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Spotlights
PCOE Public Facing Web Site

 Spotlights

Spotlights Image

 Welcome

​The Placer County Office of Education spotlights excellence in education through various programs for students, teachers, school districts, employees and community leaders.

 NEW: Yours in Education

Yours-in-Education

Yours in Education is brought to you by the Placer County Office of Education. This six-part series will air bi-monthly and will offer an inside look at the high-quality, top-tier public education system in Placer County. Alongside Emmy Award-winning journalist Kellie DeMarco, Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica will discuss hot topics, showcase unique education programs, celebrate hardworking Placer County teachers, and so much more. It’s no wonder Placer County is #GoldinEducation.

 Academic Decathlon Winners

​Each year, the Placer County Office of Education supports student teams who compete in the Academic Decathlon - the premier scholastic competition for high school students across the country. Students are tested in ten categories including art, economics, essay, interview, language and literature, mathematics, music, science, social science and speech. The competition culminates in the team event, called the Super Quiz.

Academic Decathlon teams spend months preparing for this demanding competition. In addition to mastering the extensive academic content, students learn about teamwork, goal setting, planning and leadership. Winning teams advance through the local, regional and state levels of competition.

Rocklin High School - Three-Peat Placer County Academic Decathlon Champions

This February, three Placer County teams competed in the 2023 Placer County Academic Decathlon - the premier scholastic competition for high school students across the county -- with Rocklin High School taking top honors for the third consecutive year scoring 30,396.4 points. The team now advances to the state finals, which will be held in March 2022. Read the press release.

Top-scoring students earned college scholarships due to the generosity of SAFE Credit Union. View complete individual and team results.


 

 PCOE Employees of the Year

 Introduction

This year, the Placer County Office of Education shined the spotlight on five special employees who demonstrated dedication to the organization, an exemplary work ethic and a commitment to education.

  • Classified School Employee of the Year - Craig Faulkner

  • Certificated Employee of the Year - Natalie Liabeuf

  • Management Employee of the Year - Michele Hill

  • Rookie of the Year - Mark Williams

  • Superintendent's Award Recipient - Allison Murphy

Congratulations to the 2022 Placer County Office of Education Employees of the Year!

 Classified


Craig Faulkner

Accounting Analyst, Business Services

 Certificated


Natalie Liabeuf

Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Student Services

 Management


Michele Hill

Associate Manager, Early Childhood Education

 Rookie


Mark Williams

Director, Human Resources

 Superintendent's Award


Allison Murphy

Coordinator, Prevention Supports & Services

For her work leading the implementation of 16 school-based wellness centers throughout Placer County

 PCOE Program Impact Stories

 Overview

Image Stories ImageThe Placer County Office of Education provides services, programs and resources to ensure we provide a globally competitive, comprehensive, rigorous and relevant education to all students.​

Read more about our PCOE program impact stories to learn more about the life-changing effect these program have in Placer County. 

 Come Back Program

 

Meet Kevin. He is a 20-year-old recent high school graduate from the PCOE Intensive Community Action for Responsive Education (iCARE) Come Back Program. The program is based on an independent study model specifically designed to address the academic needs of adult students who have not completed high school and who wish to obtain a high school diploma rather than a Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED), which is offered by most
continuing education programs.

Over the years Kevin struggled with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and executive functioning skills. In the Come Back Program, he learned how to use a calendar to keep track of assignments and meetings, and he was able to work on tasks when he felt he was best able to focus. Kevin soon earned the 84 credits he needed to graduate and became a peer mentor to other adult students in the program. With his diploma in hand, Kevin is now living in his first apartment and started his own handyman business.

Come Back Program Facts:

  • 25% of students enrolled are over age 25
  • Oldest graduate is 62-years-old
  • 102 students have earned their diploma
  • More than 25% of students and graduates are Hispanic
  • 77% of graduates are socioeconomically disadvantaged

Community Partners:

  • Golden Sierra Job Training
  • Placer Re-Entry Program
  • Placer County Probation
  • Placer County Children's System of Care
  • Sacramento County Office of Education

 SELPA

 

Camie is a third-grade student. She has a physical disability that makes it difficult for her to speak. From the earliest days in her development, she couldn’t communicate what she wanted or what she’s excited about, no matter how hard she tried or how carefully her parents listened.

