Our Star Pride
Welcome to Star Pride, the awards page of Orion Alternative Elementary School, where we proudly showcase the numerous accolades earned by our students, teachers, and support staff.
Part of the Redwood City School District (RCSD), Orion Alternative Elementary School is celebrated for creating a safe and supportive, inspirational and rigorous, joyful and inclusive environment for all learners, embodying our district mission in every achievement. This curated space features our latest honors, updated regularly to highlight the ongoing excellence within our community. We invite you to visit frequently to discover the latest recognitions that reflect RCSD's commitment to educational excellence and innovation.
![Orion Alternative and Kennedy students with city council members at the San Mateo County AAPI Heritage Month celebration]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1783717012/rcsdk8net/xck0ciii3tv0csnbqwj9/OrionAlternativeandKennedyStudentsHonoredwith2026AsianPacificIslanderHeroesLegacyAward.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1783717012/rcsdk8net/xck0ciii3tv0csnbqwj9/OrionAlternativeandKennedyStudentsHonoredwith2026AsianPacificIslanderHeroesLegacyAward.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1783717012/rcsdk8net/xck0ciii3tv0csnbqwj9/OrionAlternativeandKennedyStudentsHonoredwith2026AsianPacificIslanderHeroesLegacyAward.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1783717012/rcsdk8net/xck0ciii3tv0csnbqwj9/OrionAlternativeandKennedyStudentsHonoredwith2026AsianPacificIslanderHeroesLegacyAward.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1783717012/rcsdk8net/xck0ciii3tv0csnbqwj9/OrionAlternativeandKennedyStudentsHonoredwith2026AsianPacificIslanderHeroesLegacyAward.png","width":1500}])
Students from Orion Alternative and Kennedy Middle were recognized with the 2026 San Mateo County API Heroes Legacy Award during the San Mateo County Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Dinner. Their performances celebrated AAPI Heritage Month while highlighting the power of student voice, cultural pride, and community connection.
![A basketball team huddles with their coach]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778521547/rcsdk8net/x9k89rflv4y2rrnratdi/RCSDAfterSchoolProgramHonoredforHolisticWhole-ChildApproach.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778521547/rcsdk8net/x9k89rflv4y2rrnratdi/RCSDAfterSchoolProgramHonoredforHolisticWhole-ChildApproach.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778521547/rcsdk8net/x9k89rflv4y2rrnratdi/RCSDAfterSchoolProgramHonoredforHolisticWhole-ChildApproach.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1778521547/rcsdk8net/x9k89rflv4y2rrnratdi/RCSDAfterSchoolProgramHonoredforHolisticWhole-ChildApproach.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778521547/rcsdk8net/x9k89rflv4y2rrnratdi/RCSDAfterSchoolProgramHonoredforHolisticWhole-ChildApproach.png","width":1500}])
Redwood City School District’s Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) has been recognized with a Kent Award and an Exemplary Program distinction for its whole-child approach to supporting students beyond the school day. Serving more than 2,200 students daily, the program provides academic support, enrichment, mentorship, and wellness opportunities designed to help students feel connected, supported, and engaged.
![RCSD Mandarin Immersion Students Participate in the Debate Competition]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777856878/rcsdk8net/ck95ec7u2jlic9sgjfs4/VoicesinMandarinRCSDStudentsShineatStateSpeechCompetition.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1777856878/rcsdk8net/ck95ec7u2jlic9sgjfs4/VoicesinMandarinRCSDStudentsShineatStateSpeechCompetition.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1777856878/rcsdk8net/ck95ec7u2jlic9sgjfs4/VoicesinMandarinRCSDStudentsShineatStateSpeechCompetition.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1777856878/rcsdk8net/ck95ec7u2jlic9sgjfs4/VoicesinMandarinRCSDStudentsShineatStateSpeechCompetition.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777856878/rcsdk8net/ck95ec7u2jlic9sgjfs4/VoicesinMandarinRCSDStudentsShineatStateSpeechCompetition.png","width":1500}])
Redwood City School District students earned top honors at the CLTAC Mandarin Chinese Speech Contest, demonstrating strong language proficiency, confidence, and cultural understanding. With 13 students recognized across elementary and middle school levels, these results highlight the strength of RCSD’s multilingual programs and students’ ability to apply their learning in real-world settings.
