The sounds of live jazz filled the Estancia High School Gymnasium as guests arrived for the annual Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) State of the Schools Breakfast on October 28, 2025. The Estancia Jazz Band set the tone for a morning of celebration, reflection, and community pride — a showcase of the partnerships, people, and programs that define Newport-Mesa schools.

Co-hosted by the Newport-Mesa Schools Foundation (NMSF), the event brought together educators, city and community leaders, business partners, and families to celebrate a shared commitment to student success. This year’s program featured student performances, district highlights, and stories of achievement that underscored the power of partnerships across the district.

The program opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Estancia Associated Student Body President Milonee Shah, and the National Anthem, performed by students from Estancia’s drama department.

Board of Education President Krista Weigand welcomed guests, including her fellow trustees, plus community leaders and city officials from both Costa Mesa and Newport Beach. She thanked everyone for their continued collaboration and investment in students and emphasized the importance of community partnership in supporting every student’s success.

As a parent of twins enrolled in Newport-Mesa schools, Weigand added a personal perspective on the district’s mission. “The spirit of service and connection is what makes Newport-Mesa Unified School District so special,” Weigand said. “The heart of our work is and will always be our children, the students of this district.”

NMSF President Vicki Snell recognized event sponsors and shared how the event raised $60,000 toward helping the foundation turn ideas into impact through its Grants for Teacher program. 

Estancia Principal Mike Halt remarked on the school’s rich history and enduring community spirit. He reflected on Estancia’s evolution from its early days as a neighborhood school to a hub of innovation that now offers specialized programs such as the Estancia Medical Academy and the Building Industry Technology Academy.

He also invited guests to return in November to see the first full-scale musical in Estancia’s new Performing Arts Center, Frozen. Members of Thespian Troupe 1224 offered an early preview of the show, performing a medley of songs that filled the auditorium with energy and applause.

That energy carried to Superintendent Dr. Wesley Smith, who delivered the morning’s keynote address — a presentation that celebrated progress, spotlighted partnerships, and honored the many people who make Newport-Mesa a thriving educational community.

“At Newport-Mesa, all students are all our students,” Dr. Smith said. “Every partnership we build and every decision we make comes back to this belief, that every child deserves to be seen, heard, supported, and safe, because that’s when they truly thrive.”

Dr. Smith’s address highlighted achievements across every level of the district, from early learning to high school and beyond. He celebrated educators recognized as Teachers of the Year, employees of the year, and administrators honored at the regional and state levels, as well as schools earning distinctions such as California Distinguished Schools, AVID School of Distinction, and the AP School Honor Roll.

Academic achievement remains strong across Newport-Mesa, with a 97% graduation rate, a growing number of students taking Advanced Placement courses, and a higher percentage passing exams than ever before. State assessment data also showed continued improvement across grade levels, with NMUSD students performing above county and state averages in English language arts, mathematics, and science.

But Dr. Smith emphasized that student success extends beyond numbers. Videos shown throughout the presentation highlighted district opportunities that build essential life skills, such as the Swim and Water Safety Program, which teaches vital safety and confidence-building skills, as well as programs such as Career Technical Education (CTE) and the Seamless Transition Education Program (STEP), which give students hands-on experiences while connecting them with local industry partners.

Another featured video showcased the Back to School Kickoff Expo, where more than 60 community organizations came together to provide approximately 2,000 students and families with free backpacks, clothing, healthcare services, and more. A tangible example, Dr. Smith said, of what happens when a community rallies behind its schools.

The event concluded with remarks from Estancia ASB President Milonee Shah, who spoke about the importance of leadership and belonging in student life. “ASB is about turning schools from a building into a community,” Shah said. “Through ASB, we learn to lead, to collaborate, and to make an impact that lasts long after high school.”

From the performances to the presentations, the 2025 State of the Schools Breakfast reflected the strong partnerships and collaboration that foster NMUSD’s unwavering focus on what matters most: students.

Additional photos from the State of the Schools Breakfast are available on the district’s online photo repository.