By Sara Beth Williams–
The San Juan Unified School district kicked off the 2025-26 school year Thursday, Aug. 14 and shared messages of excitement on its social media page, including video messages from students from Mesa Verde High School, and other schools in the region.
Staff and students from Mesa Verde, and other elementary, middle and high schools shared how they will help make San Juan Unified’s core values “come to life.” this upcoming school year.
“Smiles, high-fives and new beginnings filled classrooms and hallways during the first day of school and we were happy to capture those unforgettable moments,” the district wrote online.
As the new school year begins in Citrus Heights, several local organizations have stepped up to help local schools and students with tools they need to succeed by providing backpacks and essential school supplies.
Area 11
For over a decade, Area 11 volunteers have collected backpacks, sanitation wipes, and other school supplies for Skycrest Elementary and Kingswood K-8. Area 11 secretary and treasurer Kathleen Wright said a core group of about ten volunteers gathers donations each summer and delivers them directly to schools once the new year begins. The Neighborhood Area is still accepting donations. To set up a time to drop off donations, residents can email Kathlynn at kjw545@sbcglobal.net
This year’s deliveries are planned for the second week of school.
Heights Church
Heights Church has been supporting schools in the city for at least the last eight years, according to outreach coordinator Dan DeGeorge. The effort to help local students initially began with a backpack drive and later shifted to providing specific school supplies items schools request most. DeGeorge said donations are divided among 12 area schools and typically delivered by the second week of the school year.
Sunrise Marketplace
Sunrise Marketplace hosted a back-to-school giveaway according to a post on its official social media account, offering five students a backpack filled with school supplies valued up to $150, plus a $50 gift card to a local business. Winners were announced on Aug. 4.
Single Mom Strong
At the end of July, Single Mom Strong hosted its annual backpack giveaway event for students of single moms, where families who registered in advance received up to three backpacks per family. Families came together to choose age-appropriate backpacks and browse a wide selection of supplies, including binders, folders, notebooks, pens, pencils, markers, glue, and more. A receptionist with Single Mom Strong said there were at least 50 backpacks handed out to families this year.
The Citrus Heights Police Department and Citrus Heights City Council would like to remind drivers to be extra aware and cautious on the roads and to expect more vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle traffic in school zones, especially in the first several days of school. Traffic safety plans are in place and law enforcement is actively patrolling school zones to help ensure the safety of students and families as they travel to school.
