BANNING, CA – Banning Unified School District’s new and returning students made their way onto campuses bedecked in welcome banners, photo backdrops and streamers on Aug. 4, where teachers, principals and staff greeted them with excitement for the 2022-23 school year.

“There are a lot of fun things happening at school today and I am looking forward to seeing my friends, principal and meeting my new teachers,” Central Elementary School fifth-grade student Alvyn Strange said. “I had a good summer but I am excited to get started and see what this new school year has in store for me.”

During the welcome festivities, teachers and administrators spoke to students and families about embracing this year’s theme, “The Time is Now,” which aims to increase support for students and staff, take care of one another and continue to prioritize student success.

In support of this effort, the District is offering free breakfast and lunch to all students throughout the school year, transitional kindergarten (TK) for early learners at Florida Street Discovery Center and Central Elementary School and adding a Spanish Dual Language Immersion TK classroom at Central Elementary School.

Hoffer Elementary School sported a new banner for its recent classification as a National Certified Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) School, which implements strategies that create a STEM-based campus culture, aim to foster ingenuity and raise student achievement.

The District will continue to provide 1:1 technology for all teachers and students and personal hotspot accessibility to all families, designed to close the achievement gap and allow students to stream classroom instructional videos and access educational applications.

“Thank you to the Board of Trustees, teachers, staff and administrators for your help ensuring the first day of school was a tremendous success for our entire District community,” Superintendent Terrence Davis said. “The time is now to share how remarkable and resilient our students are and continue to prepare, inspire and educate them to achieve their full potential.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

BAUSD_FIRSTDAYOFSCHOOL1: Nicolet Middle School students and the Palominos mascot cheer on students as they walk onto campus for the first day of school on Aug. 4.

BAUSD_FIRSTDAYOFSCHOOL2: Central Elementary School Principal Marcia Cole-Fijabi stands at the end of the welcome red carpet to catch up with students and take photos before the start of school on Aug. 4.