42 SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOLS NAMED AMERICA’S HEALTHIEST SCHOOLS FOR 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                         Media Contact:
                                                                        James Canning, 313-580-2845, Jcanning@sandi.net

 

42 SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOLS NAMED AMERICA’S HEALTHIEST SCHOOLS FOR 2026

Five Schools Earn Prestigious All-Star Recognition, Reflecting District’s Commitment to Improving Student Wellness

 

SAN DIEGO (Aug. 27, 2026) – Forty-two schools across the San Diego Unified School District have been recognized as America’s Healthiest Schools, a national distinction sponsored by Kaiser Permanente and presented by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. The recognition honors schools that are leading the way in supporting the physical, mental, and social-emotional well-being of students, staff, and families.

Five San Diego Unified schools—Birdrock Elementary, Edison Elementary, Horton Elementary, Normal Heights Elementary, and Rowan Elementary—earned the top All-Star distinction, awarded to schools that excel in all nine topic areas measured by the program.

The 2026 recognition builds on San Diego Unified’s ongoing efforts to take a whole-child approach to education. Through its Student Achievement Goals, the district has identified improving student wellness as its top priority, recognizing that academic achievement and student well-being are deeply connected.

“Student wellness is the foundation for everything we want our students to achieve,” said Dr. Fabi Bagula, Superintendent of San Diego Unified School District. “When students feel physically and emotionally well, when they know they belong and have caring adults supporting them, they are better prepared to learn and reach their full potential. Having 42 schools recognized nationally as America's Healthiest Schools is a testament to the educators, staff, students, families, and community partners who make wellness part of how we support children every day.”

America’s Healthiest Schools is one of the nation’s longest-running recognition programs honoring schools for creating healthier learning environments. Schools are evaluated across nine categories, including nutrition and food access, physical activity, staff well-being, social-emotional climate, and family engagement.

For Carver Elementary School, the 2026 recognition marks the school’s second time being named one of America’s Healthiest Schools.

“Receiving this recognition for the first time is an incredible accomplishment for our entire Carver Elementary community,” said Elba Vera, Principal, Carver Elementary. “Our students, staff, and families have worked together to make wellness part of our school culture. We want every student to feel healthy, connected, supported, and excited to come to school each day, and this recognition inspires us to continue building on that work.”

At Carver Elementary, wellness extends beyond the classroom. Through the Carver Coyote Wellness Program, students participate in before- and after-school Running Club, minimum-day obstacle courses, and monthly wellness challenges—creating fun, engaging opportunities for students to stay active, connect with one another, and build healthy habits.

San Diego Unified’s 2026 America’s Healthiest Schools Honorees:

• Adams Elementary School • Carver Elementary School • Chavez Elementary School • Golden Hill K-8 School • Grant K-8 School • La Jolla Elementary School • Morse High School • Ocean Beach Elementary School  • Pacific Beach Elementary School  • San Diego High School • Scripps Ranch High School • Wangenheim Middle School • Horton Elementary School (All Star)  • Normal Heights Elementary School (All Star) • Edison Elementary School (All Star)  • Field Elementary School • Fletcher Elementary School • Lafayette Elementary School • Rowan Elementary School (All Star) • Mission Bay High School • Mt Everest Academy • Angier Elementary School • Canyon Hills High School • John Muir Language Academy TK-8 • Pacific Beach Middle School

• Bell Middle School • Bird Rock Elementary School (All Star)  • Wilson Middle School • Challenger Middle School • De Portola Middle School  • E.B. Scripps Elementary School • Farb Middle School  • Garfield High School • Garfield Elementary School • Hage Elementary School • Hickman Elementary School • Mira Mesa High School  • Miramar Ranch Elementary School • Rolando Park Elementary School  • Roosevelt Middle School • TRACE Alternative School • San Diego Metropolitan Regional & Technical High School

 

To learn more about the Kaiser Permanente-sponsored America’s Healthiest Schools program and view the full list of honorees, visit America’s Healthiest Schools.

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James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

 

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED PARTNERS WITH INDEPENDENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE TO GUIDE LEARNER-CENTERED TECHNOLOGY USE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 Media Contact:
                                                                        James Canning, 313-580-2845, Jcanning@sandi.net

 

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED PARTNERS WITH INDEPENDENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE TO GUIDE LEARNER-CENTERED TECHNOLOGY USE

Board-Approved Partnership Brings Scientific Expertise and Evidence-Based Practices to District’s Continued Work to Support Student Learning, Safety and Wellness 

 

SAN DIEGO (Aug. 25, 2026) – The San Diego Unified Board of Education approved a contract with Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development, an independent, nonpartisan organization that will provide scientific expertise and objective, evidence-based guidance as the district continues implementing its Learner-Centered Technology Use initiative.

