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Thorman Elementary School students

All 97 third-graders at Tustin’s Thorman Elementary School surprised with brand new bikes

December 15, 2016

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Ten Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL) programs and

Ten Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL) programs and more than a dozen advisors have been recognized for their efforts to stay connected and support their schools despite the challenges of the past year.

Administered by the Orange County Department of Education, PAL programs are built on the concept of students helping other students. Youth leaders in grades four through 12 are empowered to create positive school environments through mentoring, new-student transition support, conflict management, service learning, tutoring and prevention activities.

In partnership with SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, OCDE created the PAL Perseverance Award to honor the programs and leaders that found innovative ways to support student engagement and contribute to positive school climates through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit the OCDE Newsroom to see a list of the winning programs and advisors. (link in bio)

To those who educate, enrich, empower and inspire,

To those who educate, enrich, empower and inspire, we salute you. #TeacherAppreciationWeek

It’s been well-documented that the COVID-19 era

It’s been well-documented that the COVID-19 era has taken its toll on the mental health of children and adults. Yet data also shows student anxiety and depression were on the rise even before the pandemic.

According to the 2019-20 California Healthy Kids Survey, one quarter of seventh-graders and 35 percent of 11th-graders reported feeling chronically sad or experienced feelings of hopelessness within the previous 12 months. Alarmingly, more than 10 percent had suicidal thoughts during the same span.

In partnership with local schools and districts, OCDE’s education and health experts have been in overdrive to address the complex mental health needs of students, including those who have endured Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs. But one program is taking the unique approach of empowering student leaders to serve as school-based champions of mental health.

The OCDE-led Student Advocates for Mental Health initiative trains young people to raise mental health awareness and to reduce stigmas through peer-influencer campaigns, workshops, activities and an annual video contest. So far, 34 schools are participating in 18 districts across the county, including 21 high schools.

With many students returning to more traditional routines, and with May designated as national Mental Health Awareness Month, we reached out to OCDE Coordinator Elke Petras and Program Specialist Stephanie Loscko to learn how the Student Advocates program started, how it’s changed during the pandemic, and how more schools can participate. Read the full story in the OCDE Newsroom. (link in bio)

A panel of Asian American voices will share person

A panel of Asian American voices will share personal experiences and perspectives on issues including representation, education and recent anti-Asian incidents across the country during an upcoming online symposium hosted by Orange County Superintendent Dr. Al Mijares.

The event, coinciding with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and reflecting the theme “Know My Name, Face and Story,” will take place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12. Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents and others who educate and support students are encouraged to attend.

“Orange County is home to a thriving and diverse population of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who are an integral part of our collective story,” Superintendent Mijares said. “We are excited to convene this group of respected community members who will share their personal journeys and engage in meaningful conversations about their successes, their challenges and their hopes for the future.”

The May 12 forum is free to those who register in advance. (Go to link.ocde.us/aapi-forum or click through the OCDE Newsroom story at newsroom.ocde.us.)

Here’s a list of the featured speakers:

Dr. Luoluo Hong
Associate Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
The California State University

Sukhee Kang
Former Mayor, City of Irvine

Janice Munemitsu
Philanthropic Business Consultant

Dr. Natalie Tran
Chair, Department of Secondary Education
California State University, Fullerton

Jasmine Chhabria
Junior, Northwood High School
Irvine Unified School District

William Hin
Senior, Santiago High School
Garden Grove Unified School District

Six educators who enlightened, encouraged and upli

Six educators who enlightened, encouraged and uplifted students during one of the most challenging school years of the last century learned Thursday that they’re the 2022 Orange County Teachers of the Year.

For the second straight spring, the announcements were made virtually through a series of Zoom calls rather than surprise visits to local campuses. But the winners were no less elated to learn they had earned the county’s highest honor for those who have found their calling in the teaching profession.

Orange County Superintendent Al Mijares broke the news and congratulated each of the honorees for their work, noting the emotional toll and added complexities of teaching during a pandemic. He was joined by an online gallery of OCDE administrators, school colleagues and representatives from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the program’s premier sponsor.

