Santa Maria Sun / School Scene

Are you ready to go back to school?

It’s that time again! Local elementary, middle, and high school students are packing their backpacks and heading back to school.

The Santa Maria-Bonita School District opens first on Aug. 18, followed by the Orcutt Union School District (seventh graders start on Aug. 19, other students start Aug. 20), and the Guadalupe Union School District and Lompoc Unified School District on Aug. 20. The Santa Maria Joint Union School District begins classes on Aug. 21.

Seventh graders attending classes in the Orcutt Union School District start school a day early to participate in WOW Day (a take-off of Cal Poly’s Week of Welcome), in which students get to pick up their schedules, meet teachers and peers, and familiarize themselves with their new school.

Similarly, incoming ninth graders are invited to attend Santa Maria High School’s annual freshman parent and student orientation meeting on Aug. 14 at 6:30 p.m. in Wilson’s Gym.

For more information about each school—including hours, registration requirements, and other details—visit the Santa Barbara County Education Office Web site at www.sbceo.org/districts or call 964-4711.

School Scene is compiled by Staff Writer Amy Asman. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.