Dive into the latest Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) newsletter edition, "Surfside Stories," for the 2023-2024 school year. Join us as we share stories, celebrate achievements, and strengthen our community connections. We're excited to end the year strong together as we approach the final month of school!
In this edition, you’ll find:
Important Districtwide Updates
Teaching and Learning Highlights
School Showcases
Social Media Spotlight
Important Dates
Quick Links
Important Districtwide Updates
Sowers Middle School: Building a Brighter Future Together
Spring marked a significant milestone for the Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) as it proudly unveiled the new Sowers Middle School campus. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by students, parents, staff, and community members, marked the completion of the initial phase of the Sowers Reconstruction Project.
Phase one saw the emergence of five state-of-the-art American Modular System GEN7 prefabricated buildings, a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) facility, and a modern administration center. The "Viking Union" space also features indoor and outdoor seating for mealtime and other school activities.
As phase one came to a close, phase two commenced with demolition and sitework for new construction. By May, the landscape had transformed with the removal of the existing structure, setting the stage for installing 120 piles and rebar cages to lay the foundation for the upcoming facilities.
Phase two of the project includes:
A state-of-the-art gym and multipurpose facility, complete with a stage and audio/video (AV) equipment.
Expanded outdoor spaces designed for active engagement between the Viking Union and the gym.
A strategically positioned locker room building within the dynamic hard court area featuring ball walls, basketball courts, and volleyball courts.
Improved parking facilities and streamlined pickup and drop-off points.
Completion of phase two is slated for mid-2025.
Click play on the video below to watch a timelapse of the transformation in action!
Throughout the 2023-24 school year, the District has engaged in a comprehensive process to adopt new History-Social Science textbooks for the 2024-2025 school year. This process, now concluded, has resulted in the recommended selection of textbooks that align with the updated 2016 History-Social Science Framework.
The District partnered with the Orange County Department of Education (OCDE) to facilitate this transition and provide a professional development series for District staff and educators. This collaboration aimed to engage the educational community in the adoption process.
Both phases of the pilot process are complete. After thoroughly reviewing feedback from students, staff, and families involved in the pilot, the textbook adoption committee has made its recommendations. The textbook adoption committee selected the Teacher Curriculum Institute (TCI) for elementary schools and National Geographic for middle schools.
The District thanks the textbook adoption committee members for their commitment and hard work throughout this important process.
For more information, including recordings of informational meetings, please visit the Textbook Adoptions webpage.
The public hearing and first reading for adopting the History-Social Science textbooks will take place at the Board meeting on June 11, with the final action scheduled for the June 18 Board meeting. Please contact HBCSD Educational Services at educationalservices@hbcsd.us if you have any questions.
School Showcases
Peterson Elementary Honored for Commitment to STEM Education by Project Lead The Way
Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) proudly announces that Peterson Elementary has been recognized as a 2023-24 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. This prestigious award is granted to a select group of elementary schools across the United States that excel in providing students with transformative STEM learning experiences through the PLTW Launch program…Read more.
Mental Health Awareness Month: HBCSD's Commitment to Support and Empower Students
HBCSD understands that mental health is just as important as physical health. We are committed to fostering an environment where every student feels supported, heard, and understood. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, let's remind ourselves that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness…Read more.
We are excited to invite you to follow HBCSD on social media! Our Instagram, Facebook, and X accounts are buzzing with all the latest happenings across our district. Whether it’s celebrating student achievements, sharing updates on upcoming events, or highlighting the vibrant activities within our schools, our social media pages are your window into the heart of our community. Check out some of our standout posts linked below:
Please note that the first school day for the 2024-2025 academic year is Tuesday, September 3, 2024, and the last school day will be June 18, 2025.
We appreciate your attention to these important dates and encourage you to plan accordingly.
HBCSD Board Candidate Orientation Webinar
Voters in the Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) will elect members of the Board of Education in trustee areas one and three (designated on this map) in the upcoming Biennial Governing Board Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The District is hosting a Board Candidate Orientation Webinar to provide prospective candidates with an overview of serving on the HBCSD Board…Read more.
June Happenings
June 6, 2024 | 3:30 pm | Retirement Reception
June 11, 2024 | 6 pm | Board Meeting
June 18, 2024 | 6 pm | Board Meeting
June 20, 2024 | 2:30 pm | Sowers Middle School Promotion
June 21, 2024 | 2 pm | Dwyer Middle School Promotion
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History-Social Studies Textbook Adoption Update
Mental Health Awareness Month: HBCSD's Commitment to Support and Empower Students
