San Diego Unified School District News Releases: LEWIS MIDDLE SCHOOL REIMAGINES THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL TO BOOST STUDENT BELONGING AND ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Monday, August 10, 2026

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: