Chico Unified reports strong opening‑day activities and early enrollment; Ed Services cites expanded summer programs

District Ed Services staff delivered an opening‑day update for the 2024–25 school year on Aug. 21, summarizing summer programming, professional development, enrollment and early technology deployments.

Staff said TK through grade‑12 summer programs served "a little over 2,000 students" and listed secondary credit‑recovery offerings, junior‑high camps, and elementary summer session participation of about 1,000 students. The kindergarten preparatory academy expanded from one site to two sites with a total of 30 students (two sites with 15 students each, as described).

Student leaders from Chico High and Pleasant Valley provided in‑person reports on Link Crew orientation. Chico High students said Link Crew included two days of leader training and that Chico High had roughly 543 freshmen with about 525 attending orientation activities; Pleasant Valley leaders said over 500 freshmen attended (the full class size was described as about 550). Student presenters emphasized relationship‑building, tours, team games ("64 squares") and follow‑up activities such as a freshman tailgate and finals study support.

On enrollment, staff said opening‑day counts fluctuate and must be reconciled before census day; the district ended last year at roughly 12,300 students. Attendance clerks are contacting students listed as "no shows" and the numbers are expected to settle prior to the October census. The board asked staff to provide regular updates; staff said they will report enrollment data at future regular meetings.

Technology and AI updates: staff noted Chromebook deployment processes (targeted grades: 2, 6 and 9) and referenced training and safety protocols for AI tools used by staff, including a district‑managed approach to new systems.

No action was required; the item was informational and staff invited questions and follow up.