Newsletter - The Slate - March 2026

  Rocklin Unified's Prize Patrol Surprises 10 Certificated and Classified Employees of the Year The Rocklin Unified School District announces the selection of its 10 Certificated and Classified Employees of the Year. This prestigious distinction recognizes personnel who have demonstrated exemplary dedication, professional leadership, and a significant, positive impact on student outcomes. The following individuals exemplify the highest standards of excellence in the 2025-26 school year: Rebecca Duke, Sunset Ranch Elementary – Teacher of the Year – Elementary  Michael Trejo, Rocklin High School – Teacher of the Year – Secondary   Pam Cano, Whitney High School – Clerical and Administrative Classified Employee of the Year  Mary Carter, Whitney High School – Paraprofessional Services Classified Employee of the Year  Jose Cruz, Whitney High School – Custodial and Maintenance Services Employee of the Year  Linda Marcarian, Granite Oaks Middle School – School Counselor of the Year  Linda Brown, Valley View Elementary – Health and Student Services Classified Employee of the Year  Roy VanKempen, RUSD Transportation Department – Transportation Services Classified Employee of the Year Chris Barnett, RUSD Department of Facilities, Maintenance and Operations – Technical Services Classified Employee of the Year  TC Kearney-Porter, RUSD Department of Facilities, Maintenance and Operations – Skilled Trades Services Classified Employee of the Year Learn more! Art and Essay Contests to Celebrate USA's 250th Anniversary In honor of the United States’ 250th Anniversary, the Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) is hosting two commemorative contests to engage students in a reflection on the nation’s history, culture, and future. These opportunities allow students across all grade levels to showcase their creativity and critical thinking. Learn more!   Rocklin High and Granite Oaks Middle School Honored as 2026 California Distinguished Schools Rocklin Unified is proud to announce that Rocklin High School and Granite Oaks Middle School have been named 2026 California Distinguished Schools. The California Distinguished Schools program celebrates schools that demonstrate excellence in one of three categories: Exemplary High Achievers, Achievement Gap Closers, or Beacons of Opportunity (a newly introduced category). Learn More!   RUSD Tech Administrator Honored During ACSA Region 2 Gala The Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) is proud to announce that Ryan Johnson, RUSD’s Chief Technology Officer, has been honored with the prestigious Technology Administrator Award by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 2. As a recipient of the Region 2 award, Johnson has been officially named a finalist for the Statewide ACSA Administrator of the Year award, placing him among the top educational technology leaders in California. Learn more!   Honoring a Legacy: The Marge Crawford Gymnasium Dedication Join the Rocklin Unified community as we honor the life and leadership of former Spring View Middle School Principal, Marge Crawford. The ceremony will feature a special memorial program and the formal unveiling of a commemorative plaque dedicating the gymnasium to her. Event Details: Date: Thursday, April 23 Time: 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM Location: Spring View Middle School Gymnasium Movers and Shakers At the March 4, 2026 Board Meeting, the Peters family from Antelope Creek Elementary received the Family Partners in Education Recognition for their exceptional dedication and service. The family has played an important role by volunteering on committees and contributing to school events. Click the image to watch!   Jessie Nibley from Parker Whitney Elementary received the Family Partners in Education Recognition during the March 18, 2026, Board of Trustees Meeting for her outstanding leadership and support of school events. Jessie helps to ensure student participation and inclusion for all. Click the image to watch!   Important Dates: March 30 - April 3: No School - Spring Break April 6: No School - Staff Development Day April 22: RUSD Board of Trustees Meeting April 30: Granite Oaks Middle School Minimum Day - Open House Quick Links: Board Meeting Agendas/Minutes and Schedule Current RUSD Job Openings (Certificated) Current RUSD Job Openings (Classified) District-Approved Flyers

Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Newsletter - The Slate - February 2026

