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Weekly roundup: Innovative graduation ceremonies, a virtual prom, school reopening plans, and more

Ian Hanigan
May 29, 2020
Screenshot of Minecraft campus

After making a Minecraft version of their school, Trabuco Hills High students are throwing a virtual prom

Ian Hanigan
May 28, 2020
Coordinator Elke Petras

VIDEO: OC Friday Night Live Partnership honors two school chapters, two advisors and a local organization

Ian Hanigan
May 26, 2020
COVID-19 virus illustration

COVID-19 update: More businesses get the green light as OC advances to stage 2 of state recovery plan

Ian Hanigan
May 23, 2020
Gallery of videoconference participants

VIDEO: Surprise! Six exemplary educators learn they’re OC’s Teachers of the Year

Ian Hanigan
May 22, 2020
ISEF logo

OC students selected to exhibit scientific research at international STEM event

Ian Hanigan
May 19, 2020
PAL Logo

4 PAL programs and an advisor earn honors for engaging students

Ian Hanigan
May 19, 2020
Priscilla Arceo

Santa Ana High valedictorian speaks for the class of 2020 at ‘Graduate Together’ event

Ian Hanigan
May 18, 2020
Classified Employees of the Year

Meet Orange County’s Classified School Employees of the Year for 2020

Ian Hanigan
May 18, 2020
balloons and a sign that reads, "1,000,000 meals served"

