GGUSD Celebrates Nine 2026 CA Distinguished Schools

GGUSD is celebrating a historic achievement as nine secondary schools have been named 2026 California Distinguished Schools. This marks the most secondary schools to receive the distinction in a single year in district history and more than any other district in Orange County.

Recognized schools include Bell, Irvine, McGarvin and Ralston intermediate schools, along with Bolsa Grande, Los Amigos, La Quinta, Pacifica and Santiago high schools. The honor from the California Department of Education recognizes schools demonstrating excellence in academic achievement and success in closing opportunity gaps.

GGUSD Celebrates Orange County Classified Employees of the Year!

Two GGUSD employees — electrician Paul Dalmas and Parkview Student Supervision Assistant Debbie Guevara — have been recognized as Classified Employees of the Year by the Orange County Department of Education, placing them among nine honorees countywide.

Superintendent Gabriela Mafi made surprise visits to their work sites last week to share the news and thank them for their exceptional work ethic and dedication to GGUSD students, staff, and schools.

GGUSD Leads the Way in Bilingual Education

Last week at the 2026 CABE (California Association for Bilingual Education) Annual Conference in San Francisco, Board of Education Vice President Lan Nguyen and Trustee Teri Rocco proudly accepted two major statewide awards recognizing the district’s leadership in bilingual education.

GGUSD received the 2026 Trailblazer—Visionary Board Award from the California Association for Bilingual Education and the 2026 Lynne Aoki Multiple Pathways to Biliteracy District Recognition Award from Californians Together.

These honors celebrate GGUSD’s leadership in expanding bilingual education and commitment to multilingual success. GGUSD's well-developed Spanish and Vietnamese dual language pathways and after-school heritage language programs equip students with biliteracy skills, cultural enrichment and school-community connections - helping students graduate prepared for college and career success in a global society.

Bolsa Grande Senior Receives 'Every Student Succeeding" Award

GGUSD proudly congratulates Bolsa Grande High School senior Nathaniel Fiaputa for receiving the Every Student Succeeding Award at the “Student Superheroes Every Student Succeeding Breakfast,” hosted by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 17 at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana on March 6.

The award recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional resilience while overcoming significant personal challenges. Nathaniel was selected for his perseverance, leadership and determination in the face of adversity.

With the support of his grandparents, extended family and a network of teachers, counselors, administrators and coaches, Nathaniel has continued to thrive both academically and athletically. A respected leader on Bolsa Grande’s football team, he inspires teammates and mentors younger students while balancing varsity athletics and strong academics.

Nathaniel has also been accepted to multiple four-year universities, reflecting his dedication and bright future ahead.

Pacifica Teacher Receives CATE 2026 Classroom Excellence Award

GGUSD proudly celebrates Annie Stultz, teacher at Pacifica High School, for receiving the CATE 2026 Classroom Excellence Award!

A true GGUSD homegrown educator, Annie shared that her journey into teaching began when she was a second-grade student at Post Elementary School. Inspired by her teacher, Ms. Newman, who invited her to stay after school and help in the classroom, that early spark grew into a lifelong calling to serve the same community that shaped her.

In her acceptance speech, Annie reflected on the purpose that guides her work and the community that supports it—her students, colleagues, and mentors. Her story highlights how mentorship, collaboration, and a strong sense of purpose help educators continue making a lasting difference in the lives of students.

GGUSD and Pacifica High School are proud to celebrate Annie for this well-deserved honor and for the inspiration she brings to her classroom every day.

Bolsa Students Earn Top Awards in STEAM Competition

GGUSD students soared to success at the Knott’s Berry Farm STEAM Animatronics Bird Competition. The talented team From Bolsa Grande High School earned first place for Best Figure Finishing, second place for Best Build Quality, and second place in three other categories—an incredible achievement!

A huge congratulations to Samantha C., Alexis P., Nicholas R., and Adrian R., who dedicated over 25 hours after school designing, building, and perfecting their animatronic bird. Their creativity, teamwork, and commitment truly paid off.

The competition challenged students to plan, design, and fabricate a fully functional animatronic bird, giving them hands-on experience in engineering, manufacturing, and problem-solving. Experiences like this bring learning to life while letting students have fun and explore their passions.

