COMMUNITY CONNECT NOVEMBER 2025 | VOLUME 6 | EDITION 4
Official Newsletter of the Placer Union High School District Homecoming beautifully highlights the uniqueness of each school, the involvement of our communities, and the joy of being part of something greater than ourselves. A heartfelt thank you to all the individuals who make these events possible. Your hard work does not go unnoticed and is truly appreciated! PUHSD Proud! Wishing you all a wonderful November and a fantastic Thanksgiving! "Homecoming vibes, forever friendships & cherished memories” Homecoming is one of the most exciting traditions within our high school campuses— a period when school spirit shines brightly. It goes beyond just a football game or a dance; it's a week filled with pride, connection, and happiness. Students, staff, alumni, and families come together to honor the past, enjoy the present, and create lasting memories. From spirited rallies and creative dress-up days to pancake breakfasts, parades, and enthusiastic cheering in the stands, each campus offers unforgettable experiences.
November Board Meeting Tuesday - November 18, 2025 5:30 pm RVO Meeting Room 13000 New Airport Road | Auburn
Sarah Rath, Communications Officer Sarah Rath
Superintendent Message
I remain truly impressed by the numerous activities taking place across our District. Each event, lesson, and effort encompasses the dedication and creativity of our educators, students, and staff. From innovative classroom projects to community-driven events, we are continually building a vibrant and inclusive environment for learning and growth. I am grateful for the collective efforts that make our District a place where every student can thrive. One way to capture our students’ perspectives on what is happening throughout our District is through an event we call
our “Student Voice” meetings. I had my first experience attending a meeting, and as the Superintendent, I get to facilitate the discussions from one of our comprehensive sites. For this meeting, I was at Del Oro High School while our other schools joined via a video Zoom call. The ‘discussion topic’ for this gathering was the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education. At each of our schools, the Student Board
Members are responsible for gathering a diverse array of students for meaningful discussions. Each group engages in unique conversations centered around the questions I present, and subsequently, each location has the chance to share the insights and perspectives gathered from its discussions. To say I was amazed by the collective student voices would be an understatement. These students are passionate, articulate, and incredibly insightful. They bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table, reminding us of the importance of listening to those we serve. During the meeting, I was struck by their ability to address complex topics with maturity and a thoughtful approach, particularly when discussing the implications of AI in Education.
I also had another opportunity to connect with community members at the Auburn Rotary Club. This is another amazing group of individuals who come together to make a positive impact in our communities. Their enthusiasm and willingness to contribute to our students' successes are truly inspiring. Engaging with such dedicated community partners reinforces the importance of collaboration and shared goals, reminding us that education is a community endeavor. Together, we are fostering an environment where every student has the opportunity to excel and make a meaningful difference in the world.
Tom
I am excited to see what we will accomplish in the coming months, and I appreciate your ongoing support and commitment to excellence.
I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving.
We ’ re all here for the students because that ’ s...
The
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Podcasts will be aired once a month during the school year (unless that needs
SEAS N 3 It’s hard to believe that we are starting the third season of our podcast episodes! Superintendent O’Malley and Deputy Superintendent Dr. Caminiti will be co-hosting. We’ll be airing an episode per month over the course of the school year. Be sure to follow us on Spotify! 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
adjusting due to topics/schedule).
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Textbook Adoption Process at Placer Union High School District
When a teacher requests a new or updated textbook, the Placer Union High School District (PUHSD) follows a two-step process for textbook adoption: 1.The proposed textbook is presented to the Board during a public meeting and is made available for preview for a duration of 30 days. 2.At the next Regular Board Meeting, the Board will deliberate and take action regarding its approval.
