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Laguna Beach High School students take part in an opening ceremony marking the launch of a new edible garden on campus.

Weekly roundup: Laguna Beach High students cultivate sustainability with new edible garden, and more

Vicky Nguyen January 9, 2026
Volunteers pose beside a truck filled with bags of trash collected during last year’s Inside the Outdoors MLK Day of Service at Upper Newport Bay.

Inside the Outdoors’ annual MLK Jr. Day of Service returns Jan. 24

Vicky Nguyen January 7, 2026
Participants and supporters, some dressed in team costumes, cheer from the stands during the Super Quiz Relay at the 2025 Orange County Academic Decathlon.

Academic event season is coming up. Here are some key dates for 2026.

Vicky Nguyen January 6, 2026
Marina High School students accept a trophy after leading the Huntington Beach Union High School District’s annual food drive.

Orange County students show generosity ahead of winter break

Vicky Nguyen January 5, 2026
OCDE and Rady Children's Health representatives join Brea Olinda Unified officials to open the new WellSpace at Arovista Elementary Dec. 18.

First-of-its-kind WellSpace opens for younger learners at Arovista Elementary

Madeline Gray December 30, 2025
Jay Seidel, director of the Fullerton College Drone Technology Department, leads a lesson inside the Fullerton College Drone Lab. Through an expanded partnership, Brea Olinda High School students will gain access to college-level instruction and the opportunity to earn drone piloting certificates beginning in fall 2025.

Brea Olinda High drone certificate program cleared for takeoff through partnership with Fullerton College

Vicky Nguyen July 2, 2025
Brea Olinda High School students will soon be able to take their education to new heights through an expanded dual enrollment partnership with Fullerton College that offers a professional drone piloting certificate beginning in fall 2025.
Dave Long speaks at the 2019 Safe Schools Conference

New name, same mission: National Safe Schools Conference to unite educators and law enforcement

Ian Hanigan June 30, 2025
The long-running Safe Schools Conference is now the National Safe Schools Conference, reflecting its growing national reach. This year's three-day event kicks off July 9, bringing together educators and law enforcement to share strategies for safer, more supportive campuses.
Student visits CESD food truck

Weekly roundup: Free summer meals offered to OC youth, student artists curate museum exhibit, and more

Madeline Gray June 27, 2025
This summer, families across Orange County can access free meals for children and teens — thanks to local school districts and community partners working together to ensure no child goes hungry during the break. From June through early August, participating...
Exterior view of the California State Capitol building in Sacramento

State budget preserves education funding despite fiscal challenges

Ian Hanigan June 27, 2025
California’s new budget protects school funding and invests in literacy, teacher training and transitional kindergarten — a better-than-expected outcome in a tough fiscal year.
Orange County School of the Arts student Emily Yi shows her third-place project, “Legacy of Betrayal and Medical Immorality: The Rights, Responsibilities, and Redemption of Tuskegee" to OCDE Coordinator Julie Hull at the NHD Finals in Maryland.

OC student historians help California lead the nation in National History Day medals

Madeline Gray June 26, 2025
Quick look: Orange County students earned four national medals, three finalist honors and one special award at the 2025 National...
SAUSD new superintendent

Dr. Lorraine M. Perez named next superintendent of Santa Ana Unified School District

Nathaniel Martinez June 25, 2025
Quick look: Dr. Lorraine M. Perez has been appointed superintendent of the Santa Ana Unified School District, bringing over 20 years of educational leadership experience. Known for her student-centered approach, she will continue focusing on academic achievement and strengthening community...
Cadets from Sunburst Youth Academy pose for a group photo in front of the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run attraction at Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Sunburst cadets explore STEM magic during Disneyland experience

Vicky Nguyen June 25, 2025
Sixteen cadets from Sunburst Youth Academy recently got a surprise trip to the “Happiest Place on Earth,” but their visit to Disneyland was more than just a day of fun. It was an opportunity to see how science and creativity power the park’s most iconic attractions.
2025 FSD Hermosa Elementary School Mural

Hermosa Drive Elementary unveils student-designed mural celebrating kindness and community

Vicky Nguyen June 24, 2025
Students returning to Hermosa Drive Elementary School this fall will be greeted by a colorful new mural that celebrates kindness, community and student voice.
Sunburst Youth Academy cadets in uniform embrace and smile outside the venue following their graduation ceremony.

‘We are proud of you’: Sunburst graduation marks a turning point for 171 cadets

Ian Hanigan June 20, 2025
Sunburst Youth Academy, a partnership between the California National Guard and OCDE, celebrated its 35th graduating class on June 20, honoring 171 cadets — including 15 who earned high school diplomas.
Student speakers from Newport Heights Elementary School pose backstage with school counselor Lauren Smith, back row center, and Principal Terri Clarke, far left, following a TED-Ed Showcase event at Newport Harbor High School. (Photo courtesy of the Newport-Mesa Unified School District)

Weekly roundup: Newport Heights students present original talks at TED-Ed Showcase, Santiago Charter Middle schoolers take college courses, and more

Vicky Nguyen June 20, 2025
Students from Newport Heights Elementary School recently presented original talks on a range of timely topics during a TED-Ed Showcase...
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