Weekly roundup: Huntington Beach Union High School District celebrates 100 years of historic auditorium, and more

The Huntington Beach Union High School District auditorium took center stage this month as students, staff and community members gathered to celebrate its 100th anniversary with a special performance highlighting its history and impact.

Matt Szabo of the Los Angeles Time’s Daily Pilot reported that the April 20 event, titled “A Century of Stars and Stories,” featured performances by Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts students and community groups, with each segment reflecting a different decade of the auditorium’s history.

Originally built in 1926, the auditorium has long served as a hub for student performances and community events. Today, it continues to support the district’s nationally recognized Academy for the Performing Arts program.

“It gives the school character,” Huntington Beach High School Principal Danny Morris told the Daily Pilot. “It gives the city character, really.”

The celebration included musical, theater and cultural performances spanning generations, along with a historical presentation and a plaque unveiling to commemorate the milestone.

Huntington Beach Union High School District Superintendent Carolee Ogata emphasized the significance of the space as a place where students and audiences have gathered for decades.

“This building isn’t just a special place because it endured 100 years,” Ogata told the reporter. “What truly makes it special is the people who have shaped the story.”

According to the Daily Pilot, the event also served as a fundraiser to support improvements to the auditorium’s green room while honoring the legacy of those who have contributed to the space over the past century.

• The 2026 California MTSS Professional Learning Institute will take place from July 14 through July 16 in Anaheim, bringing educators together to explore strategies for student support, attendance, well-being and the use of AI in education.

• Chronic absenteeism in Orange County has declined in recent years as schools expand early intervention efforts through School Attendance Review Boards that connect students and families with support services.

• The Orange County Department of Education’s Youth Substance Use Prevention team is expanding outreach in Garden Grove by partnering with community programs to deliver interactive lessons that promote healthy choices and drug prevention for students.

• The Saddleback Valley Unified School District highlighted its personalized learning approach and diverse academic programs aimed at preparing students for college, careers and life in the latest OC District Pulse feature.

• The Orange County Register announced 108 semifinalists for its 2026 Artist of the Year program, recognizing high school students across seven arts disciplines.

• Beechwood School in the Fullerton School District was named an Orange County Impact School for its focus on student-centered learning, collaboration and strong school-community connections.

• An Orange County school district has approved a policy banning e-bikes for elementary and middle school students beginning in the 2026–27 school year while allowing limited use for high school students under specific requirements.

• The Brea Olinda Unified School District board appointed district parent Natalie Johnson to fill a vacant Area 4 trustee seat following its declaration of the position as vacant.

• According to the Orange County Register, Laguna Beach Unified School District board members are facing ongoing criticism from teachers, parents and students, with concerns raised at meetings and a recent community rally.

• More than 250 students with disabilities participated in Inclusive Sports Day at Edison High School, joining peers and Westcliff University athletes for a day of sports and social interaction.

• OCDE is accepting applications through May 22 for its 2026–27 OC Pathways Student Ambassador Program, offering students in grades 7–12 leadership development and career-connected learning opportunities.

• A proposed California bill would designate April 14 as “Sylvia Mendez Day” to honor the legacy and impact of the 1947 Mendez v. Westminster school desegregation case.

• Orangethorpe Elementary School students marked Earth Day with their annual “Orcafest,” a student-led event featuring projects and activities focused on conservation and environmental stewardship.

• According to the Orange County Register, nearly $200 million in state funding intended to upgrade school HVAC systems remains unspent as debates continue over the future of the CalSHAPE program and how to address climate-related school disruptions.

• A state legislative committee has approved an audit of the Orange County Board of Education’s charter school approvals, litigation history and use of public funds, according to the Orange County Register.

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