
Thomas Paine Recognized as a No Place for Hate School 2022-2023

A Cow Comes to School

Disability Awareness Week

Kid's Heart Challenge
TK/K Registration for the 2023-2024 School Year

100th Day of School!
Principal's Message

A Message from the Principal… Mrs. Charise Santana
Welcome back to the 2022-2023 school year! As your new principal, I am so excited to serve the Thomas Paine community. I've been in elementary education for about 27 years with the last 15 years here in Garden Grove Unified. Outside of school, I have been married for 16 years and have two adult children. We have a 26 year old daughter in law enforcement and a 21 year old son in the Army. Some of my hobbies include cooking, baking, and wine tasting. In the last three years, students, families, and our staff have experienced a number of challenges due to the pandemic. However, we have endured, learned some humility, kindness, and resilience as a result. We are all eager to return to some sense of normalcy. |
This year we will continue to focus on our District's Strategic Plan: Academic Skills + Personal Skills = Lifelong Success! Our academic program is rigorous, engaging, and aligned to state standards. Our amazing teachers use research-based strategies to develop student's critical thinking skills, including the meaningful use of technology in instruction, learning how to collaborate, and helping students develop scholarly habits and motivation. As a staff, we are committed to 21st Century learning to best prepare students for a successful future. In these challenging times, it is also a priority at Paine to support the social emotional well-being of our student and families. This year, additional resources have been allocated to support students with recovering from challenges and trauma. I am happy to welcome the ASPIRE team to Paine. ASPIRE is a system of care for GGUSD students, families, and staff that promotes, supports and enhances the social-emotional wellbeing for all in order to foster a positive learning climate with a focus on mental health.
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Our School
Paine Elementary was named 2018 California Distinguished School for being a model school with successful practices that other school leaders hope to replicate. Here at Paine, we are proud to provide a positive and supportive culture for our approximately 500 scholars.
Paine's extracurricular programs provides many exciting opportunities for students, including:
- Our robust choral and instrumental program brings out the inner musician in each student. Students learn to read music as they execute a plethora of heartfelt performances throughout the year.
- Boys & Girls Club boosts student achievement and involvement each day after school until 6 P.M. Enrolled scholars build social skills as they form unforgettable friendships through exciting activities. Staff members also ensure that students fulfill the Power Hour, known as a time dedicated to completing homework.
- Intervention in the fall and spring is a two-week long course that reviews in-class material in unique ways. Educators review materials through games, activities, exercises, and traditional teaching. Scholars with the need to review material are accommodated, placing them on a path of academic success.
Teachers use cutting-edge instructional strategies and integrate 21st century technology into daily instruction. Our school also has a 1:1 computer to student ratio and students engage with innovative technology tools as part of the common curriculum.
Our highly involved PTO coordinates yearly events and quality assemblies. Paine offers many opportunities for parents to engage in their child’s education through online resources to help with homework support as well as family technology nights, PTO, and parent education classes. Parents may come and get involved by visiting our office or joining us at our fun events.
We are excited to bring in a new school year of academic accomplishments and emotional well-being. For questions or comments, feel free to visit us at our office.