  Art and Essay Contests to Celebrate USA's 250th Anniversary In honor of the United States’ 250th Anniversary, the Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) is hosting two commemorative contests to engage students in a reflection on the nation’s history, culture, and future. These opportunities allow students across all grade levels to showcase their creativity and critical thinking. Learn more!   RUSD Announces Safety and Facilities Improvements Through Community-Driven Initiative Rocklin Unified has launched a significant "One-Time District Safety & Facilities Project," a multi-million dollar initiative designed to enhance campus environments and student safety. The project represents a total investment of $7.15 million aimed at upgrades beyond routine maintenance. Under the leadership of the RUSD Board of Trustees, the school board allocated $5.65 million specifically for site-based improvements and an additional $1.5 million for district-wide safety enhancements. To ensure fair distribution, funding was determined using a methodology that accounted for site type, school age, enrollment figures, and the percentage of unduplicated pupils. Learn More!   Three Rocklin Unified Leaders Honored at ACSA Region 2 Administrators of the Year The Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) announced today that three of its administrators have been named "Administrators of the Year" by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 2. These prestigious awards recognize outstanding performance and achievement by individual administrators in support of public education. The honorees were selected for their exceptional leadership in three distinct categories: Danielle Lauer, Principal of Spring View Middle School, was named Middle Grades Principal of the Year. Lesley Holmes, RUSD Director of Special Education and Support Programs, was named Special Education Administrator of the Year. Ryan Johnson, RUSD Chief Technology Officer, was named Technology Administrator of the Year. Learn More!   Rocklin Secures $2.5 Million to Purchase Six New Electric School Buses The Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) Board of Trustees has authorized the purchase of six new zero-emission electric school buses. While $1.3 million in grant funds fully covers the cost of three new electric buses, the remaining three are funded through a combination of grants and district contributions. Three electric buses have been ordered and are expected to be delivered in 2026, with 11 electric buses already serving students. Learn More!   Opportunity to Participate in Math Curriculum Review The Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) values the input of our educational partners. This message is to inform you of an opportunity to review Mathematics instructional materials for grades Kindergarten through 12 (Integrated 3).  The two Curriculum Review Teams will include site administrators, teachers, and parents/guardians: K-6 Elementary Team 7-12 Secondary Team Click to Learn More & to Sign Up   Students Taking College Course on High School Campuses Rocklin High School students are gaining real-world insight into the criminal justice system through a new dual-enrollment course that offers hands-on learning and college credit. Offered in partnership with the Rocklin Police Department and Sierra College, the course helps students explore public safety careers and learn directly from professionals in the field. Whitney High offered this course during the fall semester. Be sure to visit either Rocklin High School's or Whitney High School's website to learn about the variety of dual enrollment courses each campus offers, so your student can possibly earn college credit! Movers and Shakers The Avila family of Quarry Trail Elementary received the Family Partners in Education Recognition for the valuable school support they provide by volunteering in classrooms and assisting teachers with essential tasks.  Click the image to watch!   Important Dates: March 4: RUSD Board of Trustees Meeting March 5: Spring View Middle School Minimum Day - Open House March 13: Minimum Day Grades TK-6 March 18: RUSD Board of Trustees Meeting March 23-27: Parent/Teacher Conferences / Minimum Days - Grades TK-6 March 30 - April 3: No School - Spring Break April 6: No School - Staff Development Day April 30: Granite Oaks Middle School Minimum Day - Open House Quick Links: Board Meeting Agendas/Minutes and Schedule Current RUSD Job Openings (Certificated) Current RUSD Job Openings (Classified) District-Approved Flyers

Thursday, Feb 26 2026

Art and Essay Contests to Celebrate USA’s 250th Anni...

Dear Rocklin Unified Students, Staff, and Families, In honor of the  United States’ 250th Anniversary , the Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) is hosting two commemorative contests to engage students in a reflection on the nation’s history, culture, and future. These opportunities allow students across all grade levels to showcase their creativity and critical thinking. Art Contest: Theme:   “250 Years of America: Past, Present, and Future” The Art Contest encourages students to explore and express their understanding of U.S. values through visual media. Eligibility:  All K–12 students, divided into categories: K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12. Guidelines:  *  Medium:  Painting, drawing, or mixed media. Size:  Maximum 18x24 inches. Artist Statement:  Students may include a 50–100-word explanation of their work. Judging Criteria:  Entries will be evaluated on creativity, relevance to the theme, technical skill, and overall impact. Deadline:  April 15, 2026. Artwork may be dropped off with the school principal’s secretary or at the District Office (2615 Sierra Meadows Drive, Rocklin, CA 95677) Essay Contest: Theme:   “250 Years of the American Journey: Past Lessons and Future Dreams” The Essay Contest aims to improve writing skills while encouraging research into historical events, figures, and civic values. Eligibility:  Students in grades 3–12 (Elementary: 3–5; Middle: 6–8; High School: 9–12). Guidelines:  *  Length:  500–750 words (Grades 3–8) or 750–1,000 words (Grades 9–12). Requirements:  Essays must be typed, double-spaced, and cite at least two credible sources. Judging Criteria:  Submissions will be judged on clarity, historical accuracy, originality, and the effective use of evidence. Deadline:  April 15, 2026. Essays may be emailed to  RUSDCommunications@rocklinusd.org  or dropped off at the school principal’s secretary's office.  Recognition and Timeline: Winners from both contests will be announced and celebrated in May 2026. Exhibition:  Winning artwork will be displayed at schools, the District Office, and online. Selected essays may be featured in the district newsletter and website. Recognition Event:  A special event will take place on  May 27, 2026 . Student Presentations:  During the ceremony, art winners will discuss their inspiration, and essay winners will read excerpts from their winning pieces. Official Launch of the Art Contest and Essay Contest:  February 25, 2026 Submission Deadline:  April 15, 2026 Awards Ceremony:  May 27, 2026 Please email  RUSDCommunications@rocklinusd.org  with any questions. Sincerely, Rocklin Unified School District 2615 Sierra Meadows Drive, Rocklin, CA 95677 | (916) 624-2428