Santa Ana Unified has served more than 1 million student meals since closures

Ian Hanigan
May 15, 2020
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We've got stories about OC's innovative graduation We've got stories about OC's innovative graduation ceremonies, a virtual prom in Mission Viejo, school district reopening plans and much more in our weekly roundup of local education news. ⁣ ⁣ Visit the OCDE Newsroom anytime at newsroom.ocde.us for our latest updates.⁣ ⁣ #OC #publicschool #news #OCDE #newsroom #graduation #classof2020
When their school’s senior prom was canceled bec When their school’s senior prom was canceled because of a pandemic, a pair of brothers from Trabuco Hills High School in Mission Viejo had a workaround.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ They had already built their own school — virtually.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ A few months back, as districts were shifting to distance learning, senior Jesse Van Norman and his sophomore brother Ryley enlisted friends to recreate the entire Trabuco Hills campus using the popular game Minecraft, which allows users to build digital worlds.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ They didn’t know exactly where it would all lead, but now that it’s finished, they’ve invited the entire student body — “even the freshmen” — to attend a virtual prom on Saturday, May 30 using Minecraft Java Edition.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ So far, more than 600 have signed up, and those who don’t have that version of Minecraft are encouraged to participate by calling friends.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Jesse said he and his friends weren’t sure if they could handle that many people, but a company called BisectHosting offered up a dedicated server for the occasion.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ “We cannot believe how much support we have gotten for this project, and we are so grateful and could not have done it without everyone’s help,” he told the OCDE Newsroom. “In the end, we built every single room in our school, all to scale. We are super excited to bring everyone together in the game, and make senior year a memorable one.”⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ It sounds like there will be some fun easter eggs to find on the campus thanks to the Van Norman brothers and contributors Alex Nguyen, David Pitterle, Maxx Handal, Taichi Hayashi, Chris Balsells, Angel Dobles and Catherine Lee.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ No word yet on who’s springing for virtual limos.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Watch their super cool video preview on the OCDE Newsroom at newsroom.ocde.us⁣ ⁣ #minecraft #oc #publicschools #prom #distancelearning
This year’s Orange County Teacher of the Year an This year’s Orange County Teacher of the Year announcements looked a bit different.⁣ ⁣ Conspicuously missing was the big yellow bus, dubbed the “Prize Patrol,” which has traditionally carried the county superintendent, camera crews, reporters, sponsors and OCDE representatives from school to school to share the good news.⁣ ⁣ Instead, six exemplary educators found out they’ve been named the 2021 Orange County Teachers of the Year the same way many of us are now virtually connecting — through videoconferencing sessions.⁣ ⁣ The surprises were no less genuine and the smiles were no less broad as winners were greeted by an online gallery of faces that included County Superintendent Al Mijares, OCDE administrators, colleagues and representatives from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, the program’s premier sponsor.⁣ ⁣ From a pool of 58 district-level teachers of the year, 15 were named semifinalists, and from that group five were selected to represent the county — along with one community college instructor. Each was notified on Wednesday after being asked to join separate videoconferencing sessions.⁣ ⁣ Without further ado, the 2021 Orange County Teachers of the Year are:⁣ ⁣ — Shelley Romanoff-Andros, Buena Park Junior High School, Buena Park School District⁣ — James (Mickey) Dickson, Northwood High School, Irvine Unified School District⁣ — Laura Gómez, Martin Elementary School, Santa Ana Unified School District⁣ — Allison Goodlander, Barbara Benson Elementary School, Tustin Unified School District⁣ — Emily Quinlan, Saddleback College, South Orange County Community College District⁣ — Shay Reardon, Ada Clegg Elementary School, Westminster School District⁣ ⁣ For more, visit the OCDE Newsroom.
Meet Orange County’s Classified Employees of the Meet Orange County’s Classified Employees of the Year for 2020!⁣ ⁣ OCDE has selected six county finalists from a pool of 64 district-level winners based on their work performance, leadership, commitment and involvement with their schools and communities.⁣ ⁣ In addition to being honored locally — including an appearance in a full-page ad in today’s Orange County Register — each is now eligible to compete for state honors.⁣ ⁣ The 2020 Orange County Classified Employees of the Year are: ⁣ ⁣ -- Phillip Burns, a sous chef in the Anaheim Union High School District⁣ -- Luis Cordon, a bus driver for the Garden Grove Unified School District⁣ -- Cathy Kitto, an office manager in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District⁣ -- Vanessa Larios, an Extended School Program coordinator in the Fountain Valley School District⁣ -- Danny Salas, a head custodian in the Los Alamitos Unified School District and⁣ -- Timmi Pearson, a paraeducator in the Cypress School District⁣ ⁣ The Classified School Employees of the Year program was established in 2008 by the California Department of Education to spotlight the contributions of classified workers, whose ranks include instructional assistants, custodians, office clerks, technicians, bus drivers and other non-certificated staff members.⁣ ⁣ In Orange County, home to approximately 475,000 public school students, SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union partners with OCDE to annually recognize six exemplary employees who help make sure campuses are safe, supportive and engaging learning environments.⁣ ⁣ “Classified workers are indispensable at all levels of education, ensuring the health, safety and academic success of our students,” Orange County Superintendent Dr. Al Mijares said. “They are often the first to greet students on campus, and many play a central role building relationships with families.” Visit the OCDE Newsroom for more.⁣ ⁣ #OC #publicschools #CEOY #classifiedschoolemployees #OCDE #schoolemployeesrock
This is not what most teachers had in mind when th This is not what most teachers had in mind when they earned their teaching credentials. Many surely imagined planning lessons, decorating classrooms and leading meaningful dialogs with their students. Some may have envisioned using the latest technologies to engage young learners and promote equity. But as we know, the world shifted on its axis this year. By March, school districts in Orange County and throughout the state were taking the unprecedented steps of suspending in-person classes and pivoting to distance learning models in real-time. How did our teachers respond? The same way they always do — by figuring out how to best serve and support students. Read more at newsroom.ocde.us.
Members of the Brea Olinda High School Robotics Te Members of the Brea Olinda High School Robotics Team 7157 are putting their technical talents to good use to produce face shields for first responders and medical personnel in desperate need of personal protective equipment, or PPE. first responders wear mask in photoWhat started with three team members and 60 shields has now grown to 12 members producing almost 200 shields per day. Last week, they assembled their 1000th face shield. @breaolindausd #ppe #robotics
