GGUSD Celebrates October Employees of the Month

At its meeting on Tuesday, GGUSD's Board of Education recognized three outstanding Employees of the Month for October, honoring their dedication, compassion and commitment to the students and school communities they serve. Certificated Employees of the Month Danelle Martinez and Carrie Marquez, sixth-grade teachers at Stanley Elementary School, create warm, engaging classrooms where students are motivated to learn and prepared for success in intermediate school and beyond. Nominated by staff and parents, they are celebrated for their strong teaching and unwavering commitment to helping every student thrive. Classified Employee of the Month Jean Wasinger has served the Hare High School community for more than 27 years and is affectionately known as “Mama Jean.” Her colleagues praise her caring spirit, exceptional work ethic and willingness to go above and beyond for students, staff and families. Congratulations to these exceptional employees!  

GGUSD Recognizes OCFA as a Community Hero

At its meeting on Tuesday, GGUSD's Board of Education named the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) as our Community Hero for their longstanding partnership and extraordinary service to our schools.

OCFA responds when our schools need help, connects students with the people who serve our community, and works alongside law enforcement to keep our campuses safe. The Board gave special recognition to Division Chief Craig Covey, who attended the meeting to accept the award on OCFA’s behalf and was honored for serving as Incident Commander during the May 2026 GKN chemical incident.

Chief Covey led a complex response involving dozens of agencies from across the region and state. He kept school and community leaders informed as conditions changed and helped partners understand the potential risks. With the possibility of a catastrophic explosion, OCFA and its partners carried out carefully planned operations that helped protect the public and safely evacuate approximately 40,000 people in surrounding communities.

Chief Covey’s clear communication and coordination helped GGUSD make informed decisions as we evacuated 13 school campuses and two district facilities, then prepared for their safe re-entry.

We are grateful to Chief Covey and the entire OCFA team for all they do to serve and safeguard our communities! 

GGUSD and 38 Schools Earn 2026 California Honor Roll Recognition

GGUSD has been named a 2026 California Honor Roll District, with 38 GGUSD schools also earning recognition for their outstanding achievement in student success!

The 38 GGUSD schools named to the 2026 California Honor Roll include Allen, Anthony, Barker, Brookhurst, Cook, Crosby, Evans, Excelsior, Faylane, Garden Park, Gilbert, Hill, Monroe, Morningside, Murdy, Paine, Parkview, Palomino, Simmons, Stanford, Stanley, Sunnyside, Warren, Woodbury, Zeyen elementary schools; Alamitos, Bell, Doig, Irvine, Jordan, Lake, McGarvin, Ralston and Walton intermediate schools; Garden Grove, La Quinta, Pacifica, and Rancho Alamitos high schools.

Presented by the Educational Results Partnership, the California Honor Roll recognizes schools and districts that demonstrate strong student outcomes and success in closing achievement gaps. Only 22% of California schools received this distinction!

This achievement reflects the dedication of GGUSD educators and staff, along with the effective instructional practices that help students build the academic and personal skills they need for lifelong success.

Congratulations to all 38 recognized schools for their continued commitment to helping every student thrive!

Paine Students Shine as Scholars

GGUSD students are building essential skills through hands-on learning experiences that strengthen critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. From practicing foundational reading and writing skills to developing math reasoning and exploring new concepts, Paine students are growing their knowledge, building confidence, and developing the skills they need to succeed!

Give your child the opportunity to learn in two languages!

GGUSD families interested in Dual Language education are encouraged to attend an upcoming Dual Language Parent Orientation Meeting at the school of their choice. GGUSD offers high-quality Spanish and Vietnamese Dual Immersion programs where students learn academic content while developing literacy in another language.

Families interested in applying for the 2027–2028 school year must attend an orientation at their school of choice and complete an application at the meeting. The priority application deadline is December 31, 2026.

Orientation opportunities are available at Monroe, Russell, Simmons, Murdy and Anthony Elementary Schools, with morning and evening options available.

For more information, email duallanguage@ggusd.us

Give your child the opportunity to grow academically while becoming bilingual and biliterate!