Bulletin Board is a weekly roundup of education news from the Coachella Valley and beyond.
What to know about transitional kindergarten in the Coachella Valley
Starting in 2025-26, all California children turning 4 by Sept. 1 can attend free transitional kindergarten at their local elementary school.
The 2025-26 school year recently kicked off with energy and optimism — and some sleepy smiles — across Palm Springs Unified School District. From warm welcomes and student hugs to programs promoting equity and dual-language learning, district leaders emphasized a family-centered approach focused on safety, connection and long-term student success.
“(We’re asking) are we giving them the skills necessary to do well in whatever grade level that they’re in?” Superintendent Marcus Funchess said. “Are we building their confidence? And are we reminding them just how smart, intelligent and brilliant they are?”
But what do students and their families need to know heading into this school year? In this week’s education roundup, they’ll learn about: The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians distributing 500 backpacks filled with school supplies on Tuesday evening at Coachella Valley Unified School District; an education leader from the Palm Springs area honored for their support of families and schools; and CSUSB opening applications for its spring term.
Did we miss a noteworthy education story? Raise your hand and send it my way: jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.
Need school supplies for the new year? Free backpacks available at three events in the eastern valley
The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians is donating 500 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to Coachella Valley Unified School District to help students start the 2025-2026 school year prepared.
CVUSD will also receive a half-palette of additional school supplies for students and teachers. The backpack distribution event is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12 at the district office, located at 87-225 Church St. in Thermal.
In a press release, the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians said the annual donation underscores their commitment towards investing in the future of local youth as part of a broader effort to distribute 1,800 backpacks across the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin.
CVUSD will host two more backpack giveaway events: the first from 3 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14 at Sea View Elementary School in Salton City, and the second from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19 at Desert Mirage High School in Thermal.
Palm Springs education leader wins statewide award for supporting families and schools
A local education leader from Palm Springs was recently recognized for her work helping families and schools across California.
Melanie Barraza, a family and community engagement coordinator, was awarded the 2025 Randy Barth Leadership Award by Think Together — a statewide nonprofit focused on education — in recognition of her leadership and dedication to supporting students and families across California.
“(She) is a shining example of how leadership shows up in service to others,” Randy Barth, founder and CEO of Think Together, said in a press release. “Her dedication to families and commitment to our mission inspires all of us to go further in changing the odds for kids.”
Barraza played a key role in delivering 8,000 resources and training 1,500 school staff to better connect with families. Since joining Think Together in 2022, she has built community partnerships throughout the Coachella Valley to support student success.
“I plan to keep advocating for families by meeting them where they are and ensuring resources are shared in ways that support them and their unique needs,” she said. “My goal is to create environments where every family feels seen, supported and empowered.”
CSU San Bernardino now accepting applications for spring 2026
Cal State San Bernardino, which includes the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, has opened its undergraduate application period for the spring 2026 term — welcoming first-time freshmen and transfer students to apply by Sept. 15.
Students can apply to non-impacted majors, such as psychology, criminal justice and kinesiology-allied health. Social work will accept freshman applications only, while impacted programs like nursing will not be available this cycle.
Classes begin in January, and early application in strongly encouraged due to limited space. Students enrolling in the spring term may qualify for up to $1,000 in grant funding, along with access to a range of financial aid options such as scholarships, grants and work-study programs.
For more information: Visit calstate.edu/apply or csusb.edu/pdc.
Previous reporting by Tallulah Rector was used in this report.
Jennifer Cortez covers education in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at jennifer.cortez@desertsun.com.