April 9, 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.
Exciting Awards
GGUSD was named a 2018 California Exemplary District, a prestigious recognition awarded to only 22 districts across the state by the California Department of Education. The new award celebrates districts that have implemented model practices, which resulted in positive student outcomes. Additionally, 11 elementary schools in GGUSD were named 2018 California Distinguished Schools, a top honor for the state’s most inspiring public schools that demonstrate significant aca demic gains in narrowing the achievement gap. GGUSD has more schools on the 2018 California Distinguished Schools list than any district in Orange County and any comparable district across the state.
Russell's New Elementary Language Academy
GGUSD is set to launch the Russell Elementary Language Academy beginning in 2018-2019. The new Spanish Dual Language Academy is the second of its kind in GGUSD and will meet a growing demand to provide students with a pathway to learn, read, and write in both English and Spanish. 

All students who enroll in transitional kindergarten and kindergarten will be placed in the biliteracy program where they will learn academic content such as science, social studies, literacy, and math in English and Spanish. Students enrolled in the program will also have opportunities to earn the Pathway to Biliteracy Award which is awarded by the Orange County Department of Education.
Selfless Students
For three weeks in March, the sound of clinking coins could be heard on the campus of Thomas Paine Elementary School, as students brought in donation boxes filled with loose change. Students participated in the Pennies for Patients Program, raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This is the 10th year that Paine students have participated in the Pennies for Patients Program. Responding with generous hearts and selfless giving, Paine students and staff raised over $2,000. Students learning to help others is an awesome lesson!  #GGUSDPRIDE
Santiago Showcase
Santiago High School is a National AVID Demonstration School, a leader in college readiness, and student test scores beat the Orange County average. During Santiago's recent Open House, students showcased what makes Santiago such a special school and what they love about the Cavalier high school experience.
STUDENTS AS TEACHERS : What better way to learn about GGUSD's Gifted and Talented Education (GATE) program than from the GATE students themselves? Peters 4-6 GATE students created posters, videos, and presentations to provide new GATE students and parents with an inside look at the program. GATE teachers and instructional leaders also led group activities, answered questions, and provided an opportunity for new GATE students/parents from across the district to get to know one another. 
SEE THE ABLE : Recently Gilbert Elementary School students learned about a variety of disabilities with a focus on what individuals with special needs can do. In GGUSD, we value the abilities of ALL students. Gilbert general education students teamed up with students with special needs to do a fun activity together. Students also enjoyed a school-wide barbecue and fun activities during lunch.
Dana Bui is  #GGUSDHomeGrown
Dana is a Vietnamese Language teacher at Santiago High School. She attended Woodbury Elementary School, Irvine Intermediate School, and graduated from Bolsa Grande High School in 2002.

“GGUSD has always been my dream district. I've had excellent teachers growing up so I knew GGUSD was very selective with their teachers and I've heard nothing but awesome things about the district. I love that GGUSD equips teachers with the best professional development. We go into the classroom well prepared with numerous teaching strategies and skills under our belt. I love that we thrive as a district. Our students love going to school because they can tell that we love teaching them."

Hare Students Get Out-of-this-World Lesson during Visit to Virgin Orbit
In March, 23 Physical Science students from Hare High School were provided an exciting opportunity to visit Virgin Orbit, a company in Long Beach within Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Group that provides launch services for rockets and small satellites. The students were taken on a tour where they saw one of the world’s largest 3D printers as well as various stages of rockets being built. Hare scholars were given a complex group activity that called upon utilizing their critical thinking skills to solve a series of challenging puzzles similar to what Virgin Orbit will put potential employees through in their hiring process. Hare offers many opportunities for students to gain skills that prepare them for college and career success.
Arts Opportunities Abound at Jordan
Jordan Intermediate has a rich and robust visual and performing arts program. Jordan’s band, orchestra, choir, and art students performed at top levels in local festivals and shows. Students without experience are encouraged to enroll in one of Jordan's beginning art, choir, guitar, photography, band, or orchestra classes. Each year, visual and performing arts teaching staff lead up to 200 students in a standing room only spring musical production. This year’s artistic culmination of student talent, growth, and achievement will be displayed in the musical production of Mulan on May 31st-June 2.  The arts foundation established at Jordan enables students to pursue visual and performing arts education in high school and beyond. 
History Comes to Life at Enders
Enders Elementary School second grade students learned about important historical figures by hosting a wax museum.
Students dressed up as the historical figure they researched and provided brief speaking presentations to parents who pushed their "play buttons." Innovation and imagination make project-based learning come to life