MUSIC instruction in the Garden Grove Unified School District has been honored by the National Organization of Music Merchants (Pexels/Torbakhopper).

Garden Grove Unified School District has received the 2020 Best Communities for Music Education Award, a national distinction presented to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students.

GGUSD received the award for the second year in a row and is one of only four districts in Orange County and 20 districts across California to receive this national recognition, awarded to less than 800 districts across the U.S.
This award from the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Foundation recognizes that GGUSD is leading the way with best practices in music education opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation recommends music and the arts as essential elements of a well-rounded education for all children.

GGUSD’s VAPA program is led by Coordinator Stacy Harris and is supported by 62 music teachers serving students TK-12 in instrumental, vocal, and general music, 40 secondary visual art teachers, 10 secondary theatre teachers, and six secondary dance teachers.
To qualify for the designation, GGUSD met criteria around music education funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

City adding help in coronavirus pandemic

New resources for the community have been added to the City of Garden Grove’s coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage including local emergency relief resources for seniors and mental health services.

The H. Louis Lake Senior Center is offering a Senior Wellness Program for seniors to socialize with City staff, promote mental well-being, and provide valuable community resources. In partnership with the Meals on Wheels Orange County, frozen meals are available for seniors over 60 years old. Seniors interested in registering for the Senior Wellness Program or for more information on how to receive frozen meals, please call (714) 741-5253, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Other resources for seniors include Council on Aging Southern California’s ReConnect Early Intervention Services for Older Adults Program, In-Home Supportive Services, and Orange County Adult Protective Services. For a complete list of local resources and services for seniors, visit ggcity.org/coronavirus/resources-seniors.

In an effort to help residents who may be feeling misunderstood or overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, the City has compiled a list of safe, secure, and confidential mental health provides. Resources include COVID-19 Public Information Hotline, California Coalition Against Sexual Assault, Orange County Child Protective Services, and more. For a complete list of resources and services, visit ggcity.org/coronavirus/mental-health-services.

For more information regarding COVID-19 resources, please contact the City’s Office of Community Relations at (714) 741-5280.