October 24, 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.
Proud Parents at Public Hearing
It was a packed house during the Board of Education public hearing on October 16 which was held to collect community input about an application from Achievers Global Academy, a charter school petitioning to open in the Garden Grove Unified School District. The standing room crowd included more than 150 GGUSD parents who attended to express opposition to the charter school. A presentation by the charter’s petitioner Virginia Carrillo, who currently works as an assistant principal in the Santa Ana Unified School District, highlighted the charter school’s goals.

In response, GGUSD parents who do not support the charter petition came out in full force to highlight GGUSD’s superior offerings: outstanding academic record, award-winning dual language programs, free after-school enrichment programs offered until 6 p.m., family feel, support for all students, and highly-trained teachers and administrators. Parents also pointed to GGUSD’s award as the first and only exemplary district in Orange County, and our superior test scores and college-entrance rates, which beat the county and state average. We are thankful for the support of our wonderful parents and all they do to contribute to the success of our District, schools, and students!
New Water Conservation Initiatives
GUSD hosted a student showcase yesterday to highlight new water conservation initiatives that have transformed student learning at Bolsa Grande High School, Los Amigos High School, and Santiago High School.

The three GGUSD high schools were renovated with drought tolerant landscaping and sustainability features that capture storm water and serve as living laboratories, educating and empowering high school students to play an active role in water conservation. The renovations were made possible thanks to a $1.99 million grant from the State Water Resources Control Board’s Drought Response Outreach Program for Schools (DROPS).

Thanks to Board of Education President Bob Harden and Garden Grove Mayor Steve Jones for attending the event to hear about the excellent work of our staff and students on this innovative project.
Heritage Celebrates Student Success with Good News Phone Calls
Kudos to Heritage Computer Science Academy for making positive phone calls to parents about the great things their children are doing. Students were nominated by their teachers for being excellent scholars! What a wonderful way to celebrate positive student behavior.  #GGUSDPride
National School Lunch Week
Last week was National School Lunch Week and we celebrated our Food Services Department for the fantastic job they do each year serving more than five million meals including 410 pounds of fruits and vegetables.

Our dedicated Food Service workers serve nutritious meals each day including locally grown produce such as baby carrots, fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and seasonal fruit. In addition to this, whole grain rich items, lean proteins, fat-free flavored & low-fat unflavored milk are offered with each lunch meal. These healthy meals provide nourishment for our students to help them learn and grow. 

Photographed here: Food Service employees from Cook Elementary School and students enjoying bananas with their lunches.
Eisenhower Students Become Crime Solvers during STEM Field Trip
Last week fifth grade students from Eisenhower Elementary School enjoyed project-based learning during a fun forensic science field trip to the TGR Learning Lab. Students participated in handwriting analysis, crime scene sketching, and gem forgery. The week-long field trip infuses several experiments into the forensic science curriculum including using a microscope to study hair and color mixing chromatography, the same strategies used by real forensic scientists. The afternoon even included a lesson in aerospace rocketry and of course, time for golfing. GGUSD is fortunate to enjoy a longstanding relationship with  TGR Foundation  – A Tiger Woods Charity and the TGR Learning Lab. Each year 450 students from five GGUSD schools participate in this field trip and experience STEM outside of their classrooms.  #GGUSDPride

Watch the video above for a quick recap of the field trip.
On the Field
Rancho Alamitos High School (6-3, 4-0 in league) defeated La Quinta (5-4, 2-2 in league) last Friday to set up a showdown with Garden Grove League newcomer Loara (7-2, 4-0 in league) for the league championship at Glover Stadium in Anaheim, Friday at 4.


Preschool Resource Fair
We had a great Resource and Health Fair for preschool parents at Clinton Corner this week. Director of Preschool Programs Emma Druitt and Superintendent Dr. Mafi provided parents with helpful information and tips on what they can do to support student learning at home. Thanks to all of our great partners who came out to support area families! 
Shake-Out for Safety
GGUSD and our schools participated in the Great California Shake Out on October 18. We joined millions of people worldwide to drop, cover, and hold. The team at Murdy Elementary School wore their safety vests during the drill! Keeping students safe starts with preparation!
Artistic Argos Host Performing Arts Festival
Recently, the talented students at Garden Grove High School showcased their talents during the school’s Performing Arts Fall Festival. Our wonderful Visual and Performing Arts programs really enhance the high school experience.