• 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
Orange County rising juniors Akshay Sharma and Sophie Martin help facilitate a healthcare fair for those in need in the OC community. (Photo courtesy of Project FairCare Health)

Weekly roundup: Two OC students expand healthcare access through nonprofit, and more

Madeline Gray July 24, 2026
When rising high school juniors Sophie Martin and Akshay Sharma saw an opportunity to make healthcare resources more accessible in...
AI Forward Summit 2026

AI Forward Summit on Aug. 3 to explore innovation, leadership and workforce readiness

Vicky Nguyen July 24, 2026
The Orange County Department of Education will host the AI Forward Summit on Aug. 3, bringing together educators, administrators and education and technology leaders to explore practical applications of artificial intelligence in schools and prepare students for an AI-driven workforce.
Edgar Manalo

No Kid Hungry names Fullerton Joint Union director as Summer EBT champion

Vicky Nguyen July 23, 2026
A Fullerton Joint Union High School District administrator has been selected as one of 10 members of No Kid Hungry's inaugural Summer EBT Champion Network, helping raise awareness about the federal Summer EBT program for families.
Orange County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean and Marvin Smith pose together in a studio

FutureCurrent: Former NFL player Marvin Smith on purpose, prevention and serving others

Ian Hanigan July 21, 2026
Quick look: Former NFL linebacker, educator and community leader Marvin Smith joins the FutureCurrent podcast to share how a career...
Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, California's first surgeon general, delivers the keynote address during the California Multi-Tiered System of Supports Professional Learning Institute on July 14 in Anaheim. Burke Harris spoke about the role of nurturing relationships and coordinated systems in supporting children's health, resilience and learning.

More than 2,300 educators gather to strengthen student supports at California MTSS Professional Learning Institute

Vicky Nguyen July 21, 2026
Educators, administrators and education professionals gathered last week for the California MTSS Professional Learning Institute in Anaheim, where keynote speaker Dr. Nadine Burke Harris encouraged attendees to recognize the transformative power of supportive relationships in helping students overcome adversity.
Participants listen attentively during a literacy training session at the OCDE Conference Center.

Yearlong literacy fellowship hosted by OCDE kicks off with summer training

Ian Hanigan July 21, 2026
Quick look: Forty educators from three OC school districts gathered this week to launch the Orange County Department of Education’s...
Jared Grindlinger pitching in a game for Huntington Beach High School against Marina High School

12 Orange County high school alumni selected in the 2026 MLB Draft

Nathaniel Martinez July 20, 2026
Quick look: Orange County high schools produced 12 players selected in the recent 2026 MLB Draft, including the No. 12...
Mariachi members prepare to welcome students and staff on the first day of school at Thomas Edison Elementary in Anaheim. Pictured from left are student Kiara Ramon, music teacher Grace Kwon, student Rita Polo, student Lupe Estrada, student Victoria Limones and music teacher Christina Flynn.

Weekly roundup: Anaheim Union launches mariachi music program at junior high campus, and more

Madeline Gray July 17, 2026
Students in the Anaheim Union High School District will soon learn how to play instruments while gaining music history knowledge...
Sam Darnold posing with his retired jersey alongside Head Coach Jaime Ortiz at the Triton Hall of Fame Golf Tournament at the Talega Golf Course in San Clemente.

San Clemente High School alumnus Sam Darnold has jersey retired and is inducted into school’s Hall of Fame

Nathaniel Martinez July 16, 2026
On Friday, July 10, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback returned to San Clemente for the Triton Hall of Fame Golf Tournament at the Talega Golf Course where he was honored with a jersey retirement ceremony, cementing his legacy as a Triton. Among those in attendance was Head Coach Jaime Ortiz, who coached Darnold during his time at San Clemente High School.
Recipients of the 2025 Outstanding STEM Educator Awards gather for a group photo following last year's awards celebration at the Orange County Department of Education Conference Center in Costa Mesa.

OCDE announces 2026 Outstanding STEM Educators

Vicky Nguyen July 15, 2026
Twelve Orange County professionals who are expanding opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education have been selected as the 2026 Outstanding STEM Educators.
Natalia Abarca, coordinator of OCDE’s Language Services unit, welcomes guests to the 2025 Interpreters and Translators Conference.