GGUSD Hosts 48th Annual First Impressions Art Exhibit & Awards

GGUSD proudly celebrated student creativity at the 48th Annual First Impressions Art Exhibit and Awards on March 7 at the Garden Grove Community Center. The event showcased over 600 stunning pieces from students across all grade levels, with families, staff, and community members honoring their achievements.

Fitz Intermediate Receives the '2026 Schools to Watch' Designation

On Friday, March 6th, during the California League of Middle Schools Conference in Long Beach, Fitz Intermediate Language Academy and Lake Intermediate School were awarded the 2026 California Schools to Watch designation. The Schools to Watch network highlights outstanding middle schools across 21 states that demonstrate academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity, and strong organizational practices. Congratulations to the staff, students and families at Fitz and Lake on this well-deserved honor!

Santiago MESA Students Receive a Special Visit From the LA Chargers

The celebration for Santiago High School’s MESA students who were victorious at the 8th Annual STEM on the Sidelines event continued this week with a visit and lunchtime pep rally featuring representatives from UCI, Ducommun, and the LA Charger’s, who team up to organize the annual event.

Representing the Chargers was defensive back Kendall Williamson, a Stanford graduate and STEM major, who took some time to visit the students in the classroom, where they showed him some of the projects that have earned them numerous accolades and awards.

It all concluded with a CHARGED up Cavalier community being led by the band and cheerleaders welcoming the winning MESA team of Yahir Martinez, Elena Ocampo, Fabian Hernandez, Chandler Kim, and David Le as well as Kendall as they made their way to the quad. Kendall then stuck around for some pictures and autographs with the students.

GGUSD Hosts Community Job Fair

Last Friday, GGUSD welcomed job seekers from across the community to the Lincoln Education Center for an opportunity to connect with our hiring team, explore open positions, and even submit applications on-site!

From Campus Safety Assistants to Bilingual Instructional Aides and Health Assistants, attendees had the opportunity to learn about a variety of rewarding roles within our district. With on-site support and a welcoming atmosphere, it was a great day to take the next step toward joining GGUSD, Orange County’s First California Exemplary School District!

Sixth Graders at Lawrence Elementary Head to Camp

Sixth graders from Lawrence Elementary kicked off an exciting three-day outdoor camp experience, filled with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow!

Before leaving, parents wrote heartfelt letters for their students to read while at camp, offering encouragement and love as they begin this memorable adventure. During the trip, students will work together to build forts, learn about health and wellness, cook meals as a group, and enjoy plenty of time bonding with classmates.

From team-building activities to dancing and laughter, the camp experience is helping students strengthen friendships and build a strong sense of community that will last long after the trip ends.

Morningside Elementary Celebrates Read Across America Week

Many schools across GGUSD including Morningside Elementary School nurtured students' enthusiasm for reading during their Read Across America festivities!

Throughout the week, Mustangs participated in special activities that highlighted the joy of literacy, including a Storytime Lunch with Loved Ones on Wednesday and a Whole School Reading on the Lawn on Friday. These moments brought families, friends, and the school community together to celebrate the power of books.

Every student also took part in the Read Across America Challenge, with five lucky readers winning a special reading goodie bag filled with bookmarks, treats, an adorable reading buddy, and a $20 gift card to Barnes & Noble, generously donated by the Morningside PTA.

Events like these help inspire a lifelong love of reading while building important skills like imagination, empathy, and academic growth. Way to go, Mustangs!

Pre-Enroll Your Child for the 2026/27 School Year!

GGUSD has opened pre-enrollment for the 2026-27 school year. We encourage families registering children in Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten to get started today!

Parents should pre-enroll online at enroll.ggusd.us and contact their child’s home school for support.