One day Camie came home from school excited to share something with her parents, and this day was different. Just a year prior she’d been given a voice-output communication tool. She went to the device and selected the picture of another student in her class. Her parents were then able to figure out that she was asking for the same haircut as one of her classmates. They immediately drove to the hair salon.

For parents who struggle to have a meaningful exchange with their children, this was a huge step forward and one of the driving forces behind the Placer County Special Education Local Planning Area (SELPA) Open Access Project.

SELPA is a state-mandated association which oversees and facilitates education services for students with disabilities.The SELPA office for Placer County is located at the Placer County Office of Education, and its operations are cooperatively governed by the Placer County Superintendent of Schools and member district superintendents. SELPA’s role is to ensure the specialized educational needs of each student with a disability in the county are appropriately met.

The project provides leadership and training to local education agencies across the state on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Assistive Technology (AT) and Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies. These strategies eliminate barriers that students with disabilities face when they are in a classroom. The goal of the project is to make it possible for every teacher in Placer County and beyond to provide the technology, access and support to help all students learn.

Special Education in Placer County:

  • Nearly 12% of students in Placer County require specialized education programs designed to meet their individual needs whether it be hearing or visual impairment, orthopedic disability, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders or emotional disturbance.

 Student Mental Wellness

 

Student mental health is critical to success in school and in life. A school climate in which adults maintain consistent expectations and teach positive social interactions greatly increase a child’s mental wellness.

In Placer County, 33 percent of high school juniors report experiencing chronic sadness and hopelessness. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among adolescents, and 16 percent of individuals in this age group have been hospitalized for self-harm. That’s why the Placer County Office of Education Prevention Supports & Services Department teamed up with the Placer County Children’s System of Care to establish student wellness centers on school campuses in Auburn and Roseville.

The Wellness Centers are staffed with mental health and family support specialists during regular school hours. The mental health specialists are licensed therapists whose primary functions are to facilitate the program and provide a continuum of mental health services. The family support specialists have a myriad of experiences with community resources, and their primary function is to work with parents and families to support student success – students like second-grader James.

James was having a hard day and was distraught, distracted and making a scene in class. After a time out in the Wellness Center, where a mental health specialist could address his needs, he returned to the classroom focused and engaged.

By supporting students and teaching them to build their resiliency and coping skills, the Wellness Centers are making a difference one student at a time.

Learn More:

 Placer County Classified School Employees of the Year

 Introduction

​Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica is pleased to announce the 2023 Placer County Classified School Employees of the Year.

“It takes an entire school community to ensure our students are ready for college, career and life," said Superintendent Garbolino-Mojica. “As the Placer County Superintendent of Schools, I am honored to recognize these amazing individuals for their commitment and contribution in making Placer County gold in education."

Each year, Placer County honors nine Classified School Employees of the Year who best symbolize the profession's contributions and commitment to quality education. Honorees are then eligible to participate in the state program facilitated by the California Department of Education. ​

Congratulations to the 2023 Placer County Classified School Employees of the Year!

 Clerical


Debby LaPorte

2023 Clerical & Administrative Services Classified Employee of the Year

Foresthill Union School District

 Custodial


Dora Martinez

2023 Custodial & Maintenance Services Classified Employee of the Year

Eureka Union School District

 Nutrition


Sandra Whitespeare

2023 Food & Nutrition Services Classified Employee of the Year

Western Placer Unified School District

 Student Services


Betsy Fessenden

2023 Health & Student Services Classified Employee of the Year

Placer Union High School District

 Paraprofessional


Barbara Barley

2023 Paraprofessional Services Classified Employee of the Year

Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District

 Security


John Gonzales

2023 Security Services Classified Employee of the Year

Rocklin Unified School District

 Skilled Trades


Andrew Ide

2023 Skilled Trades Classified Employee of the Year

Roseville Joint Union High School District

 Technical


Jason Marler

2023 Technical Services Classified Employee of the Year

Roseville Joint Union High School District

 Transportation


Hugo Najera-Rivas

2023 Transportation Classified Employee of the Year

Tahoe Truckee Unified School District

 Placer County School Counselor and Teachers of the Year

 Overview

​​Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica is pleased to announce the 2023 Placer County School Counselor and Teachers of the Year. ​

"Teachers like these are what makes Placer County gold in education," said Superintendent Garbolino-Mojica.

