Cook and Paine Elementary Schools Host Blue Ribbon Celebrations

Cook and Paine Elementary Schools hosted special National Blue Ribbon School celebrations this week.

Cook's unforgettable event featured Bolsa Grande choir and marching band performances, Cook student testimonials, remarks from Superintendent Gabriela Mafi and Principal Sherry Sanborn, and certificates from elected officials!

Paine Elementary School hosted a similarly awesome celebration with La Quinta High School cheerleaders, a performance from La Quinta's band and Paine's choir, student testimonials, remarks from Superintendent Gabriela Mafi and Principal Charise Santana and presentations from elected officials.

The students looked stunning in their Blue Ribbon t-shirts, and they cheered with pride for their amazing schools, which were recognized for high academic performance! GGUSD had 3 of Orange County's six National Blue Ribbon Schools, including Anthony Elementary School, Cook Elementary School, and Paine Elementary School. We couldn't be prouder of our high-performing schools and all they do to equip students with the academic and personal skills for lifelong success!!

GGUSD Board Presented with Prestigious Golden Bell

GGUSD was selected as one of 60 recipients of California’s leading educational honor, the Golden Bell Award, for the district’s ASPIRE system of care which supports student mental health and well-being. The award presented by the California School Boards Association promotes excellence in public education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs and governance practices. For GGUSD, the outstanding practice recognized with the Golden Bell Award was the ASPIRE System of Care, a three-tiered innovative approach to school-based mental health counseling which has made a transformative impact on the mental health needs of students in GGUSD.

GGUSD Board of Education President Walter Muneton and Vice President Teri Rocco received the Golden Bell award at a well-attended reception and ceremony on Nov. 30, 2023, at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square. The awards ceremony was part of CSBA’s Annual Education Conference and Trade Show held from Nov. 30-Dec. 2 in San Francisco.

GGUSD Schools Host Fun Holiday Festivities

Many GGUSD schools, including Clinton, Faylane, and Paine elementary schools, have already hosted fun holiday festivities for the whole family to enjoy including gift-giving, photos with Santa, arts and crafts, and delicious holiday treats. We love how our schools continue to spread holiday cheer all month long, creating a warm and welcoming community for students and families (Goal 2)!

#GGUSDPride #GGUSDGoalGetters

GGUSD Celebrates Longstanding Employees

GGUSD honored nearly 550 employees for their years of service at the Annual Employee Recognition Program yesterday at the district’s Don Wash Auditorium, including 2 employees with an impressive 45 years of service! At GGUSD, we know that our success is a result of our dedicated employees who embody our values and contribute to our strong family culture. #GGUSDPride #GGUSDGoalGetters

GGUSD Invests in Athletic Facilities Upgrades

In GGUSD, we know that student participation in athletics and other extracurricular programs contribute greatly to student motivation and well-being (Goal 2). That is why we invested our remaining Measure P funds to make significant upgrades to our district’s athletic facilities.

Measure P funds (which were approved overwhelmingly by 76.3% of voters in 2016) were used to meet GGUSD’s vast facility improvement needs including districtwide air conditioning, seismic improvements and upgrades to increase campus safety. The remaining funds were invested into athletics. Watch our video to see an overview of the athletic facilities upgrades.

#GGUSDPride #GGUSDGoalGetters

La Quinta High School Receives National Unified Champion Banner

Check out the highlights from La Quinta High School's Unified PE Basketball Game vs. Ocean View! They also unveiled their Special Olympics National Unified Champion School banner. La Quinta High School's Unified PE program is a fantastic experience for all and demonstrates GGUSD's Goal 2: Personal Skills, as it fosters a warm and welcoming climate & culture! #GGUSDPride #SpreadTheWordInclusion

GGHS Students Gain Workplace Skills in Criminal Justice Pathway

CAREER-READY: GGUSD has 15 Career Pathways within our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program that equip students with 21st century skills and prepare them for success in their college and career goals (Goal 3). Recently, students in the Criminal Justice Pathway taught by Mr. Carney at Garden Grove High School engaged in hands-on learning about finger printing and crime scene investigation! Mr. Carney brings 25 years of experience as a police officer to the classroom and students greatly benefit from his real-world career experience!

#GGUSDPride #GGUSDGoalGetters

Jordan Intermediate Provides Students with Words of Encouragement

Jordan Intermediate School Classroom 31 has a Post It Pick Me Up wall filled with encouraging notes to help support student well-being and promote a positive and welcoming learning environment. Ms. Pettygrove did a great job getting students engaged with Goal 2 and offering a post it pick me up to students who need a boost.

Allen Elementary School Celebrates Family Engagement

PARENT SCHOLARS: Recently, Ethan Allen Elementary School hosted a special ceremony to honor parents who completed the 10 Educational Essentials courses. Children presented their Parent Scholars with medals to commemorate the completion of the program! We love seeing such a large and engaged group of parents who are eager to learn leadership skills and invest in the education of their children and of their school community! We know that engaged parents leads to greater academic success (Goal 1) and student well-being (Goal 2). #GGUSDPride #GGUSDGoalGetters