Bonita Unified School District kicked off its 2025-26 school year on Aug. 18 in grand style, welcoming approximately 10,000 students from transitional kindergarten (TK) to 12th grade with smiles, hugs, and activities meant to foster a strong sense of community and new levels of excellence. The new school year festivities began with an orientation for the District’s youngest learners on Aug. 14, when they met their teachers and classmates, received tours of their new campuses, played games, and acclimated themselves to their new environments.
Before a new employee even sets foot on campus, they have already been introduced to the caring culture that defines Hinds Community College in Mississippi. With the help of Caring Campus, Hinds College’s Human Resources department is helping shape a welcoming environment that supports both students and employees from day one. Caring Campus expectations are outlined in every Hinds College job description, addressed during new employee orientations, and included in annual performance evaluations. The college also requires yearly professional development sessions focused on Caring Campus to reinforce its commitment to creating a student-centered culture.
Cheer squads, marching bands, and colorful balloons welcomed more than 7,200 students back to El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) on Aug. 19, as campuses came alive with enthusiasm and pride for the 2025-26 school year. Associated Student Body (ASB) and Link Crew leaders across the District greeted students with music, cheers, hand-made posters, chalk art, and photo stations, while parents lined entrances to snap photos and celebrate the start of the school year. Districtwide, campuses also kicked off the year with spirited assemblies, pep rallies, and themed spirit weeks.
Covina-Valley Unified School District students were welcomed back to campuses with energy and enthusiasm for the first day of school on Aug. 18, setting the tone for a school year filled with achievement and continued student success. Smiling teachers and staff, balloons, signs, welcome-back rallies, student-led activities, and more created a festive and supportive atmosphere as students returned to their classrooms, ready to learn and thrive.
Bonita High School senior Aaron Edwards loves to dance. As a member of the school’s award-winning D Street Dance Team since he was a sophomore, dance has transformed Edwards’ life. Presented a chance to share his enthusiasm and talent with young children, this summer Edwards served as a dance instructor and volunteer for the Project Think Academic Enrichment Program, held at Pitzer College in Claremont. Working primarily with children ages four to six, Edwards introduced them to basic dance moves and choreographed a short routine that culminated in a Project Think student dance performance. At the end of the summer session, Edwards was joined by his D Street classmates for an exclusive performance for Project Think students and staff.
Upland Unified School District kicked off a successful start to the 2025-26 school year, marked by a heartwarming welcome for its youngest learners and the unveiling of an ambitious plan for program innovation. The District's commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and delivering exceptional education was evident as members of the administrative team visited all 317 homes of new transitional kindergarten students, personally welcoming them and providing home deliveries that included Upland Unified-branded shirts.
Fontana Unified School District (FUSD) is continuing the demolition of Fontana Middle School’s L Building — part of a larger campus modernization project funded by Measure C — with safety protocols in place to protect students, staff, and the community. Demolition of Fontana Middle School’s L Building began in June as part of a project to replace the structure with a new two-story building relocated to another part of campus. All abatement processes were completed in December 2024 under the supervision of certified specialists, and the District has followed all state regulations and safety protocols to ensure proper handling of materials throughout the process.
Classrooms across Lynwood Unified School District were filled with bright smiles and eager energy on Aug. 8 as hundreds of incoming Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten students and their families participated in the District’s inaugural Kinder Jumpstart event, held just days before the first day of school on Wednesday, Aug. 13. The special welcome day, hosted at all 12 elementary schools, began with cheerful back-to-school photo opportunities, colorful “Welcome to Kindergarten” signs, and festive balloon displays that set the tone for a day filled with excitement. Students met their teachers, explored their classrooms and took part in activities designed to ease first-day jitters – from read-aloud story time and outdoor recess to hands-on learning with coloring, pattern blocks and math games. Teachers also observed early learning indicators such as letter and sound recognition to help them tailor instruction from day one.
Covina-Valley Unified School District students and families filled the Health and Wellness Center for the District’s annual Back-to-School Extravaganza on Aug. 12 – a day of preparation, resources, and community connection ahead of the 2025-26 school year. The event featured free school supplies, haircuts, a complimentary breakfast, and health and wellness screenings designed to help students arrive on the first day of school feeling confident and ready to learn.
Whittier Union High School District kicked off the 2025-26 school year with three days of vibrant back-to-school events that culminated in the first day of school on Aug. 13, when more than 9,582 students returned to campuses across the District ready to learn, grow, and thrive.
