Rio Americano High School

The Mirada
The Vision Floor Plan for facilities improvements at Rio Americano was developed by the San Juan Unified School District after a months-long process working with members of the community.
Voters Approve $950 Million Facilities Bond for San Juan Schools
San Juan School Board Passes District Land Acknowledgement Resolution
"When We Fear" Wins 10th Annual Rio Americano Horror Film Festival
“When We Fear” Wins 10th Annual Rio Americano Horror Film Festival
District, State Continue to Face Substitute Teacher Shortage
District, State Continue to Face Substitute Teacher Shortage
Schools Grapple with Fake Online Threats of Violence and How to Curb Them
Schools Grapple with Fake Online Threats of Violence and How to Curb Them
By Gwen Lindsey
California to Add Personal Finance Requirement for HS Graduation
Drawing by Gwen Lindsey
Rio Teachers on Discussing the Election with Students
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Are Best Halloween Candy, Rio Americano Students Say
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Are Best Halloween Candy, Rio Americano Students Say
Pennywise from Stephen King's "It." Drawing by Gwen Lindsey.
“It” Is Rio Americano’s Top Scary Movie
Rio ceramics teacher Rene Worley in her classroom.
Rio’s Ceramics Teacher: An Artist Through and Through
Photos: Rio Students' Houses Light Up for Halloween
Photos: Rio Students’ Houses Light Up for Halloween
Take the Mirada's 2024 Halloween Survey
Take the Mirada’s 2024 Halloween Survey
We Shouldn't Have to Wait for Bond Money for Urgent Bathroom Fixes
We Shouldn’t Have to Wait for Bond Money for Urgent Bathroom Fixes
Rick Singer. Drawing by Katelyn Caudill.
Column: Rick Singer, Infamous College Counselor Who Got His Start at Rio, Is Back in Business. Can He Be Trusted?
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris (left) and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump (right). Cartoon by Katelyn Caudill.
Cartoon: Three Weeks to Go
By Gwen Lindsey
The Overrated Burden of Academic Pressure
The Problem with Standardized Tests
The Problem with Standardized Tests
Pro-Palestinian protestors form a human chain around an encampment at the University of Pennsylvania. Photo by Joe Piette from Flickr.
Campus Protests Show Ignorance, Hypocrisy of Student Demonstrators
Rio Football Falls to Merced to End Postseason Hopes
Rio Football Falls to Merced to End Postseason Hopes
The new Sac-Joaquin Section warning and ejection cards for sports game spectators.
Sac-Joaquin Section League Introduces Warning Cards for Rowdy Spectators
Raiders Upset Christian Brothers to Reach 10th-Seed Playoff Berth
Raiders Upset Christian Brothers to Reach 10th-Seed Playoff Berth
A group of Rio students from Afghanistan formed their own informal cricket league to continue playing their favorite sport in the U.S.
Photos: Rio Students Form Cricket League
Students and teachers face off in the annual Student vs. Staff basketball game on Oct. 10. Proceeds from the ticket sales go to breast cancer awareness.
Photos: Student vs. Staff Basketball Game
Rio varsity boys water polo defeated Granite Bay 11-6 at home on Sept. 23.
Photos: Varsity Boys Water Polo vs. Granite Bay
"When We Fear" Wins 10th Annual Rio Americano Horror Film Festival
“When We Fear” Wins 10th Annual Rio Americano Horror Film Festival
Photos: Rio Students' Houses Light Up for Halloween
Photos: Rio Students’ Houses Light Up for Halloween
A group of Rio students from Afghanistan formed their own informal cricket league to continue playing their favorite sport in the U.S.
Photos: Rio Students Form Cricket League
Students and teachers face off in the annual Student vs. Staff basketball game on Oct. 10. Proceeds from the ticket sales go to breast cancer awareness.
Photos: Student vs. Staff Basketball Game
Rio varsity boys water polo defeated Granite Bay 11-6 at home on Sept. 23.
Photos: Varsity Boys Water Polo vs. Granite Bay
Rio girls flag football fell to Ponderosa, 41-0, on a hot afternoon Sept. 23. Nevertheless, the group has stuck together through ups and downs as it navigates the second year Rio flag football.
Photos: Flag Football vs. Ponderosa
Photos: Rio Students' Houses Light Up for Halloween
Photos: Rio Students’ Houses Light Up for Halloween
A group of Rio students from Afghanistan formed their own informal cricket league to continue playing their favorite sport in the U.S.
Photos: Rio Students Form Cricket League
Students and teachers face off in the annual Student vs. Staff basketball game on Oct. 10. Proceeds from the ticket sales go to breast cancer awareness.
Photos: Student vs. Staff Basketball Game
Rio varsity boys water polo defeated Granite Bay 11-6 at home on Sept. 23.
Photos: Varsity Boys Water Polo vs. Granite Bay
Rio girls flag football fell to Ponderosa, 41-0, on a hot afternoon Sept. 23. Nevertheless, the group has stuck together through ups and downs as it navigates the second year Rio flag football.
Photos: Flag Football vs. Ponderosa
Rio suffered a tough loss on Aug. 30, but the student section was electric at Jesuit's first game with new lighting.
Photos: Football vs. Jesuit
The Mirada Fall 2024
The Mirada Fall 2024
Winter Magazine 2022
Mirada Archive
The Mirada June 2020
The Mirada June 2020
The Mirada January 2020
The Mirada January 2020
The Mirada December 2019
The Mirada December 2019
Rio Americano High School

