FEBRUARY 2025 | VOLUME 5 | EDITION 7
If you take a moment to observe, you'll find instances of success at each of our sites every single day. Success manifests in various forms, across different platforms and stages. What continually impresses me is the unwavering determination, resilience, and love that fuel the efforts leading to these successes. As you’ll see in the pages of this newsletter where I share some examples of our students’ successes, these events and accomplishments are happening due to the perseverance of the students and the support and encouragement of our incredible staff. As we go through the remaining four months of this term (which will fly by), I will be sharing more highlights of the incredible work and fun happening throughout our District, both in the newsletters and on social media. Be sure to follow our social media pages (links at the end of this newsletter).
Sarah Rath, Communications Officer Sarah Rath Please refer to the information for Sophomores and Juniors on the next page if you're interested in applying to be one of next year's Student Board Members! Happy February!
Official Newsletter of the Placer Union High School District
Tuesday - February, 18 2025 5:30 pm RVO Meeting Room 13000 New Airport Road | Auburn
Apply now to become next year’s PUHSD Student Board Member!
The application window to be the 2025- 2026 Student Board Member is OPEN!
Eligibility : Interested students who are currently sophomores and juniors at one of our comprehensive sites (Colfax, Del Oro, Foresthill, or Placer) may apply to serve for the following school year. Applicants should be in good standing in their academics, community, and with their social peers.
The Student Board Members provide the PUHSD Board of Trustees and the Superintendent with information regarding student interests and concerns gathered through diverse student populations and ideas thereby enhancing relevance and effectiveness of many school site and District programs.
Check out our podcast on the next page to hear about this amazing experience!!!
“If you have questions or would like more information, we encourage you to speak with us or your Principal.”
Ava Conn Placer, Confluence & MVCA High Schools
Claire Delany Del Oro & Confluence West High Schools
Ruby Mussell Colfax High School
Zoe Ordway Foresthill High School
Student Voice in Board Governance
Deadline to apply is February 18, 2025
Visit the PUHSD Website: Go to the "Board of Trustees" tab, click on "Student Board Members", scroll to the bottom of the page for the application information and link
All Student Board Members receive a continuing- education scholarship upon completion of their term.
P INT The
Episode #1 ~ Welcome Back Episode #2 ~ CBE Recap with Trent Wilson Episode #3 ~ Flag Football Programs with Steve Birch and Players Episode #4 ~ Why Attendance Matters Episode #5 ~ Homecoming & 20-Year Celebration @ FHS Episode #6 ~ Career Technical Education (CTE) @ CHS Episode #7 ~ Wellness Centers Episode #10 ~ Happy New Year Episode #9 ~ State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) Episode #8 ~ Inmate Education Program
We are always looking for new ideas for podcasts!
Send your thoughts to srath@puhsd.k12.ca.us
Episode #11 ~ Student Board Members
BOARD OF TRUSTEES During a Special Board Meeting on January 16, 2025, Roy “Emerson” Lake was appointed by the Board to serve as Trustee in Area #4. Trustee Lake took the Oath of Office and has already attended his first Board Meeting which took place five days later! Welcome Aboard! Learn about Trustee Lake by watching the recording of the meeting.
FORESTHILL STUDENTS CONTINUE TO THRIVE IN FORESTRY
STUDENTS FROM FORESTHILL HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPATE IN THE 2024 EL DORADO FORESTRY CHALLENGE
Grizzly Flats, CA — Eight students from Foresthill High School participated in the 2024 El Dorado Forestry Challenge. They were one group of a total of 139 high school students from 17 schools from Sacramento and the Sierra Nevada foothills. The event was held from October 23 to 26 at Leoni Meadows Camp near Grizzly Flats, California. One of the highlights for the students this year was the opportunity to collect data at the American River Conservancy’s Wells Preserve near Somerset to assess its health and recommend actions to restore its ecological function to contribute to the health of the Cosumnes River watershed. During the Challenge, teams of students also completed a field test to assess their technical forestry knowledge and data-collecting skills. “We had a great time at the Forestry Challenge this year. This was the first time attending for many of my students and it was exciting to expose them to the field of forestry,” said Foresthill High School teacher Katie Gengler. Cayden Deal, a junior at Foresthill, summed it up as follows: “It was really fun attending the Forestry Challenge. I did not know that I could have that much fun studying and learning for 3 days straight!” Foresthill's team had the highest score of any team in all 5 Fall events! There were 141 teams in all! They are invited to the State finals in April in Pinecrest.
Front row, left to right: Noah Mendez, Olivia Larson, Lilah Mendez, Taylor Gossic, Mailey Ordway Back row, left to right: Cayden Deal, Peyton Koulos, Zoe Ordway, and Teacher Katie Gengler
Foresthill High School student Taylor Gossic uses an angle gauge to determine the forest density, one of the many skills learned at the 2024 El Dorado Forestry Challenge. Thank you Ms. Gengler for your efforts in fostering this amazing program at FHS!!! PUHSD Proud!!
