SEPTEMBER 2025 | VOLUME 6 | EDITION 2
This month has flown by, and so will the rest of the school year, followed by the next, and the one after that, until you find yourself thinking, “I’m a Senior and leaving my high school years behind!” If you doubt me, just ask anyone older than you. I remember being warned that my high school years would pass swiftly... I didn’t believe it at the time, and indeed, they went by in a flash. Fortunately, I was actively involved at school as I participated in sports, joined clubs, attended events, and formed life-long friendships. That involvement that seemed 'little' at the time turned out to be some of the most significant experiences that shaped my future. This Fall, my classmates are coming together to celebrate our 40th Reunion as we are the graduating class of 1985 from Del Oro High School. Although we and our lives have evolved over the past four decades, much has remained constant within us and at our alma mater. Working for our District, I am fortunate to witness the continuing traditions and observe those who are making a difference in our students' lives by continuing to provide those 'little' moments that will influence their futures. Here’s a message from a Colfax teacher to his colleagues that amplifies my point: Happy First Day Y’all! Let’s make this year unforgettable for our kids. It might be our umpteenth lap around the school calendar, but our kids only get four trips. Let’s love them up, build those relationships, and give them the kind of school year they’ll always remember. Thanks to all those involved with making the welcoming portion of our school year one that was super tight, well thought out and very mindful. Have a great start tomorrow! Wishing you all wonderful, sustainably joyous year!
Students, I challenge you to make the most of this school year - meet a new friend, participate in an athletic program, join a club, and attend the events happening on campus. Years from now you’ll look back and be thankful that you did...take my word for it.
Sarah Rath, Communications Officer Sarah Rath
Superintendent Message Happy September, PUHSD! This past month has felt both incredibly long and surprisingly short! With each day that goes by, I am getting more acquainted with the intricacies of our District, learning who’s who, and discovering which routes to avoid while traveling between sites!
Getting to witness the return of staff and students to our campuses was one of the highlights of this past month. The excitement and energy were palpable and made for a truly invigorating start to the academic year. Seeing classrooms come alive with eager learners and dedicated educators reminded me of the incredible potential we have to make a difference in our students' lives. Together, we've embarked on a journey filled with opportunities for growth, collaboration, and success. As we settle into the rhythm of the new school year, I am inspired by the passion and commitment of our communities. Whether it's through innovative teaching, supportive administration, enthusiastic student involvement, or dedicated parent volunteers, each one of you plays a crucial role in our District. Let's continue to support one another and strive for excellence in every endeavor. Looking Ahead For District and Site Administrators and Staff, school years are a blur, as much of one year is spent preparing for the next. Looking ahead, one crucial concern for our District is our budgetary constraints. To sustain our academic and extracurricular programs, we must maximize our funding by ensuring that our students are attending school every day. A mere 1% increase in our District’s attendance equates to $500,000! Let’s work together to emphasize the importance of students being present each day—not just for the funding, but for the valuable connections and learning that occur when they are on campus, even if it's just for one block. Out & About
It’s been a pleasure getting to know the communities of PUHSD. I have witnessed firsthand the amazing things happening on our campuses, met great students and staff, and have had meaningful conversations with parents. If you see me out and about, please stop me and introduce yourself. It is my personal and professional goal to connect with all of the amazing communities of PUHSD. Thank you and I look forward to seeing all that we will accomplish together in the coming months! Tom
Student Board Members function as a preferential non-binding voting representative to the Superintendent and the PUHSD Board of Trustees. The Student Board Member provides the PUHSD Governing Body with information regarding student interests, concerns, and ideas, thereby enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of many schoolsite and District programs. The 2025-2026 Student Board Members have begun their duties by attending a day of training and helped kick off the Staff Welcome Back before school started. At the August 19th Board Meeting, they were sworn in by Board President Jessica Spaid. Each year, our Student Board Members bring an invaluable student perspective to our Board, District, and Schools. Please join us in welcoming this year's Student Board Members and be sure to thank them for their service.
From left to right: Cooper Barr (Placer/Confluence/MVCA), Justin Pettey (Del Oro/Confluence West), Adam Weingart (Colfax), and Madelyn ‘Maddy’ Marquez (Foresthill)
What are your leadership roles on campus? I am a Captain of our Cross Country and Track teams at Placer and I’m the President of two clubs, Block P Society and the Aviation Club. I’ve also enjoyed my time on two Councils, the School Site Council and Student Advisory
Council. I strive to be a role model for our students in all aspects of my life, from competing on the track to succeeding in the classroom.
