What Palm Springs Unified Families need to know before first day of school

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KMIR) -- As the new school year approaches, Palm Springs Unified School District staff has been hard at work preparing campuses and support systems to welcome students back.

Several schools across the district have undergone major renovations over the summer, and will continue into the school year. 

Sunny Sands and Landau Elementary Schools

Both schools now feature new two-story buildings with bright, modern classrooms. The front office at Sunny Sands has been moved to a temporary location. Temporary changes to drop-off and pick-up procedures are in place at both campuses, with signage available to guide families.

PSUSD’s Executive Director of Facilities Julie Arthur said the focus has been on bringing older schools up to modern standards.

“All these schools we’ve been talking about were built in the late 80s, maybe early 90s,” said Arthur. “Our focus has been on making sure everything has been renovated to the most current codes.”

Della S. Lindley Elementary School

Crews are modernizing classrooms and renovating the front office, multipurpose room, and kitchen. A new temporary front entrance and office have been established, with signage to guide families during the transition. A new two-story building is also planned for the site. 

James Workman Middle School

The school is modernizing its 200 and 300 wings and has renovated the front parking lot and bus drop-off area.

Cathedral City High School

 The first phase of classroom modernization is complete, and work is ongoing on the central chiller plant to improve campus comfort.

“All these sites are receiving safety and comfort upgrades— from emergency buttons and updated fire alarms to new air conditioning systems and fresh finishes,” Arthur added.

If your child’s school has updated pick-up and drop-off procedures and/or a new temporary front office, Arthur recommends checking with the site directly or reviewing the latest information on the school’s website. 

 “Give yourself plenty of time,” said Arthur. “It really will ensure that kids have a good start to the day and that parents don’t leave frustrated.”

Beyond facilities, PSUSD is continuing to expand its mental health services to give students more access to support both in and out of the classroom. This is part of the California Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), a statewide program aimed at improving mental and behavioral health care in schools.

To help fund these services, the district asks families to complete a brief health insurance form. The form does not cost anything and will not affect a family’s insurance coverage. It allows the district to receive reimbursement for some of the mental health services provided to students.

 “With that, we would be able to expand what we're already providing and make it bigger and better,” said PSUSD’s Director of Health Services Laura Dyson.  “We want to reassure parents that we'll never send a bill… It won't affect your insurance status at all.”

Leading the way into the new school year is Superintendent Dr. Marcus Funchess:

 “I am looking forward to meeting you. You are welcomed here. Your hopes and dreams for the educational aspirations of your scholars, that matters to me, that matters to this district, and I look forward to having you… I see you, I hear you, I value you.”

To find detailed back-to-school information — including calendars, transportation updates, school supply lists, lunch menus and links to submit insurance documents — visit the PSUSD Back to School Hub.