Message from Orange Unified

• May 30: OUSD Exposition of the Arts 2025
• June 4: OUSD Retiree Celebration
• June 12: Last Day of School (2024-25)
• June 18: Board of Education Meeting
• August 20: First Day of School (2025-26)

Villa Park High School, in coordination with the California Highway Patrol, Orange County Sheriff's Department, and Orange County Fire Authority, will be conducting an "Every 15 Minutes" mock emergency drill on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at approximately 11:00 a.m.

This important schoolwide event is designed to raise awareness among students about the serious consequences of drinking and driving. Please be advised this is only a drill.

To ensure safety during the simulation, the following road closures will be in place on Thursday, May 29, from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.:

• Taft Avenue at the intersections of Santiago Blvd., Nichols St., and Center Dr.

• Limited access to and from Smokewood Dr. and Bixby Cir.

You may notice an increased presence of emergency vehicles and personnel in the area during this time. Again, this is a planned training exercise and not a real emergency.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to educate and protect our students and community.

Students in the Orange Unified School District’s Adult Transition and Workability Programs gain meaningful, real-world experience through hands-on learning projects that combine creativity, entrepreneurship, and skill-building. Most recently, these students hosted a successful succulent sale featuring plants in pots with handcrafted designs and artistic touches that the students worked to paint and decorate themselves. This effort was a powerful demonstration of how experiential learning fosters growth, inclusion, and preparation for life beyond the classroom.

The succulent sale event, held at the OUSD District Office, was filled with smiles, excitement, and a genuine sense of pride as students shared their work with enthusiastic customers. Beyond offering an outlet for creativity, the project provided students with valuable opportunities to develop practical skills in communication, financial management, customer service, and teamwork. Each phase of the project—from painting pots and preparing plants to engaging with customers—helped students build confidence, independence, and workplace readiness.

The Adult Transition Program in Orange Unified serves young adults with disabilities, ages 18–22, by providing instruction and experiences that promote independent living, employment readiness, and community integration. The Workability Program, a statewide initiative, offers students with individualized education programs (IEPs) opportunities for pre-employment training, job placement, and ongoing support in real-world work environments. Together, these programs play a vital role in supporting students as they transition from school to adult life.

“This project is a shining example of the incredible things our students can achieve when we give them the tools, support, and opportunities they need to grow and flourish,” said OUSD Superintendent Michael L. Christensen. “Seeing the students’ joy as they shared their work was truly inspiring. These are the kinds of experiences that shape lives and build stronger communities.”

Orange Unified School District remains deeply committed to supporting the success of every student in our diverse school community. Through programs such as Adult Transition and Workability, OUSD ensures that all learners have access to meaningful educational experiences that foster personal development and future success.

OUSD’s Special Education Department is commended for its leadership and commitment to creating supportive environments that empower students to thrive. The plants nurtured and sold by students in the District’s Adult Transition and Workability Programs are not only beautiful—they are a living symbol of the growth, resilience, and potential within each of them.

The Orange Unified School District and the Orange Police Department proudly celebrated the graduation of 76 community members from the Hispanic Outreach Program—a powerful partnership dedicated to building trust, strengthening relationships, and empowering Spanish-speaking families across our community.

This year’s five-session program was held at Esplanade Elementary School, where participants gathered weekly to learn about public safety, police procedures, community resources, and opportunities for civic engagement. All sessions were conducted in Spanish, ensuring inclusive access and meaningful participation for all attendees.

The program concluded with a special recognition ceremony and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Orange Police Department. Graduates explored patrol vehicles, met a K-9 unit, and engaged in open dialogue with officers, experiencing firsthand the human side of law enforcement. The morning was filled with enthusiasm, celebration, and a genuine connection between community members and those who serve and protect them.

Orange Unified’s Student and Community Services Department plays a crucial role in the success of this ongoing initiative, working closely with the Orange Police Department to support families and build long-term relationships. Together, OUSD and OPD are dedicated to providing inclusive, empowering programs that promote safety, trust, and a strong sense of belonging in our community.

