What Does Learning Look Like Beyond the Classroom?

October is here, and our schools are finding their stride as homecoming celebrations bring our communities together and students start looking toward what comes next.

We’re opening this month’s newsletter with Superintendent’s Corner, where Tom O’Malley shares how opportunities across PUHSD are helping students build skills, discover their interests, and prepare to graduate with more than a diploma. Keep reading for campus highlights, college planning resources, and a conversation about learning to listen.

Whether your student is starting to explore colleges or getting ready to apply, figuring out the next steps can feel like a lot. 

Tonight’s Placer County Foothills High Schools College Night at Del Oro High School, October 5 from 5–8 p.m., is a chance to begin exploring together.

For families of seniors, it’s also time to start thinking about financial aid. Applications for the 2027–2028 college year are now open, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

A few things to know as you get started:

California’s priority deadline for state financial aid is March 2, 2027, but individual colleges may have earlier deadlines. Starting now gives your family time to ask questions and work through the process.

Foresthill students put their forestry knowledge to work at the Shasta Forestry Challenge in Shingletown, earning second- and fourth-place team finishes while competing against 34 other teams from around California. Both teams scored high enough to qualify for the state competition in April 2027, giving them another opportunity to test their skills and represent Foresthill.

Students from Placer and Del Oro brought months of preparation to the Gold Country Fair, showing their animals, supporting one another, and representing their schools.

At Placer, Joseph Stefani earned both the FFA Senior Large Animal In Memory of Jack & Susan Parnell award and FFA Senior Small Animal honors.

Del Oro’s award winners included sophomores Halle Tapia, who earned Reserve Champion FFA Market Steer, and Emerson Marone, who earned Champion FFA Market Goat and Reserve Supreme Champion Market Goat. Joining them were 2026 graduates Alexis Limbird, who earned Reserve Champion FFA Market Lamb, Reserve Supreme Champion Market Lamb, and Shootout Sheep Showman, and Megan Wong, who earned Senior FFA Goat Showmanship Champion and Reserve Champion FFA Market Goat.

The ribbons are only part of the story. Getting an animal ready for the fair and stepping into the ring takes commitment, patience, and responsibility. Congratulations to all participating students and their advisors!

Del Oro’s Golden Eagle Marching Band opened its competition season at Del Mar High School with first place in its division and fourth overall out of 14 schools. The color guard placed third overall, and the drumline also earned a first-place finish at its first competition.

You can celebrate the program close to home at the 47th annual Del Oro Band Spectacular on October 17, with the parade beginning at 9 a.m. along Taylor Road.

Colfax senior Graeson Howard delivered two standout performances, rushing for 244 yards and four touchdowns against Argonaut, then following with 219 yards and four more touchdowns against Fridley. His performances earned back-to-back features in Gold Mountain California News Media. Colfax’s girls flag football team has also had a strong start, adding to a fall season with plenty for Falcon fans to celebrate.

Maidu Virtual Charter Academy’s new Early College program with Sierra College is underway, giving students opportunities to earn college credit while working toward their high school diploma.

Meanwhile, 2026 graduate Adrienne Gililland is taking her next step as a member of Chico State’s women’s soccer team. It’s an exciting alumni milestone alongside a new opportunity for current MVCA students to begin building their own college pathways.

Foresthill High School recently celebrated the presentation of its $5,000 check through T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights sweepstakes. The presentation gave the school community another reason to come together and celebrate their hometown pride.

The Taco Bell Foundation awarded $30,000 to the Hillmen Foundation to support career and college programs at Placer High School. This investment supports opportunities for students to explore their futures and prepare for life after graduation.

Sometimes, finding your place in high school starts with someone taking the time to listen.

In the latest episode of The Point, Del Oro senior and peer mentor Kailey Primes shares how students are helping other students feel connected. Through check-ins and conversations, peer mentors offer younger classmates a familiar face and a space to talk.

Tune in to see why Kailey chose to become a mentor and what she’s learned about showing up for others.

Thank you for taking the time to catch up on what’s happening across PUHSD and for supporting our students and schools.

As a reminder, there will be no school for students on Wednesday, October 14, while staff participate in professional development. Classes resume Thursday, October 15.

Have a great rest of your month! 

Bri Lynaugh 

Communications Specialist