• Latest News
  • Featured
    • Notes from Dr. Bean
    • OC fire update
  • About the OCDE Newsroom
  • Subscribe for updates
  • OCDE.us
  • About OCDE
  • County Superintendent of Schools
Leah Marie Felix holding a gift basket and certificate in front of her winning artwork — a colorful drawing of lungs promoting a tobacco-free lifestyle — at the 2025 TUPE Art Showcase.

OCDE students channel creativity to explore wellness and advocacy through TUPE Art Showcase

Ian Hanigan April 30, 2025
Performing drummers at the Orange County Arts and Disability Festival

WATCH: 49th annual Arts and Disability Festival showcases creativity and inclusion

Ian Hanigan April 30, 2025
2025 California Classified School Employees of the Year

Three from Orange County named California Classified School Employees of the Year

Vicky Nguyen April 29, 2025
a "thanks Sunburst" sign

After months apart, cadets at Sunburst share a powerful reunion with families

Nathaniel Martinez April 29, 2025
Cassie Parham

Longtime IUSD educator Cassie Parham named district’s next superintendent

Ian Hanigan April 28, 2025
National Fentanyl Awareness Day graphic

OCDE marks Fentanyl Awareness Day by spotlighting ongoing resources for student safety

Ian Hanigan April 28, 2025
With Fentanyl Awareness Day approaching on April 29, the Orange County Department of Education is encouraging schools to raise awareness...
Dr. Stefan Bean aboard the USS Midway Museum

Dr. Bean reflects on journey from Vietnam to county superintendent at event marking 50th anniversary of Operation Frequent Wind

Ian Hanigan April 27, 2025
Five decades after being airlifted out of Vietnam at age 4, Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean addressed...
A Huntington Beach Union High School District student, right, high-fives a Westcliff University student-athlete during Inclusive Sports Day at Edison High School.

Weekly roundup: Inclusive Sports Day celebrates students in Huntington Beach, Fullerton students shine in K-pop competition, and more

Vicky Nguyen April 25, 2025
More than 200 students from three Huntington Beach Union High School District campuses gathered at Edison High School on April 10 for a day of sports, camaraderie and inclusion, thanks to a continuing partnership with Westcliff University and the Inclusive...
Keep in Mind podcast group

OC high school students launch substance use prevention podcast

Nathaniel Martinez April 25, 2025
Get ready to make room for one more podcast in your rotation. The Orange County Youth Council, administered by OCDE,...
Dr. Rachel H. Monárrez

Orange Unified names Dr. Rachel H. Monárrez as next superintendent

Ian Hanigan April 24, 2025
Following an extensive search, the Orange Unified School District has announced the selection of Dr. Rachel H. Monárrez as its...
Venado students at Battle of the Books

OCDE’s DHH program places third in national Battle of the Books tournament

Nathaniel Martinez April 24, 2025
There’s no need to tell OCDE’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Battle of the Books team to act like they’ve been at the podium before. Because they have.   After top finishes in the preliminaries and playoffs, the DHH team from...
Dr. Bean takes a selfie with a student

Light up that halo: Dr. Bean joins law enforcement and Angels to celebrate student success

Ian Hanigan April 24, 2025
Angel Stadium was the site of a big-league celebration on Wednesday as 1,600 OC students were recognized for making positive...
A congratulatory sign outside a school

In a predawn salute, OCDE educators deliver lawn signs to celebrate 44 Distinguished Schools

Ian Hanigan April 23, 2025
Late Monday night and early Tuesday morning, a covert crew of OCDE educators carried out a predawn mission. Call it...
Two adults using a computer

2025 AP in the OC Summer Institute opens for teacher registration

Vicky Nguyen April 23, 2025
The Orange County Department of Education is inviting Advanced Placement educators to participate in the 2025 AP in the OC Summer Institute, a 30-hour hybrid training experience taking place online from July 21 through July 25. Endorsed by the College...
A Laguna Beach Unified student uses a trash picker to sort compost during a districtwide waste audit focused on reducing landfill waste.

Orange County schools and districts recognized with 2025 California Green Ribbon Awards

Vicky Nguyen April 22, 2025
Framed by coastal hills and just steps from the Pacific Ocean, the campuses of the Laguna Beach Unified School District...
Load More
101.ocde.us

