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An adult and child place coins into a pink piggy bank, representing college and career savings opportunities available through the CalKIDS program.

Schools have new tools to help Orange County students claim their CalKIDS scholarship funds

Ian Hanigan July 1, 2026
Orange County Undersheriff Jeff Hallock speaks during the 2025 National Safe Schools Conference at the Delta Hotels Anaheim Garden Grove. The annual conference convenes educators, school safety professionals and law enforcement representatives from across the country.

National Safe Schools Conference brings experts to Orange County for July 8-10 event

Vicky Nguyen July 1, 2026
University high DHH students at graduation

ACCESS, Connections students mark graduation milestone

Nathaniel Martinez June 29, 2026
Dr. Amita Cloke

OCDE names Dr. Amita Cloke assistant superintendent of Special Education

Ian Hanigan June 29, 2026
Students participate in an outdoor hands-on activity during the Tustin Summer Academy, which offers a variety of enrichment classes for elementary and middle school students.

Weekly roundup: Tustin Summer Academy offers hands-on learning beyond the classroom, and more

Vicky Nguyen June 26, 2026
Crossed-out substances

OCDE equips parents with Family Digital Toolkit to combat substance-use trends

Nathaniel Martinez June 25, 2026
A few taps and swipes on a social media app can quickly shape what a student sees online — including...
California students and educators participate in the Parade of States during the opening ceremony of the 2026 National History Day National Contest at the University of Maryland.

Orange County students earn national honors at National History Day finals

Vicky Nguyen June 25, 2026
Orange County students earned a national championship, finalist honors, special awards and a museum showcase selection at the 2026 National History Day National Contest, helping California continue its strong performance at the annual competition.
Debora Wondercheck, founder and CEO of the Arts & Learning Conservatory, joins County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean and educator Lainie Rowell for an episode of OCDE’s FutureCurrent podcast.

FutureCurrent: Arts & Learning Conservancy founder Debora Wondercheck discusses the power of arts education

Vicky Nguyen June 23, 2026
On the latest episode of FutureCurrent, Arts & Learning Conservatory founder and CEO Debora Wondercheck discusses how a family story rooted in exclusion helped shape her life's work expanding access to arts education for students across Orange County.
Dr. Grant Litfin has been appointed as the next superintendent of the Cypress School District and is scheduled to begin serving in the role July 1.

Cypress School District appoints Dr. Grant Litfin as next superintendent

Vicky Nguyen June 22, 2026
The Cypress School District Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Grant Litfin, currently Tustin Unified School District’s assistant superintendent of administrative services, as its next superintendent. He will assume the role July 1 following the retirement of Superintendent Anne Silavs.
Graphic displaying the CYBHI logo above the words "Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative Fee Schedule" on a blurred background of students and school staff.

WATCH: How schools can use existing insurance coverage to support student mental health services

Ian Hanigan June 22, 2026
A new OCDE video explains how schools can use existing insurance coverage to help support student mental health services at no cost to families.
Fresh produce is available at the Dolphin Food Market at Pacific Drive Elementary School in Fullerton. The food pantry serves families throughout the year, including during the summer months.

Weekly roundup: Fullerton’s Dolphin Food Market extends support through summer break, and more

Vicky Nguyen June 18, 2026
The Dolphin Food Market at Pacific Drive Elementary School will remain open throughout the summer, providing food and resources to families while school is out of session. According to the Fullerton School District, the community food pantry serves approximately 125...
Tustin Memorial Academy students Vivienne, Cora, Miles, Maddie and Delnia win first place and the community-focused award from the Municipal Water District of OC for their dynamic prototype called "The Cat Robot."

PHOTOS: Orange County student makers celebrated for creating problem-solving innovations

Madeline Gray June 16, 2026
More than 460 Orange County student innovators submitted 206 prototypes designed to address real-world challenges as part of the annual ocMaker Challenge. Thirty-seven teams from 20 schools earned first- through third-place awards and 16 special awards presented before an audience of more than 300 attendees.
“A Moment in the Sun,” created by Juni Lee, a 12th-grade student at Sunny Hills High School in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District, will be featured in the 2026 Festival of Arts Junior Art Exhibit in Laguna Beach.

93rd Festival of Arts to showcase more than 330 pieces by Orange County students

Vicky Nguyen June 16, 2026
More than 330 student-created artworks and film projects representing schools across Orange County will be featured in the 2026 Festival of Arts Junior Art Exhibit in Laguna Beach.
Participants sit at round tables during the State of the Student Forum at the OCDE Conference Center in Costa Mesa while listening to a panel discussion and presentation about student outcomes and community partnerships.

State of the Student Forum sparks conversation about supporting OC learners

Ian Hanigan June 15, 2026
The second annual State of the Student Forum brought together education and community leaders from across Orange County to explore findings from the latest State of the Student report, examining trends in student achievement, well-being and school climate and discussing how those insights can help support students and families.
Painters from Warner Middle School and Westminster High School pose for a photo while working on a mural depicting the ecosystems of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands.

Weekly roundup: Westminster students create mural inspired by Bolsa Chica Wetlands, and more

Vicky Nguyen June 12, 2026
Bright colors, marine life and local history came together this spring as students from Warner Middle School and Westminster High School collaborated on a mural inspired by the ecosystems of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands.
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