SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - Hundreds of incoming freshman across the Santa Maria Valley are getting ready to enter high school next week when the new academic year begins. On Thursday, Aug. 13, the 2026-27 school year begins in the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) at its four campuses, Santa Maria High School, Righetti High School, Pioneer Valley High School and Delta High School. On Friday, Pioneer Valley is welcoming more than 800 9th graders to campus for the school's annual "Link Crew Freshmen Orientation." During the event, upperclassmen will help guide freshmen class through a series of team building activities. The orientation allows freshmen to help create new friendships and connections, not only with other incoming new students, but also their Link Crew leaders as well.