COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Every school year begins long before the first bell rings.

Before students ever walk through our gates, there is a quiet excitement that fills every corner of our District. Teachers put the finishing touches on classrooms that will soon become places of discovery. Custodians prepare campuses with pride, knowing every polished hallway will soon echo with laughter and learning. Buses stand ready for another year of safely carrying precious cargo, while countless staff members work behind the scenes with one shared purpose: making sure every student walks into a school that is ready for them.

This summer, while your family was making memories together, our entire Temecula Valley Unified team was preparing for the moment we have been looking forward to all summer: welcoming your children back to school. There is nothing quite like the energy, excitement, and optimism that return when a new school year begins.

Because every student deserves more than a great first day, every student deserves an exceptional year.

The 2026–2027 school year is filled with possibility. Somewhere, a kindergarten student will walk through school doors for the very first time. A middle school student will discover a new passion. A high school senior will take one step closer to the future they have been dreaming about. Across every campus, students will learn, grow, overcome challenges, celebrate successes, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Your children are walking into schools where they are eagerly anticipated, deeply valued, and surrounded by adults who believe in them, often before they recognize their own potential. That belief is at the heart of everything we do.

It is our privilege to serve the students and families of Temecula Valley. Every day, we are committed to creating learning environments where students feel safe, challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

As we open the doors to a new year, we do so with excitement, optimism, and tremendous pride. To every family beginning this year with us, welcome. Whether this is your first year in Temecula Valley Unified or your last before graduation, thank you for allowing us to be part of your child's story.

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year.

We have been preparing for this moment all summer. We can't wait to welcome your children back.

With excitement for all that lies ahead,

Dr. Kimberly Velez
Superintendent
Temecula Valley Unified School District

In this special summer edition of Walk & Talk, Dr. Velez joined Construction Coordinator Scott Kasper on the MMS campus to talk about the projects happening across our district and the planning that goes into preparing our schools for students and staff. Whether you're curious about the work happening at your school or want a behind-the-scenes look at how these projects come together, we invite you to watch the full conversation.

Congratulations to Temecula Valley High School 2026 graduate Matthew DeWitt, who was recently recognized as one of only five Inland Empire students to receive a 2026 National Merit Scholarship. This prestigious honor recognizes students for their exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and potential for future success. We are incredibly proud of Matthew's accomplishment and wish him all the best as he begins this exciting new chapter. Congratulations, Matthew!

Click here to read the full Press Enterprise article.

Students in grades 3-8 and 11 were administered the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) during the spring of 2026. Student scores for English Language Arts, Math, and Science (for grades 5, 8, and 11) are now available within your parent portal in Infinite Campus.

For step-by-step directions to access your student's scores, click here.

As we prepare to welcome students back, the Temecula Valley Unified Nutrition Services team is excited to serve healthy, delicious meals that help students learn, grow, and thrive.

Every TVUSD student can enjoy one free breakfast and one free lunch each school day.

We encourage families to explore our monthly menus before the first day of school! Our menus include nutrition information and allergen details to help you plan ahead and can be found on our menu webpage.

For everything Nutrition Services, visit our website. There you'll find information about our meal programs, nutrition resources, frequently asked questions, and meal service information. If your student requires a meal accommodation due to a medical condition, you'll also find instructions and the forms needed to request dietary accommodations.

We look forward to serving your family and wish everyone a happy, healthy, and successful school year!

• Nutrition Services Instagram

As summer draws to a close and students prepare to return to school, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office’s Southwest Station reminds all drivers to make safety a top priority during August’s Back to School Safety Month by slowing down, following the speed limit, and showing extra care driving through school zones.

"This time of year brings increased activity around schools and it’s crucial to be mindful behind the wheel,” Deputy Gruwell said. "Every driver plays a role in keeping children safe by slowing down and paying close attention in and around school zones. It is all our responsibility to ensure children get to and from school safely.”

