Opinion: Why every teen should volunteer
High school junior says volunteerism teaches students how to prepare for the future.
🧡 Support Spotlight Schools This Giving Tuesday
Your donation can help us expand to cover more of Orange County's 28 public school districts.
The Issue with E-Bikes
E-bikes allow teens more independence, but they also raise safety concerns.
🗳️ Unofficial Election Results for O.C. School Board Races & Bond Measures
Unofficial election results show all nine school bond measures on their way to passing and some school board incumbents at risk of losing their seats.
Orange Unified Superintendent Stepping Down
Ernie Gonzalez will take on a "senior administrative role" with the district
Candidates share their message to parents, thoughts on AI, and declining enrollment
Two incumbents are facing two challengers in the contests for Trustee Areas 2 and 5. Plus, FSD voters will weigh in on a $262 million bond measure.
All four candidates for Cypress School Board shared thoughts on which programs deserve more funding, AI, cellphones, and more
2024 has seen two Cypress trustees step down from their positions on the five-member board. Seats for Trustee Area A and Trustee Area E are on the Nov. 5 Ballot.
O.C. High School Students are Pre-Registering to Vote in Civic Education Drive
How local election officials, teachers, and a grassroots group are engaging young people during High School Voter Education Weeks.
Three of the four candidates for the Los Alamitos School Board share their views on cellphone policies, AI, and declining enrollment
This November, two incumbents are not seeking reelection to the five-member board that governs nine schools. Four newcomers are running for the two seats.
Skip the SAT?: Tackling the Changing Testing Requirements for College Admissions
As universities across the U.S. begin to reinstate SAT and ACT test requirements for applicants, some high school students are unsure how to respond.
Two Campuses in O.C. Named 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools
South Lake Middle School in the Irvine Unified School District and Mission Viejo Christian School are among 33 honorees in California.
Cypress School Board Appoints New Trustee to Fill Vacancy
Meghna Parikh, a district parent, was appointed to represent Trustee Area C following the resignation of Sandra Lee in August.
Schools Reopen after Closure due to Airport Fire
Students at two campuses in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District were set to return to their classrooms on Sept. 17.
Airport Fire Closes Some Schools in Orange County
Trabuco Elementary and Robinson Elementary in the Saddleback Valley Unified School District have been closed since Sept. 10.
Spotlight Schools Newsletter Sept. 6, 2024
📱 O.C. Districts Enact Cellphone Limits // 💵 Which District Spends More than $30K Per Student? // 🚸 Parents Demand Return of School Crossing Guards in Orange
O.C. Districts Curb Student Cellphone Use During School Day
California could soon require TK-12 public school districts to restrict students' cellphone use on campuses, but several local school boards are already taking action.
Four Applicants Seeking Appointment to Cypress School Board Seat
Former Cypress School Board Trustee Sandra Lee resigned in August. The Board is expected to appoint an interim replacement on Sept. 16.
City of Orange Cuts School Crossing Guard Program due to Budget Deficit
The Orange City Council eliminated school crossing guards to save $425,000, but councilmembers are expected to discuss the program at their Sept. 10 meeting.