OCDE Newsroom

Sujie Shin, Jami Parsons and Cecelia Leong stand in front of a poster highlighting California’s commitment to cut chronic absenteeism by 50 percent over five years.

OCDE contributes resources to new statewide attendance guide

Ian Hanigan August 25, 2025

OCDE contributed resources to the new California Attendance Guide, unveiled at a statewide news conference led by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond. The guide highlights strategies to reduce chronic absenteeism, supporting the state’s goal of cutting rates by 50 percent over five years.

Heat advisory in effect for Orange County through Saturday evening

Ian Hanigan August 22, 2025

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for parts of Orange County that will remain in effect through...

Beckman High School juniors Nimeesha Komatireddy, Serena Chan, Sarah Chan, Angeline Doan and Kirana Lai were recognized for their project Second Pulse, which focuses on improving healthcare access and education for first-generation immigrant families.

Weekly roundup: OC students named Carnegie Young Leaders for Civic Preparedness, California expands transitional kindergarten access, and more

Vicky Nguyen August 22, 2025

Students from the Tustin and Irvine unified school districts are among 500 Gen Zers from 27 states selected for the...

2025-26 school year: Here’s a roundup of back-to-school posts from social media

Vicky Nguyen August 20, 2025

From festive balloon arches to red carpet welcomes, schools across Orange County are greeting students this August with celebrations that...

Dr. Stefan Bean speaks from the stage to an audience of mental health professionals at the School-Based Mental Health Summit in Costa Mesa.

WATCH: OCDE-led School-Based Mental Health Summit kicks off year of support for students

Ian Hanigan August 19, 2025

OCDE’s School-Based Mental Health Summit united hundreds of counselors, psychologists and other professionals to prepare for the year ahead, spotlighting the vital role of wellness in student success.

Free songwriting workshop for OC high school students to be held in September

Vicky Nguyen August 19, 2025

Fender, in partnership with Orange County Music & Dance, Arts Orange County and OCDE, will host a free songwriting workshop Sept. 20 in Irvine for high school students. The daylong program will cover guitar, bass and ukulele, guiding participants through the songwriting process and ending with original recordings.

WATCH: OC students share tools for college and career success at Student Leadership Day

Madeline Gray August 18, 2025

At OC Pathways’ Student Leadership Day, high school students stepped into leadership roles, guiding peers through workshops on topics from apprenticeships to networking. The event brought together student ambassadors from 15 districts to share their experiences and build connections for future careers.

Anaheim Union High School District office

AUHSD appoints longtime educator and alumnus Dr. Jaron Fried as next superintendent

Ian Hanigan August 15, 2025

Dr. Jaron Fried, a 29-year veteran of the Anaheim Union High School District and graduate of Katella High School, has been named AUHSD’s next superintendent. He will succeed Michael Matsuda, who is retiring at the end of December.

Laguna Beach High Schools stadium unveils new environmentally-friendly turf for its student athletes and community to enjoy. (Courtesy of the Laguna Beach Unified School District)

Weekly roundup: Laguna Beach High rolls out eco-friendly stadium upgrade, free AI training offered to college students, and more

Madeline Gray August 15, 2025

At Laguna Beach High School, the grass is greener — and safer — thanks to a million-dollar upgrade replacing the...

A group of elementary school students stands at a communication board outdoors, interacting with symbols and images together.

Communication boards foster connection and inclusion on Los Alamitos playgrounds

Ian Hanigan August 14, 2025

The Los Alamitos Unified School District is installing colorful communication boards on elementary playgrounds to support inclusive play and give all students more ways to connect — no matter how they communicate.

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