Lord Baden-Powell School Home

Out of 165 Peer Assistance Leadership (PAL) programs in Orange County, five were recognized by the Orange County Department of Education with PAL Awards. Out of those five, two Magnolia School District schools were honored with prestigious Peer Assistance Leadership Awards by the Orange County Department of Education.

On the evening of May 7th the newly formed Magnolia School District Choir had their first performance at Salk School. The Choir performed with the expanded Magnolia School District Band in front of a packed auditorium filled with parents and staff members.The night opened with the Choir, who lit up the stage with powerful renditions of songs by Disney, Bruno Mars, Billie Eilish, and American Authors—complete with standout student solos.

Parenting OC Magazine has named Dr. Frank Donavan, Superintendent of the Magnolia School District, as Orange County’s Top Educational Leader. Dr. Donavan has earned many well-deserved recognitions, but he states that he is most proud of the recognitions our District has received under his leadership.

The March 2025 Edition of School News and Podcast is now available!

Magnolia School District – Highlighted its Expanded Learning Programs, offering after-school activities like STEM, arts, sports, and academic support for over 2,200 students.

Dr. Albert Schweitzer Leadership Academy – Focused on its hands-on science lab, where students explore engaging experiments that enhance their understanding of scientific concepts.

Dr. Jonas E. Salk School – Featured the Big Buddies program, fostering social and emotional growth through mentorship, reading activities, and fun projects between younger and older students.

Dr. Peter Marshall Elementary – Showcased the PTA’s role in organizing community-building events like Board Game Night, a Valentine’s Dance, and Trunk or Treat.

Esther L. Walter School – Introduced the new school playground, emphasizing the joy and physical benefits it brings to students.

Juliette Low School of the Arts – Discussed the Legacy Books initiative, which aims to provide every student with their own personal library by the time they graduate.

Lord Baden-Powell School – Highlighted its after-school clubs, including cooking, STEM, cheer, dance, journalism, and crochet, with students also giving back to the community.

Mattie Lou Maxwell School – Announced the new school mascot, "Max the Roadrunner", boosting school spirit through rallies and events.

Robert M. Pyles STEM Academy – Emphasized the importance of school attendance, linking it to academic success and offering incentives to encourage regular attendance.

Walt Disney School – Celebrated 100 Days of Learning, with themed activities, dress-up events, and projects to mark students’ progress.

On January 30, 2025, Magnolia School District’s annual District Spelling Bee took place at Dr. Jonas E. Salk School. In coordination with the Orange County Department of Education, our District brought together this exciting event under the guidance of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the Nation’s largest and longest-running educational program. Their mission is to “inspire the exploration of words and illuminate pathways to lifelong curiosity, and celebrate academic achievement while enriching communities.”

Congratulations to our District Superintendent, Dr. Frank Donavan, who has been selected to receive the 2025 Orange County Department of Education Music and Arts District Administrator Award. The Award recognizes exceptional leaders who implement a high-quality, inclusive, accessible, and equitable arts education for all students.