OUHSD Newsletter
May 3, 2021
Sharing the latest news and information from the Oroville Union High School District.
Upcoming Meetings/Events
May 3: Supportive School Climate Committee Meeting
- Location: Zoom
- Agenda: Topics to be covered include:
- Introduction of Dr. Lamar Collins, New LPHS Principal
- Discipline Data from Each School
- School Resource Officer/Deputy for 21/22
- Updated Status of DOJ Findings
- Review Draft of the LCAP
- 21/22 Supportive School Climate Advisory Committee Members
- Approval of Minutes from March 8, 2021 Meeting
- Approval of Progressive Intervention Policy.
- Focus of the Supportive School Climate Committee: (a) emphasize the District’s commitment to treating all students fairly and equitably in the administration of discipline without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, disability, religion or foster youth or homeless status; (b) discuss what is expected of students and staff under the revised policies and practices; (c) describe the alternative means of correction that will be available and implemented; (d) explain the law, research, and evidence supporting the steps and practices the District will be implementing to provide a safe, welcoming, and supportive school environment; and (e) the ways in which parents, guardians, and education rights holders can partner with the District to provide a safe, welcoming, and supportive school environment.
May 19: Board Meeting
- Location: In-person and YouTube
- Board meeting agendas are posted here no later than the Friday prior to the board meeting.
News Briefs
Graduation Schedule
All of our graduations will be held at Harrison Stadium this year. If we remain in the orange tier, each graduate will receive four tickets for their family members. If we change to the yellow tier, the number of tickets will be increased.
6/1 - Prospect High School at 11:30 a.m.
6/1 - Oroville Adult Education at 6:00 p.m.
6/3 - Oroville High School at 8:15 p.m.
6/4 - Las Plumas High School at 8:15 p.m.
In addition, our ATC promotion ceremony will take place on 6/3 at 1:00 a.m. at ATC.
Virtual Job Fair, May 5th
The Grow Manufacturing Initiative and Valley Contractors Exchange is hosting a virtual job fair on May 5th from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Click here to view the event flyer.
LP/O Alliance Band Spring Concert
Our LP/O Alliance Band will be putting on a free concert at Riverbend Park on May 7th from 6:30 - 7:30. Bring your dinner and a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of great music.
News & Updates
Board Hires New Principal for LPHS Next Year
Las Plumas High School in the Oroville Union High School District (OUHSD) will be welcoming Dr. Lamar Collins as its new principal beginning July 1, 2021. The Board of Trustees approved hiring Dr. Collins at its April 21st meeting.
Dr. Collins comes to Las Plumas High School and OUHSD with 21 years of experience as a teacher, coach, curriculum developer, and administrator, and is also a gifted motivational speaker who speaks to a variety of audiences, including students, teachers, and leaders.
Born and raised in Norfolk, VA, Dr. Collins realized at a young age the value of education. After serving in the US Army, he completed his bachelor's degree and began teaching and coaching. He eventually went into administration. During that time he became recognized for his passion and ability to develop others.
“Dr. Collins is student- and community-centered,” said Dr. Corey Willenberg, OUHSD Superintendent. “I am excited to team up with Dr. Collins to continue the great work OUHSD has been doing this year to improve education for kids,” he continued.
“I am looking forward to being a part of the Las Plumas High School family, and working with students and stakeholders to make a positive impact in the Oroville community,” said Dr. Collins. “Go Thunderbirds!”
Dr. Collins has been recognized for his work throughout his career, including earning two Army Achievement awards, National Institute Organizational Staff Development Master Presenter, and the 4th and Long Award, which is given to the “principal most likely to come through for students” as voted by students. As a football coach at Temple High School in Texas, his team made it to two State Championship games.
Dr. Collins is the proud father of four (Alexis-23, Alyssa-22, Aliyah-21, and TJ-17) and husband to his wife, Rose, who he describes as “the queen of my dreams, apple of my eye and the only star in my sky.”
The Prom Is On!
We are excited that Las Plumas and Oroville High Schools will be offering a prom to their students this year. In order to ensure that these events are as safe as possible, please read the information below regarding each school's event requirements.
