RISE Academy School-Wide Buzz – September 19, 2026

Dear parents,

Alhamdulillah, it is my honor to serve as the Dean of Mission of RISE Academy for a seventh year. In this capacity, I conduct classes, assemblies, seminars, and 1:1/small-group sessions for our school children and parents. I also work with our Islamic Studies teachers, Quran teachers, and Mission Support team to host a variety of school-wide mission-related programming and initiatives including mission visits from scholars, the Thaqalayn competition, and the Roots of RISERs, our character building initiative.

This year began the new school year with a focus on Rahmah (Compassion and Mercy) in honor of the Messenger of Rahmah, Muhammad (s). Parents are the first manifestation of Allah’s mercy that their children interact with in this world. Though we often think of compassion for the young and weak, a child’s need for compassion from their parents is lasting throughout their development. I will share three narrations that highlight the need of showing compassion to children, and conversely, avoiding at all costs any act of cursing or disassociating from them:

“A household that is mutually good and kind to one another will see their wealth grow.” – Rasulullah (s)

“Indeed, Allah has mercy on a servant because of the intensity of his love for his child.” – Rasulullah (s)

“Whoever prays against his child, Allah causes him – the parent – to inherit poverty.” – Imam as-Sadiq (a)

May Allah help us to fulfill our duties to our children and families.

Dean of Mission
Sheikh Salim Yusufali

Snapshot of what happens at RISE:

Early Childhood Education (ECE) – Preschool Class

Our preschoolers explored geoboards using colorful rubber bands, and their imaginations took the lead! Without pictures or examples to copy, the children were encouraged to think independently, explore freely, and build whatever they envisioned. They experimented with different shapes, patterns, houses, letters, and other unique designs. As they stretched and connected the bands, they practiced fine motor skills, problem-solving, spatial awareness, and critical thinking. Most importantly, the activity gave each child the freedom to express their own ideas and discover that there are many ways to create. It was wonderful to see their little minds at work and their creativity shine!

Lower School – 1st Grade Class

Our fabulous first graders recently explored the concept of sound in science! They investigated how sound is made and experimented with various materials to see, hear, and feel vibrations firsthand. They also reflected on their five senses, connecting these incredible gifts to the mercy (rahmah رحمة) and endless blessings that Allah has granted us.

Upper School – Grade 11 & 12 Physics Class

As part of their 1D Kinematics unit, students rolled a small ball across a table while recording video footage, then used motion-tracking software to analyze its movement frame by frame. By plotting position versus time, they calculated the ball’s average velocity—turning a simple classroom experiment into real physics data.

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Sep 25: Lower School Back to School Night
• Sep 28: Fall Picture Day
• Oct 2: PTO Coffee Gathering
• Oct. 12: No School (Staff Development)
• Oct. 16: Mid-Semester Progress Reports Available

Link to the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar

Back To School Nights

You’re invited to Back to School Night! Tour your child’s classroom, meet their teachers, and get an inside look at their daily learning experience.

Kindly RSVP by clicking here.

Fall Picture Day

Please mark your calendars for Fall Picture day on Monday, Sep 28, 2026. Students are required to come to school in full RISE Academy school uniform (no PE uniforms). Please click here for regular school uniform guidelines.

RISE Academy Annual Fundraiser

Please save the date for our highly anticipated Annual Fundraiser. More details and ticket sales information will be available soon!