COMMUNITY CONNECT JANUARY 2026 | VOLUME 6 | EDITION 6
We hope this newsletter finds you in good spirits and enjoying the Holiday Season. It’s time to spark your enthusiasm for the upcoming Spring Term! Please keep in mind that there are numerous activities scheduled over the next five months, leading up to Graduation and Summer break. Here are just a few highlights: Student Board Member Applications (keep an eye out for information and applications) Senior Information & Scholarship Timelines Winter & Spring Athletics Greetings and Happy New Year!
Drama and Music Performances Course Previews & Selections State, AP & IB Testing
Updates are communicated via email through ParentSquare, Remind, and on school websites. If you’re not receiving information, please reach out to your school office.
Enjoy the rest of your Winter Break, and we look forward to seeing all of our wonderful students on Monday, January 5, 2026.
Official Newsletter of the Placer Union High School District
January Board Meeting Tuesday - January 20, 2026 5:30 pm RVO Meeting Room 13000 New Airport Road | Auburn
Sarah Rath, Communications Officer Sarah Rath
Superintendent Message
I was recently asked what my favorite holiday tradition is. My answer was simple...spending time with my family. Whether it's gathering around the table for a festive meal, sharing stories and laughter by the fireplace, or simply enjoying each other's company, these moments are truly priceless. Every holiday season, we make it a point to slow down and appreciate the joy of being together, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It's a time to reconnect, reflect on the past year, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Perhaps, like many of you, you develop
Despite not having met Del Oro Teacher Joe Hancock personally, I am deeply moved by the stories of his unwavering commitment to education and his resilience in the face of adversity. Joe is not just an educator, but a beacon of inspiration for both his students and colleagues. His ability to touch the lives of those around him extends beyond the classroom—a testament to his character and strength. During challenging times, it's heartening to see the support from our community rallying around Joe. This solidarity reflects the true essence of our collective spirit, where we uplift and care for one another as a District family. With his permission, I’m sharing an update about him and I look forward to meeting him soon! Have a wonderful New Year, and we’ll see all of our students back on campuses on Monday, January 5, 2026!! Tom relationships with people that become your ‘work/school family’. These bonds are built over shared experiences, challenges, and triumphs, creating a support system that enhances both professional and personal lives. This sense of camaraderie brings a unique joy to the workplace, making every day more rewarding and meaningful. Just as with my family at home, I cherish the moments spent with my work/school family, whether it's collaborating on projects, celebrating achievements, or simply sharing a laugh during a busy day. During the holiday season, these relationships are especially poignant, reminding us of the importance of connection and the spirit of togetherness that enriches our lives in countless ways.
We ’ re all here for the students because that ’ s...
The
P INT
Podcasts will be aired once a month during the school year (unless that needs
SEAS N 3 Superintendent O’Malley and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Caminiti co-host this Season! We’ll be airing an episode per month over the course of the school year. Be sure to follow us on Spotify!
Follow us on Spotify adjusting due to topics/schedule).
Episode #1 (25-26) ~ Welcome Back!! Episode #2 (25-26) ~ Clubs on Campuses Episode #3 (25-26) ~ College Visits & More!
Episode #4 (25-26) ~ Maidu Virtual Charter Academy Episode #5 (25-26) ~ Reflection on Fall 2025 Term
California School Board Association’s (CSBA) Annual Conference This year’s conference took place in Sacramento during the first week of December. The event provides School Board Trustees, staff, and Student Board Members the chance to collaborate, learn, and discuss educational topics that affect students, staff, and families throughout California.
Superintendent O’Malley, Deputy Superintendent Caminiti and our four Student Board Members headed out bright and early on Tuesday, December 2 , for the first day of the Conference. nd Student Board Member Cooper Barr was chosen to participate as a panel member for one of the sessions! Adam Weingart took an opportunity to enjoy the impressive Trade Show!
Del Oro and Confluence West High Schools will be the showcase at the January 20, 2026 Board Meeting. Come hear all of the great things happening on these campuses!!
DEL ORO HIGH SCHOOL
Del Oro High School is located in Loomis, California and is one of the four comprehensive high schools in the Placer Union High School District. Opened in 1959, Del Oro is situated on approximately 56 acres and serves students in the ninth through twelfth grades. Our enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is 1 ,635+/- students. Del Oro serves a semi-rural community that is trying to maintain slow growth while being surrounded by communities of high growth. There has been a phasing out of the agricultural way of life and an increase of homes on acreage and small housing tracts within our attendance boundaries. The area is a bedroom community for the greater Sacramento area. There continues to be slow growth of businesses within the community, but the existing businesses are very supportive of Del Oro High School.