 

The Institute will review San Diego Unified’s existing policies, practices, administrative guidance, instructional practices, and technology-related processes to help ensure they reflect current research on digital media and child development and align with the goals of the district’s Learner-Centered Technology Use Resolution.

 

The partnership marks the next phase of a year-long district effort to ensure technology is used purposefully to support diverse learning needs while reducing unnecessary digital media consumption and creating more opportunities for meaningful human interaction, creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.

 

“We have been clear from the beginning that our decisions about technology must be centered on what is best for students and based on what the research tells us about how children learn and develop," said Dr. Fabi Bagula, Superintendent of San Diego Unified School District.“This partnership gives us access to independent scientific expertise as we take a thoughtful look at how technology is being used across our schools. Technology will continue to be an important educational tool, but we want to make sure it is used with purpose, in ways that strengthen learning, relationships, student wellness, and healthy development.”

 

Under the agreement, Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development will serve as an independent, nonpartisan scientific advisor to San Diego

Unified and provide:

• Scientific and technical expertise to support implementation of the district’s Learner-Centered Technology Use Resolution.
• Research translation to help district leaders understand and apply current scientific evidence related to digital media, technology use, learning, and child development.
• Review of existing district policies, practices, and guidance related to technology use to assess alignment with current research and the goals of the resolution.
• Technical consultation as the district develops developmentally appropriate, learner-centered technology guidance.
• Stakeholder engagement support as the district collaborates with students, educators, families, advisory groups, and community partners.
• Implementation assistance to help translate recommendations and research into practical guidance for schools and classrooms.

 

“Schools around the country are grappling with how to ensure children learn, create, connect, and thrive in today’s digital world,” said Kris Perry, Executive Director of Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development. “We are proud to partner with the San Diego Unified School District to put evidence and child development at the center of those decisions, while also developing practical approaches that work for students, educators, and families.”

 

The partnership builds upon changes San Diego Unified implemented at the start of the 2026–27 school year as part of the first phase of its learner-centered approach to technology. 

 

Beginning August 10, the district:

• Prohibited video-streaming platforms, such as YouTube, on district-issued 1:1 devices unless enabled by educators to support specific instructional activities.
• Prohibited non-instructional gaming platforms on district-issued devices.
• Removed computer carts from Transitional Kindergarten classrooms, while continuing to ensure appropriate technology access for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, and/or linguistic needs.

 

These changes follow the district’s implementation of its Phone-Free School Day policy and are part of a broader effort to reduce unnecessary distractions and excessive digital media use while ensuring technology remains available when it meaningfully supports teaching and learning.

 

The Learner-Centered Technology initiative supports San Diego Unified’s four Goals for Student Achievement: improving student wellness, increasing communication skills and literacy achievement, increasing problem-solving skills and mathematics achievement, and increasing college and career readiness, by ensuring technology enhances, rather than distracts from, the student learning experience.

 

As a next step in this work, San Diego Unified is forming a Learning-Centered Technology Use Committee that will bring together educators, families, students, researchers, and community partners to help develop recommendations and developmentally appropriate guidance for technology use across grade levels.

 

Visit www.SanDiegoUnified.org/LearnerCenteredTechnology to learn more. 

 

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James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

 

 

Superintendent Bagula’s Leadership Affirmed with Evaluation by San Diego Unified’s Board of Education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:              

 

Media Contact: 

James Canning, 313-580-2845, jcanning@sandi.net

Superintendent Bagula’s Leadership Affirmed with Evaluation by San Diego Unified’s Board of Education 

Trustees Credit District’s Continued Improvements in Student Achievement, Wellness, and Future Readiness to Dr. Fabi Bagula Student-Focused Leadership Approach  

 

SAN DIEGO (August 25, 2026) – Following its annual evaluation of Dr. Fabi Bagula, the Superintendent of San Diego Unified School District, the Board of Education has extended her contract, affirming its confidence in her leadership and commitment to advancing student achievement, educational equity, fiscal responsibility, and organizational excellence.

 

Superintendent Bagula since becoming the lead Administrator of the second-largest school district in California in September 2024 has guided San Diego Unified through a period of innovation, collaboration, and measurable progress, while maintaining a clear focus on ensuring all student graduates are prepared for college, career, and life.

 

"Superintendent Bagula has demonstrated exceptional leadership through her unwavering focus on students, meaningful engagement with staff and families, and commitment to continuous improvement," said Richard Barrera, President of the San Diego Unified Board of Education. "The Board's decision to extend her contract reflects our confidence in her vision, her leadership team, and the strong momentum that is moving San Diego Unified forward."

