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Franklin Elementary School cookie mock election

Weekly roundup: Fourth-graders cast votes in sweet mock election at Franklin Elementary, USDA to eliminate school lunch fees, and more

Vicky Nguyen November 8, 2024
Jewish Federation of Orange County members with the Orange County Board of Education and County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean.

Jewish students share stories, experiences to counteract antisemitism, foster understanding in OC schools

Ian Hanigan November 7, 2024
OCDE's Janet Dicker and David Longo cropped

OCDE teacher celebrated as educator of the year for dedication to Deaf education

Vicky Nguyen November 6, 2024
The six Orange County Teacher of the Year finalists are congratulated by Mickey and Minnie at the Disneyland Hotel.

Orange County teachers honored for their strength and resilience at annual awards gala

Madeline Gray November 6, 2024
Dr. Stefan Bean

WATCH: OC Superintendent reflects on civic responsibility, unity in Election Day message

Ian Hanigan November 5, 2024
Language professionals gather at the Interpreters and Translators Conference hosted by OCDE last year.

OCDE will honor language professionals on International Translation Day

Madeline Gray August 21, 2024
On Sept. 30, language professionals will gather internationally to recognize the work of those who translate text and interpret speech...
A note from Dr. Bean

Dr. Bean: Emotional intelligence + community collaboration = leading with heart

Stefan Bean August 21, 2024
Throughout my career, two principles have emerged as essential to effective leadership in education: emotional intelligence and actively involving key...
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 Buena Park School District students thanks to the recent opening of Whitaker Park. In partnership with the City of Buena...
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...
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 of fun-filled learning in and out of the classroom.  However, as the community prepares for a new school year, it...
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...
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 2024 Interpreters and Translators Conference in October. The eighth annual conference — themed “Bridging Communities through Language Access, Education and...
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...
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As the demand for skilled trade workers continues As the demand for skilled trade workers continues to rise, experts warn of potential economic impacts if this shortage isn’t addressed.  In response, the Garden Grove Unified School District unveiled the Skilled Trades Pathway, a four-year pre-apprenticeship program, at Rancho Alamitos High School during its Building Bright Futures event on Sept. 25. This new pathway program, the 15th in the district, is set to launch in fall 2024 and will provide hands-on training in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing and welding. 💻 Link in bio: https://newsroom.ocde.us/watch-garden-grove-unified-launches-skilled-trades-pathway-to-meet-growing-workforce-demand/
Around 100 language professionals from inside and Around 100 language professionals from inside and outside Orange County gathered on Monday at the OCDE-hosted International Translation Day celebration, which aimed to honor the work of both translators and interpreters across various fields. Organized by OCDE Language Services Program Specialist Natalia Abarca, the event featured breakfast and beverages and was highlighted by conference interpreter Daniel Tamayo, owner and chief interpreter and translator at GlobalTradu Language Services. The commemoration also served as a precursor to OCDE’s annual Interpreters and Translators Conference, set to begin on Thursday, Oct. 3. 💻 Link in bio: https://ow.ly/L01c50TAGBQ
While her name may not be widely recognized, count While her name may not be widely recognized, countless Americans are familiar with Erica Alfaro’s 2019 graduation photo, where she stands proudly in cap and gown between her parents in a strawberry field — celebrating her achievement as a master’s degree recipient. Her story of resilience and the pursuit of the American Dream served as the backdrop for a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 25 at Bolsa Grande High School in the Garden Grove Unified School District. The Latinos Unidos Club invited students from throughout the district to hear from her and two other speakers — offering them a chance to connect with stories of determination and hope. 💻: https://newsroom.ocde.us/weekly-roundup-bolsa-grande-highs-hispanic-heritage-month-event-celebrates-stories-of-resilience-oak-view-project-to-boost-safety-for-students-and-more/
You might have heard the term Universal Design for You might have heard the term Universal Design for Learning, or UDL. It’s a teaching method that supports diverse learning styles by using multiple ways of presenting content, expressing knowledge and engaging with material. To delve deeper into how UDL can be effectively implemented in the classroom, OCDE’s Educational Services team is hosting a two-day virtual training titled “UDL 101: Learn the Basics of Universal Design for Learning.” Scheduled for Oct. 1 and Oct. 15 from 3 to 4 p.m., the sessions will be led by Christy McAnlis. 💻 Registration link in bio: https://ow.ly/r26r50TwHBM
