June 26, 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.
2018 High School Graduation Highlights
We can't get enough of our amazing Class of 2018 graduates! Watch our Graduation Highlights video for a fun recap of their graduation ceremonies which captures their spirit and enthusiasm for the future.
Summer School is in Full Swing!
While school is officially out for the year, nearly 5,000 GGUSD students are taking advantage of enrichment opportunities and credit recovery classes offered during the summer. Summer School began June 25 for elementary school students and is offered at four schools with a focus on support for English learners, math, science, and computer coding. Seventh and eighth grade students are attending Summer Institute, which began June 25 and is offered at three intermediate sites, with a focus on academic literacy, English language development, history, science, math and scholarly habits.  

Summer school for high school students is offered at two sites with a focus on credit recovery and/or career and technical education courses. Our special education program and Adult education classes are offered through the summer to ensure the needs of all students are met. GGUSD families also take advantage of Boys & Girls Club offered in June and July at ten sites and our Free Summer Meal Program which helps ensure students do not go hungry when school is not in session. We are proud to offer a wide range of learning and support for families over the summer.

#GGUSDSummerSuccess

Free Field Trip Opportunity for High School Students including Incoming Freshmen
Two dates are still available for students to attend GGUSD's free field trip to the Discovery Cube!
Lake Graduate Dances Way to Spotlight
Lake Intermediate School eighth grade graduate Destinee Mayares is not only a top scholar and straight-A student, she is also a talented dancer currently competing on NBC’s hit dance competition series, World of Dance.

Mayares is one of 15 members on the hip-hop dance team, “The Lab” which recently made it past the week one qualifier round of the dance competition. She also appeared with “The Lab” on NBC’s The Ellen Show on May 18.

Mayares and her mother Roni attribute much of her academic success to the supportive teachers and staff at Lake Intermediate School who helped her balance her studies with her professional dance career. Mayares said her teachers would stay late to help her catch up and were great about providing support and open communication. This level of service helped Mayares remain successful at school, earning a spot on the Principal’s Honor Roll.

Right now, her favorite subjects in school are math and science but in the future, Mayares hopes to pursue her dream of becoming a professional choreographer, traveling the world, inspiring others, and encouraging young girls.  


Representing Students
Last week, the Board of Education welcomed our new Student Board Representative for the 2018-19 school year: Silayan Camson from Bolsa Grande High School! Silayan has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills and is very active on the campus at Bolsa. She has been a team member on varsity swim for the past three years, volunteered with the American Cancer Society and UNICEF Clubs, and served on Bolsa’s Yearbook Club and in leadership roles as a Sister City Student Ambassador, American Cancer Society Publicity Chair, ASB cabinet member and Youth Leadership of America associate. Silayan will also be the upcoming Editor-in-Chief for Bolsa’s school newspaper and hopes to help grow the school’s journalism program. Welcome Silayan!
June Employees of the Month
At last week's meeting, the Board of Education recognized two exceptional people as our June Employees of the Month. Ralston Intermediate Secretary Dayna Burt was named Classified Employee of the Month for her exceptional customer service skills and great communication with families. Kimberly Escobar, a teacher at Heritage Elementary for 23 years, was recognized as Certificated Employee of the Month for her commitment to student success, and leadership in technology integration and family engagement.
Supporting Our Teachers
This year we celebrated 81 GGUSD teachers earning their clear credentials. All new teachers begin with a preliminary credential and complete a two-year induction program once they start teaching, to earn their clear credential. Over 30 administrators along with their mentors attended the colloquium, the culminating activity to celebrate this two-year program. The celebrations took place on June 4 for K-6 teachers and June 11 for 7-12 teachers. Site and district administrators attended and conducted exit interviews. Teachers were able to share their reflections and the growth they've made during the past two years. Our motto is "learning with and from each other...". The food and decorations were sponsored by the GGEA new teacher committee.