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Dear Rosemead Families and Community,

This morning, I accepted an invitation from The Peers, a student band at Janson Elementary. I had a great time jamming with the kids at their last assembly of the year, and it reminded me how a strong elementary music program is an investment we need to make in the future. I’ve played instruments my entire life, and I do not doubt that being able to play an instrument can be a contributor to academic success. Research has consistently shown that students who participate in music education demonstrate stronger skills in areas such as reading, mathematics, memory, attention, and problem-solving. Music instruction develops discipline, perseverance, pattern recognition, and critical thinking while engaging multiple areas of the brain simultaneously. Coupled with the work Melissa Fuentes is already doing at the middle school level, we are on a path to success.

Beginning later this week and into next week, all of our schools will be promoting students to their next grade levels for the 2026-2027 school year. As we celebrate the conclusion of another successful school year, I want to take time to recognize the remarkable growth, perseverance, and accomplishments of all our students.

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Dear Rosemead Families and Community,

Last week, my mom was nearly evacuated from her home in Garden Grove due to concerns surrounding a potential chemical leak and possible explosion in the surrounding area (her neighborhood butted up against the evacuation perimeter). Even though she wasn’t in any immediate danger, my sister and I felt it best that she stay with her for a few days because we had heard the evacuation zone could change.

Like many who experience sudden uncertainties, she was faced with the reality of not knowing exactly when things would return to normal. It was understandably unsettling and emotional for her, and yet, even in the middle of uncertainty and disruption, my mom continued to be the same easygoing, loving, and caring person she is known to be.

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Dear Rosemead Families and Community,

Over the weekend, I read a troubling article that, over the last decade, American students have experienced a troubling decline in achievement in both reading and mathematics. According to new national data highlighted by TIME Magazine, students in 2025 scored roughly 0.6 grade levels lower in reading and 0.4 grade levels lower in math than students did in 2015, meaning many children are now months behind where peers were a decade ago. Researchers describe this pattern as a “learning recession,” emphasizing that the decline is not limited to one region or demographic group but reflects a broad national challenge affecting K–12 education.

The causes of this decline are complex and appear to be both long-term and pandemic-related. Researchers cited in the article note that achievement had already begun eroding years before COVID-19, with progress in reading and math flattening...

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Dear Rosemead Families and Community,

Our Open House season began last week with an impressive display of student achievement and talent at Shuey Elementary School. With four of our schools scheduled to hold Open House activities in the next couple of weeks, I would encourage you to make it a point to attend, as these evenings are a meaningful celebration of student learning and academic progress and should not be missed! The engaging classroom displays and impressive projects are showcases of the dedication, creativity, and care our staff pour into supporting your students every day.

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Dear Rosemead Families and Community,

As we move through the final stretch of the school year and enter the state testing window, I want to recognize the incredible work happening across our schools on behalf of your children. Our teachers and staff have worked diligently to prepare students for this moment, providing strong instruction, support, and encouragement every step of the way. State assessments are just one measure of student progress, but they reflect the care and commitment that have defi ned this entire school year. I am grateful for this hard work.
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge our principals - Dr. Moreno, Dr. Boeve, Mrs. Wazirkajoyan, Ms. Conde, and Dr. Duncan - what with National School Principals Day happening last Friday. Their leadership is central to the success of our schools. They lead with humility and professionalism, supporting both students and staff while creating positive, focused learning environments. From guiding instruction to ensuring each campus runs smoothly, their efforts often happen behind the scenes but have a lasting impact on every child’s experience.

Together, the dedication of our staff and the leadership of our principals help ensure that students feel confident, supported, and ready to do their best.

Read the full Communique...

Rosemead, California: The Rosemead School District announced today that Dr. Maria C. Rios, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services, will be retiring after nearly 40 years of dedicated service to students, families, and school communities.

Dr. Rios began her remarkable career in education in 1987 as a bilingual instructional aide, launching a lifelong commitment to student achievement and educational equity. Over the years, she steadily advanced through a variety of impactful roles, including bilingual classroom teacher, Title I resource teacher, assistant principal, principal, and Director of Student Achievement in the Baldwin Park Unified School District. Since 2021, she has served as Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services for the Rosemead School District, where she has overseen critical district operations with excellence and integrity.

In her current role, Dr. Rios has provided leadership across business services, human resources, facilities, and risk management. She has been instrumental in guiding the district’s fiscal planning, overseeing budgeting and financial reporting, and ensuring the effective management of operations, including maintenance and operations, nutrition & wellness, and facilities development. Her leadership has supported safe, efficient, and student-centered learning environments across the district. Under her leadership, the district has seen the continued beautification of Rosemead schools through its bond and maintenance programs.

Read the full Press Release.