Good News Report Feb 14, 2025
During my school visits over the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable academic growth unfolding within our classrooms. It is evident that our students are thriving under the guidance of our incredible teachers, who bring learning to life in ways that meet the diverse needs of every child.
With state testing quickly approaching, we want to ensure that all students have the opportunity to showcase the incredible knowledge they’ve gained throughout the year. State testing is an important measure of our district’s progress, helping us understand how well we are supporting student learning and where we can continue to grow. While it is just one moment in time, it remains a critical measure of student achievement and our district’s progress. Our ultimate goal is to ensure students are learning in meaningful ways all year long, and testing serves as an important barometer of their growth, providing valuable evidence that helps us celebrate their success and identify areas for continued improvement.
As Ignacio Estrada once said, “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.” Any parent who has helped their child with homework in the evening understands the challenge of making learning click—what works for one child may not work for another. This is the same challenge our teachers face every day as they work tirelessly to reach each student in a way that makes sense to them. That’s why we are committed to meeting students where they are, adapting our instruction to their needs, and ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive. Our educators have mastered the art of teaching the way students learn, and I am proud of the work happening in our schools every day.
This week marks the milestone of 100 days of school! Seeing all the creative celebrations for the 100th day of school, especially students dressing up as centenarians, has been absolutely adorable! The progress and accomplishments our students have made just past the halfway mark of the school year are nothing short of extraordinary! It reflects their hard work, resilience, and the unwavering commitment of our entire school community to nurturing students’ intellectual and personal growth.
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create an environment where all students can thrive. Wishing you all a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Sincerely,
Renee Gray
Acting Superintendent of Schools
Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District
Valadez Middle School Advanced Orchestra Performs at OCMAA 2025 Arts Award Ceremony
On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Valadez Middle School Academy’s Advanced Orchestra, under the direction of Mrs. Jennifer Garcia, was invited to perform at the Orange County Music and Arts Administrators (OCMAA) 2025 Arts Award Ceremony. The event was held at the Samueli Theater at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. Sponsored by the Orange County Department of Education, OCMAA, and various local arts organizations, this ceremony honors the outstanding contributions of music educators and leaders across Orange County, including numerous representatives from the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District.
El Dorado High School Mock Trial Team Claims Eighth Orange County Championship, Advances to State Finals
On February 6, 2025, the El Dorado High School Mock Trial team was named the 2024-25 Orange County Champion following two doubleheader County Finals rounds against the Orange County School of the Arts. As a result of this achievement, the team will represent both El Dorado High School and Orange County at the California State Mock Trial Finals in March. This victory marks the culmination of an undefeated 8-0 season in the second-largest county competition in the state.
PYLUSD Elementary Schools Celebrate the 100th Day of School with Creative and Engaging Activities
On Tuesday, February 11, students across the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District marked the 100th day of school with a series of engaging and educational activities. This milestone event was celebrated at elementary schools district-wide, where students participated in a variety of creative projects designed to commemorate the occasion and reflect on the learning and growth achieved over the first 100 days of the school year. Among the activities, students crafted commemorative shirts, dressed up as centenarians to signify their “100 days smarter” status, and engaged in hands-on projects such as creating masks, assembling 100-piece snacks, fashioning cereal necklaces, and completing 100 exercises.