Dear Students, Families, and Staff,
In today’s newsletter, we are excited to highlight the many positive things happening behind the scenes across our district. From the meaningful professional development supporting our teachers to the fabulous activities and events our students have enjoyed over the past two weeks, there is so much to celebrate within ROWUSD.
As we head into the holiday break, we wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving filled with rest, gratitude, and time with loved ones.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, December 1st, ready to finish the month of December with brightness, joy, and fun!

Warmly,
ROWUSD


Page 1:  Rim’s Edge of Excellence Newsletter. November 21st, 2025. Date of School Board Meeting: Thursday, December 18th, 2025, Time: 5:30 p.m. Place:
Rim of the World Unified School District Office.24740 San Moritz Way, Crestline, CA 92325. If you are unable to attend in Person, 
You can watch the meeting live on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@rowusdschools/streams
Page 2: From ROWUSD Superintendent, Dr. Paul Sevillano: A Message from the Superintendent: Dear ROWUSD Families, Staff, and Community Members, Today’s students are growing up in a digital world where technology is woven into nearly every aspect of their lives. While they are highly fluent in using digital tools, they have not always been taught digital responsibility. Schools and families now have an essential shared role: helping students use artificial intelligence (AI) safely, ethically, and with purpose so that these tools enhance—rather than replace—their creativity, independent thinking, and critical skills.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the world, and education is one of the first sectors to adapt.  As highlighted in “Classrooms are adapting to the use of artificial intelligence” by Zara Adams (2025), K-12 school districts are at the forefront of figuring out how to use these tools safely and effectively. Teachers today face students who are often at the” cutting edge of technology,” already immersed in digital communication, yet they are still in need of guidance in using these tools responsibly. AI has already supported classrooms through various tools such as Google Classroom, Enginuity, Canvas, and Turnitin. With generative AI tools now at everyone’s fingertips, the rise of free, generative tools like ChatGPT introduces new opportunities and responsibilities. 
ROWUSD is strategically planning to guide this important work through our established TRAIL Committee (Technology, Responsibility, AI, Innovation, and Learning). This committee is working closely with the School Board, Superintendent, district leadership, and committee members to create clear policies, procedures, guidelines, and protocols that support the safe, effective, and ethical use of AI across all schools.
The TRAIl committee’s work includes Academic Integrity and Grading Policies, Acceptable Use and Disclosure Guidelines, Staff guidelines and Privacy Protections, Digital Literacy and future preparation, and managing access to AI tools.   ROWUSD is also strengthening privacy protections aligned with FERPA, expanding staff training, and ensuring that families and community members remain active partners throughout this process.
There are many benefits when using AI purposefully, including personalized learning and real-time feedback, supporting teachers by reducing administrative workloads, improving accessibility for students with disabilities, increasing efficiency in school operations, and boosting student creativity, curiosity, and engagement.
AI is a tool—not a substitute for personal effort, human connection, or authentic learning. In the coming weeks, we will send a survey to families and community members to gather your insights about AI in our schools. Your feedback will help shape the next steps of our policy development and guide how we support students in this rapidly changing landscape.
With thoughtful guidance, clear policies, and strong community partnerships, AI can enhance learning, inspire innovation, and prepare students for the future.
Thank you for your continued support.
Page 3:   Legislative Leaders Visit ROWUSD to Experience “Grow With Rim” in Action. Members of the California Legislative Staff Education Institute and Capitol Impact visited San Bernardino County to gain firsthand insight into how ideas and policies shaping California’s education system come to life in our region. ROWUSD was honored to be selected as a focal point for this visit, showcasing the unique strengths of our small mountain community and our commitment to serving many communities with a strong Preschool and  TK–12 continuum and essential transportation access. Their first stop was VOE’s Preschool, funded by the TRST grant, where they observed the foundation of learning for our youngest students. From there, rotations continued into our Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms, where teachers shared creative, engaging lessons that highlighted the joy of early learning. The classrooms were filled with curiosity, active participation, and a clear sense of belonging among our preschoolers, TK students, and Kindergartners. Our theme, “Grow with Rim,” was showcased beautifully throughout the visit, reflecting ROWUSD’s dedication to nurturing students from their earliest steps through their educational journey.