Congratulations to the 2023 Placer County Teachers of the Year!

 School Counselor


Kathryn Buchan

2023 Placer County School Counselor of the Year

Roseville City School District

 Elementary


Jessica Hardy

2023 Placer County Elementary School Teacher of the Year

Quarry Trail Elementary School, Rocklin Unified School District

 Middle School


Karen Montgomery

2023 Placer County Middle School Teacher of the Year

H. Clarke Powers Elementary School, Loomis Union School District

 High School


Adriana Brooks

2023 Placer County High School Teacher of the Year

Roseville High School, Roseville Joint Union High School District

 Statewide PBIS Award-Winning Schools

The Placer County Office of Education is proud to announce that students and staff members from 34 Placer County schools have been acknowledged by California PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) for their excellent implementation of a school-wide system of support during the 2021-2022 school year.

Teachers, administrators and district superintendents were invited to formally celebrate their achievement at an acknowledgment event on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the PCOE Seavey Center in Rocklin.

Annually, California PBIS recognizes nearly 1,500 California schools for creating positive, equitable school climates through the application of the national PBIS blueprint. PBIS continues to be one of the foremost advancements for schools promoting proactive strategies that define, teach, and support exceptional student and school culture.

"Placer County schools consistently rank in the top state and national percentages for test scores, student achievement, college and career readiness and daily attendance," said Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica. “That all starts with creating positive school climates where all students have the necessary supports to succeed."

Bronze Recognition

  •     Franklin Elementary School - Loomis Union School District

Silver Recognition

  •     Alta Vista Community Charter School - Auburn Union School District

  •     Auburn Elementary School - Auburn Union School District

  •     Pathways iCARE - Placer County Office of Education

  •     Crestmont Elementary School - Roseville City School District

  •     Ferris Spanger Elementary School - Roseville City School District

  •     George Sargeant Elementary School - Roseville City School District

  •     Junction Elementary School - Roseville City School District

  •     Orchard Ranch Elementary School - Roseville City School District

  •     Bradford Woodbridge Elementary School - Roseville City School District

  •     First Street Elementary School - Western Placer Unified School District

Gold Recognition

  •     Skyridge Elementary School - Auburn Union School District

  •     Rock Creek Elementary School - Auburn Union School District

  •     Loomis Grammar School - Loomis Union School District

  •     Placer Elementary School - Loomis Union School District

  •     Antelope Creek Elementary School - Rocklin Unified School District

  •     Breen Elementary School - Rocklin Unified School District

  •     Cobblestone Elementary School - Rocklin Unified School District

  •     Parker Whitney Elementary School - Rocklin Unified School District

  •     Ruhkala Elementary School - Rocklin Unified School District

  •     Sierra Elementary School - Rocklin Unified School District

  •     Spring View Middle School - Rocklin Unified School District

  •     Sunset Ranch Elementary School - Rocklin Unified School District

  •     Barbara Chilton Middle School - Roseville City School District

  •     Blue Oaks Elementary School - Roseville City School District

  •     Vencil Brown Elementary School - Roseville City School District

  •     Warren T. Eich Middle School - Roseville City School District

  •     George A. Buljan Middle School - Roseville City School District

Platinum Recognition

  •     Antelope Meadows Elementary School - Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District

  •     Penryn Elementary School - Loomis Union School District

  •     iLearn Academy - Placer County Office of Education

  •     Rocklin Elementary School - Rocklin Unified School District

  •     George Cirby Elementary School - Roseville City School District

  •     William Kaseberg Elementary School - Roseville City School District


 Placer County Trustees of the Year

Held Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at the Timber Creek Ballroom at Del Webb Roseville, the Placer County School Boards Association (PCSBA) celebrated local school board members, honoring five trustees with Trustee of the Year Special Recognition Awards. Read more.

