{"id":358125,"date":"2026-06-12T17:45:12","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T17:45:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/358125\/"},"modified":"2026-06-12T17:45:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T17:45:12","slug":"weekly-roundup-westminster-students-create-mural-inspired-by-bolsa-chica-wetlands-and-more-ocde-newsroom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/358125\/","title":{"rendered":"Weekly roundup: Westminster students create mural inspired by Bolsa Chica Wetlands, and more \u2013 OCDE Newsroom"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\"PaintersPainters from Warner Middle School and Westminster High School pose for a photo while working on a mural depicting the ecosystems of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands. (Photo courtesy of Westminster School District)\"StudentsStudents and a teacher work on a mural celebrating the ecosystems of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands at Warner Middle School. (Photo courtesy of Westminster School District)\"StudentsStudents collaborate on a mural inspired by the Bolsa Chica Wetlands at Warner Middle School. The project brought together students from Warner Middle School and Westminster High School. (Photo courtesy of Westminster School District)\"AA mural at Warner Middle School depicts native plants and wildlife found in the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, along with students and the school\u2019s Wildcat mascot. (Photo courtesy of Westminster School District)<\/p>\n

Bright colors, marine life and local history came together this spring as students from Warner Middle School and Westminster High School collaborated on a mural<\/a> inspired by the ecosystems of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands.<\/p>\n

The Westminster School District reported<\/a> that Warner Middle School honors science and art students partnered with Advanced Placement art students from Westminster High School to design and paint the mural, which depicts native plants and wildlife found in the wetlands alongside images reflecting Warner\u2019s science program and school identity.<\/p>\n

The mural was unveiled during Warner Middle School\u2019s open house on May 20 and represents a partnership between the Westminster School District and the Huntington Beach Union High School District.<\/p>\n

The project was inspired by Warner\u2019s long-standing environmental education efforts, including partnerships with Get Inspired Inc. and the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute that have engaged students in habitat restoration and species recovery projects for more than two decades.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat we are seeing across our campuses is students who don\u2019t just learn about their communities, they contribute to them,\u201d Superintendent Dr. Gunn Marie Hansen said in a statement<\/a>, \u201cThis mural is a reflection of Warner\u2019s commitment to science, to the environment, and to the kind of education that stays with students long after they leave our classrooms.\u201d <\/p>\n

Here are the other stories we\u2019ve been following this week:<\/p>\n

\"old<\/p>\n

Orange County students performed original songs<\/a> inspired by America\u2019s upcoming 250th anniversary at the USA 250-OC Theme Song Competition, where JSerra Catholic High School student Ella Wu earned the grand prize.<\/p>\n

Orange County middle school teams earned top placements<\/a> at the 2026 United States Academic Pentathlon National Finals, including a national championship for McGarvin Intermediate School\u2019s seventh-grade team.<\/p>\n

Orange County students and theater programs earned several top honors<\/a> at the 2026 Spirit of the MACY Awards, including a second consecutive Best Actor award for Tesoro High School student Isaiah Medina.<\/p>\n

Laguna Beach Unified School District approved a four-year contract<\/a> for incoming Superintendent Don Austin, who previously served as principal of Laguna Beach High School and will begin the role on July 1.<\/p>\n

\"Brea<\/p>\n

The OCDE Newsroom has compiled graduation photos<\/a> and social media highlights from schools across Orange County to celebrate members of the Class of 2026.<\/p>\n

A Voice of OC report examines how Orange County schools, cities and law enforcement agencies are responding to rising e-bike-related injuries<\/a>, deaths and safety concerns through new policies, enforcement efforts and education programs.<\/p>\n

Los Alamitos Unified expanded its annual Film Festival<\/a> to include students from all grade levels, showcasing 30 student-produced films and highlighting a year of awards and recognition for the district\u2019s Film and TV program.<\/p>\n

This is the part where we encourage you to keep up with local education news stories by bookmarking\u00a0the OCDE Newsroom<\/a>,\u00a0subscribing for emailed updates<\/a>\u00a0and following us on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0X (formerly Twitter)<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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