#EducationMatters

Every day teachers overcome obstacles in the classroom, problem-solve on the go, address failures and challenges, and work to create more opportunities and better ways to engage students. Yet, so many of these moments, these everyday victories and triumphs go unnoticed. In our small district, many new ideas and efforts are personally and individually spearheaded by the teachers themselves, who lead, implement, and follow through to make their vision a reality.

Published on 9-14-17
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This year marks the fourth year of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Framework in Plumas Unified. PBIS is a proactive approach to establishing the behavioral supports and social culture needed for all students in a school to achieve social, emotional, behavioral, and academic success. PBIS is a framework, not a curriculum or program, which means it can be applied differently to fit each school’s needs. The Portola Student Services Coordinator Shannon Harston compared it to a parenting book. Harston stated, “similar to how parents adopt various practices from a parenting book, schools are in essence homes that can use the PBIS framework differently for their individual needs.

Published on 9-07-17
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From most accounts, people agree that the benefits of living in Plumas County include close community relationships and abundant natural resources and beauty. For Plumas County’s schools, close relationships create the supportive school climate and personal connections that make each school more like a family than an institution.
With the 2017/18 year in full swing, we would like to share a reflection from retired teacher Rob Gimbel, on why he loves teaching. We believe his story reflects both the beauty of “Together is Better”, the benefits of living and teaching in Plumas County, and the rewards that can come from being an educator.

Published 8-31-17
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With summer coming to a close, students say goodbye to the end of carefree days, parents rejoice at the return of the routine, and teachers prepare to educate and inspire incoming and returning students. Each new school year brings excitement, anticipation, and expectation. This year the class of 2018 embarks on their last year of secondary education, the incoming kindergartners welcome their first, and everyone moves one step further in both academic and personal growth. Our theme for this school year is “Together is Better.” Superintendent Terry Oestreich explains, “As we embark upon a new school year, we are excited to fulfill our Governing Board’s mission to collectively inspire every child in every classroom every day. Our district wide training “Eliminating Barriers to Learning” provided our team with the opportunity to explore strategies expanding access to learning while reinforcing the many assets we already have in place to ensure student success. The chosen theme is our commitment to honor relationships with all our stakeholders as we open the doors to the 2017-18 school year.”

Published 8-24-17
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A Plumas Unified graduation requirement and an unparalleled opportunity to explore or redefine a potential career path- the senior project- is the quintessential culminating project of students’ 13 years of education. It gives seniors the opportunity and motivation to pursue and explore their passions, define future careers or interests, and polish and expand skills needed for college and employment. While it is a substantial amount of work and many students are relieved when it is all over, the opportunity the senior project provides to propel students outside of their comfort zones and build their confidence and capabilities is well worth the work.

Published 6-7-17
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Thanks to the many people who volunteered their time and support, the ‘Our History Our Heart’ event, for 50 Church Street, was a success. The result of the day’s activities can be seen as you drive down Main Street past the building. Hearts declaring community love and affection now line the North facing wall. Some of the statements read, “Save Our Heritage” “Know your history, love your school and community” “Not just a building, more like a feeling” and “Our memories matter, save this building.” A Plumas Unified favorite, written by an unknown author reads, “The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious.” As Kristy Warren, the Assistant Superintendent of PUSD stated, “...this quote captures the essence of what we are doing here today, trying to imagine the possibilities and really believe that they will happen.”

Published 5-31-17
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Thirty years ago, Brad Miller, the current Fire Science Teacher at Portola High School, was sitting behind a desk at Quincy High School, taking a similar course to the one he now teaches. During his time at QHS, he took a Fire Science course that led him to join an Engine Crew right after graduating. He stayed with the Forest Service for about ten summers while he went to college and continued after he got his teaching credential. He started teaching at Portola High School in 1991 and in 1993 became the Fire Science teacher, until the course was cut ten years later due to budget cuts. In 2012, thanks to new funding from the Moonlight and Storrie Fire Restoration Projects from the Plumas National Forest Service, the class was able to be re-
instated. Now in its fifth year since being refunded, it’s one of the most popular elective courses at Portola High, drawing 25-30 kids each year, some more than once.

Published 5-24-17
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In January 2016, California implemented a new law, the California Healthy Youth act, which updates the state’s requirements for sexual health education in public schools. According to the new law, students must receive comprehensive sexual health and HIV prevention education at least once in middle school and at least once in high school. Instruction must be age appropriate and medically accurate, which means that the information must be accepted by organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics. It must also be appropriate for students with disabilities, students who are English language learners, and for students of all races, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, genders and sexual orientations. Endorsing religious doctrine is not allowed. While information will be provided on the value of delaying sexual activity and that abstinence is the only certain way to prevent unintended pregnancy, HIV, and other STIs, “abstinence-only” sex education is not permitted in California public schools.

Published 5-10-17
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