Give Me Liberty is beloved by instructors and students alike because it delivers an authoritative, concise, and integrated American history. In the Seventh Edition, Eric Foner welcomes acclaimed scholars Kathleen DuVal and Lisa McGirr as co-authors. Together, they have enhanced coverage of Native American history with an emphasis on how it refines our understanding of freedom—the book’s urgent guiding theme. New pedagogical tools, including a guided interactive reading experience with support in developing critical thinking skills, are designed to help students get the most out of this beloved text. (WWNorton) Give Me Liberty , a dual enrollment college textbook, can be reviewed at the Del Oro High School or PUHSD offices until Monday, November 17, 2025. This textbook will be considered for adoption at the Board of Trustees Meeting on November 18, 2025.
Legislative Update In an effort to keep our communities informed of new legislation that may affect our District and/or schools, we wanted to provide a brief list of some key laws recently enacted by the Legislature. (This is not a complete listing of all initiatives that were either signed, vetoed, or held in committee.)
AB 49 (Muratsuchi): Immigration enforcement restrictions on school grounds Prohibits immigration enforcement officers from entering nonpublic areas of school campuses without a judicial warrant, subpoena or court order. Local education agencies must adopt written protocols and provide staff training by March 2026. SB 98 (Pérez): Notification procedures for immigration enforcement at schools Requires schools and higher education institutions to issue notifications when immigration enforcement is confirmed on campus, including the date, time and location of the event and links to additional resources. Notification procedures must be added to comprehensive school safety plans by March 2026. AB 727 (González): LGBTQ+ suicide prevention hotline on student ID cards Beginning July 1, 2026, student identification cards for grades 7–12 and public higher education institutions must include contact information for The Trevor Project’s suicide prevention hotline, along with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. AB 1264 (Gabriel): Pupil nutrition and ultraprocessed foods of concern Defines “ultraprocessed food” for school settings and directs the State Department of Public Health, with input from CDE, to adopt regulations by June 1, 2028 identifying “restricted school foods” and “ultraprocessed foods of concern.” Schools must begin phasing out these foods by July 1, 2029, with a full prohibition on their sale or inclusion in school meals by July 1, 2035. AB 495 (Rodriguez): Caregiver authorization and family preparedness Expands who can sign a caregiver’s authorization affidavit to include a broader range of relatives — such as great-aunts, cousins and other family members within five degrees of kinship — allowing them to temporarily care for a child if a parent is detained or deported. The law also bars child care providers from collecting immigration information and lets parents nominate a temporary guardian in family court. Supporters say it gives immigrant families more options to plan for emergencies, while critics expressed concern it could weaken parental protections. SB 19 (Rubio): Threats of violence Makes it a crime to threaten violent acts at schools, child care facilities, universities, workplaces, houses of worship or medical facilities — even if there was no intent to carry out the threat — when it causes fear for personal safety. SB 510 (Richardson): African American history in curriculum frameworks Requires the Instructional Quality Commission to consider including early African American history in California when revising the state’s history–social science framework or adopting new instructional materials. SB 640 (Cabaldon): CSU admissions access Requires participating California State University campuses to provide “direct admission” letters to eligible high school students who meet course and grade requirements, simplifying the application process. AB 1390 (Solache): Public school governance: board member compensation This bill would revise and recast provisions related to the compensation of members of city or county boards of education and the governing boards of school districts by increasing the authorized compensation to instead not exceed a specified amount between $600 and $4,500 per month, based on the average daily attendance for the prior school year in the jurisdiction of the governing board for the prior school year, as provided.
VIDEO CONTEST UP stander
THEME
UP stander
HOW TO BE AN
UP stander
Use
brand
Under 2 minutes Use school-appropriate language & content Who can submit?
SUBMISSIONS Now through the end of the Fall 25 Term (Winning videos from each site will advance to a District-wide contest held in the Spring)
Questions and submissions should be emailed to:
Ronda Black - rblack@puhsd.k12.ca.us or Sarah Rath - srath@puhsd.k12.ca.us
Videos may be shown throughout the District & shared on Social Media
MAIDU VIRTUAL CHARTER ACADEMY Alternative Education USING TODAY'S TECHNOLOGY TO EDUCATE & CREATE TOMORROW'S LEADERS Our committed faculty are experts in their subject areas, each holding a Bachelor's Degree, a California Teaching Credential, and several with a Master's Degree in their subject. Many of Maidu's classes are Dual Enrollment courses where students may earn college units while in high school. MVCA received an additional WASC Accreditation in May of 2022.
