Close to 2,000 Ceres Unified School District staff members kicked off the 2022-23 school year a day early when they gathered in Central Valley High School’s gymnasium on Aug. 9.

“We looked at it as a family reunion,” said Beth Jimenez, communications specialist for CUSD. “It’s been more than a decade since we’ve had everyone together under one roof. It was a great way to start the school year.”

CUSD Supt. Denise Wickham and motivational speaker Mark Schumacher addressed the crowd of eager teachers and staff members.

“Everyone heard a common message,” said Jimenez. “The message was about joy and purpose in your work.”

“You could feel the positive vibes in the gym,” commented Greg Magni, Central Valley High School athletic director. “I enjoyed seeing faces I hadn’t seen in a while. It was really awesome.”

Ceres School Board members Mike Welsh, Valli Wigt, Lourdes Perez, Faye Lane, Betty Davis, Hugo Molina and Brian de la Porte were also in attendance.

“The district did a great job of organizing the event,” Welsh said. “I was proud to be a part of it. The energy in the room was fantastic. It seemed like a pep rally.”