A few thousand parents and students, who attended Back-to-School Night at Pioneer Valley, Righetti and Santa Maria high schools Aug. 25 got a chance to experience a student’s schedule, and meet staff, teachers and members of the administration.

Teachers were available to answer questions about course expectations and academic progress. Delta High School will complete the Back-to-School Night series on Sept. 1.

Parents and students were also urged to ask questions about Santa Maria Joint Union High School District’s (SMJUHSD) participation in the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program for the 2022-23 school year.

All enrolled students are eligible for a free breakfast and lunch every school day. However, the district requests that each household submit a Household Income Data Survey, online by Oct. 31, at Household Income Survey.

“My mom comes to open house every year so that she can learn more about my classes and get to know my teachers,’’ said Pioneer Valley senior Makayla Gonzales. “Both of us always look forward to spending this time together.’’

“I think it’s good to have mom here to experience what I go through in a day,” said Righetti sophomore Riley Loose.

“This is the first opportunity to be at a new school for my freshman daughter,’’ said Righetti parent Dale Hiramatsu. “I’m here to check out the campus, meet Mary’s teachers, and get a sense of the atmosphere.’’

Elizabeth Mata, who has a student at Santa Maria High, termed the event “extremely valuable.” “It is very important to me that I meet my daughter’s teachers, so I can communicate with them,’’ Mata said.

“I’m proud to have mom here,” said Mata’s daughter Anyili Mata, a sophomore.

“Back To School Night is always a fun opportunity for parents to tour our campus and meet each of their students’ teachers and tonight was no exception,’’ said Pioneer Valley Principal Shanda Herrera. “We had counselors available to answer questions and PVHS made free Covid take-home kits available for our families.”

Dominick Palera, a SMJUHSD School Board member who greeted parents, students and staff at all three high schools, called the events “very engaging experiences for all.’’