To learn more about MVCA, visit their website LINK
Maidu Virtual Charter Academy (MVCA) 275 Orange Street, Suite 408 Auburn, CA 95603 530.745-5763
DID YOU KNOW? One of the many incredible aspects of MVCA is the flexibility to earn college credits while completing your high school diploma. Since its inception in 2018, we've had several students complete enough college courses and credits to have earned an Associate of Arts (AA) Degree (imagine all the college tuition they saved!). We've taken what these amazing students have accomplished and formalized it into an official Early College Program (ECP) with Sierra College. This Program launched this Fall! Here’s an article about the Early College Program from Gold Country Media. ARTICLE
The flexibility of MVCA schedules provides students with the ability to pursue careers, hobbies, or goals that attending a traditional school environment would not allow. We have had students who race cars, ride BMX, and pursue Olympic dreams, to name a few. Some students use the flexibility to work or care for loved ones.
The MVCA staff facilitates events and activities for the students to get together and connect as a group. The support network they create is a great experience for all involved. This year, they’ve started their own clubs and have attended field trips to colleges and career fairs. MVCA will be the ‘Showcase’ at this month’s Board of Trustees Meeting. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at the RVO Meeting Room. Open session begins at 5:30 pm.
From the desk of Crystal Eatherton, Director Child Nutrition Services Department
Thank You (in advance) to our incredible Child Nutrition Staff! They prepare homemade food, create a beautiful setting, and are joined by site and District staff to serve our students an amazing feast. Students - check for the date of your Feast! It is a great day and we look forward to another successful year! Please remember, free breakfast and lunch continue to be served to all PUHSD students every school day. If you are in need, please see the following for local food/meal resources: Feeding the Foothills Placer County 211 Eatwell App (a virtual food pantry)
HALLOWEEN FUN (just a few of the many awesome costumes...great job staff!!!)
OUT & ABOUT IN THE DISTRICT
CHOOL BUDGETS
The allocation of District/school resources includes the funding of staff, materials, and facilities needed to support student learning and operations. Most school funding comes from State, local, and Federal sources. Districts/schools aim to use resources efficiently to maximize student achievement while maintaining fiscal responsibility and transparency. During challenging budgetary periods, school districts must make careful decisions to balance fiscal responsibility with their commitment to student learning. Rising costs, declining enrollment, and changes in State or Federal funding can create financial strain. Our District is addressing these challenges through a retirement incentive, thoughtful cost-saving measures, useful and relevant feedback from the Budget Advisory Group (teachers, staff, admin, parents), and remains focused on its mission to provide high-quality education and opportunities for all students. We will keep you informed through this newsletter and other communication channels, as we aim for transparency while navigating these challenging times.
Finding ways to capture lost funding and reduce expenditures is a consistent conversation. When we looked at the data, we realized that the District was losing approximately $200,000 in revenue from students missing the two school days prior to Thanksgiving Day. To recapture that loss, last year we amended our Academic Calendars to have the entire Thanksgiving week off (beginning this school year). Here are this and next year’s calendars: 25/26 & 26/27
Ready, Set...
Please remember that PUHSD partners with GoKid to provide a free carpooling app to all PUHSD families. This voluntary program will allow you to streamline your school commute by self- organizing carpools, connect with other families, drastically reduce your driving time, and help reduce traffic issues. The GoKid planner helps organize carpools for school, after-school activities, and more - with families from your school community. If you have questions or need support, please email GoKid at support@gokid.mobi. Here is a one-page flier with more information.
Congratulations and thank you to all of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and families for an outstanding Fall Season! Your dedication and teamwork brought memorable victories, fostered camaraderie, and made your communities proud! Thank you all for an unforgettable season! PUHSD PROUD!
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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