The Coronado Unified School District re-opened its doors Aug. 24, and it was a big day for elementary, middle and high school students.
Some new and returning Coronado Middle School students waited along F Avenue for at least one hour as students excitedly shared class schedules with one another and parents took a flurry of pictures and waited to walk their kids to the school gate.
The school district anticipated its students’ return with welcome events leading up to the first day of school. It was a contrast to other San Diego-area school districts that pushed back the start of classes earlier in the week because of Tropical Storm Hilary showering Southern California cities with heavy rains over the past weekend.
Yet, in Coronado, parents – including some who were a bit emotional – got to send off their kids under cool, cloudy skies.
Welcoming back 2,700 kids
District officials said they are ready to welcome the more than 2,700 kids back to classes.
“Our staff have been working hard this week getting ready for students on Thursday, and our maintenance crew has worked throughout the summer on big projects and making sure our sites are clean and ready for learning,” Public Information Officer Maria Simon said.
Coronado Middle School Principal Brooke Falar echoed the eagerness.
“I’m excited for the first day of school,” she said as students entered the building.
Hopes and goals from 2 military families
Meanwhile, two Navy families spoke with The Coronado News and shared their hopes and goals for the 2023-24 school year.
Incoming Coronado Middle School student Tommy Smith said he’s prepared for a new transition in his life.
I am a little bit nervous…but I know that I’m also going to have fun.”
Tommy Smith, who will begin his first year at Coronado Middle School.
“I am a little bit nervous…but I know that I’m also going to have fun,” said the soon-to-be 12-year-old two days before the first day of school. “That’s going to be exciting to move on to a new chapter of my life.”
Smith said he looks forward to playing sports during P.E. at the middle school, a new class period from regular recess in previous years.
“Basketball, that’s my favorite sport,” added Smith.
The recent Voyager leaves Silver Strand Elementary and becomes a Triton at the middle school.
“I have no doubts that it’s going to be great,” said Antonella Palmiero about her son’s new school. “He had a wonderful experience at Silver Strand.”
Palmiero added she’s confident she will encounter the same kind of ”compassion and professionalism” at Coronado Middle School for her son.
Three favorite subjects
The move from elementary to middle school may be difficult for some students, but Tommy does not find himself worried and said he is excited about his three favorite subjects.
“Most of my friends are…going to sixth grade with me,” said Smith. “I’m looking forward to math, science, and history.”
Moments before heading off to his first class, Tommy hugged both parents and waved goodbye.
“I’m sure he’s going to do great academically,” said Thomas John Smith, Tommy’s dad.
First day for Loforti boys
Another CUSD family from the Cays is also looking forward to a new year of classes.
With an early routine of getting up, eating breakfast, getting dressed, heading off to school, the Loforti boys shared a bit about their upcoming year at separate sites.
Lucca Loforti is most excited about some of his favorite classes, like Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) and Spanish.
“I like that we get to draw,” said the Silver Strand Elementary School fourth-grade student.
The nine-year old especially draws airplanes and wants to be a pilot when he grows up, like his dad, he said.
This year, Lucca looks forward to learning about California history with teacher Sarah Jackson and being involved with Emerald Keepers, which has banned single-use plastic and encourages the use of reusable water bottles at schools.
“We get to do a bunch of fun activities,” said Lucca. “It’s important because the environment is at risk because of how much trash there is.”
Apart from academics, Lucca enjoys recreational swimming and said he feels a mix of emotions about starting fourth grade.
I just feel like it’s going to be okay.”
Lucca Loforti, Silver Strand Elementary School fourth-grade student.
“I just feel like it’s just going to be okay,” said Lucca.
New opportunities for older brother
Older brother and Islander athlete Jack Loforti, who just completed participation in the summer Junior Lifeguard Program, said he is excited about the upcoming year and new opportunities.
“I’m taking my first history class [AP World History]… I’m looking forward to it,” said the Coronado High School sophomore. “I’d consider history my favorite subject.”
Apart from adding advanced math classes to this year’s course load, Loforti is involved in sports year round at the high school and club teams.
The 15-year-old said he anticipates more freedom entering his second year of high school and he said he will have to manage his time to study, play sports and make friends and enjoy school.
“I’m a little bit more excited because as a freshman you’re kind of the least experienced person there,” said Loforti, who noted students “ gain more leeway” as sophomores.
Carah Loforti, their mom, snapped a quick picture before school started of her sons as the older brother headed off to CHS and proceeded to drop off younger brother, Lucca.
The retired Navy family decided to stay in Coronado to see both boys graduate from Coronado High School, said Loforti.
CUSD noted helping military families
The military families are at a school district that received the California Purple Star School Designation Program, a state Department of Education honor that recognized Coronado’s district-wide commitment to help military-connected students and their families at each of the schools.
In March, military-connected students composed over 30% of the student body.
According to an online newsletter by Superintendent Karl Mueller there are “new faces in new places at each of our four schools.”
The District welcomed new Village Elementary School Principal Peter Kuhns and Coronado Middle School Assistant Principal Nestor Espinoza earlier this year.
“The first day of school is probably the most exciting day in our district,” Simon, the district spokeswoman, said.
Following the end of a school day, the governing board will meet at District Offices in the afternoon for the first Regular school board meeting of the new school year.
