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In the News
Best Practices in Education Series:
- "Rocklin USD: Best Practices in Education", a show made possible by Studio Movie Grill!
Media Links:
Spring View Middle School, Good Day Sacramento: "Mona Lisa Art Project"
Antelope Creek Elementary School, The Placer Herald: "Rocklin Unified teachers learn to use the virtual classroom right along with their students"
Rocklin Unified School District, The Placer Herald: "Rocklin Unified donates 10,000 masks to Sutter Roseville"
Parker Whitney Elementary School, Good Day Sacramento: "Reading Time!"
Parker Whitney Elementary School, Mix 96 Sacramento: "Facebook Live: Distance Learning Experience"
Rocklin Unified School District, Comstock's Magazine: "Learning a Lot"
Rocklin Unified School District, Style Media Group: "What's Up in March 2020"
https://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3896812-walmart-charity-event/
http://www.kcra.com/article/rocklin-students-compete-in-mission-to-mars-competition/20062805
http://www.kcra.com/article/rocklin-teens-help-prevent-florida-school-shooting/19815425
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3833996-prom-dress-donations/
http://fox40.com/2018/03/27/district-theater-collecting-gently-used-prom-dresses-for-girls-in-need/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3829042-students-pour-paint/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3578090-high-school-metal-shop/
http://www.kcra.com/article/rocklin-girl-leads-effort-to-be-real-life-santas-to-others/14415606
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3816670-mock-trial/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3791690-history-of-egypt-kid-lesson/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3803570-rocklin-elementary/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3717803-victory-high-viewing-party-pt-2/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3715329-rocklin-high-25th-anniversary-pt-2/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3795889-rusd-rocks/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3795898-rusd-rocks-pt-2/
http://www.kcra.com/article/rocklin-high-school-donates-athletic-gear-to-santa-rosa-schools/14426359
http://fox40.com/2017/10/27/rocklin-brothers-tower-of-niceness-encourages-good-deeds/
http://www.kcra.com/article/previously-packed-rocklin-rivalry-basketball-game-returns/9083195
http://www.kcra.com/article/rocklin-students-compete-in-heartwarming-basketball-rivalry/9088522
http://www.kcra.com/article/rocklin-lunch-monitor-saves-choking-students-life/8947600
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3728689-students-honor-first-responders-pt-2/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3726237-teen-photographer-art-show/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3698359-paper-airplane-project/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3613420-vases-for-hospice/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3612785-zuzu-acrobats/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3516248-930-am-news-and-weather-updates/
http://www.kcra.com/article/rocklin-school-takes-hands-on-approach-to-teaching/6279619
http://fox40.com/2016/09/07/estem-program-at-granite-oaks-middle-school/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3504624-stem-demos/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3504764-stem-demos-pt-2/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3422698-city-of-rocklin-summer-camp/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3422748-city-of-rocklin-summer-camp-pt-2/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3711889-kids-get-new-chromebooks/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3408137-greek-olympics-day-pt-2/
http://www.kcra.com/article/rocklin-school-to-host-track-meet-for-special-needs-students/6266870
http://fox40.com/2016/05/18/special-needs-students-compete-in-unified-track-meet/
http://www.kcra.com/article/my58-superstars-bmx-racer-mckinsey-greer/6266534
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3400098-parker-whitney-kids-choir/
http://fox40.com/2016/05/06/rocklin-high-student-awarded-big-pge-scholarship/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3383968-s-t-e-m-expo/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3383986-s-t-e-m-expo-pt-2/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3364182-black-history-month-art/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3343072-kindergarten-science-lab-pt-2/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3332720-kid-run-breakfast/
The Sharp Brothers Encourage Acts of Kindness

Check out the Sharp brothers from Rock Creek Elementary: River and Ryder! Their Tower of Niceness project is so great, Fox 40 covered it!
http://fox40.com/2017/10/27/rocklin-brothers-tower-of-niceness-encourages-good-deeds/2nd Annual Unified RHS/WHS Basketball Game Attracts
Huge Supporting Crowd: Our Fantastic RUSD Family!