What Makes Confluence High School so Successful? Is it the students, the staff, or the community? Perhaps it’s all three.
Confluence High School has been evolving over the course of the last 10 years. People who have lived in the area may remember that our District’s alternative high school was once named Chana High School. Chana, like most alternative high schools, ran as an alternative setting for students that were not finding success in a traditional high school setting. In finding ways to allow our students to be more successful and engaged in their learning and goals for the future, Confluence was established using the “Big Picture Learning” model. WHAT IS BIG PICTURE LEARNING (BPL) at CONFLUENCE? “Empowering students to re-discover a love of learning through personal exploration and community engagement” Addressing the gaps in education for our students and providing opportunities to study and gain hands on experience in areas of student interest. Personalized education that is unique for each student and provides real world learning BPL Goals at Confluence: Collaboration - interdependence between school and our local community through internships and volunteer activities Effective communication in all aspects of a students life and their futures Professional attitude and skills in today’s workplace Transferable skills - organization, punctuality, and time management, critical thinking Engaged in work and ownership of learning Importance of developing goals and reaching them Networking in their field of interest The outcome is a student-centered learning design that empowers students to take charge of their education while being supported by a collaborative network of educators, professionals, and family members. Confluence’s 2024-2025 Initiatives: Life Skills Navigation Systems
Confluence recently held their “Learning Walk” where District Administration and Board Trustees are invited to learn more about the school’s current stats, observe learning in progress, and hear from students and staff about their experiences at Confluence. The students’ consistent message was how grateful they are for the opportunity to attend Confluence as their lives have changed for the better due to the opportunities, support, and guidance that the staff provides. Most of the students shared stories of difficult life situations that they have endured and have found a ‘home’ at school. They also expressed their appreciation for and acknowledged the value of the partnerships created in the Internship Program. Many of them have found permanent employment due to the opportunity provided by Confluence.
Advisor Melany “Momma Mel” Hall
District Learning Walk Classroom Visit
Outdoor Garden Area Managed by Students
Tiny home being built by students and mentor to be given to a homeless Veteran
Construction/ Gardening Environmental Exploration Community Involvement/ Engagement Art (Prop 28)
Confluence High School is located on the campus of Placer High School. Advisors are Jim Herlehy, Joey Walker, and Melany Hall.
Students First, Community Always
Hike to Castle Peak
The essential role of classified staff in student success January 13, 2025 The following article was written by Victoria Webber, ACSA Council of Classified Educational Leaders representative for Region 17. In the realm of education, the spotlight often shines on teachers as the key drivers of student success. However, a school’s success is also deeply influenced by the dedicated efforts of classified staff — those who work behind the scenes to support students, teachers and the overall school community. From custodians and office clerks to bus drivers, paraprofessionals and assistant superintendents, these unsung heroes play a critical role in fostering a thriving educational environment. Classified staff members contribute to student success in various ways: by building positive relationships with students, supporting essential school operations, promoting engagement and enhancing the overall school climate. Classified leaders, in particular, are vital in guiding and mentoring these staff members, helping to boost morale, job satisfaction and productivity. When classified staff feel valued and see opportunities for growth, they become more personally invested in their work, benefiting both students and colleagues. Building bonds and relationships Classified leaders often employ democratic or transformational leadership styles, which invite greater collaboration and foster stronger bonds between leaders and staff. These relationships build confidence and empower classified employees to provide emotional support and encouragement to both students and coworkers. For example, intervention paraprofessionals work closely with struggling students, offering personalized support that improves literacy and academic performance. While an attendance clerk might not work directly with students on academics, they could be the first friendly face a student encounters in the morning, setting a positive tone for the day. When classified staff form meaningful connections with students, it creates a sense of belonging that extends far beyond the classroom, ultimately nurturing a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Operational leadership and strategic vision Beyond their role in fostering relationships, classified leaders play a crucial part in the strategic operations of a school. They are responsible for overseeing the smooth functioning of key logistical, administrative and operational areas. By ensuring effective management of resources, processes and personnel, they enable the school to maintain a stable, safe and efficient environment where learning can flourish. For example, leaders in transportation must ensure that bus routes are optimized for safety and efficiency, reducing disruptions to both students’ daily schedules and school operations. Facilities managers coordinate timely maintenance and repairs to ensure that the learning environment is clean, safe and conducive to education. A leader in food services must ensure nutritional guidelines are met while managing the logistics of meal distribution to hundreds or thousands of students each day. Moreover, classified leaders work closely with school administrators to align operational strategies with the overall goals of the school district. Their ability to anticipate needs, manage budgets and implement policies helps maintain continuity in school operations, even during challenging times such as emergencies or staffing shortages. Classified leaders who possess strong organizational skills and strategic foresight are invaluable assets in maintaining the infrastructure that supports academic success. I am a strong believer that classified staff mem-bers are indispensable contributors to the Throughout the district, classified staff members are chosen for their specialized skills, whether in administration, maintenance or operations. Their work ensures the smooth functioning of daily activities. Leaders in business services, for instance, set clear expectations and foster a culture of care that trickles down to every part of the school. Classified staff manage essential tasks such as maintaining school facilities, overseeing budgets, providing meals and ensuring campus safety. Their roles, though often behind the scenes, are integral to creating a conducive learning environment, allowing teachers to concentrate on their primary focus: instruction. suc-cess of any educational institution. Supporting operations and school culture
