July has been an incredible month of reconnection, reflection and preparation for the opportunities that lie ahead as we look toward the 2026–27 school year.

Ahead of the first day of school, educators, families, and community partners came together with a shared commitment to support student success. Whether it was providing backpacks, school supplies and other back-to-school essentials to help students begin the year ready to learn, or gathering at The Wellness Conference to explore ways to promote healthier schools, stronger families and connected communities, every effort was centered on what matters most: our students.

As we prepare to welcome students back for a new school year, we're energized by the learning, collaboration and inspiration we've experienced throughout the summer. We look forward to putting that knowledge into practice as we continue building stronger schools, supporting our communities and transforming lives through education.

Be sure to watch our new special series, Preparing for the Day After, where we reflect on the stories, successes and transformative moments that have defined the past decade and continue to share what comes next. We also encourage you to learn more about additional events, programs and resources we offer throughout the County by reading the featured stories below.

In partnership, 

Ted Alejandre

County Superintendent

View Spanish version of the video here.

Para ver el video en español, haga clic aquí.

Educational leaders and community partners came together for The Wellness Conference to explore new ways to strengthen school communities and support the well-being of students and staff.

From July 22–24, attendees took part in engaging breakout sessions, including:



• Build Your Community Through the Give Back Academy Community Circle Model
• Beyond Deep Breathing: Play and Sensory-Based Regulation Tools for Students and Educators
• Community Schools in Action: Building Integrated Systems and Support for the Whole Child
• The Weight We Carry: Using Our Stories to Build Community-Connected Leadership Practices

The conference also featured powerful keynote presentations from Will Bowen, Dr. Niki Elliott and Brandon Farbstein, each sharing unique perspectives on resilience, leadership, gratitude and creating inclusive school communities.

Adding to the experience were memorable student performances by Steppers With Attitude from Redlands East Valley High School and student poet Maximilian Goodly from Norton Science and Language Academy, whose talent and creativity left a lasting impression.

Backpack Giveaways Provide Students

with School Essentials

As students prepare to head back to the classroom, Children Deserve Success continued its commitment to helping every child begin the school year with confidence by hosting its annual Backpack Giveaways.

Families from across San Bernardino County came together to receive backpacks filled with essential school supplies, helping ensure students have the tools they need for a successful start to the new school year. Families also picked up food boxes and enjoyed free meals during the event. Community partners were on-site, providing valuable resources, books and giveaways for attendees. Both events, held in San Bernardino and Victorville, provided a welcoming space where families could connect with services and support as they prepared for the new school year.

Leaders from throughout our Student Services branch came together on July 28–29 for the fifth annual Student Services Leadership Institute, a two-day professional learning experience focused on this year's theme, From Coherence to Results: Focused Leadership for Student Achievement.

The institute brought leaders together to strengthen collaboration, build connections and align around a shared vision of supporting students, families, educators, and school communities. Throughout the two-day event, attendees heard from inspiring keynotes, participated in collaborative discussions and interactive learning, and explored strategies to drive student achievement and enhance outcomes across the County.

As the new school year begins, the institute continues to equip SBCSS leaders with the tools, connections and shared purpose needed to make a meaningful impact.

Healthy SBCSS is excited to offer an interactive map detailing the 2026 San Bernardino County Summer Meals sites.

Students 18 years of age and younger can access and enjoy the free summer meals at any of the distribution sites throughout the County which include local parks, libraries and school sites.

San Bernardino County Superintendent of

Schools produces various podcasts which

feature interviews with students, families and

educators from across the County and country.



Please listen to the latest Bits and Bytes podcast episode from Digital Learning Services.

Click here to view all SBCSS podcasts.

RESOURCES

Our Fingertip Facts is now available for download.

The latest version includes up-to-date information and data about our county and school district programs. Please note that the digital file will be updated periodically throughout the year as personnel, data and other information changes.

County Superintendent Ted Alejandre issues this monthly publication to keep education partners informed about the many services and programs SBCSS provides to our learning community throughout the year.

View the Inspiration archive.