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La Habra City School District 2024-25 school year

Weekly roundup: La Habra City School District launches ‘Show Up, Shine Bright’ campaign, OC football teams adjust to heat wave, and more

Vicky Nguyen September 6, 2024
Fullerton Union High School teacher Alexandra Walker and her family with Maasai Mara school-aged children in Kenya, where they donated 400 menstrual pads to support education and address period poverty. (Courtesy of Alexandra Walker)

Fullerton Union students tackle menstrual stigma and poverty locally and globally through Period Club

Vicky Nguyen September 5, 2024
Dennis Cole

County superintendent appoints Dennis Cole as OCDE’s new chief of staff

Ian Hanigan September 4, 2024
Soccer player standing in the sun

Excessive heat warning issued for Southern California

Ian Hanigan September 4, 2024
2023 ITO Coastal Cleanup Day

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

Vicky Nguyen September 3, 2024
Buena Park School District Superintendent Dr. Julienne Lee celebrates the park opening with Whitaker Elementary students on Aug. 7. (Photos courtesy of Buena Park School District)

Weekly roundup: Buena Park district unveils recreation area, county superintendent interviewed by EdSource, and more

Madeline Gray August 16, 2024
Playing pickle ball, running on the track and swinging on the playground set are just a few activities that await...
Virginia Resichl and Marika Manos present at 2023 OC Civic Learning Celebration

OC Civic Learning Institute to empower educators with tools for fostering civic engagement in students

Vicky Nguyen August 15, 2024
Imagine a classroom where young voices are not just heard but empowered — where students discover the strength of their...
Moises Plascencia handing a pumkin to Julian.

Rooted in family: The story of Julian’s multicolored pumpkins

Nathaniel Martinez August 14, 2024
When Carver Elementary kindergartener Julian Escalera was asked to bring a pumpkin to school last Halloween, he was a bit hesitant. After all, how many people have seen a green and white pumpkin? Julian had spent most of the prior...
A Clinton Elementary School student is cheered on by teachers and staff as they arrive on campus. (Courtesy of Garden Grove Unified)

Back to school: Here’s a list of the 2024-25 start dates in Orange County

Madeline Gray August 12, 2024
With backpacks packed and colorful writing supplies in tow, Orange County students are getting ready to return to another year...
Los Alamitos HS student Rylee Robles

Weekly roundup: Los Alamitos student empowers peers with AI insights, Anaheim elementary superintendent highlight goals for school year, and more

Vicky Nguyen August 9, 2024
While many students take a break during the summer, Rylee Robles, a rising senior at Los Alamitos High School, is...
Students with their giveaways.

CalOptima, OCDE equip students for success at Back to School Health and Wellness Fair

Nathaniel Martinez August 7, 2024
CalOptima, in partnership with OCDE, recently hosted its annual Back-to-School Health and Wellness Fair at Columbus Tustin Park to provide a variety of free school equipment and services to students as they prepare for the new school year.   The event...
2023 Interpreters and Translators Conference

Language access advocates to convene for 2024 Interpreters and Translators Conference

Vicky Nguyen August 7, 2024
Language access advocates in the TK-12 educational system will convene in Costa Mesa for the Orange County Department of Education’s...
Kindergarteners in a classroom

What families should know about the state’s Universal PreKindergarten program

Madeline Gray August 6, 2024
Ensuring that all early learners in California have access to a quality education has become a top priority through the...
OCDE McKinney-Vento District Liaisons and SchoolsFirst FCU members distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to campuses on July 24.

Weekly roundup: OCDE delivers backpacks to campuses in need, Fullerton student creates ocean conservation curriculum, and more

Madeline Gray August 2, 2024
More than 450 backpacks filled with classroom supplies were recently hand-delivered to school campuses throughout Orange County ahead of the back-to-school season. For the third year in a row, the Orange County Department of Education has partnered with SchoolsFirst FCU...
Golden Night Festival by eighth-grade student Franchesca Sta. Maria from Irvine Intermediate in the Garden Grove Unified School District