Del Oro's Mission Statement Continuing a tradition of excellence and integrity in a safe, supportive and respectful environment where all students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to be college, career, and life ready, as well as contribute as responsible citizens of their local and global communities
Del Oro High School 3301 Taylor Road Loomis, CA 95650 916.652.7243
CONFLUENCE WEST HIGH SCHOOL (Del Oro Campus) Alternative Education High Schools
School as Community, Community as School
A main component of education at Confluence West High School is the LTI (Learning through Interests) internship program. In internships with an expert mentor in a field of the student’s interest, students complete an authentic project that benefits both the student and the mentor’s worksite. These projects are a key part of deepening student learning and academic growth. Internships provide students with multiple opportunities to explore fields of interest, interact professionally with adults in a variety of areas, and complete real-world projects that develop their academic skills. POWERED BY A PASSIONATE STAFF COMMITTED TO REAL-WORLD LEARNING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Students, parents, and Confluence West staff work together to secure internships for students based on each student’s interest area. Through the search process, students develop networking and communication skills, self- advocacy, and initiative. Students are encouraged to stretch outside of their comfort zone and immerse themselves in the adult world.
Confluence West 3301 Taylor Rd Loomis, CA 95650 916.660.1061
From the desk of Crystal Eatherton, Director Child Nutrition Services Department
OUT & ABOUT IN THE DISTRICT
CHOOL BUDGETS Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) Supplementary Retirement Plan for Employees The PARS plan was approved by the Board on 11/18/25. Thirty-six employees have signed up to retire by the end of this fiscal year. Based on the District's input of not replacing four Certificated Non- Management positions and one Certificated Administrator, PARS is projecting a savings to be $622,852 in Year 1; cumulative savings of $2,397,868 over three years; and cumulative savings of $3,844,534 over five years.
Budget Advisory Group
The Budget Advisory Group consists of employees (multiple job classifications) and parents of the District. The Group meets to discuss cost-saving measures, review current expenditures, and provide feedback from site/position perspectives. The Group will continue to collaborate throughout the year, providing invaluable insight and recommendations to ensure the financial health of the District. Their collective efforts aim to balance fiscal responsibility with the educational needs of students, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively and efficiently. By fostering open communication and encouraging diverse viewpoints, the Budget Advisory Group plays a crucial role in shaping a sustainable financial strategy that supports the District’s goals and priorities. Open Enrollment WITHIN Our District Intradistrict transfer requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis based on hardship and/or school of enrollment. Please refer to Board Policy 5116.1. The application window for these requests is January 5 through January 30. Students who want to attend Colfax High School to participate in the International Baccalaureate Program will be allowed to do so, but an application needs to be submitted within the timeline. ■ Transfer Procedures & Hardship Criteria (& en Español) ■ Transfer Request Application (& en Español) ■ INTRA-district Administrative Regulation (AR) ■ INTRA-district Board Policy (BP) For more information or have questions on open enrollment, contact us at 530-886-4400 or transfers@puhsd.k12.ca.us.
As we begin the Spring Term, we are again providing helpful information and links to resources for your reference. If you have any questions, please call the District office at 530.886.4400.
FAMILY GUIDE TO SCHOOL EMERGENCIES
PARENT HANDBOOK
Click titles to access the resources
CARPOOLING to SCHOOL Made Easy!!!!
Remember to Carpool! PUHSD is partnering with GoKid, a convenient school carpooling program, to make the school commute easier for our parent
You can get started by registering on the GoKid website or apps. To learn more about how it works, check out this short demo. communities. Parents who live near each other will be able to find each other on a map, start chats, and set up and manage carpools, saving time and reducing traffic.
For support, contact support@gokid.mobi.
UP stander
VIDEO CONTEST
THEME
HOW TO BE AN
DEADLINE EXTENDED
UP stander
Due by 3/2/26
UP stander
Use
brand
Under 2 minutes Use school-appropriate language & content Who can submit?
Ronda Black - rblack@puhsd.k12.ca.us or Sarah Rath - srath@puhsd.k12.ca.us Questions and submissions should be emailed to: SUBMISSIONS Due by Monday, March 2, 2026 (Winning videos from each site will advance to a District-wide contest held in the Spring)
Videos may be shown throughout the District & shared on Social Media
Wishing you... 12 months of happiness, 52 weeks of fun, 365 days of success, 8,760 hours of good health, 52,600 minutes of good luck and 3,153,600 seconds of joy.
13000 New Airport Road Auburn, CA 95603 Phone: 530.886.4400 Fax: 530.886.4449 Placer Union High School District
LET’S connect
The Placer Union High School District (PUHSD) is committed to ensuring equal, fair, and meaningful access to employment and education services and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. PUHSD understands and will address the intersectionality of identities and how they can lead to unique forms of discrimination or harassment. PUHSD prohibits discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, or bullying in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis and/or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics of age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical information, national origin, disability, parental status, political affiliation, pregnancy and related conditions, race, religion, retaliation, sex, sexual orientation, military or veterans status, homelessness, foster status, or any other basis prohibited by California state and federal nondiscrimination laws consistent with Education Code 200 and 220, Government Code 11135, and Title IX. If you believe you have been subjected to discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, or bullying, you should contact Title IX Coordinator (Students) Steve Caminiti, 13000 New Airport Road, Auburn, 530.886.4402, scaminiti@puhsd.k12.ca.us; Title II (Students) and Section 504 Coordinator Carrie Warda, 13000 New Airport Road, Auburn, 530.886.4433, cwarda@puhsd.k12.ca.us; and/or Title IX and Title II Coordinator (Staff) Elena DalFavero, 13000 New Airport Road, Auburn, 530.886.4426, edalfavero@puhsd.k12.ca.us.
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