West Contra Costa Schools

08/19/2026

🎒💙 We’re starting the 2026–27 school year strong, together!

Superintendent Cheryl Cotton, Board President Guadalupe Enllana, Board Clerk Demetrio Gonzalez Hoy, and our new Associate Superintendent of Education Services, Dr. LeRoy Gaines, spent the first day of school visiting campuses, connecting with students and staff, and celebrating the start of a new year!

Today’s visits included Betty Reid Soskin at Pinole Middle School, where our leaders recorded this special first-day message, as well as Kennedy High School and West County Mandarin School.

The visits don’t stop here! Throughout the week, our District leadership team and incredible central office staff will continue visiting and supporting schools across WCCUSD as we start the year strong together.

Here’s to a great 2026–27 school year! 📚

08/19/2026

The Alpha Wolves had a strong first day! DeJean staff helped make the first day of the 2026–27 school year welcoming for scholars.

During lunch, school support staff and counselor Tierra Karriem, Raven Caldwell, and Iza Rodriguez organized activities that gave scholars an opportunity to have fun, connect, and settle back into the school-day routine.

And the support continued throughout the day! Assistant Principal Christina Ferry made sure students had access to the new student handbook, one of the many important resources that help families start the year ready and supported.

Way to kick off a new school year, DeJean! 🎒📚

08/19/2026

Superintendent Cheryl Cotton and LeRoy Gaines, WCCUSD’s new Associate Superintendent of Educational Services, stopped by a classroom at King Elementary School during the first day of the 2026–27 school year to connect with students and staff.

We’re excited to officially welcome Mr. Gaines to the WCCUSD leadership team! And thank you, King Elementary, for a great first-day visit! 💛

08/18/2026

DeJean Middle School Community School Director Tshilumba Kabongo welcomed students back this morning and awarded PBIS points to students with their IDs ready to go!

It’s one of the many ways DeJean is building community and celebrating students as the 2026–27 school year gets underway. 💙💛

08/18/2026

💡🛠️ Ready to learn, create, and explore!

Students at Betty Reid Soskin at Pinole Middle (BRS@PMS) are kicking off the new school year in the Fab Lab with Ms. Kountz! From hands-on learning to creative problem-solving, students are ready to turn their ideas into action.

And the new sign is officially up at Betty Reid Soskin at Pinole Middle School! 🎉

This is the first year of our two school communities coming together to learn, connect, and build a new chapter together. We’re excited to see what our students and staff accomplish this year! 💙💛

08/18/2026

🍎🍽️ A first-day first at Shannon Elementary!

Shannon Elementary School students enjoyed the first meals served from their new kitchen today! What a great way to kick off the 2026–27 school year with a new space serving our students.

Here’s to many more meals and memories ahead! 💙💛

08/18/2026

🎒✨ The first day of school is officially underway in WCCUSD!

Across the District, students are meeting their new teachers and classmates, reuniting with friends, settling into their classrooms, and getting ready to learn!

At Stege Elementary School, Principal Velez and the Stege Stars are starting the 2026–27 school year strong! ⭐ Principal Velez kicked off the morning with first-day announcements and welcomed students, staff, and families back to school. Throughout the day, she is also hosting grade-level assemblies to help students get ready for a successful and enjoyable school year.

In Mrs. Griffin’s sixth-grade class, students began their morning with positive affirmations and wished their classmates a great first day before jumping into instruction. 📚

The energy is high and our students are ready to learn. Welcome back, WCCUSD! 💙💛

08/17/2026

🎒✨ Tomorrow is the first day of school!

We are excited to welcome our new and returning students, families, and staff to the 2026–27 school year!

We encourage everyone to enjoy the last day of summer break, get a good night’s sleep, and get ready for a great first day.

We can’t wait to see you tomorrow! 💙💛

Welcome back, WCCUSD!

08/13/2026

We invite the community to join the West Contra Costa Unified School District, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, and the City of Richmond for the 2nd Cross-Agency Town Hall, a conversation this Thursday, 8/13, at 6:30pm regarding ongoing environmental testing on the Kennedy High School campus. Doors open at 6:00pm. Please join us at the Richmond Auditorium at 403 Civic Center Plaza in Richmond or watch via our livestream on WCCUSD YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/WCCYT City of Richmond, CA - Local Government

08/11/2026

Need help with your FAFSA or CADAA? Join us for the Cash for College Workshop and get FREE one-on-one support.

Wednesday, August 12 | 4:30-6:30 PM
Contra Costa College, Fireside Hall
San Pablo, CA

Open to any WCCUSD student or alumni, or Contra Costa College student. Laptops provided. Free tacos for you and your family.

Bring your SSN (if you have one), ID, and 2024 tax info.

🎓 WCCUSD Class of 2025 & 2026 Graduates: It’s Not Too Late! ⏰

If you haven’t completed your FAFSA or CADAA yet, there’s still time to access financial aid for college, trade school, or career training.

The Ed Fund is proud to partner with WCCUSD, Richmond Promise, and Students Rising Above to offer FREE one-on-one virtual financial aid appointments. Get personalized support with:

✨ Completing your FAFSA or CADAA
✨ Understanding your financial aid options
✨ Navigating your next steps after graduation
✨ Accessing grants, scholarships, and other financial resources

📲 Scan one of the QR codes or use the appointment links provided in the flyer to schedule your free virtual appointment today.

Please share this with any WCCUSD Class of 2025 or 2026 graduate who could benefit! 💰💸