May 21, 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.
40 California Honor Roll Schools
Garden Grove Unified School District was named a California Honor Roll District and 40 of our schools were named 2017-2018 California Honor Rolls Schools, earning recognition for high achievement in student success, reduction in achievement gaps, and high college readiness in students. 
AVID Students Earn Scholarships
Only six AVID students in all of Orange County were selected as Angels Scholars and awarded $10,000 in college scholarships and three were from GGUSD! Our Angel Scholars and 10 "AVID Eighth Grade Standout Students" were recognized at a special ceremony May 7 at Angel Stadium .
Classified Employee Appreciation Week
GGUSD is celebrating its more than 2,000 classified employees during Classified Employee Week from May 21 through May 25. Classified employees include administration, clerical, data control, fiscal, food service, instructional assistance, maintenance, grounds, and transportation trades as well as printing services, secretarial, warehouse, information technology workers, and others.
 
Neighborhood Canvas Shows Off Pride for Russell Elementary School
A Community Canvas with Russell Elementary School

On Saturday, a large group of GGUSD Board of Education members, district administrators, and staff joined with proud Russell Elementary School staff, students, parents, and alumni to canvas the Russell community with  #GGUSDPride . The group went door-to-door to share with neighbors about Russell Elementary's new Spanish Dual Language program, and the many other wonderful opportunities offered at Russell Elementary, Fitz Intermediate and Los Amigos High School. Thank you to Board of Education President Bob Harden, and Trustees Teri Rocco and Walter Muneton for their participation and support in this important community outreach event.
May Employees of the Month

Last week, the Board of Education recognized our May Employees of the Month! Brian Dawson, athletic attendant at La Quinta High School is our Classified Employee of the Month and Amber Mueller, special education resource teacher at Stanley Elementary School is our Certificated Employee of the Month.
Board Honors 2018 Valedictorians
Last week, the Board of Education recognized our amazing valedictorians! These student are truly inspiring. We heard stories of students taking 10 to 20 Advanced Placement classes, earning National Merit Scholarships, earning full rides to college, committing to ivy league colleges, volunteering in their communities, competing in sports, playing instruments, honoring their parents and, having dreams to change the world. Watch Out World - these soon-to-be GGUSD graduates will accomplish great things! 
Bell Musicians Earn First Place

Congratulations to Bell Intermediate School music students and their teacher, Lynette Van Voris! On April 28, 113 Bell students in Show Choir, Band, and Orchestra traveled to San Diego to participate in the Music In the Park competition and enjoy a trip to Sea World to learn about marine life. All Bell groups earned first place and were honored as “outstanding” performers. Seventh grade student, Ethan Nguyen, received the “Overall Best Soloist” award. 
From Cavalier to Bruin

This Cavalier will soon be a Bruin! So proud of the college choices our Class of 2018 is making. We're in the final stretch now. #GGUSDPride
A Future Architect

Garden Grove High School's Emily Ta is headed to Cal Poly Pomona with plans to study architecture. GGUSD's Class of 2018 is well-prepared to accomplish their dreams. Emily is on her way.  #GGUSDPride
Eisenhower Excels at Robotics Contest

Eisenhower Elementary School students had a very successful weekend at Fullerton School District’s 3rd Annual Robot Nation. Third grade students competed in the Dash Launcher and Dash Battlebots competition, programming their robots to knock down targets and pop balloons. Fifth graders programmed their Lego EV3 robot to race for speed, complete a maze and battle against other robots. Our students continue to fine tune their computer programming skills and prepare for exciting 21st century career fields, all while having a blast in fun STEAM-based competitions. 
Better Speech and Hearing Month
To celebrate May as Better Speech and Hearing Month, Regina Hartley's speech group practiced their fluency skills at Northcutt Elementary School by interviewing their principal, Dr. Gerstner. Students practiced in their speech sessions by role playing and asking each other their questions. Once they felt confident, they invited Dr. Gerstner for his interview, which ws a huge success. Dr. Gerstner complemented each of the students on speaking eloquently and with a purpose. GGUSD has wonderful speech therapists who are committed to student success.
GGUSD Recognized by Special Visitor

California Department of Education State Board Vice President Dr. Ilene Straus paid a visit to one of California’s 22 Exemplary Districts: Garden Grove Unified School District. During her visit, she toured Monroe Elementary Language Academy and Doig Intermediate School. We hope to have her back again soon.  #GGUSDPride
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Red Carpet Treatment

Rosita Elementary School student leaders rolled out the red carpet for all students to celebrate their hard work, perseverance and academic achievement that led to being named a 2018 California Distinguished School. Way to go Rosita scholars! You are truly deserving of this celebration! 
Congratulations to Parkview Scholars

Congratulations to Parkview Elementary School scholars on their first place win in the Orange County Academic Pentathlon. GGUSD students continue to stand out for academic excellence and hard work!  #ChooseGGUSD