MONTEBELLO – With overflowing backpacks filled with pencils, notebooks and binders, Montebello Unified, the third-largest district in Los Angeles County, kicked off another great school year on Aug. 18, welcoming back 53,000 students from transitional kindergarten to adult school.

“We are extremely excited to welcome our students back for another great school year,” said Montebello Unified Board Vice President Lani Cupchoy, Ph.D., who greeted students and parents at Bella Vista Elementary. “It’s really great to see everyone showing up to their first day eager to learn what the rest of the year has in store for them, and we are thrilled to be offering even more opportunities for these students throughout 2016-17.”

With the passage of the $300 million Measure GS bond with a 77 percent approval rate, the District is planning facilities upgrades at all campuses to enhance libraries, computer and science labs, air conditioning units and much more. A majority of the funds will focus on technology upgrades, ensuring students know how to navigate the software and devices they will encounter in careers.

“We are dedicated in maintaining the high-quality classrooms and tools our teachers and staff deserve for all their hard work in preparing our students for their future,” Superintendent Susanna Contreras Smith said. “We are all very excited to witness the great accomplishments of our students, teachers and staff that will be coming our way soon. Good luck, everyone.”

In addition, football, soccer and track-and-field athletes look forward to competing on three recently completed fields at Bell Gardens High School, Montebello High School and Schurr High School, with all Montebello Unified students excited to represent their schools on home turf.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

081816_MUSD_FIRSTDAY1: Montebello Unified, the third-largest school district in L.A. County, kicked off the 2016-17 school year on Aug. 18. Montebello Board of Education Vice President Lani Cupchoy, Ph.D. (left), Superintendent Susanna Contreras Smith (second from right) and Bella Vista Elementary Principal Stephanie Hardaway (right) pose with a parent and students before school began.

081816_MUSD_FIRSTDAY2: Bella Vista Elementary School students line up before school, ready to begin their first day of class. Montebello Unified, the third-largest school district in L.A. County, kicked off the 2016-17 school year on Aug. 18.

081816_MUSD_FIRSTDAY3: Sarah Slevcove sits with her son, Isaac Lozano, 5, in his kindergarten class during the first day of school at Bella Vista Elementary School. Montebello Unified, the third-largest school district in L.A. County, kicked off the 2016-17 school year on Aug. 18.