Join Us at Our 60th Anniversary Celebration!

GGUSD is proud to welcome current and former students, staff, families, and community members to join in celebrating our 60th Anniversary on Friday, May 15 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bolsa Stadium.

This exciting milestone event will honor GGUSD’s rich history, celebrate the incredible achievements of our students and staff, and look ahead to a bright future. It’s an event designed for all ages—truly something the whole family can enjoy!

Guests can look forward to:

🎭 Student performances showcasing musical and artistic talent

🍔 A variety of delicious food trucks

🚗 A mini car show featuring classic and unique vehicles

🏫 A History Walk highlighting 60 years of memories and milestones

🎧 Live DJ music and a mascot dance-off

🎓 Alumni Association booths to reconnect with fellow graduates

📸 Photo stations to capture special moments

🎯 Fun games and activities for children including a bounce obstacle course

🎁 Prizes and giveaways from community partners and local businesses

This is a wonderful opportunity to come together, reconnect with friends, celebrate community pride, and honor the people who have helped make GGUSD so special over the past 60 years.

May Employees of the Month

The Garden Grove Unified School District Board of Education proudly recognized the May Employees of the Month, celebrating two outstanding administrators for their leadership, dedication, and commitment to student success!

Jamie Wells, Principal of Allen Elementary, was honored for her innovative, student-centered leadership that continues to strengthen TK–6 education. Known for her collaborative spirit and positive presence, she uplifts both students and staff while building a strong and supportive school community.

Christine Pijl, Principal of Santiago High School, was recognized for her unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of achievement and pride. Under her leadership, programs such as Early College Academy, Community Schools, and Athletics have flourished—helping Santiago earn its first California Distinguished School recognition.

GGUSD thanks these exceptional leaders for the meaningful impact they make every day!

Class of 2026 Valedictorians

At its meeting on Tuesday, the Garden Grove Unified School District Board of Education proudly recognized the Class of 2026 valedictorians for their exceptional achievements!

These outstanding students have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and service across GGUSD schools—earning honors such as AP Scholar with Distinction, national scholarship recognition, and industry certifications. From Academic Decathlon and robotics to athletics, ASB, and community service, their dedication and drive truly set them apart.

Many of these valedictorians are headed to top universities including UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC Irvine, where they will pursue fields like neuroscience, engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, and political science.

Beyond the classroom, their impact is felt through founding clubs, leading teams, mentoring peers, and giving back through hundreds of hours of community service. GGUSD celebrates their incredible accomplishments and looks forward to the bright future ahead!

GGUSD High Schools Celebrate Seniors at College Signing Events

Celebrating the Class of 2026! GGUSD has officially kicked off its #GGUSDCollegeSigning events, recognizing college-bound seniors as they take the next exciting step toward their futures. Congratulations to all GGUSD students committing to colleges and universities!

GGUSD students graduate prepared for success, with thousands participating in Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses each year — earning valuable college credits while still in high school.

GGHS Celebrates Student Success at Senior Awards Night

Last week, Garden Grove High School proudly celebrated its Class of 2026 at Senior Awards Night, honoring the incredible achievements, scholarships, and bright futures ahead for these outstanding students. Congratulations to our Argos for their hard work, perseverance, and dedication—your success is just the beginning!

Santiago Celebrates Early College Academy Students

Last week, Santiago High School hosted its Early College Academy Banquet to recognize students who successfully completed their dual enrollment coursework through Santa Ana College.

These dedicated students demonstrated incredible hard work, perseverance, and determination while balancing college coursework during high school—giving them an amazing head start on their futures.

Congratulations to Santiago’s ECA graduates on this incredible accomplishment. GGUSD is proud of all you have achieved and excited for the bright futures ahead!

Classified Staff Showcase Their Work Through Job Shadow Experience

As part of the Appreciating Classified Employees (ACE) program, GGUSD Board of Education members, the superintendent, assistant superintendents, district and site leaders and local officials stepped into the shoes of classified staff through a special job shadow experience. This opportunity offered a firsthand look at the essential roles and daily contributions of classified employees across the district.

The experience allowed classified staff to proudly showcase their work while receiving well-deserved recognition and appreciation from GGUSD leadership. The initiative, led by CSEA Chapter 121, concluded with a reception where participants reflected on their experiences and shared meaningful insights.

It was inspiring to see the connection and appreciation grow, highlighting how every role plays a vital part in supporting student success. GGUSD is grateful for the dedication and impact of its classified employees each and every day.

GGUSD Celebrates School Lunch Hero Day

Across Garden Grove Unified, dedicated nutrition services staff work tirelessly to ensure students are fueled, cared for, and ready to learn each day. From preparing balanced meals to creating welcoming cafeteria environments, these everyday heroes make a meaningful impact on student health and success. GGUSD proudly recognizes and thanks its school lunch heroes for their commitment, kindness, and essential role in supporting the well-being of every student.

