Spring is in full swing, and with it comes a fresh edition of Surfside Stories, your inside look at Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD). As we continue our journey under this year’s theme, HBCSD Empowers, we remain focused on uplifting and inspiring our students, staff, and community.
In this edition, you’ll find:
- Important Districtwide Updates
- Teaching and Learning Highlights
- School Showcases
- District Programs
- Quick Links
Settle in and enjoy this edition of Surfside Stories as we celebrate the growth, achievements, and connections that make HBCSD thrive!
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Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is a continuous priority. As part of our commitment to preparedness, we want to provide a refresher on HBCSD’s safety protocols and resources. Our district follows best practices recommended by the Department of Homeland Security and the Orange County Grand Jury, with measures in place to maintain secure campuses and a coordinated emergency response. |
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Standard Response Protocol (SRP) & Standard Reunification Method (SRM): Through our partnership with the I Love U Guys Foundation, all administrators and staff are trained in clear, standardized emergency procedures, ensuring a coordinated response during any situation. Site safety teams continue to strengthen these protocols with ongoing training.
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Safety Drills: Schools conduct regular, age-appropriate drills to familiarize students and staff with emergency procedures.
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WeTip 2.0 Anonymous Reporting: Using our anonymous tip system, students, parents, and staff can report safety concerns 24/7. If you see something, say something—early reporting helps keep our schools safe.
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Emergency Preparedness: To support emergency response efforts, each classroom has an updated disaster kit and a first aid kit.
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Enhanced Security Features:
- Security Film: Heavy mirrored security film is installed on windows outside fenced areas for added protection.
- Controlled Entry Systems: Front lobby security features include cameras, electronic locks, and intercoms to monitor and control access.
- Fencing: Eight-foot anti-climb fencing secures kindergarten areas and other vulnerable spaces.
- Radios: Standardized emergency radios enhance communication, with ongoing staff training to ensure efficiency in critical situations.
By working together, we create a safer learning environment for everyone. Visit the Safety Website for more details on our safety protocols. |
As we continue evaluating policies that impact student learning and engagement, we appreciate the feedback from staff, families, and students regarding the District’s smartphone and smartwatch policy. The recent Smartphone Policy Survey provided valuable insight into perceptions, challenges, and areas for potential refinement.
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Survey Takeaways:
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Balanced Approach Preferred: Most respondents agree that devices should be off during instructional time to minimize distractions but accessible for family communication and emergencies.
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Classroom Impact: Some support allowing limited use for educational purposes, while others favor stricter enforcement due to distraction concerns.
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Student Experience: While many students report no impact, others express anxiety over enforcement or concerns about limited communication with families during school hours. However, some noted that the policy has improved focus and social interactions.
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Next Steps: Responses reflect a mix of perspectives, with some advocating for a consistent districtwide enforcement plan and others emphasizing flexibility for emergency use.
This valuable feedback will guide our efforts to refine policies that support student well-being, classroom engagement, and practical communication needs. We appreciate your input and will share updates as policy discussions progress.
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On March 20, 2025, the President signed an Executive Order regarding the U.S. Department of Education changes. While the full impact is still being assessed, there is no indication at this time that federal program funding will be reduced or disrupted. Students who receive services supported by federal dollars will have no interruption in the experiences and support this current school year.
HBCSD remains financially stable through disciplined budgeting and long-term planning. We are actively monitoring developments to understand any potential funding implications and remain committed to delivering high-quality educational programs and services for students. As the situation evolves, we will inform our community of any relevant updates.
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State testing is right around the corner! From April 21 to May 30, students in grades 3-8 will take assessments in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math, with Science testing for 5th and 8th graders. Our staff and students have been preparing to ensure a successful testing experience.
Families can help by ensuring students get plenty of rest, eat a nutritious breakfast, and arrive at school on time. With your support, we know our students will be ready to do their best.
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As we continue our commitment to transparency and collaboration, we’re excited to share an update on the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP). The development process kicked off earlier this year with the LCAP Survey, which concluded on December 13. The survey gathered valuable feedback from parents, students, and staff, helping shape the priorities guiding HBCSD’s work.
Survey Insights:
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Teaching & Learning: Increased favorability across all groups—parents (+24%), students (+19%), and staff (+27%)—reflecting positive perceptions of instructional quality.
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School Climate & Safety: There were gains in perceptions of safety and supportiveness among parents (+6%), students (+9%), and staff (+14%).
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Family Engagement: While students reported a slight increase in their perception of parental involvement (+3%), both parents (-3%) and staff (-9%) noted declines, highlighting an area for continued focus.
For a detailed breakdown, check out the survey LCAP results infographic. This feedback is instrumental in shaping our LCAP priorities, ensuring that the District remains focused on what matters most to our students, staff, and families. Stay tuned for more opportunities to engage in the LCAP process as we refine our goals for the upcoming year! |
Huntington Beach City School District is proud to announce that Hawes Elementary School has been recognized as a 2025 California Distinguished School—one of the state’s top honors for public schools. This prestigious designation, awarded by the California Department of Education, celebrates schools that demonstrate exceptional student achievement, a commitment to equity, and outstanding... Read More
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Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) proudly announces that Dwyer Middle School has been named a 2025 California School to Watch by the California League of Middle Schools (CLMS). This honor recognizes middle schools' commitment to academic excellence, social equity, and student-centered innovation. Dwyer is among 90 exemplary California middle schools that support the whole... Read More
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HBCSD proudly announces that Mrs. Laura Coward of Eader Elementary School has been named the 2026 Teacher of the Year. This recognition celebrates educators who go above and beyond their daily responsibilities to inspire students, support colleagues, and positively impact the school community... Read More
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Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) is pleased to announce the 2025 Classified Employees of the Year. These individuals make a significant impact on students, families, and colleagues through their hard work, expertise, and dedication.
We recognize Jocelyn Carbajal for her contributions in Clerical and Administrative Services, Kimberly (Kim) Hooper for her work in Food and Nutrition Services, Noemi Daniel for her role in Paraprofessional Services, and Rossanna (Rossi) Patino for her efforts in Security Services... Read More
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This summer marks the beginning of a phased heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrade project at multiple school sites.
Phase 1, scheduled for Summer 2025, will focus on upgrades at Eader and Peterson, followed by Phase 2 in Summer 2026 at Smith and Dwyer.
After a competitive selection process, Construct One was chosen as the general contractor to lead the project. To ensure the upgrades remain on schedule despite market challenges, the District proactively secured long-lead HVAC units in advance. The project is currently in preconstruction, followed by a fast-paced summer construction schedule to complete the work before students return in August. These improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality learning environments for students and staff. We appreciate the community’s support and will continue to share updates as the project progresses.
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With track season just around the corner, our Maintenance team has been hard at work ensuring our middle school long jump pits are in top shape for student-athletes. Their efforts have included:
- Leveling and refreshing the sand for a smooth, even surface
- Improving drainage to prevent water buildup and maintain safe conditions
- Clearing debris to create a clean and competition-ready space
These enhancements provide a high-quality training and competition environment, supporting student engagement in athletics. We thank our dedicated team for their ongoing work to keep our schools safe, functional, and ready for action!
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