GGUSD Students Shine in Musical Productions

Across the nation, March is recognized as "Arts in Our Schools" Month. GGUSD students have shined on stage in numerous recent musical productions. Hill Elementary School students lit up the stage in the school's production of Disney's The Lion King and Patton Elementary School students were equally impressive bringing the stories of Dr. Seuss to life in their production of Seussical. We love seeing our students engage in singing, dancing and acting through Disney Musicals in School and other visual and performing arts programs.

GGUSD Celebrates Student Artists at First Impressions

GGUSD hosted its 45th annual First Impressions Art Show last Saturday to celebrate the creative talent of hundreds of students from all grade levels from preschool to high school. Awards were presented in front of a packed room of parents, staff, and community members at the Garden Grove Community Center on Saturday, March 18, 2023, followed by the communitywide Art in the Park event which is hosted by GGUSD and the City of Garden Grove and showcases student artwork and musical performances.

GGUSD Board Approves Resolution Recognizing CA Distinguished Schools

At its meeting on March 21st, GGUSD's Board of Education approved Resolution No. 22 recognizing ten of its schools for earning the 2023 California Distinguished Schools award, eight of which were denied the award from the state based solely on COVID-19 absences. We are extremely proud of our schools for their high performance on state testing and excellence in closing the achievement gap and we will be celebrating the successes they have earned.

The resolution criticizes the California Department of Education’s unfair inclusion of COVID-19 absences in calculating chronic absenteeism rates, calling it an equity issue that punishes schools in high-poverty areas that were hardest hit by the pandemic.

The eight schools, honored by the Board of Education, which would have received 2023 CA Distinguished Schools awards if COVID-19 absences are removed include Anthony, Barker, Excelsior, Garden Park, Hazard, Morningside, and Patton elementary schools. Allen and Cook elementary schools were the only two GGUSD schools officially recognized by the CDE as California Distinguished Schools at an award ceremony held last month.

Russell Students Prepare for Academic Pentathlon

On Saturday, March 18th, 19 sixth graders from Russell Elementary participated in the OCDE Academic Pentathlon Scrimmage! They have been working hard since August, studying concepts in science, social studies, literature, fine arts, and math within the topic of the American Revolution! They are preparing to proudly represent Russell in their upcoming competitions in April and May with grit, zest, and a positive attitude! Go Russell Rams!!

GGUSD IT Programmer Named OC Classified Employee of Year Finalist

GGUSD employee Manjit Charaia, who has served as a Senior Programmer Analyst in the district’s Information Technology Department for more than six years, was named an Orange County Finalist for the Orange County Department of Education’s 2023 Classified Employee of the Year program. During a surprise celebration last week, Superintendent Gabriela Mafi congratulated Charaia on the recognition and thanked her for her many contributions to the district. Charaia is one of only 9 classified employees across the county to receive this prestigious recognition. 

Spring Sports Are in Play

Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/ggusdathletics to see GGUSD athletes in action!

GGUSD Board Honors Spelling Bee Champs

At its meeting on Tuesday, the Board of Education recognized GGUSD's Elementary School Spelling Bee Champion Joaquin from Northcutt and Intermediate School Spelling Bee Champ Darla from McGarvin. Congratulations to these dedicated scholars on this exciting accomplishment!