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. (Photo courtesy of Westminster School District) 
Students and a teacher work on a mural celebrating the ecosystems of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands at Warner Middle School. (Photo courtesy of Westminster School District) 
Students collaborate on a mural inspired by the Bolsa Chica Wetlands at Warner Middle School. The project brought together students from Warner Middle School and Westminster High School. (Photo courtesy of Westminster School District) 
A mural at Warner Middle School depicts native plants and wildlife found in the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, along with students and the school’s Wildcat mascot. (Photo courtesy of Westminster School District)
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.
The Westminster School District reported that Warner Middle School honors science and art students partnered with Advanced Placement art students from Westminster High School to design and paint the mural, which depicts native plants and wildlife found in the wetlands alongside images reflecting Warner’s science program and school identity.
The mural was unveiled during Warner Middle School’s open house on May 20 and represents a partnership between the Westminster School District and the Huntington Beach Union High School District.
The project was inspired by Warner’s long-standing environmental education efforts, including partnerships with Get Inspired Inc. and the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute that have engaged students in habitat restoration and species recovery projects for more than two decades.
“What we are seeing across our campuses is students who don’t just learn about their communities, they contribute to them,” Superintendent Dr. Gunn Marie Hansen said in a statement, “This mural is a reflection of Warner’s commitment to science, to the environment, and to the kind of education that stays with students long after they leave our classrooms.”
Here are the other stories we’ve been following this week:
- A new OCDE feature explores the history of the department’s bell logo, which was inspired by the iconic El Camino Real bells that mark California’s historic mission trail.
- Orange County students performed original songs inspired by America’s upcoming 250th anniversary at the USA 250-OC Theme Song Competition, where JSerra Catholic High School student Ella Wu earned the grand prize.
- Orange County middle school teams earned top placements at the 2026 United States Academic Pentathlon National Finals, including a national championship for McGarvin Intermediate School’s seventh-grade team.
- Orange County students and theater programs earned several top honors at the 2026 Spirit of the MACY Awards, including a second consecutive Best Actor award for Tesoro High School student Isaiah Medina.
- Laguna Beach Unified School District approved a four-year contract for incoming Superintendent Don Austin, who previously served as principal of Laguna Beach High School and will begin the role on July 1.
- The OCDE Newsroom has compiled graduation photos and social media highlights from schools across Orange County to celebrate members of the Class of 2026.
- Huntington Beach High School captured the CIF State Southern California Regional Division I baseball championship, defeating Cathedral Catholic 5-3 after receiving a late invitation to the regional playoffs.
- A Voice of OC report examines how Orange County schools, cities and law enforcement agencies are responding to rising e-bike-related injuries, deaths and safety concerns through new policies, enforcement efforts and education programs.
- Los Alamitos Unified expanded its annual Film Festival to include students from all grade levels, showcasing 30 student-produced films and highlighting a year of awards and recognition for the district’s Film and TV program.
- California high school students will soon be required to complete a personal finance course to graduate, with districts already beginning to teach skills such as budgeting, credit management and investing.
This is the part where we encourage you to keep up with local education news stories by bookmarking the OCDE Newsroom, subscribing for emailed updates and following us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.