Message from Orange Unified

• August 20: First Day of School
• September 1: Labor Day Holiday - All Sites Closed
• September 11: Board of Education Meeting

This year brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and connect, grounded in our shared commitment to ensuring every child thrives. Whether you’re returning or joining us for the first time, thank you for being part of the Orange Unified family.

Our schools are ready. Our educators are inspired. And our scholars—our reason for everything—are at the heart of it all.

Let’s make it a year of possibility, purpose, and pride.

With appreciation,
Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD
Superintendent of Schools
Orange Unified School District

Congratulations to Canyon High School artists Madi Aquino (9th grade) and Hana Becovic (11th grade), students in Kathy Flanagan-Rose’s class, who both won first place in their grade levels at the Laguna Beach Festival of Arts Junior Exhibition.

Madi’s graphite pencil piece, 9 Squares, and Hana’s scratch art piece, Dragon, were selected from hundreds of entries across Orange County. Their works advanced through the county contest, exhibited at Crystal Court in the spring, and were among just 10 pieces per grade level chosen to be featured this summer at the Festival of Arts—where both earned first-place recognition.

Orange Unified School District is committed to ensuring that every student and staff member learns and works in a safe, secure environment. In accordance with California Education Code Sections 32280–32289 and OUSD Board Policy 0450 – Comprehensive Safety Plan, each school site develops and updates a Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP) every year.

What Is a Comprehensive School Safety Plan (CSSP)?

A CSSP is a strategic, site-specific document that outlines how a school:

• Prepares for and responds to emergencies

• Promotes a safe and positive school climate

• Meets all state safety requirements
  
  

Plans are reviewed and updated annually by March 1.

Key Components of the CSSP

Each school’s plan includes:

• School safety and crime assessment

• Child abuse reporting procedures

• Disaster and emergency response procedures

• Earthquake and fire drill protocols

• Lockdown, evacuation, and shelter-in-place procedures

• Procedures for notifying staff of dangerous students

• Anti-discrimination and harassment policies

• Safe entry and exit routes

Accessing Your School’s Plan

While OUSD is committed to transparency, some parts of the CSSP contain sensitive details—such as exact emergency response tactics—that could compromise safety if shared publicly. For this reason, only certain individuals can access certain information contained in the CSSP.

Families and community members can access allowable portions of the CSSP in two ways:

1. School Accountability Report Card (SARC): Available on each school’s website.

2. In-Person Review: Contact the school office to arrange a review of permitted sections with the principal.
   

For questions or more information, please contact:

• Your school’s main office: Click HERE for the school directory

• OUSD Student & Community Services Department at 714-628-5424 or scs@orangeusd.org.

Together, we can keep our schools safe, supportive, and ready.

You are cordially invited to attend the annual Celebration of Schools on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the Villa Park High School Performing Arts Center. This year’s event, themed “Pathways to Possibilities,” will highlight the exceptional educational programs, resources, and achievements across all levels of learning within the Orange Unified School District.

Orange Unified Public Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities and promoting equity for the students of Orange Unified.

OUPSF has already awarded more than $150,000 in classroom and teacher grants; provided significant support to our visual and performing arts programs; funded up-to-date wellness resources in every school; and enhanced athletics programs across all high schools in the district.

OUPSF’s efforts include:

• Teacher and classroom grants ($250–$1,000) that bring innovative projects to life.
• Expanded access to arts education opportunities districtwide.
• Mental health and wellness programs tailored to student needs.
• Strengthening sports and extracurricular activities that foster teamwork, discipline, and personal growth.

Learn more at www.oupsf.org or follow them on social media @orangepublicschoolsfoundation

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orangeusd
Twitter: @orangeunifiedCA

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OUSD

We invite you to take a moment to follow Orange Unified on social media to receive the District’s latest news and announcements. Social media may also be a critical line of communication during emergencies and will be an excellent place for you to get up to date information.