Upland Unified School District celebrated the accomplishments of its newest credentialed educators and leaders during the Teacher and Administrator Induction Colloquium, held May 13 at the H.K. Baird Theater at Royal Oak Middle School in Covina. The annual event, hosted in partnership with the Foothill Consortium, recognized teachers and administrators who successfully completed California's state-required induction program, earning their clear credentials and demonstrating continued growth in professional practice. This year, 11 Upland Unified teachers and three administrators completed the induction program, joining colleagues from eight school districts and eight individual schools that participate in the Foothill Consortium. The consortium supports educators as they fulfill credential requirements through individualized mentoring, coaching, reflection, and professional learning.
What began as a heartfelt request from Upland Unified School District leadership became a powerful demonstration of community support when District leaders, businesses, and community organizations came together to help Upland High School graduate Andrew Aparicio, known to the community as Drew, to take the next step toward his future. Aparicio, a foster youth and member of Upland High School's Class of 2026, has overcome significant challenges while remaining focused on his education and career goals. Despite living in Rialto and facing limited transportation options, he arranged travel to Upland each day to attend school, determined to create opportunities for himself through hard work and perseverance. He graduated from Upland High on June 4 and will attend California State University, San Bernardino this fall, where he plans to pursue a career as an athletic trainer.
Cheers, applause, and proud smiles filled Toyota Arena as Upland Unified School District celebrated the achievements of 732 graduates from Upland and Hillside high schools during its Class of 2026 commencement ceremony on June 4. Family members, friends, educators, and community supporters gathered to honor the graduates as they crossed the stage and embarked on the next chapter of their educational and professional journeys. The ceremony featured musical performances by Upland High School's (UHS) Combined Concert Band, Choir, Chorale, Madrigals, and the Upland Pipe Band, creating a memorable sendoff for the graduating class.
Upland High School’s Class of 2026 is preparing to take the next step toward higher education, with hundreds of Highlanders earning college acceptances, scholarships, and opportunities at universities across the nation. Among the school’s 685 graduating seniors, 203 students completed at least one college course while attending Upland High School, demonstrating a commitment to academic achievement and college readiness.This year’s graduating class has collectively been offered more than $1,165,753.75 in scholarships, reflecting students’ hard work both inside and outside the classroom.
In April, the Upland Unified School District refinanced $22.6 million in General Obligation bonds which will save District property owners more than $2.8 million in property taxes. The District took advantage of low interest rates due to economic uncertainty to refinance bonds approved by voters in 2008. This follows five prior refinancings completed between 2015 and 2017, which combined with this refunding will save District taxpayers a total of $37.4 million. In 2008, 60% of Upland Unified School District voters approved Measure K. The bonds were authorized to improve schools by upgrading classrooms and libraries, installing energy efficiency improvements, and providing up-to-date technology to students throughout the District. Interest rates on the original bonds ranged between 3.00% and 5.00%. Rates on the new refunding bonds range from 2.16% to 3.18%, a difference that will save property taxpayers $2,801,804.
Upland Unified School District proudly honored outstanding families from across the District during its eighth annual Family Leadership Recognition Night on April 15. The event celebrated families who generously volunteer their time, lend their talents, and contribute meaningfully to their school communities and the District as a whole. A total of 33 individuals were recognized this year, including two people from each school, four selected at the District level, and, for the first time, one person personally selected by Superintendent Dr. Lynn Carmen Day. The evening began with a dinner for honorees and their guests, followed by a heartfelt program in which school principals presented awards and highlighted the unique contributions and lasting impact of those selected. From organizing events to supporting classroom initiatives and fostering school spirit, award recipients were recognized for helping strengthen the connection between home and school.
Students at Upland High School (UHS) are earning widespread recognition for outstanding achievement across academics, arts, and athletics, demonstrating a strong tradition of excellence and a commitment to well-rounded success. Academically, UHS students excelled in multiple regional competitions. Forty students participated in the San Bernardino County History Day competition on March 7 at California State University, San Bernardino, with 26 advancing to the state-level competition. Students developed original projects aligned with this year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction and Reform in History,” choosing formats such as documentaries, performances, websites, and exhibits. Eleven students also represented UHS at the San Bernardino County Science Fair on Feb. 26 at the University of Redlands, with all participants earning silver awards.
Upland Unified School District will honor the dedication and impact of its employees this spring through appreciation and Board recognition, highlighting the vital role staff play in supporting student success. At its April 14 meeting, the Board of Trustees unanimously adopted resolutions recognizing Teacher Appreciation Week from May 4–8 and Classified Employee Appreciation Week from May 18–22. These observances recognize the collective contributions of certificated, classified, confidential, and management staff across the District. District personnel will be providing staff with thoughtful gestures of appreciation in recognition of their daily commitment to students and families.
Since 2020, Upland Unified School District has offered Wednesday Webinars, a virtual series designed to connect families with District staff, provide practical tools to support student learning and well-being, and strengthen the partnership between home and school. Held on Wednesday evenings to accommodate family schedules, the program has grown into a key resource for Upland Unified families. The webinar series was launched during the COVID-19 shutdown to maintain communication and offer additional support to families. Topics are guided by family feedback and District priorities, with families invited each spring to suggest subjects for the coming school year. Prior topics covered include financial literacy, identifying students’ need for mental health services, and preparing for the challenges and opportunities of AI. Sessions typically feature presentations from District educators or administrators, along with opportunities for attendees to ask questions and share feedback. Past webinars have also featured community partner guest speakers such as the Upland Police Department, Inland Empire Health Plan, and CALKids. Spanish-language translation services are available upon request.
Upland High School’s (UHS) dedication to expanding opportunity and supporting student success has earned the campus recognition as a 2026 California Distinguished School, a prestigious honor achieved through implementing programs and initiatives that help close the achievement gap for historically underserved student groups. The recognition reflects UHS’ commitment to creating opportunities for all students through strong academic programs, targeted student support, and a culture that emphasizes high expectations and meaningful connections.
