NEWS RELEASE: New Student Services and Classroom Facility Marks New Era for Historic San Diego High School Campus

Event photos can be found here.

Broll of the event can be found here.

Interior photos of the new facility are available here. Credit: Parron Hall.

 

 

 

 

 

News Release 

 

 

New Student Services and Classroom Facility Marks New Era for Historic San Diego High School Campus 

 

Monday, March 9, 2026

 

SAN DIEGO -  It’s officially a new era for San Diego High School (SDHS), as its striking modern facade now welcomes students, staff, and the community to an upgraded campus.

 

With red scissors, royal blue ribbon, students, and alumni, Monday marked the ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication for the 144-year-old campus’s new student services and classroom facility. 

 

“I was here for the groundbreaking, and now  I’m seeing it complete for the first time,” said Aries Cole, SDHS alumnus. “It’s inspiring, and I hope that current and future students feel inspired enough by it to go to college to further their education.” 

 

Serving as the new secure campus entryway, the facility includes a lobby, student support spaces, modern classrooms, collaborative workspaces, a staff lounge, and enhanced security technology. 

 

“It’s night and day from our old building,” said SDHS Principal Franny Del Carmen. “This new facade is inviting, warm, and truly beautiful. Importantly, it provides students with a college-level facility with quality learning spaces. We also kept a lot of history inside the building, so we are acknowledging our rich history while moving into the future.” 

 

Historical items inside the new building include the historical wooden doors from the former “Grey Castle” building and many framed images of SDHS throughout the years. 

 

Opened in 1882, San Diego High School (SDHS) is a top-ranked International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme school. It takes pride in its rich history and alumni community, which includes former San Diego High teacher and the “Mother of Balboa Park,” Kate Sessions, and National Football League (NFL) player Art Powell, who graduated in the 1950s. 

 

Following a voter-approved ballot measure, the city renewed its 99-year lease in October 2021, and construction on the SDHS Whole Site Modernization began in early 2022. The project includes the new classroom and student services facility, a modernized lower and central campus quad, classroom renovations, and a new College, Career, and Technical Education Engineering Design Lab.

 

“San Diegans believe in investing in high-quality public schools in every neighborhood across our district,” said Board of Education President Richard Barrera. “Because of their efforts, this 144-year-old campus, which is intimately part of our city, will not only stay at its historic location, but will flourish for years to come.”

 

For more background on the history of SDHS, a comprehensive video from the SDHS Alumni Association can be found here. 

 

MEDIA CONTACT: 

Jamie Ries, Information Services Specialist, San Diego Unified, (619) 855-9283, jries@sandi.net.

 

 

FRIDAY: Ibarra Elementary to Host Second Annual Parade of Nations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            Media Contact:

                                                           James Canning, jcanning@sandi.net, 313-580-2845
                                                            Marisa Berumen, mberumen@sandi.net, 619-847-6029 

 

Ibarra Elementary to Host Second Annual Parade of Nations

Students Celebrate Cultural Diversity with Parade Representing 26 Countries

SAN DIEGO (MARCH 9, 2026)  – Ibarra Elementary School will host its second annual Parade of Nations on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Twenty-six countries will be represented as school students, led by Ibarra's No Place for Hate Program, which will showcase the rich cultural diversity of their school community by celebrating the many countries and traditions.

"We believe that when we bring our diverse voices together, we strengthen not only Ibarra, but our entire community. I am incredibly proud of our team for leading with heart and creating opportunities that celebrate the richness of our students and families," said Interim Principal Fred Cruz. "Our staff has worked thoughtfully to create a space where families and students feel seen, valued, and connected. As Yo-Yo Ma reminds us, 'Our cultural strength has always been derived from our diversity of understanding and experience.' 

The Parade of Nations reflects the San Diego Unified School District's commitment to equity and belonging for every student. By creating space for students and families to share and celebrate their cultural heritage, Ibarra Elementary is bringing to life the district's commitment of creating inclusive, welcoming schools where every child feels valued and seen.

More than 300 students will be in attendance, including Alice Gutierrez, a fifth grader and No Place for Hate student leader at Ibarra Elementary.

"The Parade of Nations Event is a great way to show that there are students from many cultures and countries at our school, and they are proud of where their families are from," Gutierrez said. "Walking in the parade makes me feel happy to share my culture with everybody and to learn about and see the cultural outfits and flags of other students."

The celebration will feature 26 countries spanning five continents in a colorful parade through the auditorium. Countries represented include Afghanistan, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, Congo, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Somalia, Sudan, Thailand, USA, Vietnam, and others. 

