Reef-Sunset Unified School District

March 2023 Communication

Superintendent's Message

Dear Reef-Sunset community, 

We are approaching an exciting time of year. Our students will soon be continuing their journey in their education by moving on to the next grade, or starting a new chapter in their lives by graduating from high school. 

We are proud to work with our students, teachers, staff, administrators and families

to create lasting, generational success in our community through education.

That is why we launched the Reef-Sunset Unified School District Education

Foundation. Our goal is to support the academic achievement and career

preparedness of our students, who are the future leaders of our community.

Through the Education Foundation, our school district can provide the

financial support students need to reach their dreams and achieve their

potential. 

When we all put our hearts and minds together to accomplish our goals, we can achieve so much! Our students deserve excellence, and as a caring and strong school community, we can make a difference and we will. Thank you for your support. 



Sincerely, 

Pat Sanchez 

Superintendent 

Watch a special message from Superintendent Sanchez

Supporting our Students with the RSUSD Education Foundation  

We invite you to join us and support the initiatives of the Reef-Sunset Unified School District Education Foundation. Promoting the academic achievement and career preparedness of our students is at the heart of the RSUSD Education Foundation, established in 2007. The funds are received from donations and gifts to the foundation to support programs and scholarships for students of the school district. 

It is crucial that our students receive the resources that will assist them, allow

them to have a successful learning experience and create various opportunities for a bright future. By working together, we can all make a difference in our students’ lives. 

We encourage to learn more about the RSUSD Education Foundation, by visiting our portal.

The Opportunities at the

Family Engagement Center! 

Our Family Engagement Centers provide a diverse set of services and meet with families by appointment only in Avenal and Kettleman City.

The services offered include: 

• Referral to Kings County Services 
• Help with academic resources for students and adults 
• Community Closet
• Food boxes 

Current projects include: 

• Surveying students, parents and staff to determine and prioritize needs. 
• Creating a District Community School’s Leadership team to review Community Schools Grant, present data and help determine needs and priorities. Composed of representation of each site by administrators, teachers, students and parents. 
• Collaborating with community partners to expand resources to our families and staff. A big thank you to our Avenal Police Department for the awesome Block Party on March 22. The RSMS GEAR-UP Health and Resource Fair on March 25 was a blast!  
• Visiting other school districts who have community schools. 
• Meeting with Kings County Behavioral Health to Coordinate Mental Health Services to students, parents and staff. 

Other Services: 

Fresno State Parent University Classes via Zoom 

Offering a list of options that are available monthly.  

4 week courses, 2 days a week. 

Registration information will be sent to parents via Parent Square monthly. The next set of courses start March 6 and 7, 2023, from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. 

Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC) 

Available for families to provide services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Classes are in Avenal, every 2nd Thursday of the month. No appointment needed. 

Location: Avenal Adult School, 205 N. Park Ave., Avenal, CA 

Hours: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm  

Tutoring Services for Reading for grades 4th-6th via BookNook 

These services will be provided online, live, with an adult through BookNook. They will be offered after school, 3 days a week for eight weeks. Students will be able to login at home or at the Family Engagement Center, whatever they prefer. A notification will be sent out to parents with information and registration link once dates are finalized. Please note that spaces are limited.  

Avenal Adult School 

Open Enrollment is now through April 28, 2023. Please register at 205 N. Park Ave. in Avenal, CA. Office hours are 7:30 am - 4:00 pm and by phone at 559-386-9083, ext. 1012. Evening hours are 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Offerings include: 

• English as a second language, morning and evening classes 
• High School Diploma (WASC accredited) (online) 
• Citizenship Preparation 
• Career Technical Education (CTE) Courses (vary throughout the year) 
• Typing Certification 

Avenal: Rooms 29-30 at Avenal High School (Monday-Friday) 

Kettleman City (coming soon): Satellite location in Room 1 at Kettleman City Elementary School (Tuesday & Thurs) 

Hours: 7:30 am-4:00 pm 

Phone number: (559) 717-0405 

Email: familycenter@rsusd.org 

Staff: 

Denise Benitez, Community Schools Intervention Coordinator 

Melanie Ruano, Community Schools Program Manager 

Jicela Soto, Avenal Adult School and Family Engagement Center Administrator 

Center Updates: 

Currently Ms. Melanie Ruano is at the Avenal location. Office hours are 7:30 am-4:00 pm. Families from Avenal and Kettleman City may be referred to her by calling 559-717-0405 or email familycenter@rsusd.org

Our Early Literacy Improvement Team 

RSUSD has an Early Literacy Improvement team working with California Education Partners to focus on supporting all students to become confident, fluent readers and writers  by the end of 2nd grade.

