Thousands of Tucson Unified School District students returned to classrooms Thursday, with schools like Gertrude Cragin Elementary greeting new kindergarteners and their families.
The Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) began the 2024-25 academic year Thursday as thousands of students returned to classrooms across the city. At Gertrude Cragin Elementary School, 2945 N. Tucson Blvd., the first day was marked by a special welcome for the youngest learners.
Cody the Cougar, the school’s mascot played by Jason Munday, greeted kindergarteners before they headed into their classrooms. Parents and guardians lingered at the entrance, capturing photos and offering last-minute words of encouragement.
Among them was Jamie Lopez, who talked with her daughter, Maria, before the start of classes. Maria was starting kindergarten, a milestone for the family and for the district, which serves more than 40,000 students.
The return to school comes as TUSD continues to navigate a range of challenges and initiatives, from facility upgrades to staffing and curriculum updates. The district has also been in the news recently for other developments, including contract negotiations with its blue-collar workers and an ongoing investigation at Pueblo High School.
In June, TUSD’s blue-collar union secured a list of wins in its latest contract negotiations, a modest but notable achievement for workers who maintain the district’s buildings and grounds. Meanwhile, the TUSD board approved Alma Mejia-Garcia as Pueblo High’s interim principal after an investigation into Frank Rosthenhausler, who faced allegations that led to his removal.
For families like the Lopezes, the first day is about new beginnings. “She was a little nervous, but she’s excited,” Jamie Lopez said of her daughter, Maria, as she watched her walk toward the school entrance.
Gertrude Cragin Elementary is one of more than 80 schools in the district, which serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district has been focusing on early literacy and math proficiency, aiming to improve outcomes for all students.
As the school year gets underway, TUSD officials have emphasized the importance of attendance and family engagement. The district also continues to offer a range of programs, including career and technical education pathways that prepare students for jobs in fields like manufacturing and technology.
For now, the first day was a success, with students and staff alike settling into the rhythm of a new school year.