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Principal's Message

Dear Gaucho Families,

I hope you are all enjoying precious time with family and friends as the summertime winds down. We here at ECHS have been busy preparing for the 2026-2027 school year. It's sure to be another eventful and exciting year filled with continued learning and growth opportunities for all of us, and I can't wait to have our students back on campus in just two short weeks. The first day of school for our students is Tuesday, August 18, 2026. As we prepare to launch the new school year, I wanted to share a few important details with you.

Gaucho Day

Our on-site walk-through registration day for all students is Monday, August 17. Gaucho Day will include our ASB/Leadership-led tours for our incoming 9th grade students, as well as designated times for all students to have their photos taken, get their student IDs and class schedules, and sign up for clubs, sports, and other activities. Students should meet in the gym at the following times:

  • 9th Grade: 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

  • 10th Grade: 10:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.

  • 11th Grade: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

  • 12th Grade 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Bell Schedule and First Day of School

The first day of school is Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Classes will begin at 8:30 a.m. and students will be dismissed at 2:19 p.m. Wednesday is an early dismissal of 2:30 p.m. (as are all subsequent Wednesdays). As most of you know, ECHS operates on a 4X4 Block Schedule, with students taking 3 or 4 semester-long classes each term.

Here are the bell schedules for 2026-2027.

Class Schedules

We anticipate that class schedules will be available to students on Monday, August 17, during Gaucho Day.

P.E. Uniforms

Students are required to wear designated clothing, including athletic shoes, for physical education (P.E.) classes. Though not mandatory to purchase ECHS P.E. uniforms specifically, families are encouraged to do so. If interested, you can purchase uniforms through the ECHS Web Store.

Staffing Update

We are fortunate to have our Admin and Counseling team returning. At this time, our assistant principals and our counselors will be assigned to students as follows: 

Assistant Principals:

Counselors:

Communications

As we prepare to embark on another busy school year, we want to ensure that you are fully prepared and kept informed of operations and events at ECHS at all times. Our primary means of communication is via Parent Square. It is highly recommended that all families download the app (https://www.wccusd.net/resources/parentsquare-resources). Regular communications from both the school site and the District will contain important information about school policies, upcoming events, and key details to help you and your student(s) start the year with confidence.

Breakfast Program
Breakfast will be served in the cafeteria each morning until 8:25 a.m. After that time, grab-and-go breakfast options will be available at the school’s front entrance. We strongly encourage all students to take advantage of these offerings to start each day energized and ready to learn.

Expectations for Students
All students are required to wear their ID badges while on campus. This policy supports the safety and security of our entire school community. Additionally, students are expected to arrive on time and ready to learn. Classes begin promptly at 8:30 a.m., so please plan accordingly to ensure a smooth and punctual start to the day.

District Anti-Racism Policy
In 2024, the West Contra Costa Unified School District Board of Trustees adopted a comprehensive Anti-Racism Policy (0415.3). 

“The Governing Board recognizes the impact of racialized harm and racial trauma on the District’s ability to provide a safe, inclusive learning environment. Therefore, the District commits to supporting anti-racist policies, programs, and practices that prioritize the well-being and education of all students while building strong, inclusive school communities.”

ECHS is dedicated to fostering a school culture where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered, and we will continue to do our work with that as a guiding principle.

Electronic Device Policy

Cell phones and other electronic devices hold significant value and importance in today’s society. However, the use of cell phones and other unauthorized electronic devices, such as Airpods or smartwatches, can significantly impede and distract from the learning process. As an institution, we believe that the use of personal electronic devices during instructional periods is detrimental and thus not permissible due to the negative impact on academic engagement and learning outcomes.  As a result, WCCUSD is enforcing a Progressive Discipline for Cell Phone Policy. Please take a moment to review this policy with your student(s). 

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our outstanding ECHS community. We look forward to welcoming our Gauchos on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, for the first day of school. In the meantime, please stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks about the launch of the 2026-2027 school year. Go Gauchos!

In partnership,

Stacy Wayne, Principal

El Cerrito High School