GGUSD Cohosts Webinar on Teen Mental Health in the Age of Social Media

GGUSD invites families to a special webinar on Teen Mental Health in the Social Media Age, presented in partnership with UC Irvine, UC Irvine Health and Assemblyman Tri Ta. Hear from leading experts about how social media impacts adolescent well-being and learn about practical tools and resources to help support healthy, resilient teens. RSVP: asmrc.org/gz/socialmedia

GGUSD Highlights Dual Language Immersion Program

Students in GGUSD's Dual Language Immersion programs are building powerful skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Programs like the one at McGarvin Intermediate School help students become bilingual, biliterate, and culturally aware while strengthening their academic learning. Through engaging lessons and meaningful collaboration, students develop confidence communicating in two languages while gaining a deeper appreciation for diverse cultures and perspectives. Programs like these prepare GGUSD students with valuable skills that will benefit them in college, careers, and an increasingly connected world.

Hare High School Students Celebrate Read Across America Week with Zeyen Elementary

Last week, students from Hare High School visited Zeyen Elementary School to help celebrate Read Across America Week! High schoolers shared their favorite stories, reading aloud to younger students and helping foster a love of books and literacy across the school community. Their time spent connecting with students highlighted the power of mentorship, reading, and community support in inspiring lifelong readers.

Evans Students Perform a Stunning Rendition of Finding Nemo

With practice and teamwork, Evans scholars brought the beloved underwater story of Finding Nemo to life on stage, impressing families and staff with their creativity, confidence, and enthusiasm. From colorful sea creatures to lively musical numbers, the performance showcased the incredible talent and dedication of Evans students. GGUSD is proud to celebrate opportunities like this that allow students to explore the arts, build confidence, and shine on stage. Bravo to the amazing cast, teachers, and staff who helped make this performance unforgettable!

Patton Students Deliver Enchanting Performance of The Little Mermaid

Patton Elementary brought the magic of the ocean to life with their enchanting performance of The Little Mermaid! Students captivated the audience with their energy, creativity, and teamwork, turning the stage into an unforgettable undersea adventure. From dazzling costumes to lively songs, every moment showcased the talent and dedication of Patton’s young performers. Their hard work and passion for the arts made this performance a truly special experience for the entire school community.

Lawrence and Violette Elementary Explore Careers with Junior Achievement

Students at Lawrence Elementary School and Violette Elementary School recently explored the world of careers, business, and financial literacy through engaging lessons with Junior Achievement! Volunteer professionals visited classrooms to share real-world insights while guiding students through hands-on activities like creating mock businesses, learning how to budget and save money, and exploring different career paths. By connecting classroom learning to real-life experiences, students gained valuable skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. These interactive lessons help bring the goals of GGUSD to life—empowering students with the knowledge and confidence they need to think about their futures and succeed in the global economy.

Garden Grove High School Hosts Open House

GGUSD celebrated a wonderful evening of community and school pride at the recent Open House at Garden Grove High School. Families explored classrooms, met dedicated teachers and staff, and saw firsthand the engaging learning experiences taking place across campus.

Students proudly showcased their work, performances, and programs, giving parents and families a closer look at the Argonaut spirit and the many opportunities available to students. Thank you to everyone who joined in making the evening a memorable celebration of learning, connection, and school pride!

GGUSD Invites 4th-12th Grade Parents and Students to Workshop regarding Preparing for Future Success in College

In collaboration with OC United Way, GGUSD invites 4th–12th grade students and their families to attend an informational workshop series, Demystifying College Myths, on Thursday, March 26, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Alamitos Intermediate School, located at 12381 Dale Street, Garden Grove.

These workshops are designed to provide families with the tools, guidance, and support needed to prepare students for college success. Sessions will be tailored to each grade level:

• Elementary parents will learn about the pathway to college through building strong scholarly habits.
• Intermediate parents will learn how to prepare their students for success in high school.
• 9th and 10th grade parents will learn about college eligibility requirements.
• 11th and 12th grade parents will receive detailed information on college applications and financial aid.
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Workshops will be presented in English, with interpretation available in Spanish and Vietnamese. Dinner will be provided. Please RSVP by scanning the QR code on the flyer or visit: https://ocuw.to/DG-Workshop-2026

Free Live-Chat Tutoring for All GGUSD Students

GGUSD has partnered with Varsity Tutors to offer FREE 24/7 live chat tutoring and one-hour tutoring sessions to support students in their academic success (Goal 1). The program is accessible from home through ClassLink using a district-provided device.