October 30, 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 Opens First Computer Science Academy at Heritage Elementary
GGUSD opened its first Computer Science Academy at Heritage Elementary School this year, transforming the traditional elementary school into a 21st century academy infused with next generation technology and innovative instruction powered by Code to the Future, the nation’s leader in developing computer science magnet schools. Watch our video to hear from students, teachers, and administrators about the success the school is experiencing already.
Cultural Celebration
Walton Intermediate School AVID students hosted a Día de los Muertos Family Night recently to showcase the Mexican culture and traditions of the school's students and families. Fun was had by all, with festivities including making sugar skulls, painting faces, and enjoying authentic cuisine.
Students Take a Stand Against Drugs During Red Ribbon Week
Paine Elementary students celebrated making wise choices and living healthy lives during Red Ribbon Week. Teachers and staff took the opportunity to talk to students about the dangers of drug abuse and the Student Council sponsored a poster contest and organized fun activities. On “Love Learning, Not Drugs Day," students were encouraged to dress like their favorite staff member. In an overwhelming turnout, Paine’s campus was overrun with students wearing bow ties; Principal Martinez’s signature fashion statement. Not to be outdone, Mr. Martinez switched it up and dressed as a student. 
Students at Excelsior Elementary School said no to drugs last week with a variety of fun dress up days, including wearing red for Red Ribbon Week, crazy socks to "Sock it to Drugs," and wearing their pajamas because "their dreams are too big to mess around with drugs!" Great job scholars!  #GGUSDPride
A Successful Season for Pacifica Girls' Volleyball
The Pacifica girls volleyball team had their best season in 10 years with a second place finish in the Empire League and a CIF quarter final appearance. Congratulations to the Mariners on a great season!  #GGUSDpride

A Visit from the Superintendent

La Quinta High School students were fortunate to have a special speaker this week: Superintendent Gabriela Mafi. During two periods of Spanish 3, the superintendent presented about her abuelo (grandfather) who started the first daily newspaper in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico in the 1920’s. The presentation was part of classroom Día de los Muertos activities where ancestors are highlighted and honored. In two periods of Advanced Placement Statistics, the former math teacher discussed with students how to use statistics in career and personal situations. 
Jordan Students Stay Active with New Soccer Program
Jordan Intermediate School is committed to equipping students with the personal skills for lifelong success. As part of that goal, Jordan provides a variety of extra-curricular activities to give students more opportunities to experience positive connections to adults at school. Some of these programs include dance team, art club, ukulele, Cyber Patriots team, and YouTube Movie Making classes.
  
Beginning in August 2018, Jordan expanded its extracurricular opportunities to include Pure Game Soccer. Pure Game is a nonprofit organization that provides mentors called Field Champions  to help children develop character through experiential learning. Pure Games' character education curriculum is facilitated through the game of soccer. Currently, more than 50 students are participating in Pure Game Soccer several times per week; the impact on student behavior and leadership skills is noticeable.  

On Sunday, October 28, administrators and students participated in the Pure Game Annual Footy Golf Classic at Riverview Golf Course. This event is the major fundraiser for the non-profit organization. Jordan students enjoyed a full day of footy golf, fun games and prizes, and a barbecue dinner. They look forward to next year's event and, someday, to be "Field Champions" to kids just like them.
Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG
Rancho Wins League Title
Congratulations to the Rancho Alamitos High School football 🏈 team for winning their first Garden Grove League title since 2011 by beating Loara 42-14! Best of luck in the playoffs!

Click here to read the Orange County Register article featuring the talented team. 
La Quinta Students Increase Awareness about Mental Health
La Quinta High School students joined community experts for a Mental Health Conference at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) over the weekend. During the conference, La Quinta students participated in a panel about the effects of bullying and social media on students. The conference was attended by pediatricians, clinicians, and other mental health professionals. GGUSD's Director of Student Services Dr. Arthur Cummins also participated in the workshop.
Pacifica's First Place Cadets
The Pacifica NJROTC Cadets had a strong showing at the Lemoore Drill Meet and brought home the first place trophy! The win qualified them for their third consecutive State Championship, which will be taking place in February.

Their strong finish was due in large part to placing first or second in 12 events. They also had some individual success as Dylan Anderson and Alex Vo placed first in the male and female push-up contests respectively. 
Proud Product of Crosby
Dominic is a proud product of Crosby Elementary, Walton Intermediate, and Garden Grove High schools. Currently enrolled at UC Irvine, Dominic visited Crosby Elementary this week to take a photo with his graduate banner which is hanging at the school to inspire today's Crosby Cougars! 

GGUSD has graduate banners hanging on campuses throughout the district to promote a college-going culture and growth mindset and to celebrate the success of our students.
Cultural Diversity Fair
On Wednesday, October 24, Lincoln Education Center hosted its 3rd annual Cultural Diversity Fair. This fair is the culminating event for the school's English Learner Civics unit on diversity. ESL students learn about the different cultures represented at the school as well as interesting facts about many countries throughout the world. Festivities include cultural performances and student presentations representing a wide variety of countries.