Erin Mustain and Tremont School supporters provide advice and treats at the Tremont School booth.

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon students started the 2024 through 2025 Dixon Unified School District year on Aug 7.

Many students enjoyed getting an early start by attending the “Back to School Festival” on Aug 3 at the Pardi Plaza in downtown Dixon. Families lined up in droves to receive free backpacks and school supplies. Children participated in the games and activities and creativity seemed to flow at the many arts and crafts tables provided, thanks to the Dixon Unified School District, the Dixon Public Library and several anonymous donations.

Parents had the opportunity to ask questions and get their concerns addressed from Dixon Unified School District personnel at the Aug. 7 fair. The Dixon Fire Department handed out fire helmets to children while some students spun the Wheel of Fortune at the Grocery Outlet booth to win prizes. Many schools had booths where they provided fun supplies for the upcoming school year.

“I’m excited for the upcoming school year. We look forward to welcoming all the students back on Aug. 7 and maintaining the smooth transition of the Anderson Elementary transfer program,” said Erin Mustain from Tremont Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Organization. Mustain mentioned that new teachers started this school year.

“Our school is looking forward to hosting Dixon’s first Color Run during the school year,” according to an Anderson Elementary staff member.

The Color Run on Sept 28 will be an event for students and parents.

“These new teachers will join our current staff in helping shape Dixon’s future,” said Dr. Dan Scudero, the Dixon Unified School District’s assistant superintendent of personnel services. 

New Dixon Unified School District staff are listed below:

Anderson Elementary:

Madison Boykin, kindergarten
Maureen James-Pendleton, principal
Shelby Johnson, first-grade
Anna Marie Kang, transitional kindergarten
Kathy Montemayer, resource specialist program
Jennifer Rathjen, kindergarten
Fletcher Riches, assistant principal

Dixon High School:

Sara Benavidez, physics
Samantha Bleasdale, science
Erin Brothers, music
Angela Brown, principal
Georgia Fedler, agriculture
Kristina Gregory, social science
Isamar Mercado, Spanish
Ryan Nguyen, English
Paola Gomez Pantoja, mathematics

Gretchen Higgins Elementary:

Guadalupe Avila, second-grade
Rayna Garcia, kindergarten
Jocelyn Lopez, kindergarten

John Knight Middle School:

George Fountain, physical education
Tiffany Jackson, assistant principal
Claudia Martin, science
Sarah Riggle, social science
Jose Santiago, art
Miguel Torres Mendez, math
Andrue Wright, social science

Maine Prairie High School: 

Lindsey Balidoy, English
Bridgett Murphy, resource specialist program

Special Education:

Tania Gomez Comacho, school psychologist
Vivian McGrath, school nurse

Tremont Elementary:

Alicia Avila, fourth-grade