Students at Kennedy High School in La Palma welcom Students at Kennedy High School in La Palma welcomed two distinguished visitors on Monday, Sept. 23, as State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and California Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero arrived to present the campus with the 2024 Civic Learning Award of Excellence. This award is the highest honor for civic education in California, recognizing the Anaheim Union High School District campus for its efforts in promoting civic engagement and constitutional literacy. Kennedy is one of only three schools statewide to receive the award this year. The school was celebrated for its innovative programs that encourage democratic understanding and active citizenship among students. 💻 Link in bio: https://ow.ly/xGqL50Tvtr7
On Sept. 24, teams from public, charter and privat On Sept. 24, teams from public, charter and private schools — along with district administrators — gathered at OCDE for the first session of the 2024 OC Civic Learning Institute, co-presented by Dr. Marika Manos and Shelby Rommelfanger. Participants explored strategies to empower students and foster civic engagement and will return in October. 💻 Link in bio: https://ow.ly/5HN850TuJg7
As the new school year unfolds, the Orange County As the new school year unfolds, the Orange County Department of Education invites middle and high school teams to participate in the 2024-25 Academic Decathlon and Pentathlon season, building on last season’s success. This year’s competitions will elevate academic achievement even further with the theme “Our Changing Climate.” 💻 Link in bio: https://newsroom.ocde.us/ocde-recruits-school-team-for-2024-25-academic-decathlon-and-pentathlon-events/
Public schools across California will be required Public schools across California will be required to include the landmark civil rights case Mendez v. Westminster in history and social science courses based on a bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom. Introduced by Senator Tom Umberg, D-Santa Ana, and Assemblymember Tri Ta, R-Westminster, Assembly Bill 1805 was drafted to highlight the case’s pivotal role in ending forced school segregation. Newsom put his signature on the bill on Sept. 20. 💻 Link in bio: https://ow.ly/TCZn50TuBXb
A new model curriculum that focuses on the history A new model curriculum that focuses on the history, culture and experiences of Vietnamese Americans will be introduced at a conference in San Jose this week. Developed by the Orange County Department of Education, the Vietnamese American Experiences Model Curriculum, or VAEMC, was driven by state legislation with community input and guidance from the California Department of Education. Hosted by the Santa Clara County Office of Education, the Vietnamese American Experiences Conference takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 27 and Sept. 28 at 1290 Ridder Park Drive in San Jose, with registration required for attendance. Participants will get a chance to delve into the project and its companion resources, connect with scholars, community members and cultural experts, and engage in culturally immersive experiences. 💻 Link in bio: https://newsroom.ocde.us/educators-to-get-first-look-at-vietnamese-american-model-curriculum-at-san-jose-conference/
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded two O The U.S. Department of Education has awarded two Orange County campuses the 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools honor, considered the nation’s top accolade for individual schools based on academic achievement. The recipients are South Lake Middle School in the Irvine Unified School District and Mission Viejo Christian School, which is a private campus in Mission Viejo. 💻 Link in bio: https://ow.ly/bjlM50TtIoY
At the Sept. 4 Orange County Board of Education me At the Sept. 4 Orange County Board of Education meeting, OCDE unveiled a strategic vision for integrating AI to empower students and staff across all districts. The department is committed to responsibly harnessing AI’s power to revolutionize education, preparing students for success in college, careers and beyond. 💻 Link in bio: https://ow.ly/Umpi50TtwhJ
More than 220 high school seniors from Orange Coun More than 220 high school seniors from Orange County have been named semifinalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program, placing them among the top 1 percent of U.S. students based on their PSAT scores. Troy High School in the Fullerton Union High School District and University High School in the Irvine Unified School District led the county with the most semifinalists this year. These students now have a chance to compete for nearly $26M in scholarships next spring. 💻 Link in bio: https://ow.ly/E6sP50Ts7F6
Tacos are generally a can’t-miss food item in te Tacos are generally a can’t-miss food item in terms of taste. Now imagine how much better they would taste if a renowned celebrity chef made them himself.  That’s exactly what students experienced at Ocean View High School in the Huntington Beach Union High School District during their Hispanic Heritage Festival on Sept. 17. Executive Chef Jonathan Zaragoza, a representative of Global Eats and Chartwells, the school’s foodservice provider, highlighted the event.  The event also featured festive performances by Stacey Middle School students from the Westminster School District and by Huntington Beach Adult School’s folklorico group, Sin Fronteres, which showcased traditional folk dances. 💻 Link in bio: https://newsroom.ocde.us/celebrity-chef-jonathan-zaragoza-highlights-oceanview-high-schools-hispanic-heritage-festival/