Selections were made from a pool of 58 teachers who had previously won district-level honors. From that group, 15 were named semifinalists, and five were picked to represent Orange County following a final round of interviews. One superstar community college instructor was also selected.

The 2022 Orange County Teachers of the Year are:

* Jodi Balma, Fullerton College, North Orange County Community College District
*Ann Berger, Esencia School, Capistrano Unified School District
* Richard Berman, Otto A. Fischer School, Orange County Department of Education
* Alondra Diaz, Ralph A. Gates Elementary School, Saddleback Valley Unified School District
* Sovantevy “Sovey” Long-Latteri, La Sierra High School, Fullerton Joint Union High School District
* Ingred Shine, Villa Park High School, Orange Unified School District

Along with a special apple trophy and additional prizes from SchoolsFirst, the six finalists will each receive cash awards from the Orange County Teachers of the Year Award Foundation established by the William, Jeff and Jennifer Gross Family Foundation, and they are set to be formally honored next year at a dinner gala at the Disneyland Hotel.

Find out more — and read a summary of each winner in the OCDE Newsroom. (link in bio)

After installing energy-efficient HVAC systems, sc

After installing energy-efficient HVAC systems, school-wide LED lighting and a solar array that produces 90 percent of its energy needs, Fryberger Elementary School in Westminster created a #STEM program to teach students how these upgrades can help combat climate change.

In recognition of its sweeping efforts to couple sustainability with environmental literacy, Fryberger was announced last week as one of five schools in California to receive @usedgov Green Ribbon Schools (ED-GRS) recognition after being designated a “Green Achievers” by State Superintendent @tonythurmondspi.

The other winners are May Ranch and Theodore Roosevelt elementary schools in Riverside County, Los Altos High School in Santa Clara County and The Nueva School in San Mateo County.

Fryberger’s mission is to create environmentally responsible students across the curriculum. Through thematic, project-based learning that’s tied to the state’s Next Generation Science Standards, students engage in real-world ecological activities, from organic farming in the school’s garden to combatting microplastics in the ocean.

Read more in the OCDE Newsroom. (link in bio) #greenschools

Just a friendly reminder that the 45th annual virt

Just a friendly reminder that the 45th annual virtual VSA Festival is taking place today, April 24. The festival begins at 10 a.m. and a link to join can be found in the OCDE Newsroom (link in bio).

While every day is #EarthDay for OCDE's @insidethe

While every day is #EarthDay for OCDE's @insidetheoutdoors, this year, ITO is partnering up with @ocwaste to launch a special zero waste challenge during the month of May.

Dubbed #ProjectZeroWasteLunch, the challenge is calling on elementary, middle and high schoolers to showcase how they are reducing waste during lunch time by using one or all of the ‘5 R’s — Refuse, Reuse, Rot, Repurpose, Recycle.

The challenge will take place May 10-14 and students can participate via ONE of the following ways:
- Follow @insidetheoutdoors on Instagram, upload photos and use the hashtag #ProjectZeroWasteLunch

- Fill out a short survey (link to survey can be found in the OCDE Newsroom)

- Email photos or art to insidetheoutdoors@ocde.us

More info can be found in our link in bio!

To our administrative professionals across Orange

To our administrative professionals across Orange County....

From being the welcoming face when students and families enter our schools, to answering calls and offering endless support - we truly appreciate and THANK YOU!

#adminprofessionalsday

Over 300 Orange County students participated in th

Over 300 Orange County students participated in the virtual 2021 Orange County Science and Engineering Fair. OCSEF draws hundreds of middle and high school students each year who are eager to show off their investigative skills and compete for medals, special awards and scholarships.

Ben Astor, eighth-grader at McPherson Magnet School in the @Orangeusd, received the inaugural Broadcom Coding with Commitment award for his passion to solve problems in the community. Astor was recognized for his project that focused on Benford’s Law — a theory that certain number sets will follow a pattern.

