“It’s just a great way to welcome all of our new kids and all of our families,” said Principal Kristi Campisi.
SAN DIEGO — San Diego Unified School District kicked off the school year with an innovative welcome event at Toler Elementary School in Clairemont on the final day of summer break. For the second consecutive year, Toler hosted a “signing day” for new students, aiming to make them feel at home before classes officially begin.
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As parents and families gathered, incoming transitional kindergarten, kindergarten and transfer students participated in a special ceremony. They took a pledge— “To try my best”—and signed contracts to solidify their commitment to the new school year. Principal Kristi Campisi explained, “I think it’s just a great way to welcome all of our new kids and all of our families so that they know that they’re valued, seen and heard.”
The event this year was larger than last, reflecting Toler’s increased enrollment, which led to the addition of an extra transitional kindergarten class. Campisi noted, “What it means is what we’re doing is working. The word is out, and we actually are growing.”
This trend is seen across San Diego Unified, which is welcoming over 3,000 new students this school year—double the district’s original enrollment goal. A spokesperson attributed this growth partly to a modernized enrollment system that allows families to complete the registration process entirely online. However, officials warn that it will take until October to determine if these numbers indicate a lasting increase in overall enrollment, especially given the recent declines experienced within the district and statewide.
Amidst the excitement, seven-year-old Gabriel Murphy, a new second grader, expressed his eagerness to meet “nice kids and smart kids.” His mother shared her hopes for his transition, saying, “Transitions are always hard, and he’s such a wonderful child. I want to give him the opportunity to find community and find a space where he can grow.”