Excelsior Elementary Welcomes Families to Campus for Open House

Excelsior Elementary recently welcomed families for a wonderful Open House celebration! Students proudly showcased their hard work, inviting loved ones into their classrooms to share projects, achievements, and the learning experiences that have shaped their year.

From engaging displays to meaningful conversations between teachers and families, the evening highlighted the strong partnership that supports student success. GGUSD is proud of Excelsior Elementary for creating such a welcoming and inspiring event for the entire school community!

Clinton Corner Welcomes Families to Campus for Open House

Clinton Corner recently welcomed families and community members to its Open House celebration! Students proudly showcased their hard work, creativity, and accomplishments through engaging classroom displays and activities.The event was a wonderful opportunity for families to connect with teachers, explore student learning, and celebrate the supportive school community that makes Clinton Corner such a special place. GGUSD is proud of the students and staff for creating an exciting and memorable evening for all!

Rancho Alamitos High School Celebrates Culture and Community

with Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Rancho Alamitos High School recently brought culture, tradition, and community together with a vibrant Cinco de Mayo celebration! Students and staff enjoyed festive music and activities that highlighted the rich heritage and history behind the holiday. A special thank you to Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein for joining the celebration! It was a joyful event filled with school spirit, cultural appreciation, and unforgettable moments for the Rancho community.

GGUSD Schools Participate in 'Kids Run the OC'

GGUSD proudly participated in Kids Run the OC—an inspiring initiative that promotes student health, wellness and goal-setting through physical activity. Over the course of several months, students in running clubs logged 25 miles, building endurance and dedication as they worked toward an incredible goal.

Their journey culminated at the OC Fairgrounds, where students completed the final mile to achieve a full marathon—an unforgettable moment of pride and accomplishment!

Kids Run the OC also strengthens school-community connections, with families and volunteers cheering students on every step of the way. GGUSD is proud of these students for developing positive habits and proving that with commitment and support, anything is possible!

Barker Elementary Welcomes Families to Campus for Open House

Barker Elementary School scholars shined bright last week at Open House, where families came together for a memorable evening of connection, creativity, and celebration—enjoying a special tile painting project, touring beautifully decorated classrooms, and experiencing an inspiring showcase of student learning that reflected the heart of Barker’s vibrant school community.

Ralston Intermediate Inspires Students to Learn & Grow

Ralston Intermediate School continues to shine as a place where students are inspired to learn, grow, and lead! With dedicated educators, engaging classrooms, and a strong sense of community, Ralston empowers students to reach their full potential both academically and personally. From innovative learning experiences to meaningful connections on campus, Ralston Intermediate is building a bright future for every student!

Paine Elementary Hosts Dia de los Niños Celebration

GGUSD recently celebrated Día de los Niños at Thomas Paine Elementary with a joyful event that brought students, families, and the community together!

The celebration featured student performances, including the National Anthem by the chorus and original poems by 6th graders , along with games , art , music , a 2nd grade performance, and a vibrant closing dance by the La Quinta High School Folklórico group

GGUSD thanks all who attended for supporting and celebrating its unique students!

GGUSD Recognizes May 6th as School Nurse Day

Across the district, school nurses are recognized for the extraordinary care, compassion, and expertise they bring to campuses each and every day. Often the first to notice when a student needs support—physically, emotionally, or mentally—our nurses provide calm in moments of crisis and comfort in times of uncertainty.

Their impact reaches far beyond the health office. By helping students stay healthy and ready to learn, they support academic success, nurture personal growth, and model the skills needed for lifelong well-being. Whether managing chronic conditions, responding to emergencies, supporting mental health, or simply offering a listening ear, GGUSD nurses play a vital role in strengthening the entire school community.

GGUSD extends its deepest gratitude to all school nurses for their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and heart.

GGUSD Recognizes May as Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

GGUSD proudly celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by honoring the cultures, traditions and voices that enrich our schools and community.

For 10-year-old Rikki, being Samoan means taking pride in family, culture and traditions. During Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Rikki enjoys celebrating through food, music and dance, especially sharing her favorite dish, Panipopo, a sweet bread with coconut milk sauce.

Rikki shared that her culture teaches her to respect her elders and always put family first — values that are a meaningful part of who she is. GGUSD is proud to celebrate and uplift the diverse cultures and stories of our students this month and every month.

GGUSD is Hiring College Tutors!

GGUSD is seeking dedicated undergraduate and graduate students to support programs like AVID, AVID Excel, Academies, and Resource Centers. This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable experience in education.

College tutors play an important role in mentoring students, supporting their academic success, and helping build confidence for the future. With a positive work environment, competitive pay, and a strong team, GGUSD offers a rewarding way to give back to the community.

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.

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.