Fifty thousand SAUSD students got a lesson in earthquake safety and preparedness on October 19, 2017 when the district participated in the global Great ShakeOut earthquake drill. From California to New Zealand, more than 21 million people practiced dropping, covering and holding on during the drill. In Santa Ana Unified, all schools and the district office participated in the event, which is designed to heighten awareness about earthquake preparedness. "It gives us an idea of how effective our response mechanisms are and, as with any type of drill, shows us where our shortcomings are so that we can fix them," said Kevin Phillips, Acting Lieutenant - Operations with the SAUSD Police Department. Click here to read more and to view photos from a drill at Spurgeon Intermediate School.

Santa Ana High School band teacher Victor de los Santos has been named a semifinalist for the Music Educator Award presented by The Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum. A total of 25 music teachers from 25 cities across 17 states have been announced as semifinalists; nominations were submitted from all 50 states. Each year, one recipient is selected from 10 finalists and recognized for their impact on students' lives. The winner will be flown to New York to attend the 60th Annual Grammy Awards and a range of Grammy week events. To read a CBS article about the honor, click here. 

Willard Intermediate School and Sierra Preparatory Academy students this week attended a matinee performance of the Mariinsky Ballet. Both schools sent about 40 students due to the extraordinary generosity of Elizabeth Segerstrom. Mrs. Segerstrom has been a tremendous partner of both schools through their partnership with Turnaround Arts. After, students were led backstage to see the props up close and learn about how the scenery is moved up and down as well as an opportunity to go on stage. Students were heard saying, "This is the best day of my life!" and "I love that we got to see the Ballet. It was amazing!"

The City of Santa Ana, in collaboration with the Consulate of Mexico, will soon host nine bronze sculptures by Mexican artist Jorge Marin as part of the "Wings of the City" public outdoor exhibit in Downtown Santa Ana. In support of cultural ties with Mexico, the exhibit celebrates life and freedom and runs from October 27, 2017 to October 31, 2018. SAUSD students will learn first-hand about the artwork this month. On October 26, 2017, Marin will visit Santa Ana Valley High School. On October 27, 2017, Madison, Heninger, Willard, Madison and Garfield students will attend a "Wings of the City" art workshop. And students from various SAUSD schools will perform during a free sculpture unveiling celebration from 6 to 7 p.m. October 27, 2017 at Plaza Calle Cuatro. For more information, click here.