![Orion Alternative School Librarian Cristina Ryffel reading with students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1770001673/rcsdk8net/h6hsdqoywzcwi9vrsy1q/SchoolLibrarianApplaudedforImpactandDedicationtoSchoolLibraries.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1770001673/rcsdk8net/h6hsdqoywzcwi9vrsy1q/SchoolLibrarianApplaudedforImpactandDedicationtoSchoolLibraries.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1770001673/rcsdk8net/h6hsdqoywzcwi9vrsy1q/SchoolLibrarianApplaudedforImpactandDedicationtoSchoolLibraries.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1770001673/rcsdk8net/h6hsdqoywzcwi9vrsy1q/SchoolLibrarianApplaudedforImpactandDedicationtoSchoolLibraries.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1770001673/rcsdk8net/h6hsdqoywzcwi9vrsy1q/SchoolLibrarianApplaudedforImpactandDedicationtoSchoolLibraries.png","width":1500}])
Cristina Ryffel, school librarian at Orion Alternative, was named the recipient of the California School Library Association’s “I Love My Classified Library Staff Award.” The award honors classified library staff whose work strengthens school communities and supports student learning.
![Golden Bell Awards logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759693808/rcsdk8net/fwqoa0cwfpxk8rmbjvno/NurturingHeartsInspiringMindsRCSDCounselingServicesHonoredwiththe2025GoldenBellAward.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759693808/rcsdk8net/fwqoa0cwfpxk8rmbjvno/NurturingHeartsInspiringMindsRCSDCounselingServicesHonoredwiththe2025GoldenBellAward.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1759693808/rcsdk8net/fwqoa0cwfpxk8rmbjvno/NurturingHeartsInspiringMindsRCSDCounselingServicesHonoredwiththe2025GoldenBellAward.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1759693808/rcsdk8net/fwqoa0cwfpxk8rmbjvno/NurturingHeartsInspiringMindsRCSDCounselingServicesHonoredwiththe2025GoldenBellAward.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759693808/rcsdk8net/fwqoa0cwfpxk8rmbjvno/NurturingHeartsInspiringMindsRCSDCounselingServicesHonoredwiththe2025GoldenBellAward.png","width":1500}])
This award recognizes RCSD’s trauma-informed, student-centered approach that helps students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Counseling Services play an important role in meeting RCSD’s LCAP Goal One to Strengthen Social Emotional Support and School Climate by working to ensure that every student feels supported, safe, and connected at school.
![Orion Stars, Adelante Selby Alebrijes, and Kennedy Cougars]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1754713262/rcsdk8net/twc7d1xjcfpwytbw4qbg/ThreeRCSDSchoolsEarnTopHonorsinBayAreaParents2025FamilyFavoritesAwards.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1754713262/rcsdk8net/twc7d1xjcfpwytbw4qbg/ThreeRCSDSchoolsEarnTopHonorsinBayAreaParents2025FamilyFavoritesAwards.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1754713262/rcsdk8net/twc7d1xjcfpwytbw4qbg/ThreeRCSDSchoolsEarnTopHonorsinBayAreaParents2025FamilyFavoritesAwards.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1754713262/rcsdk8net/twc7d1xjcfpwytbw4qbg/ThreeRCSDSchoolsEarnTopHonorsinBayAreaParents2025FamilyFavoritesAwards.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1754713262/rcsdk8net/twc7d1xjcfpwytbw4qbg/ThreeRCSDSchoolsEarnTopHonorsinBayAreaParents2025FamilyFavoritesAwards.png","width":1500}])
Three RCSD schools are topping the charts in this year’s Bay Area Parent “Family Favorites” Awards.