San Diego Unified School District

For the last month of 2025, San Diego Unified's Superintendent, Fabi Bagula Ph.D., talks about the incredible moments from this past year & what to look forward to in the upcoming 2026. Dr. Bagula talks about the recent California Dashboard data.

Get ready for another exciting San Diego Unified Summer Experience! Enrollment for Summer Academics, Enrichment, and PrimeTime opens on Saturday, March 23 at 8:00 a.m. Mark your calendars and visit sandiegounified.org/summer for details on how to register.

If you have not yet done so, please take a moment to complete the Impact Aid Survey and Family Resource Guide forms in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. It only takes a few minutes!

The Mayor’s office is currently accepting applications to the “Mayor For a Day” contest Last day to apply and submit essay(s) or video: December 10, 2025 at 11:59pm

Parents of San Diego Unified students with IEPs- Please join us on Thursday, December 11 at 6:30 pm at Harold J Ballard Parent Center Auditorium 2375 Congress Street San Diego, CA 92110 for a meet & greet with San Diego Unified's superintendent and area superintendents, and to hear directly from the district’s special education leadership team.

San Diego Unified will present the 2025–26 First Interim Budget at the upcoming Board of Education meeting, with current projections showing a $47 million gap between expenses and revenue. To help families understand the challenges – including the ongoing underfunding of special education – and how the district is working to close the gap while keeping students at the center, Superintendent Fabi Bagula has released an explanatory video.

San Diego Unified’s Family Engagement Project Ujima program invites you to join us for our special Multicultural Holiday Celebration! This fun, interactive learning event will celebrate our shared community, deepen our connection to one another, and reinforce our collective sense of belonging.

The deadline has been extended to January 30, 2026. Help your student share their voice! The 2025 Voices for Change PSA Contest challenges students to create a video or poster that raises awareness about the dangers of vaping, drugs, and alcohol while promoting healthy choices.

Our records show that many families are not registered on San Diego Unified’s Parent Portal. It is essential for every family to have an account so you do not iss out on critical information about your child's education. Logging into your student’s PowerSchool account does not provide you complete access.

The 2025–26 Impact Aid Survey is now available in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. All families must complete this short form by Friday, December 19, 2025.

Our salad bars are changing with the season! As we move into fall, you’ll notice richer colors and new flavors popping up — from deep orange persimmons to refreshing jicama.

CPMA Magnet Middle School is excited to announce The Old Globe will be visiting next month to present William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar "in the round" on Wednesday, November 19 at 6 p.m. in the Cathy Hickman Black Box Theatre. This FREE performance is open to all families, you do not need to attend CPMA to sign up for tickets.

November is a time to honor and learn about the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Native Americans – past, present, and future. Families are encouraged to take part in upcoming district and community events and explore educational resources that highlight Native American heritage and traditions.

Get ready to hit the court and field -- middle school athletics are kicking off the Winter 2025 season! Soccer and volleyball tryouts begin the week of November 3, with the season running through February 7.

The Choice enrollment priority application deadline has been extended to November 15. Give your students options. Apply now for 2026–27 and explore programs beyond your neighborhood school: sdunified.org/choice

We understand that recent federal funding uncertainties may be creating challenges for many families. If you need help accessing food or benefits, visit 211.org/get-help/food-programs-food-benefits to locate nearby food pantries, meal programs, and other local support services.

Families are invited to an important and inspiring session focused on student voice. The in-person event on Thursday, Oct 30 at 5 p.m. will feature a student panel validating students' lived experiences and offering actionable family strategies to support student success.

Help your students unlock a world of reading and research! Remind them to use their Student EXCEL Library Cards for free access to books, digital resources, and more through the San Diego Public Library.

Support your child in becoming a thoughtful, responsible digital citizen. Find easy family tips, videos, and activities from Common Sense Media.

Join us in encouraging students to make healthy, drug-free choices. Explore family resources and learn about the Voices for Change PSA contest.

Celebrate SDFC Day with a special 10% discount for San Diego Unified staff and families! On Tuesday, October 21, enjoy savings on all gear from SDFC’s official online store, Eighteen Threads

This unique event invites special education students to join peers from across the county for a fun day of inclusion, leadership, and friendship.

Students can discover their creative spark at CPMA Magnet Middle School! Future 6th–8th graders can audition and get Choice enrollment help all in one place—Saturday, Oct. 18, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at the CPMA Library in Clairemont.