Thank You to All of our PUHSD Classified Staff for your significant contributions to the success of our students and your support of our staff and operations and supporting instruction, are critical in creating a positive, supportive and safe learning environment. Classified leaders, in particular, serve not only as mentors and relationship builders but also as key strategists who ensure that the school operates smoothly and efficiently. Recognizing and appreciating the value of their leadership and contributions is essential to building a thriving school community where students can excel. The essential role of classified staff in student success (Continued) Engaging students and supporting learning Under the guidance of instructional administrators, classified staff contribute significantly to student engagement and academic success. Whether assisting in classrooms, libraries or computer labs, they help ensure that students have access to the resources they need to thrive. These staff members often provide individualized support to students who require extra attention, contributing to improved academic outcomes and a stronger foundation for student achievement. Collaboration and partnerships Classified staff are essential collaborators within the school ecosystem. They work closely with administrators, teachers and families to create a robust support network for students. By aligning their efforts with the school district’s broader goals, classified staff play a vital role in establishing a cohesive educational environment where student success is the collective mission. Recognizing the strategic role of classified leaders I am a strong believer that classified staff members are indispensable contributors to the success of any educational institution. Their diverse roles, from fostering relationships to maintaining
communities! PUHSD Proud!
Placer Union High School District has been a member of the Mid-Placer JPA (Joint Powers Authority) since 1979 to provide transportation services for students. Mid-Placer is comprised of five school districts servicing the areas of Loomis, Auburn, Colfax and surrounding unincorporated areas of Placer County. The mission is to safely and efficiently transport students for Home-to-School and Activity Trips. Mid-Placer also operates routes for Home-to-School and Special Needs transportation in support of our Member Districts. The State of California Education Code 39800.1 states, “As a condition of receiving apportionments under Section 41850.1, a local educational agency (LEA) shall develop a plan describing the transportation services it will offer to its pupils, and how it will prioritize planned transportation services for pupils in transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and any of the grades 1-6, inclusive, and pupils who are low income. The plan shall be adopted by the local educational agency’s governing board on or before April 1, 2024, and updated by April 1 each year thereafter.” The plan shall include the following components: A description of the LEA’s transportation services that would be accessible to pupils with disabilities and homeless children and youth, as defined pursuant to the federal McKinney- Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C Sec. 11301 et seq) A description of how unduplicated pupils, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 42238.02, would be able to access available home-to-school transportation at no cost to pupils. The plan shall be presented and adopted by the governing board of the local educational agency in an open meeting with the opportunity for in-person public comment. The plan may provide for the LEA to partner with a municipally owned transit system to provide service pursuant to this section to middle and high school students. Nothing in a LEA’s plan shall preclude an LEA from providing no-cost transit passes to pupils. For purposes of this section, “local educational agency” means a school district or a county office of education. Please click this link to read the Plan in its entirety. This information will be presented to the Board of Trustees during an upcoming Board meeting. PLACER UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT – HTS (Home-to-School) TRANSPORTATION PLAN School Year 2025-2026
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.
Please consider using this optional free app to assist with travel needs for students. For more information, go to Parent Resources on our website.
From the desk of Crystal Eatherton, Director Child Nutrition Services Department
ON CAMPUS & BEYOND
LEARNING WALKS Every year, all of our high schools organize "Learning Walks." These walks offer a valuable chance for site administration, staff, District administration and staff, as well as Board Members, to observe the teaching, collaboration, engagement, and learning happening within classrooms. The Curriculum & Instruction (C&I) Coordinator(s) from each site collaborate with their Principal to create a plan for the visit. Generally, the group gathers beforehand to learn about the programs and opportunities available on campus, after which they split into smaller units to tour the classrooms. The group gathers again at the end to debrief and share their experiences from their classroom visits. This school year, we have already completed three Learning Walks at Confluence, Del Oro, and Foresthill High Schools. Although each of these locations has its own unique qualities, they all share a common thread:
exceptional teaching and learning experiences happening everywhere! Participants in the Learning Walk can engage in conversations with students about their current projects, observe the interactions between students, their peers, and teachers, and experience the learning environments in which they operate. It is always such a great experience to see our staff in action and witness them making a difference in the lives of our students. PUHSD Proud!!!
CALENDAR REMINDER
February 5 is a MINIMUM DAY
NO SCHOOL on Monday, February 10 & Monday, February 17 (Holidays)
13000 New Airport Road Auburn, CA 95603 Phone: 530.886.4400 Fax: 530.886.4449 Placer Union High School District
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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