New elementary school opens in the South Bay

CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX 5/ KUSI) — Thousands of students went back to school Wednesday in the South Bay.

For one neighborhood, there was even more excitement for children whose first day of school was at a brand new location.

Sonia Sotomayor Elementary School, located southwest of Otay Ranch, is a brand new school that offers special day classes for students with specific needs.

“It’s a long-anticipated day — a lot of planning, a lot of prep work but beyond excited that the day is finally here, ” Marth-Irene Garza, the school’s principal, told FOX 5 outside the building Wednesday morning.

Around 450 students showed up for their first day of the school, many of which were accompanied by their family members. Smiles could be seen on the faces of many as pictures were taken to the capture the moment.

Sonia Sotomayor Elementary School was named after the first Latina, and the third woman, to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. The campus was built in a new diverse and growing community.

“Inclusion is a huge aspect. Unlike a lot of schools, we will not only just have general education classrooms, but we will also be having three mild, moderate and three extensive support needs special day classes,” Garza continued. “And again, making sure that inclusion is embraced here at Sonia Sotomayor and our students with disabilities are provided those mainstreaming opportunities, alongside their general education peers.”

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