UPLAND – 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.

“We are thrilled to welcome our newest students and their families to the Upland Unified school community,” Superintendent Dr. Lynn Carmen Day said. “We invite every family to partner with us in our mission to create excellence for all students, and we are immensely proud to be a diverse District that provides an exceptional educational journey from preschool through high school.”

The school year officially began on Aug. 18 with a Districtwide celebration across all 14 campuses to welcome approximately 9,600 students. Festivities included vibrant balloons, enthusiastic school mascots offering high-fives, and inspiring signs adorned with positive messages, setting an energetic and welcoming tone for students and staff.

Upland Unified also welcomed several new administrators to its leadership team, including Nancy Sherod, principal of Citrus Elementary, and Katie Deniz, principal of Magnolia Elementary. New assistant principals joining the team are Alejandro Ramos at Baldy View Elementary, Melody McHaffie at Cabrillo Elementary, Justin Hall at Pioneer Junior High, Sheldon Parris at Upland Junior High, and Nathan Newman at Upland High School.

As the new academic year commences, Upland Unified is launching “The Great Eight,” a series of initiatives designed to strengthen and expand District programs over the next five years. These forward-thinking developments emerged from collaborative community meetings that gathered valuable input from employees and parents across the district.

“The Great Eight” encompasses four strategic expansions of existing programs and four new offerings.

Building on existing programs, the District will expand the Dual Language Immersion Program at Baldy View Elementary, intensify the science and technology focus at Foothill Knolls STEM Academy, extend Career Technical Education (CTE) to include HVAC and agriculture pathways, and merge Upland Elementary and Upland Junior High to create a dedicated TK-8 arts magnet.

New programs will include a Sports Academy for elite athletes that emphasizes character development alongside athletic training; a Flex Academy that offers personalized learning with flexible scheduling options to meet diverse student needs; a new charter high school option that provides innovative educational approaches; and a plan to become a regional hub for comprehensive teacher and leadership training.

“These groundbreaking initiatives underscore Upland Unified’s unwavering dedication to providing a dynamic and unparalleled educational experience for every student, preparing them for success in an ever-evolving world,” Carmen Day said.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

UUSD_NewSchoolYear1: Valencia Elementary Principal Allyson Wisz welcomed incoming transitional kindergartener Alexandra Gaukler to the District with a home visit and the gift of a new backpack and “Class of 2038” spirit wear. Anna Gaukler, also pictured, is an incoming sixth grader at Valencia.

UUSD_NewSchoolYear2: Upland High School Principal Martin Gomez greeted students on the first day of school with enthusiastic high fives and fist bumps.

UUSD_NewSchoolYear3: Fourth graders at Citrus Elementary launched into learning as Upland Unified classes resumed on Aug. 18.