Page 4 - Strategic Plan 2015

Introduction

Message from the Superintendent of Schools

August 2015

Dear Parents and Community Members,

Welcome to the Orange Unified School District! It is an exciting time within the District as we launch new programs and services, such
as the Elementary Integrated Performing Arts Program, at the same time continuing to provide a 21st century education to prepare
students for successful college, career and Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEaM) experiences.

As a District of Excellence, Orange Unified provides a balanced instructional experience with continual innovation that will ensure our
students are able to compete in the global community. The District teachers and principals are providing a rigorous instructional
program that engages all students in deeper levels of collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. We believe that “what’s best for our
students comes first and foremost,” and we continue to push for greater levels of success within the organization.

This coming school year will provide more personalized learning opportunities than at any other time in the history of the District. We
now offer classes in aviation, computer aided design (CAD), finance and business, robotics, marketing, fire science, crime scene
investigation, marketing, and film making to name just a few. In addition to these secondary course offerings, the District is facilitating
an expanded elementary music/arts program next year. Upper elementary students and their parents will be able to choose either a
yearlong twice-a-week instrumental music course or select to participate in the 21st Century Integrated Arts Wheel that encompasses
unique offerings such as visual arts, general music, dance, theatre or a Science Technology Engineering Arts Math (STEaM) integration
course.

Award winning schools and academic success are due to the dedicated and talented people throughout the process of strategic goal
setting and planning. The Orange USD faculty members are lifelong learners, demonstrating high levels of care and commitment to
student academic and social needs. Support staff is dedicated to serve in a multiple of capacities to ensure the successful operations of
award winning schools, and the leadership team acknowledges the value of personnel development and service to students and families.
Every one of these dedicated employees strives to lead the District to greater levels of achievement. Our community and business leaders
are also dedicated to the excellent education provided by the Orange Unified team as evidenced in their overwhelming support for
advancing toward improved, state-of-the-art, modernized facilities. The success of all the students is a collaborative effort of all
stakeholders in the process of teaching and learning.

Together we have developed the Strategic priorities and goals of the District through the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP)
involving all aspects of stakeholder engagement. This document is a synthesis of the key elements of the LCAP and serves as the District
blueprint for envisioning the future of the District. It outlines our mission, values, strategic planning process utilizing the LCAP,
priorities, and goals that will continue to lead the District to educational excellence. It will guide the schools in delivering a 21st century
education and provide the Orange community with an understanding of the advancement of
education in Orange Unified.

Parental and Community support are essential for maximizing the learning experience of
students. I encourage each of you to work in partnership with teachers and principals to provide
students with positive educational experiences. Additionally, I urge you to provide input to our
annual Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) development process by providing input
at your school. Please stay up to date on the developments regarding the Strategic Plan (2015-
18), the progress on innovative educational programs, and other important District
communications by visiting the website at (www.orangeusd.org) and following us on Facebook at
OrangeUnifiedSchoolDistrictCA.

Sincerely,
Michael L. Christensen
Superintendent of Schools

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