SBUnified
The energy was palpable today as Santa Barbara Unified School District kicked off the 2024-25 school year, welcoming students back to campuses brimming with excitement and possibility.
At McKinley Elementary, home to SBUnified’s Dual Language Immersion program, students and teachers beamed with anticipation as they embarked on a dynamic year of learning in both English and Spanish. The atmosphere was one of joy and curiosity as young minds prepared to dive into reading, writing, and math in two languages.
Over at Santa Barbara High School, the buzz was equally electric as students of the Visual Arts and Design Academy (VADA) stepped into their brand-new, state-of-the-art facility for the first time. The cutting-edge building promises to be a creative haven for budding artists, setting the stage for a year of inspiration and artistic growth.
The 2024-25 school year is dedicated to strengthening our school community through deeper relationships, clearer communication, and a renewed focus on student well-being. With a commitment to fostering phone-free learning environments, SBUnified reminds all students and families that electronic devices should be “Off and Away” in classrooms and libraries.
“As we begin this exciting journey together, I encourage families to stay connected and involved in our school community. Their participation is vital to our students’ success, and we are stronger when we unite as one SBUnified team,” said Dr. Hilda Maldonado, Superintendent.
Looking ahead, key dates to remember include Winter Break from December 16 to January 3, Spring Break from March 24 to 28, and the last day of school on June 12, culminating in a memorable graduation.