We are in the second year of this three-year partnership! 



Administrators and teachers from each school site are committed to working together to implement high-leverage instructional practices within the Comprehensive Literacy Framework. Teachers are currently focusing on daily phonological awareness instruction and daily dedicated writing sessions. These structures are part of our district vision for learning. 

Overall, STAR Early Literacy assessments show a 10.9% increase in the percentage of students scoring proficient from 2022-23 Fall reporting period to 2022-23 Winter reporting period. 

From Fall to Winter reporting period: 

• Kindergarten demonstrated a 16.8% increase 
• 1st grade demonstrated a 6.8% increase 
• 2nd grade demonstrated a 2.4% increase 

We appreciate everyone’s collaboration in the efforts to support our students’

learning process!  

State Honors Avenal High School with Exemplary Dual Enrollment and Distinguished California Partnership Academy Awards

Reef-Sunset Unified School District was awarded two important recognitions for their participation in pre-college and career opportunities for students.

Avenal High School has received an award from the California Department of Education for Exemplary Dual Enrollment. The award recognizes schools for their quality, equity driven Dual Enrollment programming and allows these schools to share the practices that have contributed to their success.

47% of Avenal High School students are enrolled in Dual Enrollment, which provides them with the opportunity to take UC/CSU transferable college courses to earn college credit and high school A-G credit. Currently, eighteen sections of UC/CSU transferable courses are taught by faculty from California Community College’s West Hills Community College District-Coalinga Campus.

Avenal High School has also received the title of Distinguished California Partnership Academy (CPA) for their Wonderful Agriculture Career Preparatory Program. The award is bestowed based on unambiguous criteria, including strict adherence to the CPA model, implementation of all model components and known best practices, and providing opportunities for students that go above and beyond those required by statute. Avenal High School was selected as a Distinguished CPA out of 400 CPA schools statewide.

The Wonderful Agriculture Career Prep Program allows students to graduate from high school with up to two years of tuition-free college coursework, earning students an associate degree and over 200 hours of employment experience. Students’ options upon graduation include entering the skilled workforce with a guaranteed job, continuing at a community college, or enrolling at a four-year college or university as a junior.

95% of students enrolled in the Avenal High Wonderful Agriculture Career Prep Program are first-generation college candidates and more than 95% are Latino or African American. Currently, Avenal High school has a school-wide enrollment of 762 students, the largest ever. Almost half of the students participate in dual enrollment courses. 26% percent of those registered with dual enrollment courses signed up for the Wonderful Agriculture Career Prep Program as well.

“The beauty of our Wonderful Agriculture Career Prep Program is its accessibility to all students,” said Silvia Maldonado, Principal, Avenal High School. “The program continues to allow first-generation students to receive a head start on their college education and create a culture of high expectations throughout our school district. Thank you to the California Department of Education for recognizing the hard work of our CPA team, staff, students, and families.”

“Dual Enrollment is an important way to expand educational opportunities, improve our community, and improve economic mobility while helping to meet California’s growing workforce needs. Students can take charge of their futures, get a head start on college, and set themselves up for success,” said Maldonado.

“We are very proud of our school district’s Dual Enrollment partnership with West Hills College Coalinga,” said Pat Sanchez, Superintendent. “We look forward to strengthening the pathway for all our students to receive college opportunities. We also recognize Wonderful Agriculture Career Prep Program for their belief in our community, and their commitment to our students’ education and career opportunities. The partnerships between Reef-Sunset and our local business and academic institutions are prime examples of what it means to invest in your community to support future generations.” Congratulations!

Moving Forward with Facilities Improvements 

We continue advancing with our projects to improve schools and premises for a better learning experience! Supporting our students with a welcoming environment is a priority at RSUSD. Please see below some of the projects we finalized these past months: 

• The fence around the pool at Kettleman City Elementary has been completed. 
• A freezer and concrete have been installed at Tamarack Elementary School. 
• The Metal Shop/Wood Shop Building at Avenal High School has been painted. 
• New cabinetry has been installed in the Avenal High School cafeteria. 
• New lighting has been installed at Avenal Elementary School. 
• Repairs have been made after severe flooding at Avenal High School impacted the new gym and old gym. 



