Fullerton
School District
Great Schools, Successful Kids
Media Coverage
See how Fullerton School District is making headlines. Browse recent local, state, and national news coverage featuring our students, schools, programs, and community partnerships.
In the News
2026
JUNE 2026
OCDE Newsroom: Weekly Roundup: Fullerton’s Dolphin Food Market extends support through summer break, and more (June 18, 2026)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Board Meeting April 14 (Early June edition)
MAY 2026
OCDE Newsroom: Weekly roundup: Nicolas Jr. High students build hope through Fullerton’s growing Tiny Home Project (May 29, 2026)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Celebrates Completion of Third Student-Built Tiny Home (May 27, 2026)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Students Turn Creative Ideas Into Real-World Businesses Through Spyder Lab (May 24, 2026)
Fullerton Observer: Valencia Park Rocket Day Launches STEM Learning Into the Sky (May 20, 2026)
OC Register: District to Go Big on Tiny Homes (May 18, 2026)
Fullerton Observer: 5th Annual Korean Culture Night Celebrates Culture, Community & Student Talent (May 15, 2026)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Awarded $525,000 Grant to Expand Student-Built Tiny Hone Project (May 11, 2026)
Fullerton Observer: Video Observer: Admiring Mural Art at Maple Elementary (May 10, 2026)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Opens New Arts and Recreation Center at Parks Junior High (May 9, 2026)
Spotlight Schools: Fullerton School District Teacher Surprised with $5,000 Award During Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6, 2026)
Fox 11 News: Fullerton School District Teacher Surprised with $5K (May 6, 2026)
Fullerton Observer: Teen Raised Over $2,000 for Challenger Little League Program (May 1, 2026)
APRIL 2026
Fullerton Observer: STAGE Program Brings Seussical the Musical to Life at Pacific Drive Elementary (April 29, 2026)
ACSA EdCal: Students showcase talent, culture at K-Pop Battle of the Bands | PDF (April 27, 2026)
Spotlight Schools: Students Mark Earth Day with 'Orcafest' (April 23, 2026)
OCDE Newsroom: OC Impact School: Beechwood School Recognized for Culture of Collaboration and Trust (April 21, 2026)
Fullerton Observer: Welcome Dr. Gretchen Janson, the New FSD Superintendent; Arts, Awards and Presentations; Safety Protocol Update from Fullerton School District (Mid-April Edition)
OCDE Newsroom: Weekly roundup: K-pop takes over as Fullerton students shine in Battle of the Bands showcase, and more (04/17/26)
OCDE Newsroom: Fullerton School District appoints Dr. Gretchen Janson as next superintendent (04/15/26)
Spotlight Schools: Fullerton Students Showcase Talent, Culture at 2026 K-Pop Battle of the Bands (04/13/26)
MARCH 2026
Fullerton Observer (page 4): Fullerton School District Board Meeting (early February)
OCDE Newsroom: OCDE Announces Six Orange County Districts as Innovation Funding Initiative Awardees (3/9/26)
OCDE Newsroom: These are the 2026 Orange County Classified School Employees of the Year (3/6/26)
Parenting OC: Top Employee Finalists (3/4/26)
Parenting OC: Top Teacher Finalists (3/4/26)
Fullerton Observer (page 4): FSD Launches Informative YouTube Series Called "FSD 3 in 3"
2025
DECEMBER 2025
The Fullerton Observer: All 20 Schools in the Fullerton School District Earn Platinum Distinction for Second Consecutive Year (12/30/25)
Orange County Register: Meet the 125 Most Influential People in Orange County for 2025, including Fullerton School District's Darcy Blake (12/18/25)
The Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Announces Open Enrollment Window for 2026-27 School Year (12/10/25)
NOVEMBER 2025
The Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Launches Food Drive to Support Its Families Impacted by the Federal Government Shutdown (11/13/25)
OCDE Newsroom: Orange County's Top Teachers, including Fullerton School District's Darcy Blake, Celebrated in Style at Disneyland Hotel (11/8/25)
OCDE Newsroom: Fullerton School District's Fisler and Beechwood Schools Recognized Among Top Campuses in U.S. News Rankings (11/6/25)
OCDE Newsroom: OCDE's Dr. Bean Joins County Supervisor for Small-Scale Housing Summit, Shares about Fullerton School District's Tiny Home Project (11/5/25)
