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Beacon Park School educators receive a $24,000 grant for their innovative project titled "Amplifying the Future: Empowering Student Musicians." (Courtesy of Lisa Hu Chen Photography)

Irvine Public Schools Foundation funds 17 campus projects to enrich educational innovation

Madeline Gray March 13, 2025
Laptop displaying FAFSA website

California has extended its college financial aid deadline to April 2

Ian Hanigan March 12, 2025
Los Alamitos High School students win first place in the "mental health" and "through the lens of culture" categories at the 2024 Directing Change Film Program and Contest awards on May 21. (Courtesy of Los Alamitos Unified School District)

OCDE’s student-led SAMH program transforms mental health awareness across OC

Nathaniel Martinez March 12, 2025
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, 2025
group photo of Outstanding STEM educators

OC STEM Initiative seeks nominations for 2025 Outstanding STEM Educators

Vicky Nguyen March 10, 2025
The 2025 Orange County School Counselors and Counseling Advocates of the Year were honored for their contributions to student success at the annual conference on Wednesday, Feb. 5.

OC school counselors honored for nurturing student success at 11th annual symposium

Madeline Gray February 6, 2025
In celebration of National School Counseling Week, more than 600 counselors and educators came together on Wednesday, Feb. 5 to...
Students pose with "Courage" sign

‘Know More, Do Better’ conference equips middle schoolers with tools to spot and prevent human trafficking

Ian Hanigan February 5, 2025
Hundreds of middle school students from Anaheim, Fullerton and Santa Ana gathered in Costa Mesa last week to learn how...
Orange County School of the Arts dance program

National YoungArts program honors creativity of 40 Orange County students

Madeline Gray February 4, 2025
More than 800 students across the country were recognized as winners with distinction by the national YoungArts program for their talents in a variety of artistic disciplines such as music, writing and visual arts. Approximately 40 students from Orange County...
Great Kindness Challenge - El Morro Elementary in Laguna Beach Unified School District

Orange County schools showcase acts of goodwill during the Great Kindness Challenge

Vicky Nguyen February 4, 2025
From creating kindness quilts to collecting trash on campus to helping school custodians, campuses across Orange County recently took 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.

Weekly roundup: High schoolers prepare for Super Quiz Relay, Troy High senior hosts student-led drone competition, and more

Madeline Gray January 31, 2025
On Saturday, Feb. 1, high school teams representing 34 campuses with go head-to-head on day two of the Orange County...
CESD food truck line

Applications open Feb. 18 for programs providing free summer meals to children

Vicky Nguyen January 30, 2025
More than 15 million free meals were served to children across California last summer through the state’s Summer Food Service Program and the Seamless Summer Option. Applications to participate this year in these federally funded, state-administered programs will open Feb....
Teacher Ryan McAfee with student

WATCH: OCDE’s Connections launches first of its kind DHH with disabilities program

Nathaniel Martinez January 29, 2025
For decades, the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) has served both students who are deaf or hard of hearing...
Lunar New Year celebration in Anaheim

Orange County schools mark Lunar New Year with cultural celebrations

Vicky Nguyen January 29, 2025
With the Year of the Snake beginning Wednesday, Jan. 29, schools across Orange County are celebrating Lunar New Year with...
The White House

White House rescinds federal funding freeze that raised questions for educators

Ian Hanigan January 29, 2025
The White House on Wednesday rescinded a widespread freeze on federal grants and loans, one day after a federal judge issued an order temporarily blocking it. The federal funding freeze, announced on Jan. 27, initially created uncertainties for school officials,...
Buena Park High School Computer Class

Weekly roundup: Eight OC schools earn College Board’s Female Diversity Award, NAMM Foundation celebrates music education in Anaheim, and more

