Return to School in Yuma and La Paz Counties
The Crane Elementary School District and the Salom Integrated Primary School District are set to welcome back students on Monday, July 28th.
More than 30 K-12 schools in both counties will kick off the school year during the upcoming weeks, particularly on August 4th and 11th.
Yuma School District 1, which is the largest elementary school district in the area, will start on August 4th under the new leadership of Superintendent Dennis Ponder. He has expressed his excitement for the new year and shared with KAWC what he’s looking forward to.
“It’s always a joy to see new faces, fresh faces, and also familiar ones returning to campus—both from staff and students,” Ponder remarked. “There are numerous opportunities for growth and learning for everyone involved. We can impact the lives of the 9,000 students in our community, and that’s a significant responsibility.” He emphasized the district’s role in the local education system and is eager to build on their current efforts to improve wherever they can.
Lisa Jameson, principal of the Wellton Elementary School District, added her thoughts, saying, “It’s a new grade and a fresh start. We always have new kids in kindergarten, and they’re just so adorable!” She advised parents to prepare their young children for the changes in routine ahead of time.
“It’s really essential to be extra kind and reassuring, so parents can tell their kids, ‘Yes, I’m going to drop you off. Of course, I’ll always come back to pick you up. And yes, it’ll be fun, but remember, it’s also about learning to read,'” she suggested.
Jameson mentioned that there are plenty of plans for the year ahead. “The little ones get really excited—it’s like they’ve never seen a librarian before!” she noted. “I’ll be teaching library classes this year since we didn’t have one last year, and the library is so crucial; the kids really enjoy it.”
She has also lined up activities, including a visiting expert for the older students, which everyone seems eager about.
The excitement felt by Ponder and Jameson resonates across the community. A quick look at social media from other districts reveals that teachers and staff are gearing up for a fresh start this school year.
School Start Dates for Yuma and La Paz Counties:
Monday, July 28th
Crane Elementary School District
Salom Integrated Elementary School District
Tuesday, July 29th
Menta Academy
Summerton School District
Yuma’s Southwest Technical Education Area
Welton Elementary School District
YPIC EOC Charter High School
Yuma Union High School District
Wednesday, July 30th
Desert View Academy (kindergarten)
Desert View Middle School (6th Grade)
Parker Unified School District
PPEP TEC High School
Thursday, July 31st
America
Desert View Academy (1st to 5th grade)
Desert View Middle School (7th to 8th grade)
Monday, August 4th
Bicentennial Union High School District
Elementary School District
Freedom Christian Academy
Mohawk Valley Elementary School District
Quartzsite Elementary School District
Yuma School District 1
Tuesday, August 5th
Haider Elementary School District
Southwestern Christian School
Wednesday, August 6th
Antelope Union High School District
Gadsden Elementary School District
Harvest Preparation Academy
Monday, August 11th
Immaculate Conception School
Sampascu Al Valley Unified School District
Wenden Elementary School District
Yuma Adventist Christian School
Tuesday, August 12th
Educational Options High School (Quartzsite Learning Center)
Friday, August 15th
Parker Apostle Christian Academy
Monday, August 18th
West Arizona Occupational District #50 (La Paz start date)
Monday, August 25th
Uma Christian Academy
Higher Education Autumn Term Start Date:
Arizona Western College – Monday, August 18th
Arizona State University – Monday, August 21st
Northern Arizona University and Arizona University – Monday, August 25th
