Bossier Parish Community College in Louisiana has made caring an institutional priority – embedding the word directly into its mission statement to reflect a commitment that runs through every corner of campus. That focus is felt daily by students, employees, and the community, who all experience Bossier Parish’s dedication to creating a welcoming, connected environment. This fall, the college is taking that commitment to the next level. More than 70 faculty, staff, and administrators will participate in the Caring Campus Academy (CCA) – enough to bring a Caring Campus coach directly to their campus. The CCA will unite every participant around a shared set of behavioral commitments designed to foster belonging and student success, and institutions nationwide can sign up for the fall cohort, launching at the end of September, to bring these commitments to their own campuses. Data shows that when students feel cared about, they persist and succeed at higher rates.
Lynwood Unified kicked off the 2025-26 school year on Aug. 13 with lively music, balloon arches and cheers for nearly 11,000 students returning to 17 campuses. From Transitional Kindergarten to 12th grade, students were welcomed by spirited staff, fresh campus upgrades, expanded dual enrollment opportunities – and a new superintendent ready to lead a year of innovation, inclusion and purpose. To help students start the year strong, all elementary schools hosted a Kinder Jumpstart on Aug. 8, giving young learners the chance to explore classrooms, meet teachers and get comfortable with their new school environment. On the first day of school, students across campuses were greeted by educators and staff committed to creating inclusive spaces where every scholar feels empowered to learn, grow and thrive.
Fontana High School’s Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (MCJROTC) program has once again been recognized for its excellence in community service, leadership, and academics, earning a Naval Honor School designation for the sixth straight year and the 19th time in its 33-year history. The Naval Honor School distinction, awarded annually by the U.S. Marine Corps Training and Education Command, evaluates more than 250 MCJROTC units nationwide. This year, Fontana High (FOHI) stood out despite new, more rigorous standards. Placed in the newly created “mega” category against some of the nation’s largest and most competitive programs, FOHI earned the honor for its academic achievement, leadership development, success in national competitions, and commitment to community service.
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.
Before a new employee even sets foot on campus, they have already been introduced to the caring culture that defines Hinds Community College in Mississippi. With the help of Caring Campus, Hinds College’s Human Resources department is helping shape a welcoming environment that supports both students and employees from day one. Caring Campus expectations are outlined in every Hinds College job description, addressed during new employee orientations, and included in annual performance evaluations. The college also requires yearly professional development sessions focused on Caring Campus to reinforce its commitment to creating a student-centered culture.
Cheer squads, marching bands, and colorful balloons welcomed more than 7,200 students back to El Monte Union High School District (EMUHSD) on Aug. 19, as campuses came alive with enthusiasm and pride for the 2025-26 school year. Associated Student Body (ASB) and Link Crew leaders across the District greeted students with music, cheers, hand-made posters, chalk art, and photo stations, while parents lined entrances to snap photos and celebrate the start of the school year. Districtwide, campuses also kicked off the year with spirited assemblies, pep rallies, and themed spirit weeks.
Covina-Valley Unified School District students were welcomed back to campuses with energy and enthusiasm for the first day of school on Aug. 18, setting the tone for a school year filled with achievement and continued student success. Smiling teachers and staff, balloons, signs, welcome-back rallies, student-led activities, and more created a festive and supportive atmosphere as students returned to their classrooms, ready to learn and thrive.
Bonita High School senior Aaron Edwards loves to dance. As a member of the school’s award-winning D Street Dance Team since he was a sophomore, dance has transformed Edwards’ life. Presented a chance to share his enthusiasm and talent with young children, this summer Edwards served as a dance instructor and volunteer for the Project Think Academic Enrichment Program, held at Pitzer College in Claremont. Working primarily with children ages four to six, Edwards introduced them to basic dance moves and choreographed a short routine that culminated in a Project Think student dance performance. At the end of the summer session, Edwards was joined by his D Street classmates for an exclusive performance for Project Think students and staff.
Upland Unified School District kicked off a successful start to the 2025-26 school year, marked by a heartwarming welcome for its youngest learners and the unveiling of an ambitious plan for program innovation. The District's commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and delivering exceptional education was evident as members of the administrative team visited all 317 homes of new transitional kindergarten students, personally welcoming them and providing home deliveries that included Upland Unified-branded shirts.
Fontana Unified School District (FUSD) is continuing the demolition of Fontana Middle School’s L Building — part of a larger campus modernization project funded by Measure C — with safety protocols in place to protect students, staff, and the community. Demolition of Fontana Middle School’s L Building began in June as part of a project to replace the structure with a new two-story building relocated to another part of campus. All abatement processes were completed in December 2024 under the supervision of certified specialists, and the District has followed all state regulations and safety protocols to ensure proper handling of materials throughout the process.
