MONTEBELLO – Equipped with backpacks, pencils, class schedules and eager smiles, students in Montebello Unified kicked off another school year on Aug. 24. Nearly 65,000 students – from transitional kindergarten to adult school – are enrolled in the District, which as the third-largest in Los Angeles County, prides itself on making each learner ready for college and career. This year, Montebello Unified has launched full-day transitional and full-day kindergarten classes at each of its 17 elementary school sites.

“We are extremely excited to offer rigorous and engaging programs and services this year for our entire District community of students,” said Montebello Unified Board President Edgar Cisneros, who welcomed students and parents at Washington Elementary on the first day of school. “We are especially proud to be offering full-day transitional and full-day kindergarten at all our elementary schools this year in our efforts to provide more instructional minutes for our young learners.”

This year, the District continues to implement the new California Standards in a way that maintains safe and innovative environments that foster learning, as outlined in its Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). Also among the District’s LCAP priorities are efforts to bolster access to technology in its classrooms while increasing collaboration and communication with parents, teachers, staff and the community in casual, monthly meetings called Coffee with the District, as well as other parent and community engagement forums offered throughout the school year.

“Our District as long been in a leader in promoting rigor, relevance and relationships – meaning we are dedicated to ensuring students are holistically prepared for life beyond our halls, while offering real-world experiences that give them a competitive edge,” said Superintendent of Schools Susanna Contreras Smith. “I am so excited to see the stellar accomplishments our teachers, staff, administrators and students will achieve this year. Good luck, all.”

Also launching this year is an enhanced dual language immersion program as well as an in-depth focus on incorporating ethnic studies at the high school level. Additionally, the District continues to incorporate and offer science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs, curriculum and pathways for students.

Photo Captions:

MUSD First Day1: Montebello Unified, the third largest school district in LA County, kicked off another school year on Aug. 24; pictured here, from left to right, Washington Elementary Principal Cynthia Herrera, Superintendent of Schools Susanna Contreras Smith, MUSD Board of Education President Edgar Cisneros, Chief Financial and Operations Officer Cleve Pell, MTA President Lorraine Richards and her son, and Deputy Superintendent Art Revueltas.

MUSD First Day2: Montebello Unified, the third largest school district in LA County, kicked off another school year on Aug. 24; students from Washington Elementary pose for a photo ahead of class.