SAN DIMAS/ LA VERNE – Incoming Shull Elementary kindergartener Vince Pastel was smiling and excited when he walked into his classroom for the first day of school on Aug. 20 – with his superhero backpack and favorite book in hand, he was ready to learn.

“My favorite part of school so far is reading,” Vince said. “I’m excited to learn a lot and make new friends.”

Bonita Unified School District welcomed more than 10,000 students for the 2018-19 school year, with teachers, staff and administrators from across the District’s 13 elementary, middle and high schools preparing for another year of excellence.

Ekstand Elementary will begin implementing the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) system, a multi-tiered behavior method that promotes a safe and positive learning environment on campus.

Ramona Middle School will incorporate Center X, a curriculum designed by UCLA’s science department, to improve the instructional delivery of Next Generation Science Standards by using inquiry-based lessons.

“As ASB president, I’m looking forward to increasing activities on campus and making a more creative environment,” Ramona eighth-grader Grishm Sethi said. “My personal goals for the year are to get A’s and to make the football and basketball teams.”

Chaparral High and Vista schools are partnering with the Thaddeus Foundation, a local nonprofit organization, to provide students with group math tutoring opportunities. Chaparral and Vista also will host quarterly Renaissance assemblies to recognize academic achievement, attendance and behavior.

“We are off to a great start, with school-wide programs that support our students,” Chaparral and Vista Principal Christine Black said. “We have some of the most dedicated staff and teachers who want to see our students succeed.”

Three schools are being helmed by new leaders: Allison Daniels is guiding Gladstone Elementary as its new principal, Ji Wang is leading Ekstrand Elementary and Scott Sparks is serving as San Dimas High School’s new principal.

Daniels comes to Bonita Unified from Chino Valley Unified School District and holds a master’s degree in instructional leadership. Wang has been in education for more than 21 years and comes to the District from Upland Unified. Sparks, a 10-year administrator, comes to Bonita Unified from Rialto Unified.

Bonita High School will see changes to its stadium as it undergoes major renovations, expected to be completed by June 2019 and in time for graduation season.

“The 2018-19 school year is off to a fantastic start, and I want to thank all the educators, staff and administrators who made it possible,” Bonita Unified Superintendent Carl J. Coles said. “At Bonita Unified, we want to maintain our reputation of excellence and continue to excel in academics, activities, athletics and the arts.”

PHOTOS

BONITA_BACK_SCHOOL_1: Ramona Middle School students use Google Classroom to review upcoming assignments and tests during the first day back to school on Aug. 20. Bonita Unified welcomed back more than 10,000 students for the 2018-19 school year.

BONITA_BACK_SCHOOL_2: Bonita Unified’s Shull Elementary kindergarteners enjoy their first recess of the 2018-19 school year on Aug. 20.