“ I was able to run the clock and had a good view of the court. It was the most fun that I have had at an event in a very long time. I want to thank Jenn Kaiser, Ryan Spears and their crew for putting on such a memorable game. It helped to remind me why I do the job that I do, and that it truly is 110% for the kids. To help them feel included and loved within our community. That happened at the Unified Basketball Game. My most favorite part was hearing the kids, students and staff from both school chant and cheer for both teams! I have never been more honored to work at such a wonderful place.” Louise Cranston-RHS RSP Teacher


“I want this really loud that way everyone can hear it. That way people out there who have a kid they would want to come.” Kamden-RHS student and Unified Athlete


Check out KCRA Anchor Mike Teselle Previews Unified basketball
http://www.kcra.com/article/previously-packed-rocklin-rivalry-basketball-game-returns/9083195
KCRA covers the actual event and anchors are amazing at their







Special thanks to RHS Music Boosters Board member and Parent Volunteer Laura Tolladay for this fantastic write up!
Luis Sanchez is a junior at Rocklin High School. He was first introduced to the trumpet at Rock Creek Elementary by Rocklin Unified School District Elementary Music Director Mike Hannickel (who has since retired). Mr. Hannickel played the the violin, clarinet, trombone and trumpet for all the 5th grade students, and the moment Luis heard the trumpet, he knew that was the instrument for him.
Luis told his Mom he wanted a trumpet, but she thought it would be a passing fancy, and the trumpet would end up under this bed collecting dust. But that wasn’t the case at all. Luis start playing with the school band in elementary school, then in middle school. And now in high school, Luis plays in the Marching, Symphonic and Jazz Bands at Rocklin High. With each school there was a different trumpet to play, a loaner from the school. But they were old, and worn out, and didn’t work very well.
The new trumpet, and his current loaner from the school

Luis and his trumpet fund penny jar

Last year The Music Store in Rocklin donated a brand new Jupiter Trumpet to the Rocklin High Music Boosters fundraiser. Luis bid on the trumpet, but was out-bid by another family. He was disappointed, but kept up his ruthless savings. Last week at school he found out The Music Store had donated a trumpet again this year, and he was very excited!


He paid for the trumpet (a donation for the Music Boosters donated by Rocklin’s Music Store). And Gian calmly walked over to Luis, put it down in front of him, and walked away. Luis couldn’t believe what just happened. He was in shock!


He gets inspiration from his favorite trumpet player, Arturo Sandovol. He prefers Big Band over more contemporary jazz, and also enjoys Louis Armstrong and Dizzy Gillespie.
When he’s not playing the trumpet he’s doing school work. But he also finds time to dance with the Ballet Folklorico Nube de Oro, which he’s been doing since he was 5. And this year he tried something new. He had a role in the Rocklin High Musical, Footloose. Luis has also been asked to play with a local Mariachi band, but he needs to put that off until the summer so he can concentrate on school.
After high school he wants to go to college, and take his trumpet with him.
Thanks Photography by Ryan D. Middleton for the great pictures!
Check out Good Day live coverage:

Rocklin Unified School District students are exposed to the Arts in many outstanding ways and at Sierra Elementary, Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) expert Mrs. Cynthia Brown, found a special way for the community to benefit from art class! She did this with the assistance of Petal Connection. It is a unique volunteer run non proft that creates beautiful bedside bouquets for the hospice patients using flowers and vases that are donated by different organizations. Jennifer from Petal Connection worked with the young students who created beautiful vases that no doubt made a difference in patient’s lives! The vases were delivered to hospice patients and care facilities throughout Sacramento and Placer counties. “We are doing this to help people who are on sad times to feel better,” said Carson, 6th grade student.









Check out live Good Day coverage:
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3613420-vases-for-hospice/
Zuzu Acrobats featured a mix of traditional high energy acrobatics such as fast pyramid building, chair balancing, limbo, comedy, tumbling, juggling, hoop diving and inspirational themed lecture. They told students what it was like to grow up poor in Mombasa and working very hard with the elders in their community to reach their goals. They taught the audience a few ki-Swahili words and shared their impressions of life in America!
Check out live Good Day show coverage:
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3612785-zuzu-acrobats/



