Rorimer Royals Stay Connected...
By Dr. Celia Munguia,
Rorimer Elementary Principal

Wanting to stay connected with the Rorimer community during these difficult times, Rorimer teachers and staff united to organize a car parade throughout the neighborhood. Organized by Mrs. Cervantes (3rd grade Dual teacher) and Mr. Lopez (Computer Tech), the event took place on May 1.

The Rorimer team met at the school parking lot and were welcomed at the entrance by students and their families with “We Miss You” posters. A caravan of 19 cars decorated with balloons and posters visited every street in the Rorimer community.

"We wanted to surprise our students and their families, but I think they truly surprised us! Every single street was full of families waving at us with amazing posters, smiles and cheers… everyone was just so happy! The welcome that we received was heartwarming. Most of all, parents thanked us for passing by. It was so nice to see the Rorimer community come together," said Rorimer Elementary Principal Dr. Munguia.
Afterward parents emailed teachers thanking them for this parade. One student shared that for one moment, she forgot about what was going on in the world and was just so happy to see the Rorimer staff. She wrote, “This was one of the happiest days of my life.”  

"I am so grateful to have a staff that truly goes out of their way for our students. Not just for this event, but all year long," said Munguia. "Our staff truly cares about our students and the community and it was so apparent that the feeling was reciprocated."
Support Our Students! Watch First Virtual District String Music Concert May 30 at 6 PM
Rowland High School Senior Wins $40,000
College Board Scholarship
John A. Rowland High School Senior Waseem Salamah was one of 25 high school senior student winners from across the nation that earned a $40,000 College Board Opportunity Scholarship .

Students were rewarded for completing all six college planning steps laid out in the College Board Opportunity Scholarships Program . Juniors (Class of 2021) students can take part in next year’s $40,000 Complete Your Journey scholarship by July 31.

"This scholarship means the world to me because I could now pursue my dream in becoming a pilot and I plan on doing this by attending Mt. San Antonio College to pursue a career in Aviation,” said Salamah.

Pictured: Waseem Salamah, Rowland High School Senior College Board Scholarship Winner.
“I am very thankful to all the Rowland High School staff and teachers who told me about this scholarship and encouraged me to take the journey. Without them and the support of my parents, I would not have been a part of this scholarship opportunity," said Salamah. "Thank you to the College Board for this scholarship, you will forever be a reason for my success.”

Research shows that completing specific steps helps clarify the complex college planning process, especially for low-income and first-generation students. Class of 2021 students who opt in now and get started by building their college list on BigFuture by July 31 will be eligible for the next $40,000 Complete Your Journey scholarship.

“We are so proud of Waseem and all the students who demonstrated the importance of college planning by taking one or more of the six steps laid out in this first of its kind scholarship program. It is great to see those efforts and planning rewarded,” said Mitchell. “We encourage all of our high school juniors to sign up for these scholarships and begin qualifying for invaluable aid during these challenging times.”


To qualify for the Complete Your Journey $40,000 College Board Opportunity scholarship drawing, participants completed these 6 college planning steps:

  1. Build Your College List: Students get started by exploring colleges they’re interested in (700 Build Your College List scholarships, each worth $500)
  2. Practice for the SAT: Students use Official SAT® Practice on Khan Academy® (1,500 Practice for the SAT scholarships, each worth $1,000)
  3. Improve Your Score: Students show how practice pays off by improving their scores (150 Improve Your Score scholarships, each worth $2,000)
  4. Strengthen Your College List: Students make sure their list has a mix of reach, match, and safety schools (300 Strengthen Your College List scholarships, each worth $500)
  5. Complete the FAFSA: Students fill out the free government form to apply for financial aid (800 Complete the FAFSA® scholarships, each worth $1,000)
  6. Apply to Colleges: Students apply to the colleges they want to attend (500 Apply to Colleges scholarships, each worth $1,000)

For further information, visit collegeboard.org.
Nogales High Holds Virtual Senior Signing Ceremony
By J. Carlo Marquez, AP of Nogales
On Friday, May 1,
Nogales High School held their first virtual College Signing Day. "College Signing Day" is a day to celebrate students who plan to pursue education / training beyond high school and inspire them to take the steps necessary to achieve their dreams. Due to COVID-19 and stay at home orders, the event was streamed live on Instagram, where hundreds of friends, family, and our Rowland Unified community were able to witness the event. Students gave thanks to their friends and family and each participating senior announced the college or university they have committed to attend in Fall 2020. It was an honor to watch and celebrate our students and their post-secondary commitments.  
Free Meals Holiday Change: Tuesday May 26
May 19, 2020 Issue RUSD News Editor gward@rowlandschools.org
Proud to Serve Our Communities of Rowland Heights, La Puente, Walnut & West Covina
www.RowlandSchools.org