Classrooms and hallways across United Independent School District came alive Wednesday as students returned to campus for the first day of the 2026-2027 school year.

 

At Col. Santos Benavides Elementary School, the morning began with a steady stream of cars and school buses arriving to drop off students. Inside, parents accompanied their children to classrooms while others completed late registration paperwork with assistance from campus staff.

 

The halls were bustling with excitement as Principal Dr. Adriana Vela and her staff greeted students and families. The campus, which serves approximately 800 students, has educated children in the community since 1971, with its current location serving Laredo families since 2005.

 

For Joaquin Alberto Rodriguez, Wednesday marked an important milestone as he brought his Pre-K 4 son to begin his first year at UISD.

 

“We’re incredibly excited,” Rodriguez said. “We are huge fans of the public school system, especially UISD. We know that this school district is top-notch, and we're just so excited to put our son, our only son, into this educational experience.”

 

Students shared that enthusiasm. Third grader Alessandra Martinez was looking forward to beginning the year alongside familiar faces.

 

“It’s exciting and an adventure, and I’m going to be really happy here,” Martinez said. “My teacher’s really nice and I have my friends here.”

 

For educators, the first day also represents a new beginning. Kindergarten teacher Cynthia Valenciano has been educating children for 25 years, but said the beginning of a new school year remains just as exciting.

 

“I'm really excited about the first day of school, because every new school year feels like a fresh start,” Valenciano said. “I still get excited thinking about all the growth I'm going to see from that first day until the end of the year.”

 

The successful start to the school year was the culmination of months of preparation throughout United ISD. During the summer, the district invested in strategic planning, professional development and community engagement to prepare campuses, educators and families for the return of students.

 

Through its Ready. Set. Learn. Facebook Live series, UISD connected families directly with district leaders to provide information about the academic calendar, enrollment, student programs, dress code, transportation and other district services. The district also welcomed more than 400 of its youngest students during the Second Annual Kinder Signing Event, where incoming kindergarten students celebrated the beginning of their educational journey.

 

District and campus administrators prepared for the year during the three-day Leadership Summit, where Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz outlined priorities including academic excellence, stronger family and community partnerships, safe and supportive learning environments, and fiscal responsibility.

 

UISD also continued its investment in educators through the second annual Teacher Incentive Allotment Summit, Enhance. Advance., which brought together more than 450 educators, as well as a three-day New Teacher Orientation designed to prepare and support educators joining the district.

 

As students settle into their classrooms, they return to a district that has earned seven consecutive “A” ratings from the Texas Education Agency and offers educational opportunities designed to prepare them for college, careers, and life.

 

Students throughout UISD have access to specialized magnet programs, Dual Credit and Early College opportunities, fine arts, athletics, esports and numerous extracurricular activities. Early College programs at all four high schools give students the opportunity to earn an associate degree alongside their high school diploma, while the Biotechnology and Life Sciences Innovative Academy at Lyndon B. Johnson High School allows students to earn healthcare certifications and an Associate of Science degree.

 

UISD also provides services that support students and families beyond the classroom, including free meals, transportation and after-school programs. Student safety remains a district priority, with state-certified United ISD Police Department officers and security personnel working throughout the district and in partnership with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.

 

Together, these programs, services and opportunities support the district's mission of preparing students to become productive citizens, lifelong learners and future leaders.

 

For Valenciano, however, the measure of a successful school year ultimately comes down to what happens with each child in her classroom.

 

“For me, one of the greatest accomplishments as a teacher is seeing a child accomplish something they once thought they couldn't do,” she said. “These moments are what make teaching so rewarding. At the end of the school year, I want to be able to look back and know that every child in my classroom felt loved and supported, and left my classroom believing in themselves a little more than when they walked in.”

Joaquin Alberto Rodriguez and his family

 

Staff members assisted families on the first day of school

 

Col. Santos Benavides Elementary serves approximately 800 students