Banning Newsroom

The Banning High School Performing Arts Center was filled with emotion, reflection, and hope on November 5, 2025, as students experienced a powerful presentation from Erin Gruwell—founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation—and one of her former students, Freedom Writer Tony Becerra.

Erin Gruwell, whose story inspired the acclaimed book The Freedom Writers Diary and its film adaptation Freedom Writers, shared her message that “every student has a story to write and a story to tell.” Her visit brought this message to life as she encouraged Banning High School students to find strength and identity through their own stories.

During the November 18, 2025, Board of Trustees meeting, the Banning Unified School District (Banning USD) appointed five community members to serve on the Measure M and Measure O Independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (ICBOC). The committee plays an essential role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and responsible management of voter-approved bond funds used to modernize and enhance District schools.

The California Department of Education released the official 2024–25 California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) results to the public on October 9, 2025, and Banning Unified School District (Banning USD) is proud to share that its students achieved notable academic growth — particularly in mathematics and science, where the District outpaced both Riverside County and the State of California in year-over-year improvement.

The CAASPP measures how well students meet California’s academic standards through the Smarter Balanced Summative Assessments (SBA) for English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics, and the California Science Test (CAST) for science.

Banning Unified School District proudly recognizes two extraordinary students as November Students of the Month. Honorees Mary Britto from Banning High School and Jasmine Verduzco from New Horizons High School were celebrated for their leadership, perseverance, and dedication to excellence during a special recognition event on November 4, 2025.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate Mary and Jasmine, two students who exemplify the heart of Banning Unified,” said Superintendent Terrence Davis. “Their leadership, resilience, and compassion reflect the promise and potential we strive to nurture in every student.”

The Banning High School Marching Bronco Regiment has been making waves across Southern California this season, earning top recognition in the California State Band Championships circuit.

So far this season, the Regiment has earned three first-place trophies, along with High Percussion and High Color Guard awards at each competition they have attended. Their 2025 field show, titled “Machines,” has impressed judges and spectators alike with its creativity, precision, and powerful performance.

The Banning High School (BHS) Cross Country teams delivered outstanding performances at the Sun Valley League Championships on Saturday, with the girls’ team capturing the 2025 Sun Valley League Championship title and the boys’ team securing third place overall and advancing to the CIF Prelims.

History was made on Thursday, October 9, as the Banning High School Girls’ Tennis Team captured the Sun Valley League Championship for the first time in school history. The Broncos clinched the title with a thrilling home victory over Desert Mirage High School — a defining moment for the team, their school, and the entire Banning community.

On Thursday, October 16, 2025, Banning Unified School District joined millions of Californians in the Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drill, a statewide preparedness event designed to promote safety awareness and emergency readiness. All District schools and administrative offices participated, with students and staff practicing essential earthquake safety procedures.

This year, New Horizon High School, Nicolet Middle School, and Central Elementary School earned Platinum Implementation Awards, the highest level of recognition, while Hemmerling Elementary School received a Gold Implementation Award. These honors highlight the schools’ dedication to implementing evidence-based practices that improve student behavior, strengthen engagement, and promote positive school climates.

Banning Unified School District proudly recognizes two outstanding students as October Students of the Month. Honorees Josue Sanchez Omana from Banning High School and Erika Vasquez Luis from Banning Independent Study School were celebrated for their leadership, resilience, and commitment to excellence during a special recognition event on October 7, 2025.

Since the start of the school year, Banning Unified School District’s Child Nutrition Services team has been leading a new Farm-to-Cafeteria program that brings locally grown fruit directly into school meals. By sourcing fresh produce from nearby farms, the District is promoting healthy eating while supporting local agriculture and ensuring students enjoy nutritious, high-quality options.

Banning High School opened its doors on Thursday, October 2, 2025, for an all-day College and Career Fair, giving students the opportunity to explore pathways for their future in higher education, trades, and the workforce.

Central Elementary School and Nicolet Middle School came together on Monday, September 29, 2025, to host a vibrant celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, showcasing student talent, culture, and community partnership as September came to a close.

Banning High School theatre students joined more than 400 student leaders and technicians from 30 high schools across California at the International Thespian Society (ITS) Leadership and Tech Conference, held Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Claremont High School.

Students at Nicolet Middle School had the unique opportunity to participate in an interactive workshop led by the Freedom Writers Foundation, featuring its founder, Erin Gruwell. The event inspired students to reflect on their own experiences while building empathy, connection, and resilience.

Five Banning High School students had the honor of performing as members of the Teen Center band Crimson Rose during the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Pacific Leadership Conference, a significant regional event attended by more than 1,500 people.

The Banning Unified School District held its first Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting of the 2025–26 school year on Thursday, September 18, at the Nicolet Middle School Library. Families, students, and staff gathered for an evening of collaboration, learning, and cultural celebration.

The excitement of senior year was on full display as the Banning High School Class of 2026 gathered on the football stadium’s center field on September 17, 2025, to take their panoramic class photo.

Cabazon Elementary School welcomed families to its AVID Family Math Night on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, bringing students, parents, and teachers together for an evening filled with fun, learning, and community connection.

Florida Street Discovery Center (FSDC) came alive with music, dance, and vibrant cultural pride on Friday, September 12, 2025, as students honored Hispanic Heritage Month through a series of classroom performances representing countries across Latin America and Spain.