The students from Yucai School in China are part of a unique foreign exchange program. They arrived on September 24th and are staying with 11 different families for 5 nights. Former Sunset Ranch Principal Jim Trimble opened the initial dialogue with the Yucai School last spring and set up the exchange for this year! Sunset ranch was chosen due to its status as a top performing and California Gold Ribbon School. Fox 40 came by to cover this amazing experience for the students and staff of both countries! (Thanks Photographer Nick and Fox 40)
-Running Bite
-Escort
-Search
-Search with reattack
-Stand off
-Vehicle extraction
-Field Interview
Special thanks to Rocklin Elementary School Dad and TSgt Kristopher W. Hall who brought this fantastic program to Rocklin Elementary Special thanks to TSgt. Hall and all the heroes at Beale Air Force Base.
Check out live TV coverage:
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3516248-930-am-news-and-weather-updates/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3422698-city-of-rocklin-summer-camp/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3422748-city-of-rocklin-summer-camp-pt-2/
Greg Daley, President, Rocklin Unified School District Board of Trustees,
Brianna Burns, ASB President - Granite Oaks Middle School and
Jay Holmes, Principal, Granite Oaks Middle School!
Project construction partner Carter-Kelly Inc.
Project architect partner California Design West Architects
Russ Powell/Economic and Planning Services
RUSD Board of Trustees:
Greg Daley
Susan Halldin
Wendy Lang
Todd Lowell
Camille Maben
GOMS Teacher Jeremy Waddell (2016 UC Davis C-STEM Teacher of the Year) UC Davis as the C-STEM teacher of the year
GOMS Honor band and Instructor Mary Dick
GOMS Parent Falcon Club
Craig Rouse, Senior Director-RUSD Facilities, Maintenance and Operations
Our Outstanding RUSD Facilities/Maintenance and Operations staff
Sue Wesselius/Former Director-RUSD Facilities, Maintenance and Operations
Juanita Fahnestock, Director-RUSD Nutrition Services
Our fantastic RUSD Nutrition Services Staff
Jeremy Jeffreys, M.A., Broadcasting Teacher, Rocklin High School
Jay Holmes, Principal-Granite Oaks Middle School
Jeff Christensen, Assistant Principal-Granite Oaks Middle School (2016 Placer County Secondary Co-Administrator of the Year)
The wonderful staff, students and families of Granite Oaks Middle School!
Check out live TV coverage:
KCRA 3
http://www.kcra.com/news/rocklin-school-takes-handson-approach-to-teaching/41547462
FOX 40
http://fox40.com/2016/09/07/estem-program-at-granite-oaks-middle-school/
GOOD DAY
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3504624-stem-demos/
http://gooddaysacramento.cbslocal.com/video/3504764-stem-demos-pt-2/



Antelope Creek Elementary Coach/Teacher Peter Davis: “I worked with the Simmons family at Antelope Creek when he was a student there. He began his "track and field" experiences on the field at AC with the flying Falcons. Adam Salinger, Jenn Dunn and myself coached the team for several years. He was a hard working and dedicated young man. Not surprised in the least to see him at the biggest stage for athletics. I'm certainly rooting for him.”
Antelope Creek 6th grade Language Arts/Social Studies Teacher Gloria Chesbro: “Cale was tall, quiet, great sense of humor. I also taught his twin brother and older sister Rachel. Wonderful family! So excited for Cale and the whole family.” This special note-Cale’s twin brother, Air Force 1st Lieutenant Rob Simmons also a standout athlete and pole vaulter is now a C-17 pilot stationed at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina. Their sister Rachel is also a pole vaulter and Air Force Academy graduate.
RHS Sr. English Teacher Angela Parker: “I’m so excited for Cale! I remember his quirky sense of humor and amazing work ethic! I also remember his dedication to the sport, so much so that he missed graduation to compete in the state championships. What an accomplishment for him!”
Antelope Creek Elementary Teacher Patricia Shier: “I too am very excited for Cale. I was Cale's Kindergarten teacher. He was always a sweet, smart, fun loving, terrific student. He was always very creative and inquisitive. I have had the privilege of working with the Simmons family many times. I had Cale in my class as well as two of his younger sisters. They are a fabulous family and I am so thrilled for Cale!
Speaking of terrific alumni, all our former students are appreciated! Are you one? If you are, let me know a favorite memory, staff member, class, experience! We love to take trips down memory lane with good thoughts of appreciation for our staff who work so hard to provide the educational excellence RUSD is known for!! Email me at dcapra@rocklin.k12.ca.us. Thanks!
And thanks Cale for providing the awesome pictures!
Check out the wonderful coverage Cale received in The Sacramento Bee: http://www.sacbee.com/sports/olympics/article88725027.html

Special needs students from Whitney, Rocklin and Woodcreek high schools took part in another unified sports event: A Track Meet! The first event was a tremendously successfully and exciting basketball game involving our terrific kids!
Right now only RHS, WHS and Woodcreek participate in Unified Sports. The future goal is to involve as many schools as possible! #rusdPROUD!



