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Megan Arthurton of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District stands with her award after receiving the Irene Schoepfle Lifetime Achievement Award for Music at the 2026 OCMAA Awards.

Spotlight shines on arts educators, advocates at 2026 OCMAA Awards

Vicky Nguyen March 12, 2026
Students give a presentation on the ethics of AI at last year's Student and Community Voice AI Summit.

Students, educators to share real-world AI classroom experiences at Student and Community Voice AI Summit

Nathaniel Martinez March 12, 2026
A photo from 1893 showing students at Garden Grove School

OCDE’s origin story dates back to this day in 1889

Ian Hanigan March 11, 2026
A California Distinguished School logo

More than 40 Orange County schools named 2026 California Distinguished Schools

Vicky Nguyen March 10, 2026

OCDE announces six Orange County districts as Innovation Funding Initiative awardees

Ian Hanigan March 9, 2026
Principal Suzanne Nichols poses with Hope, Amelia and Ronnie Acosta on the first day of school, Aug. 6, at Thomas Edison Elementary in Anaheim.

Weekly roundup: Anaheim students return to class with fanfare and focus on literacy, Newport-Mesa hosts back-to-school expo, and more

Vicky Nguyen August 8, 2025
The 2025-26 school year officially began Wednesday for students in the Anaheim Elementary School District, which marked the occasion with...
Attendees enter the arena at the Anaheim Convention Center for the 2025 CA MTSS Professional Learning Institute.

Educators share stories of MTSS’ impact at statewide professional learning institute

Madeline Gray August 7, 2025
At the 2025 California MTSS Professional Learning Institute in Anaheim, four educators led personal TED-style talks that showcased how the MTSS framework can rebuild trust, strengthen family‑school partnerships and transform schools — sharing their educational experiences with over  2,400 attendees.
Graphic showing a gavel and the U.S. Constitution

From The 101: What a new Supreme Court ruling means for classroom content and parental rights

Ian Hanigan August 6, 2025
A U.S. Supreme Court issued in June says public schools must notify parents and allow them to opt out of classroom instruction that substantially burdens their sincerely held religious beliefs.
Girl holding "First Day of School" sign from 2024

Back to School 2025: Orange County start dates and fast facts

Ian Hanigan August 5, 2025
Orange County schools are reopening for the 2025-26 year, with most starting in August and some year-round programs already underway. Districts are navigating declining enrollment, a mixed state budget and a continued emphasis on student outcomes.
Fullerton School District community liaisons Juan Fonseca and Stephany Grigorov joined OCDE Coordinator Jeanne Awrey to distribute 28 pallets of school supplies to OC school district on Tuesday, July 29.

Weekly roundup: Back-to-school donations offer support to OC youth in need, local high schoolers showcase livestock, and more

Madeline Gray August 1, 2025
Nearly 2,000 backpacks and totes filled with school supplies and hygiene kits were recently distributed to support students experiencing homelessness...
civic-celebration-3-1536x1024

OC Civic Learning Institute to equip educators with tools for meaningful student engagement

Vicky Nguyen July 30, 2025
OCDE will host the 2025 OC Civic Learning Institute on Oct. 7 and Oct. 14 in Costa Mesa. The two-day professional learning event is designed to help TK-12 educators expand student voice, civic engagement and readiness.
Students take part in a classroom activity designed to introduce real-world career skills.

Weekly roundup: Orange Unified sparks curiosity with first-ever summer exploration camp, Beckman High students launch music program, and more

Vicky Nguyen July 25, 2025
More than 275 fourth- through sixth-grade students in the Orange Unified School District participated this summer in the district’s first...
Michael Matsuda in his retirement message video

Anaheim Union Superintendent Michael Matsuda announces retirement after 11 years of service

Nathaniel Martinez July 25, 2025
After 11 years as superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District, Michael Matsuda has announced his retirement, effective Dec. 31, 2025. An internal search for his successor will continue through July 28.
Language professionals gather at the Interpreters and Translators Conference hosted by OCDE last year.

Language access professionals to gather for 2025 Interpreters and Translators Conference

Vicky Nguyen July 23, 2025
OCDE will host its ninth annual Interpreters and Translators Conference Oct. 3-4 at Vanguard University. Keynote speaker Ewandro Magalhães, a TEDx presenter and former U.N. chief interpreter, will headline the event.

OCDE forms new division to support student success, introduces two leadership appointments

Ian Hanigan July 21, 2025
OCDE has formed a new division that unites alternative education with health, wellness and wraparound services to better support students. Dr. Kimberly Benaraw has been named associate superintendent of Student Services and Programs, while Dr. Maria Martinez-Poulin has been named chief of ACCESS.
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