Las Plumas High School - May 15th from 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Only juniors and seniors enrolled at LPHS may attend. This group includes College Connection, independent study and distance learning students as well as mid-term graduates. There are only 200 tickets available in the Student Store, which will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Tickets for seniors go on sale May 3rd. Tickets for juniors go on sale May 5th. The cost is $25 per person or $44 per couple. All attendees will be required to wear a mask and social distance. Bottled water will be the only refreshment available, so students are encouraged to eat beforehand. Formal or semi-formal clothing is required. Blue jeans and t-shirts are not appropriate for this event.
Oroville High School - May 21st from 8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Only juniors and seniors enrolled at OHS may attend. This group includes College Connection, independent study and distance learning students as well as mid-term graduates. There are only 200 tickets available in the Student Store, which will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Tickets for seniors go on sale May 3rd. Tickets for juniors go on sale May 5th. The cost is $15 per person or $20 per couple. All attendees will be required to wear a mask and social distance. Bottled water will be the only refreshment available, so students are encouraged to eat beforehand. Formal or semi-formal clothing is required. Blue jeans and t-shirts are not appropriate for this event.
Summer Session: Does Your Student Need to Make Up Credits?
Summer session will be offered from June 7th - June 25th to students who previously failed classes and need to make up credits. Classes will be held at the Oroville Adult Education Center, located at 2750 Mitchell Avenue, and at the south campus of Oroville High School. All classes will be held in-person and limited to 25 students per class. There are two periods offered each day. Students can choose to take one or two classes. Each successfully completed class makes up one semester of credit. Period 1 is from 8:00AM-11:00AM and Period 2 is from 12:00PM to 3:00PM. There will be food available to students at no cost during the lunch break at the Oroville High School Jazz Cafe. Masks will be REQUIRED unless the CDC or the CA Department of Public Health rescinds that requirement for schools.
Counselors will start signing up students for the summer session in May. The deadline to enroll is May 28th and enrollment is on a first come, first served basis. Two sections of each class below are being offered. Some classes will be available online using the Odysseyware curriculum. Courses offered:
- English classes: English 9, 10, 11, & 12
- Social Science classes- Geography, World History, and US History
- Math classes: Math 1A, Math 1B, Math 1
- Odysseyware classes: Biology, Physical Science, Electives, Health, Government, Economics
- Special Education classes, English (all levels), Math 1A/1B, Odysseyware subjects
Independent Study Program to Offer the Edgenuity Platform Next Year
Students opting for the online version of the independent study (CIS) program next year will be using the Edgenuity platform. This program was selected due to the need for a more comprehensive digital curriculum, its offering of multiple AP courses, its use for credit recovery, and because it is a proven system used by hundreds of school districts in CA for K-12 and adult ed programs. Click here to view the available courses. Paper packets will still be available for students who prefer them or who have a poor internet connection at home.
Distance Learning: There has been some confusion about the status of the distance learning (DL) program. The State only allowed districts to offer DL this year. Next year, students who do not wish to return to in-person instruction would transition to CIS. They will fill out an independent study contract and will meet with their teacher one hour per week. Existing CIS and DL students were surveyed in February to determine whether they were returning to in-person instruction or remaining/transitioning to CIS next year. Students who chose to remain/transition to CIS next year will be surveyed again this month to determine their choice of the online platform or paper packets. New students interested in enrolling the program next year need to make a request through their counselor in order to be placed on the waiting list.
New Online System Launches This Summer
If you did not already have a Parent Portal account set up, one was automatically generated for you and you should have received an email about it last week. Please make sure you are able to login. If you did not already have a Parent Portal account setup and did not receive the email, please contact the attendance office at your school for assistance.
The registration window will open around July 1st. You will receive instructions and additional information related to this process in late June. You can login to this system throughout the year to update your residence and mailing address, phone number and email address.
2021 Ross-Harmon Award Recipients
The Ross-Harmon Educator of the Year Award was established in 2010 to recognize certificated and classified employees from local school districts who have provided significant contributions to their students. Our recipients are all from LPHS this year. Congratulations to (shown pictured above, clockwise from left) Lena Miller, Para-Educator; Cristian Bruce, English/Drama teacher; Jim Knapp, Ag teacher; and Jaymie Martinez, Administrative Secretary. Although the traditional in-person dinner cannot be held this year to publicly recognize them, we are very proud of each of them and are appreciative for their contributions to our LPHS students.