Orange County Department of Ed

ocdeptofed

Official Instagram for the Orange County Department of Education | View the OCDE web policy at ocde.us/webpolicy
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Th State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced nine California Classified School Employees of the Year for 2025 — a group that includes a head custodian, a nutrition operations supervisor and a painter from Orange County. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Orange County has been represented by at least one statewide honoree. In total, 13 of the last 45 recipients recognized through the state’s annual program have served at schools and districts in Orange County. Kurtland Lucas, a head custodian from the Garden Grove Unified School District, won the award for top classified employee in the Custodial and Maintenance Services category. Melissa Erman, a nutrition operations supervisor from the Huntington Beach Union High School District, was awarded in the Food and Nutrition Services category. Representing the Skilled Trades Services category, Gina Matz was recognized for her exemplary work as a painter in the Fullerton School District. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/uf4O50VJThi
Cheers echoed across the Joint Forces Training Bas Cheers echoed across the Joint Forces Training Base in Los Alamitos as families reunited with their cadets during Sunburst Youth Academy’s Family Day. Sunburst, a voluntary residential military-style school operated by the California National Guard in partnership with the Orange County Department of Education’s ACCESS program, offers at-risk students the opportunity to live on base for six months while focusing on academics, discipline and personal growth. Family Day marks the only opportunity for cadets to reconnect with their families before graduation in June. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/f6sm50VJPBb
As Fentanyl Awareness Day approaches on April 29, As Fentanyl Awareness Day approaches on April 29, the Orange County Department of Education is encouraging schools to shine a light on the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of overdose prevention. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin, and it's been linked to a sharp rise in accidental overdoses among young people. In response, OCDE has partnered with local, state and national organizations to empower students, families and educators with life-saving information and resources — including training, curriculum and access to naloxone. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/qC5B50VJhnx
Join the Orange County Department of Education in Join the Orange County Department of Education in celebrating School Nutrition Employee Week, April 28 to May 2. This week honors the dedicated professionals who nourish students each day and support their health, learning and success. 🍎
Fifty years after being airlifted from Vietnam at Fifty years after being airlifted from Vietnam at age 4, Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean spoke aboard the USS Midway Museum during a ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Operation Frequent Wind. Bean, the first Vietnamese American to hold his office, shared his story of resilience and credited a teacher’s encouragement for helping him find his voice. Today, he leads programs and services that support more than 400,000 students across Orange County. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://newsroom.ocde.us/dr-stefan-bean-shares-personal-journey-during-50th-anniversary-commemoration-aboard-uss-midway/
More than 200 students from Edison, Ocean View and More than 200 students from Edison, Ocean View and Westminster high schools participated in the third annual Inclusive Sports Day at Edison High School. Hosted by Westcliff University and the Inclusive Sports Foundation, the event offered students with disabilities the opportunity to engage in various sports activities led by collegiate athletes, including soccer, baseball, surfing and wrestling. This event reflects the Huntington Beach Union High School District's commitment to providing inclusive opportunities that support all students, regardless of their unique needs. ⚽🏄‍♂️ 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/jZeb50VI4Ne 📸 @hb_uhsd
The Orange County Youth Council, administered by O The Orange County Youth Council, administered by OCDE, is launching its “Keep in Mind” podcast — a student-led series that explores substance use prevention and other health topics that impact student well-being and academic performance. The podcast’s first episode drops April 25, with new episodes released weekly each Friday through May 30. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/94wW50VHURS
The Orange Unified School District has selected Dr The Orange Unified School District has selected Dr. Rachel H. Monárrez as its next superintendent, pending board approval on May 7, with her official start date set for July 1. Monárrez, who most recently led Worcester Public Schools in Massachusetts, brings more than 30 years of experience in public education, including leadership roles in San Bernardino and other California districts. She was named a 2023-24 “Superintendent to Watch” by the National School Public Relations Association for her focus on communication and family engagement. 🔗Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/1NXN50VHQs4
OCDE’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Battle of the Bo OCDE’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Battle of the Books team from Venado Middle School placed third at the national tournament hosted by Gallaudet University. Venado’s Kaia Roman was also recognized as an all-star reader at the event, held March 28-31 in Washington, D.C. The school has a history of strong performances, with national titles in 2024, 2022 and 2019. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/lqJe50VHQJJ
Dr. Stefan Bean joined local leaders at Angel Stad Dr. Stefan Bean joined local leaders at Angel Stadium to celebrate 1,600 students who are knocking it out of the park through OC GRIP — a program that helps young people make positive choices in school and life. ⚾️ Operating in 62 schools across 14 Orange County cities, OC GRIP connects students and families with mentoring, counseling, after-school programs and other supports to reduce gang involvement and promote long-term success. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/Tpja50VHkRQ
In the early hours before school began, OCDE educa In the early hours before school began, OCDE educators fanned out across Orange County to plant celebratory signs at 44 campuses named 2025 California Distinguished Schools. The stealthy salute, part of a 20-year tradition, honors academic excellence and equity. 🔗 Link in bio: https://ow.ly/mo8750VGCxn
📣 Registration is now open for the Orange Count 📣 Registration is now open for the Orange County Department of Education’s 2025 AP in the OC Summer Institute. This virtual training, set for July 21 through July 25, offers 30 hours of professional learning for new and experienced AP teachers. Early bird pricing is available through May 14. 🔗 Registration link: tinyurl.com/APintheOC2025
On April 22, Laguna Beach Unified was named a “G On April 22, Laguna Beach Unified was named a “Green Achiever” in the 2025 California Green Ribbon Schools awards — the state’s highest honor for environmental excellence in education. The district is one of just five statewide nominated for national recognition through the U.S. Department of Education. Several other schools and districts in Orange County were also honored for their efforts to promote sustainability, health and environmental literacy. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/Fgzs50VFQim 📸 @lagunabeachusd
In honor of Earth Day, the Orange County Departmen In honor of Earth Day, the Orange County Department of Education recognizes 50 years of environmental education through Inside the Outdoors. Since 1974, this hands-on program has connected more than 3.5 million students with the natural world through immersive field trips, Traveling Scientist presentations and community partnerships that encourage exploration and care for the environment. As the program celebrates its golden anniversary, the mission continues: provide meaningful outdoor learning experiences that build understanding of science, sustainability and local ecosystems. Learn more at insidetheoutdoors.org. 🌍
Inside the Outdoors, OCDE’s environmental educat Inside the Outdoors, OCDE’s environmental education program, has been connecting students with nature for 50 years. To honor Earth Month, the team is offering hands-on activities and sharing environmental lessons throughout Orange County. 📍 April 25 – Community Science Night at @sccollege 📍 April 26 – @CityofCostaMesa’s Earth Day Festival Families can enjoy live animal encounters, interactive exhibits and opportunities to learn about local ecology and conservation. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/xzkt50VFyYK
The OC Pathways program, led by the Orange County The OC Pathways program, led by the Orange County Department of Education, has been recognized in California’s new Master Plan for Career Education as a model for preparing students for success through high-quality career education and work-based learning. Released by the governor’s office earlier this month, the statewide plan highlights OC Pathways — among about 20 local educational agencies and organizations in the state — for its efforts to coordinate regional career education efforts by connecting state and federal funds. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/u8HP50VENVk
Every school day, students in Los Alamitos High Sc Every school day, students in Los Alamitos High School’s emergency response pathway are gaining hands-on experience — responding to mock disasters, triaging patients and building the skills they need to save lives. Now, the career technical education program has received national honors for its commitment to excellence in public safety education. The Law and Public Safety Education Network recently awarded Los Alamitos High School with a National Program of Excellence certification, placing it in a select group of educational institutions that are exceeding the standards for emergency response and public safety instruction. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/U1nQ50VEN1u
Administrative professionals play an essential rol Administrative professionals play an essential role in supporting students, educators and families across Orange County. During Administrative Professionals Week, the Orange County Department of Education recognizes the skill, commitment and care these individuals bring to their work each day. Thank you for helping our schools and programs thrive.
On Tuesday, April 22, educators, community members On Tuesday, April 22, educators, community members and civic leaders will gather to celebrate the life and legacy of former County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Al Mijares, who died in January following a battle with ampullary cancer. Organized by friends, colleagues and community partners, the public event will honor Dr. Mijares’ decades of service to students and families from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Templo Calvario Church in Santa Ana. Dr. Mijares led the Orange County Department of Education for more than a decade after being appointed county superintendent in 2012. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/61eb50VEfVA
The 2025 Model Curriculum Summer Institute will ta The 2025 Model Curriculum Summer Institute will take place July 28–31 in Irvine, supporting K-12 teams in implementing new curricula on Cambodian, Hmong, and Vietnamese American experiences. Teachers may be eligible for a $1,200 stipend, plus travel and lodging support. Register by April 30. Final applications are due May 4. Details at tinyurl.com/OCDE-Model-Curricula and link in bio.
Load More Follow on Instagram