Congratulations to the winners:

Special Recognition Awards

Special thank you to the PCSBA Executive Committee:

  • Bill Schuetz, Chair, Dry Creek Joint Elementary School District.

  • Sarah Brichler, Vice Chair, Auburn Union School District.

  • Kelli Gnile, Placer County Board of Education.

  • Lynn Oliver, Placer County Board of Education.

  • Nancy Palmer, Sierra Joint Community College District.

  • Maureen “Mo” Ward, Placer Union High School District.

  • Kris Wyatt, Western Placer Unified School District.

 Spelling Bee Champions

The Placer County Office of Education's Spelling Bee brings the best spellers in the county together for a competition designed to promote and acknowledge exemplary student achievement.

Each year, approximately 250 students in grades four through eight qualify to compete in the countywide written exam in February, with the top 10 scorers in each grade level moving on to the oral competition in March.

2023 Champions from Eureka Union School District and Rocklin Unified School District

Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica is pleased to announce the 2023 Placer County Spelling Bee champions.

“We're proud of our students' academic achievements in Placer County," said Superintendent Garbolino-Mojica. “The Placer County Spelling Bee brings the best spellers in the county together for a competition designed to promote and acknowledge exemplary student achievement."

Elementary Spelling Bee (Grades 4-6)

  • Champion – Priya Sekera, Eureka Union School District

    • Winning word: Inflammable

  • 1st Runner Up – Skyler Emery, Tahoe Truckee Unified School District

  • 2nd Runner-Up – Lincoln Pelz, Roseville City School District

  • 3rd Runner-Up – Matthew Kiley, Western Placer Unified School District

Elementry Spelling Bee Winners

Junior High Spelling Bee (Grades 7-8)

  • Champion – Rohitjeyan Kulanthaivel, Rocklin Unified School District

    • Winning word: Ghastly

  • 1st Runner Up – Audrey Tzeng, Rocklin Unified School District

  • 2nd Runner Up – Kota Charles, Eureka Union School District

  • 3rd Runner Up – Karthik Kalyan, Eureka Union School District

Junior High Spelling Bee Winners

Both winners, Priya Sekera and Rohitejyan Kulanthaivel, will represent Placer County at the California State Spelling Bee on Saturday, May 13, 2023 in San Joaquin County.


 

 Video Spotlights

​See the excitement of PCOE programs and events for yourself in these great video stories.

Colfax Preschool Inclusion Program

Colfax-Preschool-Inclusion

Placer County Wellness Centers

Wellness-Centers

Handle with Care Program

Handle-With-Care

Accelerated Learning

Accelerated-Learning-Main

COVID-19 and Our Schools: A Year in Review

COVID-19-And-Our-Schools

Placer County Education Snapshot

 

Education-Snapshot-2019​

​With the Right Teacher, Anything is Possible

 

PCOE-Right-Teacher-Final-2019​

Gold in Education

PCOE-Video​

The Power of Community: Back-to-School Resource Fair

 

Resource-Fair-FINAL​​

An Overview of Special Education at PCOE

Special-Education-2020

Empowering Students to Come Back to Earn Diplomas

PCOE-Come-Back-Program​

Placer County Distance Learning 2020

Distance-Learning-2020

 FAQ's

​How can my student participate in the Spelling Bee?

The process begins with your local school district. Contact them for details and key dates.​

How do I nominate my teacher for Teacher of the Year?

The process begins with your local school district. Contact them to share your story and find out the process in your district.

 Contact List

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  • Group Three
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     Event Spotlight

    Students turning 16-18 years of age during the school year may register to vote by following the link to the Secretary of State's website.​

     Quotations


    “The best education is not given to students; it is drawn out of them." 

    ― Gerald Belcher​​​