The Mirada
Rio Americano High School

The Mirada
Katelyn Newton

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff

All content by Katelyn Newton
A student photographed the Nazi flag amid other historical German flags.

Teacher suspended for displaying Nazi flag in classroom

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
May 19, 2021
The cheer team waves their pom-poms at passing seniors.

Senior Awards Drive Thru Event

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
May 19, 2021
Senior Emma Chally works on her serve during practice at Rio early in the season. Chally was one of four graduating seniors playing on the team this year and will attend University of California in Santa Barbara in the fall.

[Photo] Girls tennis finds success in a challenging season

Taylor White, Mirada Staff
April 11, 2021
Students stay at least 3 feet away, per CDC guidelines, and keep their masks on to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in classrooms.

[Photo] President Biden rolls out plan for reopening schools safely

February 5, 2021
Graduation will take place on the JV Baseball Field at Rio on June 3.

In-person, Outdoor Graduation Confirmed for Class of 2021

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
April 6, 2021
Principal Ginter to Leave, Take Position at District

Principal Ginter to Leave, Take Position at District

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
March 30, 2021
A Passionate Coach Leads the Pack

A Passionate Coach Leads the Pack

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
March 30, 2021
Cross country team is back on track

Cross country team is back on track

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
March 30, 2021
Students Reflect on First Day Back on Campus

Students Reflect on First Day Back on Campus

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
March 26, 2021
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Students to be welcomed back on campus next week

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
March 16, 2021
Normally without a parking space to spare, the Rio parking lot has been without the bustle of students for a year. Return is in sight, however, as infection rates decline.

District, state plans to get students back on campus by April

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
March 9, 2021
New Food Closet and Low Student Turnout to Food Services

New Food Closet and Low Student Turnout to Food Services

Josh Zezzo and Katelyn Newton
February 28, 2021
A yellow #talonstrong banner has been displayed on the fence at Valley Oak Park, nearby where Talon grew up and played baseball as a kid. Upon his passing, family and friends left flowers and balloons around the sign.

Remembering Talon Bonanno

Katelyn Newton and Aaron Ichel
February 12, 2021
Graduation will take place on the JV Baseball Field at Rio on June 3.

[Photo] Virtual recruitment delays commitment, creates difficulties for baseball players

February 4, 2021
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The return of prep sports in sight

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
January 26, 2021
The varsity boy (left) and girls (right) cross country team do mile repeats at Willow Hills Reservoir in preparation for their first race in February.

CAL gives golf, tennis and cross country green light to compete

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
January 29, 2021
The "How can we help?" bar can be used to assist students struggling with technology issues. A screenshot of the San Juan Unified Work website.

[Photo] Technology Support Available through San Juan Portal

Isa Searle, Mirada Staff
January 29, 2021
A screenshot of the FAFSA homepage. The counseling staff is available to answer questions regarding federal student aid.

Scholarship Opportunities for Seniors

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
January 26, 2021
At the forefront of discussions surrounding patriotic education are government and civics classes which, required by the state of California for high school graduation, offer students the opportunity to learn about how governments work and their rights to participate in the government.