Page 4: The Tomorrow’s Readiness Starts Today (TRST) Grant Program is a vital part of Rim’s expanding preschool services. This initiative supports our district’s vision to ensure that every child in our mountain communities has access to high-quality early learning experiences that lay a strong foundation for lifelong success. The theme of their visit, “Growing with Rim,” reflects ROWUSD’s unwavering commitment to nurturing students from their earliest years through high school graduation. At VOE Preschool, we provide our youngest learners with a safe, supportive, and engaging environment that encourages curiosity, builds confidence, and inspires a genuine love for learning. This early foundation ensures our students are ready to thrive as they transition into TK and beyond. ROWUSD also prioritizes strong family connections, ensuring that our schools serve as a hub where resources, education, and care come together to help every child flourish from the very start.
Page 5: Tomorrow’s Readiness Starts Today-Collaborative Efforts to Support Mountain Communities. Following the visit to VOE’s Preschool and our TK and Kindergarten classrooms, our guests' next stop was the Lake Arrowhead Resort. There, a panel of leaders from the San Bernardino Community Schools team—including Dr. Steve Kong, Cindy Faulkner, Arlene Molina, and Dr. Paul Sevillano—led a collaborative discussion focused on ROWUSD’s unique context, opportunities, and challenges. ROWUSD Board Members Jordana Ridland (President), William Mellinger (Trustee), Jordan Zarate (Trustee), and our Superintendent, Dr. Paul Sevillano, proudly represented the district. They shared with state leaders the real-world experiences of operating a rural mountain school district, highlighting challenges related to access, transportation, resources, and program availability. They also underscored the importance of expanding educational options and supports for our mountain communities, encouraging legislators to carry these needs forward to Sacramento. ROWUSD was honored to showcase our district and advocate on behalf of our students, families, staff, and community. We are proud to serve.
Page 6: Districtwide Science Professional Day! Teachers from across the district came together for an engaging Science Professional Development session 
at  Cal State! Our teachers explored hands-on strategies, new curriculum tools, and innovative approaches to ignite curiosity and deepen scientific learning in the classroom. Our teachers were so excited to bring fresh ideas and dynamic science learning back to their students!
Page 7: Rim High School Seniors Explore CSUSB and  “Direct Admissions Opportunities” Rim High School seniors recently had the exciting opportunity to visit California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) and learn more about the Direct Admissions Program—a wonderful partnership between CSUSB and ROWUSD that opens doors for our graduating seniors. Rim HS seniors were energized and inspired as they explored the campus, discovered academic programs, and imagined themselves as future Coyotes. Many were ready to enroll on the spot—but of course, they were reminded they have to finish high school first! The field trip offered a meaningful glimpse into the exhilaration of college life and the many pathways available after graduation. This experience not only motivated our seniors but also highlighted the possibilities that lie ahead. ROWUSD is proud to support our students as they take steps toward their bright futures! Thank you, Dr. Sevillano, for your continued support and for championing our students from their preschool beginnings through their senior year graduation.
Page 8: VOE Preschool-Dress-Up Day Fun!  VOE preschoolers had an absolute blast during Dress-Up Day! The highlight? The kids joyfully piled their own dress-up treasures onto their teacher, Jennifer—turning her into a walking masterpiece of preschool style! Laughter, imagination, and pure preschool magic filled the room. Our VOE preschool students also explored the world through a new lens-literally! With big smiles and even bigger curiosity, they used viewfinders to check out their photos, proudly seeing their snapshots come to life. Future photographers in the making!
Page 9: CHE ELOP-Building Robot Cars. Through hands-on exploration, they’re learning how circuits, motion, and design work together! ELOP CHE students are having fun every step of the way as their designs come to life!
Page 10: CHE ELOP-Creating with 3D Pens. CHE ELOP students unleashed their creativity this week using 3D pens to design incredible three-dimensional masterpieces! This hands-on activity boosts fine motor skills, sharpens spatial thinking, and lets students watch their imaginations jump off the page and become real works of art.
Page 11: Lake Arrowhead ELOP-Wind-Powered Ship Activity. LAE’s ELOP students had a blast designing and building their own wind-powered ships. Once their creations were complete, they raced them across the floor to test how far and how fast they could go. This hands-on activity helped students explore the power of wind energy while sparking creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Homework & Games. After finishing their homework, students enjoyed some well-earned time playing a group game together. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to unwind, connect, and practice positive peer interactions while celebrating their hard work.
Page 12: CHE Annual Friendship Feast – A Heartfelt Celebration!  CHE students gathered together for CHE’s beloved Annual Friendship Feast, a TK/Kindergarten tradition full of joy, laughter, and togetherness! The kids enjoyed sharing food, stories, and smiles as they celebrated friendship and community. We’re so thankful for our amazing students, families, and staff who help make this cherished event a sweet, memorable experience each year! What a wonderfully fun feast!
