Beacon Brief

All R-H schools are implementing the GLEAM Framework to strengthen instruction and create learning environments where students feel both seen and valued. Developed by UnboundEd, GLEAM promotes effective, high-quality teaching, and provides teachers with best practices, clear protocols for coaching

and feedback, and a model for improved performance. By building upon the valuable knowledge, experiences, and identities that students bring into the classroom, instruction is more meaningful and readily applicable for students.

The acronym GLEAM outlines four core principles for impactful instruction: Grade-Level, Engaging, Affirming, and Meaningful. Grade-Level ensures instruction is rigorous and aligned with standards, challenging all students with complex work. Engaging instruction uses students' interests and assets to foster active learning and persistence. Affirming instruction honors students' identities and experiences to build a caring community where they feel safe and supported. Finally, Meaningful instruction cultivates critical thinking and civic readiness by making learning relevant to issues outside the classroom. This comprehensive approach serves to support all students, especially those historically marginalized, with highly effective and equitable learning experiences.

Rush-Henrietta believes that public education plays a critical role in preparing students for success after graduation, regardless of what path they may take. By equipping our graduates with the relevant skills needed to become the next generation of leaders, we empower them to pursue their passions whether they intend to attend college, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce. 

On Wednesday, November 5, the R-H Works Business Advisory Committee hosted Future Ready Region:

Aligning Education & Industry for Shared Prosperity. Representatives from other area school districts, state education leaders, and local employment officials joined together to engage in a dialogue on how our region can prepare its nearly 150,000 students for the jobs of tomorrow and ensure local industries have the skilled workforce they need to thrive. The event’s aim was to spark a cross-sector conversation on how to align K-12 education, higher education, and industry to build a strong, accessible local talent pipeline. The link between schools and business leaders is crucial, as changing workforce needs require future employees to be prepared to face the challenges. By bringing these leaders together, Rush-Henrietta is paving the way for all students to be better prepared for the future that awaits them.

Click here to view news coverage of the transformational event. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the fastest-growing technology of our lifetime. The exciting tools and capabilities of AI are advancing quickly—what was science fiction is now easily accessible on your phone and desktop. But many people do not yet fully understand what AI is and what potential it holds for education and for daily life.

Rush-Henrietta is actively working to incorporate AI for students and staff. Members of the Student Leadership Team  worked with district leaders to discuss AI from their viewpoint, lending important student voice to the district’s AI strategy. The students are excited to be part of the development of AI’s role in the district and how it will impact them now and in the future. 

In addition, Rush-Henrietta  introduced Expedition AI, a district-wide journey to explore and understand the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence. This important initiative was designed to empower the R-H community - including students in grades 6-12, employees, and district families - with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to navigate the age of AI. In October, recipients received six emails with information in various formats guiding them to explore the principles and applications of AI. Many thanks to our Information, Communication, and Technology team for their hard work putting this together. To explore this journey on your own, you may visit the district website.

In order to make it easier for families who speak languages other than English to stay connected and

involved in their child's education, Rush-Henrietta launched a new Dial-In Interpreting Service. This initiative, in partnership with the language access provider Propio, is designed to make two-way communication faster and more accessible for families. 

Parents and guardians who speak one of the district's top five languages—Dari, Spanish, Nepali, Mandarin, or Arabic—can call a dedicated phone number for their language. A live interpreter answers within moments and facilitates the entire phone conversation with school staff. The interpreter connects the parent with an R-H school or department, such as the district registrar, Special Education, or Transportation, and remains on the line to support the communication. Interpreters are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. This commitment ensures that language is no longer a barrier to a strong home-school connection.