
In this edition:
- Reminder: Take the Annual Survey!
- Career Technical Education: Preparing Students for the Future
- AVID Elective Overview
- PK & Kindergarten Info Night
- Celebrating National School Counseling Week
- And more!
Message from the Interim Superintendent

The Annual Survey is Closing Soon: Help Us Set Funding Priorities for Your Child’s Education
I am honored to serve as the Interim Superintendent of Schools for the Irvine Unified School District (IUSD). This is my 30th year working in IUSD, and during that time, I’ve served in a variety of roles - including as an English teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Secondary Education, and the Assistant Superintendent of Education Services. Throughout my career in IUSD, I have witnessed firsthand how community engagement and collaboration can inform and improve the educational experiences of our students.
One meaningful way to engage with your child’s school and our district is by participating in the Annual Survey, which closes on Monday, February 10. We deeply appreciate those in the IUSD community who have already shared their feedback, and I encourage anyone who has not yet completed the survey to carve out a few minutes to share your thoughts.
The survey enables us to hear directly from students, parents, and staff regarding what matters MOST, and it helps us to determine where to direct resources and funding. Learn more...
Insights Features

CTE Month: How CTE Prepares Students with Hands-On Experience and Career-Ready Abilities
CTE Month highlights programs that equip students with real-world skills for college and careers. IUSD middle and high school students can explore hands-on CTE courses in fields like Engineering, Information Technology and Health, aligning with some of the nation’s fastest-growing industries.
IUSD partners with industry leaders like UCI Health, CEO Leadership Alliance OC and Edwards Lifesciences to offer students valuable work-based learning experiences, including internships for high school juniors. Summer 2025 internship applications are now open—apply by February 16 through CEO Leadership Alliance OC. More...
Insights spotlights

Build Skills for the Future with the AVID Elective
As students begin selecting electives for the upcoming school year, one option to consider is Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). Designed for students in grades 6-12, AVID equips students with essential skills like critical thinking, collaboration, organization and time management to prepare them for college, careers and life. Through AVID, students can build academic confidence and develop leadership skills while preparing them for challenging coursework like Honors, AP and Dual Enrollment. More...

Join the PK and Kindergarten Information Night on Feb. 27!
IUSD invites parents of incoming pre-kindergarten (PK) and kindergarten students to attend the PK & Kindergarten Parent Information Night on Tuesday, February 27. Each elementary school will host an informational meeting, providing parents with valuable insights into the district’s early learning programs. For the times and location of each event, please visit your assigned neighborhood elementary school’s website. More...

Celebrating National School Counseling Week
IUSD is celebrating and highlighting the important work of our school counselors, as part of National School Counseling Week. The mission of IUSD School Counselors, grades 7-12, is to provide a comprehensive program that addresses the academic, social/emotional, and college and career development of all students. IUSD thanks our school counselors for their leadership, dedication and support for our students. They truly make a positive impact within IUSD and beyond. More...
HR Corner

We're Hiring: Educators and Support Staff
Are you passionate about shaping the future and making a positive impact on the lives of students? We're hiring for a variety of positions, including Transitional Kindergarten Teachers, Administrative Assistants to the Principal and Office Assistant Substitutes.
We offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including paid sick leave, holidays, and vacation time. More...
Speak up, We Care

Cultivating Resilience for Student Success
Life is full of ups and downs, and helping students navigate challenges is a crucial aspect of supporting the whole child. As we enter a busy season in the semester, IUSD’s Counseling and Mental Health & Wellness teams share tips to build resilience, adaptability and a growth mindset.
- Encourage a Growth Mindset – Frame challenges as opportunities to learn and grow.
- Foster Strategies to Manage Disappointment or Frustration - This could include deep breathing exercises, journaling or engaging in activities that bring them joy.
- Proactively Embrace Academic and Other Challenges - Shift the focus from outcomes to the process of learning and trying.
- Emphasize the Importance of Adaptability - The ability to adapt to change is a crucial skill in today's fast-paced world. In IUSD we often say “F.A.I.L.” stands for First Attempt in Learning!
News around the district

In case you missed it, the following is news from around the District! Throughout each month IUSD Communications posts the latest District news and information in the News Center section of iusd.org. Please check this site regularly or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok.
- IUSD Announces 2024-25 Teachers of the Year
- 2024-25 IUSD Teachers of Promise
- You're Invited to the Springbrook Elementary Montessori Information Night
- February Irvine Parent Education Program Workshops
- Woodbridge High’s Kristie Donavan Honored with Prestigious National Teaching Award
- The Power of US: Reflecting on Our Journey Together
- Plan your 2025-26 electives schedule with Career Technical Education