SAN DIMAS/LA VERNE – 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.

“It felt amazing to have my daughter start TK last year, and she is excited for kindergarten this year,” Ekstrand Elementary School parent Beatriz Zaragoza said. “I’m happy that she is getting to start a new journey in life on her own.”

Though they are already familiar with the campus, Zaragoza and her daughter, Ailany Castillo Zaragoza, attended Ekstrand’s meet and greet to say hello to the teachers and connect with other families.

“I like that I have a new teacher and I am excited to meet my classmates, because I can make new friends,” Ailany said.

On Aug. 15, nearly 1,100 teachers and staff were treated to a lively Welcome Back event featuring an inspirational address from Superintendent Matt Wien. The program also featured musical and dance performances from students and faculty, including a performance of Katy Perry’s “Roar” by student Jaimesyn Kellogg, which earned a standing ovation.

“I want all of us to internalize the message of the song and find our voice and our strength for the school year,” Wien said as he introduced Kellogg’s performance. “If you’ve been waiting for permission to be bold, you have it. If you’ve been wondering whether you’re strong enough, you are. If you’ve been questioning whether your voice matters, it does. For 2025-26, let’s lead, teach, and live in a way that says loudly and clearly that this will be our best year yet.”

Bonita and San Dimas high school seniors began their final year with traditional Senior Sunrise ceremonies on Aug. 18, decked out in school colors and overflowing with Bearcat and Saint spirit and pride, allowing Class of 2026 candidates to catch up with friends, take selfies, and enjoy a morning snack before their school year officially commenced.

At Ramona Middle School, students were greeted by multicolored balloon arches, lively music, and the smiling faces of Ramona administrators, teachers, Link Crew, and Associated Student Body officers welcoming new and returning Vikings to campus. A wall poster signed by Ramona parents and younger siblings provided inspirational messages expressing hope and encouragement.

Grace Miller Elementary families were welcomed with coffee, donuts, and orange juice with upbeat music filling the quad, as students and parents walked purposefully to their new classrooms, setting the tone for a year of fun and academic excellence.

As Allen Avenue Elementary students walked through the gates, they were greeted by new principal Kaitlyn Trotter with high-fives and fist bumps as she conversed with parents. Trotter is among seven new administrators appointed across the District for the 2025-26 school year.

PHOTOS:

BUSD_FIRSTDAY25-26_1: San Dimas High School seniors commemorate the start of the school year with a Senior Sunrise event on Aug. 18.

BUSD_FIRSTDAY25-26_2: A member of Ramona Middle School’s Associated Student Body ties balloons to the fence, decorating the campus to create a welcoming environment on the first day of school.

BUSD_FIRSTDAY25-26_3: An Ekstrand Elementary School student gives a high-five to the Bobcat mascot during the school’s TK and kindergarten meet and greet on Aug. 14.

BUSD_FIRSTDAY25-26_4: A Grace Miller Elementary School student takes a moment to pose with the school’s decorative lawn signs before heading to class on the first day of school.