September 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.
GGUSD Offers Four Dual Language Immersion Programs in 2018-19
Garden Grove Unified School District is proud to offer four dual language immersion programs in 2018-19 including two in Spanish, one in Vietnamese, and one in computer science immersion. Watch our video and hear from parents about the powerful impact these programs are already having in the lives of their children. Our Spanish dual language programs at Monroe Elementary Language Academy and Russell Elementary Language Academy as well as our Vietnamese program at Murdy Elementary School are putting students on a path to become bilingual, bicultural and biliterate. Our new Heritage Elementary Computer Science Immersion Academy is preparing students for success with 21st century technology so that they can master coding, robotics, and other computer science skills that will be used in jobs that haven't even been invented yet. Watch our video to see students in action!
GGUSD Receives Special Hometown Recognition
On September 11, the Garden Grove City Council recognized GGUSD for several academic accomplishments, including being the first and only school district in Orange County to be named a 2018 California Exemplary District, 11 of our elementary schools received the California Distinguished Schools recognition, all seven high schools were named to U.S. News and World Report's elite rankings of America's Best High Schools, and Bell Intermediate received the national Schools to Watch award for model middle schools. We are so proud of all our schools for all they do to provide students with opportunities for academic success! Thank you  Garden Grove City Hall  for this special recognition!  #ChooseGGUSD #GGUSDPride
Shining a Light On Success!
I SPY! I spy with my little eyes GGUSD students in the sky! Have you seen Michelle? A 2018 Bolsa Grande graduate, her banner is hanging near the school and puts a spotlight on her enrollment at UCLA. She attended Excelsior Elementary and Jordan Intermediate! Way To Go Michelle!  #GGUSDPride
More Mobile Food Pantries
GGUSD has expanded its Mobile School Food Pantry program, which launched last year at Peters K-3 and Peters 4-6 elementary schools in partnership with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. During the 2018-2019 school year, the mobile food pantry program will be offered again at Peters Elementary School, and also at Heritage Elementary Computer Science Immersion Academy and Violette Elementary School.  At the mobile food pantry, area families and community members may select free fruits and vegetables and receive nutritional information about healthy eating. The program aims to fight hunger in the community!
Welcome Back to Walton
Last week, Walton Intermediate School hosted Back to School Night for parents and students. It's a great opportunity for parents to meet the teachers, learn about the wonderful programs offered and make sure their children are off to a great start. 

Parents: check your school website and save the date for the upcoming Back to School Night at your child's school!
Book Tasting

Last week, Enders Elementary School teachers hosted a "Book Tasting" and set up their classrooms like cafes with different genres including biography, mystery, fairy tale and more. Students filled out "menus" based on the books and rated the books from 1-5. Teachers wore aprons and served snacks. What a unique way to get students excited about reading.  #GGUSDPride
Special Visitor

GGUSD Board of Education President Bob Harden visited Russell Elementary Language Academy this week to check in on the school’s new Spanish dual language program and congratulate staff and students on double-digit gains on state test scores. President Harden received hugs from the school’s dedicated PTA President and her family.  #GGUSDPride
OC Register Photo of Mike Carrillo
Athlete Spotlight

Running back Mike Carrillo of Garden Grove was recognized as this week's Orange County Register OC Varsity player of the week after his performance in Grove's 38-12 victory over Santa Ana last week. Congrats to Mike on the recognition and good luck to the Argos this season! Click here to read the OC Register article.
Go Lobos!

Los Amigos High School held a fall sports pep assembly at lunchtime recently to showcase the school's exciting athletic programs. School spirit was in full force with the help of the awesome Los Amigos cheerleaders.
A Keynote for the Kick-Off
Recently GGUSD Board of Education Trustee Walter Muneton presented the keynote speech for the Boys & Girls Club staff kick-off. He spoke on the importance of resilience, community, and positive role models for youth. GGUSD is fortunate to enjoy a strong partnership with Boys & Girls Club which provides free after-school programs until 6:00 p.m. at 52 GGUSD schools!! During their time in the program, students participate in engaging programs, receive daily homework assistance and an opportunity for physical activity.
Employee of the Month!

Garden Grove Unified School District has amazing employees who consistently go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of our students and schools. It is our employees who make us a great school district and we are committed to recognizing them for their many contributions to our district.
We invite you to nominate a staff member who you feel is deserving of recognition as an Employee of the Month!

Please nominate a GGUSD employee who:
  • puts others first
  • goes above and beyond to make a difference in their role
  • carries out each day with a positive attitude and strong work ethic​​
  • demonstrates innovation, leadership, or passion for the job

Those employees who are selected as Employee of the Month will be recognized at a Board of Education meeting. Their photos will be posted on our website and displayed prominently in our district office lobby. They will also be highlighted in our GGUSDPride e-newsletter.