91st Festival of Arts showcases more than 200 pieces by Orange County students

Vicky Nguyen July 30, 2024
More than 200 pieces of artwork created by budding artists — ranging from transitional kindergarteners to seniors in high school...
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Today is Labor Day. Did you know that this holiday Today is Labor Day. Did you know that this holiday has honored the dedication and achievements of American workers since its first celebration in 1882? In observance of this federal holiday on Monday, Sept. 2, all OCDE sites will be closed.
Do you know a music or arts educator who inspires Do you know a music or arts educator who inspires creativity and enriches students’ educational experiences? Nominate them for the Orange County Music and Arts Administrators’ annual awards program, which recognizes outstanding teachers, administrators, and community advocates who make a significant impact on arts education in Orange County. Nominations open Sept. 6 and close on Oct. 25. 📰 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/hVb450Ta12L
On Wednesday, Aug. 28, the College and Career Prep On Wednesday, Aug. 28, the College and Career Preparatory Academy hosted an open house to showcase its new facilities at OCDE’s Harbor Learning Center South in Fountain Valley. The event, which began at noon, included a meet and greet with staff, resources from community partners, a catered lunch, swag bags filled with supplies, and a campus tour. 📰 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/noQO50Ta0AJ
The Orange County Department of Education hosted i The Orange County Department of Education hosted its second annual Mental Health Summit at the Hilton Orange County on Thursday, drawing about 400 attendees — that’s twice as many as the previous year — while broadening access to mental health resources for educators and other professionals. 📰 Story link in bio: https://newsroom.ocde.us/watch-ocde-mental-health-summit-doubles-attendance-from-previous-year/
For half a century, Inside the Outdoors has been a For half a century, Inside the Outdoors has been at the forefront of environmental education in Orange County, fostering a deep connection between students and the natural world.