We are committed to investing in the facilities that foster and embrace a great experience for our students, staff and families. 

Folkloric Dancing, Mariachi, and the Responsible Athletes Program 

The inaugural Responsible Athletes Program (RAP) Basketball Academy kicked off with huge success. We had 158 student-athletes participate, making 18 teams in total. This surpassed our team goals for the season. We had five teams for the peewee division (TK-1st) which comprised of three teams from AES, one team from TES and one team from KC. The Grizzlies led by Coach Beto went undefeated to finish the season. 

The junior division (2nd & 3rd) had six teams. Three from AES, two from TES, and one from KC. The Grizzlies (TES) led by Coach Johnny and Warriors (AES) led by Coach Jacky went into triple overtime in the semifinals where the Knicks (TES) led by Coach Dominick waited for the winner. Knicks were able to cap the season undefeated by overcoming the Warriors in the championship game. 

Lastly, the senior division (4th-6th) was comprised of seven teams. Four teams from AES, two teams from TES, and one from KC. The semifinal games had the Grizzlies (AES) beating the Bucks (AES) to face the winner of the Knicks (TES) and the Rockets (TES). The Knicks were trailing the whole game until a last second shot made by Juan Martinez eventually gave them the win and kept the undefeated season alive. Which brought us to the championship game between the Grizzlies led by Coach Emmanuel vs the Knicks led by Coach Sam. Hard fought game between both squads and eventually the Grizzlies came out on top over the Knicks. 

Congratulations to this Basketball season RAP Academy student-athletes and a special recognition to the selected All Stars. Now, we are looking forward to a phenomenal soccer season! 

Our Folkloric Dancing Program keeps advancing with rhythm! Folkloric Dancing is offered as part of our expanded learning after school program for grades TK-5. Students participate in learning dances and then a performance is hosted for family and friends to showcase our students' talent.  The Folkloric Dance program is offered at each elementary school throughout the year. Kettleman City participated earlier this school year and Tamarack Elementary is currently holding Folkloric Dance.  Any student who would like to participate may register for the after school program at their school site; it is open to all students. 

We are so proud of our new Mariachi Program! The musical talent of our students is developing with every class, while they learn and practice with the different instruments provided. Students participating are from Avenal High School, Reef-Sunset Middle School, and Kettleman City Elementary School. 

Thank you all for your support for our programs, which enrich our students’ lives and their social-emotional experiences. 

Health, Resources and Career Fair

at Reef-Sunset Middle School 

In partnership with Gear Up, we held a very successful Health, Resources and Career Fair at Reef-Sunset Middle School! Over 100 families showed up and around 30 organizations participated in an event that included health screenings, COVID-19 and flu vaccinations, and diabetes education workshops. The community was also connected with resources and employment opportunities.  

The Adventist Mobile Care Unit provided free services and United Health Centers administered vaccines. Valley Voices also handed out home COVID-19 tests. West Hills College-Lemoore nursing students were there to answer questions about the nursing program and were also checking blood pressure. Cal/OSHA shared information and resources for workers. 

The Responsible Athletes Program, funded by the school district, handed out shirts and signed up students for their program that combines athletics and academic support through tutoring. The district’s Family Engagement Center and Adult School distributed information about the services they offer. There were many more organizations present, including the Avenal Police Department and California Highway Patrol, connecting with the community and sharing job opportunities. Thank you so much to everybody for making this fair such a fantastic event! 

Thank You for Participating in the Spelling Bee! 

We are so proud of our students that competed on this year’s Spelling Bee at District and County level! Our RSUSD students competed against the best spellers from all over the county! There were approximately 18 participants per grade level, 2 of which were from our school district. We had site Spelling Bee Coordinators, parents, family members, and district personnel attend the County Spelling Bee which took place at the Presentation Center (Lemoore High School) in Lemoore, CA. Our Spelling Bee Coordinators were: 

Debbie Adams (TES) 

Adelina Mora (KCES) 

Robert Boehn (AES) 

Sarah de La Paz (RSMS) 

Each day of the competition, students were praised for their accomplishment of making it to the county level of the competition. The spelling master, Mr. Jeff Frasieur did a wonderful job of helping students feel at ease when sitting in front of all the adults that were in reality, cheering for them all. 