Happy Earth Day! Remember, we only have one. #eart Happy Earth Day! Remember, we only have one. #earthday #earth
Every year around this time, OCDE and VSA Orange C Every year around this time, OCDE and VSA Orange County team up to spotlight the artistic achievements of individuals with disabilities.⁣ ⁣ The VSA Festival is a free, daylong event that’s typically held at MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana on a Saturday in April. But California’s stay-at-home directive and national social distancing measures mean the 44th annual celebration will look a bit different.⁣ ⁣ Instead of an in-person experience, organizers have created a virtual festival, featuring links to a 200-piece art gallery, 15 performance videos, video messages from special guests and educational activities to help students learn more about individuals with disabilities.⁣ ⁣ The virtual celebration launches today, April 18, and can be found here:⁣ ⁣ https://sites.google.com/prod/ocde.us/vsaocfestival⁣ ⁣ Visit the OCDE Newsroom for more information. #oc #OCArtsforALL #specialeducation #idea #imaginationcelebration
OCDE is currently looking to hire a Senior Payroll OCDE is currently looking to hire a Senior Payroll Technician to help the agency support the programs and services it offers. To apply and to see other positions, visit: https://www.edjoin.org/ocde #WorkatOCDE #OCSchoolCareers #jobopenings #jobs
Kyo Pineda, Title I program supervisor in OCDE’s Kyo Pineda, Title I program supervisor in OCDE’s ACCESS program, is doing her part to help COVID-19 first responders. Pineda has been spending much of her free time over the last couple of weeks building protective face shields using her Cricut cutting machine, a device designed to cut hundreds of materials including paper, fabric, leather and balsa wood for DIY projects. Read more at Newsroom.ocde.us. #COVID19 #PPE #volunteers @ppeposse
Want to put on your best face for online instructi Want to put on your best face for online instruction or pre-recording lessons? Try these framing tips from our Media Services team. #distancelearning #teachers #legos
In these immensely challenging times, supporting o In these immensely challenging times, supporting our students and schools remains a top priority for the Orange County Department of Education. Join our team and make a difference. Apply now at www.edjoin.org/ocde. #WorkatOCDE #OCSchoolCareers #jobopenings #jobs
The 2020 U.S. Census is here. This is one of the f The 2020 U.S. Census is here. This is one of the few national activities the American public does together. It’s also easy, confidential and critically important to our students and their communities. Learn more at https://newsroom.ocde.us/2020-census-step-up-and-be-counted-or-help-others-do-so/ #census2020 #census #OCcensus2020
Teachers, do you need some technical tips for your Teachers, do you need some technical tips for your video lessons? Our OCDE Media Services team has put together some information to help incorporate video into daily teaching like Zoom classrooms, or pre-recorded lessons for platforms like Canvas. This first tip is on lighting.
On Friday, March 13, school districts across Orang On Friday, March 13, school districts across Orange County made the difficult decision to temporarily dismiss students in response to COVID-19 fears and calls for social distancing. At the time we found it necessary to hit the pause button so we could better understand the novel coronavirus and its transmission. Many of our districts announced campus closures of two to three weeks and later extended those timelines based on guidance from state and local health officials.⁣ ⁣ This has placed our schools in a holding pattern, and it has been difficult for families to make long-term plans. Now, as we enter a new phase in our understanding of the threat, it is time to address the reality that our efforts to flatten the curve and keep students safe cannot be accomplished in the span of a few weeks or even a month. Even President Trump has called for social distancing measures to continue through April, which for many of our districts would leave only a few weeks to wrap up the school year. Therefore, in alignment with today’s statements from Governor Gavin Newsom and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, I am recommending that school districts in Orange County cancel student attendance on campuses through the end of this academic year and channel their efforts toward adopting robust and effective distance learning models.⁣ ⁣ Read the full statement at newsroom.ocde.us
Hundreds of school staff and community members fro Hundreds of school staff and community members from across OC have worked tirelessly since campuses closed to ensure all children have access to a nutritious breakfast and lunch. Our Media Services team chronicled some of their hard work in this video #grabandgo #schoollunches
OCDE’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing team has a messa OCDE’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing team has a message for students who can’t be at school and are probably missing other aspects of life in Orange County — like trips to Disneyland⁣ ⁣ You can watch the full video at: https://newsroom.ocde.us/ Inspired by social media, counselor Kim Coronado came up with the idea and enlisted the DHH staff, including the principal, teachers, paraeducators, interpreters, the school psychologist, an audiologist, the school nurse, an administrative assistant, and a speech and language pathologist. Teacher Chris Gonzales edited the clips together.⁣ ⁣ “All I know is, after the hardest week I’ve ever endured as not only an educator but a human, I woke up more invigorated than I have all week,” Principal David Longo told his team. “We will get through this, and I feel that more than I ever have.”⁣ ⁣ Based at Venado Middle School and University High School in Irvine Unified, the Orange County Department of Education’s DHH program serves more than 135 students from districts throughout Orange County.⁣ ⁣ #OC #publichealth #ocde #publicschool #covid_19 #disney #itsasmallworld #disneyland #socialdistancing
As we navigate through this difficult time, it can As we navigate through this difficult time, it can be especially tough on our children. Here's a short video created by OCDE's Media Services team with some tips for families to better support kids now spending nearly all their time at home. #health #mentalhealth #staysafe
We’ve heard a lot about social distancing lately We’ve heard a lot about social distancing lately, and you might have also heard the term “flattening the curve.” The two concepts are connected. The idea is that minimizing social contact can effectively slow the spread of a virus so you don’t get a huge wave of illnesses all at once. If that were too happen, a community might not have enough hospital beds or staff to manage patient care. As explained in this brief video produced by OCDE’s Media Services, infectious disease experts say it helps to spread cases out over weeks or months so that health care systems can keep pace. #flattenthecurve #COVID19 #staysafe
To help curb the spread of #COVID-19, Orange Count To help curb the spread of #COVID-19, Orange County public schools are on an extended hiatus for at least the next two weeks. But that doesn’t mean students won’t have access to healthy meals. In fact, most local districts are offering nutritious grab-and-go meals to any student 18 years and younger, regardless of where they go to school. Take a look at the school districts offering meals in your area by visiting Newsroom.OCDE.us. #grab-and-go #schoollunches #staysafe
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OCDE in 30 Seconds