OCTOBER 2025
OCDE Newsroom: OCDE Names 12 Orange County Impact Schools that Will Help Share and Scale Best Practices (10/13/35)
SEPTEMBER 2025
OCDE Newsroom: Fullerton School District Sees All 20 Schools Earn Concurrent Apple Distinguished Schools Recognition (9/19/25)
Spotlight Schools: Fullerton School District Superintendent Dr. Bob Pletka Announces Retirement (9/12/25)
The Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Superintendent Dr. Robert Pletka Announces Retirement After 13 Years of Service (9/12/25)
The Fullerton Observer: Aaruni Thakur Announces Departure from Fullerton School Board (9/12/25)
The Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Speech and Debate Team Wins Sixth Consecutive National Championship (9/11/25)
Spotlight Schools: Fullerton School District Speech and Debate Team Takes Top Honors in National Tournament (9/9/25)
AUGUST 2025
KNX 97.1: KNX Hero of the Week - Darcy Blake Fullerton School District 2026 Orange County Teacher of the Year (8/28/25)
The Orange County Register: Fullerton Students Getting Back to the Business of Learning After First Day of School (8/11/25)
The Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Continues to Offer Free Meals for All Students through the 2025-26 School Year (8/2/25)
OCDE Newsroom: Fullerton School District Community Liaisons Partner with OCDE and Supply Bank to Curate Age-Specific School Supply Kits (8/1/25)
JUNE 2025
OCDE Newsroom: Hermosa Drive Elementary Unveils Student-Designed Mural Celebrating Kindness and Community (6-24-25)
The Fullerton Observer: New Mural at Hermosa Drive Elementary Celebrates Community, Kindness, and Student Voice (6/20/25)
OCDE Newsroom: Fullerton School District Students Complete Second Tiny Home to Support Families in Need (6/5/25)
MAY 2025
CalSchoolNews: Fullerton School District's Gina Matz Honored as a 2025 California Classified Employee of the Year (5/27/25)
Fullerton Observer: 2025 Fullerton Host Lions City Scholastic Chess Championship Sees Fullerton School District Winners (5/24/25)
Fullerton Observer: Mother's Day Celebration at CSUF Center for Healthy Neighborhoods Joined by the Fullerton School District (5/23/25)
OCDE Newsroom: Get to Know the 2025 Orange County Classified School Employees of the Year (5/19/25)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District's Golden Bell-Winning FSD Fest Returns (5/16/25)
The Orange County Register: 6 Orange County Educators Surprise as 'Teacher of the Year," including Fullerton School District's Darcy Blake (5/5/25)
OCDE Newsroom: OCDE Honors Students and Schools for Civic Learning Achievements, including Fullerton School District's Maple Elementary School (5/7/25)
OCDE Newsroom: OCDE Announces 2026 Orange County Teachers of the Year with Surprise Visits, including to Fullerton School District Ladera Vista Teacher Darcy Blake (5/1/25)
APRIL 2025
OCDE Newsroom: Three from Orange County Named California Classified School Employees of the Year, including Fullerton School District Painter Gina Matz (4/29/25)
California Department of Education: California Department of Education Announces 2025 California Classified School Employees of the Year, including Fullerton School District's Gina Matz (4/29/25)
ABC7: Fullerton School District Students Take Part in "K-Pop" Competition (4/22/25)
The Korea Daily: The 4th annual Korean Culture Festival at Parks Junior High in the Fullerton School District Saw Hundreds in Attendance (4/22/25)
Spotlight Schools: Students Shine in First-Ever Fullerton School District K-Pop Battle of the Bands (4/16/25)
The Korea Daily: Korean Cultural Festival in Fullerton to Draw Hundreds with 7 Student Performances (4/15/25)
Fullerton Observer: Local Teen Fullerton School District Student Raises over $3,000 for Challenger Little League (4/14/25)
The Orange County Register: K-Pop Battle of the Bands decided in the Fullerton School District (4/10/25)
The Korea Daily: Fullerton K-pop Competition to Feature 5 Middle School Bands (4/1/25)
MARCH 2025
The Orange County Register: Hundreds of Fullerton Elementary Students Get New Coats (3/31/25)
