FONTANA, CA – Fontana Unified students returned to school for the 2018-19 year on Aug. 6, greeted by new administrators, expanded early education programs and learning opportunities designed to strengthen instruction and inspire academic excellence.

“This year will bring many changes to Fontana Unified,” Fontana Unified Superintendent Randal S. Bassett said. “The District is dedicated to delivering a quality education to our students so that our graduates will be prepared for success in college, career and life.”

The District extended its full-day kindergarten to three additional schools this year, including Almond Elementary. There, parents were invited to escort their children into their new classrooms, meet their new teachers and help ease the transition into school life.

Noel Garcia accompanied his son, Andres, to his new kindergarten class and watched as Andres found his seat and introduced himself to his new teacher, Deanna Davis, and his new classmates.

“I really like the full-day kindergarten,” Garcia said. “My wife and I both work and it makes it a lot easier for us because we have another son, Xavi, who is entering second grade, and we don’t have to make two trips to school to pick them up. Andres is excited to be in school because Ms. Davis was Xavi’s kindergarten teacher as well. We love her. She is really good with the kids.”

Dorothy Grant and Chaparral elementary schools launched their Code to the Future programs on Aug. 6, offering immersive computer science curriculum for students in transitional kindergarten through fifth grade. Grant and Chaparral are the first two Code to the Future schools in the Inland Empire.

Southridge Middle School celebrated the new school year by announcing its new status as a Microsoft Showcase School. Its participation in the program will allow staff to connect with education thought leaders and Microsoft professionals, transform the school through technology and seek new ways to improve student achievement.

Fontana Unified also appointed new principals at four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school: Sandra Loudermilk at Date Elementary, Amanda Colon at Locust Elementary, Lauri Martin at Palmetto Elementary, Dr. Annette Beasley at Randall Pepper Elementary, Dr. Moises Merlos at Alder Middle School and Dr. Dustin Saxton at A.B. Miller High School.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

080818_FUSD_FIRSTDAY1: Almond Elementary invited parents to sit in on the first hour of kindergarten classes during the first day of school on Aug. 6. Almond is offering full-day kindergarten instruction for the first time in 2018-19.

080818_FUSD_FIRSTDAY2: Redwood Elementary students pose with their friends as they line up for class on Aug. 6.