IYT Rudolph Rivera Middle School Impact Update: January 2026
- Feb 19
- 3 min read
Month in Review: A Strong Start
January at Rudolph Rivera Middle School was all about hitting the ground running. Returning from winter break, our Brothers brought an incredible focus to their academics, demonstrating what it looks like to support one another and step into leadership roles.
Brotherhood Culture: Keeping the Engagement High
The first day back from winter break was a strong start to the new year! On January 7th, 24 Brothers returned to programming, reconnecting with one another and bringing vibrant energy into the space.
The Rivera Brothers were happy to reunite and proudly demonstrated their IYT spirit by actively participating in our rituals. That day set a positive, focused tone for the rest of the semester.
Academic Readiness: Brothers Being a Helping Hand
This month, our site facilitated an Academic Study Hall focused entirely on collaboration, leadership, and accountability.
During Study Hall, Rivera Brothers supported one another through challenging assignments, working together to problem-solve.
Highlight Moment: Many of our 8th-grade Brothers stepped up to teach lessons and explain assignments to their peers! This not only strengthened their own academic skills but also built their confidence and established them as leaders within the Brotherhood.
Academic Achievement: Leveling Up!
We have massive academic wins to celebrate this month!
First, after putting in consistent effort and seeking extra support, 8th-grader Kah’Shawn successfully tested out of his English Support Class! As a result, he earned a spot in a Technology elective where he is now learning how to develop his own games and code. Talk about leveling up!
We also want to celebrate Davian Avila, another outstanding 8th-grader, for earning an A Honor Roll certificate with an impressive 4.0 GPA for the second quarter! Davian’s focus and discipline continue to set a powerful example. Keep shining, Brothers!
Brother of the Month
Brother Jaxson
7th Grade
January’s Brother of the Month is 7th-grader Jaxson! Jaxson truly embodies what it means to be part of the IYT Brotherhood. He shows up to programming each day with a positive attitude, missing only one day of after-school programming in all of January. At his table, Jaxson leads by example—staying focused, being respectful, and encouraging those around him to stay on task. He consistently challenges himself to complete difficult assignments to the best of his ability. Congratulations, Jaxson, on this well-deserved recognition!
Upcoming Events
Name | Date & Time | Description |
Bridge the Gap Event | 2/25/2026 9am - 2pm | During the Bridge the Gap field trip to Merced High School, middle school students will be paired with an IYT Brother from the high school who will serve as their mentor for the day. Through guided conversations, mentors will share personal experiences, discuss the transition to high school, and offer advice on academics, extracurricular involvement, and goal setting. Students will then participate in a campus tour led by their mentors, becoming familiar with the school environment while building meaningful connections and gaining confidence about their future transition to high school. |
SJSU Field Trip | 3/6/2026 All Day | During the college tour to San José State University (SJSU), students will participate in a guided campus tour highlighting academic buildings, residence halls, libraries, and other student-centered spaces. They will learn about admissions requirements, academic programs, and campus resources while gaining insight into daily student life, involvement opportunities, and support services. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions, observe classes and facilities, and reflect on how a university environment supports both academic and personal growth. |
Program Directory & Schedules
Program Manager: Mahogany Grissom
Phone: 650-670-5972
Rudolph Rivera Middle School
Programming Schedule: Mondays (3:35 - 5:00pm), Wednesdays (3:45 - 4:15pm); 1st & 3rd Fridays (3:35 - 5:00pm) Study Hall: Mondays & Wednesdays
Mentor & Parent Engagement (last month)
Number of Parent Engagement Sessions: | 174 |
Number of Mentor Sessions: | 71 |