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The Countdown is On: Preparing for the 2026-2027 School Year!

Read on for some practical tips on preparing for a successful school year.

The summer days are flying by, and a brand-new year of discovery, innovation, friendship, and growth is just around the corner. Campbell Union is thrilled to welcome students back on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

From our littlest learners stepping into Transitional Kindergarten (TK) for the very first time to our 8th graders preparing to lead their campuses, a new school year brings a unique mix of excitement and anticipation. Whether your child is learning to tie their shoes or mastering pre-algebra, here is a helpful guide to ensure your family is ready to thrive on day one.

For Our Youngest Learners  (TK to 2nd Grade)

Starting or returning to early elementary school is a major milestone. For these young learners, building comfort and independence is key:

• Practice the Morning Routine: A couple of weeks before August 19, start practicing school-year bedtimes and wake-up alarms. Rehearse getting dressed independently and packing up backpacks.
• Build Lunchbox Independence: Help your child practice opening and closing their own lunch containers, water bottles, and snack bags. This builds immense confidence in the cafeteria.
• Read All About It: Visit the local library and pick up books about the first day of school (like Pete the Cat: Rockin’ in My School Shoes or First Day Jitters) to help normalize their feelings and ease separation anxiety.

For Our Growing Scholars (3rd to 5th Grade)

Upper elementary students are ready to take more ownership of their learning and daily habits:

• Designate a "Growth Zone": Work together to set up a quiet, well-lit homework and reading station at home. Involve them in organizing their supplies to build excitement.
• Reintroduce Daily Reading: Re-establish a daily reading routine. Swapping out 20–30 minutes of evening screen time for a great book is an excellent way to gently wake up their academic brains.
• Set Personal Goals: Sit down with your child and ask what they are most excited to learn or improve upon this year. Setting a positive intention now sets the tone for a successful year. Ask your student about the learning goals they would like to set this school year. 

For Our Middle School Leaders (6th to 8th Grade)

Middle school brings more independence, moving between classrooms, and managing shifting social dynamics:

• Map It Out: Moving to multiple classes can cause a little baseline anxiety. Encourage your student to attend orientation events to walk their schedule and meet their teachers.
• Establish Digital Boundaries: With middle school comes increased tech usage. Use the weeks leading up to school to establish healthy boundaries around social media, gaming, and smartphone use, ensuring devices go to sleep well before bedtime.
• Encourage Extracurricular Curiosity: Talk to your middle schooler about trying something new this year—whether it’s joining student council, trying out for a sports team, or participating in an after-school club.

The Back-to-School Checklist

Before the first bell rings on August 19, make sure your family has crossed these essential items off the list:

• Complete Online Registration: Ensure all annual district update forms, emergency contacts, and media releases are finalized through ParentSquare and InformK12.
• Review Immunizations: Check that your child's vaccinations and school health forms are up to date, especially for incoming TK/Kindergarteners and rising 7th graders.
• School Events: Be sure to check the school website for orientation, mixers, PTA, etc. events. These events are a great way to meet people and ease anxieties.
• Map the Commute: Whether your child walks, rides a bike, takes the school bus, or participates in a carpool, map out and practice your travel plan ahead of time.
• Label Everything: Avoid the lost-and-found by clearly labeling backpacks, lunchboxes, water bottles, and jackets with your child’s first and last name.

A Note on Big Feelings

It is completely normal for students—and parents—to feel a little nervous alongside the excitement. Take time over the next few weeks to ask your children how they are feeling, validate their emotions, and remind them that our wonderful teachers and staff are ready to take amazing care of them.

Enjoy these final remaining weeks of summer. Stay up-to-date by accessing and following District and school calendars.  We cannot wait to see our schools filled with energy, laughter, and learning on August 19, 2026!

Beyond The Bell: How Campbell Union School District’s Expanded Learning Programs Build Future Innovators Through Play

An exploration of the Campbell Union School District's Expanded Learning.

Walk onto any Campbell Union School District (CUSD) campus after the final school bell rings, and you won’t find quiet, empty hallways. Instead, you’ll hear the collaborative chatter of students building LEGO robotics, the tactical call-outs of a soccer game, and the focused quiet of a chess match.

Through its robust Expanded Learning Department, CUSD is redefining what happens outside of regular school hours. By offering a comprehensive suite of before-school, after-school, enrichment classes, performing arts, and summer programs, the District has created a safe, vibrant ecosystem where students don't just pass the time—they explore new passions, think critically, and build meaningful relationships. 

The Expanded Learning Department is an umbrella of all the programs we provide outside of the school day. Expanded Learning includes enrichment, drama, morning CampbellCare, afternoon CampbellCare, Crew, Summer Crew, Summer Champions, and Summer drama.

A Foundation Built on Collaboration and Play

The primary mission of CUSD’s Expanded Learning programs is to seamlessly bridge the gap between classroom academics and recreational discovery.

“In our programs, we design fun experiences for students that incorporate what they learn during school hours,” says Martha de Ojeda, Director of the Expanded Learning Department. “They collaborate, innovate, and problem-solve through play!”

The District caters to all grade levels through highly structured, age-appropriate initiatives:

• CampbellCare (Grades TK–5): The District's flagship elementary program balances academic support with recreational downtime. A typical afternoon includes a "Learning Lounge" dedicated to homework, followed by student-inspired STEAM clubs.
• The Crew (Grades 6–8): Tailored specifically for middle schoolers gives older students a safe, supervised, yet independent space to unwind, socialize, and participate in engaging group projects; including, enrichment and club opportunities including the musical and Lunchroom Cook-off.

Dive Into the Clubs: Something for Every Passion

What sets CUSD's Expanded Learning apart is its rich tapestry of specialized enrichment programs, multi-week clubs, and extracurricular activities. By partnering with local experts and utilizing student-inspired interests, the District provides specialized activities that often rival private academies.

Students have the unique opportunity to join a diverse variety of clubs and enrichment options, including:

• STEM and Innovation: From designing mechanical projects in LEGO Robotics (featuring instructors recognized as national Master Builders) to strategic gameplay in chess and digital creation in Minecraft.
• The Creative and Performing Arts: Dynamic drama and theater programs give students in grades 3–8 a chance to take the stage, fostering confidence, teamwork, and an elevated sense of accomplishment through live performances. Other artistic clubs cover digital art, photography, cooking, and music.
• Athletics and Team Sports: Physical development is highly emphasized through soccer, basketball, volleyball, ensuring students stay active and master teamwork.

Ensuring Equitable Access for All Families

Understanding that high-quality childcare and enrichment can place a financial strain on families, CUSD heavily prioritizes accessibility. Thanks to state grant initiatives like the After School Education and Safety (ASES) grant and the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) grant, the district can provide these exact same premier experiences to eligible students at little to no cost. Priority enrollment and grant funding are specifically extended to English Language Learners, foster or homeless youth, and students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch status.

By investing in professional program leaders and diverse course catalogs, CUSD ensures that every child—regardless of background—has a safe space to discover who they are well after the school day ends.

To learn more about enrollment, explore current program sites, or view upcoming multi-week enrichment sessions, visit the official Campbell Union School District Expanded Learning page at campbellusd.org/expandedlearning