Event Day Activities 

The program begins with an interactive opening in which a teacher emcee leads students in saying "hello" in multiple languages. When the parade begins, each country is announced, and student representatives, wearing name badges identifying their assigned nation, walk down a red carpet that runs through the center of the auditorium. Students representing each country are stationed on both sides of the carpet and take turns walking the runway as classmates and families cheer them on.

EVENT DETAILS:

What: Second Annual Parade of Nations

When: Friday, March 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Where: Ibarra Elementary School Auditorium, 4877 Orange Ave, San Diego, CA 92115
PHOTOS: Here

Media Availability: Event coordinators, Rosemarie Lettiere and Monica Duncan will be available for interviews.

Background About Parade of Nations 

The first Parade of Nations was held in April 2025 and was organized by Ibarra's Resource Teacher Rosemarie Lettiere, Counselor Monica Duncan, and the school's Community Schools Site Coordinator, along with student leaders and additional staff. The event was embraced by the school community and became a highlight of the year, inspiring organizers to make it an annual tradition.

Ibarra Elementary's No Place for Hate program, through which student leaders help organize the parade, is part of a national initiative by the Anti-Defamation League that empowers schools to challenge bias and create inclusive learning environments.

 

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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

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY: New Student Services and Classroom Facility Marks New Era for Historic San Diego High School Campus

 

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

 

New Student Services and Classroom Facility Marks New Era for Historic San Diego High School Campus

 

 

March 6, 2026 

 

WHAT:         

San Diego Unified School District leaders and the San Diego High School community will celebrate the completion of the 144-year-old campus’s new student services and classroom facility. 

 

WHEN:        

Monday, March 9, 2026

10 - 11 a.m. 

 

WHERE:      

San Diego High School

1405 Park Blvd. 

San Diego, CA 92101

 

VISUALS:      

10:00 – 10:01 a.m. - SDHS AJROTC Presentation of Colors 

10:01 – 10:02 a.m.-  Pledge of Allegiance led by SDHS Senior Ali Tran                                                                                 

10:02 – 10:04 a.m. - National Anthem performed by two SDHS Choir Students

10:04  - 10:20 a.m. - Podium Speaking Portion 

10:20  - 10:25 a.m. - Ribbon-Cutting

10:25 - 11:00 a.m. - Media 1-1s, Building Tour 

 

Interior Photos of the new facility can be found here. Credit: Parron Hall. 

 

SPEAKERS:  

Richard Barrera, Board of Education President, San Diego Unified

Francisca Del Carmen, Principal, San Diego High 

Eddie Head, President, San Diego High School Alumni Association

Rae Riner, President, San Diego High School Foundation

Nathan Williams, Senior, San Diego High School

Aries Cole, ‘22 Graduate, San Diego High School

 

BACKGROUND:

Opened in 1882, San Diego High School (SDHS) is a top-ranked International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme school. It takes pride in its rich history and school community, which includes former San Diego High teacher and the “Mother of Balboa Park,” Kate Sessions, and National Football League (NFL) player Art Powell, who graduated in the 1950s. 

 

After the city renewed its 99-year lease in October 2021, construction on the SDHS Whole Site Modernization began in early 2022, which includes the new classroom and student services facility, a modernized lower and central campus quad, classroom renovations, and a new College, Career, and Technical Education Engineering Design Lab.

 

Serving as the new secure campus entryway, the renovated student services and classroom facility includes a lobby, student support spaces, modern classrooms, collaborative workspaces, a staff lounge, and enhanced security technology. 

 

For more background on the history of SDHS, a comprehensive video from the SDHS Alumni Association can be found here. 

 

PARKING:   

Media can stage in parking lot A, located nearest to the new facility. See the map with the location. 

 

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Jamie Ries, Facilities Communication Liaison, San Diego Unified, 619-855-9283, jries@sandi.net

Samer Naji, Facilities Communications Supervisor, San Diego Unified, 619-548-3388, snaji@sandi.net

SD UNIFIED HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS, PREVENTION INFORMATION MEETINGS - MARCH 18 & 19

Editor Note: We have a media availability schedule for Tuesday, March 10 between 10 and 11 a.m. with Rickeena Boyd-Kamei, Educator and Leader Growth and Development, for Investigations, Compliance & Accountability (ICA), San Diego Unified School District. She will be available for in-person or virtual interviews.  Please contact us if you would like to reserve a chance to speak with her.  Thank you. 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            Media Contact:

                                                                                                James Canning, jcanning@sandi.net, 313-580-2845
                                                                                                Marisa Berumen, mberumen@sandi.net, 619-847-6029

