Who Make the SPOOKY  Magic Happen. Every great school has a team of everyday superheroes working behind the scenes! At MHS & RVA, these individuals bring heart, hustle, & a little spooky magic to every school day. Let's shine the spotlight on six of our MHS & RVA  stars! The Heart of the Front Office:
 Meet Liz! The first smile you see & the friendly face that keeps MHS & RVA buzzing! From welcoming visitors to helping students & staff, MHS & RVA’s amazing secretary, Liz, wears more hats than a magician!  With a busy desk & a never-ending to-do list, she's one of the behind-the-scenes stars who helps keep MHS running smoothly! Guiding Dreams, One Student at a Time, Mrs. Mills! Schedules? Check! New students? Welcome aboard! FAFSA questions? She's on it! The counselor, Mrs. Mills, is a master multitasker who helps students navigate their educational journeys. Whether she's meeting one-on-one or helping students plan their next steps, she's turning questions into answers & goals into possibilities!
Page: Turning Pages into Progress: Mr. Stuehrmann! Words have power, & so does a great teacher! Their English teacher, Mr. Stuehrmann, is helping students sharpen their skills, earn those important credits, & move one step closer to graduation! Every lesson is another chapter in their success story.... Keep those pages turning, MHS!
Lessons Beyond the Classroom ... Ms. Patron! Learning doesn't always happen behind a desk! Their campus security guard, Ms. Patron, is helping students understand the meaning of community service & the importance of giving back. Through everyday conversations, she's reminding students that small acts of service can make a BIG difference. That's what we call making an impact!
Page: Making History Come Alive... Mr. Whiteside! History isn't just about the past; it's about understanding the world around us! Their history teacher, Mr. Whiteside, takes time to welcome new students & explain how his class works, helping them feel prepared & ready to learn. At MHS, every student has a place in the story, & every new chapter matters! Leading the Way, the MHS Way... Mr. McLachlan! Great schools grow when great minds come together! Our principal, Mr. McLachlan, is leading the School Site Council (SSC) meeting, bringing voices & ideas together to help shape the future of MHS. It's all about teamwork, thoughtful planning, & keeping student success at the heart of every conversation. Leadership in action!
Page: Credits, Commitment & Celebration… Way to Go, MHS! Hard work deserves a little celebration! MHS students were recognized during their Credit Check 1 and Attendance Celebration! With delicious food, fun games, and plenty of smiles, students enjoyed a well-deserved opportunity to celebrate their academic progress, dedication, and commitment to success! A special shout-out to Jeffrey Yoder, our Perfect Attendance Winner!
Page: Chilly Breezes & Happy Faces: RVA Sets Sail on the Queen! Ahoy, RVA adventurers! RVA students bundled up & set sail aboard the Queen on beautiful Lake Arrowhead for a field trip filled with fun, laughter, & unforgettable mountain memories! But did a little mountain chill stop the fun?
Page: Not a chance! The mountain air was crisp, the lake breeze was chilly, & jackets were a must...but a little cold couldn't freeze the fun!  With warm layers & adventurous spirits, RVA students proved that the best memories aren't measured by the temperature, but by the smiles along the way! Cold hands, warm hearts, and a boatload of fun!
Page: Homecoming Victory! Scots Crush Kaiser 42–8! There's no place like HOME… especially when the Scots bring home a BIG WIN! With school spirit soaring, fans cheering, & the Scots bringing their A-game to the field, it was a Homecoming night to remember! And guess who joined the celebration? 
Five of our school mascots made a special appearance!  Bringing extra energy, smiles, &  a lot of school pride, our mascot crew helped turn Homecoming into a districtwide celebration of unity & Fighting Scots spirit!
Page: A Night to Remember… Homecoming Magic at San Moritz Lodge! A Night to Remember… Homecoming Magic at San Moritz Lodge! On Friday, October 16th, Rim High School students celebrated Homecoming in style at the beautiful San Moritz Lodge! From dressed-to-impress looks to dancing the night away, the evening was filled with excitement, laughter, & plenty of Fighting Scots spirit!
Page: With friends,  music in the air, students enjoyed a special evening celebrating school pride, true friendships, & unforgettable high school moments. A little sparkle, a lot of dancing, & memories to last a lifetime…that's Homecoming magic!
Page: Rain or Shine… Our Lady Scots Give It Their All! A little rain couldn't wash away the Fighting Scots spirit! October 10th, our RHS Girls Flag Football team battled through the rain in a tough matchup. Serving Up Memories… Tennis Senior Night! Game, Set, Celebrate! On October 19th, RHS rolled out love & appreciation for our graduating tennis players during a special Senior Night celebration! Here's to our seniors… you've served up a season of memories worth celebrating!