GIANO INTERMEDIATE RECEIVES NATIONAL BEST COMMUNITIES AWARD
FOR MUSIC EDUCATION
The arts are thriving at Giano Intermediate and the school has earned national recognition from The NAMM Foundation for its commitment to music education.
Giano Intermediate School has been honored with the 2021 Best Communities for Music Education award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Giano Intermediate is one of only 80 schools nationwide to receive this award and only 10 schools in California selected. Now in its 22nd year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Giano Intermediate went through a rigorous application process and information was verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“We are very proud that Giano Intermediate is the ONLY middle school in the state to be selected for this recognition,” said Giano Principal Carlos Ochoa. “I could not feel more proud of the transformative ideas and efforts our Music Teacher Jennifer Trujillo has brought to the Giano community. The title of this award BEST captures her impact. We truly are the Best Community for Music Education!”
 
When Giano Music Teacher Jennifer Trujillo (pictured below) started at Giano in 2018, there were 24 students in the band and 13 students in the mariachi. Now the program is thriving with almost 200 students involved in the music program taught by her, including band, choir, orchestra, mariachi, color guard and drumline!
“We have a truly magical setting here at Giano: the entire school community, from administrators to teachers to parents and students; really and truly supports our music program," said Trujillo.

"Our principal, Carlos Ochoa, had a vision to build a robust and strong music program where our kids could be welcomed for who they are and bring their talents to another level, while being in a safe, family-like environment to create and learn -- and I felt that it was time that the country knew what was going on here,” said Trujillo.

“I may be the only music teacher on campus, but it really takes everyone in the community to make something like this happen. What we have achieved together in such a short time is nothing short of amazing.”
Giano Intermediate Music Maven, Jennifer Trujillo.
RUSD music educators from across the District share their innovative work and passion for music education - interviews with Giano's Jennifer Trujillo, along with District Visual and Performing Arts Program Specialist Bryant Aquino, Elementary Music Educator Brian Cerjak, and Alvarado Music Educator Kevin Chang.
VIRTUAL IB STUDENT ART EXHIBITION TONIGHT AT 6 PM
The community is invited to Rowland High School's International Baccalaureate Student Art Exbition TONIGHT, Friday, April 30 at 6 PM. The event will be held virtually and will feature 20 art students, many who will be attending prestigious art colleges. The show will include works from junior AP and IB students as well. Join us on Facebook.com/Rowlandhs. 
Excited to Welcome Students Back on Campuses This Week
Across the District the sound of students' joy echoed on campuses. This week was the first week for in-person support services in the afternoon. Don't miss the latest news on Twitter @RowlandSchools #WeAreRUSD
@YbarraAcademy A successful first two days of welcoming back our TK-8th grade students. What a joy it was to see students excitement in coming back. @RowlandSchools #WeAreRUSD
@Villacortarusd Getting ready to welcome our Vikings back. So excited to see your smiling faces! We missed you!! #RUSDStrong #vikingsquad
ALVARADO VIDEO @AIS_Principal It's SO great to have our students and staff back on campus!! Blessed, lucky, and grateful are some of the words that come to mind! Return of the Matadors!!!!! We're baaaaaaaaaack!!! @AIS_AP_Villa @jdelavigne_rusd @AISMatadors @AlvaradoPtsa @RowlandSchools
@hollingworth_el We are SUPER EXCITED to welcome back students for In-Person Support for the next five weeks! WE ARE READY!!
@peaches Miss Stephanie Killian Kinder Ss successfully completed their sight word challenge for the day! As a prize bonus they requested a visit from our (unofficial) class pet. Meet Peanuts the guinea pig. @killianschool
@WestHeidemarie Another great day in person with these @HawkPride535
So many were eager to share their strategy during our number-talk The time together was filled with hands-on experiences! #weAreRusd @RowlandSchools

April 30, 2021 Issue RUSD News Editor gward@rowlandschools.org
Proud to Serve Our Communities of Rowland Heights, La Puente, Walnut & West Covina
www.RowlandSchools.org