Buena Park School District

Whitaker Elementary School students walk to the front with their families and head to their classrooms to begin the first full week of school.

Students at Pendleton Elementary School walk with their families to greet principal Dr. Loriann Leota and begin another day of learning.

Emery Elementary School students are eager to begin their second day of school as they walk together with their families to the front gate.

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL, BPSD! Corey Elementary School students are ready to pick up a fresh breakfast tray, hang up their backpacks, and begin an exciting new year of learning.

Transitional Kindergarten students and families at Gilbert Elementary School attend a special orientation for both Dual Language Immersion (DLI) and regular classes to meet their new teachers and prepare for the start of school.

Buena Park School District certificated and classified employees enjoyed a spirited 2026-27 back-to-school kickoff, jointly hosted by Buena Park Teachers’ Association, CA School Employees Association, Buena Park Management Organization, and Superintendent Dr. Julienne Lee, with Governing Board President Jerry Fritos, Governing Board Member Rhodia Shead, and BPSD Cabinet and Directors in attendance.

Buena Park Middle School sixth grade students and families pack the gym for orientation, led by Principal Jay Beckelheimer and Assistant Principal Leticia Cruz.

Transitional kindergarten and kindergarten students attend Whitaker’s “Good Start” orientation day with their families, led by Principal Stephanie Williamson and Whitaker’s TK and K teachers.

Congratulations to the extraordinary educators, staff, students, and families who power Buena Park School District and whose dedication and talents have earned BPSD the Latina/o Educational Advancement & Distinction (LEAD) Award, an honor conferred by the California Latino School Boards Association (CLSBA) in recognition of the district’s commitment to student success, excellence, innovation, and community impact.