WHAT: When the bells ring on Thursday, July 28, more than 4,000 eager students at San Ysidro School District’s seven schools will be greeted by a host of new programs aimed at raising student achievement.

The District will kick off the fall semester with the start of THINK Together, its new before- and after-school program that bridges school-day academics with specialized activities in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and English language arts. The program is available at all seven schools, with approximately 760 children enrolled.

In addition, a new Project Lead The Way computer science program will be unveiled at San Ysidro Middle School.

Students will also be able to enroll in academic, sports and performing arts programs started in 2015-16, including the Language in Play theater arts program, Ukulele Program at Ocean View Hills Elementary and Junior Achievement, which teaches kids about financial responsibility, literacy and work readiness.

The District this year will also continue meeting goals outlined in its Three-Year Instructional Design Plan, which was developed to ensure curriculum aligns with the new California Standards for English language arts and math. The plan provides teachers with training and support while creating an opportunity for greater collaboration and sharing best practices.

WHEN: Thursday, July 28

MEDIA: THINK Together: 6:30 to 8 a.m., Willow Elementary, 226 Willow Road, San Ysidro; Project Lead The Way: 8 a.m., San Ysidro Middle School, 4345 Otay Mesa Road, San Ysidro