Upcoming Recognition of Our Teachers and Staff
PTSA Teacher Appreciation Week
Teachers can thank Eleanor Roosevelt for getting Teacher Appreciation Day approved by congress in 1953. The day turned into an entire week-long celebration in 1985. NEA describes this even as “a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.” Teacher Appreciation this year occurs from May 3rd - 7th. Thank you teachers for what you do for our students.
Classified School Employee Appreciation Week
Classified School Employee Appreciation Week runs from May 17th - 23rd and celebrates the support staff who help our students succeed. Classified employees perform essential work, but it is often behind the scenes. This week puts them front and center. We are thankful for all of our classified employees for their hard work and dedication.
Students Going Above & Beyond
Oroville High School April Tigers of the Month:
CTE - Keira Gramps
English - Kristina Northup
Math - Trenton Bozzer
PE - Jesus Leon Navarro
Science - Paige Bowers
Social Science - David Cisneros
Special Recognition - Ty Edwards
VAPA - Ivy Herrick
LPHS T-Birds of the Month:
Ivan Alvarado: for being respectful and polite in class and on campus as well as a hard-working student.
Alyssa Seegert: for being an excellent participant in class during discussions and doing well in school while also participating in three sports.
Catalina Reynoso: for being an overall great human being, a positive role model on campus, and an excellent student who takes responsibility for her education.
Tamara Hansen: for being a self-motivated, hard worker with a desire to learn and improve!
Prospect High School Block 5 Awards:
Student of the Block: Rogelio Paredes and Vianney Villa
Most Improved: Cole Claggett and Crystal Guzman Salazar
Best New Student: Sebastian Gonzalez and Nyla Coleman
Honor Roll (earned 12.5 Credits or more in Block 5)
Maria Nunez
Jesse Overstreet
Rogelio Paredes
Jessica Christine
Sasha Depardieu-Cortez
Branden Monday
Nyla Coleman
Principal's Honor Roll (earned 15.0 Credits or more in Block 5)
Tahj Wright
Alexandra Egger
Cole Clagget
The LCAP Results Are In
The results of each LCAP survey that was given in March have been tabulated. We are thankful to those who responded, and we encourage more students, parents, staff and community members to participate in the survey next year--your voice counts! The results will be used to help us build our three year LCAP.
Click on the links below to see how your responses compare to others:
Board Approves the Hall of Fame Class of 2021
The Board approved six new inductees to our Hall of Fame: Tommie Brown, Al Hottinger, Billie Charles Jackson, Douglas Post, David Tamori and Robert “Benny” Woodson. Click here to read their brief biographies. Their complete biographies are currently being written and will be posted on the website soon.
Due to COVID, we were unable to induct the Class of 2020 last year. Those members include Liz Belyea, Charles Bidwell, Nonie (Bidwell) Buis, John Dunn, Dick Fisher, Mattie Lund, Toni Ruggles, Jim Shelby, Laurie (Strang) Sousa and Frederick Preston Willcox. Click here to read their complete biographies. Their photos are also shown below.
The Hall of Fame Committee has not yet secured a date for this year’s annual dinner and induction ceremony, during which we will be celebrating the Class of 2020 and 2021. We will announce the date as soon as a venue is secured.
Athletics Roundup
Basketball Players to be COVID Tested Weekly
Due to remaining in the orange tier, our basketball players are required to be COVID tested weekly at no cost to the student. Outdoor sports do not have a testing requirement. The capacity of our gyms also remains at 25%.
The LPHS Athletic Events schedules for the remainder of the school year are posted below.
Go Thunderbirds!
Baseball: http://bit.ly/LPHSBaseball2021
Softball: http://bit.ly/LPHSSoftball2021
Boys Basketball: http://bit.ly/LPHSBBasketball
Volleyball: http://bit.ly/LPHSVolleyball2021
Boys Tennis: http://bit.ly/LPHSBTennis2021
Track & Field: https://bit.ly/LPHSTrackandField2021
Boys Soccer: http://bit.ly/LPHSBSoccer2021
Girls Basketball: http://bit.ly/LPHSGBasketball2021
The OHS Athletic Events schedules for the remainder of the school year are posted below.
