Just a reminder: IUSD schools will be closed all next week for the Thanksgiving holiday.

BY SUPERINTENDENT TERRY L. WALKER This month’s election has finally brought some clarity to IUSD’s budget outlook, and perhaps given rise to a little optimism.

Students looking for an edge on their science projects will be able to consult with some pretty sharp experts this week, as IUSD is once again sponsoring “Ask-A-Scientist Night” at Rancho San Joaquin Middle School. The event will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 17.

Paddleboarding star Connor Baxter paid a visit this week to South Lake Middle School, where he encouraged students to say no to drugs and yes to healthy lifestyles. Baxter's appearance was tied to Red Ribbon Week, which officially kicks off on Oct. 22.

Farewell, summer. We hardly knew ye.

Well, that was fast. Today marked the first day of classes for IUSD students attending the district’s four year-round schools. Those would be Plaza Vista School, Vista Verde School, Westpark Elementary and Woodbury Elementary.