 

Advancing Student Success

Since taking the helm, Superintendent Bagula has championed initiatives designed to strengthen academic achievement, increase supports for students and families, build community partnerships, and improve organizational effectiveness. Some of the accomplishments the Board of Education highlighted in their evaluation of Superintendent Bagula include:  

• “Dr. Bagula has continued to demonstrate commendable initiative in fostering a culture of transparency, trust, and continuous improvement districtwide. She continues to infuse thoughtful, research-based steps to strengthen organizational culture, combining use of data and trusting relationships to drive improvements in student wellness and achievement.” 
• “Dr. Bagula’s leadership decisions are grounded in a clear focus on student outcomes and the strategic use of data to inform practice and monitor outcomes. These efforts reflect alignment with the district’s vision and represent a key step toward data-informed decision-making.”  
• “Dr. Bagula has taken important steps to address fiscal sustainability, as demonstrated by a balanced 2026-27 district budget.” 
• “Dr. Bagula has prioritized the implementation of essential safety measures on and around school campuses, proactively meeting with City of San Diego leaders including the mayor and council persons regarding school safety needs districtwide.”
• “We look forward to our continued work with Dr. Bagula, and are confident that under her leadership the San Diego Unified School District will continue to provide the experiences and outcomes worthy of our students.”  

 

Districtwide Accomplishments during the 2025-26 School Year included:

Student Wellness

• Expanded wellness centers that collectively served more than 19,000 students.
• Supported over 315,000 student health office visits, with 84% of students returning to class without requiring additional medical attention.
• Conducted approximately 45,000 vision screenings and 45,000 hearing screenings.
• Supported 36 schools recognized nationally with the 2025 America's Healthiest Schools Award.

 

Literacy

• Districtwide English Language Arts performance increased by 5.2 points according to the 2025 California School Dashboard (updated numbers expected later in 2026). 
• Students performed 12.4 points above the state standard in English Language Arts according to the 2025 California School Dashboard (updated numbers expected later in 2026).
• Significant growth among Latino students, English Learners, and Students with Disabilities helped narrow longstanding achievement gaps.

 

Mathematics

• Successful implementation of Eureka Math in elementary grades.
• Student proficiency increased to 45.3% meeting or exceeding standards in mathematics according to the 2025 California School Dashboard (updated numbers expected later in 2026).
• Mathematics Distance From Standard improved by 4.6 points, reflecting stronger progress toward grade-level expectations according to the 2025 California School Dashboard (updated numbers expected later in 2026). 

 

College & Career Readiness

• Achieved the highest graduation rate in District history at a projected 91%.
• Approximately 71.4% of graduates met California's College and Career Readiness Indicator according to the 2025 California School Dashboard (updated numbers expected later in 2026).
• Ranked second in California for FAFSA/CADAA completion, with a completion rate of 78.4%.

 

Building on the Momentum

As San Diego Unified enters the 2026-27 school year, Superintendent Bagula's leadership will continue to focus on four key priorities: Student Wellness, Literacy, Mathematics, and College & Career Readiness, while maintaining fiscal responsibility and strong stewardship of public resources.

 

Student Wellness

San Diego Unified will:

• Launch information campaigns promoting healthy sleep, hydration, and physical activity.
• Improve student access to nutritious meals and reduce wait times during meal service.
• Increase connections to community-based resources supporting student well-being.
• Continue expanding coordinated supports that help students remain healthy, connected, and ready to learn.

 

Literacy

San Diego Unified will:

• Implement a new preschool curriculum focused on early language and literacy development.
• Expand professional learning aligned with the Science of Reading.
• Prepare educators for the implementation of a new reading curriculum in 2027-28.
• Continue accelerating literacy achievement while closing opportunity gaps.

 

Mathematics

San Diego Unified will:

• Strengthen mathematical fluency and student discourse across classrooms.
• Relaunch the 6th-grade mathematics program with enhanced blended learning and hands-on experiences.
• Launch a High School Math Lead Program focused on real-world and project-based learning.
• Continue building students' confidence and success in mathematics.

 

College & Career Readiness

San Diego Unified will:

• Strengthen implementation and alignment of College & Career Readiness curriculum in grades 6-12.
• Expand internships, apprenticeships, and job-shadow opportunities.
• Increase access to pathways connecting students to higher education and workforce opportunities.
• Provide additional tools and resources for students and families planning for postsecondary success.

 

In addition, the District will continue prioritizing fiscal responsibility by centering students and classrooms in budget decisions, improving organizational efficiency, and advocating at the state and federal levels of government aggressively for the resources students need and deserve.