Since its inception in 1974, the program — administered by the Orange County Department of Education — has reached over 3.5 million students, offering immersive outdoor experiences that bring science to life.  📰 Story link in bio: https://newsroom.ocde.us/inside-the-outdoors-marks-50-years-of-inspiring-environmental-stewardship-in-orange-county/
Building strong connections between students, educ Building strong connections between students, educators and the broader community starts with emotional intelligence and collaboration with key partners. In his recent column, Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean shared how these two principles have become essential to effective leadership throughout his career. 📰 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/wSyR50T4l8n
On Sept. 30, the Orange County Department of Educa On Sept. 30, the Orange County Department of Education will join language professionals around the world to celebrate International Translation Day. Organized by the Language Services team, the inaugural event will welcome bilingual staff, community liaisons, interpreters and translators to be honored for their work in breaking down language barriers for students, families and school communities as a whole. 📰 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/XtqZ50T3kf4 💻 Register here: https://ow.ly/OUmA50T3kf3
From festive balloon arches to red carpet arrivals From festive balloon arches to red carpet arrivals, school districts across Orange County are rolling out the welcome mat for students returning to campuses this August. To capture the excitement and community spirit of the new school year, the OCDE Newsroom has compiled a collection of social media posts created by local districts and charter school partners, showcasing the vibrant celebrations and heartfelt efforts to make every student feel at home on their campus. 📰 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/12gw50T1nBN 📸 @gardengroveusd
Registration is open for the Orange County Departm Registration is open for the Orange County Department of Education’s annual OC Civic Learning Institute on Sept. 24 and Oct. 8, offering K-12 educators a chance to enhance their civic engagement strategies. The sessions, co-presented by OCDE’s Dr. Marika Manos and Shelby Rommelfanger, will take place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at OCDE’s Board Room in Costa Mesa. 📰 Story link in bio: https://newsroom.ocde.us/oc-civic-learning-institute-to-empower-educators-with-tools-for-fostering-civic-engagement-in-students/
Kindergartener Julian Escalera brought his grandfa Kindergartener Julian Escalera brought his grandfather’s green and white pumpkins to class, sharing a piece of his Michoacán heritage with Carver Elementary in the Santa Ana Unified School District. These unique pumpkins symbolize more than tradition — they represent family and resilience. 📰 Story link in bio: https://newsroom.ocde.us/rooted-in-family-the-story-of-julians-multicolored-pumpkin/
With backpacks packed and colorful writing supplie With backpacks packed and colorful writing supplies in tow, Orange County students and families are getting ready for another year of fun-filled learning in and out of the classroom. 🎒📚 ➡️ Swipe to see our list of start dates for OC districts and charter schools. Be sure to check your local district's website for year-round schools. 📰 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/iZk650SWoyi
Language access advocates in the TK-12 educational Language access advocates in the TK-12 educational system will convene in Costa Mesa for the Orange County Department of Education’s 2024 Interpreters and Translators Conference in October. The eighth annual conference — themed “Bridging Communities through Language Access, Education and Artificial Intelligence (AI)” — is organized by OCDE’s Educational Services division. 📰 Story link in bio: https://newsroom.ocde.us/language-access-advocates-to-convene-for-2024-interpreters-and-translators-conference/
OCDE is thrilled to introduce you to Janice Trop, OCDE is thrilled to introduce you to Janice Trop, who joined the department in 1999. Janice serves as a publications support specialist in the division of Communications and Media Services. With nearly 25 years of experience in internal communications, Janice manages the "What's News" employee newsletter and posts local news stories daily to the "Education in the News" roundup for schools and districts countywide. She also supports the Media Services team by handling equipment requests and scheduling photo appointments. After working in various temporary positions throughout her career, Janice knew OCDE was the place for her from her very first day. "What I appreciate most about Communications and Media Services is that everyone truly is on the same team. We work well together, and as individuals each one of us derives satisfaction from going above and beyond."
CalOptima Health, in partnership with OCDE, recent CalOptima Health, in partnership with OCDE, recently hosted its annual Back-to-School Health and Wellness Fair at Columbus Tustin Park to provide a variety of free school equipment and services to students as they prepare for the new school year. The event gave out an abundance of supplies, including 1,500 backpacks, 500 bike helmets, over 4,500 shoes, 1,000 food boxes and 106 cases of diapers. Services such as haircuts, sports physicals and vision and dental screenings were also offered. With more than 5,000 attendees — a record for CalOptima Health-hosted events — all available supplies found new homes by the end of the day. 📰 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/Pfyi50STjFQ
The statewide Universal PreKindergarten initiative The statewide Universal PreKindergarten initiative aims to help families choose a high-quality early learning program that meets their specific needs through a network of options available including California’s expanded transitional kindergarten program for all 4-year-olds. ✏️📚 The OCDE Newsroom — with help from OCDE's Early Learning Services unit — has answered some common questions families have about Universal PreKindergarten and educating our youngest learners. 📰 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/znPi50SSxoV
More than 450 backpacks filled with classroom supp More than 450 backpacks filled with classroom supplies were recently hand-delivered to school campuses throughout Orange County ahead of the back-to-school season. 🎒 For the third year in a row, the Orange County Department of Education has partnered with SchoolsFirst FCU to distribute donations of school supplies. Liaisons from four local districts worked with OCDE’s HOPES Collaborative team to identify which campuses could utilize the supplies while ensuring students and families in need receive ample support this time of year. 📰 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/SP0r50SRjKa
More than 200 pieces of artwork created by budding More than 200 pieces of artwork created by budding artists — ranging from transitional kindergarteners to seniors in high school — are on display at the 2024 Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach in the Junior Art Exhibit. Set in an open-air gallery, the festival features pieces from students who submitted their work to the Orange County Department of Education. 📰 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/u41450SNrP3 🎨 “Golden Night Festival” by eighth-grade student Franchesca Sta. Maria from @gardengroveusd
Bank of America’s annual Student Leaders program Bank of America’s annual Student Leaders program has selected four of Orange County’s brightest high school students who have shown unparalleled dedication to their communities for an opportunity to gain workplace experience. The program selects around 300 community-oriented high school students from across the nation to connect them with local nonprofits in an eight-week summer internship. This year, rising seniors Leila Armand of Placentia, David (Shijoon) Bae of Irvine, Tristan Lee of Fullerton and Anusha Misra of Rancho Santa Margarita were selected to work with CEO Leadership Alliance of Orange County and Second Harvest Food Bank Orange County. 📰 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/65PQ50SMJUb
This Saturday, OCDE is partnering with CalOptima H This Saturday, OCDE is partnering with CalOptima Health to host its annual Back-to-School Health and Wellness Fair to help the community prepare for the upcoming school year. Local families can receive backpacks, bike helmets, school supplies and food free of charge. The event will also provide free vision exams, dental services, sports physicals and haircuts made by appointment, along with resources for CalFresh and Medi-Cal enrollment. The fair will be held on Saturday, August 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m at Columbus Tustin Park. 📸 @caloptima
In recent weeks, new County Superintendent Dr. Ste In recent weeks, new County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean has been making the rounds to get to know OCDE’s community partners. On Friday, July 19, school safety was top of mind as he attended an active shooter training event organized by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The session was part of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s School Resource Officer program. Hosted at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in collaboration with the city of Rancho Santa Margarita, the event saw participation from a dozen Orange County law enforcement agencies and representatives from 20 school districts. 💻 Story link in bio: https://newsroom.ocde.us/county-superintendent-attends-active-shooter-training-event-with-oc-sheriffs-department/ 📸: @ocsheriff
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