News Summary
The Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) is celebrating a remarkable achievement as eleven of its elementary schools have been named California Distinguished Schools. This prestigious recognition highlights the district’s commitment to closing the achievement gap and providing quality education. In addition to this honor, GGUSD is expanding its community schools program and enhancing after-school programs, supported by significant funding from the state. The district is dedicated to addressing community concerns and improving the academic and social well-being of all its students and families.
Garden Grove Unified School District Celebrates Exciting Academic Achievements
Garden Grove is buzzing with excitement, as eleven elementary schools in the Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) have recently received the honor of being named California Distinguished Schools. This recognition is awarded for outstanding academic outcomes and excellent progress in closing the achievement gap. This achievement is particularly special since GGUSD has bagged the highest number of Distinguished Schools in all of Orange County, standing only second to the much larger Los Angeles Unified School District.
A Tribute to Excellence
During a recent meeting of the Board of Education, certificates were presented to representatives from these exemplary schools: Anthony, Barker, Brookhurst, Cook, Eisenhower, Excelsior, Hill, Patton, Peters K-3 and 4-6, and Zeyen. It was a moment of joy and pride for the entire community, as these schools have shown commitment to providing quality education and improving student outcomes.
Exciting New Programs Ahead
The Board of Education meeting was lively, with a vote tally of 4-0 approving various crucial measures to enhance learning for all students, even though Trustee Dina Nguyen was absent. One of the standout decisions was the approval of a bid from The Wooden Floor to expand after-school modern dance programs, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Garden Grove. Thanks to funding from the State of California, students will have more opportunities to express themselves creatively.
In addition, the GGUSD board also accepted a bid for cybersecurity services from Nth Generation Computing Inc., aiming to enhance data protection for the district, which is crucial in our digital age. This measure is set at $1,259,277 and is funded by the Federal Communications Commission.
Community Schools Expanding
For residents of Garden Grove and neighboring cities like Anaheim, Cypress, Fountain Valley, Santa Ana, Stanton, and Westminster, the news gets even better! GGUSD is expanding its community schools program to now include 22 campuses. With an additional $2.4 million in state funding—the highest amount awarded to any district in Orange County—this growth allows GGUSD to support even more families and students.
This new funding brings the total community schools award to an impressive $32.3 million, which includes earlier grants of $11.8 million in 2022 and $18 million in 2023. The competitive grant program, introduced by the 2021 Community Schools Partnership Act, aims to provide integrated academic, health, and social services to those who need them most.
Why Community Schools Matter
Community schools serve as critical service hubs in the district, offering essential resources, support, and training for students and families alike. Schools are selected based on various factors, including the proportion of disadvantaged students and high dropout rates, highlighting the focus on helping those in need.
At Russell Elementary Language Academy, Principal Carol Haase emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying issues that affect student attendance. The wellness room at Russell is a fantastic example of how schools are adapting, providing counseling and relaxation activities to support students’ mental health.
Reimagining School Events for Greater Impact
GGUSD has even transformed traditional school events, turning back-to-school nights into community resource fairs. This change aims to connect families with essential services, breaking down barriers and creating stronger community bonds.
Addressing Community Concerns
As part of the ongoing commitment to support all families, GGUSD is tackling broader community concerns, including fears about immigration enforcement. The district has installed crisis response teams to ensure that all families feel welcomed and protected, regardless of immigration status. This collaborative approach includes engagement from parents, students, teachers, and community partners.
With such a strong commitment to academic achievement and community support, Garden Grove Unified School District is paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all its students and families. Exciting times are ahead in this bustling community!
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Tribune: 11 Distinguished Schools in GGUSD
- Wikipedia: Garden Grove Unified School District
- OC Register: Garden Grove Expands Community Schools
- Google Search: Garden Grove Unified School District
- CAIR: GGUSD’s Free Ramadan Meal Kit Initiative
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California Distinguished Schools
- Orange County Tribune: GGUSD Organizes Food Drives
- Google News: Garden Grove Unified School District
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