Patriotism in the classroom: is it under attack?

Emma Hutchinson and Katelyn Newton
January 20, 2021
Balancing Current Events and Class Curriculum

Balancing Current Events and Class Curriculum

Katelyn Newton and Emma Hutchinson
January 17, 2021
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[Photo] Go Make Your Bed

Annie Weeden, Guest Writer
November 2, 2020
The cross country team lines up in socially distant pods for conditioning through their coach's club Sacramento Valley Endurance.

CDPH Updates High School Sports Guidelines

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
December 18, 2020
Dewayne James Jr. (left) and Sa’Quan Reed-James (right) were fatally shot on Black Friday at the Arden Fair Mall. James Jr. graduated from Rio last spring and Reed-James was a sophomore. Photo provided by Leia Schenk.

Rio Family Grieves Loss of Two Sons in Mall Homicide

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
November 29, 2020
Rio students respond to a survey on racial protests.

Professional athletes use their platform to address racism in America

Aaron Ichel and Katelyn Newton
October 17, 2020
Nobel Laureate Charles Rice in a yearbook photo in his sophomore year.

Charles Rice at Rio: A look at old yearbooks

Katelyn Newton
October 14, 2020
Charles Rice, who won the 2020 Nobel Prize for Medicine, graduated from Rio in 1970. His senior portrait is shown on the left.

Rio Alum Wins 2020 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
October 14, 2020
The freshman quad remains empty, as first year students still await their first day on campus.

District Plans Approach For Return to Campus

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
September 28, 2020
The cross country team has kept conditioning safe with small training groups, temperature checks, and mandatory masking for all runners.

[Photo] CIF Postpones Fall Sports Until Winter at the Earliest

Aaron Ichel, Mirada Staff
August 10, 2020
A screenshot of the Black Lives Matter official Twitter account.

Unmatched Use of #blacklivesmatter and The Age of Online Activism

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
September 10, 2020
Nutrition services waits for customers in the small gymnasium. Meal services are available Monday through Friday in the mornings.

USDA Extends Free Meals for Students, Adds Lunch Pick-Up Time

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
September 7, 2020
Students, Teachers Reflect on the First Day of School

Students, Teachers Reflect on the First Day of School

Emma Hutchinson and Katelyn Newton
August 13, 2020
Lockers will remain empty for the first weeks of the school year, and likely the first semester. Students received their schedules for distance learning, and await the start of Zoom courses.

Teachers, Students Hope for Success With Distance Learning

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
August 8, 2020
Student resources for college preparation. Competitive schools like UC San Diego and UCLA no longer require the SAT for admissions.

UC Regents Vote to Drop SAT, ACT

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
May 29, 2020
Senior Samantha Klein wears a mask on one of her walks outside, enjoying the fresh air.

Life in a Mask

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
June 1, 2020
Jeremy Zucker created this spectrogram to accompany his album for a visual listening experience. Zucker wrote and produced his album in his studio in Brooklyn, New York.

A Letter to Jeremy Zucker

Katelyn Newton and Emma Hutchinson
May 3, 2020
Pen Pal letters between Emma Hutchinson and Katie Newton during quarantine.

Coronavirus Journal Entry #5

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
May 2, 2020
Having to continue learning at home, students attempt to transform their bedrooms into classrooms.

[Photo] Calif. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Says Campuses Will Not Reopen This School Year

Nicolas Gorman, Emily Borg, and Mickey Doolittle
April 1, 2020
While the switch to distanced learning poses challenges for some, others demand grades for their work throughout the semester. The district's decision has sparked conflicting opinions: those supporting the default credit/no credit and those supporting the right to petition for letter grades.

Students, Staff Debate on Grading Policy for the Spring Term

Katelyn Newton and Jada Bailey
April 28, 2020
The Lincoln Memorial stands guard over Washington D.C. every night. Many remember President Lincoln for the abolition of slavery.

[Photo] Newspaper Editors go to D.C.

