March 12, 2018
#GGUSDPRIDE E-newsletter
The #GGUSDPride E-newsletter features many of the great things happening in GGUSD.   
Send your photos to pio_department@ggusd.us to highlight your school or students in the e-newsletter.
Celebrating Latino Culture
Hundreds of students, parents, and community members attended the district's fourth annual Cultural Night on Friday at Los Amigos High School. Organized by Latinos Undios students, Cultural Night is a festive evening of food and fun along with mariachi, baile folklorico, and an array of other dance and musical performances by students, staff, and parents. Food proceeds are used for student scholarships. Thank you to GGUSD's Board of Education members, staff, families, and community members who all came out to enjoy the showcase of Latino culture. If you are interested in donating to the LU Scholarship Fund, you may contact Eimi Garcia at egarcia@ggusd.us .  
Moved by Music
Evans Elementary School's Mrs. Fawley's enthusiasm for music radiates in the classroom. In 2016, Mrs. Fawley began a ukulele program for more than 130 students! Fifth and sixth graders practice the ukulele weekly, and have learned to play songs such as “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” and “My Darling Clementine.” These young musicians enjoy serenading classrooms of students and staff. Sixth graders will showcase their ukulele skills during a school-wide assembly this spring and have the opportunity to perform for the promotion ceremony at the end of the year.
GGUSD Schools Participate in Read Across America Initiatives
Gilbert Elementary School parents and students celebrated the birthday of Dr. Seuss for Read Across America Week at the school's Family Literacy Night. Parent engagement is critical to student success and helps students sharpen their literacy skills.  #GGUSDPRIDE
Monroe Elementary Language Academy students were thrilled to welcome Los Amigos High School students into their classrooms for Read Across America Week. Students young and old celebrated the birthday of Dr. Seuss and enjoyed spending time reading together in English and Spanish.
Students For Safety
Last week, Cook Elementary School staff, parents, and students attended the Garden Grove Traffic Commission meeting to show support for a possible traffic signal at Woodbury/Brookhurst. The Cook community was delighted when the city voted to approve the left turn signal which will ease traffic flow in the Cook Elementary, Jordan Intermediate, and Jordan Adult Transition Program community. The traffic study was the result of a joint project between the City of Garden Grove and GGUSD called the Safe Routes to School program. The community will be safer for our students and families, all because of the great partnership GGUSD and the city enjoy.
Christine Ly is #GGUSDHomegrown
Christine Ly is a School Psychologist at the Preschool Assessment Center. She attended Zeyen Elementary School, Alamitos Intermediate School, and graduated from Rancho Alamitos High School in 2006. 

“I encountered dedicated, inspiring educators in GGUSD who motivated me to push myself, work harder, and make a difference. As a previous student and as a current employee, I received help and encouragement when I needed it and also when I didn't realize I needed it. My favorite part of working for GGUSD is the ability to give back to the community I grew up in.” 

Christine has been working in GGUSD for two years.
Clinton Family Learning Night
Clinton Elementary School's Family Learning Night was a huge success. Teachers designed activities that students could experience with their families that integrated literacy with science, art and technology. Students and parents created art projects, conducted science experiments, practiced reading strategies, and used technology together. Not only did each student receive a free book to take home, but families also won door-prizes for attending. Students had opportunities to win books that matched with each station around the room. Santiago High School students from the school's Friday Night Live Club also attended the event to serve as big buddies/positive role models and spent time reading with students.
Learning Comes to Life
Three Walton Intermediate School students were recognized for their poetry and art through Chapman University's Holocaust Art and Writing Contest. These works focused on themes of the Holocaust and ethical decision making, giving students the opportunity to share their creativity in response to survivors' oral testimonies. Students had the opportunity to meet Holocaust survivors at an event organized by Chapman University. The school's English Language Arts teachers, Mrs. Elen Dominci and Mr. Jerome Dominici organized the field trip, giving students the opportunity of a lifetime. Students shared that they met the survivors featured in their poems, and had an unforgettable experience.
Big Buddies
At Patton Elementary School, Mrs. Gillen's sixth grade GATE students paired up with Ms. Dolliver's first grade students for a Big Buddies partnership. Sixth grade Big Buddies were wonderful teachers and enjoyed helping first grade students with their computer coding skills.

Patton Students Shine on Stage
On February 22, Patton Elementary School hosted Patton's Got Talent, a fun schoolwide event organized by the PTA. More than 30 students participated in the talent show with a variety of acts, including singing, dancing, guitar, and piano playing. In the photograph above is the popular "Dancing Grandmas" student group. What a fun way to encourage our students to use their creativity and musical talents.