September 19, 2025

#GGUSDPRIDE E-newsletter
The #GGUSDPride E-newsletter features many of the great things happening in GGUSD.  
Send your photos to pio_department@ggusd.us to highlight your school or students in the e-newsletter.

GGUSD Participates in Santa Ana's Fiestas Patrias Parade

Over 120 GGUSD students along with GGUSD Board of Education Trustee Walter Muneton, Superintendent Dr. Gabriela Mafi, and Assistant Superintendent of K-12 Educational Services Dr. Lorena Sanchez participated in the City of Santa Ana's Fiestas Patrias Parade last weekend. Performers from both Santiago and La Quinta Folklorico groups gave excited parade attendees an amazing show with their performances and our GGUSD busses full of pride rolled down Main Street! With approximately 20% of our students residing in Santa Ana and six school within the city limits, GGUSD is proud to be a part of the Santa Ana community.

Dr. Mafi Kicks Off Mentoring Program at Violette Elementary

Violette Elementary rolled out the red carpet on Tuesday, September 16 to warmly welcome Superintendent Dr. Gabriela Mafi for an inspiring day! During a special assembly with sixth graders, Dr. Mafi officially launched Violette’s inaugural year of the district’s College and Career Mentoring Program (CCMP).


This visionary program pairs sixth graders with GGUSD graduates and current college students who mentor them, helping develop the academic and personal skills needed for lifelong success.


During the assembly, Dr. Mafi shared her own story to inspire the next generation of leaders and encourage students to dream big about their futures! The day was made even more special as Violette students, staff, and families came together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with vibrant Baile Folklórico performances by students from La Quint High School, filling the school with culture, color, and joy.

Los Amigos Hosts Successful Community Resource Fair

As part of its Community Schools initiatives, Los Amigos High School hosted a successful Community Resource Fair yesterday attended by more than 800 families. The Resource Fair was coordinated in collaboration with Clinton Corner, Eisenhower, Heritage, Newhope, Russell and Fitz, PTO and Boys & Girls Club and provided an array of resources including clothing, food boxes, hot meals, backpacks, mobile health clinics, toy distribution, and a variety of resources regarding immigrant rights, medical assistance, child support services, transportation, legal aid, mental health and more.


Thank you to our amazing community partners, including the Orange County Social Services Agency, for providing families with opportunities to connect with valuable community resources and support services. This event was a fantastic representation of what Community Schools look like! Kudos to everyone who made this event successful.

Garden Grove High School Celebrates Its 104th Birthday

On September 15, 1921, the very first day of school began for what was then called Garden Grove Union High School — and 104 years later, Argonaut pride is stronger than ever. A huge thank you to the band, cheer team, and choir for bringing today’s celebration to life with their incredible performances. GGUSD is proud of Garden Grove High’s rich history and lasting legacy in our community.

GGUSD 2025 College Fair

GGUSD is excited to host our Annual College Fair on Monday, October 6, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Orange County (Grand Ballroom – North Tower) in Garden Grove!


This free event is the perfect opportunity for 11th and 12th grade students and their families to:

  • Explore college options and find the best fit
  • Meet with representatives from CSU, UC, private, and out-of-state universities
  • Learn about the college admissions process and how to prepare for future goals


GGUSD counselors will be on-site to answer questions, and interpretation will be available in Spanish & Vietnamese. 11999 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, CA 92840


For more information, call the Department of Parent & Community Outreach at (714) 663-6084. We look forward to seeing our students and families there!

Schools Across GGUSD Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Special Performances

Schools across GGUSD are honoring Hispanic Heritage Month with special performances, music, and cultural celebrations! Students, staff, and families are coming together to celebrate traditions, showcase talent, and highlight the rich contributions of Hispanic culture within our community.

GGUSD Schools Continue to Welcome Families to Campus for Back to School Night

Garden Grove Unified School District schools continue to warmly welcome families for Back to School Nights across the district. These special evenings give parents and guardians the opportunity to connect with teachers, learn about classroom expectations, and celebrate the start of a successful school year together.

Evans Elementary Hosts Fall Family BBQ

Evans Elementary recently brought families together for a fun-filled Fall Family BBQ! Students, staff, and families enjoyed delicious food, music, and community time, making the day a memorable kickoff to the season.

GGUSD Recognizes September 15 - October 15 As Hispanic Heritage Month

GGUSD is proud that nearly 54% of our student population and a large number of our employees are of Latino/a descent Throughout the year, we frequently host cultural events that celebrate our district’s diversity. We are proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by spotlighting our students and staff! 

GGUSD Honors Its Homegrown Staff

GGUSD is excited to celebrate our amazing #HomeGrown staff in honor of our 60th Anniversary year! This week we are highlighting Olivia Hufnagel, a proud graduate of Mitchell Elementary, Jordan Intermediate, and Bolsa Grande High School. Olivia has dedicated an incredible 30 years of service to GGUSD and serves as the Principal of Violette Elementary School.


She shared, “I have great appreciation for the teachers and staff that helped me along my educational journey. I wanted to give back to my community.” Olivia also added, “We have a strong sense of collegiality among our team. GGUSD feels like family.”


We are grateful for Olivia’s three decades of dedication and the positive impact she continues to make on students, families, and staff every day.

GGUSD Recognizes September as National Suicide Prevention Month

GGUSD recognizes September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and remains committed to the mental health and well-being of our students, staff, and families. In 2019, GGUSD launched Choose Wellness as a way to raise awareness and support for important mental health topics. GGUSD has expanded counseling services, opened Wellness Centers, and provided ongoing support for our school community. Trained professionals—including counselors, psychologists, mental health specialists, and social workers—are available on campuses, along with any trusted adult who can help connect students to resources. If you or someone you know is struggling, call 988 or text 741741 for 24/7 confidential support.

Important Dates for the 2025-26 School Year

Looking for important dates and holidays during the school year? View our GGUSD 2025-26 school year calendar and bookmark this page to keep track of the important dates this upcoming school year!

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.

Garden Grove Unified School District
10331 Stanford Ave.
Garden Grove, CA 92840
Phone: (714) 663-6000
www.ggusd.us
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