More than 2,000 students and families prepared for the new school year at Newport-Mesa Unified School District’s (NMUSD) annual Back to School Kickoff Expo on Aug. 1 at the IKEA parking lot in Costa Mesa. 

Thanks to more than 55 community partners and 150 volunteers, students received essential school supplies, health services, and other resources to help them begin the school year ready to learn.

Students got new backpacks, shoes, bike helmets, skateboards, haircuts, and other back-to-school essentials. Medical and dental clinics provided oral health screenings and high school sports physicals, while local organizations shared programs and services that support students and families throughout the year.

"Our community continues to show what is possible when we work together on behalf of our students," said NMUSD Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith. "The Back to School Kickoff Expo helps ensure students begin the school year with the resources they need and the confidence that comes from knowing an entire community is invested in their success. We are grateful to every partner and volunteer who helped make this day possible."

More than 55 community partners contributed to the event, including IKEA, Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living, Revival Hair Outreach, Families Together of Orange County, Share Ourselves, Foster Love, and the Lions Club. Walk N' Rollers provided students with bike safety education and hands-on riding skills while promoting safe and active transportation.

Led by the Crossing Church, local churches including Redemption Church, Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, Rockharbor Church, and Christ Lutheran Church generously donated more than 2,300 pairs of new shoes. Revival Hair Outreach once again offered free haircuts, while Melinda Hoag Smith Center for Healthy Living continued its longstanding partnership by providing the event's restroom trailer, face painters, balloon artists, and family giveaways. 

"Our goal is to ensure every student begins the school year feeling fully prepared, excited to learn, and deeply cared for by their community," said Christy Flores, NMUSD Director of Engagement, Partnership, and Expanded Learning. "This event reflects the incredible generosity of our community partners, volunteers, and staff who come together each year to invest in the success and well-being of our students."

The annual Back to School Kickoff Expo demonstrates NMUSD's commitment to ensuring every student has access to the resources, support, and community connections needed to thrive throughout the school year.

View more photos from the 2026 Back to School Kickoff Expo in the district's online photo gallery.