Madera Unified prepares students for first day of school amid Valley heat

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- With the current temperatures we're experiencing throughout the Central Valley, heading back to school might be the last thing some want to do, but the start of a new year is fast approaching.

Triple digits or not, the start of the 2027-2028 school year is here for tens of thousands of students in the Central Valley.

And those who attend the Madera Unified School District will be among the first to walk into a classroom this Friday.

"It allows us to build that trust and rapport with the students and kind of get that anxiety and that stress teachers and students face and also parents. And then having them enjoy the weekend and get that reboot and restart on Monday," said Miravel Navarro.

Miravel Navarro wants to remind every student that teachers and staff are excited to meet them and support them through those first-day jitters.

"These are normal feelings to have. It's a normal experience. And there are support systems at the schools that they can reach out to. School counselor, peer support, a clinician," said Navarro.

Starting in the middle of summer brings lesson plans to beat the heat.

"We do a lot of indoor activities that are interactive, board games. We do a lot of mindfulness exercises during the time that they have their normal break periods because we want to incorporate what they are accustomed to doing outdoors, indoors as well," Navarro said.

Navarro says everyone's health and wellness is a top priority.

Students are advised to take their water bottles, stay in shaded areas, and be mindful of how they're feeling throughout the day.

"We want to ensure that every student knows they are coming into a safe, welcoming environment and that there are support systems in place that can help them. And parents, we want them to be aware that these systems are in place," said Navarro.

For news updates, follow Elisa Navarro on Facebook, X and Instagram.