Message from the Superintendent
May 7, 2021
In this Message
- U.S. News & World Report Names 3 OUSD High Schools as Best in the Nation
- In Our Schools: Jordan Academy, Panorama Elementary, Crescent Elementary
- Employee of the Month
- Board of Education Proclamations
- Job Opportunities
- CARES Child Care Program is Currently Enrolling for Fall
- Registration is Open for Preschool
Upcoming Events
- May 18: Open Houses – Crescent, Fairhaven, Panorama
- May 25: Open Houses – Esplanade, Nohl Canyon, Prospect, Running Springs, Sycamore
- May 28: Elementary Minimum Day
- May 31: Memorial Day Holiday
Dear OUSD Community,
We are pleased to announce that three of our high schools have once again been named “Best High Schools” in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Canyon, El Modena, and Villa Park High School each ranked in the top 40% nationally amongst nearly 18,000 public high schools nationwide, based on their state assessments and how well they prepare students for college.
This prestigious recognition is a testament to our staff’s hard work and dedication, as well as our partnerships with our families and community to provide a safe, equitable, and innovative culture of learning for each scholar to have a competitive edge as a leader.
The Best High Schools rankings are produced by U.S. News & World Report in conjunction with RTI International, a global research firm. All data comes directly from official third-party sources, including the College Board, International Baccalaureate, California Department of Education, and U.S. Department of Education Common Core of Data.
I am incredibly proud of our District and the educational programs and student opportunities we have continued to provide throughout the past year, despite the challenges we have faced and mindful of the health and safety of our students, staff, and community.
Warmest Regards,
Gunn Marie Hansen, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Orange Unified School District
In Our Schools
Jordan Academy of Language and Computer Science celebrated “El Dia del Niño” or “Day of the Child,” a celebration that originated in Mexico and dates back to 1925. Many have brought the tradition over the years to the United States. This day is about recognizing the importance of children in society and promoting their well-being. The goals and founding principles of this observance call for a daily commitment to recognize and honor the importance of children and childhood, promote literacy and the importance of reading, honor home languages and cultures by promoting bilingual and multilingual literacy in this multicultural nation, and global understanding thru reading and art. Goals also include influencing parents to become involved in the education of their children. Jordan scholars celebrated with a video showcase of their after-school enrichment programs, including Ballet Folklorico and Hip Hop dance. Also highlighted was their observational drawing class. All students also received one traditional gift of a goody bag full of candy and a toy. Check out the festivities below!
Panorama Elementary School’s Panther Cub Club pairs upper grade and lower grade students to create a tutoring program. This opportunity allows upper-grade students to develop their leadership skills, build confidence, and experience success working with their younger peers. The younger cubs strengthen their early reading skills by working each day with their partners on phonological awareness, phonics, high-frequency words, and decoding. Cub Club has led to an increase in attendance and on-time arrival, the development of supportive relationships, and significant growth in the reading skills of the youngest readers at Panorama. Most importantly, Cub Club participants enjoy their time together and have fun while learning.
At Crescent Elementary School, students first watched videos and read information about Earth Day. They then worked with a partner to take notes on four headings concerning Earth Day: What is Earth Day? Why is it significant? How we harm the Earth? How can we help the Earth?
Students then shared their information using cloud-based software and discussed their research. Lastly, students used their findings to create a public service announcement.
Employee of the Month
Congratulations to Fidel Alatorre, Plant Supervisor at Villa Park High School, for being selected as May’s “YOU’VE GOT THE EDGE” Employee of the Month!
Fidel goes above and beyond to serve the staff, students, and community of Orange Unified.
“Fidel Alatorre is probably the kindest and most hard-working gentleman I have ever known. He has served our greater Orange community for 42 years and always displays and models servant leadership. What I love (we all love) about Fidel is he has class, humility, and is extremely trustworthy. He loves Villa Park High School, our kids, our staff and community.” - Ken Miller, Principal, Villa Park High School
Board of Education Proclamations
SCHOOL NURSE DAY- MAY 12, 2021
This year, Wednesday, May 12, has been designated as National School Nurse Day to officially recognize school nurses for their services to students and staff. The day aims to recognize school nurses and acknowledge their role in the educational setting. The Orange Unified School District is pleased to participate in this observance and welcomes the opportunity to officially recognize and commend the District’s school nurses for their continued excellent service.
CLASSIFIED SCHOOL EMPLOYEE WEEK - MAY 16-22
Classified employees are the heartbeat of our schools. From transporting and feeding students to teaching them vital skills and ensuring that schools are operating smoothly, classified employees are integral to public education. Classified employees perform a wide range of essential work, including food service, maintenance and operations, transportation, instructional assistance, office and clerical work, security, library, media assistance, computer services, and more.
This proclamation declares May 16-22 as “Classified School Employee Week” to recognize the contributions of over 1,449 classified employees who serve as partners in education with the District’s certificated and administrative employees and commend them for the vital role they play in the day-to-day operations of our schools.
CONDEMNING HATE AND RACISM
Orange Unified School District is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment to all students, every day. We are committed to condemning hate and racism.
Job Opportunities
Orange Unified School District is gearing up for its spring recruiting and hiring initiative. Are you interested in a profession that makes a positive impact in the community? If so, please visit our website at www.orangeusd.org/jobs to view a vast array of employment opportunities that span from entry-level to upper management, classified and certificated. Join the Orange Unified family and Inspire our learners of today to be purposeful leaders of tomorrow.
CARES Child Care Program is Currently Enrolling for Fall
Fall Registration is now open for the 2021/22 school year. Please register on Eleyo. If you are new to Eleyo you will need to create an account first before you can register. The registration fee of $100.00/$200.00 max per family will be due and billed on Monday, August 2. August (pro-rated) and September tuition will be due and billed on Wednesday, August 18 (the first day of school). Please register as soon as possible. Space is limited at each location: https://ousdcds.ce.eleyo.com/
Summer camp registration opened on Monday, April 19.
Registration is Open for Preschool
Registration for the Early Learning Center’s Preschool Program began on Tuesday, April 20. The ELC Preschool program is offered at Cambridge, Esplanade, Fairhaven, Olive, Lampson, Palmyra, and Sycamore Elementary Schools, with Spanish immersion available at California Elementary and Jordan Academy.
For information and program qualifications, please call 714-628-5577.
Parents can also register students for the Child Development Center’s award-winning Preschool Program. The preschool curriculum includes a variety of activities to stimulate and promote curiosity, learning, and social development. Teachers present a well-developed curriculum using the Preschool Learning Foundations, Preschool GLAD, and Connect4Learning to help in the areas of social and emotional development, English-language development, early literacy skills, early writing skills, print awareness, children’s literature, and early math and science skills presented in a nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment.
Please call 714-628-5360 for more information on how to register your child for this opportunity.
Space is limited in each program, and students are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Connect with Us
Email: communications@orangeusd.org
Website: www.orangeusd.org
Location: 1401 North Handy Street, Orange, CA, USA
Phone: 714-628-4000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrangeUnifiedSchoolDistrictCA
Twitter: @orangeunifiedCA