Welcome to the 2008-09 school year and to our new RUHS website!  We will be adding new information and links in the coming weeks.  Our goal is keep you updated with everything you need to know about RUHS.  The principal’s message will be used to highlight all the great things happening at RUHS, so check in regularly.  If you have comments or suggestions, please email me at mlittle@rbusd.org .

Under Construction – Measure C
We are still celebrating the passage of Measure C and the $94 million that will transform our campus in the next 5 years.  The first construction project will be the new tennis courts, an all weather track and  artificial turf on the football field.  This project will begin in May 2009 and run through the summer.  The completion goal is to be ready for our first home football game in September.

Graduation 2009 – Same Date, Same Time, New Location
Because Sea Hawk Bowl will be under construction, our 2009 graduation ceremony will be held on June 18th at 5:00 p.m. at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School.    We have researched many different locations, but the field at Peninsula will best allow us to bring all of the beautiful traditions to our commencement ceremony.  

New Administration Team – Good-bye and Hello
We have many changes in our administrative team. Dr. Nicole Wesley and Lars Nygren have been selected as the new principals at Adams and Parras Middle Schools, respectively.  We will miss them, but we send them our congratulations and wish them well in their new positions.

Shannon Rodriguez has decided to return to teaching.  You can find her in Room 823 teaching government and economics to our seniors.  While we will miss her leadership in the administrative team, we know that she will be an outstanding addition to the Social Science Department.

Please help me welcome our new assistant principals:  Megan Cassette, John Newman and Nermin Kamel.

Megan Cassette is returning to RUHS after 6 years as principal of Tulita Elementary School.  Mrs. Cassette brings her years of wisdom and experience to our team, and everyone is delighted to welcome her back.  One of her primary responsibilities will be special education.

John Newman is transitioning from special education teacher and tennis coach to assistant principal.  Prior to teaching at RUHS last year, Mr. Newman served as a special education teacher, activities director, class advisor, and tennis and baseball coach in the Bellflower Unified School District from 1999-2007. Mr. Newman will be heading up activities and technology.  He has already been at work on this new website.
 
Nermin Kamel has served as an English teacher and speech and debate director in the Norwalk/La Mirada Unified School District from 1998 to the present. In addition, Ms. Kamel serves as the statewide Vice-President of Activities for the California High School Speech Association and President of the Southern California Debate League.  She has been actively involved at La Mirada High School serving as WASC Co-Chair and member of the Shared Decision Making Council.  Ms. Kamel will be working with the counselors in the guidance department and coordinating our testing and assessment.

Thank You Parents
As we begin a new school year, I would like to personally thank all of our parents for the support they provide to our students and the school, including the passage of Measure C. Supportive parents are the cornerstone of a successful high school.  It is the partnership between parents and RUHS staff that enables our students to become prepared to pursue future educational, professional and career goals.   Working together we can provide a wonderful, high quality learning environment where all students can achieve success.  Thank you for helping RUHS go from Good to Great in 2008!

Sincerely,


Mary Little
Principal