The Green Schools Conference is coming to San Diego this February—and students in grades 3–12 are invited to share their voices on climate change and environmental justice through the Students Speak Out for Climate Contest! Submit your essay or video by Jan. 5, 2026 for a chance to be recognized at the conference.

We’re excited to invite all families, staff, and community members to our second DELAC meeting of the 2025–26 school year on Thursday, Oct. 16.

Get ready to Drop, Cover, and Hold On! On Thursday, October 16 at 10:16 a.m., all San Diego Unified schools will take part in the Great California ShakeOut, a statewide earthquake preparedness drill.

San Diego Unified is celebrating Native American Heritage Month this November by inviting students, staff, and educators to be featured in our districtwide storytelling campaign – sign up by October 17 to participate.

Check out these student leadership and affinity space opportunities available across San Diego Unified! These are open to ALL middle and high school students – no experience needed, just interest and passion.

Celebrate creativity, culture, and community at San Diego Unified’s Old Town Día de los Muertos Exhibition—featuring student artwork, live performances, and family art activities on Friday, October 25, 1–3 PM. Free and open to all ages!

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with San Diego Unified – join us Thu, Nov 13, 8:30 AM–3 PM at Centro Cultural de la Raza for a community ceremony, featuring Kumeyaay Bird Singers, speakers, Pow Wow dancers, flag presentation, and an Indigenous Youth Conference.

Be on the lookout next week for an email with your child’s i-Ready (reading and math) or mCLASS (foundational reading) results from the fall assessment window.

Keeping your contact details up-to-date allows our schools and district to communicate effectively with you, particularly during emergencies, urgent situations, or when sharing important updates about your child’s education. Learn how to make sure your school has accurate contact information.

We hope to see you at 6:30 pm in person at Ballard Parent Center Auditorium. You will have an opportunity to hear from and learn about Neighborhood School Enrollment Options and a presentation from Jeffrey Hoffman “Reading Again”

Check out what’s new on your student’s salad bar this month and more!

One-on-one math support to help middle or high school students who currently have a C, D or F in math build confidence, close learning gaps, and improve academic outcomes.

Is your child interested in the aviation industry or becoming a professional pilot? Check out this unique opportunity for students to learn more about the aviation industry and the different pathways to become a professional pilot, other than four universities.

Thinking about school options for next year? Join our Parents as Partners Choice Workshop to learn about the Choice process and the priority enrollment window, which is open now through Nov. 3. Plus get your questions answered on the spot.

Superintendent Dr. Fabi Bagula shares this month’s video update with families—covering FAFSA, CHOICE enrollment, the new Family Resource Guide, and upcoming family engagement opportunities.

The City of San Diego invites you to participate in a survey to share your input on City of San Diego parks, recreation programs, and services. This is your chance to help shape a more inclusive and equitable Parks and Recreation system that reflects the needs of all communities.

Fiddle Fest is Back! Encourage your student to join this free, no-audition music event for violin, viola, cello, and bass players (grades 1–12). Registration due Oct. 6 — don’t miss this exciting opportunity!

LGBTQIA+ History Month is a time to reflect on the resilience, contributions, and rich history of the LGBTQIA+ community, and to ensure that these stories are represented in the curriculum our students learn from.

Xello is an online platform preparing our students to be college and career-ready! Learn more about the platform and how you can support your students with their exploration of their strengths, interests and values.

Keep their heart in the game with FREE Heart Screening For Ages 12-25. Hosted by the Eric Paredes Save a Life FOundation and Hoover High School on October 5. Appointments from 9:30–2:15, Walkins Welcome 10:00–2:00. No ID or Insurance Card Required

This September, our students are enjoying the crisp, golden-green Emerald Beaut Plums, sourced locally from Kingsburg Orchards in California’s Central Valley. Learn more!

Join this free event for educators, students and families - featuring educator sessions, college and career resource fair, and cultural dance performances from area schools.

CPMA (Creative Performing Media Arts) Magnet Middle School is seeking future 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students who are interested in learning through the arts. Auditions and choice enrollment sign-up assistance will be offered at one convenient time and place: Saturday, September 27th from 9:00am - 1:00pm at the CPMA Library, located in Clairemont.

The Choice enrollment window is open Sept 22–Nov 3! Apply now for 2026–27 and explore programs beyond your neighborhood school: sdunified.org/choice

San Diego Unified has released the 2025-26 Family Resource Guide (formerly Facts for Parents). Log in to your ParentPortal to review and complete the necessary forms.

