A New School Year Begins at Poly

Back-to-school season is in full swing at Poly, and although some students returned early for activities like athletics and orientations, nothing compares to having the full school community together again. For many students, these early days also marked important transitions—into a new grade, a new division, or a new chapter of their experience at Poly. 

Students entering the Upper School began ninth grade with orientation on Aug. 25. Incoming freshmen were introduced to resources and programs that will support them through the years, ranging from library and mental health tools to community engagement and DEI resources. Guiding them along the way were peer mentors. Upper School students helped ninth graders find their classes and lockers, navigate campus, and get comfortable with the routines of a new division.

For Emilio D. ’27, becoming a peer mentor was inspired in part by his own experience as a new student at Poly. “I really loved my peer mentor too when I started at Poly as a ninth-grader,” he said. With support from Ninth-Grade Dean Dr. Nathan Stogdill and Emilio’s years of experience in the JumpStart program, he decided to take a chance and apply. “Thanks to Dr. Stogdill’s encouragement, I actually applied the last day the applications were open, and I’m so glad I did.”

As a peer mentor, Emilio has focused on giving ninth graders the practical information they need to feel comfortable. His informal tours are less about pointing out campus landmarks and more about helping students navigate everyday life. He wants students to know “things that maybe they wouldn't have known otherwise, so they can be most prepared on their first day of school.”

For ninth grader Jacob P. ’30, that guidance is already paying off.

“My Upper School experience is going well! I've met a lot of new people, and I'm enjoying myself,” he said. Along with meeting classmates, Jacob has been getting comfortable with his classes and learning his way around campus. He is also discovering some of the differences between Middle and Upper School, including the Upper School’s six-day schedule. “It really allows me to dig into my studies,” he said.

While Upper and Middle School students settled into the new year on Aug. 26, Lower School students returned the following day. For kindergartners, that meant one of the biggest transitions of their school careers. Lower School Director Theresa Tran watched with pride as students made their way into their new classrooms.

“Our kindergartners separated seamlessly, as did most of their parents, and I was so proud of them!” Theresa said. “They went right to checking their names off on the attendance board, creating with LEGOs and Magna-Tiles, and coloring first-day-of-school activities. It was remarkable to watch.”

The first day also marked important transitions for older Lower School students. Third graders entered their first upper elementary classrooms, moving from classes of 15 students to 23 and gaining greater independence.

“I saw our third graders walk into their first upper elementary classrooms with wide, curious eyes, and excited to have more friends and greater independence,” Theresa said. “And, of course, our fifth graders carried themselves a little taller. They knew this was the beginning of a very special year.”

For some of our youngest students, the transition to kindergarten began even before the first day through KinderPEP, led by Haley Johnson-Dea and Mia Rodriguez of Poly Extended Program (PEP). “KinderPEP is a fun way for students to begin their kindergarten journey,” Haley said. “It gives them a safe space to get comfortable with longer school days, make new friends in other kinder classes, and enjoy a fun daily activity!”

For Haley, one of the best parts of the program is seeing students become more comfortable with one another. “My favorite part is seeing their little personalities come out, watching friendships form, and seeing students leave with big smiles,” she said. “The first week can feel like a big transition for kindergartners, so we are grateful to be able to make that transition feel positive, exciting, and welcoming,” Haley said.

In Middle School, the first day brought its own mix of excitement along with triple-digit weather. Middle School Director Pat Gray saw students reconnecting across campus and faculty members helping them settle into the year.

“Despite the high temps, all over campus there were happy faces being led by energetic and engaged faculty,” Pat said. “As we know, middle schoolers thrive when they feel supported, and the first week clearly sets a good tone.”

For sixth graders, the first weeks of Middle School also bring an opportunity to build community away from campus. This week, students are heading to Big Bear for their sixth-grade Outdoor Education trip, led by Middle School Faculty Katie Ward and Kendall Brimhall. The trip is an important early milestone for students who are beginning Middle School. For continuing students, the trip also builds on their fifth-grade experience in Catalina, allowing them to begin sixth grade with greater confidence.

“The Big Bear Trip occurs about a week after the sixth graders begin their middle school journey,” Katie said. “In this Outdoor Education experience, the students have the opportunity to get to know their new classmates and teachers in an environment away from school.”

Those relationships can last well beyond the trip itself. “Many make friends that will last throughout their time at Poly, citing years later that they got to know some of their best friends because they shared a cabin or were in a trail group together at Big Bear,” Katie said.

From the first day of kindergarten to the beginning of senior-year preparations, the return to school is marked by beloved traditions. Students are reaching independent milestones—learning new routines, meeting new people, taking on greater independence—all while moving forward as part of a larger school community dedicated to transformative teaching.

Upper School Director José Melgoza summed up the spirit of the new year by recognizing the faculty and staff who help make those transitions possible.

“Thank you for the energy, thoughtfulness, and care you have brought to the start of the year,” José said. “There is something special about beginning a new school year with a faculty and staff that is so talented, thoughtful, and deeply committed to our students and to Poly. I’m so excited for all we will accomplish together this year!”