                                                                                                                                                                                               

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED TO HOST COMMUNITY INFORMATION MEETINGS ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS, PREVENTION AND REPORTING PROTOCOLS 

Students and Families Invited to Learn Vital Information and Available Support Services 

SAN DIEGO (MARCH 5, 2026) – San Diego Unified will host two community information meetings this month to provide students and families with critical information about human trafficking, including how to recognize warning signs, report concerns, and access support services. The community information meetings will be held:  

• March 18 at 5:30 p.m. - University City High School, Auditorium, 6949 Genesee Ave, San Diego, CA 92122

• March 19 at 5:30 p.m. - Lincoln High School, Theater, 4777 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113

The community information meetings will feature presentations from the district's Investigations, Compliance & Accountability (ICA) team and community partners. Families and students will learn what human trafficking may look like in schools and at home, what warning signs to watch for, and how to safely report concerns. Attendees will also receive information on requesting prevention training at their school sites.

Community partners, including San Diego Youth Services, The San Diego LGBT Community Center, One Safe Place, and Olive Crest, will be present to provide resources and connect families with support services.

"The community information meetings will offer vital information to our students and families so they can recognize the signs of human trafficking and know where to turn for help," said Rickeena Boyd-Kamei, Educator and Leader Growth and Development, for Investigations, Compliance & Accountability (ICA), San Diego Unified School District. "Attendees will leave with knowledge of reporting protocols and access to wrap-around services provided by both the district and our community partners."

The community information meetings are part of the district's expanded Human Trafficking Prevention Program, which aligns with San Diego Unified's Student Achievement Goal of improving student wellness. Recent enhancements include updated reporting protocols, districtwide staff training, strengthened coordination with the San Diego Human Trafficking Taskforce, a formalized police response protocol, and a new partnership with San Diego Youth Services to ensure immediate access to advocacy and support. 

The District encourages students and families to learn more about reporting options and available resources by visiting the new Human Trafficking Prevention Program website, here. 

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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

 

 

MARCH 10: SD UNIFIED BUDGET MEETING & WORKSHOP

MEDIA ADVISORY

SD UNIFIED BUDGET MEETING & WORKSHOP MARCH 10 @ 5 PM

WHAT: Budget Presentation and Workshop 

WHY: San Diego Unified School District leaders will present the 2nd Interim Budget report and hold an input session for district families and the community. Click here to see information about the First Interim Budget presented in December. 

WHEN: Tuesday, March 10, 2026 @ 5:00 p.m. 

WHERE: Wilson Middle School, 3733 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92105 

WHO: Board of Education, district leadership, families, community 

PARKING: Enter parking garage with access from El Cajon Blvd.  

 

_________________________________________________________________________

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

 

 

San Diego Unified Schools and San Diego Mojo Announce Special Educators Night at Viejas Arena

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Media Contacts:
James Canning, 313-580-2845, jcanning@sandi.net
Ryan Tewes, 858-752-9792, ryan@letsgomojo.com 

 

San Diego Unified Schools and San Diego Mojo Announce Special Educators Night at Viejas Arena

 

SAN DIEGO (MARCH 04, 2026) – San Diego Unified School District is proud to partner with the San Diego Mojo for a Special Educators Night on March 25, 2026 at 7 p.m. at Viejas Arena, celebrating the district's outstanding teachers, classified employees, and volunteers.

 

As part of the festivities at the match involving the Mojo and the Omaha Supernovas, the San Diego Mojo spotlight San Diego Unified's Teachers of the Year, Classified Employees of the Year, and Volunteers of the Year during an on-court recognition ceremony. Honorees are receiving complimentary tickets to the match, with additional special ticket offers available to all district educators and staff. Tickets are available at: https://www.gofevo.com/event/sdunified0325.

 

"This partnership is a powerful example of what happens when education and professional athletics come together to uplift our community," said Scott Giusti, Director of Physical Education, Health and Athletics, San Diego Unified School District. "Our educators dedicate their lives to inspiring students both in the classroom and through extracurricular activities like volleyball. We are grateful to the San Diego Mojo for celebrating their impact and for supporting our district's ongoing commitment to excellence."

 

The San Diego Mojo compete in Major League Volleyball and feature elite athletes from around the world. As San Diego's professional women's volleyball team, the Mojo are committed to empowering young athletes and strengthening community connections throughout the region.

 

"We are honored to celebrate the incredible educators of San Diego Unified," said Alisha Childress, Head Coach, San Diego Mojo. "As a coach, I see firsthand how mentorship changes lives. Teachers and school staff are coaches in their own right, they are guiding, motivating, and shaping the next generation. We're excited to welcome them to Viejas Arena for a night that's all about recognizing their dedication."

