News Summary
Huntington Beach City School District has opened its doors for the new school year, welcoming over 4,600 students across multiple schools. New policies, including a closed campus to help kindergarteners adjust, have been implemented. The district is also focusing on leadership changes and expanding programs, including transitional kindergarten. Parents express a mix of excitement and anxiety as they support their children in starting a new academic journey. The district’s strategic plan aims to foster a positive learning environment for academic achievement.
Huntington Beach Welcomes Over 4,600 Students as School Year Kicks Off with New Policies and Programs
Huntington Beach City School District has officially opened its doors for the 2023-2024 academic year, welcoming over 4,600 students across its six elementary schools, two middle schools, and a preschool academy. The first day of school saw many parents standing outside classrooms to support their children as they embarked on a new journey.
New School Policies and Procedures
This year, Huntington Seacliff Elementary School has implemented a closed campus policy that allows parents to drop off their children during the first two weeks of school. This measure aims to help students, especially kindergarteners, adjust to the new routine before parents are required to say goodbye at the school gates. Principal Mike Andrzejewski expressed his hopes that students enter their classrooms with excitement and positive attitudes this year, suggesting a friendly atmosphere is important for easing the anxious feelings many children experience at the start of the year.
Following the initial two-week adjustment period, parents and students alike are expected to become more familiar with the drop-off routine, which will ease pressures during the school’s busy morning hours.
Community Sentiments
Parents have shared mixed feelings about the approaching school year. Local parent Jason Lehman noted his appreciation for a slightly extended summer vacation. He discussed the anxiety and excitement his two children, Ashton and Jameson, both of whom are in elementary school, feel as they prepare to tackle a new grade level.
To ease some of the back-to-school jitters, Seacliff Elementary created a fun environment for students. The school featured a step and repeat backdrop for the Sea Stars, designed to make the first day of school memorable and enjoyable.
District Initiatives and Developments
The Huntington Beach City School District is also undergoing leadership changes and program expansions. Two new principals have been appointed for the 2025-26 school year: Fran Hansell will lead Hawes Elementary, while David Okamoto will take charge at Dwyer Middle School. This strategic shift is part of the district’s broader focus on fostering effective leadership to support educational success.
In terms of program development, the district has expanded its transitional kindergarten program, which is now available at several schools including Hawes, Smith, Peterson, and Eader elementary schools. This is aimed at preparing young learners for a solid educational foundation. Furthermore, Chris Bell has been hired as the executive director of technology services with the goal of relaunching the district’s Apple ecosystem, which includes iPads and MacBooks for students and staff.
Forward Looking: Strategic Plans
The district is currently in the fourth year of its five-year strategic plan, which emphasizes the motto “Igniting young minds to reach for a bright future.” Through this plan, officials aim to provide a supportive learning environment that encourages academic achievement and personal growth among students.
As the school year begins, the Huntington Beach City School District looks forward to a successful term for its students, parents, and staff, setting the stage for educational accomplishments, community engagement, and an overall positive learning experience.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Huntington Beach Welcomes Students Back
- Wikipedia: Huntington Beach
- BPC Mag: Mark Manstof – Huntington Beach City School District
- Google Search: Huntington Beach City School District
- OC Register: Displaced Huntington Beach Students
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntington Beach
- Patch: Herricks Elementary Schools Ranking
- Google News: Huntington Beach School District
- Greater Long Island: Nassau Elementary Schools Ranking
- Google Scholar: Huntington Beach Education
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH
The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