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office’s Southwest Station offers the following tips to stay safe around schools:

• Slow down and follow the posted speed limit.
• Adhere to school policies and procedures for dropping off and picking up students.
• Stop for school buses. Watch for children rushing to catch the bus or exiting.
• Look out for people walking and yield at all marked and unmarked crosswalks.
• For parents with children walking or biking to school, teach them safe walking and riding behaviors, such as looking both ways before crossing the street, walking on sidewalks when available, and crossing at corners when there is no marked crosswalk.

If you are behind a school bus with a stop sign and flashing red lights, drivers need to stop so students can safely get on and off the bus. Drivers must remain stopped while the red lights are on. Drivers in both directions must stop on any two-lane road without a median or a center turn lane.

Visit Go Safely California for more traffic safety information.

If you're enrolling a new student in TVUSD for the 2026-27 school year, our Centralized Enrollment & Registration team is here to make the process as smooth as possible. Families can complete the online pre-enrollment application and will receive follow-up communication from an Enrollment Center Technician if additional information is needed. Visit our Enrollment & Registration webpage to begin the process, review required steps, and access helpful resources.

The Annual Family Update, found in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal, is required for all students returning to TVUSD for the 26/27 school year.

Any student who does not have a completed Annual Update:

• may not be enrolled in a class for the 26/27 school year
  
• may not receive a schedule
  
• may not be able to participate in school business days in August.
  

Are you ready for the new school year? Many of our schools share school supply lists on their websites and social media pages. We encourage families to check with their student's school for the most up-to-date information before shopping.

Now is a great time to start planning for the upcoming school year. The 2026-27 TVUSD school calendar and bell schedules are available to help families prepare for the first day of school, important holidays, minimum days, and other key dates throughout the year. Visit our Calendar webpage to view and download the district calendar, access the 26-27 bell schedule, and stay up to date with important events.

Dear TVUSD Families,

We are excited to welcome your students back for the 2026–27 school year beginning Wednesday, August 12th! Please make sure to regularly check your email for specific school site communication.

Teacher assignments and class schedules will be available in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal on the following dates and times:

• Elementary and Middle Schools: Monday, August 10th at 4:30 PM

• High Schools: Tuesday, August 11th at 5:00 PM

Please note: All schedule changes will be made based on specific school site policies. We appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure a smooth and consistent start for all students. If your student is able to view a schedule or teacher assignment through a third-party educational app prior to the official release date, please be aware that this information is not finalized and is subject to change until it is officially published in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

If you need assistance accessing the Infinite Campus Parent Portal, please contact your school’s front office.

Reminder: Parents must complete the Annual Family Update for all returning students prior to School Business Days or the first day of school to obtain student schedules.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We look forward to a great school year!

This classroom is scheduled to open on August 12th and will offer additional FREE PRESCHOOL spots for our youngest learners!

If you are interested in sending your child to our program, please find more information here. Children need to be 3 years old in order to attend, and eligibility is dependent on family income.

If you have any questions, please contact Ami Paradise at aparadise@tvusd.us.

Do you have a 3 or 4-year-old who loves to learn, play, and make new friends? TVUSD's Typical Peer Preschool Program is now accepting applications!

• Typical peers learn alongside students with special needs in an inclusive classroom where they help model positive social skills, communication, and cooperation while developing their own pre-academic, social-emotional, and motor skills through play-based learning.
• Preschool teachers will begin conducting interviews for prospective students in August. If you're interested in learning more or applying, scan the QR code on the flyer below or visit the Preschool Services website. We look forward to welcoming new learners to our classrooms!

Our students thrive because of the dedicated people who support them every day. From classrooms to offices to playgrounds, every role matters. Join the TVUSD family and discover the rewarding opportunities waiting for you right here in our community.

Catch up on past newsletters by visiting the Community Connection Newsletter Archive webpage.

Temecula Valley Unified School District is committed to building strong partnerships with parents in support of all students. Part of this commitment includes ensuring that families are informed of their rights and the right to opt their children out of certain instructional activities or assessments, as provided under state and federal law. The Frequently Asked Questions document linked below is designed to clarify the legal requirements, district procedures, and options available to parents regarding opt-outs.

For more information, visit: Know Your Rights and TVUSD Annual Notification for Parents.

Location: 31350 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula, CA, USA
Phone: (951)676-2661