October 3, 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.
SUPER HEROES WITH SUPER CHARACTER
On September 26, Excelsior Elementary participated in a worldwide initiative called Character Day! This was the fifth annual day that encourages people of all ages to talk about character and take action. Excelsior students were encouraged to dress like a super hero or wear superhero t-shirts. Students had conversations about how super heroes do the right thing even when it is hard. Super heroes develop good character by doing the right thing even when no one is looking. We love all of the creative ways our schools present character education.  #ChooseGGUSD
CAREER PATHWAY HIGHLIGHT
Watch our video to hear from students and teachers about the benefits of GGUSD's nine Career and Technical Education Career Pathway programs that connect academic content with real-world applications. In their chosen career pathways, students pursue their passions, develop 21st century technical skills, earn dual high school and college credits, gain industry certifications, and get a head start preparing for high-demand college majors and careers.
FORWARD THINKING
These Stanford Stallions are forward- thinking! On Wednesdays, students wear college-themed clothing to highlight the school's focus on goal setting for the future.  #ChooseGGUSD
A DRIVE FOR SUCCESS
GGUSD's delivery truck serves as a moving showcase, highlighting our district's distinct recognition as the first and only California Exemplary District in Orange County and highlighting our wonderful programs.  #ChooseGGUSD
LA QUINTA BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT SHOWCASES SUCCESS
La Quinta High School students put on quite a show for the school's annual Back to School Night last week. With many impressive student performances and teacher presentations, La Quinta parents are well informed about the school's many wonderful opportunities. Thanks to Board of Education President Bob Harden for coming out to meet parents and for all he has done to support La Quinta High School.  #GGUSDPride
FITZ PARENTS AS PARTNERS
Recently, Fitz Intermediate School hosted a parent workshop that included presentations from the Santa Ana library, Santa Ana City College, Santa Ana City Drug Division, GGUSD Board Member Walter Muneton, and other featured guests. Parents were also informed about the many ways to become engaged in their child's education including attending Pastries with the Principal, a variety of parent education classes, and serving as parent greeters, At the end of the three days, parents were given certificates of completion alongside of their students to congratulate them on their commitment to participating in school activities and supporting student success at Fitz.
NOTHING SAYS FALL LIKE FOOTBALL
League competition kicked off last week for six of the GGUSD gridiron squads. Santiago and Rancho opened up their league slate with a nail biter that saw Rancho narrowly escape the Cavaliers with a 16-14 victory that was close throughout. Here are some quick GGUSD football highlights:

Garden Grove League
  • La Quinta and Rancho are 3-3, 1-0 in league play
  • Santiago and Los Amigos are 3-3, 0-1 in league play
  • Bolsa is 1-5, 0-1 in league play

Empire League
  • Pacifica is 3-3, 1-0 in league

Big 4 League (Golden West Conference)
  • Garden Grove is 5-1, they start league play next week

Mike Carrillo of Garden Grove High School leads Orange County in rushing yards and is the only player with over 1,000 rushing yards. Also, the Argos are ranked sixth in the latest CIF Division 9 polls.
EDUCATION WITH HEART
Gilbert Elementary School's staff participated in a book study of Tim Kanold’s book "Heart." We love this photo because it reminds us that GGUSD teachers love what they do and put their hearts into making a difference for students.  #ChooseGGUSD
MAKING A LASTING DIFFERENCE
Educators often wonder how their former students are doing and whether they made a difference in their students' futures. It is really special to get an email, letter, or visit detailing how a former student is doing. Recently, two of our Evans Elementary teachers heard from their former students.

Mrs. Auxier had a student in 1996 who grew up to become Dr. Aimee Le. Aimee wrote, "Thank you, Mrs. Auxier, for laying the foundation for my lifelong pursuit of learning and for cultivating kindness and positivity in your classroom.

Elizabeth Santana, a former student of Mrs. Dormaier (Miss Powell) had this to say, "Miss Powell was one of my favorite teachers and she was one of the people that inspired me to become a teacher." It's notes like these that remind us why education and those who dedicate their careers to education are so important.
Save the Date for the College Fair
Save the date for GGUSD's 2018 College Fair on Monday, October 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at The Great Wolf Lodge in the Redwood Ballroom, 12681 South Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove. Free parking validation will be offered. This event is for high school juniors and seniors and is the perfect opportunity for students to meet with representatives from more than 100 colleges and universities. Don't miss the chance to explore programs offered at in-state and out-of-state universities! GGUSD counselors will also be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the college admissions process. For more information, call the Department of Parent and Community Outreach at (714) 663-6084.
Shining a Light on Success
I SPY! I spy with my little eyes GGUSD students in the sky! Have you seen Paul? The banner of this 2018 La Quinta High School graduate is hanging near the school and puts a spotlight on Paul's enrollment at UC Irvine. Paul attended Murdy Elementary and McGarvin Intermediate as well! We love our grads!  #GGUSDPride

Have you seen your favorite grads’ banner around town? If so take a photo and post it on our page to play “I Spy” and show off your #GGUSDPride
Nominate an 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.