SPRING VALLEY, Calif. — It was back to school Monday for students in the La Mesa-Spring Valley School District (LMSV) after a long summer break. CBS 8 checked in with the kiddos at La Presa Elementary about their first day back.
“I actually really like being back at school because I get to see my friends,” said 5th grader Aneesa Sall. “And also because I want to start learning new things that I didn’t learn last year.”
“I was really excited to see my friends back at school,” said 2nd grader Benjamin Johnson.
10-year-old Jordyn Knowles felt great about her first day in 5th grade.
“It’s pretty good, you know, my teacher’s very nice, very polite, and also very funny,” said Knowles.
After being off for two months, it’s going to take some adjusting to get back into the school routine.
“You know being at home, being in front of the their cell phones, in front of their gaming systems,” said La Presa Elementary principal Eddie Iriqui. “Now we have to get back to fundamentals, which is getting them back into literacy, math and writing.”
Principal Iriqui told CBS 8 the 2024-2025 school year is going to be a big one for La Presa. They’re one of thirteen schools in the district that will benefit from a $17 million dollar “community schools” grant from the California State Department of Education.
“We are going to have a full-time case manager that’s going to be here on site, so not just families here at La Presa, but families in the community that come and are seeking resources, food, housing, enrichment opportunities,” said Principal Iriqui.
The funds will help provide wrap-around services for students and families like medical, dental, counseling, and tutoring whether they attend the school or not, as well as more after-school sports and performing arts programs.
“It’s a 5-year commitment that we’re doing, so we’re on year one so things are going to be moving quite quickly this year, but hopefully all of these programs will be put in place,” said Principal Iriqui.
Families at La Presa and throughout the Spring Valley community were heavily affected by the flooding earlier this year on January 22.
“It’s something that can never be forgotten because it had such an impact in our community,” said Principal Iriqui.
While some families lost their homes and had to relocate, affecting the school’s enrollment, Principal Iriqui said staff has always done a great job making the kids feel safe at school no matter what else is happening in their lives.
“Students are so resilient and now this year a new school year, students are back, they’re happy to be here,” said Principal Iriqui. “This morning students were smiling, giving staff members hugs and just being happy. You could see how happy they were just to be back to come back to school.”
As for the first day jitters, Knowles isn’t feeling nervous anymore.
“Are you feeling a little shy today?” asked CBS 8’s Brian White. “Uh no,” replied Knowles. “I’m starting to become my true self.”
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