PHUSD Mid-Year Update

Dear Placer Hills Union School District,

It is hard to believe that we are starting our last phase of the school year.  With our third trimester just beginning, we look to buckle down and really focus our energy on continuous improvement in our practice and mastery skills.  I see our staff work tirelessly to provide the students within PHUSD with a top-tier social, emotional, physical, and academic education.  As we navigate through the end of our 2023-2024 academic year, your continued support and involvement are instrumental in shaping the success of the Placer Hills Union School District.

District Update:

I am excited to share that our district is making significant gains in academic achievements, attendance, and fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment. Mid-year academic assessments indicate growth in both math and English Language Arts. Preliminary data shows that by the middle of January, our students' level of achievement was at the same, or better, academically in math and English Language Arts than at the end of the 22/23 school year.

This year you may have noticed an extra emphasis on student attendance.  Each school site has implemented common and unique paths to prioritize daily student attendance.  The approach has come from both a positive recognition and improvement angle, as well as through communication and collaboration with our community.  You will see Woodsy Owls with attendance charms to add to their collection, and Warriors competing in March Madness of Attendance.  I am proud to share that the school and family efforts are paying off, and our daily attendance rates are gaining from roughly 90% in the 2022-23 school year to over 94% in the current school year.  We believe that with our students at school on a more consistent basis, they will be able to engage at a higher level with their academics and their peers, improving our culture socially, emotionally, and academically.

Additionally, our focus on social and emotional well-being (as indicated in our LCAP) has continued our successful implementation of support services, including Wellness Centers and a full-time Mental Health Clinician. These resources aim to provide students with the necessary tools to navigate challenges and thrive emotionally and academically.  Our Family / Youth Liaisons along with our community engagement committees have been instrumental in our many parent engagement evenings.  These evening events have covered topics such as Literacy, Internet Safety (with student art time), Dangers of Vaping, One Pill can Kill,  and other topics to support our families.  Our district has also worked across all grade levels to implement the “Toolbox” project.  This social/emotional curriculum provides a common language for our students to grow with.

Our parent and community groups also play an important role in our District’s success. We are thankful for all the members of our School Site Councils, Parent/Teacher Committee, PHEF (District foundation), Lions Club, and Friendly Neighbors (I hope I didn’t miss any, and if I did, I apologize).  These active organizations are helping develop plans to support our student’s growth, by creating events and opportunities for our school and community.

Ways to Get Involved:

Parental involvement is crucial for the success of our students, and the overall vitality of our school district. It takes a village as we support and elevate our learners to reach their best selves, and that village is not complete without you as  our partner.  We encourage you to actively engage in your child's education through various volunteer opportunities and initiatives. Here are several ways you can get involved:

• Parent-Teacher Club (PTC): Joining the PTC is an excellent way to stay informed about school activities, collaborate with other parents, and actively contribute to the school community.  A little time can go a long way.  These meetings are typically held after school at each site.

• Placer Hills Education Foundation (PHEF): The Placer Hills Educational Foundation is similar to a PTC, but at a district level.  They are an excellent way to stay involved on a broader level.  These meetings are held in the evenings typically, if you can’t make the PTC time.

• Classroom Volunteering: Connect with your child's teacher to explore opportunities for volunteering in the classroom. Your support can range from assisting with special projects to organizing class events. Not all volunteering opportunities have to be done at school.  Sometimes it can be helping prepare items for an activity, or organizing, and so much more, that can all be done from the comfort of your home. 

• School Events: Attend school events, such as parent-teacher conferences, open houses, Friday Forum, and family engagement evenings. Your presence and participation are valued and contribute to a sense of community within our district.

• Specialized Skills: If you have specific skills or expertise, consider volunteering to share your knowledge with our students. Whether it's a career talk or a demonstration, your contributions can inspire and enrich the educational experience. We even have opportunities for you to share these skills with our students through before and after school clubs.  For example, we have a tap group at SHS, and a STEAM group at WHS, just to name a few.

• Advisory Committees: Explore the possibility of joining one of our advisory committees such as the School Site Council.

• Field Trip Chaperones: Volunteer to accompany students on field trips. Your assistance ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Your involvement, no matter how big or small, makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students. The Placer Hills Union School District thrives when there is a strong partnership between the school and parents.

If you are interested in volunteering or have specific skills you would like to share, please contact your child's school office or teacher for more information.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the success of our students and the Placer Hills Union School District. In our partnership, we can continue to create an environment where every child can achieve their full academic, social, and emotional potential.

Sincerely,

David Figuly