December 27, 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.
Pacifca's Annual Adopt-A-Child Creates Lasting Memories
Pacifica High School's annual Adopt-A-Child is a favorite GGUSD tradition that pairs high school seniors with kindergarten students for a morning of gift-giving, treats, photos with Santa, student performances, and holiday fun. We love the valuable lesson of giving and the selfless spirit of the season demonstrated on this day! 

Click the play button on the left for our must-watch video that captures all of the magical memories and highlights.
Post Students Show Appreciation to Local Police Department
Westminster Chief of Police Ralph Ornelas visited Post Elementary School last week to wish students a happy holiday. He was greeted with a group hug by students who wanted to thank the chief and the Westminster Police Department for all they do to keep our schools safe.  #GGUSDPrid e
On Your Mark, Get Set.....
They may not have had snow, but Walton Intermediate students didn't let that stop them. The annual Sleigh Race is a favorite holiday tradition among staff and students!
Russell Scholars Get Special Visit From Alumni
Before they went on winter break, Russell Elementary Language Academy welcomed three former Russell students/current college students (Johana, Maria and Jessie) to serve on a panel and share with fifth and sixth graders about their personal journeys on the path to college. There was also a parent panel to discuss the decisions/questions parents have as they plan for their children to attend college. This event highlighted real-life stories of former Russell students and connected parents and students as they begin planning for college and lifelong success.  #GGUSDPride
A TOP TRUMPET PLAYER
The Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association recently held auditions for its Southern California Honor Bands. This group has some of the best student musicians from all around California come and audition for a spot in the honor band. Lake Intermediate student Rudy auditioned with his trumpet and was selected for the SCBOA band. We are so proud of his accomplishment! #GGUSDPride
Winter Festival Fun at Patton
Before we broke for winter recess, our schools found engaging ways to combine learning with holiday fun. Students at Patton Elementary enjoyed a winter festival where they made holiday art and ornaments, wrote lists to Santa, enjoyed delicious snacks, and posed for photos with Santa.  #GGUSDPride
Falcons Give Back
Kudos to the Fitz Intermediate School Community Liaisons who collected and organized donations from the school's teachers and staff to support several Fitz families with extra holiday cheer. Families in need received holiday food, health care items, gift cards and toys from the Fitz team.  #GGUSDPride
Merry Music from Gilbert Elementary Students
It's the most wonderful time of the year and the students at Gilbert Elementary School spread the spirit of the season with a holiday sing-along.  #GGUSDPride
Board of Education Update
At its December 18 meeting, GGUSD's Board of Education held a swearing-in ceremony for Bob Harden who was re-elected during the November 2018 election and Lan Nguyen who was appointed to the position due to running unopposed. The oath of office was administered by California State Assemblyman Tyler Diep. The board voted to elect Lan Nguyen as president and Trustee Teri Rocco as vice president for 2019. 
Save the Date for the 2019 Career Fair!
The 2019 Career Fair is almost here! Save the date for February 13 and don't miss representatives from various colleges, as well as trade and technical schools, who will be on hand to share information about their programs and answer any questions GGUSD parents and students may have. There will also be an opportunity for parents and students to participate in interactive activities as well as meet with current teachers and students from various GGUSD career and technical education courses who will display various career pathway projects.

More information will be released soon.

Huge Savings on ACT/SAT Prep Courses!
GGUSD juniors can take advantage of huge savings on ACT/SAT Prep Workshops which are proven to improve results on these rigorous college entrance exams. Classes are being offered at a steep discount and will only cost $50! Workshops are offered at all GGUSD high schools. Call your school guidance counselor to sign up today.
Heritage Computer Science Academy is hosting Parent Information Meetings and Tours for parents interested in learning more about student enrollment opportunities at the school. The district's first-ever Computer Science Academy infuses cutting-edge technology into daily curriculum across all content areas. Students learn computer programming, coding, and robotics through innovative lessons powered by Code to the Future, the nation's leader in computer science schools. Parents will have an opportunity to tour classrooms and learn more about the benefits of computer science. Heritage students will have a competitive advantage in mastering the technology skills needed for success in high school, college, and 21st century careers that haven't even been created yet. Meetings will be offered in English on January 10 and January 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. They will also be offered in Spanish on January 10 and January 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese on January 17 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.