By fostering open communication and mutual respect, the Hispanic Outreach Program equips participants with the confidence to navigate public safety issues and strengthens the bond between schools, families, and local law enforcement.

Since its launch in 2004, the Hispanic Outreach Program has continued to expand its reach and impact. This year’s record attendance—nearly double that of last year—reflects the community’s increasing engagement and strong investment in this meaningful initiative.

Canyon High School senior Jacob Scheff has been named a semifinalist in the highly selective 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, placing him among the nation’s top graduating high school students.

The U.S. Department of Education recognized just 621 semifinalists from more than 6,000 candidates nationwide based on academic excellence, artistic talent, and leadership in career and technical education. Jacob is one of only 42 students selected from California and the sole honoree from Orange Unified School District.

Congratulations to Jacob Scheff on this remarkable achievement!

Orange Unified School District had more first-place finishes—also known as Award of Excellence recipients—than any other school district in California in this year’s Reflections Arts Program competition. We are proud to announce that three OUSD students earned top honors at the state level and will go on to represent California in the National PTA Reflections Competition this May:

● Mei Watanabe, 1st Grade, Fletcher Mandarin Language and GATE Academy
Literature, TK–2nd Grade Category

● Nikolaos Ward, 5th Grade, La Veta Elementary School

Film Production, Accessible Arts Category

● Katelyn Gooneratne, 11th Grade, Canyon High School

Photography, 9th–12th Grade Category

The Reflections Arts Program is the nation’s oldest and largest arts recognition program for students in PreK through 12th grade. Since 1969, more than 10 million students have participated nationwide. Each year, over 300,000 young artists submit original works of art based on a student-selected theme, showcasing their creativity in six categories: dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography, and visual arts.

To reach the national level, students must advance through a rigorous series of competitions that start at the school level, then move on to district, county, and state. Within this process, OUSD students also stood out at the county level: Orange Unified had the highest number of Award of Excellence recipients in all of Orange County.

Congratulations to all the talented OUSD students who participated in this year’s Reflections contest. Your artistic expression, creativity, and heartfelt engagement with the theme enriched everyone who experienced your work.

📸 You can see a spotlight on our winners on Orange Unified Council PTA's Instagram
🏆 And view the full list of state winners on the California State PTA website

We look forward to even greater participation next year. The 2025–2026 theme is: “I Belong.” Let’s keep inspiring and celebrating the arts in OUSD!

Fifth-grade students across Orange Unified School District recently participated in Science Showdown, a dynamic two-week event designed to boost preparation for the California Science Test (CAST). Each day, classrooms tackled a practice question together, reinforcing key science concepts while building confidence and sharpening test-taking strategies.

More than 1,000 students joined the friendly competition, which ignited enthusiasm for science learning throughout the district. Weekly winners were celebrated for their dedication, and one standout school from each high school feeder pattern earned the title of OUSD Science Scholar Supreme.

Congratulations to our Science Scholar Supreme Schools:

West Orange – Orange High School Feeder Pattern

Linda Vista – El Modena High School Feeder Pattern

Nohl Canyon – Villa Park High School Feeder Pattern

Running Springs – Canyon High School Feeder Pattern

Way to go, scholars! Your curiosity, collaboration, and commitment to science are truly inspiring.

We are proud to announce that Crescent Elementary and McPherson Magnet School have been recognized as 2024–25 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Launch Distinguished Schools. This prestigious national honor celebrates their outstanding implementation of high-quality STEM education through PLTW’s Launch program.

Awarded by Project Lead The Way, the Distinguished School designation highlights schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in STEM. Through hands-on, inquiry-based learning, PLTW Launch helps students develop essential skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and real-world application.

Crescent and McPherson earned this distinction by:

● Fostering student curiosity and confidence in STEM disciplines

● Supporting educators in delivering transformative, student-centered instruction

● Laying a strong foundation for future academic and career success

As part of this recognition, both schools will receive a PLTW Distinguished School banner and a promotional toolkit to help celebrate this achievement within their communities.