Page 13: CHE Elementary Buddy Class Boost! Ms. Miller’s class teamed up with a lower-grade class for a lively Buddy Class session! CHE’s older students jumped right in, teaching their younger buddies an academic dice game that had everyone rolling, learning, and laughing together. A fantastic mix of leadership, teamwork, and fun!
Page 14: CHE is Hooting with Excitement! CHE’s Owls are in for double the fun and double the learning with two awesome activities: Owl Fun Food Friday and Owl Pellet Science! Owl Fun Food Friday!!! Curious minds and big discoveries! CHE’s young scientists will dive into hands-on exploration as they dissect owl pellets to learn all about food chains, animal biology, and the fascinating world of nocturnal hunters.  Students will enjoy tasty treats and festive fun that bring their school community together. It’s the perfect way to end the week on a delicious note! A Friday full of flavor, feathers, & fantastic learning at CHE!
Page 15: CHE students were treated to a magical performance! The Lake Arrowhead Arts Association visited our campus and brought the enchantment of The Nutcracker to life, performing selections from the Second Act. CHE students were captivated by the music, movement, and artistry—what a wonderful way to bring the arts into our school community!
Page 16: Charles Hoffman Elementary-Saturday Academy Rainy Day Full of Discovery!  Students jumped into a whirlwind of hands-on fun with physical reactions, squeegee silhouette painting, and even creating giant Shrinky Dinks! Students explored chlorophyll up close—learning exactly what happens when leaves lose it—and brought science to life through colorful art and clever math connections. It was a rainy day bursting with creativity, curiosity, and learning!
Page 17: Charles Hoffman Elementary-Saturday Day Academy in November. It was an absolute blast! Students  spent the day exploring hands-on science, discovering how even the rainiest mornings can bring sunshine into the classroom. Laughter, learning, and a little bit of weather magic made it a day to remember!
Page 18: Lake Arrowhead Elementary-4th & 5th Graders Dive Into Science at Pali Mountain! 4th and 5th-grade adventurers took hands-on learning to a whole new level at Pali Mountain—and things got tentacle-y!  Students rolled up their sleeves, honed their science skills, and bravely dissected real squids as part of their science exploration. Their curiosity was unstoppable, their teamwork was inspiring, and their excitement was absolutely contagious. We are so proud of these budding biologists who aren’t afraid to get messy in the name of discovery!
Page 19: Rosa Bonheur Comes to Life in Meet the Masters. LAE students stepped into the world of legendary artist Rosa Bonheur during this month’s Meet the Masters lesson. From studying her groundbreaking work to creating art inspired by her bold style, our students embraced creativity with both heart and imagination. What a FUN way to see students channel their inner artists while learning about a woman who changed the art world. Whimsical Wonders in Our Student-Run Chess Club!
Step into the classroom on chess day and you’ll find a world where imagination and strategy collide! Our student-run Chess Club buzzes with excitement as young masterminds gather around their boards, plotting moves like seasoned adventurers on a quest. Knights leap into action, bishops glide with mysterious purpose, and queens command the battlefield with dazzling confidence. Laughter mixes with deep concentration as students challenge one another, teach new players, and celebrate clever ideas only they could dream up. In this special club, every match becomes a mini-story, every player is a hero, and every game ends with newfound skills and friendships.
Page 20: Lake Arrowhead Elementary 4th & 5th Graders Dive Into Science at Pali Mountain! 4th and 5th-grade adventurers took hands-on learning to a whole new level at Pali Mountain—and things got tentacle-y! Students rolled up their sleeves, honed their science skills, and bravely dissected real squids as part of their science exploration. Their curiosity was unstoppable, their teamwork was inspiring, and their excitement was absolutely contagious. We are so proud of these budding biologists who aren’t afraid to get messy in the name of discovery!
Page 21: Rosa Bonheur Comes to Life in Meet the Masters-LAE students stepped into the world of legendary artist Rosa Bonheur during this month’s Meet the Masters lesson. From studying her groundbreaking work to creating art inspired by her bold style, our students embraced creativity with both heart and imagination. What a FUN way to see students channel their inner artists while learning about a woman who changed the art world. Knights leap into action, bishops glide with mysterious purpose, and queens command the battlefield with dazzling confidence. Laughter mixes with deep concentration as students challenge one another, teach new players, and celebrate clever ideas only they could dream up. In this special club, every match becomes a mini-story, every player is a hero, and every game ends with newfound skills and friendships.
