Good News Report November 21, 2025
Golden Elementary School Recognized Among California’s Top Public Schools
The U.S. News & World Report recently released its 2026 Best K–8 Schools rankings, recognizing top-performing elementary and middle schools nationwide. The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) is proud to announce that Golden Elementary School earned a commendable position as the No. 56 elementary school in California. This distinction reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and student success.
Valencia High School and El Dorado High School Dominate Fall Spirit Rankings
The Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) has made history as the first district in Orange County Student Section history to secure both the No. 1 and No. 2 positions in the final fall power rankings. Valencia High School earned the top spot, while El Dorado High School closely followed in second place, an unprecedented achievement that highlights the district’s strong culture of school pride and student engagement.
Van Buren Elementary Students Strengthen Foundational Literacy Skills Through Fall-Themed Writing Activities
At Van Buren Elementary School, first-grade students in Mrs. Ostapeck’s class have been actively developing foundational sentence-writing skills. Throughout the week, students engaged in activities designed to support the construction of clear and concise “barebone” sentences using fall-themed prompts for inspiration. Examples such as “Leaves fall” and “Squirrels run” encouraged learners to recognize how even brief statements can effectively convey meaning and imagery.
Tuffree and Yorba Linda Middle School Choir Students Honor Local Heroes at City Veterans Day Ceremony
On Tuesday, November 11, choir students from Tuffree Middle School and Yorba Linda Middle School proudly represented their campuses by performing at the City of Placentia’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony. Under the skilled direction of music educators Mr. Marlon Santizo and Mr. Robert Seitz, students presented a series of musical selections, including a respectful and heartfelt performance of the National Anthem.
Yorba Linda High School Students Interview Superintendent of Schools for The Wrangler Podcast
On Thursday, November 6, Yorba Linda High School students Eric Gao and Maddie Guan welcomed Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) Superintendent, Dr. Kym LeBlanc-Esparza, as a featured guest on The Wrangler Podcast: Meet Me at Mane Street. The student-led interview aimed to learn more about Dr. Kym’s personal journey and leadership perspectives beyond her official role.