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University High school's DHH academic bowl team

Academic competition teams from OCDE’s DHH Connections programs advance to national rounds

Nathaniel Martinez March 5, 2026
Academic competition season began early February, and for the deaf and hard of hearing teams at University High School and...
High school students return surveys at a registration table during the Law Day Conference at Chapman University while a volunteer assists them.

Orange County students tackle real-world legal questions at Law Day conference

Ian Hanigan March 4, 2026
Quick look: Through workshops with judges and attorneys, local students explored real-world legal issues and potential careers in law at...
OCDE Executive Director Kathy Boyd and Administrator Kim Goodwin pose with the OC Pathways student ambassadors at the 12th annual OC Pathways Showcase at the OC Fairgrounds.

OC Pathways Showcase spotlights student innovation and regional partnerships

Madeline Gray March 4, 2026
Quick look: Students demonstrated automotive, medical, engineering and other career skills at the 12th annual OC Pathways Showcase, an event...
OCDE signage

OCDE to host April 14 public forum on active shooter preparedness, led by Seal Beach police captain

Ian Hanigan March 4, 2026
Quick look: OCDE will host a free April 14 public forum on active shooter preparedness, led by Seal Beach Police...
Orange County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean on the FutureCurrent podcast set alongside educator Lainie Rowell and OCDE Associate Superintendent Dr. Sandra Lee.

FutureCurrent: OCDE Associate Superintendent Dr. Sandra Lee on literacy, urgency and building a love of reading

Ian Hanigan March 3, 2026
On the latest episode of FutureCurrent, Dr. Sandra Lee outlines why early literacy matters and what schools are doing to strengthen student outcomes. The episode also offers practical, everyday strategies families can use to help children grow as confident readers.
Cypress School District offices

After 11 years in Cypress, Superintendent Anne Silavs announces retirement

Ian Hanigan March 2, 2026
After more than a decade leading the Cypress School District, Anne Silavs has announced she will retire as superintendent on...
OCDE Orange County Schools Career Fair

OCDE Career Fair to connect job seekers with hiring school districts across Orange County

Vicky Nguyen March 2, 2026
Quick look: The 2026 OCDE Career Fair will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at the...
How to help children cope with tragic events

How to help children cope with tragic events

Staff reports March 2, 2026
When there are moments of high-profile trauma — such as war, terrorism or destructive wildfires — it’s important to remember...
Sydney Tran holds her championship trophy after winning the 2026 Orange County Spelling Bee.

Second serving: Sydney Tran repeats as county spelling bee champion with ‘charcuterie’

Ian Hanigan February 28, 2026
Sydney Tran delivered a repeat performance Saturday — and this time, she did it with “charcuterie.” The El Rancho Charter...
Anaheim Union High School District students will receive free laundry services thanks to a new partnership with local laundromats. (Photo by Karen Tapia, contributing photographer / Southern California News Group)

Weekly roundup: Anaheim high schoolers to receive free laundry services, elementary students explore science through hockey, and more

Madeline Gray February 27, 2026
Students in the Anaheim Union High School District will soon get to do their laundry for free through a new...
Dr. Norma E. Martinez (center) stands with Centralia School District colleagues holding a sign recognizing her as the 2026 ACSA Region 17 Superintendent of the Year.

ACSA Region 17 announces 2026 Orange County Administrators of the Year

Vicky Nguyen February 25, 2026
ACSA Region 17 has named 20 Orange County educational leaders as 2026 Administrators of the Year. Honorees will be recognized May 11 at the Irvine Marriott Ballrooms, with three additional award recipients to be announced.
Former Santa Ana Unified School District Superintendent Jerry Almendarez joins County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean for the latest episode of the Future Current podcast.

FutureCurrent: Integrating AI into educational leadership with former SAUSD Superintendent Jerry Almendarez

Madeline Gray February 24, 2026
Quick look: On the fourth episode of OCDE’s FutureCurrent podcast, former Santa Ana Unified Superintendent Jerry Almendarez discusses strategic foresight,...
Illustrated composite image of diverse children standing and jumping on an open book and a large outstretched hand against a blue sky, with a tree in the background and simple doodle icons like hearts, stars and speech bubbles suggesting learning, support and empowerment.

