February 19, 2020
#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.
Distinguished Schools Recognized
Earlier this month, the California Department of Education hosted a dinner to celebrate the state's 2020 California Distinguished Schools! Congratulations to Allen, Cook, Crosby, Excelsior, Hazard, Lawrence, Morningside, Peters K-3, Peters 4-6, and Stanley elementary schools for receiving this prestigious recognition for academic excellence! GGUSD placed more schools on the list than any district in Orange County! 
Top Teachers in Orange County!
Bolsa Grande teacher Greg Shadid, Newhope Teacher Debbie Redenbaugh, and Pacifica teacher Annie Stultz were honored as among the best teachers in Orange County by OC Parenting Magazine at the Bowers Museum. Greg Shadid and Debbie Redenbaugh placed in the top 25 teachers. GGUSD is fortunate to have such amazing teachers like these three!  #GGUSDPride
Sylvia Mendez Visits Carrillo Elementary School
Carrillo Elementary School hosted Civil Rights Activist Sylvia Mendez and presented her with a check for over $1,000 to be used towards The Mendez Project which will include the Mendez Freedom Trail and Monument in Westminster.  #GGUSDpride
Girls Code!
The Los Amigos Girls' League held a coding class during Hour of Code Week in December. The Girls League President Melissa shares with us the importance of introducing girls to coding.
GGUSD Celebrates Parent Leaders
GGUSD celebrates parent leaders for completing the 40 Developmental Assets parent education program. Over 100 parents participated in a five-week workshop series to learn research-based tools to help their children succeed in school and make positive, and healthy choices. Board president Walter Muñeton and Trustee Teri Rocco presented parents with certificates for their accomplishment!
Heritage Computer Science Academy Hosts Student Showcase
We love to see the success coming out of Heritage Computer Science Academy. They recently had an EPIC Build and students showcased their new skills!  #GGUSDPride
Hill Elementary Celebrates Respectful Students
Hill Elementary students are learning the importance of respect! As students demonstrated respect in different ways around campus, they were given a sweetheart to add to the school's respect board!
Students Celebrate the 100th Day of School
Students all across the district celebrated the 100th day of school on February 11. From Garden Park Elementary School to La Quinta High School, students were excited about the occasion!
Join Paine Elementary Teacher in Reaching for the Cure Half Marathon
Paine Elementary School teacher Terry Shepard is putting together her 13th Annual Team Running with Todd, which runs in honor of her son Todd who passed away at the age of 18 of Ewings Sarcoma. This year, the team will be running in honor of what would have been Todd's 40th birthday. The team will participate in the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation: Reaching for the Cure Half Marathon on Sunday, March 22, 2020.
GGUSD invites 7th through 12th grade students, all families, staff, and community members to participate in our Human Relations Task Force. The next meeting is Thursday, February 27 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the district annex building. The Human Relations Task Force will develop a set of recommendations aimed at fostering a positive culture and climate at all schools, including responding to hate and bias. 
Barker Elementary Accepts Generous Donation for New Technology
Barker Elementary School is a proud member of the west Garden Grove community and was grateful to receive a $2,500 donation from Vons/Albertsons Corporation. The donation was presented to the student council recently during the grand re-opening of the local Vons store on Valley View. Barker plans to use the donation on iPads for student learning!
Brookhurst Students Participate in the Great Kindness Challenge
Brookhurst Elementary students participated in a national campaign called The Great Kindness Challenge. Hallways were decorated with inspiring quotes and messages to help with self-reflection. In class, teachers used these quotes along with a checklist for class discussions centered around being kind and embracing diversity. Students identified ways they can contribute to a positive school climate where all students feel welcomed. Students had fun writing encouraging notes to younger students and showing small gestures of appreciation.