May 8, 2020
#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.
Watch our New Video - GGUSD Rising to the Occasion
The month of May includes special recognition for school employees including Food Service Employees this week, California Day of the Teacher on May 13, School Nurses Day, and Classified Employees Week May 17-23. GGUSD has the very best employees who put students first! Our Board of Education and district leadership want to spotlight the hard work and dedication of our employees in this video, GGUSD - Rising to the Occasion.
Honored as an Everyday Hero
Thanks to  Senator Tom Umberg  for recognizing Fitz Intermediate School Community Liaison Linda Felix as an Everyday Hero for her work making wellness calls to families and students. Linda received a phone call and certificate from Senator Umberg.

Linda is one of nearly 170 GGUSD liaisons making calls every week to ensure students and families are supported during distance learning and have access to the resources they need. GGUSD is grateful for our liaisons and the support they offer our families.
Spectrum News Features Jordan Intermediate's Mindful Mondays
On May 4,Spectrum News featured Jordan Intermediate School's "Mindful Mondays," a weekly class led by the school's amazing physical education teachers that help students with mental health and socio-emotional wellness. During the current pandemic, this type of wellness support for students is invaluable!  #GGUSDPride
Los Amigos Staff Collects $10,000 to Help Families During COVID-19 Crisis
The staff at Los Amigos High School in Garden Grove Unified School District collected $10,000, most of it their own money, to help their students and families who are facing financial hardship because of the coronavirus crisis.

The idea came from teachers Kerry Bernhardt and Babak Mobasseri who were discussing how distance learning and the current work-from-home environment has allowed them to save money on gas, car insurance and similar expenses. The teachers wondered how they could use the money they saved to help Los Amigos students and their families.

Under the leadership of Los Amigos Librarian Christina Fenner and Math Department Chair Christi Montes (pictured here), staff donated $7300, including funds from their own government stimulus checks. SchoolsFirst Credit Union chipped in $1,000 and students in the school’s Girls’ League donated $2,500.

Teachers and counselors generated a list of students, whose families are struggling and sent the families $100 Walmart gift cards, a list of local resources, and a note of encouragement.
Russell Elementary Hosts Virtual Assembly for Day of the Child
In celebration of Día del Niño on April 30th, Russell Elementary Language Academy hosted an "Hour of the Child/Hora del Niño " Variety Hour (virtual assembly) via Zoom. The program included a sing along with music teacher Ms. Hernandez, joke-sharing, instrument playing, musical chairs, show and tell time, and lots of Russell cheer in both languages! Día del Niño /Day of the Child is celebrated in México and other Latin American countries, including local communities here in the USA. It's a time to celebrate the joy of childhood.
A Unique Art Installation Honors Teachers
It’s National Teacher Appreciation Week and our community has a new piece of artwork to commemorate the occasion. Painted by local artist Jody E. Williams, a utility cabinet located at the corner of Lampson and Springdale was transformed into a piece of art and visual expression of gratitude for GGUSD teachers. The project was funded by local leaders Teri Rocco, George Brietgam and GGUSD’s Council of PTA’s, along with PTA’s from Garden Park Barker, Enders, and Patton elementary schools and Bell Intermediate School. Yesterday, Teri, George, and Jody, along with Council of PTA President Esther Morales and Vice President Andrea Perez joined together for a photo to celebrate the finished product.
Post Students Engage in Virtual Assemblies and Field Trips
Post students may not be in attendance at the school campus but the learning continues! Teachers are dedicated to providing students with an outstanding education! Since distance learning began, Post students have participated in two Zoom assemblies with more to come. One assembly was about drawing fish and the other assembly was learning about dog sledding. Distance learning has opened up new opportunities for students to engage in learning from experiences all across the country. Soon students will engage in a science assembly from Washington DC.
McGarvin Intermediate Celebrates Student Success
McGarvin Intermediate successfully transitioned to distance learning with scholars excelling at online learning. As a Gold Standard PBIS school, the staff continues to recognize the great work of students with virtual W.I.S.E. tickets. Staff acknowledges students weekly for being W.I.S.E. (Welcoming, Improving Every day, Socially Aware, and/or Ethical) during the school closure. McGarvin scholars receive a digital message from ASB student leaders announcing the weekly W.I.S.E. winners. Then with the support of the PBIS leadership team students receive prizes and awards. Thank you to McGarvin students for staying positive during a very challenging time.
GGUSD is committed to keeping our community informed about the impact of the coronavirus public health crisis on our school system. All coronavirus related messages or updates from GGUSD to our families are posted here.