Our students represented the district well! In the county Spelling Bee, of our 16 students that competed, we had our 6th grade student Jacob Aguilera (from KCES) place 2nd and our 1st grade student Adelaiza Gamboa (from AES) place 3^rd. Student Juan Ayala (3rd grade/AES) placed 5th. Other students placed from 7th through 18th. 

Mrs. Lopez (parent) said: "I am very proud of Juan, for his dedication and hard work he put into getting ready for the Spelling Bee. As a parent, sitting in the audience was nerve wracking but the life skills he is being exposed to, that in life he will not always win and still be okay, will help him later in life." 

Mrs. Llamas commented: “I applaud the hard work our students, along with their families and coaches, put into preparing for the Spelling Bee. The valuable lessons gained through this experience are only the beginning of their unlimited potential.” 

Ms. Mora said: “As for me, I enjoy being part of the Spelling Bee each year. It gives students an opportunity to showcase their spelling talents. My students work hard throughout the year to prepare, however, they go to the Spelling Bee knowing that in the end, winning the competition would be great but it’s okay to not place. As long as they’ve participated, given it their all, and had a good time, then that in itself is a win for us here at KCES.” 

Nayeli (student), when asked about her experience with the Spelling Bee, she responded, “Spelling Bee was fun! I liked competing with other 3rd graders from other schools.” What does she like most? “Spelling words that most 3rd graders can’t spell yet made me feel good.” When asked if she’d take part in the Spelling Bee again, she said: “I would do this again.” 

Congratulations everyone! 

Enrollment and Early Learning:

Advancing Together 

Reef-Sunset Unified School District is welcoming new students! Early Learning is a crucial step in the education of every child. Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a developmentally and age-appropriate curriculum. TK does not replicate preschool or kindergarten. It addresses the child’s language, literacy, and pre-math skills with an emphasis on social and emotional development. Getting a strong start is very important. 

Who can attend Transitional Kindergarten? 

With the rollout of California’s Universal TK, children who turn 5 from September 2, 2023 through April 2, 2024 are eligible to enroll in TK for the 2023-24 school year. 

My child has a birthday that falls within the TK age-eligibility window. Can my child skip TK and enroll directly in Kindergarten?  

No. We strictly adhere to the age eligibility requirements for a child to enroll in kindergarten. A child must turn 5 on or before September 1, 2023 to enroll in kindergarten for the 2023-24 school year. 

What will the Transitional Kindergarten program look like for my child? 

The TK program is taught by credentialed teachers and runs 5 days a week at each school site. TK offers a developmentally appropriate curriculum that allows students to explore, create, and learn through purposeful play based activities. Social emotional, fine motor, and academic skills are all integrated in this hands-on program to build a strong foundation for meeting the rigor of kindergarten the following year. 

How is TK different from Kindergarten? 

TK is a bridge from Preschool to Kindergarten. It does not replace kindergarten. The TK curriculum provides a bridge for our young five year olds between the flexible, exploration based environment of preschool and the more structured academic setting of kindergarten. It promotes each child’s progress in all areas where they develop and practice the social, emotional and physical skills that support and naturally accompany a child’s intellectual growth. 

Is TK mandatory? 

TK is not a mandatory grade. Families with students whose birthdays fall within the TK birthday guidelines (above) have the option to enroll in TK or keep their child in preschool. Many of you are familiar with the Reef- Sunset Preschool Program and we encourage you to view their programs. 

RSUSD Preschool Registration 

Enrollment packets are available at the Preschool office 

Patty Gonzalez, Preschool Director. Email: pgonzalez@rsusd.org 

559-386-5173 ext 3087 

For more information you may call the principal at your elementary school: 

Blanca Rodriguez Vargas, Avenal Elementary - (559) 386-5173 

Kristi Castillo, Tamarack Elementary - (559) 386-4051 

Ana Rosas, Kettleman City Elementary - (559) 386-5702 

Additional information regarding Transitional Kindergarten can be found in Education Code Section 48000.  

For more information, please call (559) 386-9083.