News from the OPA Central Office

Contributions to future newsletters are always welcome, please send stories you feel are worth sharing with the OPA community, to communications@opaschools.org.

Two new Parent Education Nights have been added in 2025! Both events will be virtual and open to all OPA families and community members.

Helping Kids Manage Stress - February 4, 2025, at 6:00PM

Building Healthy Relationships - April 22, 2025, at 6:00 PM

Register Here: https://www.opaschools.org/apps/pages/parenteducation

Sometimes our Chancellors need a day off, so it's a good thing we have champions willing to step in and be the Chancellor for the day! Our students at SV were very happy with Mr. Wright's replacements when they announced there would be no homework for the day!

Congratulations Mrs. Merlette!

Mrs. Merlette joined OPA in 2016 as an Education Specialist and transitioned to the role of Dean in 2019. Most recently she has served as Interim Chancellor at SOC. Prior to OPA, Mrs. Merlette served as a special education teacher focusing on pre-K through 8th grade in New Jersey for 10 years.

In addition to her professional work, Mrs. Merlette has been actively involved with the Special Olympics for over 25 years. She enjoys time with her family traveling, snowboarding, going to the beach, and spending time outside.

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Merlette on her new role.

Congratulations to our Classified Staff of the Year!! The award highlights the outstanding efforts of dedicated staff who represent OPA's culture and contribute to a positive school environment. Thank you for providing a valuable service to our schools and going above and beyond to ensure our students and their families are supported in their education journey!

Congratulations to our Teachers of the Year! Our professors and counselors are the heart and soul of OPA, bringing their passion for education, creativity in the classroom, and innovation for learning with them every day.

We are so proud to have such outstanding individuals representing OPA!

The Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) is a three-year plan that describes OPA's goals, actions, services, and expenditures. Parent feedback is a valuable part of the LCAP planning process as it provides critical information that helps inform our planning process, goals, and action plans. Parents are encouraged to participate in two ways:

1. Complete the LCAP survey. The anonymous survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. It is currently open and closes on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

- Middle School Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SYGGRXF

- Elementary School Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QBWRFFZ

2. Attend and participate in an LCAP meeting. The first meeting will be held on January 14, 2025, at 5:30 at South Orange County. Additional information will be sent in January.

Register Here: https://www.opaschools.org/apps/form/form.OXFPA.uwG2trE.1lJ_

Calling all prospective OPA families! Our annual Parent Information Meetings (PIMs) have been scheduled for January during School of Choice week. PIMs are a fantastic opportunity for families to learn about the OPA culture and take a tour of the school. Please feel free to share the attached information with any families you know who are interested in attending our wonderful school!

South Orange County - Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Middle School - Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Saddleback Valley - Thursday, January 30, 2025

Open Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year begins on January 27, 2025.