Santa Maria Valley high schools prepare to welcome hundreds of freshmen

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - Hundreds of incoming freshman across the Santa Maria Valley are getting ready to enter high school next week when the new academic year begins.

On Thursday, Aug. 13, the 2026-27 school year begins in the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) at its four campuses, Santa Maria High School, Righetti High School, Pioneer Valley High School and Delta High School.

In preparation for the new year, some of the schools are holding orientation events for incoming freshman to better prepare them for the transition to their new school.

On Friday, Pioneer Valley is welcoming more than 800 9th graders to campus for the school's annual "Link Crew Freshmen Orientation."

During the event, upperclassmen will help guide freshmen class through a series of team building activities.

A key element of the event is each group of students is given a tour of the sprawling Pioneer Valley campus, which is home to nearly 3,400 students, making it the largest school on the Central Coast.

Link Crew is a year-long class that is designed to help provide a smooth and positive transition onto campus for freshmen and new students, as well as build and foster school spirit and culture.

The orientation allows freshmen to help create new friendships and connections, not only with other incoming new students, but also their Link Crew leaders as well.

In addition to taking part in the activities, students also will pick up their class schedule for the upcoming school year.

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