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An image of Orange County Superintendent Al Mijares

Mijares: OC’s Distinguished Schools leverage technology, collaboration and engaging instruction

Al Mijares
April 24, 2018
Rosita Elementary students holding a banner in front of the Distinguished Schools banner

How 43 local schools got that ‘Distinguished’ look

Ian Hanigan
April 10, 2018
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Engineering students from Estancia High School in Engineering students from Estancia High School in the @newportmesausd recently landed a first-place team win at the 2021 Vital Link Energy Invitational Engineering Design Competition for turning a simple go-kart into an extremely energy-efficient electric car. The sixteen seniors — dubbed “Team Havoc” — were tasked with crafting a vehicle large enough to accommodate a driver that could travel as fast and as far as possible on only $1 worth of energy. Check out their story in this week's edition of the Weekly roundup (link in bio).
Happy #schoolnurseday to our amazing school nurses Happy #schoolnurseday to our amazing school nurses across Orange County. The selfless acts of care and courage demonstrated by our nurses throughout the pandemic have been truly inspiring. Their dedication to the health, safety and social-emotional wellbeing of every student is something we are thankful for every day! #thankaschoolnurse
Vincent Wilson, a cadet from Sunburst Youth Challe Vincent Wilson, a cadet from Sunburst Youth Challenge Academy @iamsunburst , recently earned top honors in the seventh annual Jack R. Hammett Memorial Day Essay Contest, which is organized annually by the Orange County Board of Education for students enrolled in OCDE’s alternative education program, or ACCESS. Edwin Perez was awarded second-place and a $250 prize for his submission on the importance of gratitude for those who fought for the United States — and for those who wear its colors today. Perez is also a cadet at @iamsunburst , a community high school for at-risk youth operated by the California National Guard in partnership with OCDE. Sunburst cadets spend more than five months in a military-style environment that helps them develop leadership, pride and confidence as they earn high school credits. Third place was awarded to Erik Perez, who received $150 for his essay highlighting the connection between military service and freedom, as well as the need to care for veterans. Perez attends OCDE’s Otto Fischer School. Thirteen students in total received recognition for their submissions. A full list of winners can be viewed in the OCDE Newsroom. (link in bio).
A student group from Foothill High School in the @ A student group from Foothill High School in the @tustinusd has created a series of ten stylized posters in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, each commemorating an important historical figure with an inspirational quote. A wide range of Asian American and Pacific Islander figures are represented, including those who’ve earned distinction in business, film, government, music, science and sports. Their beautiful artwork can also be viewed in the OCDE Newsroom (link in bio.)
Our Food and Nutrition Services teams are truly ev Our Food and Nutrition Services teams are truly every day heroes! They’ve been working nonstop to ensure our students, whether remote or face-to-face, have access to healthy meals. We are so grateful for their hard work, dedication and flexibility. Help us to celebrate by leaving a shoutout to our amazing food service team members in the comments. 💙#schoollunchheroday
#ICYMI: OC campuses are ranked among the ‘Best H #ICYMI: OC campuses are ranked among the ‘Best High Schools’ according @usnews latest rundown. Oxford Academy @oa_patriots in the @AnaheimUnion took the No. 1 spot for all of California and was ranked No. 11 nationally. Visit the OCDE Newsroom to view a list of the Orange County schools that we found in the top 1,000 (link in bio).
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! 🙌🏻👏🏻
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OCDE in 30 Seconds

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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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