What are you looking forward to this year as you serve on the Board? I look forward to working with our district staff and strengthening our connection between our students and the board. I’m excited to meet and connect with new people and give them a sense of belonging in our district.
What are your hobbies? I will have competed in 4 years of Cross Country and Track at Placer, where I have been a Captain since 2024. The most fun event for me is the 4x400 team relay, while my favorite is the 800m, which has a lot of history in my family. I also enjoy learning
new songs on the piano and golfing with friends, which helps me relax and take a break from the stress of races. What is your favorite food? Marionberry Pie, good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! Record...Cooper is #2 and has his eyes on the prize!!! Where is your favorite vacation destination? Training and fishing trips in Hamilton, Montana. What is an interesting fact about you that you'd like to share? I’ve gone on a fishing trip to the same place every summer since 2012. Anything else you'd like to add? I’m very grateful for all the support our community has given me, and I’m prepared to try to give back to our students, teachers, and district community. Cooper’s Grandpa, PHS alum & retired teacher, holds Placer High School’s 800m All-Time
What are your leadership roles on campus? My Leadership roles on campus include being Foresthill’s ASB President, NHS President, Journalism Club Vice President, Flag Football team Captain, and an overall positive influence through words and actions. What are you looking forward to this year as you serve on the Board? As I serve on the Board this year, I am looking forward to giving Foresthill the representation it
(My family and I in Hawaii)
deserves as a small school. What are your hobbies?
Where is your favorite vacation destination? My favorite vacation destination is Hawaii.
Some of my hobbies include hanging out with friends, playing sports, and playing with my dogs. What is your favorite food? My favorite food is sushi.
(My friends and I after a Flag Football camp)
(After being sworn in during the August 19th Board Meeting.)
(My Friends and I at Senior Sunrise)
What is an interesting fact about you that you'd like to share? An interesting fact I’d like to share is I skipped 6th grade.
"Home of the Wildfires!"
What are your leadership roles on campus? I am so excited to be a junior serving our school board this year. Previously, I have served as class officer (2 years), WINGS leader, class budget creation and management, math volunteer tutor, club rush student chair, blood drive student chair, a student representative on school site council, a member of executive council, a homecoming hall chair, acted as the student leadership liaison for multiple DOPC meetings, a part of the Superintendent’s student voice council, organized an education intervention project between LUSD and DOHS, acted as the surrounding schools recognition project chair, the student visitations student chair, on the Sierra College psychology hiring committee as an academic enrichment student, and served in the PUHSD ad hoc accurate grading committee.
What are you looking forward to this year as you serve on the Board? I am looking forward to receiving an abundance of student feedback to be a voice for all students, and allowing students to be HEARD and not just heard from. I work for the students of Del Oro and I am ecstatic to hear their ideas come out as young adults raising their voices. I hope I can be that voice for them! What are your hobbies? I am a huge traveling fan! If I
could, I would be traveling almost every weekend! Within the last year (or so), I went to Disneyland (4 times), Hawaii, New York, Mexico, LA, Truckee, and will soon be going to San Diego! I additionally love being able to serve my community in all ways possible, and I love volunteering throughout our LUSD feeder schools. What is your favorite food? My favorite food is definitely sushi, although I love Jack’s salads, Chipotle, pizza, burgers, and am pretty much down for any good food! I also have some favorite desserts which include anything ice cream related (sundaes, milkshakes, etc.) and cheesecake! Where is your favorite vacation destination?
More like where do I not want to travel! If I did have to pick, my favorite vacation destination I have taken so far would have to be Hawaii; I have been to two islands now, and I love being able to go with my entire family! Both times I have gone, I have gone with my grandparents, cousins, parents, sister, aunt, and uncles. I have taken a surfing lesson, gone on snorkel tours, watched a luau, and life does not get much better than when relaxing on the beach! New York would be a very close runner up. The energy of this city was vibrant and contagious. A dream trip I. would love to go to would be able to travel and sightsee throughout Europe; however, if you book me a plane ticket anywhere, I would likely love to go!
What is an interesting fact about you that you'd like to share? I am related to someone (William Hooper) who signed the Declaration of Independence, so government, politics, speaking out, leadership, and freedom runs deep in my veins!
