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The June Superintendent's Update is now available at the link below!

Click here for the June 2026 Superintendent's Update

Upland Unified School District celebrated the accomplishments of its newest credentialed educators and leaders during the Teacher and Administrator Induction Colloquium, held May 13 at the H.K. Baird Theater at Royal Oak Middle School in Covina.

The annual event, hosted in partnership with the Foothill Consortium, recognized teachers and administrators who successfully completed California's state-required induction program, earning their clear credentials and demonstrating continued growth in professional practice.

This year, 11 Upland Unified teachers and three administrators completed the induction program, joining colleagues from eight school districts and eight individual schools that participate in the Foothill Consortium. The consortium supports educators as they fulfill credential requirements through individualized mentoring, coaching, reflection, and professional learning.

The colloquium featured candidate presentations and reflections that highlighted participants' growth as educators and instructional leaders. The event also recognized the mentors and coaches whose guidance helped candidates navigate the rigorous two-year induction process.

"I am a stronger leader because of the insights I gained through intentional reflection with my mentor coach,” Valencia Elementary Principal Allyson Wisz said of completing the two-year program this year. “The induction process encouraged me to regularly examine my own practice and support teachers in doing the same in theirs, identify opportunities for improvement, and celebrate our collective growth."

Unlike many school districts, Upland Unified fully covers the cost of induction for participating teachers and administrators, removing a financial barrier to credential completion while investing in the continued development of its workforce. District leaders are also pursuing the creation of an Upland Unified induction program and are currently in the second of five stages of state approval.

"Completing induction is a significant milestone that reflects an educator's commitment to continuous improvement and student success," Superintendent Dr. Lynn Carmen Day said. "We are proud of these teachers and administrators for their dedication to their profession, and we are equally grateful to the mentors who invested their time and expertise in supporting their growth. By investing in our educators, we strengthen the learning experience for every student we serve."

The induction program is designed to bridge the gap between preliminary credentialing and long-term professional practice, providing educators with personalized support as they refine their instructional strategies, leadership skills, and ability to meet the diverse needs of students.

The May 13 colloquium served as both a celebration of achievement and a reminder of the District's commitment to cultivating exceptional educators and leaders who will positively impact students, schools, and the broader community for years to come.

 

What began as a heartfelt request from Upland Unified School District leadership became a powerful demonstration of community support when District leaders, businesses, and community organizations came together to help Upland High School graduate Andrew Aparicio, known to the community as Drew, to take the next step toward his future.

Aparicio, a foster youth and member of Upland High School's Class of 2026, has overcome significant challenges while remaining focused on his education and career goals. Despite living in Rialto and facing limited transportation options, he arranged travel to Upland each day to attend school, determined to create opportunities for himself through hard work and perseverance. He graduated from Upland High on June 4 and will attend California State University, San Bernardino this fall, where he plans to pursue a career as an athletic trainer.

On the morning of his graduation, Aparicio received a life-changing surprise: a reliable vehicle and a network of support designed to help remove barriers standing between him and his goals.

The effort began when Chief Academic Officer Dr. Shinay Bowman learned of Aparicio's transportation challenges and rallied District administrators and managers to help. Over the course of a month, District leaders raised over $6,000 to support Aparicio's transition to college and adulthood.

Inspired by Aparicio's story, the owners of Ford of Upland gifted him a vehicle, ensuring he would have dependable transportation for college, work, and daily responsibilities. The dealership also committed to covering the cost of car insurance for the first year and providing a $300 monthly gas stipend for one year, contingent upon Aparicio participating in monthly mentorship meetings with the dealership’s general manager.

Additional support came from Chaffey Federal Credit Union, which donated $1,000, and the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA), which provided a $500 gift to assist Aparicio as he begins college. Remaining funds raised by the District were used to purchase a high level maintenance package that includes five years of oil changes and a bumper-to-bumper warranty and future insurance costs.

The generosity inspired an even greater commitment to future students. Ford of Upland has pledged to donate a vehicle annually to a deserving Upland Unified student, while Chaffey Federal Credit Union has committed to making financial support for future students an annual tradition.

