GGUSD Hosts Annual State of the District Event

On Monday, GGUSD hosted its 2026 State of the District at the Hyatt in Garden Grove, welcoming 650+ guests including elected officials, community partners, staff, families and students to celebrate our district accomplishments including our 60 year anniversary!

Guests were treated to wonderful musical performances from Peters 4-6 Elementary Chorus, GGUSD’s Intermediate Honor Orchestra and La Quinta High School Marching Aztecs. Guests also enjoyed Santiago High School JROTC's presentation of the colors, the National Anthem sung beautifully by Pacifica High School student Christiana Fahmy, the pledge of allegiance led by Student Board Representative Christy Getachew and powerful student testimonials from Los Amigos senior Lily Alarcon and Rancho Alamitos student Anson Doan.

During dinner, guests enjoyed wonderful conversation facilitated by high school student leaders and piano music from Bolsa Grande student Tuan Huynh!

Superintendent Dr. Gabriela Mafi and the Board of Education were proud to showcase of the impact of our district goals: equipping all students with the academic skills (Goal 1) and personal skills (Goal 2) for lifelong success (Goal 3). It was a wonderful celebration for the entire GGUSD community.

Garden Grove & La Quinta High Schools Rank High at HOSA State Leadership Conference

GGUSD celebrates the impressive achievements of students from Garden Grove High School and La Quinta High School at the recent HOSA–Future Health Professionals State Leadership Conference.

GGHS and LQHS students competed alongside approximately 4,000 students statewide, demonstrating their skills in healthcare-related events while also building leadership experience and professional connections.

Five GGHS students earned top placements, qualifying to advance to the International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis. For the first time in GGHS history, multiple CPR/First Aid teams have advanced to the international level—highlighting years of dedication and program growth. In addition, one Argo was recognized with the Bronze-level Barbara James Award for completing over 100 hours of community service.

La Quinta High School students also had a strong showing, with 33 students placing in the Top 10 across a variety of competitive events, and multiple students qualifying for the International Leadership Conference.

These accomplishments reflect the hard work, talent, and commitment of GGUSD students, as well as the ongoing support from staff, advisors, and the community in preparing students for future careers in healthcare.

GGUSD Fosters Meaningful Connections at Parent Leadership Academy

GGUSD’s Office of Parent and Community Outreach hosted an engaging and inspiring Parent Leadership Academy event yesterday, bringing together more than 200 parents and administrators from across the district for an afternoon of connection, learning, and collaboration.

Attendees heard from Superintendent Dr. Gabriela Mafi, who shared exciting updates and celebrated the many incredible things happening across GGUSD schools. The event also featured an interactive and engaging presentation from the Office of Student Services centered on Goal 2: Personal Skills Parents and administrators worked together to explore how schools are fostering social-emotional learning (SEL) and how families can support student well-being at home.

Together, participants dove into the five core competencies of SEL—responsible decision-making, social awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and self-awareness—gaining practical strategies and meaningful insights to help students thrive both in and out of the classroom.

It was a powerful day of partnership, empowerment, and shared purpose as the GGUSD community continues to support every student’s path to success!

GGUSD Visual & Performing Arts Hosts Spring Showcase

GGUSD’s Visual and Performing Arts Department recently hosted an exciting Spring Showcase, bringing together drumlines and color guards from all seven comprehensive GGUSD high schools for an evening full of energy, creativity, and school spirit!

Students wowed the audience with dynamic performances that highlighted their dedication, precision, and passion for the performing arts. From powerful rhythms to visually stunning routines, each group showcased the incredible talent that thrives across GGUSD campuses.

Events like the Spring Showcase reflect GGUSD’s commitment to fostering artistic expression and providing students with opportunities to shine. Bravo to all of the performers and directors for an unforgettable night!

Murdy Elementary Celebrates Autism Awareness Month

Murdy Elementary recently hosted a joyful and impactful Autism Awareness Day, bringing students and staff together to celebrate inclusion and understanding during Autism Awareness Month.

Throughout the day, students explored a variety of sensory-friendly activities designed to spark curiosity and support diverse learning styles. From playful bubbles to hands-on fun with kinetic sand and other engaging stations, the activities created a welcoming space for all students to connect, learn, and have fun.

GGUSD is proud of Murdy Elementary for creating opportunities that promote kindness, awareness, and a deeper appreciation for the unique strengths of every student.

Brookhurst Elementary Performs a Wonderful Rendition of Finding Nemo

Brookhurst Elementary School students delivered a magical performance of Finding Nemo recently! Students brought the beloved story to life with vibrant energy, creativity, and teamwork, showcasing their hard work and dedication on stage. From colorful costumes to lively musical numbers, the performance was a joyful experience for families, staff, and the school community. GGUSD commends the students, teachers, and staff who made this production a success and continues to support opportunities that inspire confidence, creativity, and a love for the arts in every student.

Hazard Elementary Hosts Annual Career Day

Hazard Elementary School recently hosted its annual Career Day, giving students an exciting opportunity to explore future possibilities and hear directly from professionals across a wide range of fields.

From a drone pilot and college professor to an EMT, police officer, and professional athlete, guest speakers visited classrooms on April 1 to share their journeys, experiences, and advice. The event supports GGUSD’s Goal 3: Lifelong Success and the AVID Elementary initiative by helping students understand the value of education, goal setting, and perseverance in achieving their dreams.