 

"I am deeply grateful to the Board of Education for its trust, partnership, and continued confidence in our collective work on behalf of students," said Superintendent Dr. Fabi Bagula. "Most importantly, I want to thank our wonderful teachers, school leaders, support professionals, classified employees, and central office staff whose dedication has made every accomplishment possible. 

 

“Over the last two years, we have strengthened systems, expanded opportunities, improved outcomes, and deepened our commitment to serving every student. While I am proud of what we have achieved together, I am even more inspired by what lies ahead. Together, we will continue building a school district where every student feels healthy, welcomed, challenged, and fully prepared for college, career, and life."

 

To learn more about the evaluation and contract extension, click here for the details. 

 

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James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

 

 

San Diego Unified Prepared for High Heat, Plans in Place to Protect Students and Staff

EDITOR NOTE: On Wednesday, August 26 between 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. we will have Jennifer Alfonso, RN, MSN, Program Manager for Nursing & Wellness at San Diego Unified School District available for interviews to speak about what our schools and district do to keep staff and families safe from the heat, and to share tips with families. Let me know if you are interested, and we will schedule you a slot. Thanks.  James  

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                   Media Contact: 

James Canning, 313-580-2845, jcanning@sandi.net

San Diego Unified Prepared for High Heat, Plans in Place to Protect Students and Staff 

SAN DIEGO (August 25, 2026) – San Diego Unified School District schools are prepared to help keep students and staff safe during periods of high heat this week, with air conditioning available in all educational spaces and Hot Weather Plans in place at schools across the district.

When temperatures rise, schools will closely monitor weather conditions and adjust activities as needed. Hot Weather Plans may include modifying instructional activities or schedules, limiting or rescheduling strenuous physical activities and recess, utilizing shaded and air-conditioned spaces, providing additional access to drinking water, and monitoring students and staff for signs of heat-related illness.

“Our schools are prepared to respond when temperatures rise, and our priority is always the health, safety and well-being of our students and staff,” said Deputy Superintendent W. Drew Rowlands. “We have plans in place to adjust activities and schedules when needed, while keeping our schools open and learning moving forward whenever it is safe to do so.”

Adjusting Outdoor and Indoor Athletic Activities

Teachers, coaches, and staff supervising outdoor activities – including athletics, physical education, cheerleading, recess, and other programs – closely monitor weather conditions and students throughout the day. Staff provide additional water, rest breaks, and make adjustments to outdoor activities when necessary.

All San Diego Unified high school coaches are trained in district hot weather procedures and certified through the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) on heat illness prevention and school sites receive guidance from the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) for emergency action plans. 

Through NFHS’s “Heat Illness Prevention Course,” coaches learn both preventative and emergency measures, such as adjusting intensity and rest and ensuring all participants stay hydrated, as fundamentals of a strong heat acclimatization plan to help recognize signs early.

In addition, San Diego Unified Registered Nurses (RN) and trained health office staff prevent, recognize and manage heat illness.

Athletic practices and competitions are monitored in accordance with State legislation, district protocols and the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) rules, including daily WetBulb Globe Temperature readings through the newly installed Perry Weather monitoring and alerting systems when appropriate. Based on those conditions, schools may modify, relocate or reschedule outdoor activities.

Schools may also relocate students from non-air-conditioned areas , such as gyms,  when needed and will make use of shaded and air-conditioned spaces whenever available.

Air Conditioning in Educational Spaces

All educational spaces in San Diego Unified schools are air conditioned. Gyms, kitchens, restrooms and locker rooms are not equipped with air conditioning. Proper ventilation is available in these spaces, including operable windows to support air flow.       

Air conditioners are working overtime during extreme heat, and San Diego Unified’s Physical Plant Operations (PPO) team members are standing by ready to take action if an air conditioning unit malfunctions. The district has dedicated HVAC technicians and contracted support. Repair orders are triaged and prioritized based on student impact. For example, a large unit servicing an entire building would be prioritized rather than a single unit serving one classroom.

How Families Can Help Students Prepare

Families can help students stay comfortable and safe during warmer weather by encouraging them to:

• Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing.
• Bring extra water to school and stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Wear sunscreen when appropriate.
• Immediately tell a teacher, nurse, coach or other staff member if they feel overheated, dizzy, or unwell.

“Keeping students safe during hot weather is a shared responsibility,” said Jennifer Alfonso, RN, MSN, Program Manager for Nursing & Wellness at San Diego Unified School District.  “We encourage families to send students to school prepared with water and appropriate clothing, and we encourage our students to speak up if they are not feeling well. Our staff will continue to closely monitor conditions and make adjustments when necessary.”

