District Highlights

Dolores Huerta was a trailblazing civil rights activist, labor leader, and champion for social justice whose lifelong dedication to equality, education, and community empowerment has inspired generations. As co-founder of the United Farm Workers, she played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights, dignity, and fair treatment of farmworkers and their families. Her leadership helped bring national attention to the struggles of working families and the importance of standing together to create meaningful change.

Through her advocacy, Dolores Huerta has demonstrated the power of perseverance, unity, and using one's voice to make a difference. Her famous words, “¡Sí, se puede!” (Yes, we can!), continue to inspire individuals and communities to overcome challenges and pursue a brighter future. Her legacy reminds us that education, civic engagement, and compassion are powerful tools for creating opportunities and empowering future generations. Her contributions will continue to inspire students, educators, and communities for generations to come.

On Friday, October 30, 2026, schools throughout the San Ysidro School District celebrated the fall season with festive costume parades and exciting activities that brought students, staff, and families together! Our school campuses were filled with Halloween spirit as students proudly showed off their creative, colorful, and imaginative costumes. From superheroes to princesses and other fun creations, these celebrations provided wonderful opportunities to build school spirit, create lasting memories, and strengthen our sense of community.

A special thank you to our school leaders, teachers, classified team, and everyone who helped coordinate, plan, and organize these wonderful student celebrations! Your creativity, teamwork, and dedication made these events memorable for our students and families. We appreciate everyone's efforts to create welcoming, joyful school environments where our students can celebrate, have fun, and enjoy the magic of the fall season!

On Friday, October 30, 2026, La Mirada Elementary School brought the Halloween spirit to life with a fun-filled Trunk or Treat celebration! Students and their families enjoyed a festive afternoon walking through the school parking lot, visiting decorated vehicles, collecting sweet treats, and celebrating the excitement of Halloween together. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for families to connect, create lasting memories, and enjoy a safe and welcoming environment filled with Halloween cheer, laughter, and community spirit.

A special thank you to Principal Julie Pretzer and the entire La Mirada Elementary team for their hard work, creativity, and dedication in planning and coordinating this wonderful event. Their efforts helped create a memorable Halloween experience for students and families while strengthening the sense of community that makes La Mirada Elementary such a special place. Thank you to everyone who helped make this celebration a spooktacular success! 🎃🍭👻

The District proudly celebrated the retirement of Assistant Superintendent Manuel Bojorquez, an exceptional educational leader, valued colleague, and dedicated member of our District familia, who has devoted more than 30 years of service to the students, families, employees, and community. Throughout his remarkable career, Mr. Bojorquez has served in numerous leadership roles, including Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Human Resources, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Leadership and Pupil Services, and Acting Superintendent. In each position, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to student achievement, educational excellence, and creating meaningful opportunities for all students to succeed.

Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Bojorquez has made significant contributions to strengthening instructional practices, supporting English learners, expanding educational opportunities, mentoring school leaders, and fostering collaboration across schools and departments. His dedication and leadership were recognized in 2019 when he received the Elementary Principal of the Year Award from the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 18. Beyond his many professional accomplishments, his greatest legacy lies in the meaningful relationships he has built, the colleagues he has supported, and the countless students and families whose lives he has positively impacted.

Assistant Superintendent Bojorquez, thank you for your exceptional leadership, dedication, and more than three decades of service to our San Ysidro community! You will be greatly missed, but your legacy will continue to inspire our District familia for years to come.

Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement! The best is yet to come! 🎉

In celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), schools throughout the San Ysidro School District have embraced this beautiful Mexican tradition by creating colorful and meaningful ofrendas (altars) to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. Decorated with vibrant marigolds, photographs, candles, papel picado, and special keepsakes, these altars serve as heartfelt tributes to the memories and legacies of family members, friends, and loved ones who continue to hold a special place in our hearts.

Through these meaningful displays, our schools are celebrating cultural heritage while providing students with opportunities to learn about the importance of family, remembrance, and honoring traditions passed down through generations. A special thank you to our dedicated school staff, students, and families who contributed their creativity, time, and thoughtful efforts to bring these beautiful altars to life. Their participation reflects the rich cultural diversity of our San Ysidro community and reminds us that the memories of those we love continue to live on through the stories and traditions we share. 🌼❤️

The San Ysidro School District, in partnership with the City of San Diego Public Library – Otay Mesa/Nestor Branch, continues to celebrate the rich cultural traditions of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) through special bilingual storytelling assemblies at our schools.

On Thursday, October 29, 2026, Ocean View Hills Elementary School will host the final assembly in this special series of cultural celebrations, providing students with an opportunity to learn about this meaningful Mexican tradition that honors and remembers loved ones who have passed away.

Jackie Macias, Youth Services Librarian, brings this cultural celebration to life through engaging bilingual storytelling, interactive songs, and traditional Mexican music performed on the jarana, a traditional string instrument. These enriching presentations promote literacy, cultural awareness, and a deeper appreciation for the traditions that make our diverse community so special.

The District extends its sincere appreciation to Ms. Macias and the City of San Diego Public Library – Otay Mesa/Nestor Branch for their continued partnership and commitment to creating meaningful educational and cultural experiences for our students.

🌼📖🎶 Together, we honor cultural heritage, celebrate the traditions that connect generations, strengthen community partnerships, and empower students through learning!