McGarvin Intermediate Welcomes Families to Campus for Open House

Families, students, and staff came together for a wonderful evening at McGarvin Intermediate School’s Open House! Classrooms were filled with excitement as students proudly showcased their hard work, projects, and accomplishments. From engaging lessons to creative displays, the event highlighted the dedication of McGarvin’s teachers and the enthusiasm of its students. Open House provided a special opportunity for families to connect with teachers, explore campus, and celebrate the learning happening every day. Events like this reflect GGUSD’s commitment to student success and strong school-home partnerships.

Highlighting Our Homegrown Staff in Honor of Our 60th Anniversary Year

From student to educator to leader—Sandi Ishii’s journey is a true reflection of GGUSD pride!

As part of our “Then vs. Now” campaign celebrating homegrown staff in honor of our 60th Anniversary year, GGUSD highlights Sandi Ishii, whose story spans generations of dedication to our community. Sandi began as a half-day kindergartner in 1965 at Enders Elementary, back when the campus was split between K–3 and 4–6 students—separated even by a curtain in the cafeteria!

Her journey came full circle in 1987 when she returned to serve GGUSD as a bilingual teacher at Russell Elementary. She later retired as principal of Cook Elementary in 2021, after leading with heart through the challenges of the pandemic.

Today, she continues to support schools as a substitute principal, remains an active West Garden Grove community member, and is a proud grandma of a current GGUSD student—continuing her family’s legacy in our district.

Sandi’s story is a powerful reminder that strong schools are the foundation of a strong community. Thank you for your lifelong commitment to GGUSD!

Join Us at Our Choose Wellness Education & Resource Fair!

Garden Grove Unified School District invites families and community members to its annual Choose Wellness Education & Resource Fair on Wednesday, April 29!

The event will take place at Fitz Intermediate Language Academy and will feature an afternoon and evening full of valuable resources and engaging activities for all ages. From 4:00–5:00 p.m., attendees can explore a resource fair with community partners, followed by informative workshops from 5:05–6:30 p.m., and student performances from 6:35–7:00 p.m.

Families can enjoy food, games, giveaways, wellness resources, and health screenings while learning about important topics like bullying prevention and supporting children’s mental health. Students will also have access to age-appropriate workshops focused on building healthy relationships and being an upstander.

Can’t attend in person? Select workshops will be available via livestream, making it easy for everyone to participate! Interpretation and childcare will also be provided to ensure all families feel welcome and supported.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and prioritize wellness—plus, attendees will have the chance to win exciting prizes!

Join Us at Our 60th Anniversary Celebration!

GGUSD is proud to welcome current and former students, staff, families, and community members to join in celebrating its 60th Anniversary on Friday, May 15 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bolsa Stadium.

This exciting milestone event will honor GGUSD’s rich history, celebrate the incredible achievements of its students and staff, and look ahead to a bright future. It’s an event designed for all ages—truly something the whole family can enjoy!

Guests can look forward to:

🎭 Student performances showcasing musical and artistic talent

🍔 A variety of delicious food trucks

🚗 A mini car show featuring classic and unique vehicles

🏫 A History Walk highlighting 60 years of memories and milestones

🎧 Live music from a DJ throughout the evening

🎓 Alumni Association booths to reconnect with fellow graduates

📸 Photo stations to capture special moments

🎯 Fun games and activities for children

🎁 Prizes and giveaways from community partners and local businesses

This is a wonderful opportunity to come together, reconnect with friends, celebrate community pride, and honor the people who have helped make GGUSD so special over the past 60 years.

We looks forward to celebrating with the community for an evening filled with music, memories, and GGUSD pride!

GGUSD is Hiring College Tutors!

GGUSD is seeking dedicated undergraduate and graduate students to support programs like AVID, AVID Excel, Academies, and Resource Centers. This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact while gaining valuable experience in education.

College tutors play an important role in mentoring students, supporting their academic success, and helping build confidence for the future. With a positive work environment, competitive pay, and a strong team, GGUSD offers a rewarding way to give back to the community.

Pre-Enroll Your Child for the 2026/27 School Year!

GGUSD has opened pre-enrollment for the 2026-27 school year. We encourage families registering children in Preschool, Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten to get started today!

Parents should pre-enroll online at enroll.ggusd.us and contact their child’s home school for support.

GGUSD Cohosts Webinar on Teen Mental Health in the Age of Social Media

GGUSD invites families to a special webinar on Teen Mental Health in the Social Media Age, presented in partnership with UC Irvine, UC Irvine Health and Assemblyman Tri Ta. Hear from leading experts about how social media impacts adolescent well-being and learn about practical tools and resources to help support healthy, resilient teens. RSVP: asmrc.org/gz/socialmedia

April 1 is Paraprofessional Appreciation Day

GGUSD proudly celebrates Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, honoring the incredible individuals who make a difference in classrooms and across school communities every single day.

From supporting student learning to providing encouragement and care, paraprofessionals play a vital role in helping every student succeed. Their dedication, patience, and compassion do not go unnoticed.

Today and every day, GGUSD thanks our paraprofessionals for the meaningful impact they make and the countless ways they support students, teachers, and families.

GGUSD Recognizes April as Autism Awareness Month

GGUSD proudly recognizes April as Autism Awareness Month, a time to celebrate neurodiversity and promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion across our schools and community.

Throughout the district, students and staff are embracing opportunities to learn more about autism and to foster environments where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

GGUSD remains committed to creating safe and welcoming spaces where all learners can thrive.

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.