Superintendent's Newsletter

A man in a suit is pictured on the left, with %22THE SUPERINTENDENT'S CORNER Dr. Alejandro Alvarez%22 text on the right against a blue background.

Dear Rialto Unified School District Families:

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! Whether you are returning or joining our district family for the first time, our guiding theme for this year remains simple yet powerful: You Belong Here. We are deeply committed to ensuring that every student, parent, and staff member feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to reach their highest potential.

Building on the strong academic growth and success our students achieved last year, we enter this new term focused on excellence. Through data-informed support, dedicated classroom instruction, and a strong focus on student wellness, we are creating safe, connected spaces where every child can thrive academically and emotionally.

To keep you connected with everything happening across our schools, I invite you to read my monthly newsletter, The Superintendent’s Corner, linked below. Each issue highlights district achievements, important updates, and stories of student success as we work together to support our young learners.

Together, we will continue building a district where every student is known, every voice is valued, every success is celebrated, and where every person can proudly say: You Belong Here.

I wish each of you a safe, successful, and inspiring 2026-2027 school year. I look forward to seeing all that we will accomplish together.

Respectfully,
Dr. Alejandro Álvarez
Superintendent, Rialto Unified School District

September 2026

RIALTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good afternoon:

With September now underway, I continue to reflect on the many inspiring displays of talent and dedication among our District’s employees. From our classrooms and offices to our cafeterias, school buses, and campuses, the staff of Rialto USD truly personify this school year’s theme: “You Belong Here.”

This month, we are proud to recognize the exemplary work of Jehue Middle School English Language Development teacher Oscar Hinojosa Jr., who will be honored as Educator of the Year at the Democratic Club’s annual Who’s Who Awards Banquet.

Mr. Hinojosa is being recognized for his years of dedicated service to our District’s students and community, as well as his volunteer work with the City of Rialto. Congratulations, Oscar! Your work demonstrates that an educator’s impact is felt far beyond the classroom. Through compassionate leadership and service, you are making a lasting difference in the lives of students, families, and our educational community.

Rialto Unified Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Álvarez congratulates Jehue Middle School teacher Oscar Hinojosa Jr. on being named Educator of the Year.

On September 15, we will also begin our celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to honor the rich histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. 

On Saturday, September 19, 2026, the District will host its 19th Annual Family Summit at Carter High School. This important event will connect our families with valuable information, resources, workshops, and community partners. We are especially excited to welcome Olympic gold and silver medalist Derek Parra as our keynote speaker. 

Family Summit keynote speaker and Olympic medalist Derek Parra addresses Rialto Unified leaders during the District’s Summer Leadership Summit.

We are also grateful to Psomas for donating $3,300 to Ike’s Little Closet at Eisenhower High School. I was honored to help accept the check alongside Eisenhower and District staff. This generous support was made possible through a connection established by Gabriela Archuleta, Eisenhower’s Community Schools Specialist.

Eisenhower High School and Psomas representatives celebrate the $3,300 donation. 

As we continue our work in September, let us remain focused on building environments where everyone feels welcomed and valued. As you go about your daily interactions, consider how you might connect with a student or colleague in a way that celebrates who they are. In a single conversation, you have the power to change someone’s day, and perhaps, even their life. Let us continue working as one unified team, focused intently on our students and their needs.

Thank you for your continued partnership in support of our students, and once again, congratulations to Mr. Oscar Hinojosa Jr.!

You are valued here. You make a difference here…You belong here.

Dr. Alejandro Álvarez

Superintendent

Rialto Unified School District

News & Views

I Belong Here!

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I Achieved Here! 

You Belong Here!

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Join us in honoring the rich histories, cultures, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

September 15

Join us in celebrating Jehue Middle School teacher Oscar Hinojosa Jr., who will be honored as Educator of the Year at the Rialto Democratic Club’s annual Who’s Who Awards Banquet.

September 17

5PM to 8PM

Join Rialto Unified families for workshops, community resources, food trucks, incentives, and keynote speaker and Olympic medalist Derek Parra.

September 19

8AM to 1:30PM

Celebrate Latino culture at Rialto City Park with dance and cultural performances, games, crafts, rides, a petting zoo, and more.

September 26

5:30PM to 9:30PM

182 E. Walnut Ave., Rialto CA 92376 | www.rialtousd.org
© 2026

August 2026

RIALTO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Good afternoon:

Today marks another exciting new beginning. Whether you are returning to a familiar campus or joining our district for the very first time, I want to personally welcome you to a new school year.

To every member of our Rialto Unified family: certificated staff, classified staff, confidential employees, administrators, substitutes, and part-time employees - thank you.

As I walked many campuses this morning (and in the coming weeks), I am happily observing the greatness that makes Rialto USD a world-class district. Every role matters. Every contribution makes a difference. Together, you create the conditions where our students can learn, grow, and thrive.

Visiting Milor High School’s Life Skills class

Preston Elementary School staff member Lisa Rollins assists a student

Sometimes precise words can make a difference and have a deeper impact through action, and this is exactly why I, with the support of our Board of Education, selected this theme for us going into a new school year:

“You Belong Here.”

These three words are more than a slogan. They are our commitment.

“You Belong Here” means that every student deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. It also means that every employee deserves to feel respected, appreciated, and empowered. Belonging is something we build together - through kindness, collaboration, trust, and a shared belief that every person has something valuable to contribute.

Greeting Corey Cleveland from our hardworking Maintenance & Operations team

As we opened the doors to our students and families today, I also encourage each of us to:

•	Welcome one another with warmth and respect

•	Lead with empathy and optimism

•	Celebrate our diversity and the strengths it brings

•	Support one another as one unified team

•	Keep students at the center of every decision we make

The work ahead is important, and while there will be challenges, there will also be countless opportunities to inspire, innovate, and change lives. I have every confidence that, together, we will make this a remarkable year for our students, families, and one another.

Thank you for choosing to serve the children and families of the Rialto Unified School District, a school system that will promote equity, inclusion, and high standards for all.

District Lead Counselor Kaishauna Johnson connects with Rialto High School students

Throughout every role I’ve held in public education, one principle has consistently produced the greatest results: when we lead with empathy and advocate relentlessly for students, academic success follows.

Thank you for your commitment and for making me feel welcomed on several campuses. I look forward to seeing and meeting more staff in the incoming school year

Your dedication, professionalism, and heart are what make this district special.

As we begin this journey together, remember:

You are valued here. You make a difference here…

You belong here.

Dr. Alejandro Álvarez

Superintendent

Rialto Unified School District

Recent News & Video

Article: Rialto USD celebrates its new student wellness and learning garden.

Video: Superintendent Álvarez discusses education and community on Voz del Día.

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