GGUSD Celebrates February Employees of the Month

At its meeting on Tuesday, GGUSD's Board of Education celebrated our February Employees of the Month: recognizing Sueannie Baltazar, Clerk II for the Office of 7–12 Instruction, and Jackie Novak, Teacher at Carrillo Elementary, for their dedication and positive impact.

Sueannie, who joined the district in 2019 and advanced to her current role in 2023, was praised by colleagues for her exceptional customer service, professionalism, kindness, and humility, consistently making staff, parents, and visitors feel welcomed, heard, and supported.

Jackie, a district educator since 2003, was nominated by both a parent and a student for her patience, kindness, and effective teaching, as well as her creative and engaging approach that motivates students, strengthens skills, and supports academic success.

Watch our video to see these outstanding employees in action.

La Quinta High School Senior Receives Full-Ride NJROTC Scholarship

Congratulations to La Quinta High School senior Alan Dao, whose commitment to excellence, integrity, resilience, and physical strength earned him a full-ride NJROTC scholarship to the college of his choice. The scholarship check was presented to him by U.S. Marine Corps. Captain Thiesen and Sergeant Nguyen at a faculty meeting this week. Following college, Alan will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine Corps.

Alan’s fierce work ethic and unwavering discipline have brought him success in his many rigorous courses, and beyond the classroom. As president of Mock Trial and Aztec Chorale, co-founder of LQ’s Academic Decathlon and Friends of Faith, and member of Boys League and the Westminster Youth Committee, Alan is well rounded, community-connected, and deeply invested in his school and city. Through varsity football, amateur boxing, and training as a Marine Poolee, Alan has developed the physical endurance and mental toughness that will prepare him well for the demands of military service.

Faylane Elementary Supports Family Connections

Families and students came together this morning at Faylane Elementary for a special Connections Activity focused on celebrating what makes each family unique. Faylane families joined school staff to create meaningful crafts designed to spark conversation, strengthen family connections, and highlight what makes their families special.

It was a heartwarming morning of creativity, collaboration, and community—just one more way Faylane Elementary is building strong partnerships between home and school.

GGUSD Nutrition Coordinator Honored as Supervisor of the Year

Congratulations to Jennifer Vo, GGUSD Food Services Nutrition Coordinator, who was honored as Supervisor of the Year at Friday night’s Supervisory Dinner. With a focus on student health and well-being, Jennifer has made a positive impact at cafeterias across the district.

Through her work leading the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program and the Farm-to-School Initiative, she helped significantly increase student fruit and vegetable consumption. Jennifer brings heart and purpose to everything she does, mentoring her team, supporting all sites, upholding the highest food safety standards, organizing taste tests, and guiding future dietetic interns.

GGUSD Celebrates its 60th Anniversary and the Lunar New Year

At this week's Board of Education meeting, GGUSD proudly marked a major milestone with a special presentation honoring our district's 60th anniversary. We were honored to welcome area elected officials and representatives who joined the celebration by presenting commemorative resolutions and certificates recognizing six decades as an exemplary district in service to students and families.

We are deeply grateful for the continued support of our local leaders and community partners as we celebrate our past and look ahead to the future. The meeting also embraced the spirit of the upcoming Lunar New Year, with board members and staff wearing traditional áo dài and enjoying an impressive performance by the Bolsa Grande High School Lion Dancers, bringing excitement and cultural pride.

Woodbury Elementary Celebrates Student Achievements

Woodbury School’s Tiger Pride Assembly celebrated student achievement and civic pride with special guests from the Garden Grove Elks Club.

Woodbury scholars participated in the Elks Americanism Essay Contest, reflecting on the prompt “What does service to your country mean to you?” Thirteen students earned certificates of recognition for their thoughtful essays. Congratulations to Zahira, who was named the school winner, received a $50 cash prize, and will advance to the district level to compete against entries from the eight Elks lodges in the district.

The assembly also recognized spelling excellence, celebrating spelling bee champion Simon along with all of Woodbury’s spelling bee participants. Way to go, Tigers!

Stanley Student Give Their New Student Teacher a Warm Welcome

Third graders at Stanley Elementary rolled out the red carpet to welcome their new student teacher, Ms. Nguyen—a true homegrown success story!

Natalie attended Carrillo, McGarvin, and La Quinta, and is now continuing her journey as a student at Chapman University. To make her first day extra special, a huge thank you to Chapman University for generously donating Chapman shirts and hats for the entire class, helping students give Ms. Nguyen the warmest welcome possible. We’re proud to welcome her back to GGUSD as she pursues her teaching career on her path to lifelong success.

Garden Park Elementary Students Get Creative During Kindness Week

Garden Park Elementary students got creative last week during Kindness Week with a rock painting activity focused on spreading positive messages and bright smiles! These colorful rocks were a fun way for students to express kindness, encouragement, and creativity—reminding everyone that small acts can make a big difference.

GGUSD Celebrates School Counselors' Week

February 2–6, 2026 marks National School Counseling Week, and GGUSD is proud to celebrate our incredible school counselors. This year’s theme, “School Counselors Amplify Student Success,” highlights the vital role counselors play in supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally.

Across GGUSD, school counselors guide students toward rigorous learning, support their social-emotional well-being, and advocate for access, equity, and opportunity—helping students stay on track, explore college and career pathways, and envision bright futures. During a challenging year for many students and families, counselors have led with empathy, creating safe, welcoming spaces that foster belonging, resilience, and hope.

Thank you for your dedication and for amplifying student success every day.

Rosita Elementary Celebrates Kindness Week

Rosita Elementary School came together to celebrate Kindness Week last week, focusing on compassion, respect, and appreciation for one another. As part of the celebration, every class contributed to a school-wide heart artwork—symbolizing how individual acts of kindness unite to create a caring, supportive school community. This meaningful project reminded students that even small gestures can make a big difference when we work together.

Allen Elementary Receives a Roaring Applause for Disney Performance

It was pure magic on stage at Ethan Allen Elementary! The students absolutely roared to life in their incredible performance of The Lion King! From the outstanding costumes to the impressive acting and beautiful, confident singing, every moment was filled with heart, talent, and hard work.

It was amazing to see our students bring so much energy, emotion, and creativity to the stage. Bravo to the students, teachers, and everyone behind the scenes who helped make this unforgettable production come to life.

GGUSD Recognizes February as Black History Month

GGUSD proudly celebrates February as Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black leaders, innovators, and communities who have shaped our nation and continue to inspire progress.

Considering a School Transfer for the 2026–2027 school year?

While most GGUSD students attend their school of residence or the neighborhood school closest to home, GGUSD offers transfer options for families who would like to explore other opportunities. Families living within GGUSD boundaries may apply for an intradistrict transfer, and families living outside GGUSD boundaries may apply for an interdistrict transfer. The 2026–2027 transfer application window is open now through February 13, 2026.

Applications are 100% online—no need to visit the district office or a school site.

Apply at ggusd.us/transfers

Transfer Window Timeline (2026–2027):

• Priority Window: January 12 – February 13, 2026

(Intradistrict Parental Choice and specified reason intradistrict/interdistrict applications)

• Applications received after this window will be processed as space allows

Dual Language Academies:

For Spanish Dual Language at Monroe, Russell, or Simmons or Vietnamese Dual Language at Murdy, the priority enrollment period ends January 31, 2026. Learn more and sign up for a parent orientation at ggusd.us/dual.

Questions or need support? Contact the Office of Student Services at (714) 663-6391 or visit ggusd.us/transfers for more information.

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.