"I am incredibly grateful to the Upland community for this amazing gift, which opens up a new world of opportunities for my future," Aparicio said. "This gesture means so much to me and will always be a moment in my life for which I will never stop thanking God. Thank you to everyone who made this possible and supported me along this path. I have so much love and appreciation for this community."

The gift represented more than practical support. It demonstrated the belief an entire community has in Aparicio's potential.

"For many students, transportation is something they never have to think about," Bowman said. "For Drew, it was the one obstacle standing between him and opportunities he had worked incredibly hard to earn. We wanted him to know that his community sees him, believes in him, and is willing to invest in his future."

For District leaders, the effort reflected Upland Unified's commitment to supporting students beyond the classroom and helping them overcome barriers that might otherwise limit their opportunities.

"This is about much more than a car," Superintendent Dr. Lynn Carmen Day said. "It is about addressing barriers, creating opportunities, and demonstrating what can happen when a community comes together on behalf of a young person. Aparicio's story reminds us that every student deserves someone who believes in them, and we are grateful to our partners for helping make that belief tangible."

As he embarks on his college journey, Aparicio carries with him not only the keys to a vehicle, but also the support of a community that believes in his future and is invested in his success.

 

Cheers, applause, and proud smiles filled Toyota Arena as Upland Unified School District celebrated the achievements of 732 graduates from Upland and Hillside high schools during its Class of 2026 commencement ceremony on June 4.

Family members, friends, educators, and community supporters gathered to honor the graduates as they crossed the stage and embarked on the next chapter of their educational and professional journeys. The ceremony featured musical performances by Upland High School's (UHS) Combined Concert Band, Choir, Chorale, Madrigals, and the Upland Pipe Band, creating a memorable sendoff for the graduating class.

The evening opened with remarks from Associated Student Body (ASB) President Victoria Liu and included presentations by Upland High Principal Martin Gomez and Hillside High Principal Hector Vasquez. Student speakers reflected on the friendships, experiences, and mentors who helped shape their high school years.

The Class of 2026 also played a significant role in Upland High School earning designation as a 2026 California Distinguished School, one of the state's highest honors for educational excellence. Their academic achievement, engagement, and commitment to excellence helped contribute to the recognition, which celebrates schools demonstrating exceptional student performance and success.

UHS valedictorian Evan Bravo, who earned a 4.95 GPA and plans to attend Stanford University to pursue a career in medicine, encouraged his classmates to cherish the relationships they have built throughout their educational journey.

“Life is not a path that can be walked alone,” Bravo said. “No matter where your journey is headed, be the master of your own destiny, and walk alongside those headed in the same direction.”

UHS salutatorian Sophia Reyes, who earned a 4.91 GPA with plans to attend UCLA, joined Senior Class President Jurnee Campbell in honoring the memory of former ASB Director Greg Lander, whose impact continues to inspire Upland High students.

A defining accomplishment of the Class of 2026 was the success of Upland Unified's inaugural U'College Academy graduating class from UHS. Sixteen students completed the innovative early college program and earned associate degrees while simultaneously fulfilling high school graduation requirements, with two students earning two associate degrees. Their achievement reflects the District's commitment to expanding opportunities for students to accelerate their academic journeys and graduate prepared for college, careers, and beyond.

In addition, 46 Upland High students were among Chaffey College's 111 dual enrollment graduates, the highest number of any participating high school.

“The Class of 2026 has demonstrated remarkable resilience, determination, and commitment to excellence throughout their educational journey,” Day said. “We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in their colleges, careers, communities, and beyond."

Members of the Class of 2026 will continue their education at institutions across the country, including Stanford University, UCLA, University of California campuses, California State University campuses, community colleges, trade and technical programs, and the armed forces.

As the ceremony concluded with the turning of their tassels and the celebratory bursts of confetti, graduates left Toyota Arena carrying with them the knowledge, skills, and memories that will guide them toward future success.

      

 

Click the link below to read the May Superintendent's Update!

MaySuperintendentsUpdate.pdf