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Students perform excerpts of Disney musicals at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts at a past celebration. (Courtesy of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts)

Weekly roundup: Local students bring Disney musicals to life on Segerstrom Center stage, Nixon Library hosts first OC civics bee, and more

Madeline Gray March 14, 2025
Title with star Orange County Classified School Employees of the Year

These are the 2025 Orange County Classified School Employees of the Year

Vicky Nguyen March 14, 2025
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

How did your school perform? State unveils updated California School Dashboard

Ian Hanigan November 21, 2024
The 2024 California School Dashboard is up and running, offering both big-picture and detailed views of how public schools and...
Parenting OC 2024 Top Teacher Elizabeth Ellison of Fisler School in Fullerton School District

Nominations open for Parenting OC School Heroes of Orange County recognition

Madeline Gray November 20, 2024
Do you know a teacher or school employee who has made an invaluable impact on the lives of Orange County...
Nearly 500 people gathered in Long Beach on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 for the Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum Conference, which included a session where survivors of the Khmer Rouge regime shared firsthand accounts.

Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum Conference highlights history and resilience

Vicky Nguyen November 19, 2024
Nearly 500 teachers, educational leaders and community members gathered in Long Beach on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 for a two-day conference introducing the Cambodian American Studies Model Curriculum. Hosted by the Orange County Department of Education, the event highlighted...
Elementary students

Orange County elementary and middle schools featured in U.S. News & World Report ranking

Ian Hanigan November 18, 2024
Elementary and middle schools across Orange County have earned spots on U.S. News & World Report’s latest rundown of quality...
Dr. Stefan Bean

Weekly roundup: Spectrum News spotlights Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean, Los Alamitos High student launches program to empower peers, and more

Madeline Gray November 15, 2024
Dr. Stefan Bean’s journey to serving as the 12th Orange County Superintendent of Schools is likely the sort of storyline...
Irvine Unified School District Superintendent Terry Walker

Irvine Unified Superintendent Terry Walker announces plans to retire after more than 13 years

Ian Hanigan November 14, 2024
Terry Walker, who has helmed the Irvine Unified School District as its superintendent since 2011, has announced plans to retire at the end of January. Walker served as a teacher, director and assistant superintendent of human resources in Irvine before...
Dr. Bean named to Orange County Business Counsel board of directors.

Orange County Superintendent named to Orange County Business Council board of directors

Nathaniel Martinez November 13, 2024
The Orange County Business Council (OCBC) recently announced that Dr. Stefan Bean, Orange County superintendent of schools, has been named...
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
Fourth graders at Franklin Elementary, part of the Santa Ana Unified School District, got a taste of democracy with a...
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
Seeking to bridge cultural divides, Jewish high schoolers across Orange County are stepping into classrooms to share personal stories and insights about their faith and traditions.  The Jewish Federation of Orange County created the Student to Student program to offer...
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
A teacher from the Orange County Department of Education’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing program recently received the Educator of...
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Orange County Department of Ed

