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

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

Thomas Paine has been recognized as a "No Place for Hate" School for the year 2022-2023. This is a great honor showcasing our students and staff members acceptance of each other's differences and that being kind is a way of life. Way to go Panthers!!…
Dairy Council Visit - article thumnail image

A Cow Comes to School

Paine students were excited to welcome a doe-eyed girl to their school today. Cinnamon is a cow that is part of the Dairy Council of California’s mobile classroom which brings a bit of the barnyard to schools. Through this program, students receive r…
Disability Awareness - article thumnail image

Disability Awareness Week

Disability Awareness Week - All of us are different. None of us are less!
Kid's Heart Challenge - article thumnail image

Kid's Heart Challenge

Paine students participated in the American Heart Association's Annual Kid's Heart Challenge

TK/K Registration for the 2023-2024 School Year

TK/Kindergarten Online Enrollment Begins February 8th To Pre-Enroll for the 2023-2024 school year, please visit the district website home page HERE  After pre-enrolling online, bring the following documents to the Paine office. Please call 714.663.…
100th Day of School - article thumnail image

100th Day of School!

The 100th day of school is an exciting day for teachers, staff, and students. Paine Elementary School celebrated “100 days smarter” with various math concepts and writing prompts using the number 100. Some students decorated shirts for the occasion,…

Principal's Message

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.

 

 

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.