GGUSD In the News for Community Schools Expansion

Orange County Register highlighted our recent expansion of Community Schools visited Russell Elementary Language Academy last week to see our Community Schools work in action.

GGUSD Kicks Off College & Career Mentoring Program

This week, GGUSD Superintendent Dr. Gabriela Mafi visited Russell Elementary Language Academy to kick off the College & Career Mentoring Program — and brought plenty of inspiration with her!

During a special sixth-grade assembly, Dr. Mafi shared her personal journey and encouraged students to:

• Build strong scholarly habits
• Embrace a growth mindset
• Believe in their potential for lifelong success

The College & Career Mentoring Program — offered at 40 GGUSD elementary schools — pairs GGUSD graduates and current college students with sixth graders to support their academic and personal development. Dr. Mafi visits schools weekly to launch this meaningful program and spark excitement about the future!

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!

Wakeham Elementary Hosts "Lunch with a Loved One" Event

Garden Grove Unified School District is proud to highlight Wakeham Elementary’s heartwarming Lunch with a Loved One event held yesterday! Families gathered on campus to share a special meal, create memories, and celebrate the strong school-home connection that helps students thrive.

Faylane Elementary Welcomes Families for Back to School Night

Garden Grove Unified School District is thrilled to celebrate Faylane Elementary’s successful Back to School Night this week! Families, students, and staff came together to kick off the school year with excitement and Falcon pride . Thank you to our dedicated teachers and supportive families for making the evening such a welcoming and engaging experience for all!

A Piece of GGUSD History

Many may know that the oldest campus in GGUSD is Garden Grove High School but not many know about the drastic visual changes the campus has gone through over the years. When Garden Grove Union High School (as it was known back then) opened in 1921, the school looked very different than it does today with many of the original buildings being replaced to meet the demands of the times.

The building seen in this photo, now known as Heritage Hall, was once visible from Stanford Ave. (in the foreground) until construction of the library building in the early 1960's. Throughout its 100 plus year history, GGHS has seen many changes but one thing that has not changed is the pride that Argonauts of the present, past, and future have for their school.

Attend the GGUSD Job Fair!

Looking for a job that makes a difference? Join us at the GGUSD Job Fair!

Friday, Sept. 19

8 AM – 12 PM

Lincoln Education Center

11262 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove

Meet our amazing team and explore in-demand job opportunities at our award-winning district!

• Chat 1-on-1 with staff
• Apply on the spot
• Learn how YOU can be part of the GGUSD family!

We’re hiring for:

• Afternoon Snack Workers
• Campus Safety Assistants
• Health Assistants
• Instructional Assistants
• School Community Liaisons (Bilingual Spanish & Vietnamese)

…and MORE!

GGUSD = Supportive culture, competitive pay, and growth opportunities!

We especially welcome GGUSD grads, parents, and local community members looking to work close to home!

GGUSD Honors Its Homegrown Staff

GGUSD is proud to celebrate our amazing #HomeGrown staff in honor of our 60th Anniversary year! This week we are highlighting Sharon Swoboda, a proud Bolsa Grande High School graduate and current Educational Specialist at Hill Elementary School, who has been serving GGUSD students for 27 years.

Sharon shared, “My favorite teacher from Excelsior encouraged me to work for GGUSD. I started as a substitute and even had the honor of subbing in her classroom before she retired.”

She added, “This district not only prioritizes student learning, inclusivity, and well-being, but also invests in their teachers. Our GGUSD community fosters a place where teachers and students grow together to be lifelong successful learners.”

We are grateful for Sharon’s many years of dedication and the lasting impact she continues to make in the lives of her students.

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.