Three GGUSD Schools Named Blue Ribbon Schools

This week, the U.S. Department of Education recognized Anthony Elementary School, Cook Elementary School and Paine Elementary School as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2023 in the category of Exemplary High Performing Schools. This prestigious honor is based on a school’s overall academic performance and was awarded to only 353 schools across the nation including 33 in California. While GGUSD schools represent less than half of one percent of all schools in California, the Board of Education is delighted that GGUSD has an impressive 9% of the state’s National Blue Ribbon Schools. At the county level, there were 6 National Blue Ribbon Schools. While Garden Grove Unified Schools represent 6.5% of Orange County Schools, the district represents a remarkable 50% of Orange County’s National Blue Ribbon Schools.

GGUSD Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

GGUSD is proud that nearly 55% of our student population and a large number of our employees are of Latino/a descent. Throughout the year, we frequently host cultural events that celebrate our district’s diversity. We are proud to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and want to spotlight some of our students and staff who share what Hispanic Heritage Month means to them.

GGUSD Participates in FIestas Patrias Parade

More than 100 student leaders from eight high schools as well as Santiago High School folklorcio and Alamitos Intermediate mariachi showcased GGUSD pride in the Fiestas Patrias Parade in Santa Ana last weekend.

Students walked alongside Board of Education President Walter Muneton, Vice President Teri Rocco, Trustee Lan Nguyen, Superintendent Gabriela Mafi and Assistant Superintendent of K-12 Educational Services Dr. Lorena Sanchez. GGUSD loves the FIestas Patrias Parade, and it was such a fun way to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month. GGUSD has six schools in Santa Ana and 20% of GGUSD students reside in Santa Ana. It was wonderful to be part of this fantastic community event!

GGUSD Board Recognizes Simon Scholars

At its September 19 meeting, GGUSD Board of Education recognized 46 students from Bolsa Grande, Garden Grove, La Quinta, Los Amigos, Rancho Alamitos, and Santiago high schools who were named Class of 2025 Simon Scholars for their commitment to academic success and community service. Watch our video to learn more about our Simon Scholars and their plans for the future.

The Board also presented representatives from the Simon Family Foundation with the district’s 2023 Community Heroes Award for the organization’s longstanding partnership with the district. In 2023, there were 200 Simon Scholars selected from schools across Orange County, 46 of those students or 25% of all Simon Scholars in Orange County are from Garden Grove Unified School District.

PTA Council Supports GGUSD Schools

GUSD is grateful for the enthusiastic and hardworking partnership of our PTA Council. Kudos to our awesome PTA leaders who do so much to support our schools including Garden Grove Unified Council of PTAs President Charlene Cuellar who organized an exciting and inspiring meeting on Monday. PTA leaders attended from Brookhurst, Bryant, Crosby, Enders, Evans, Excelsior, Faylane, Monroe, Murdy, Northcutt, Pacifica, Patton, Russell, Skylark, Stanley, and Sunnyside, and received a warm welcome from the Garden Grove High School cheerleaders!

Students Raise Money for Maui

The Student Leadership team at Marshall Elementary sponsored a fundraiser called Lollipops for Lahaina in order to raise money for the students of West Maui affected by last month's devastating wildfires. The sale raised $300, with proceeds donated to the Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation. All donations received by October 1 are allocated to help Maui students and staff recover from this unimaginable tragedy.

Ralston Intermediate Hosts Disability Awareness Day

This week Ralston Intermediate School participated in Disabilities Awareness Day through the school's PE classes. As part of the district's Unified P.E. program, students participated in a variety of stations to learn about visual, hearing and physical disabilities, learning important skills in empathy and how best to support classmates with disabilities.

GGUSD Counselors Share Tips on College Admissions Process

In this quick video, GGUSD counselors provide tips to some of the most frequently asked questions about the college admissions process. Juniors and seniors - don't forget to attend the College Fair next Tuesday at the Great Wolf Lodge. GGUSD counselors will be there to answer additional questions and you'll have an opportunity to meet with representatives from 100+ colleges and universities.