 

San Diego Unified serves more than 95,000 students and offers robust athletic programming, including competitive volleyball teams across its middle and high schools. Student-athletes not only develop skills on the court but also build leadership, teamwork, and perseverance, values shared by the Mojo organization.

As part of the March 25 celebration:

• Free tickets will be provided to the District's Teacher of the Year, Classified Employee of the Year, and Volunteer of the Year. Honorees will also be recognized on court during the match.
• Members of a San Diego Unified school volleyball team will serve as ceremonial ball crew and court ambassadors, supporting game operations and representing the district.
• San Diego Unified educators will have access to a season-long ticket discount to enjoy additional Mojo matches throughout the year.
• The partnership will also support San Diego Unified's Literacy Program, highlighting the shared commitment to student success both on and off the court.

 

The Special Educators Night reflects a shared mission between San Diego Unified and the San Diego Mojo: to empower students, celebrate excellence, and strengthen the San Diego community.

 

For tickets and additional information, visit: https://www.gofevo.com/event/sdunified0325.

 

About San Diego Unified School District
San Diego Unified School District is California's second-largest school district, serving a diverse population of students across the city of San Diego with a commitment to academic excellence, equity, and whole-child development. Visit SanDiegoUnified.org to learn more. 

 

About the San Diego Mojo
The San Diego Mojo are San Diego's professional women's volleyball team competing in Major League Volleyball. The organization is dedicated to advancing women's professional sports while inspiring youth through community engagement and outreach. Learn more at LetsGoMojo.com. 

 

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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

 

 

SD Unified Expands Transitional Kindergarten Access, Enroll Now

EDITOR NOTE: I can arrange interviews if you want to speak with either of the people quoted in this press release. Please contact me at jcanning@sandi.net or 313-580-2845. Thanks, James Canning.

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                       

San Diego Unified Expands Transitional Kindergarten Access, Enroll Now  
9 New TK Classrooms, 180+ New TK Seats for 2026–27 School Year
Enrollment Open Now at SanDiegoUnified.org/TK for the 5,200 available TK seats

SAN DIEGO (MARCH 2, 2026) – The San Diego Unified School District is expanding access to free Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for the 2026–27 school year, adding nine new TK classrooms and creating 180 additional enrollment seats compared to last year. Enrollment is now open at SanDiegoUnified.org/TK for the 5,200 available TK seats. Students must be four years old on or before September 1, 2026, to enroll in TK for the upcoming school year.

"Transitional Kindergarten gives our youngest learners the strong start they deserve," said Shana Hazan, Trustee, San Diego Unified Board of Education. "By adding nine new classrooms and expanding access to 180 more students this year, we are investing in early learning experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and readiness for kindergarten and beyond. TK provides a nurturing, play-based environment where children develop critical academic and social-emotional skills through exploration and discovery." 

Transitional Kindergarten provides a full day, optional grade of learning and serves as a bridge between preschool and kindergarten. TK follows the elementary school calendar and bell schedule while offering a play-based, developmentally appropriate experience.

All elementary and K-8 schools will offer TK (except Virtual Academy and Mt. Everest). If a school fills, placement will be offered at a nearby school with available space; some highly impacted sites may maintain a waitlist. Families are encouraged to submit applications between March 2 and March 22 for the best chance of securing a seat in their neighborhood school.

"We want parents to feel confident that TK is more than just an extra year — it's a thoughtful bridge between preschool and kindergarten. It is an opportunity for families to build a connection to their school community," said Santos Gonzalez, Director, Early Learning Programs, San Diego Unified School District. "Our classrooms are designed to nurture curiosity and support each child's social and emotional development, while building the foundational skills that prepare them for long-term success in school and beyond."

Each TK classroom is staffed by two teachers, creating a supportive and nurturing environment where learning happens through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences. The curriculum is based on the California Preschool Transitional Kindergarten Learning Foundations (PTKLF), building a strong academic and social-emotional foundation for future learning.

TK students may also participate in PrimeTime before- and after-school programs.

Enrollment

In alignment with San Diego Unified's new online enrollment system, families will complete a user-friendly online application available on the District's Universal Transitional Kindergarten webpage: SanDiegoUnified.org/TK

Families who need additional assistance may visit their neighborhood school, a nearby enrollment kiosk, or the Neighborhood Schools and Enrollment Options (NSEO) office for in-person support with the online process. Additional information about the District's early learning programs is available here. 

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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