OCDE Newsroom: 45 Orange County Campuses Named Among California's Distinguished Schools, Including Fullerton School District's Beechwood and Fisler Schools (3/25/25)
California Department of Education: State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Announces 2025 California Distinguished Schools, with Two Fullerton School District Schools Making the List (3/25/25)
OCDE Newsroom: Fullerton School District's Mike McAdam Honored as an ACSA 2025 Orange County Administrator of the Year (3/25/25)
OCDE Newsroom: Fullerton School District Sees Two of its Classified Employees Honored as Orange County Classified Employees of the Year (3/14/25)
OCDE Newsroom: OCDE's Student-Led SAMH Program Transforms Mental Health Awareness Across OC, Implemented at Nicolas Junior High (3/12/25)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District: The Safe and Welcoming Schools Resolution (3/8/25)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Enhances Free School Meals with Innovation and Inclusivity (3/4/25)
FEBRUARY 2025
The Korea Daily: Fullerton School District holds First-Ever Korean Language Workshop for Parents (2/3/25)
The Korea Daily: Fullerton School District Appoints First Korean Liaison to Support its Korean Families (2/19/25)
Fullerton Observer: Over 400 Fullerton Elementary Students Receive New Coats Thanks to Subaru of Fullerton and Operation Warm (2/16/25)
NBC4: Bright Spot Feature on FSD 40-Year Employee Kenny Jeffrey (2/11/25)
Korean Education Center Los Angeles: FSD School District Conducts Korean Culture and History Experience Learning (2/11/25)
OCDE Newsroom: Fullerton School District Students Attend Know More, Do Better Conference to Increase Human Trafficking Awareness (2/4/25)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District's Orangethorpe Elementary Commemorates 100 Days of School with a Centenarian Guest (2/3/25)
JANUARY 2025
Spotlight Schools: OC Schools, including the Fullerton School District, Respond to Changing Federal Immigration Rules (1/31/25)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Announces Open Enrollment for the 2025-26 School Year (1/13/25)
2024
DECEMBER 2024
OCDE Newsroom: Educators from the Fullerton School District Named to OC Register's 125 Most Influential People for 2024 (12/23/24)
Orange County Register: Meet the 125 Most Influential People, Including Two From the Fullerton School District, in Orange County for 2024 (12/23/24)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Achieves Rare PBIS Feat with Platinum Recognition for All 20 Schools (12/15/24)
ACSA Region 17: Winter Newsletter Highlights FSD Fest, FSD's Tiny Home Project, and AI Exploration in the Fullerton School District
NOVEMBER 2024
OCDE Newsroom: Orange County Education Programs, Including Fullerton School District's FSD Fest, Shine in the 2024 Golden Bell Awards Program (12/6/24)
Fullerton Observer: Parks Junior High Students Celebrate Kimchi Day with Hands-On Kimchi-Making Experience (11/21/24)
OCDE Newsroom: Fullerton School District's Fisler and Beechwood Schools Earn Top 100 Spots on U.S. News and World Report Rankings (11/18/24)
OCTOBER 2024
Parenting OC: How to Level Up in High School (10/31/24)
The Orange County Register: Maple Elementary TK Classroom Receives Reggio-Inspired Makeover (10/17/24)
OCDE Newsroom: Fullerton Kindergartners Reimagine Learning through Reggio-Inspired Classroom (10/7/24)
SEPTEMBER 2024
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Set to Host First-Ever Community Fair and Sees Expansion of its Community Schools Program (9/30/24)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Alumus Yanni Kouloumbis Builds ‘MathGPT’ (9/24/24)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Named Best School District in North Orange County (9/4/24)
AUGUST 2024
OCDE Newsroom: Fullerton Students Earn National Speech and Debate Title (8/30/24)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District’s Speech and Debate Team Named National Champs for Fifth Year in a Row (8/24/24)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District’s Maple Elementary TK Classroom Receives Reggio-Inspired Makeover (8/16/24)
OC Register: Fullerton School District Launches New School Year (8/12/24)
