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Oxford Academy eighth-grader Aaryan Balani explains how his AI-powered invention helps treat people with intermittent strabismus. (Courtesy of ABC7)

Weekly roundup: ABC7 spotlights Oxford Academy eighth-grader’s AI tool for eye alignment condition, and more

Madeline Gray May 1, 2026
Katrina Edmunds is presented with the Outstanding Career Awareness Educator Award.

OCDE now accepting nominations for Outstanding STEM Educator awards

Nathaniel Martinez May 1, 2026
Dr. Stefan Bean speaks on a stage during The Wooden Floor’s Step Beyond Annual Breakfast, with blue lighting, curtains and a podium in the background.

County superintendent shares message of resilience and support at Step Beyond Annual Breakfast

Ian Hanigan April 30, 2026
Briseyda Cabrera Mejia of Estancia High School poses with family members after being recognized as a 2026 AVID Senior Standout.

2026 OC AVID senior standouts earn $431,000 in scholarships

Vicky Nguyen April 30, 2026
2027 Orange County Teacher of the Year Ryan Healy receives a $25,000 check from the William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation while receiving congratulations from Superintendent Dr. Bean and his Marco Forster Middle School musical theater students.

OCDE announces 2027 Orange County Teachers of the Year with surprise visits

Staff reports April 29, 2026
The new Estancia High School Performing Arts Center is unveiled to the public on Sept. 9. (Photos courtesy of Newport-Mesa Unified School District)

Weekly roundup: Estancia High debuts performing arts venue, National Merit Scholarship semifinalists named, and more

Madeline Gray September 12, 2025
Come November, Estancia High School drama students will bring Disney’s “Frozen” to life on the brand-new stage of the school’s...
Dr. Bob Pletka, superintendent of Fullerton School District, speaking at a podium during the district’s second Tiny Home Project ribbon-cutting ceremony

Fullerton School District’s ‘Dr. Bob’ to retire after more than a decade as superintendent

Ian Hanigan September 12, 2025
Fullerton School District Superintendent Dr. Bob Pletka has announced he will retire on Feb. 1, 2026, after more than 13 years leading the district. During his tenure, FSD expanded technology access, introduced new instructional programs and launched initiatives ranging from dual language immersion to student-built Tiny Homes.
Sunburst students get off the bus

Sunburst Youth Academy opens with its largest class yet

Nathaniel Martinez September 12, 2025
Sunburst Youth Academy’s Class 36 is the largest in the program’s history — and the first in nearly a decade with an equal number of male and female cadets. In “A fresh start,” our latest multimedia story, we track their...
Youth apprentice playing with children

OC Pathways Apprenticeship Program connects students with career opportunities

Nathaniel Martinez September 11, 2025
Finding a job after graduating from college can feel like an uphill battle, especially when employers often ask for at...
Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza

PYLUSD names Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza as next superintendent

Ian Hanigan September 10, 2025
The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District has appointed Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza as its next superintendent, effective Oct. 6. Known to colleagues as Dr. Kym, she is a veteran educator with more than 30 years of experience and most recently served as deputy superintendent of Jeffco Public Schools in Colorado.
Volunteers collect debris during the 2024 California Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay.

Inside the Outdoors, partners to host Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay

Vicky Nguyen September 10, 2025
Inside the Outdoors, OCDE’s environmental education program, is partnering with OC Parks and other local organizations to host the 2025 California Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Studio crew adjusting cameras, lighting and sound equipment while two people sit at a table under stage lights.

OCDE and UC Irvine partner to launch ‘Earn and Learn’ apprenticeships in fall 2025

Ian Hanigan September 8, 2025
OCDE and UC Irvine are converting existing student internships into registered apprenticeships, giving participants paid experience plus industry-recognized credentials. Backed by state funding, the partnership supports California’s goal of 500,000 apprentices by 2029 while opening pathways into high-demand careers in education, business and the arts.
Students from Bryant Arts Academy in the Garden Grove Unified School District show their school spirit. The campus was among those recognized in the California PBIS Coalition’s 2024-25 recognition program.

Weekly roundup: PBIS recognition program spotlights OC schools, Huntington Beach High standout earns 18U Team USA spot, and more

Vicky Nguyen September 5, 2025
The California PBIS Coalition has recognized more than 2,500 schools across the state, including dozens in Orange County, as part...
Orange County students gear up to the compete in day one of the Orange County Academic Decathlon on Jan. 25 at Westminster High School.

OCDE to prepare new coaches for Academic Decathlon, Pentathlon season

Madeline Gray September 4, 2025
Quick look: OCDE is set to host virtual orientations this September for new coaches interested in forming Academic Decathlon or Academic Pentathlon teams, offering guidance on recruiting students and gearing up for the upcoming season. Every year, secondary students test...
Participants visit vendor tables during the inaugural Thrive Resource Fair in 2024, hosted by the Orange County Department of Education.

OCDE’s Thrive Resource Fair to connect school staff with tools and services in September

Vicky Nguyen September 4, 2025
Quick look: More than 60 vendors will take part in OCDE’s second annual Thrive Resource Fair on Sept. 25 at...
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