For additional information, families can review the district’s Administrative Procedure 4032 (Link), which outlines procedures and precautions for periods of hot weather.

The district will continue monitoring weather forecasts and conditions throughout the week and will communicate any changes to the school schedule or outdoor activities as needed.

Schools will remain open as long as a safe learning environment can be provided. 

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James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

 

 

LEWIS MIDDLE SCHOOL REIMAGINES THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL TO BOOST STUDENT BELONGING AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

LEWIS MIDDLE SCHOOL REIMAGINES THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL TO BOOST STUDENT BELONGING AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS

 

WHAT: During the first week of school, Lewis Middle School will implement its student-centered Welcome Week, highlighting an innovative approach that prioritizes student belonging, relationship-building, and confidence before academic instruction begins. 

 

Welcome Week includes community-building activities, student-teacher connections, and opportunities for students to learn school expectations before academic instruction begins. Lewis Middle also celebrates the opening of the school's newly completed two-story, 14-classroom learning complex and music building following three years of modernization. 

 

WHEN: Tuesday, August 11, 2026

• 10:30 a.m. Tour the New Buildings 
• 11 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Visit a classroom

 

WHERE: Lewis Middle School, 5170 Greenbrier Ave., San Diego, CA 92120

 

WHY: Lewis Middle believes students learn best when they first feel connected, supported, and like they belong. Instead of a traditional first week, students participate in a structured Welcome Week that helps them:

• Build meaningful relationships with teachers and classmates.
• Learn school routines and expectations in a supportive environment.
• Develop confidence before rigorous instruction begins.

 

The results speak for themselves. Following last year's Welcome Week:

• 80% of students strongly agreed they understood what was expected in their classes.
• 70% strongly agreed their teachers cared about them and wanted them to succeed.
• Nearly 50% said they made a new friend during the first week of school.

 

VISUALS: 

• Students 
• New 2-story 14 classroom learning complex & music building
• LINK to Photos of New 2-story 14 classroom learning complex & music building

 

WHO:

• Justin Phillips, Principal, Lewis Middle
• Educators and students 

______________________________________________________________________________
Media Contact: James Canning, 313-580-2845, Jcanning@sandi.net 

 

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James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org

 

 

FIRST DAY OF NEW SCHOOL YEAR ON MONDAY FOR SAN DIEGO UNFIED STUDENTS

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

FIRST DAY OF NEW SCHOOL YEAR ON MONDAY FOR SAN DIEGO UNFIED STUDENTS

 

WHAT: Media Availability & Welcoming Students Back  

 

WHY: 95,000 students from across San Diego will attend their first day of the new school year at 175 San Diego Unified Schools on Monday. San Diego Unified officials will visit schools across the District, and the media is invited to join them at Patrick Henry High School to do interviews, and welcome the students back!     

 

WHEN: Monday, August 10, 2026 

• Welcoming Students & Families to School 
• 8:30 a.m. Students enter gates for schedules, classroom assignments 
• 9:20 a.m. Students start school

 

WHERE: Patrick Henry High School, 6702 Wandermere Dr. San Diego, CA 92120

 

NEW @ SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOLS 

• Goals for 2026-27
• Summer Enrollment
• Learner-Centered Technology  

 

WHO:

• Dr. Fabi Bagula, Superintendent, San Diego Unified School District
• Richard Barrera, President, Board of Education San Diego Unified School District
• Sabrina Bazzo, Vice President, Board of Education San Diego Unified School District
• Sharon Whitehurst-Payne, Trustee, Board of Education San Diego Unified School District 
• Shana Hazan, Trustee, Board of Education San Diego Unified School District
• Cody Petterson, Trustee, Board of Education San Diego Unified School District  
• Principal Melanie Kray, Patrick Henry High School, San Diego Unified School District

 

ABOUT PATRICK HENRY HIGH SCHOOL 

• 2,600 students. The largest comprehensive high school in San Diego Unified 
• A top performer academically in San Diego County
• Championship athletic teams, visual and performing arts, college and career pathways There is something for every student at Patrick Henry High School. 
• California Dashboard Academic Ratings for Patrick Henry High School: 

 

 

Media Parking : park in the parking area immediately to the right, after you enter the parking lot. See image below.  (See Picture Below Parking Information) 

 

             

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Media Contacts: James Canning, 313-580-2845; Marisa Berumen, 619-847-6029

 

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James Canning (He/Him) Executive Director Strategic Communications & Information San Diego Unified School District   Mobile: 313-580-2845 Office: 619-725-5578 Email: Jcanning@sandi.net   4100 Normal Street San Diego, CA 92103   www.sandiegounified.org