OC Register: Fullerton School District's Ladera Vista Junior High Wins Spring 2024 Vocabulary Bowl (8/6/24)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Offers Free Meals for All Students in the 2024-25 School Year (8/2/24)
JULY 2024
Digital Promise: Empowered EdTech Procurement Decisions: How Fullerton School District and Others are Leading the Way (7/15/24)
OCDE Newsroom: Fullerton School District Targets Learning Loss with Sumer Programs (7/12/24)
Anaheim Ducks: Ducks, Fullerton School District Launch Free Summer Hockey Program (7/10/24)
OCDE Newsroom: Fullerton School District Introduces Dual-Focused Academic and Athletic Program (7/9/24)
Fullerton Observer: Former Fullerton School District Teacher’s Three Tiny Tigers Book Published (7/9/24)
Spectrum News: Fullerton is the Educational Community, and Fullerton School District’s Encore Programs Support that Reputation (7/7/24)
JUNE 2024
OCDE Newsroom: Former Fullerton School District Student Overcomes Odds to Promote from Nicolas Jr. High (6/18/24)
OC Register: Fullerton School District Adds News Sports-Focused Program for Students (6/5/24)
FOX11: In Depth: Fullerton School District Students Build Tiny Home to Support Families in their Schools (6/2/24)
FOX11: In Depth: Fullerton School District Students Build Tiny Home to Support Families in their Schools (YouTube) (6/2/24)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Changes the Game for Advanced Student-Athletes in LA and the OC through its Performance Academy Sports Program (6/1/24)
MAY 2024
NBC 4: Fullerton School District 8th Grade Students Finish Building a Tiny Home for the Unhoused (5/23/24)
KFI AM 640: Fullerton School District 8th Graders Build a Home for a Family in Need (5/23/24)
KCAL News: Fullerton School District Junior High Students Build a Tiny Home for Local Families (5/22/24)
KCAL News: Fullerton School District 8th Grade Students Build Tiny for Local Families (5/22/24)
OC Register: Fullerton School District Built a Tiny Home for Unhoused Peers (5/22/24)
FOX11: Fullerton School District Tiny Home Completion Featured on Good Day LA (5/21/24)
Fullerton Observer: Parks Junior High, tiny home presentation at Fullerton City Council (5/20/24)
NHL.com: We Play Her Way Fullerton School District Participants Take their Ice Hockey Skills to the Street (5/20/24)
NBC4: Fullerton School District’s FSD Fest Features Unique Conference for Kids that Sees Hundreds in Attendance (5/19/24)
Fullerton Observer: Hundreds of K-12 Fullerton Students Unite Together for Common Goal at FSD Fest (5/18/24)
Fullerton Observer: Nurse Susan Sows Seeds of Joy at Woodcrest Elementary School (5/16/24)
NHL.com: Two Fullerton School Districts Reach Anaheim-Ducks Hosted Hockey Shootout (5/8/24)
C-SPAN: Fullerton School District Earns Prestigious Gold Award in USDA’s Turnip the Beet Program (5/8/24)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton Host Lions Club Host City Scholastic Chess Championship with the Help of Fullerton School District (5/4/24)
April 2024
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District’s Maple School Celebrates 100 Years (4/25/24)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District is Filling the Niche for Advanced Athletes (4/24/24)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District’s Nutrition Services Team Wins Gold (4/16/24)
NBC4: 8th Graders in Fullerton Build Tiny Home in Wood Shop Class (4/4/24)
MARCH 2024
OCDE Newsroom: California League of Educators Honors Two Fullerton School District Teachers (3/25/24)
2023
OCTOBER 2023
ABC7: Fullerton Middle Schoolers Learn Skills, Helping Others by Building Tiny House for Family in Need (10/31/24)
Spectrum News1: Fullerton School District Students Help Build a Tiny Home for Local Families (10/24/24)
Fullerton Observer: Fullerton School District Celebrates the Grand Opening of The Hub Resource Center (10/13/23)
KTLA5: Junior High Students in Fullerton Start Construction on Tiny Home (10/12/23)
KNX News: Fullerton School District Woodshop Students Build Tiny Home for Family in Need (10/12/23)
Orange County Register: Homeless Fullerton Students Need a Home, So Fullerton School District 8th Graders are Building One (10/10/23)
SEPTEMBER 2023
OCDE Newsroom: Eighth-Graders from Fullerton School District Begin Tiny Home Construction Project (9/27/23)