Categories

  • Academic competition
  • ACEs Aware
  • Alternative education
  • Artificial intelligence (AI)
  • Arts
  • Assessments and testing
  • AVID
  • Budget
  • Career technical education
  • COVID-19
  • Deeper Learning Podcast
  • Distance learning
  • District news
  • Early learning
  • Education in the news
  • Elementary schools
  • Featured
  • Featured topics
  • Health
  • High schools
  • History
  • Honors and awards
  • Inside the Outdoors
  • Instruction and curriculum
  • Language services
  • Local Control Funding Formula
  • Mental health
  • Middle schools
  • MTSS
  • OC District Pulse
  • OC Pathways
  • OCDE in 30 Seconds
  • One Billion Acts of Kindness
  • Professional development
  • Safety
  • Science
  • Special education
  • State standards
  • STEM
  • Student profile
  • Summer programs
  • Superintendent Stefan Bean
  • Teachers
  • Technology
  • Top stories
  • Uncategorized
  • Weekly roundup
  • Workshops and trainings

Credits

OCDE logo

Orange County Department of Education 

200 Kalmus Drive 
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

P.O. Box 9050 
Costa Mesa, CA 92628-9050

(714) 966-4000

Website publishing policy
Non-discrimination policy
Social media policy

Contact

Thanks for visiting the OCDE Newsroom. Questions and story suggestions should be sent to communications@ocde.us.

If you’re a member of the media in need of information about the Orange County Department of Education, please email communications@ocde.us or call 714-966-4475.

Tags

academic competition ACCESS acts of kindness Al Mijares career exploration college and career readiness education contest education in the news education news Inside the Outdoors kindness1billion OCDE ocde weekly roundup OC Pathways one billion acts of kindness Orange County Department of Education project based learning STEM top stories Weekly Roundup
  • Latest News
  • About the OCDE Newsroom
  • Subscribe for updates
  • OCDE.us
  • About OCDE
  • County Superintendent of Schools
Type to search or hit ESC to close
See all results