School district offers new programs, site improvements
Full time independent study is now an option for high school students
The Plumas Unified School District has some cool news for returning students when school opens Aug. 22 in Chester, Greenville, Portola and Quincy.
“Plumas Unified is looking forward to a great school year,” said Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Kristy Warren. “We are excited to kick off the year with new learning options for students and families, as well as facilities upgrades.”
Independent study options
Is your student’s schedule so packed that it’s hard to take advantage of all the courses they want or need to pursue?
PUSD junior-senior high schools are offering independent study learning options for students while they are still enrolled at their local high schools.
Students may choose from full-time independent study or a blended program that includes taking some on-campus courses and some at home.
According to the school district, these flexible learning options allow students to take advantage of all extracurricular activities, including athletics, while participating in a personalized learning program.
Students and families who are interested in finding out how independent learning might work for them should contact their local school office or call the district office at 283-6500.
Grades 1-12 receive devices
A big leap into the 21st century is happening for all PUSD students in grades one through 12 this month.
As part of its “One-to-One” computing policy, the district will assign new Chromebooks to elementary schoolers in first through sixth grades to use in their studies and homework.
Laptops will be checked out to all middle schoolers and high school students in grades 7 through 12.
New classroom furniture
Thanks to Measure B bond funds, many classrooms around the district have received new and modern classroom furniture, Warren explained.
“We completed the pilot program,” she said. “We’ve purchased and installed new 21st century classroom furniture at Chester High, C. Roy Carmichael and Portola High, Greenville High and Indian Valley Elementary, Quincy High and in four classrooms at Quincy Elementary QES).”
Warren added that the rest of QES and Chester Elementary will receive new furniture as part of their modernization projects.
Adult Ed options grow
PUSD is expanding its Adult Education program to serve anyone over 18 who is interested in pursuing a high school diploma, General Education degree or other learning options.
These options are available through the new Plumas Unified Adult Education program and classes are ongoing at these locations.
In Portola at the Wellness Center, 414 Main St., on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.
In Quincy at Feather River College, in Room LRC 105, on Tuesdays (call 283-6500 for additional information).
Or at Pioneer School in Quincy, 175 North Mill Creek Road, in Room 8 on Thursdays, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Adult Ed classes are also coming soon to Chester and Greenville.
Anyone aged 18 and older is eligible to enroll in adult education programs. Minors, regardless of age, who are pregnant or are actively engaged in parenting their child or children are also eligible, as are some high school students.
Plumas County students who are exempt from compulsory continuation education as prescribed by law can sign up for adult ed. And emancipated minors who are considered adults and may enroll in any adult school or college in accordance with the eligibility rules of the institution.
To enroll at any of PUSD’s adult education locations, contact Michelle Abramson at [email protected].
Taylorsville Outdoor Ed Center for mountain kids
As part of its acclaimed Outdoor Core science program, where students learn a wide range of skills on their paths to becoming “Mountain Kids,” Plumas Unified has repurposed the former Taylorsville Elementary School site into an Outdoor Learning Center.
All seventh-grade students will participate in a three-day trip this fall and eighth-graders will attend in spring 2019, building on the district’s strong sixth-grade outdoor education experience.
Culinary Arts renovations
Through grant funding for Career and Technical Education, the Culinary Arts kitchens at Greenville High and Portola High were renovated this summer to give students an industry-ready learning environment.
Culinary arts classes are offered as part of PUSD’s commitment to career technical education (CTE).
Other examples of the wealth of CTE courses available here include wood shop, auto shop, business and finance, industrial arts, welding, gardening and computer applications.
These hands-on, skills-based courses are offered by PUSD through the County Office of Education. They provide students with more opportunities to access the knowledge and skills necessary to transition to employment and postsecondary education.
Students with an interest in hospitality and culinary arts, or any CTE subject, are encouraged to check out the programs and talk to school personnel for more information.