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Official Instagram for the Orange County Department of Education | View the OCDE web policy at ocde.us/webpolicy
On Friday, the Orange County Department of Educati On Friday, the Orange County Department of Education announced that nine local staff members have been selected as the 2025 Orange County Classified School Employees of the Year, emerging from a competitive pool of nominees across the county. Each honoree was chosen based on work performance, leadership, dedication and contributions to their school communities. This year’s honorees, by category, are: Clerical and Administrative Services
Heather Sherrill
Administrative assistant I, district office
Los Alamitos Unified School District Custodial and Maintenance Services
Kurtland Lucas
Head custodian, Crosby Elementary School
Garden Grove Unified School District Food and Nutrition Services
Melissa J. Erman
Nutrition operations supervisor, district office
Huntington Beach Union High School District Health and Student Services
Candice Hall
District licensed vocational nurse, district office
Anaheim Union High School District Paraprofessional Services
Yesenia Rosales
Lead instructional assistant, College Park Elementary School
Newport-Mesa Unified School District Security Services
Jose Lopez Ruvalcaba
School safety assistant, Westmont Elementary School
Anaheim Elementary School District Skilled Trade Services
Gina Matz
Painter, District office
Fullerton School District Technical Services
Jill Brand
Data systems technician, La Vista/La Sierra High Schools
Fullerton Joint Union High School District Transportation Services
Michael Kimball
Mechanic II, District office
Fullerton School District 🔗 Story link in bio: https://newsroom.ocde.us/these-are-the-2025-orange-county-classified-school-employees-of-the-year/
Happy Pi Day, Orange County. Let's celebrate the i Happy Pi Day, Orange County. Let's celebrate the infinite wonders of math and indulge in a slice of π. 🥧
Since 1996, the Irvine Public Schools Foundation h Since 1996, the Irvine Public Schools Foundation has awarded over $2.7 million to the Irvine Unified School District through its Innovative Grants Program, supporting new teaching methods and classroom engagement. This year, the foundation awarded nearly $200,000 to 17 school projects, funding adaptive recess equipment, theater lighting upgrades, student-run news broadcasts, graphic novel festivals and more. Each initiative will receive up to $25,000 to enhance student learning. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/ug6E50VhGNe
The California Student Aid Commission has extended The California Student Aid Commission has extended the priority deadline for state financial aid applications from March 3 to April 2, giving students more time to apply following delays in the FAFSA process. The extension applies to those seeking aid through the Cal Grant, Middle Class Scholarship and other state programs, while the federal deadline remains June 30, 2026. Students and families can find free workshops and resources to complete their applications at https://ow.ly/FQXL50VgV22. 🔗 Link in bio: https://ow.ly/ORHO50VgV23
OCDE is excited to introduce Sonja Morrissey, who OCDE is excited to introduce Sonja Morrissey, who joined the department 27 years ago. As the executive assistant for OCDE’s Communications and Media Services unit, Morrissey plays a vital role in ensuring daily operations run smoothly. From managing travel arrangements for meetings and events to overseeing financial processes such as contracts and budgets, she provides essential behind-the-scenes support that allows her team to focus on delivering communication and media services. “I may not work directly with students, but I know that by uplifting my fellow employees, I’m helping create an environment where they can do their best work. And when they thrive, so do the programs, schools and students we serve.”
Students from across Orange County showcased their Students from across Orange County showcased their original research and creative projects at the 2025 National History Day-Orange County competition on March 8 at Sierra Vista Middle School in Irvine. The event, coordinated by OCDE, featured projects exploring this year’s theme, “Rights and Responsibilities.” Thank you to the students, educators, volunteers and judges who contributed to this year’s competition. See everyone at the awards ceremony on March 12 at the Orange County Holocaust Education Center in Newport Beach. 👏
Nominations are open for the 2025 Outstanding STEM Nominations are open for the 2025 Outstanding STEM Educators awards. 🏆 The OC STEM Initiative, in partnership with OCDE and Cox Communications, is seeking exceptional educators who inspire students and advance STEM education in Orange County. Each awardee will receive $500 and their respective organizations will be awarded a $1,500 grant to support STEM activities. Submit a nomination by April 1 at 11:59 p.m. 🔗 Nomination link and information in bio: https://ow.ly/MmSu50Vf1YX
Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean joined educators, community leaders and advocates at the Ensure Justice conference on Friday, where he spoke on the importance of protecting youth from human trafficking and exploitation. Hosted by Vanguard University in partnership with the Orange County Department of Education, the annual conference explores strategies to safeguard children and strengthen community partnerships. With the theme “Safety Nets,” this year’s event on March 7-8 will highlight the need to equip young people with the knowledge and critical thinking skills to navigate digital spaces safely and prevent exploitation.