Nicolas Gorman, Web Editor
November 20, 2019
1-5

[Photo] UC Considers Dropping Standardized Tests

Nicolas Gorman, Web Editor
December 17, 2019
COVID-19 Affects Student-Athletes Now and for the Future

COVID-19 Affects Student-Athletes Now and for the Future

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
March 26, 2020
[Top to bottom] Junior Lucy Prieto, senior Alyssa Escay, senior Annalee Gorman and junior Katie Newton enjoy each other's company in a group FaceTime.

Social Media Helps Students Cope with Social Distancing

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
March 25, 2020
P.E. teacher Shawna Virga measures a students performance in the trunk lift exercise.

Calif. Governor to Postpone Fitness Testing for P.E.

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
March 24, 2020
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[Photo] California Fitness Testing

Nicolas Gorman
March 24, 2020
A screenshot of the college board website informing high school students of changes within AP testing this year related to COVID-19.

[Photo] College Board Announces AP Testing Changes

Emma Hutchinson, Mirada Staff
March 23, 2020
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The Week in Washington

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
February 20, 2020
The Stanford campus as seen from one of the main entrances.

Rio Americano Graduates Support Decisions to Close Their College Campuses over Coronavirus Concerns

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
March 10, 2020
The Sather Tower is a recognizable symbol of UC Berkeley, where college students have led many riots over the years.

Coddling Of The American Mind

Annalee Gorman and Katelyn Newton
February 10, 2020
American River Parkway at the Rio Americano High School Entrance

American River Parkway Offers Many Attractions

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
February 5, 2020
[left to right] Katie Newton, Lucy Prieto, Alyssa Escay, Nicolas Gorman, Annalee Gorman, Olivia Schlieman, Kaylee Barnes, and Ava Cardwell pose at the Calif. Cross Country State Championship Meet.

Cross Country Competes at States

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
January 10, 2020
Sac gets nod for MLS team

Sac gets nod for MLS team

Mickey Doolittle and Katelyn Newton
November 4, 2019

President Faces Charges Of Impeachment

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
October 28, 2019
Running long and making bonds

Running long and making bonds

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
October 24, 2019
Senior Parking Spots

Senior Parking Spots

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
August 26, 2019
Shorter Pocket Points

Shorter Pocket Points

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
April 25, 2019
Sam Flores Profile

Sam Flores Profile

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
April 25, 2019
College Scandal

College Scandal

Katelyn Newton and Annalee Gorman
April 25, 2019
Stuck in Town Over Ski-Week Break? Sac Has a Lot to Offer for Your Stay-Cation

Stuck in Town Over Ski-Week Break? Sac Has a Lot to Offer for Your Stay-Cation

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
February 25, 2019
Maddy Hill is All About That Bass

Maddy Hill is All About That Bass

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
December 21, 2018
Jake Nalangan Has the Key to Berklee

Jake Nalangan Has the Key to Berklee

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
December 21, 2018
Seniors Sean Remitz and Cody Rister give presents to students at Howe Avenue Elementary school. Photo by Kaitlyn Shellooe.

It’s a Wrap

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
December 21, 2018
San Juan School District makes a model of the solar panel plan. The overflow parking lot will have one row of solar panels covering parking spots. Photo provided by San Juan Unified School District.

School to Add Solar Panels in Parking Lot

Rebecca Smith and Katelyn Newton
December 21, 2018
SCREEN SCREAMS: 4th Annual Horror Movie Contest

SCREEN SCREAMS: 4th Annual Horror Movie Contest

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
November 2, 2018
Liquidology’s “City Scout Immu- nity” juice in Vibe Health Bar’s H Street location.

Healthy Vibes on H Street

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
November 2, 2018
Trump Speaks on the Transgender Community

Trump Speaks on the Transgender Community

Katelyn Newton, Editor-in-Chief
November 2, 2018
Vaping Trends Target Teens

Vaping Trends Target Teens

Katelyn Newton and Samantha Baccelli
November 2, 2018
Varsity boy runners [left to right] Nicolas Gorman (10), Zach Chambers (9), Ross Gowan (10), Jensen Salvatori (11), Conner Ettinger (11), and Ermayes Mamo (9)

Athletes Compete Against Dress Codes

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
October 2, 2018
Parents tracking kids with phones

Parents tracking kids with phones

Synia Thrower and Katelyn Newton
October 2, 2018
Smoky Air Affects Practices

Smoky Air Affects Practices

Katelyn Newton, Mirada Staff
August 28, 2018
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