Language access professionals to celebrate 10 years of growth at OCDE conference

Vicky Nguyen July 14, 2026
The Orange County Department of Education will host its 10th annual Interpreters and Translators Conference Sept. 24 through Sept. 26 in Costa Mesa, bringing together language access professionals for three days of professional learning, networking and discussions on emerging technologies, ethics and best practices.
Students in the inaugural Certified Nursing Assistant cohort celebrate completing the tuition-free program offered through a partnership between Orange Unified School District and Santiago Canyon College. Participants completed coursework and hands-on clinical training while still enrolled in high school.

Weekly roundup: Orange Unified, Santiago Canyon College celebrates first certified nursing assistant cohort, and more

Vicky Nguyen July 10, 2026
The Orange Unified School District and Santiago Canyon College recently celebrated the completion of their first certified nursing assistant cohort,...
Dr. Stefan Bean raises his right hand while his four children administer the oath of office during an Orange County Board of Education meeting.

Orange County superintendent, board members sworn in at organizational meeting

Ian Hanigan July 9, 2026
Quick look: Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean and Orange County Board of Education members Mari Barke and...
Huntington Beach Quarterback Roxie Shaia drops back to pass in a game against Marina High School.

Huntington Beach and Newport Harbor high schools invited to national girls flag football tournament

Nathaniel Martinez July 9, 2026
Quick look: After establishing themselves as two of the top girls flag football teams in the country, Huntington Beach High...

FutureCurrent: OC Arts and Disability Director Marleena Barber and able artist Joshua Roy share the power of arts inclusion

Madeline Gray July 8, 2026
Quick look: On the latest episode of FutureCurrent, Orange County Arts and Disability Director and OCDE Arts Consultant Marleena Barber...
A public service announcement produced by the Orange County Department of Education plays before a movie at Regal Garden Grove, raising awareness about the risks of nitrous oxide misuse.

OCDE brings nitrous oxide awareness campaign to local movie theaters

Vicky Nguyen July 8, 2026
A new public service announcement produced by the Orange County Department of Education is appearing in two Garden Grove movie theaters through November, encouraging families to learn about the dangers of nitrous oxide misuse and start conversations with young people.
Don Austin

Laguna Beach Unified welcomes back Don Austin as new superintendent

Ian Hanigan July 2, 2026
Quick look: Dr. Don Austin officially began serving as superintendent of Laguna Beach Unified this week, returning to a district...
OC students Logan Thielen, Deon Witte and Aryan Goya earned top honors at the California National Civics Bee Competition held June 27 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. (Courtesy of the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce Foundation)

Weekly roundup: Three Orange County scholars bring home top honors at state civics bee, and more

Madeline Gray July 2, 2026
Three Orange County middle school students earned the top three spots at the California National Civics Bee on June 27,...
California State Capitol Building

These state education laws take effect July 1 as California schools prepare for the new year

Ian Hanigan July 1, 2026
While most new California laws go into effect on Jan. 1, some receive delayed implementation dates to give agencies and...
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
Quick look: Thousands of Orange County high school students may have money they don’t know about in their CalKIDS scholarship...
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
More than 500 educators, school safety professionals and law enforcement representatives are expected to attend the 17th annual National Safe Schools Conference July 8-10 in Garden Grove, where experts will share practical strategies for creating safer, more supportive schools.
University high DHH students at graduation

ACCESS, Connections students mark graduation milestone

Nathaniel Martinez June 29, 2026
Celebrating the Class of 2026 A look at the ACCESS and Connections graduation ceremonies across Orange County Read now keywords...
Dr. Amita Cloke

OCDE names Dr. Amita Cloke assistant superintendent of Special Education

Ian Hanigan June 29, 2026
Quick look: Dr. Amita Cloke has been named OCDE’s next assistant superintendent of Special Education. The longtime educator, clinician and...
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
Students are spending part of their summer baking sourdough bread, designing robots, publishing children’s books and exploring cuisines from around...
OCDE logo

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 Dr. Stefan Bean education contest education in the news education news Inside the Outdoors kindness1billion OCDE ocde weekly roundup OC Pathways 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