Vanguard University and OCDE to host conference on threats facing youth

Ian Hanigan February 23, 2026
Quick look: Ensure Justice 2026, hosted by the Global Center for Women and Justice in partnership with OCDE, will take...
A Valley High School automotive student works beneath a vehicle during the Auto Academy Saturday Community Garage Service Clinic at the school’s CTE automotive facility.

Weekly roundup: SAUSD students put skills to work at Valley High Community Garage, and more

Vicky Nguyen February 20, 2026
The event, held Jan. 31 at Valley’s automotive facility, brought together students from Valley and Santa Ana high schools to practice industry skills in a real-world setting while offering multi-point inspections, tire rotations, tire balances and oil changes at no cost.
Connections at University High School wrestling team at Willigan Tournament

Connections at University High DHH wrestling team dominates at national deaf wrestling tournament

Nathaniel Martinez February 20, 2026
Quick look: Seven wrestlers from Connections at University High School’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program earned four podium finishes...
Casie Hollenbeck (center) stands with a bouquet during a CTE Month recognition visit alongside Jacquelyn Leyva, Steven Kahn, Dr. Jacqueline Cardenas, Chris Alfieri and Machele Kilgore.

OCDE celebrates CTE Month with classroom visits and recognition of 1,200 educators

Vicky Nguyen February 19, 2026
During CTE Month, OCDE's Career Education and Workforce Development team recognized approximately 1,200 career education teachers across Orange County, including instructors serving ACCESS students through a partnership with North Orange County ROP.
Attendees visit information booths and speak with agency representatives during last year’s countywide transition resource fair, held indoors at the IUSD Learning Center. Tables from community organizations line the room as families gather materials and ask questions about services and employment supports.

OC event to connect students with disabilities and families to employment and community resources

Ian Hanigan February 19, 2026
Quick look: Students with disabilities and their families will gather March 10 in Irvine for the second annual “Empowering Transitions,...
Abner Mares shares his story with students from OCDE's Youth Reporting Center North.

Champion boxer Abner Mares connects with OCDE’s Youth Reporting Center North students through shared experience

Nathaniel Martinez February 17, 2026
Quick look: Former four-time world champion boxer Abner Mares shares his story with students at OCDE’s Youth Reporting Center North....
Volunteers take part in a previous Inside the Outdoors cleanup event at Upper Newport Bay in Newport Beach.

Inside the Outdoors to host volunteer habitat restoration at Ralph B. Clark Regional Park

Vicky Nguyen February 17, 2026
Inside the Outdoors will host a volunteer habitat restoration event at Ralph B. Clark Regional Park on Feb. 21, inviting families and community members to help remove invasive plants and support native ecosystems.
County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean and Sue Parks, president and CEO of Orange County United Way, pose on the set of OCDE’s FutureCurrent podcast.

FutureCurrent: Connecting community and education with Sue Parks of OC United Way

Vicky Nguyen February 17, 2026
In the third episode of OCDE’s FutureCurrent podcast, Sue Parks of Orange County United Way reflects on her path to service and the importance of connecting families to resources that support student success.
Newport-Mesa Unified kindergartner Lincoln Fox Ramadan arrives at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. (Courtesy of Erika Ramadan)

Weekly roundup: Newport-Mesa kindergartner shines in Super Bowl halftime show, and more

Madeline Gray February 13, 2026
As millions of viewers tuned in for the iconic Super Bowl halftime show starring Grammy-winning pop star Bad Bunny on...
Mother and daughter sitting on a couch looking at a smartphone together

OCDE partners with digital safety group for Feb. 26 virtual event on online risks

Ian Hanigan February 12, 2026
OCDE will host a live virtual event on Feb. 26 to help families recognize online red flags and prevent dangerous digital situations. The session, presented with SmartSocial.com, offers practical guidance for parents and educators.
High school students from seven OC school districts connect with future employers at information booths in the Santa Ana College campus quad.

OC high school students get a firsthand look at careers in the arts

Madeline Gray February 10, 2026
Quick look: More than 650 Orange County high schoolers connected with arts employers and educators at the annual College and...
Teacher helping students

Foundation created by SchoolsFirst and OCDE announces $280,000 in teacher grants

Ian Hanigan February 10, 2026
A nonprofit founded by SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union and the Orange County Department of Education recently announced the distribution of...

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