Page 22: Valley of Enchantment Elementary Reading Buddies Blooming in the Mother Garden! In the Mother Garden, learning doesn’t just happen… it blooms. 4th-grade Reading Buddies stepped into the magical world of the Mother Garden, where stories sprout like wildflowers and every corner holds a secret waiting to be found! Armed with curiosity and bright smiles, students set off on a lively scavenger hunt, searching for clues tucked between blossoms, branches, and book pages.
Giggles floated through the garden as buddies teamed up, discovered hidden surprises, and shared stories along the way. With every clue they uncovered, their teamwork grew stronger—and so did their love of reading and adventure.
Page 23: Valley of Enchantment Elementary
Science Comes to Life in 2nd Grade! Curious 2nd graders at VOES took a deep dive into the wonders of science this week with an exciting owl pellet dissection! VOE’s students became miniature scientists—carefully exploring the pellets to uncover tiny bones and hidden clues about an owl’s diet. Wide-eyed discoveries and joyful “Look what I found!” moments filled the classroom as students pieced together their findings like true nature detectives. This hands-on investigation sparked curiosity, sharpened observation skills, and brought the world of wildlife up close in the most unforgettable way. Learning is always an adventure at VOE—and our young scientists are just getting started!
Page 24: VOE’s 2nd Grade’s Whimsical Visit from a Veterinarian! VOE’s 2nd graders had a wonderful field trip to Rim High School, where they enjoyed a live play performed by the talented high school students. The performance brought excitement, laughter, and plenty of wide-eyed wonder as our younger learners experienced the magic of theater up close. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to see older peers shine on stage and to spark their own creativity and imagination. A big thank you to Rim High School for welcoming our 2nd graders and inspiring the next generation of performers! There were giggles, gasps, and lots of “Wows!” as the vet showed tools, told stories, and answered BIG questions from little animal experts. Who knew learning about animal care could make your heart wag like a happy puppy? 2nd graders had a paw-sitively incredible day when a real veterinarian visited! The classroom turned into a mini animal hospital as students learned how vets care for furry, feathered, and even scaly friends.  It was a magical mix of science, kindness, and cute critter facts, perfect for growing minds with big imaginations!
PAGE 25: Valley of Enchantment Elementary-
2nd graders were treated to a delightful visit from a local veterinarian this week, and the classroom was buzzing with excitement! Students had the chance to explore real tools, hear heart-warming stories, and ask all their big, curious questions about caring for animals. It was a magical mix of science, kindness, and cute critter facts—perfect for growing minds with big imaginations! The smiles were wide, the wonder was big, and the inspiration will last long after the last paw print faded from the classroom carpet.
Page 26: Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate. Mrs. Solem brought science to life this week with an engaging weight distribution lesson that had students thinking, experimenting, and collaborating. Through hands-on activities, students explored how balance, force, and structure work together—turning a classroom lesson into an exciting STEM experience! MPH Logo Captured by Drone A stunning overhead drone shot captured the MPH logo beautifully! This impressive image showcases the creativity and spirit of our school community from an entirely new angle! CHE was filled with magic as current and former MPH students took the stage to perform scenes from The Nutcracker. Their talent, poise, and holiday spirit brought the classic ballet to life and delighted our elementary audience. What a wonderful showcase of performing arts across our district! The music wing has been buzzing with energy as Mrs. Ford’s Advanced Band continues practicing for their upcoming concert! Students are working hard, perfecting their sound, and showing incredible dedication. We can’t wait to hear their next performance and celebrate their musical growth!
Page 27: Mountain High School-A huge shoutout to MHS’s Positive Masculinity group meeting. MHS’s group members dived into their gentlemanly side by making arrangements and giving them out to whomever they wished. A simple gesture, seen by some, marks significant strides in how gentlemen view
 gift-giving. Thank you, Mountain Counseling, for this awesome activity! MHS students shall increase average credits earned schoolwide from 4.5 to 12 or more, 
a 166% increase.  By 1) Sticking to a consistent sleep schedule,  2) Completing Credit Check Reflections with Mrs. Mills and Mr. Montiel, and  3) Reconstructing our reputation in situations. We can’t wait to see MHS students reach and exceed their goals!
Page 28: Gobble, gobble—Thanksgiving spirit has arrived! From classroom celebrations to acts of kindness, our students are embracing the season with excitement. Thanksgiving reminds us how much we have to be grateful for—friendship, learning, and being part of a school community that lifts each other up. We’re thankful for our students’ curiosity, our staff’s dedication, and our families’ constant support. Wishing everyone a season filled with warmth, joy, and plenty of pumpkin pie!Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at ROWUSD!