News & Announcements

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.

Updated Magnolia School District Board Meeting Date and Time.

The November 2024 Edition of School News and Podcast is now available!
Magnolia School District: Offers district-wide music education, with performances and a new piano lab at Juliette Low School of the Arts.

Dr. Albert Schweitzer Leadership Academy: Hosts a popular Cooking Club, teaching culinary skills and teamwork to 5th and 6th graders.

Dr. Jonas E. Salk School: Fourth graders participated in Anaheim Public Utilities’ Public Power Week, learning about energy and safety.

Dr. Peter Marshall School: Expanded its Garden Club, providing students with hands-on gardening and teamwork experience.

Esther L. Walter Elementary: Uses Math Talks to promote interactive and critical thinking-based math learning.

Juliette Low School of the Arts: Sixth graders serve as Big Buddy Mentors, building leadership and supporting younger peers.

Lord Baden-Powell School: Raised over $8,000 in a Fun Run, funding educational field trips and activities.

Mattie Lou Maxwell Elementary: Student council elections give students leadership opportunities and school involvement.

Robert M. Pyles STEM Academy: Emphasizes vocabulary development to enhance reading and communication skills.

Walt Disney Elementary: Offers an after-school Fairy Tale Club, blending reading and creative projects to bring stories to life.

Magnolia School District has earned its seventh Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association.

The September 2024 Edition of School News and Podcast is now available!

Magnolia School District Celebrates High Achievements and New Facilities. Schools Reopen with Enhanced Academics and Technology. District Earns Prestigious Awards and Recognitions. ​

After an extensive analysis of student data from every public school in California, six of our schools have been recognized as an Educational Results Partnership (ERP) 2022-23 Honor Roll School for their high academic achievement and student success.

The May 2024 Edition of School News and Podcast is now available!