Sept 15–Oct 15, explore our Educational Resource Guide at home and follow us on social for student & staff stories.

Join us for the first DELAC session of the 2025–26 school year on Thursday, September 18, 4:30–6 p.m. In-person or via Zoom.

Is your student interested in pursuing the arts? Share this information about auditions for the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts (SDSCPA) happening on Saturday, September 27th from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. for middle school students and October 18th from 9am-1pm for high school.

At San Diego Unified, we wholeheartedly embrace our commitment to providing safe, stable, nurturing, and welcoming environments for all students and staff. Here are resources available to support families.

Families can now lookup the District schools serving their home address using an updated School Finder tool. See what’s new.

This year, to celebrate LGBTQIA+ History Month, we are exploring new ways to honor and uplift our community's diverse and beautiful identities including digital media campaigns featuring student, staff, and family voices. If your student is interested in participating in this new LGBTQIA+ History Month campaign, please have them fill out the survey by September 15.

Tell your middle or high schooler – Applications are now open for the 2nd San Diego Unified APIDA (Asian Pacific Islander Desi American) Student Board! This is a unique leadership opportunity for middle and high school students to engage in advocacy, community building, and civic leadership.

This is a reminder that if your child qualifies for free or reduced-price meals at school, they may also be eligible for California’s SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) program. This program provides a $120 grocery benefit per eligible child to support families during the summer.

San Diego Unified is accepting applications for the Student Advisory Board, a group that brings student perspectives directly to district leadership. This is a unique opportunity for your child. Applications are DUE September 2.

San Diego Unified School District currently uses a 4x4 block schedule in 13 of our high schools. We are exploring the implementation of the 4x4 block schedule for the remainder of our comprehensive high schools and are seeking input from families.

Starting August 28, families of English learners will receive their Annual Parent Notification Letter by email through PowerSchool. If no email is on file, a printed copy will be sent home with your child. Learn more about your student’s EL status, test results, and program placement.

Encourage your child to get involved in the official computer science competition of the House of Representatives. Deadline for entries is October 30, 2025.

Latinx/e Heritage Month is coming up, and now–more than ever–we want to uplift the diverse and beautiful voices of our community to celebrate our stories & brilliance! Interest form for your child to be featured is due Wednesday, August 27.

Help your child thrive in the age of AI! Please join San Diego Unified for an engaging, easy-to-understand workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI.

To help everyone stay safe on the roads for the new school year, we encourage all families to review these traffic safety tips.

Learn about the assessments your child is given every year, including a helpful overview video and NEW grade level assessment calendar.

At San Diego Unified, we believe that every member of our school community matters—and that appreciation should be felt all year long. That’s why we created the LOVE Notes Initiative, a way to Live Our Values Every day, week, and month.

All educational spaces in our schools are air conditioned, but during periods of high heat, schools follow safety plans that may include adjusting schedules, limiting strenuous activities, and ensuring students stay cool and hydrated.

Superintendent Fabi Bagula Ph.D. shares a welcome back message to families of San Diego Unified School District for the 2025-2026 school year.

Student bus route information will now be available in the PowerSchool Parent/Student Portal.

Join an upcoming Zoom series to learn about San Diego Unified’s 1 to 1 Initiative, Chromebook Care and Troubleshooting Tips.

School meals are FREE for all students, helping save you up to $1,800 per year, per child. Explore the nutritious options on your child's school menu this year!

MTS offers a FREE bus pass to students 18 and younger that can be used to get to and from school.

Get featured on our social media accounts! Tag us in your back-to-school photos.

Tune in to the San Diego Unified YouTube Channel on August 8 at 7:30 a.m. to check out the welcome back message to families from Superintendent Fabi Bagula, Ph.D.

Every year, California students take several statewide tests. When combined with other measures such as grades, class work, and teacher observations, these tests give families and teachers a more complete picture of their child’s learning. Learn more about the statewide tests your child may be taking this year.

Free backpack giveaway, health resources & screenings, fun activities and games, hosted by Assembly member Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins. Saturday, August 2, 11am-2pm. Register by Friday, July 25.

Calling all military families! Don’t miss the annual Cammies to College event on August 2, featuring free backpacks and school supplies as well as community and educational resources.

Starting August 11, 2025, all students will be required to comply with a new phone-free school day policy during regular school hours.

For the 2025-26 school year, students will be subject to an updated Restorative Discipline policy.