“It’s an incredible feeling when you know the stakeholders at PG&E are investing in your future,” said Navarro. “This is life changing for me. I can’t thank them enough.”
The unsuspecting senior was caught off guard in his A.P. Statistics class when camera crews arrived, along with school, RUSD and PG&E officials. PG&E Division Leadership Team Senior Manager Jacquelyn Lewis announced Navarro’s name and handed him a huge cardboard check. Navarro has enrolled in Advanced Placement classes since his sophomore year at Rocklin High, is captain of the tennis team, a member of Drug Abuse Resistance Education, and works as a private tutor. Navarro will study mechanical engineering at UCLA.
http://fox40.com/2016/05/06/rocklin-high-student-awarded-big-pge-scholarship/
http://www.pgecurrents.com/video/pge-surprises-student-father-with-big-scholarship/
“Students were inspired and amazed by our wonderful Super Scientists (parents and local community members) who shared their careers and hobbies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, said Science Teacher and Expo Coordinator Julie Leppek. “For the second year, I was again so impressed by the creative displays and demos that filled our multi-purpose room. Students were able to dust for fingerprints with the F.B.I., learn how to build a dam with a civil engineer, observe a 3-D Printer in action, participate in a live 3D game of Mine Craft operated by mini Raspberry Pi computers, operate a telescope, see how a power plant operates and so much more! I am so grateful for all the time and energy our super scientists donated to help make it such a fun event for our Valley View students,” Leppek said.
This year there were eight returning presenters including RUSD Board of Trustee President and Pilot Greg Daley. Daley kept the kid’s attention by showing them the science behind making a paper airplane and flying a real one!! Many presenters decided to bring an assistant or in some cases (EvoKnow Software, Inc.), bring their entire office staff of software engineers to come and talk to the Elementary 430 students. “It's exciting to see presenters want to return and continue to educate and inspire,” Leppek added. RUSD Superintendent Roger Stock, Deputy Superintendent Kathy Pon, Board of Trustee member Susan Halldin and our fantastic Teachers On Special Assignment (TOSA) ‘Tech Guy’ Ryan O’Donnell also attended. (Thanks Mr. O’Donnell for helping out the RUSD Communications and Community Engagement Department share all the fun on social media!)
The complete list of presenters/companies include: Saint Francis High School Robotics team, Printrbot’s Brook Drumm, EvoKnow Software, Inc., Astronomers Bob and Sondra Walczak, Pharmacists Dr. Brian Vu and Dr. Tricia Vu, Pilot Greg Daley, STEM animation expert Kate Hay, Energy 2001, Inc. Owner/President Laura Rasmussen, Solar Energy’s Matt Stoll-Bisagno, Veterinarians Dr. Kaur and Dr. Singh, Kristina Lopez from Umpqua Bank, mathematician John Boysen, local FBI agents, Laser eye specialist Scott Smith, Security technology expert Yvonne Glenn, Electric and computer engineer A.J. Camber, Senior Engineer/Project Civil Engineer Al Pelly, Creative Arts and Science expert Sofia Stoll-Bisagno.
RUSD Hosts National/State Privacy Experts at One of a Kind
Student Data Security and Confidentiality Workshop
New laws put the spotlight on more than just Digital Citizenship for School Districts
Recently, to build on this outstanding reputation, the District hosted the Gold Country CETPA (California Educational Technology Professionals Association) quarterly meeting which gathered national and state experts at the RUSD District Office. “RUSD is hoping to lead local schools in this important arena. More than 75 educators from 30 districts across six counties throughout Northern California attended this valuable all day workshop. We hope to help everyone understand and respond to parent’s concerns and increase confidence in technical products we choose for students and schools. Best practices, updates on student privacy and new legislation were also shared,” said Mike Fury, who also serves as current chair of the local CETPA chapter.
Internationally recognized non-profit iKeepSafe also supported the important event as a presenter. They serve as a major leader and advocate in the field of cyber safety and work with policy leaders, educators, technology experts in tracking global trends and issues surrounding digitally connected products and their affect on children. Through this network of support , their research drives the continuous creation of positive resources for parents , educators and policy makers who teach youths how to use new media devices and platforms in safe and healthy ways. “iKeepSafe recognizes exemplar leadership from Rocklin Unified School District and Gold Country CETPA. They have gathered key stakeholders engaged and invested in protecting student data privacy to work together to improve privacy practices and ensure products and contracts are compliant with new CA laws, " said Marsali S. Hancock, President, CEO iKeepSafe.
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