Congratulations to the dedicated educators, students, and leaders at Crescent Elementary and McPherson Magnet School. Your commitment to innovation and excellence in STEM education reflects the very best of our district’s vision for student success.

Orange Unified School District proudly celebrated the 2025 Olympiad Games on May 27 at Fred Kelly Stadium—an unforgettable day filled with athletic achievement, community pride, and joyful moments of inclusion. Hosted by the Special Education Department, this year’s Games held extra meaning as they honored the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the groundbreaking law that opened doors for millions of students across the nation.

Now in its second year, the Olympiad Games brought together student-athletes, families, educators, community members, and special guests to celebrate the strength, perseverance, and talents of our incredible students. Schools kicked off the festivities with a spirited parade into the stadium, followed by a warm welcome, recognition of honored guests, and live performances by the Villa Park High School Band, El Modena Cheer, and Canyon High Song & Cheer.

“What a joy it was to attend the Olympiad Games—a truly inspiring celebration where courage met determination, and every stride, every cheer, and every smile reminded us of the power of the human spirit,” stated Superintendent Michael L. Christensen. “These Games embody the inclusive spirit of IDEA and the belief that ability comes in many forms.”

Throughout the day, student-athletes participated in a variety of exciting events, cheered on by classmates, families, and volunteers. The Games not only celebrated physical achievement but also highlighted the district’s deep commitment to equity, access, and community connection.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors who made this day possible: Luna Strength, the Orange Unified Public Schools Foundation, Chapman University, Ralphs, the Orange Chamber of Commerce, and Leadership Orange.

The 2025 Olympiad Games were a beautiful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together to celebrate every student’s potential.

On May 13, the Orange Unified School District proudly hosted its annual Employee of the Year Celebration, recognizing outstanding staff from across the District for their exceptional dedication and contributions to students, schools, and the community.

The event, held at the Fred Kelly Stadium, brought together teachers, classified staff, administrators, board members, community partners, and families for an afternoon of celebration. Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Tracy Knibb welcomed attendees and introduced Superintendent Michael Christensen, who opened the program by honoring the service and spirit of this year’s nominees.

Special guests included board trustees, representatives from SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union, Orange Unified Public Schools Foundation President Frank Tucker, OUEA and CSEA leadership, and members of the executive cabinet.

Site nominees were individually recognized, as were the District’s nine Employees of the Year, who were honored with video tributes, awards, and professional portraits to be displayed in the District boardroom throughout the year.

Certificated (Teachers) of the Year:
Elena Dull – Orange High
Kristin Safa – Chapman Hills Elementary
Lynne Palucki – McPherson Magnet

Classified Employees of the Year:
Guillermo “Memo” Gutierrez – Custodian, McPherson Magnet
Linda McCausland – Library Media Tech, Linda Vista
Rosa Retiguin – Instructional Assistant, La Veta

Administrators of the Year:
Dennis McCuistion – Principal, Villa Park High
Lisa Green – Executive Director, K–12 Curriculum
Diana Gaeta – Director, Risk Management & Safety

Thank you to our site nominees and EVERY OUSD team member for the work you do to support students!

Thank you all for making our 2nd Annual Carnival of Champions such a wonderful success. Your support and dedication to our student-athletes, schools, and community made this event truly special.

We are proud to share that we saw an incredible 30% increase in student-athlete participation in our 2025 track and field meet—an inspiring sign of growing engagement and school spirit across the district!

This year’s Carnival of Champions took place alongside our Early Learning School Readiness Fair (Early Learning Round-Up), creating a dynamic day that celebrated both our youngest learners and our upper-grade student-athletes. It was a true showcase of the excellence and enthusiasm that spans every level of our educational community.

You can view the final results from Finished Results at the links below:

● Live Meet Results: Finished Results – 2025 Carnival of Champions

● HTML Results Summary: Full Results – 2025 Carnival of Champions

Please note: Field event results are currently listed in feet but should be converted and represented in yards for consistency.

Thank you to everyone who came out to participate and support our students!

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.