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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.

Garden Grove chemical leak: OCFA says explosion threat eliminated at compromised tank

Staff reports May 25, 2026
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
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
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
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
Students sitting in classroom

Chronic absence is down in Orange County. Here’s what’s helping.

Ian Hanigan April 23, 2026
School Attendance Review Boards — or SARBs — bring together educators, families and community partners to address the root causes of chronic absenteeism. Two local districts were recently recognized by the state, highlighting a broader shift toward early support and student-centered solutions.
Attendees enter the arena at the Anaheim Convention Center for the 2025 CA MTSS Professional Learning Institute.

Educators invited to 2026 California MTSS PLI in Anaheim

Vicky Nguyen April 22, 2026
The 2026 California MTSS Professional Learning Institute, set for July 14 through July 16 in Anaheim, will bring educators together to explore strategies for addressing chronic absenteeism, student well-being, AI in education and more.

OC District Pulse: Saddleback Valley Unified School District shapes confident, future-ready learners

Madeline Gray April 21, 2026
In this edition of OC District Pulse, the Saddleback Valley Unified School District showcases how its personalized learning approach and diverse programs help students thrive. Superintendent Dr. Crystal Turner shares how SVUSD staff and administrators prepare students for success in school and beyond.
OCDE’s Impact Schools team joins Principal Hannah Lim beside Beechwood School’s banner recognizing its designation as an Impact School.

OC Impact School: Beechwood School recognized for culture of collaboration and trust

Nathaniel Martinez April 21, 2026
Quick look: Beechwood School in the Fullerton School District was recently selected as an Orange County Impact School by OCDE...
OC Pathways student ambassadors present on stage during the 2023 OC Pathways Showcase, highlighting career education opportunities and student experiences.

OC Pathways seeks next class of student ambassadors for 2026-27

Vicky Nguyen April 20, 2026
The Orange County Department of Education is accepting applications from April 20 to May 22 for its 2026–27 OC Pathways Student Ambassador Program, offering students in grades 7–12 opportunities to build leadership skills, connect with industry mentors and complete real-world projects through career education pathways.
Nicolas Junior High School students perform at the Fullerton School District's K-pop Battle of the Bands on April 8 at the Source OC. (Fullerton School District)

Weekly roundup: K-pop takes over as Fullerton students shine in Battle of the Bands showcase, and more

Madeline Gray April 17, 2026
Student talent and teamwork were on full display as the Fullerton School District hosted its second annual K-pop Battle of the Bands, drawing hundreds of families and staff to cheer on five junior high teams in the energetic competition. After...
Raelene Velasquez CA CSEY

Paraeducator from Sunburst Youth Academy earns state’s top classified employee honor

Ian Hanigan April 17, 2026
Sunburst Youth Academy paraeducator Raelene Velasquez has been named a 2026 California Classified School Employee of the Year and selected as the state’s sole nominee for the national RISE Award.
Classroom

New data show continued enrollment declines across OC, mirroring state and national trends

Ian Hanigan April 17, 2026
Orange County public school enrollment declined by about 1.7 percent in 2025–26, continuing a long-term trend that mirrors statewide and national patterns.
Student performers take the stage during the 2025 Orange County Arts and Disability Festival at MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana, themed “Art from the Heart.”

OC Arts and Disability Festival shines for 50th anniversary on April 25

Vicky Nguyen April 16, 2026
The 50th annual Orange County Arts and Disability Festival will return April 25 at MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana, celebrating five decades of creativity, inclusion and artistic expression with performances, exhibits and hands-on activities for the community.
Dr. Gretchen Janson stands with five Fullerton School District trustees in a boardroom, holding a bouquet of flowers with a district sign and artwork in the background.

Fullerton School District appoints Dr. Gretchen Janson as next superintendent

Ian Hanigan April 15, 2026
Quick look: The Fullerton School District has named Dr. Gretchen Janson as its next superintendent. Currently the assistant superintendent of...
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