Vicky Nguyen January 24, 2025
Eight campuses in Orange County have been recognized by the College Board for expanding opportunities for female students in computer...
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The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Academic Bowl team at The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Academic Bowl team at Connections at University High School qualified for the national competition after placing fourth at regionals. Senior Cindy Rodriguez was recognized as one of six all-stars at the event. With two months to prepare, the team is focusing on practice and collaboration as they get ready to compete on the national stage. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/Uatf50V5BCf
El Dorado High School’s mock trial team, represe El Dorado High School’s mock trial team, representing the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District, is advancing to the 2025 California Mock Trial State Finals after winning the Orange County championship. The tournament, hosted by Teach Democracy — formerly known as the Constitutional Rights Foundation — will take place March 14 through March 16 in Los Angeles, where teams from 36 counties will compete for the state title. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/acUx50V4G1v
Troy High School’s Science Olympiad Team A secur Troy High School’s Science Olympiad Team A secured first place at the 2025 MIT Science Olympiad Invitational, one of the nation's most competitive tournaments. The team edged out Mason High School from Ohio by eight points, marking Troy’s seventh title in eight appearances at MIT. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/iFBq50V4CwG
The OC Pathways Showcase on Feb. 27 will give a gl The OC Pathways Showcase on Feb. 27 will give a glimpse into some of the 50-plus career pathways offered in Orange County. From manufacturing and graphic production to agriculture and environmental science, this event will highlight how students are developing workforce skills through programs that connect classrooms to careers. 👩‍🏫🌟 🔗 Register for free: https://ow.ly/AIwV50V3NeC
Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean welcomed 1,200 educators at the opening general session of the 2025 CISC Leadership Symposium in Anaheim on Wednesday, Feb. 19. The annual Curricular and Improvement Support Committee symposium gathers education leaders from across California for three days of networking, professional learning and discussions of innovative strategies. With the theme "Ignite: Instruction, Inclusion, Impact," this year's sold-out event from Feb. 19-21 will inspire impactful conversations on the future of education.
Six continuation high schools in Orange County hav Six continuation high schools in Orange County have been named Model Continuation High Schools for 2025. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced Wednesday that 74 schools statewide earned the designation for their efforts in offering flexible scheduling, instructional strategies and counseling services tailored to students at risk of not graduating. * La Vista High School (Fullerton Joint Union High School District) * Marie L. Hare High School (Garden Grove Unified School District) * Valley Vista High School (Huntington Beach Union High School District) * El Camino Real High School (Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District) * Silverado High School (Saddleback Valley Unified School District) * Lorin Griset Academy (Santa Ana Unified School District) 🔗 https://ow.ly/NHkT50V2XxL
Under the glow of stage lights at the Segerstrom C Under the glow of stage lights at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ Samueli Theater, educators, administrators and arts advocates took center stage Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the 2025 Orange County Music and Arts Administrators Awards.  Hosted by the Orange County Department of Education and in partnership with the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the annual awards reception and ceremony recognized 63 nominees for their contributions to arts education in the county.  🔗 https://newsroom.ocde.us/spotlight-shines-on-arts-education-advocates-at-2025-ocmaa-awards/
The OC Pathways Showcase returns on Feb. 27, offer The OC Pathways Showcase returns on Feb. 27, offering a glimpse into the career training experiences available through more than 50 career pathways across Orange County. From nutrition and food services to robotics and artificial intelligence, this event will highlight how students are developing workforce skills through programs that partner educators with industry professionals. 👩‍🏫🌟 Register for free here: https://ow.ly/2MK450V2qgb
To equip families, educators and community members To equip families, educators and community members with the tools to prevent human trafficking and exploitation, OCDE is partnering with Vanguard University’s Global Center for Women and Justice to present the 2025 Ensure Justice conference on March 7-8 in Costa Mesa. The two-day event, themed “Safety Nets,” will examine the risks that make children and youth vulnerable while exploring strategies for strengthening protective networks. Sessions will cover labor trafficking, online grooming, sextortion, pornography, gangs and unhealthy relationships. Attendees can register at gcwj.org/ensurejustice. 🔗 https://newsroom.ocde.us/building-safety-nets-ocde-partners-with-vanguard-university-for-conference-on-human-trafficking-prevention/
The Orange County Department of Education's office The Orange County Department of Education's offices and school sites will be closed Monday, Feb. 17 in observance of Presidents Day, a federal holiday honoring all U.S. presidents.
