Oceanside School District welcomes students back with 'Magic in Every Moment'

Posted Friday, September 18, 2026 8:00 am

ceanside High School seniors kicked off their final first day of school Sept. 1, sporting nostalgic backpacks and embracing the district’s “Magic in Every Moment” theme as they began their last year in the halls they have called home.

Courtesy Oceanside Schools

School No. 2 fifth graders Matthew Abrams, left, Ryan Katsoulas, center, and Bryce Pickett, right, were all smiles as they began a new school year in Oceanside on Sept. 1.

Courtesy Oceanside Schools

Kailey Marie Juarez, far left, Madison Senft, Maddyn Hirsch, Jordyn Battino, Victoria Orlando, Noelle Latouche and Ava Schmidt, far right, first graders at School No. 3, started the new year surrounded by classmates.

Courtesy Oceanside Schools

School No. 3 sixth graders Vivian Cretella and Summer Strong stepped into the school year ready to make memories.

Courtesy Oceanside Schools

School No. 5 first graders Emileigh Policastro, Olivia Chacche, and Salvatore Chacche joined teacher Peter Weber for a year of new lessons.

Courtesy Oceanside Schools

Kindergarteners Rory and Kyle Breen reunited with their former pre-K teacher, Maria Kelly, at School No. 6.

Courtesy Oceanside Schools

First grader Summer Sefchek brought some back-to-school sparkle to School No. 9E.

Courtesy Oceanside Schools

By Abigail Grieco

The Oceanside School District welcomed students back for the 2026-27 school year on Sept. 1, filling classrooms and hallways with excitement as students reunited with friends, met new teachers and settled into new routines.

This year’s return to school comes with a little extra magic. Each year, the district selects a theme to help inspire its students and staff, and this year’s theme is “Magic in Every Moment.” The theme was highlighted during the district’s annual Superintendent’s Conference Day, setting an enthusiastic tone for the year ahead.

Students returned to the district’s schools, including School No. 6 (UPK and Kindergarten), and elementary schools including School No. 2, School No. 3, School No. 4, School No. 5, School No. 8 and School No. 9E.

The new school year also began at Oceanside Middle School, Oceanside High School and OHS Castleton.

For students, the first days of school brought opportunities to reconnect, make new friends and begin another year of learning and growth. With “Magic in Every Moment” as its guiding theme, the district is looking forward to a school year filled with memorable experiences, new opportunities and moments to celebrate.

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