District’s theme for the 2025–26 school year is ‘Paws for Excellence: Preparing Every Bobcat for Life, Learning and Leadership’
Students, families and staff filled campuses with excitement Friday morning, Aug. 15, as College School District launched the first day of the 2025–26 school year with a flag salute, BMX stunt show, and plenty of Bobcat spirit.
In the weeks leading up to the opening, preparations were in full swing. Two colorful new murals were completed at Santa Ynez Elementary School by the district’s art teacher. One mural proudly spells out the school’s name, while the second depicts vibrant bookshelves painted on the wall of the new Eighth Grade Bobcat Den, a dedicated space for the district’s oldest students. The art teacher also plans to create a third mural later this year at College School, celebrating the district’s youngest learners, the “Baby Bobcats.”
Another major upgrade included a long-awaited play structure at College School. The new structure replaces a 20-year-old set and features a shade canopy and musical play components, including bongo drums and a xylophone.
“We were able to find a play structure that also had a shade component for our youngest students, and we also added two musical components,” said Superintendent Maurene Donner. “It’s already a favorite spot for our students.”
Also, the school earlier this month had dedicated new tennis and pickleball courts on the campus. The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians and Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation evenly split the cost of a $76,730 project to renovate the courts. They were initially installed by Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation in the 1980s, and after many years of quality use, had become worn and underutilized. Donner saw an opportunity to refresh the space and make it more versatile, with the aim of enhancing their physical education program and sharing the courts with the community.
While exploring avenues for funding, Donner applied for a grant through Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation, which partnered with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians to make the project happen.
With the growing popularity of pickleball, Donner aimed to create a space that would better serve their students and the interests of members of the local community.
New teachers also joined the district this year, bringing fresh perspectives to the classrooms. To help the youngest students settle in, the district hosted its annual TK and Kindergarten Lemonade Party on Thursday, the day before school started. Known affectionately as the “Baby Bobcats,” the incoming students and their families were able to see classrooms, meet teachers and classmates, and ease into the start of their school experience.
Friday’s festivities began at 8 a.m. when students arrived, followed by all students gathering in the quad for introductions and the Pledge of Allegiance. After that, the district upped the ante with a high-energy performance from BMX Productions. The California-based crew blended gravity-defying tricks with lessons on being respectful, responsible and safe — values College School District emphasizes throughout the year.
“The BMX demonstration was a fun way to reinforce the importance of responsibility, respect and safety,” Donner said. “It’s a fabulous start to the school year. We’re so excited to have students back on campus, to see their shiny faces. They’re ready to learn — and so are we.”
Students agreed.
“I missed it more than I realized and it’s our last year, so we’re going to make it a good one,” said eighth grader Niki Ball.
“I was a little bit nervous this morning, but it’s been a good day,” added fellow eighth grader Mia Gonzalez. “I’m excited for the activities and being with my classmates again.”
Teachers and staff said the first day couldn’t have gone better.
“Today is the best day ever,” said Charlene Asmussen, first-grade teacher at Santa Ynez Elementary School. “The smiling faces, the whole school assembly, the hugs and the excitement — it’s amazing.”
Principal Anthony Bruemmer said the smooth opening was the result of months of planning.
“It was a lot of work getting ready for it, but the day went very smoothly,” he said. “The kids are excited, and our experienced and new staff are really gelling together well. It’s going to be a strong year.”
“Kids are very excited,” Donner added. “They’re happy. I walked around to each of the classrooms. They’re all ready to learn. It’s going to be a great school year.”
College School District serves students across two campuses: College School, which houses preschool, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten, and Santa Ynez Elementary School, which enrolls grades 1 through 8.
Located at 3325 Pine St. in Santa Ynez, College School District creates a safe, positive and engaging school climate. A highly-skilled team of professionals work in partnership with students, parents, and the community, all dedicated to meeting the academic, behavioral and social-emotional needs of every student. Through rigorous curriculum and a system of support, students are prepared for high school, higher education, and future opportunities.
