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Tustin Memorial Academy students Vivienne, Cora, Miles, Maddie and Delnia win first place and the community-focused award from the Municipal Water District of OC for their dynamic prototype called "The Cat Robot."

PHOTOS: Orange County student makers celebrated for creating problem-solving innovations

Madeline Gray June 16, 2026
“A Moment in the Sun,” created by Juni Lee, a 12th-grade student at Sunny Hills High School in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District, will be featured in the 2026 Festival of Arts Junior Art Exhibit in Laguna Beach.

93rd Festival of Arts to showcase more than 330 pieces by Orange County students

Vicky Nguyen June 16, 2026
Participants sit at round tables during the State of the Student Forum at the OCDE Conference Center in Costa Mesa while listening to a panel discussion and presentation about student outcomes and community partnerships.

State of the Student Forum sparks conversation about supporting OC learners

Ian Hanigan June 15, 2026
Painters from Warner Middle School and Westminster High School pose for a photo while working on a mural depicting the ecosystems of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands.

Weekly roundup: Westminster students create mural inspired by Bolsa Chica Wetlands, and more

Vicky Nguyen June 12, 2026
OCDE signage

The bell behind the brand

Nathaniel Martinez June 10, 2026
Kari Adams speaks onstage at the 2025 Thompson Policy Institute Summit on Disability and Inclusion at Chapman University, standing in front of a presentation screen displaying the words “Inclusive Leadership.”

OCDE, Chapman University partner to strengthen inclusive leadership for students with disabilities

Ian Hanigan May 27, 2026
Quick look: OCDE and Chapman University’s Thompson Policy Institute on Disability are partnering to strengthen inclusive leadership practices for current...
An aerial view shows emergency crews cooling a large industrial storage tank with water at the site of the Garden Grove chemical leak as mist rises from the facility.

Chemical tank update: Evacuation orders lifted as officials declare no further risk to public

Staff reports May 26, 2026
Emergency crews have been working to stabilize a compromised storage tank containing methyl methacrylate at a Garden Grove aerospace facility...
Lainie Rowell, Dr. Stefan Bean and David Blair stand together on the set of the FutureCurrent podcast studio at the Orange County Department of Education.

FutureCurrent: Bright Futures Foundation leader David Blair discusses student-centered innovation

Ian Hanigan May 26, 2026
Quick look: On the latest episode of FutureCurrent, Bright Futures Foundation Executive Director David Blair discusses his unconventional path from opera singer to nonprofit leader — and how it informs his work supporting students across Orange County. David Blair believes...
From left, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, Raelene Velasquez, Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Aller, Sunburst Youth Academy Director Lt. Col. Sarah Rambo, Principal Dinah Ismail, OCDE Executive Director of Special Education Dr. Amita Cloke and OCDE Manager of Human Resources Support Services Lorena Villa pose for a photo during the 2026 California Classified School Employees of the Year recognition ceremony in Sacramento.

Sunburst Youth Academy paraeducator honored as California Classified School Employee of the Year

Vicky Nguyen May 26, 2026
Sunburst Youth Academy paraeducator Raelene Velasquez was recognized in Sacramento on May 20 as one of California’s 2026 Classified School Employees of the Year and as the state’s nominee for the national RISE Award.
Sierra Vista Middle School students Aryan Shah, Krish Marfatia, Kaito Yamashita and Davis Barbee win the Stephenson Family Award for Sports History at the NHD-CA contest earlier this month.

Orange County claims state-leading honors at National History Day, sends 21 students to finals

Madeline Gray May 22, 2026
Quick look: Twenty-one young local historians are headed to nationals next month after a standout performance at the National History...
Students participating in the OC GRIP program gather at Angel Stadium before the Los Angeles Angels’ May 19 game against the Oakland Athletics.

Weekly roundup: Sports Illustrated highlights OC GRIP mentorship event at Angel Stadium, and more

Vicky Nguyen May 22, 2026
More than 1,500 Orange County students participating in the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership, also known as OC GRIP, visited Angel Stadium this month for a day focused on mentorship, education and positive decision-making. Jeff Joiner of Sports...
From left, Rebekah Rylant of Don Juan Avila Middle School in the Capistrano Unified School District, Rolando Vivar of Fulton Middle School in the Fountain Valley School District and Pam McShea of Dysinger Elementary School in the Centralia Elementary School District were recognized with 2025-26 Outstanding PAL Advisor Awards from the Orange County Department of Education.

OCDE PAL team honors six campuses, three advisors for building positive school environments

Vicky Nguyen May 21, 2026
Six school-based Peer Assistance Leadership programs and three advisors were recognized by the Orange County Department of Education for promoting school environments that are safe, inclusive and supportive for students.
Aissa (left) and a fellow cast member performing in University High School's "Dreamland."

Student from Connections at University High DHH program brings artistic ASL to school musical

Nathaniel Martinez May 20, 2026
Quick look: Aissa Carvalho — a junior at the Connections at University High School DHH program — was nominated by...
A note from Dr. Bean

Bean: OC Teacher of the Year announcements give us a chance to lift up those who lift others

Stefan Bean May 19, 2026
There is a moment during Orange County Teachers of the Year surprise visits that I wish everyone could experience. A classroom door opens. Students look up. Colleagues gather. Family members appear unexpectedly. Then comes the announcement that someone who has...
CSEY Finalist photo collage 2026

Get to know the 2026 Orange County Classified School Employees of the Year

Vicky Nguyen May 18, 2026
Nine outstanding classified school employees from across Orange County are being recognized during Classified School Employee Week for their dedication to students, schools and communities.
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