Wednesday, Feb 25 2026

Opportunity to Participate in Grades K-12 (through I...

Dear Rocklin Unified Families, The Rocklin Unified School District (RUSD) values the input of our educational partners. This message is to inform you of an opportunity to review Mathematics instructional materials for grades Kindergarten through 12 (Integrated 3).  This selection process involves a comprehensive evaluation that follows California Education Code 60002, “Guidance for Local Instructional Materials Adoptions,” and RUSD’s Board Policy 6161.1.  The two Curriculum Review Teams will include site administrators, teachers, and parents/guardians, and will meet on the following dates: K-6 Elementary Team:  April 6, 15, 20. 7-12 Secondary Team:  April 6, May 1, 12. Meetings will focus on: RUSD’s Mathematics Vision Statement Foundational learning of the 2023 California Mathematics Framework Review of the Instructional Materials Evaluation Toolkit Evaluation of sample instructional materials Families interested in participating in this adoption process may complete this  Google Form  by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026. Selected participants will be notified via email by Thursday, March 18, 2026, following the conclusion of a lottery-style selection process to determine team members.  Families who are unable to participate in the curriculum review process will still have an opportunity to share their feedback during the public review period scheduled for the 2026-27 school year. Thank you for your continued support and your participation in ensuring our students' success. Please contact Danielle Martling, RUSD’s Program Specialist, with any questions at  DMartling@rocklinusd.org .  Sincerely, Rocklin Unified School District   2615 Sierra Meadows Drive, Rocklin, CA 95677 | (916) 624-2428 [Monday, Mar 9 at 8:28 AM] Don't forget: Families interested in participating in this adoption process are encouraged to complete the Google Form by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026. The link is included in this message.

Tuesday, Feb 24 2026

You're Invited to Rocklin Elementary's GATE Discover...

Dear Families and Legal Guardians of GATE students:  You are receiving this message because your child has been identified as a GATE student, and we have openings in Rocklin Elementary's GATE self-contained classrooms. Please complete this form   if you are interested in having your GATE child entered into our Self-Contained GATE classrooms at Rocklin Elementary starting in Fall 2026. The deadline to complete the form is Friday, March 13, 2026, at 3 p.m.   Additional information on how to view our recorded lottery will be sent to those who complete the lottery form. Acceptance to the Self-Contained class at Rocklin Elementary is on a space-available basis, and if a space becomes available, you are not obligated to accept it.    In addition, you are invited to attend Rocklin Elementary School's GATE Discovery Night  f or an opportunity to learn about our Self-Contained GATE program and experience what learning looks like. Bring the whole family and join us for some fun, information, and prizes! Who:   Recently identified GATE students and families Date:   Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 Time:   6:00 - 7:30 PM Location:   Rocklin Elementary Multipurpose Room, 5025 Meyers Street, Rocklin, CA  95677. CLICK HERE  to RSVP to attend the GATE Discovery Night. Sincerely, Rocklin Unified School District   2615 Sierra Meadows Drive, Rocklin, CA 95677 | (916) 624-2428 [Tuesday, Feb 24 at 3:21 PM] We understand that some families may have experienced issues with the RSVP link. We’ve resolved the technical glitch. Please use the updated link below to confirm your attendance: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPVWhaZ7cYd_MebLivHLgIgsuDYgJ22rbrfE1Cu2SPIM-Mug/viewform

Tuesday, Feb 24 2026