Go Tigers!
Baseball: http://bit.ly/OHSBaseball2021
Softball: bit.ly/OHSSoftball2021
Boys Basketball: http://bit.ly/OHSBBasketball2021
Boys Tennis: http://bit.ly/OHSBTennis2021
Boys Soccer: http://bit.ly/OHSBSoccer2021
Track & Field: http://bit.ly/OHSTrackandField2021
Girls Basketball: http://bit.ly/OHSGBasketball2021
OUHSD Snapshots
Las Plumas Wins the Victory Bell! Congrats to the T-Birds for winning the Victory Bell this year. We are proud of both teams for putting on a good show for the hometown crowd.
FCCLA State Competition: Congrats to OHS freshman, Colton Turner, for winning 3rd place at the FCCLA State Competition this year in the repurpose and redesign category. Way to represent your school!
Spring Has Sprung: Thanks to Mr. Lund and Mr. Gilbert, the planter beds at PHS are cleaned up and have a working irrigation system. Mr. Lerner's Biology class planted vegetables, which should start producing soon.
Top 10 Names in Lights: Thank you to STAGE for displaying our Top 10 student names in lights on the State Theatre marquee.
Ready for Summer: Students in Mrs. Gravison’s Life Management class at OHS show off their sewing skills by making colorful shorts.
OHS Gym Project Completed: The OHS gym project was recently finished. The fiber cement siding will hold up much better than stucco. Thanks to Mike Carey Construction for doing such a great job. It was great to support an Oroville company.
Getting to Know....Kevin Simas, OUHSD Director of Education
How long have you worked for OUHSD?
I have worked for the district for 26 years.
Did you have any other jobs in education before being hired by OUHSD?
My first job in education was as a Para-Educator in a kindergarten classroom. I was also a middle and high school Spanish, English, and Reading teacher in the Bay Area before moving to Oroville. I worked as a high school vice principal and a K-8 principal for another district. Most people know me from teaching Spanish at OHS.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy that I get to help people and that I am involved with a team that wants to make things better for young people in the Oroville community.
What was your first job as a teenager?
I grew up on our family's dairy farm. I started milking cows and doing other farm work BEFORE I was a teenager. I also worked at McDonald's while I was a teenager
What is on your bucket list?
I would love to take my wife to Spain and stay there for an extended period of time.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I enjoy working with and riding my horse and spending time with my wife, our 6 children, and our grandchildren.
Join the OUHSD Family!
Looking to find a fulfilling and meaningful job, or do you know someone who is? Join the OUHSD family! OUHSD is looking for employees to fill permanent and short-term roles, as well as substitutes:
- School Social Worker
- Speech/Language Therapist
- School Nurse
- English Teacher
- Agriculture Teacher
- Physical Science/Biology/Physics Teacher
- Custodian
- Food Service Worker
- Bus Driver Pool
- Substitute Courier Pool
- Substitute Custodian Pool
For more information and to apply go to: https://www.edjoin.org/ouhsd (Please check EdJoin regularly as new postings will be added as positions become available). If you have specific questions please contact Chello Metcalf at cmetcalf@ouhsd.net or (530) 538-2300, extension 1117.
About OUHSD
Oroville Union High School District prepares approximately 2,200 9-12 grade students for their futures through our two comprehensive high schools, continuation high school, community day school, and adult school in the greater Oroville community.
Our district is a close-knit community where every student and employee knows and cares for each other in a safe, nurturing and supportive environment. Through using upgraded technology, providing equitable educational opportunities for every student, and supporting academic and career technical educational options, we have a passion to ensure that each student will have a goal and be college- and career-ready, so that they are prepared for the workplace and an economically competitive society.
Email: pblaney@ouhsd.net
Website: www.ouhsd.org
Location: 2211 Washington Avenue Oroville, CA 95966
Phone: (530) 538-2300
Facebook: facebook.com/Oroville-Union-High-School-District-972885232749005/
Twitter: @OUHSDSUPT