Anything else you'd like to add? I am so excited and thankful to have the privilege and honor to represent the incredible students and community of Del Oro, Confluence West, and the Placer Union High School District this year. I am enthusiastic, passionate, and driven to make real change and authentic representation in this role this year! I look forward to connecting with everyone the best I can and being a true and authentic voice of our district. I am so thankful to work alongside such a supportive and approachable school board that is so involved in our community and values student feedback so much. The school board is so important in our world today and plays a crucial role in determining our educational futures. As an example, last year, students were thrown into a 4 point “competency” equity based education grading system, and after stakeholders spoke up, it got overturned into the 100 point mastery based grading system we have now. Please, never be afraid to use your voice. One of my favorite quotes is “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” - Dr. Seuss. Feel free to say hi to me when you see me around Del Oro or in the community, reach out to me anytime, and get involved this year to make your voice heard! Again, I am honored to be able to represent you all! GO DEL ORO, CONFLUENCE WEST, and PUHSD!
What are your leadership roles on campus? On campus, I am the President of our Model United Nations Club, which travels to attend conferences and debate global politics. This year, I am also the Vice President of our Leos Club, which serves our community by volunteering at local events. What are you looking forward to this year as you serve on the Board? As I serve on the Board this year, I look forward to learning about how decisions at the District begin positive change at each of our schools, in addition to engaging with the community and conversing with students to enhance the educational experience.
What are your hobbies? I love being competitive and staying active through sports like soccer and golf here at Colfax, as well as playing spikeball, pickleball, and tennis with my friends. What is your favorite food? It’s quite a difficult decision, but I would say my favorite food is clam chowder in a bread bowl, specifically the one that my mom makes. It’s delicious, and she makes it the best.
Where is your favorite vacation destination? My favorite vacation destination is Hawaii and the island of Kauai. I went multiple times when I was younger and too small to remember much, but the memories I do have of Kauai are very fond. I hope to visit again someday and make more fond memories.
What is an interesting fact about you that you'd like to share? I ’ve always enjoyed cooking and baking with my family, even from a young age. I would watch cooking shows, and stand on a chair to reach the stove so I could cook. My specialty is chocolate chip cookies, so if you ever get a craving, you know a guy.
Anything else you'd like to add? I’m so honored to be serving you all and looking forward to a great year!
The
P INT
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!!
Podcasts will be aired once a month during the school year (unless that needs
adjusting due to topics/schedule).
Episode #2 (25-26) ~ Clubs on Campuses
Family Guide to School Emergencies Click on the image to the right to access information about safety drills our schools practice, how parents can help and are communicated to during emergencies, the definition of "ALICE", and terms used in certain situations. Please be sure that your contact information is up to date at all times. All emails, calls, and texts are sent via ParentSquare. The app is a great tool to have on hand!
Thank You.
OFF TO A GREAT START
CHOOL BUDGETS Running a school district involves numerous aspects related to finances and budgeting. In the upcoming newsletters, we will provide insights into the timelines, processes, revenues, and expenditures. Our goal is to keep you informed about significant developments and our financial requirements as we strive to educate and support students during these challenging financial times.
The following information is an overview of timelines, funding, and some of the major factors impacting District budgeting.
California Budget Timeline
Budget Timelines for Local Education Agencies (Districts)
September - March: LEA staff are monitoring projected expenditures and revenues. December: LEA staff present first report to the Board of Trustees. March: LEA staff present second report to the Board of Trustees. June: A public hearing on the budget, where the community can give input. On or before June 30: LEA Board of Trustees must adopt a budget. August: Districts must revise their adopted budget to reflect the State’s actions within 45 days after the Governor’s signature on the State Budget.
In all our endeavors, we aim to cultivate a sense of community by creating strong partnerships among families, schools, and the District.
There are numerous opportunities for engagement that will help you stay informed about what’s happening in your child’s school and across our District. Small efforts lead to BIG impacts! WAYS TO ENGAGE...
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JOIN: Your Parent Club or Foundation ~ they provide invaluable resources, programs and events
Official Newsletter of the Placer Union High School District
VOLUNTEER: Student Leadership often needs help at dances, barbecues or with donations
September Board Meeting Tuesday - September 16, 2025 5:30 pm RVO Meeting Room 13000 New Airport Road | Auburn
PARTICIPATE: School-site Councils, Parent Advisory Committees, and completing surveys are great ways to help and have your voice heard 4 ATTEND: Events on campuses, Board of Trustee meetings, Parent Nights and informational programs
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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