The Connections Deaf and Hard of Hearing wrestling The Connections Deaf and Hard of Hearing wrestling team at University High School recently competed at the Willigan Wrestling Tournament, a national event for athletes who are deaf. Facing larger schools, the team earned multiple top finishes, including two third-place finishes and a fourth-place finish in the boys’ bracket. 🔗 https://newsroom.ocde.us/breaking-barriers-connections-at-university-high-dhh-wrestling-team-makes-mark-at-national-deaf-wrestling-tournament/
The OC Pathways Showcase is set to return on Feb. The OC Pathways Showcase is set to return on Feb. 27, offering a firsthand look at the workforce skills and career training students are gaining through Orange County’s career pathways programs. Hosted at the OC Fairgrounds, this event led by OCDE will bring together students, educators and industry leaders to highlight innovative student projects and strengthen connections that bridge classrooms to careers. 👩‍🏫🌟 Register for free: https://ow.ly/tpq550UZN9a
Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean has been recognized with the 2024 JA Champion Award from Junior Achievement of Orange County and the Inland Empire. Presented at Junior Achievement’s “Rhythm of Impact” celebration at the House of Blues Anaheim on Jan. 30, the award highlights leaders who have demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering students through financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness programs. Junior Achievement describes the honorees as the “Heart of our Community,” recognizing their leadership, volunteerism and support for initiatives that help young people prepare for the future. In its announcement, the organization thanked Bean for his dedication to education and for being an “inspirational champion” for students in Orange County and beyond. 🔗 https://ow.ly/k1kH50UYY4q
Brains, medals and team spirit took center stage a Brains, medals and team spirit took center stage at the Orange County Academic Decathlon awards night on Friday, Feb. 7. Coordinated by OCDE and sponsored by the Orange County Academic Decathlon Association, this annual competition celebrates teamwork, dedication and academic excellence. A huge thank you to the staff and volunteers who made this event possible! 🏅👏 🔗 https://newsroom.ocde.us/woodbridge-high-continues-academic-decathlon-reign-with-eighth-county-title-in-nine-years/
Four Orange County teams are headed to the Califor Four Orange County teams are headed to the California Academic Decathlon after standout performances at the county competition. Woodbridge High secured its eighth title in nine years, while Valencia, Bolsa Grande and University high schools also earned state bids. Congratulations to all the teams and best of luck in March. A job well done to all decathletes this year. 👏 🔗 Link in bio: https://newsroom.ocde.us/woodbridge-high-continues-academic-decathlon-reign-with-eighth-county-title-in-nine-years/
The Orange County Department of Education's Model The Orange County Department of Education's Model Curriculum team recently traveled to the Cambodian American Studies Conference, held in partnership with the Santa Clara County Office of Education. The event highlighted the Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum, a resource developed in response to AB 167 to support inclusive and culturally responsive instruction. Created in collaboration with scholars, community members and the California Department of Education, the curriculum provides K-12 educators with lesson plans, primary sources and strategies to enhance student learning. 🔗 Visit the link in bio to learn more: https://ow.ly/aqjC50UW2sE
The Orange County Department of Education's office The Orange County Department of Education's offices and school sites will be closed Monday, Feb. 10 in observance of Lincoln Day, a California state holiday honoring President Abraham Lincoln.
Baile folklórico dancers from Centralia Elementar Baile folklórico dancers from Centralia Elementary School twirled to traditional music in brightly colored dresses, while Danbrook Elementary’s drumline energized the crowd with bucket drums at the 45th annual OC Black History Month Parade and Unity Festival on Feb. 1. Students marched along Anaheim Boulevard, celebrating culture and community through music and movement. The groups are part of the Centralia Elementary School District’s Expanded Learning Program, which provides music and arts opportunities outside of regular school hours. 🔗 https://ow.ly/uSAG50UW0KE
Approximately 40 Orange County students have been Approximately 40 Orange County students have been recognized as 2025 YoungArts winners for their talents across 10 artistic disciplines such as music, writing and visual arts. Among them, 12 received the honors of being named winners with distinction. As part of this recognition, more than 800 winners with distinction — including Orange County School of the Arts student and bassoonist Ariana Kim — had the opportunity to participate in workshops and performances led by renowned artists during National YoungArts week in Miami last month. These young artists will be eligible to become a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts later this year — one of the highest honors given to high school seniors. 🔗 Link in bio: https://ow.ly/8JEy50UUr88
Hundreds of middle school students from Anaheim, F Hundreds of middle school students from Anaheim, Fullerton and Santa Ana gathered in Costa Mesa this week for the third annual “Know More, Do Better” youth conference, gaining critical lessons in personal safety and awareness. Hosted by the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force in collaboration with 28 local organizations, including the Orange County Department of Education and Orange County Superior Court, the event at Vanguard University’s Waugh Student Center brought together more than 500 middle schoolers from 22 campuses. Attendees learned about the risks of human trafficking and ways to protect themselves and their peers. 🔗 Link in bio: https://ow.ly/aU3E50UUhqm 📸 @samueliacademy
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