SAUSD College & Career Resource Fair Connects Students and Families to Future Opportunities

SAUSD welcomed over 2,300 students, families and community members to its 5th Annual College & Career Resource Fair, featuring more than 150 exhibitors representing colleges and universities, career and trade schools, the military, community agencies and more. The event provided opportunities to explore pathways, connect with representatives and discover resources to support students’ college, career and life goals. Thank you to Board Vice President Hector Bustos, Board Clerk Dr. Alfonso Alvarez and Board Member Valerie Magdaleno for attending and supporting our students, as well as all participating partners and representatives who helped make the event a success. Click here and here to view event photos and here to watch the event video. 

SAUSD Students Showcase Career Skills at Taste of Santa Ana

At the October 17, 2026 Taste of Santa Ana, SAUSD Culinary Arts teachers Kristin Sepulveda and Roberto Arteaga and their Valley High School students, along with Santa Ana High School Automotive Instructor Carlos Sanchez, partnered with High School Inc. to showcase student talent and the SAUSD Career Education food truck. The event provided students with hands-on experience applying their skills, exploring career opportunities and connecting classroom learning to real-world careers. Click here to view photos from the event.

Edison-Monroe Elementary Receives $10,000 Grant to Expand Robotics Program

Edison-Monroe Elementary School was one of just 10 Orange County schools selected for the Future Innovators Initiative, receiving a $10,000 grant to expand its robotics program and provide all fourth-grade students with a STEM field trip to STARBASE. The grant, made possible by Hyundai Motor America and the Orange County Schools Brighter Futures Foundation, will help create hands-on learning opportunities that inspire innovation and strengthen students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Click here for photos.

SAUSD Celebrates Employee Longevity and Dedicated Service

On October 21, 2026, SAUSD honored 75 employees for their dedicated service to the District, recognizing career milestones ranging from 25 to 40 years. Board Vice President Hector Bustos and Board Member Valerie Magdaleno joined the celebration to recognize these outstanding employees and thank them for their lasting contributions to our students, families and community. Click here for photos and here to watch the video. 

Little SAUSD Leaders: Meet Edward Bustamante “Mr. B”

Edward Bustamante, known as “Mr. B,” serves as SAUSD’s Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, bringing nearly three decades of experience in education to his role. During his 10 years as principal of Saddleback High School, he helped lead a school community recognized for academic excellence and student support. Today, he continues his commitment to student success across the District, helping create opportunities for every student to thrive.

30 Under 30 Alumni Spotlight: Jasmine Camero

Segerstrom High School alumna Jasmine Camero earned a Ph.D. in Mathematics and is now a professor at Pomona College. Growing up in Santa Ana, Camero saw few opportunities to connect with mathematicians and STEM professionals who shared her background. Today, she is helping bridge that gap through mathematics outreach and mentorship for young students. Her message to future generations: believe in yourself, persevere through setbacks and never let expectations about who belongs in a field limit what you can achieve.

Know an outstanding SAUSD alum under 30 who is making a difference? Nominate them—or nominate yourself—for our 30 Under 30 Alumni Spotlight at bit.ly/4uhu77d.

SAUSD State of the District Luncheon: October 30, 2026

SAUSD community partners, parents and guardians are invited to join Superintendent Dr. Lorraine M. Perez and the Santa Ana Public Schools Foundation for the 2026 SAUSD State of the District Luncheon on Oct. 30, 2026, at Valley High School. Check-in begins at 11 a.m., with the luncheon taking place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The annual event will bring together educators, community leaders and partners to celebrate SAUSD’s achievements, highlight our progress and look ahead to the opportunities shaping the future of our schools and students. 

Seniors and Families: 2027–28 Financial Aid Applications Now Open

The 2027–28 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) are now open. Under California law and SAUSD Board Policy, high school seniors must complete one of these applications or submit an opt-out form before the end of the school year. The priority application deadline is March 2, 2027, and the opt-out deadline is April 30, 2027. Both applications are free and can help students access federal, state and college financial aid. Eligible students may also have up to $1,500 in CalKIDS scholarship funds available. SAUSD counselors and higher education coordinators are available to support students and families. Visit our site here for details, helpful resources and the FAFSA/CADAA Parent/Guardian Letter.

Plan Ahead with SAUSD's Academic Calendars

The academic calendar for the 2026-27 school year is available on our website. Stay informed and plan your school year ahead! Click here to access the calendar! 

Flyers: Community Resources and More: Week of Oct. 21-27, 2026

Looking to connect with groups that provide free groceries, diapers, parenting workshops and more? Check out this week's flyer round-up here for details on these and other helpful resources.

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week: October 25–31, 2026

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is from October 25 through October 31, 2026. Our campaign message, “No amount of lead is safe for your child, so ask your healthcare provider for a blood lead test.”, encourages parents and caregivers to ask their healthcare provider about blood lead testing, especially if they think their child has been exposed to lead. Children can be exposed to lead where they live and play, and even small amounts of lead can harm a child’s health. The only way to know if a child has lead poisoning is to get a blood test for lead. Please contact the Orange County Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) at 714-567-6220 if you have any questions or would like to learn more about our program. For additional information and resources, please visit OC Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) and California Department of Public Health websites.

Century High School Celebrates 25 Years of Student Storytelling

For 25 years, Century High School students have been sharing stories, amplifying student voices and building journalism and media production skills through student-led programs such as The Inside Scoop and Good Morning Century. Click here to watch a video celebrating this milestone and the next generation of student storytellers!

Santiago TK-8 Hosts High School Fair for Grades 6–8

Santiago TK-8 recently hosted a High School Fair, giving students in grades 6–8 an opportunity to explore high school options, academic programs, career pathways, clubs, athletics and more. Thank you to the participating schools and programs for helping students discover new opportunities and plan for their futures! Click here to watch a video highlighting the event!

Project-Based Learning Puts Student Voice at the Center

SAUSD educators recently participated in Project-Based Learning (PBL) training focused on creating meaningful, engaging learning experiences that place students at the center of their learning. As students share in the accompanying video, their voices, ideas and perspectives are essential to the learning process. Click here to watch the video and hear directly from students about the importance of their voices in learning.

SAUSD Rewind for Week of Oct. 19-23, 2026

Join us in taking a look back at how students and staff spent their last few weeks of summer getting ready for a new semester. Click here to watch.