More than 100 OC students walked away with special recognition for their innovative and inspiring submissions. And 81 of those students also progressed to the state science fair.

You can read more in the OCDE Newsroom (link in bio).

The Orange County School Nurses Organization is ac

The Orange County School Nurses Organization is accepting nominations for qualified candidates who exemplify excellence in school nursing. Awards can be submitted in three categories — Lead/Coordinating School Nurse of the Year, School Nurse of the Year and School Readiness Nurse of the Year. Applications are due May 1 and a link to nominate can be found in the OCDE Newsroom. (link in bio.)

Each year around this time, OCDE and VSA Orange Co

Each year around this time, OCDE and VSA Orange County team up to spotlight the artistic achievements of individuals with disabilities. Taking place virtually for the second year in a row, the 45th annual festival takes place one week from today, Saturday April 24.

The event will once again feature links to a variety of offerings such as a 200-piece art gallery, performance videos, and various activities to help students learn more about individuals with disabilities. Additional information on this very special event can be found in the OCDE Newsroom. (link in bio.)

Congrats to the @Centraliaschooldistrict and @Sant

Congrats to the @Centraliaschooldistrict and @Santaanausd who were recognized this week by the @cadepted for the work of their school attendance review boards, or SARBs, which are being hailed as model programs that devised innovative strategies to support students during distance learning.

These awesome OCDE employees spent the week delive

These awesome OCDE employees spent the week delivering some very special balloons and signs to the 11 campuses across the county recognized as @cadepted California Distinguished Schools! 🙌🏻👏🏻

The North America Scholastic Esports Federation is

The North America Scholastic Esports Federation is piloting a Community Game Nights initiative for OC high school students to promote inclusivity and friendships.

Community Game Nights are currently open to teens and families from Orange County schools. Here’s a list of the dates and times:

Friday, April 16 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Friday, April 30 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Friday, May 14 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Friday, May 28 from 6 to 7 p.m.

And a registration link can be found in the OCDE Newsroom (link in bio).

Save the date! Join Orange County Superintendent D

Save the date! Join Orange County Superintendent Dr. Al Mijares on Wednesday, May 12 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islanders month. Additional details, including a full list of guest panelists, coming soon! #aapiheritagemonth

To celebrate national Week of the Young Child, we'

To celebrate national Week of the Young Child, we're shining a light on OCDE’s Early Learning team and offering up the following six tips to help families with school readiness.

1. Read daily
2. Play games
3. Develop a routine
4. Ask questions
5. Talk about feelings
6. Build and create

You can read more in the OCDE Newsroom (link in bio). #weekoftheyoungchild

Join the OCDE team! Check out this post to see the

Join the OCDE team! Check out this post to see the many job offerings currently available and help us by sharing with qualified candidates. #joinourteam

Five Orange County school districts this week were

Five Orange County school districts this week were named among the 2021 Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation. Anaheim Elementary, Anaheim Union High, Capistrano Unified, Garden Grove Unified and Irvine Unified were among the 19 districts in California — and only four percent of districts nationwide — to receive this prestigious honor for their commitment to music and education.
@irvine_unified @anaheimelementary @anaheimunion @capounified @gardengroveusd 👏🏻👏🏻

As part of a campus-wide Kindness Week, students a

As part of a campus-wide Kindness Week, students at @Davis_Magnet_School in the @NewportMesaUSD sold kindness grams and raised $2464 for OCDE's @InsidetheOutdoors Foundation. Donated funds will help with rebuilding ITO's headquarters that were lost to the fast-moving Bond Fire in December. You can read more about this generous act of kindness in the OCDE Newsroom (link in bio). #kindness1billion

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Categories

Credits

Orange County Department of Education
Al Mijares, Ph.D.
County Superintendent of Schools

Contact

Thanks for visiting the OCDE Newsroom. Questions and story suggestions should be sent to communications@ocde.us.

And if you’re a member of the media in need of information about the Orange County Department of Education, you can contact Communications Officer Ian Hanigan at ihanigan@ocde.us or 714-966-4008.

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