  • COVID-19 virus illustration

    COVID-19 update: More businesses get the green light as OC advances to stage 2 of state recovery plan

    Ian Hanigan
    May 23, 2020
  • An image of Orange County Superintendent Al Mijares

    County superintendent recommends keeping campuses closed to students, focusing on distance learning this school year

    Al Mijares
    April 1, 2020
  • James Nguyen

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: IT team keeps district computers running with backup servers

    Ian Hanigan
    September 12, 2019
  • Ron Segundo

    OCDE in 30: Does your school have an Academic Pentathlon team?

    Ian Hanigan
    August 28, 2018
  • Natalia Abarca

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: Services for Language Learners provides multilingual and multicultural support

    Staff reports
    July 25, 2017
  • Juan Escobar and Michael Morefield

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: Deaf and Hard of Hearing

    Ian Hanigan
    April 28, 2017
  • Nicole Chavez

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: Services for Language Learners unit offers resources and guidance

    Ian Hanigan
    April 14, 2017
  • Elizabeth Desloge

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: OCDE provides services for infants with hearing loss

    Staff reports
    October 25, 2016
  • An image of OCDE Prevention Coordinator Stacy Deeble-Reynolds

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: Resources and networking opportunities available to OC families

    Ian Hanigan
    September 23, 2016
  • An image of OCDE CTEp Senior Director Diana Schneider

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: Career technical education offers STEM opportunities for all students

    Ian Hanigan
    August 11, 2016
  • An image of OCDE staff member Deirdre Hill

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: PAL program built on the philosophy of students helping students

    Ian Hanigan
    July 14, 2016
  • An image of OCDE staff member Esther Craig

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: Friday Night Live empowers youth to be leaders in their communities

    Ian Hanigan
    June 30, 2016
  • An image of OCDE staff member Susana Fernandez

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: Credential and Fingerprinting Services

    Staff reports
    June 9, 2016
  • OCDE Reprographics Supervisor Shawn Black

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: The OCDE print shop makes business cards, books, brochures and more

    Ian Hanigan
    May 12, 2016
  • An image of Program Specialist Dareen Khatib

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: Nutrition programs focus on ‘the whole child’

    Ian Hanigan
    April 21, 2016
  • An image of consultant Phyllis Berenbeim

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: Now in its 40th year, the VSA Festival is ‘Soaring to Greater Heights’

    Ian Hanigan
    April 7, 2016
  • OCDE Facilities Manager Tom Froehlich

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: Looking for meeting space? ‘We’ve got you covered’

    Ian Hanigan
    March 31, 2016
  • OCDE Director of Support Services Gary Stine

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: Here’s a little known fact about OCDE’s Business Services division

    Ian Hanigan
    March 17, 2016
  • An image of Hailey Quirk, a traveling scientist with Inside the Outdoors, with a red-tailed hawk named Apollo

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: A traveling scientist from Inside the Outdoors brings a guest

    Ian Hanigan
    March 3, 2016
  • Rob Vicario, OCDE’s history and social science coordinator

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: A quick look at the National History Day program

    Ian Hanigan
    February 25, 2016
  • OCDE IT Director Louis Mazzarini

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: IT division supports the technology needs of Orange County schools

    Ian Hanigan
    February 18, 2016
  • Program Coordinator Chris Corliss

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: A brief look at the ‘Move More Eat Healthy’ program

    Ian Hanigan
    February 11, 2016
  • Kristin Rigby, a program specialist in charge of academic events

    OCDE in 30 Seconds: We break down the Orange County Academic Decathlon in half a minute

    Ian Hanigan
    February 3, 2016

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Al Mijares, Ph.D.
County Superintendent of Schools

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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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