Brad Van Patten, IUSD’s coordinator of visual and performing arts, passed along a very noteworthy statistic this week. Of the 102 spots available in the 2014 All Southern California Middle School Full Orchestra, he said, 42 were filled by students from the Irvine Unified School District.

Two teams from University High School have earned high honors after participating in an intense mathematical competition that tested their knowledge of algebra, geometry, calculus, programming and other disciplines.

IUSD’s Lakeside Middle School has taken first place among Orange County elementary and middle schools in a competition that tracked the physical activity of students, staff and parents.

Three IUSD high schools have been named semifinalists in the national Grammy Signature Schools award program, which annually recognizes campuses that provide exceptional music opportunities for students.

A University High School junior has achieved perfection on the SAT college entrance exam -- four years after her older sister did the same.

Students looking for help on their science projects will be able to seek the advice of real-life experts during “Ask-A-Scientist Night” at Rancho San Joaquin Middle School. The event will be held from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Governor Jerry Brown recently signed legislation that will replace the state’s older standardized testing system with more modern, computer-based assessments aligned with the new Common

Eighty-three IUSD seniors are in very select company after being named semifinalists for scholarships offered through the National Merit Scholarship Corp.

Last month, more than 40 of Irvine’s brightest teaching stars were honored during the 27th annual Excellence in Teaching Awards Dinner at the Irvine Marriott.