The Banning Unified School District Board of Education proudly welcomed Banning High School senior Mary Adeife Britto as the District’s new Student Board Member during the September 11, 2025, board meeting.

Fourth grade students in Ms. Zamudio’s class at Hemmerling Elementary School recently brought literature to life through a hands-on, creative project centered on Esperanza Rising, the award-winning novel by author Pam Muñoz Ryan.

As part of the literacy initiative, students were divided into groups and assigned different chapters of the book. Each group collaborated to analyze their section, identify key themes, and create posters and drawings to illustrate the story. The groups then presented their chapters to the class, practicing public speaking skills and sharing their creative work.

Banning Unified School District proudly recognizes two outstanding students as September Students of the Month. Honorees Alondra Salas from Banning High School and Elizabeth Sisomsouk from New Horizons High School were celebrated for their perseverance, leadership, and commitment to excellence during a special recognition event on September 9, 2025.

Banning Unified School District proudly participated in the Stagecoach Days Parade on Saturday, August 30, 2025, joining community members in celebrating the city’s long-standing tradition.

The Banning Unified School District is inviting community members to apply for its Independent Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (ICBOC). This volunteer committee provides an essential role in monitoring the use of school bond funds approved by Banning voters.

Banning High School proudly hosted its Honor Roll Ceremony on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Performing Arts Center. The event recognized students for their academic excellence and dedication during the Spring 2025 semester of the previous school year.

On Friday, August 15, 2025, Banning High School roared back to life as students gathered in the gym for a high-energy welcome-back pep rally to kick off the 2025–2026 school year. The event featured lively games, upbeat music, and plenty of school spirit from every grade level.

Welcome back to a brand-new school year on the Real Talk Podcast! In this episode, Superintendent Davis, Angel, and Edith are kicking things off  for the 2025-26 school year with excitement, reflections, and a fresh dose of We Are Banning spirit. 

Tune in now: bit.ly/BanningRealTalkPodcast

On Thursday, August 7, 2025, the Banning Unified School District joyfully welcomed students back for the first day of the 2025–2026 school year. From transitional kindergarteners walking onto campus for the very first time to seniors in the Class of 2026 stepping into their final year, excitement was in the air across all school sites.

As the sun rose over the San Gorgonio Pass on Wednesday, August 6, the Banning High School Class of 2026 gathered on the school’s football field to celebrate the beginning of their senior year with the cherished tradition of Senior Sunrise.

The energy was high and the spirit of unity was even higher as Banning Unified School District welcomed back its incredible team of educators, support staff, and administrators for the start of the 2025–2026 school year. Held on Monday, August 4, 2025, at the Banning High School Performing Arts Center, the District's annual Welcome Back event brought everyone together under one roof to reconnect, refocus, and reignite their shared purpose.

Banning Unified School District successfully wrapped up its weeklong Back to School Backpack Distribution and Enrollment Week, hosted by the Student Services Department. The event provided essential school supplies and enrollment support to hundreds of families across the community, helping ensure students are ready for a strong start to the 2025–2026 school year.

On the evening of May 30, 2025, the Banning High School stadium overflowed with pride as families, educators, and community members gathered to celebrate the graduating Class of 2025. With the stands filled and hearts full, the commencement ceremony was a powerful tribute to the legacy, unity, and resilience of the Bronco family.

On Friday, May 30, 2025, the field at Nicolet Middle School transformed into a vibrant celebration space as over 200 eighth-grade students were promoted to high school during a ceremony that brought together students, families, school staff, and District leadership. The stands were filled with loved ones proudly cheering on students, making the morning a meaningful and heartfelt event.

In this special episode, we highlight two outstanding 5th-grade students who are representing Banning Unified at both the county and state levels with their exceptional History and Science projects. These future middle schoolers have made us all proud with their hard work, creativity, and dedication.

The stadium lights at Banning High School Football Field illuminated more than just a ceremony on the evening of May 23, 2025—they illuminated hope, transformation, and triumph. The Coombs Alternative Education Center Commencement Ceremony honored the Class of 2025, celebrating graduates from New Horizon High School, Banning Independent Study School, and Banning Adult Education.

The Banning Unified School District proudly hosted its annual Language Celebration on Tuesday, May 13, at the Banning High School Performing Arts Center, recognizing students across elementary, middle, and high school for their achievements in multilingualism and English language development.

The Banning Unified School District proudly recognized three outstanding seniors—Adrian Casillas, Oscar Ochoa, and Alyssa Sanchez—during the annual Student of the Year Dinner held on May 8, 2025, at the Noble Creek Community Center in Beaumont. The event, a collaboration between Banning and Beaumont Unified School Districts, celebrated seniors from both districts for their academic achievements, character, and community involvement.

Each year, the Citrus Belt Area Athletic Directors Association (CBAADA) hosts a Senior Athlete of the Year celebration, recognizing outstanding student-athletes from its 90 member schools across the region. Each school selects one male and one female honoree to represent their campus—students who demonstrate excellence in athletics, leadership, and character.

Banning Unified School District proudly recognizes Angela Marruffo, a 2025 graduate of Banning Adult Education, for representing the District with strength and inspiration at the Southwest Riverside Adult Education (SRAE) Community Forum on May 2, 2025.

We’re excited to invite you to tune in to the next episode of our Real Talk Podcast, featuring an inspiring conversation with Jennifer Gonzalez — our Student of the Month and a proud graduate of New Horizons.