Sunburst Youth Academy paraeducator Raelene Velasquez was recognized in Sacramento on May 20 as one of California’s 2026 Classified School Employees of the Year and as the state’s nominee for the national RISE Award.
Six school-based Peer Assistance Leadership programs and three advisors were recognized by the Orange County Department of Education for promoting school environments that are safe, inclusive and supportive for students.
Nine outstanding classified school employees from across Orange County are being recognized during Classified School Employee Week for their dedication to students, schools and communities.
Four middle school teams from Orange County will compete in the United States Academic Pentathlon National Finals in Nashville, Tennessee. This year’s competition theme, “The Roaring Twenties,” challenges students in grades six through eight across five academic subjects.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s May Revision proposal includes a one-time $50 million investment to continue support for California’s Multi-Tiered System of Support framework. Led in part by OCDE, the statewide approach helps schools better coordinate academic, behavioral, social-emotional and mental health supports for students.
Two Anaheim Elementary School District campuses were named finalists in the 2026 Conga Kids Dance Championship, while AESD Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Dr. Yadira Moreno received a Visionary Award during the May 7 event at L.A. Live.