Six Orange County schools were recognized for thei Six Orange County schools were recognized for their dedication to advancing the health of students, staff and families — earning a spot among America’s Healthiest Schools of 2024. 🌟 This annual recognition, founded by children’s health organization Alliance for a Healthier Generation, highlights elementary, middle and high schools for improving the well-being of young learners and educators by fostering healthier learning environments. 💻 Link in bio: https://ow.ly/nWIZ50Tph7z
Dean West, OCDE’s associate superintendent of Bu Dean West, OCDE’s associate superintendent of Business Services, was honored by the California County Superintendents on Tuesday during the group’s yearly awards ceremony and reception. The organization, which supports county superintendents across the state, annually spotlights individuals who significantly advance the mission of supporting educational excellence. Star Awards were presented in five categories by five corresponding committees. West, who has been a key member of the Orange County Department of Education’s leadership team since early 2017, was recognized by the Business and Administration Service Committee for his exceptional leadership and service. 💻 Link in bio: https://ow.ly/MAzH50Tql3Q
From developing an automatic aquaponic system to c From developing an automatic aquaponic system to creating AI-powered detectors and energy harvesting solutions, nine students from Orange County have been named among the top 300 junior innovators in the 2024 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge — one of the nation’s premier STEM competitions for middle school students. Below are the Orange County students recognized in the challenge: Arden Boatswain Eighth grade, Serrano Intermediate School, Saddleback Valley Unified School District Mikhail Buskin Seventh grade, South Lake Middle School, Irvine Unified School District Isabel Chu Sixth grade, Santiago Hills Elementary School, Irvine Unified School District Amy Fan Sixth grade, Santiago Hills Elementary School, Irvine Unified School District Audrey Kim Eighth grade, Sierra Vista Middle School, Irvine Unified School District Jocelyn Mathew Eighth grade, Fairmont Private School – Anaheim Hills Campus Atharv Ponnachana Eighth grade, Fairmont Private School Matthew Smirnov Seventh grade, LePort School in Irvine Rhea Sreedhar Eighth grade, Fairmont Private School – Anaheim Hills Campus 💻 Link in bio: https://ow.ly/nMTC50Tpnxv
Magnolia High School students enrolled in the cybe Magnolia High School students enrolled in the cybersecurity pathway will further enhance their technological operations skills with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, thanks to the new Jan & Ross Billings Innovation Center of Excellence. The two-story center spanning over 22,000 square feet — unveiled to the Anaheim Union High School District community on Sept. 5 — houses a project-based learning center that includes four interactive cybersecurity classrooms along with an instructional server room and two workrooms. 💻 Link in bio: https://ow.ly/4Rvy50TpsPG 📸 @anaheimunion
Join OCDE for the National History Day-OC contest Join OCDE for the National History Day-OC contest kickoff and training on Thursday, Sept. 19. This event — celebrating the 50th anniversary of National History Day — will offer updated guidance for new and returning coaches and provide strategies for engaging students with history through interdisciplinary projects. 📅 Thursday, Sept. 19 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. 📍 OCDE Board Room, 200 Kalmus Drive 💻 Link in bio: https://ow.ly/Qvss50TpgB7
Robinson and Trabuco elementary schools are set to Robinson and Trabuco elementary schools are set to reopen after being closed for four days because of evacuation orders and road closures in the Trabuco Canyon area. With the evacuation orders lifted, all students and staff will return to their regular campuses on Tuesday, Robert Craven, assistant superintendent of Business Services for the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, said in a statement. Students from both elementary schools had been diverted to alternate sites on Monday following three non-instructional days. “We are grateful for your patience and understanding during the temporary relocation, and we appreciate the resilience shown by our students, families and staff,” Craven said. “Please note that some road closures may still occur in the surrounding areas, so we encourage extra caution during drop-off and pick-up times.” 💻 Link in bio: https://newsroom.ocde.us/oc-fire-updates/ 📸 @ocfireauthority
OCDE is thrilled to introduce you to Mayra Orozco, OCDE is thrilled to introduce you to Mayra Orozco, who joined the department about nine years ago. She serves as a family support services coordinator in the division of Business Services. Leveraging her experience as a mother, Mayra oversees critical functions — including enrollment, program budgeting and state reporting — ensuring parents can easily navigate the California Alternative Payment Program and CalWORKs Child Care services. “I am passionate about this role because the work my team and I do has a profound impact on supporting families and helping children thrive across Orange County.”
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