August 18, 2026
WALNUT, CA - The 2026-2027 school year has officially begun in Walnut Valley USD! This year’s district theme, “Open Doors: See It. Celebrate It. Share It.”, is an invitation to recognize the incredible work happening throughout our district, celebrate the people who make it possible, and share those stories with our community. In preparation for the new school year, the District hosted several back-to-school events, including the annual Welcome Back event for staff and New Employee Orientation, while school sites welcomed students back with First Day of School festivities.
On August 5, the annual Welcome Back event brought together the WVUSD Board of Trustees, District Leadership, and 1,400 staff members from across the District to celebrate the start of the new school year. Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor, brought this year’s district theme to life by sharing stories that highlighted how students and staff “Opened Doors” throughout this past year. A highlight of the event was the recognition of Ray McMullen, Personnel Commissioner President, retired Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, and WVUSD Historian, for his 72 years of dedication, heart, and unwavering commitment to our students, employees, and community. The celebration was made bittersweet by the announcement of Ray’s upcoming retirement. WVUSD also acknowledged staff members marking milestone anniversaries with the District, from 10 to 35 years of service, and honored the 2025 Classified Employees and 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year. The program featured speeches from District Teacher of the Year, Rebecca Chai, Teacher at Walnut High School, and Classified Employee of the Year, John Rodriguez, Campus Security Officer at Diamond Bar High School.
On August 7, WVUSD welcomed our newest employees during the annual New Employee Orientation! The day began with a special red-carpet welcome, as new employees were cheered on by the Leadership Team while the Diamond Bar High School Band played, setting an exciting tone for the day ahead. New employees participated in engaging activities, including the Cross the Line relationship-building activity, before heading to the DBHS Performing Arts Center to hear from Superintendent Dr. Taylor and other District leaders. Throughout the day, speakers and activities centered around the idea of “Opening Doors”, creating opportunities, building connections, and keeping our commitment to “Kids First - Every Student, Every Day” at the heart of everything we do. After lunch, employees opened the door to professional growth by participating in sessions for Certificated and Classified staff. The day ended with presentations from the Walnut Valley Educators Association and California School Employees Association. It was a meaningful day filled with learning, connection, and excitement as our newest employees began their journey with WVUSD.
On August 10, WVUSD opened the doors to a brand-new school year! Campuses across the district were buzzing with excitement as students returned for a year filled with learning, growth, and new possibilities. Superintendent Dr. Taylor visited schools throughout the district to welcome students and staff back and celebrate the start of the 2026-2027 school year. As we begin this new school year, we’re excited to “Open Doors” to new opportunities, meaningful connections, and countless moments that make a difference for every student.
About Walnut Valley Unified School District
Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) schools have earned recognition for academic excellence from both the California State Department of Education and the United States Department of Education. Many WVUSD schools have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon, California Gold Ribbon, and California Distinguished Schools. Several WVUSD schools were featured in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025/2026 Best School Rankings. To learn more about WVUSD, please visit WVUSD.org. Connect with WVUSD on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Contact
Michelle Figueroa, Public Information Specialist
Office: 909-595-1261, Ext. 31204
Shown
- Collegewood staff line the entrance to cheer as students arrive on the first day of school.
- Walnut High School students wearing “Saddle Up” shirts pose for a photo on the first day of school.
- South Pointe Middle School ASB students line the campus gate to welcome students back to school.
- C.J. Morris Elementary teachers pose for a photo at the Welcome Back Event.
- Castle Rock staff pose for a photo at the Welcome Back Event.
- Personnel Commissioners Ray McMullen, President, and Michael Cobarrubias, Vice President, pose for a photo at the Welcome Back Event.
- Board of Trustees members and Superintendent Dr. Taylor pose for a photo during the Welcome Back celebration.
- Two new staff members walk through a welcome line at Diamond Bar High School.
- A new staff member smiles and celebrates while entering the New Employee Orientation.
- New employees pose for a photo holding “Class of 2026-2027” shirts in the Diamond Bar High School Performing Arts Center.