More than 200 educators, scholars and community me More than 200 educators, scholars and community members gathered at the University of California, Merced, for the inaugural Hmong History and Cultural Studies Model Curriculum Conference on Feb. 28 and March 1. Hosted by the Orange County Department of Education, the event explored the newly developed K-12 curriculum, which includes lesson plans, primary sources and instructional strategies. The conference is the first in a series of events supporting the curriculum’s implementation, with a second gathering scheduled for May 2 and May 3 in Fresno. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/Ez3j50VcZ2q 📸o @ocdehistory
Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bean r Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Bean reflects on the 50-year impact of Inside the Outdoors, highlighting how the program has provided immersive outdoor experiences to more than 3.5 million students. He discusses its resilience following the 2020 wildfire that devastated its Rancho Soñado headquarters and shares plans to restore the site as an enhanced learning space. As @insidetheoutdoors celebrates its milestone anniversary, it continues to offer hands-on science education through field trips, interactive lessons and the Traveling Scientist program. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/SR2L50VccJr
Twelve middle and high school teams from Orange Co Twelve middle and high school teams from Orange County have qualified for the 2025 Southern California Science Olympiad, set for April 12 at Caltech. The teams secured their spots after competing in the Orange County Regional Science Olympiad, which featured 75 teams and over 1,000 students in STEM-based challenges. Top-performing teams from the state tournament will advance to the Science Olympiad National Tournament in May at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/egbm50VbT9A 📷 Photo No. 1: Troy High School, Fullerton Joint Union High School District 📷 Photo No. 2: Sierra Vista Middle School, Irvine Unified School District
Nearly 1,000 students, educators and industry lead Nearly 1,000 students, educators and industry leaders explored work-based learning opportunities at the 11th annual OC Pathways Showcase.🌟 From video production to engineering, hundreds of students demonstrated the skills shaping their futures through exhibits at the OC Fair & Event Center. “OC Pathways truly equips students with the skills and competencies they need to succeed in life,” said Orange County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean. “It’s our responsibility as adults to come alongside them and equip them so that they can make the best decisions and contribute to our community.” 🔗 Link in bio for the full video: https://ow.ly/Qepj50Vf0gl
Sydney Tran of El Rancho Charter School is Orange Sydney Tran of El Rancho Charter School is Orange County’s new spelling bee champion after correctly spelling “obsecration” in the 14th round. 🐝 She will represent the county at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in May, while runner-up Aden Nunes of Fairmont Schools and third-place finisher Everett Lin of Rancho San Joaquin Middle School also earned top honors. The event featured 137 students and was sponsored by The Orange County Register, which will cover Sydney’s travel expenses to Washington, D.C. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/r7gk50V9B4G
Calling all nature enthusiasts: Inside the Outdoor Calling all nature enthusiasts: Inside the Outdoors, in partnership with the Bolsa Chica Conservancy, is organizing a volunteer restoration day at Harriett Wieder Regional Park in Huntington Beach to help preserve its unique coastal habitat. 📣 The event will take place on March 8 from 9 to 11 a.m. at 19251 Seapoint Ave., where volunteers alongside representatives from ITO and the Bolsa Chica Conservancy will help remove non-native plant species and replace them with native ones. 🔗 To sign up, volunteers must complete a short form: https://ow.ly/Rf8v50V7MRZ
The Orange County Department of Education is recru The Orange County Department of Education is recruiting a teacher for the visually impaired to serve students in the North Orange County Special Education Local Plan Area, which includes the Buena Park School District, Fullerton School District, Fullerton Joint Union High School District, La Habra City School District and Lowell Joint School District. This position is part of OCDE’s Special Education division and provides specialized instruction to students with visual impairments. The application deadline is Sunday, March 9. ➡️ Learn more and apply here: https://ow.ly/pn9K50V6z0L
Students from across Orange County will showcase t Students from across Orange County will showcase their research and creative projects at the 2025 National History Day-Orange County competition on March 8 at Sierra Vista Middle School in Irvine. This year’s theme, “Rights and Responsibilities,” challenges participants to explore historical topics through various formats, including documentaries, performances, exhibits, websites and research papers. 🔗 Story link in bio: https://ow.ly/fHYP50V6xNJ Photos were taken during the 2024 NHD-OC competition.
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 emergency response to public safety. With help from educators and industry leaders, this event will highlight how students are developing workforce skills that transfer from classrooms to careers. 🚒🌟 🔗 Register: https://ow.ly/EOpX50V6mmJ
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
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