October 2025 Employees of the Month

Congratulations to GGUSD’s October 2025 Employees of the Month!

Susie Smyth, a dedicated teacher at Sunnyside Elementary, is celebrated for her passion for student success, positive classroom environment, and commitment to excellence.

Santiago Galvez, a friendly and professional receptionist at the GGUSD District Office, is recognized for his outstanding customer service, kindness, and willingness to go above and beyond to support staff, families, and community members.

Watch our video to learn more about these two exemplary employees!

Community Heroes Recognized at Board of Education Meeting

At GGUSD's recent Board of Education meeting, two incredible groups were recognized as Community Heroes for their compassion, leadership, and service during a time of heightened need in the community.

Garden Grove High School senior Samantha Avina-Flores and her mother, Claire Avina-Flores, received plaques and recognition for their grassroots efforts through The Monarca Initiative, where they organized Community Aid Drives providing food, water, and hygiene supplies to families impacted by increased immigration enforcement. Their leadership and empathy offered vital support and hope to vulnerable families across the community.

Also honored as Community Heroes were Santiago High School’s powerhouse team — Community Schools Coach Nicole Doone, Boys Soccer Coach Carlos Cruz, and Girls Soccer Coach Erick Borrayo — who spearheaded a large-scale summer donation drive that rallied staff, students, and partners to help hundreds of families in need. Their efforts showcased the true spirit of a Community School and exemplified teamwork, service, and compassion.

These awesome individuals were presented with Community Heroes plaques and recognized for turning compassion into action and embodying the very best of the Garden Grove Way.

Mariners Making Waves: From Pacifica to Published Researcher

GGUSD is proud to celebrate Pacifica High School Class of 2021 alumna, Jessica Ha, whose dedication and passion for science have led to an incredible milestone — her research was recently published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where she is recognized as the first author!

Jessica graduated from UC Irvine with a degree in Human Biology and a minor in Business Entrepreneurship. During her time at UCI, she conducted research in the Fortin Lab, studying memory consolidation and organization — the processes that help the brain store and retrieve information. In addition to her research, she volunteered weekly with dementia-focused programs, showing her heart for helping others. Her achievement reflects the determination, intellect, and compassion that define what it means to be a Mariner. We’re so proud of you, Jessica!

Connecting Students to College and Career Success

GGUSD’s 2025 College Fair was a huge success! Close to 1,000 high school students and their families filled the Hyatt Regency OC to connect with representatives from many colleges, universities, and career programs. From exploring financial aid options to discovering future career pathways, students left feeling inspired and prepared for the next step in their educational journey. High school counselors were on hand to help connect students to colleges that aligned most with their interests and School Community Liaisons helped provide interpretation and support to families. Thank you to Board of Education President Lan Nguyen and Trustee Teri Rocco for attending to show their support for student success

GGUSD is proud to empower every student to plan, prepare, and pursue their college and career dreams!

Murdy Elementary Hosts Annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

Murdy Elementary lit up the night last Friday with its Mid-Autumn Moon Festival celebration! Families, students, and staff came together to honor this cherished cultural tradition filled with delicious food, live performances, games, and glowing lanterns that brightened the campus.

From traditional mooncakes to lively student performances and fun activities for all ages, the evening was a joyful celebration of community and culture. Events like these showcase the strong partnerships between Murdy’s families and staff, and the pride GGUSD takes in celebrating the diverse traditions that make our schools shine. Thank you to Board of Education President Lan Nguyen and Trustee Teri Rocco for joining the celebration

Allen Elementary Students Are Learning for Lifelong Success

Every day is a great day for learning at Allen Elementary! Students are engaged in hands-on lessons, collaboration, and creative activities that make learning exciting and meaningful. From building strong reading skills to exploring math and science, Allen Mountaineers are climbing to success thanks to the dedication of their amazing teachers and staff.

Hill Elementary Celebrates Cultural Diversity with International Night

Hill Elementary celebrated its vibrant community yesterday with an incredible International Night Event! Families came together to honor the many cultures that make up our GGUSD community through delicious dishes from around the world, fun games, and exciting performances. It was a wonderful evening of unity, learning, and celebration — showcasing the beauty of diversity that makes Hill Elementary so special!

Stanley Elementary Hosts 2nd Annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

Stanley Elementary recently hosted its Second Annual Mid-Autumn Moon Festival in partnership with the Garden Grove High School Vietnamese Student Association! Families enjoyed a beautiful evening filled with cultural performances, activities, and community spirit. A special thank you to the Stanley PTA for sponsoring this fun and festive event, and to Board of Education Trustee Walter Muneton for joining in the celebration!

Alamitos Intermediate Hosts Fun-Filled Ice Cream Social

Alamitos Intermediate hosted a wonderful Ice Cream Social last week, bringing students together for an afternoon full of fun and connection! The event featured refreshing Otter Pops, exciting games, creative crafts, and even a special Labubu raffle that had everyone buzzing with excitement! Thank you to the staff and students who helped make this sweet event such a success!

Russell Elementary Hosts Pastries with the Principal

Russell Elementary recently hosted its first Pastries with the Principal event! Approximately 60 parents attended to learn about the many ways the school supports student success—from attendance and social-emotional learning to health and wellness. Families also enjoyed a fun game and a tour of the school’s Wellness Room!

As a proud Community School, Russell recognizes that students thrive when families and educators work together, and the school is grateful for its wonderful Russell families!

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! 

Mindfulness for Families Webinar on October 15 in Vietnamese

2026 Sister City Student Exchange Program

Attention GGUSD Juniors & Seniors! Your unforgettable journey to South Korea starts now! Applications for the 2026 Sister City Student Exchange Program (Garden Grove to Anyang) are officially OPEN!

This is your chance to:

• Immerse yourself in Korean culture.
• Become a Garden Grove Student Ambassador.
• Make friends and memories that last a lifetime.

Don't miss out on this life-changing opportunity! Find requirements and apply here: https://ggsistercity.org/apply

FINAL DEADLINE TO APPLY: OCTOBER 17

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.