As we approach the final months of the school year, I want to honor all of the activities and milestones that make this time so exciting and busy. From culminating student performances to ceremonies honoring athletic, academic, and character achievements, to school, college, and career transitions, this is a season filled with many moments worthy of reflection and celebration.
The end of the school year also represents for our youngest learners and their families the beginning of their educational journey and planning for the first day of Pre-K or Kindergarten. If you missed our Pre-K and Kindergarten Info Night, we have plenty of resources to help ease the transition and set your child up for success. From building those early readiness skills like learning to solve problems and playing with peers to following directions and engaging in fun activities at home, we want our youngest students to feel wonder, joy, and appreciation for the world around them.
Many families are also planning for summer. Now is the perfect time for students of all ages to explore new passions, strengthen skills, practice, learn, and play. The Irvine Public Schools Foundation offers more than 400 classes to keep kids engaged, from grade-specific prep to high school courses spanning everything from math to real-world skills. Plus, the City of Irvine has an array of summer camps, including arts and sports offerings, that offer a fantastic way for your child to stay active and learn something new.
For our high school seniors, this time of year can be thrilling and a little nerve-wracking as May 1, National College Decision Day, approaches. As students make decisions about their academic journey, we have resources to support them. Whether it’s navigating college and or career options, managing stress, or navigating life transitions, we can help.
High school students planning ahead may also be interested in summer and fall Dual Enrollment Programs with Irvine Valley College and Saddleback College. These programs allow students to earn college credits while still in high school, offering them a head start on their future education. We want to ensure that our students understand and access all of the resources available to them to further their academic and personal goals.
Whether it’s preparing for Pre-K and Kindergarten, exploring fun summer camps, navigating the college decision process, or planning for careers and jobs beyond IUSD, we are here to support our students and families. We hope you will take a moment to review these resources, some of which are included in this edition of IUSD Insights.
Also, knowing that mental health and wellness are foundational for success, IUSD offers resources from activities to counseling, both within IUSD and through our community partners, for our students and families. Visit the District’s Mental Health and Wellness webpage to learn more.
Finally, as much as the end of the year can feel like perpetual motion, it’s just as important that we take a moment to pause and appreciate this time while reflecting on and celebrating the growth and achievements of our students. So, please carve out a few moments to honor where your child is and how far they have come. We hope these resources will be helpful for you and your family as we conclude the 2024-2025 school year.