February 2022 Newsletter

Wheatland Union High School District

Message from the Superintendent

Dear Wheatland Union High School District Community,

I would like to express my gratitude to all the parents, staff and community members who have reached out to the district in the spirit of unity and support. It is often said that in our darkest moments, that is when we have the greatest opportunities to learn and grow. This is precisely the time for us to reflect on how we can come together to promote the importance of respect and inclusivity throughout our community. We must all stand together to say, “There is no place for hate at Wheatland Union High School, and there is no place for hate in our community!”

Over the course of the last few weeks, our team has had the opportunity to convene students, to listen to their experiences and thoughts about how we can together learn, heal and grow. The feedback has been profound. Our students are caring, thoughtful, bright and resilient. They have a multitude of ideas for helping address the issues that we face.

I would like you to know that we are going to continue to listen, to have tough conversations, work with community allies, and most importantly, we are committed to change. What is clear is that each of us - no matter our title or role, no matter where we are, whether at school, at home or in the community - can play a role in fostering a more inclusive, respectful, and positive environment where all young people can succeed.

Over the course of the next few weeks and months, our team will continue working on rolling out a comprehensive agenda, including a Youth Advisory Council, so more to come.

Thank you for being our partners on this journey.

Educationally yours,

Nicole Newman

Superintendent

Students to Receive New Career Technical Education Opportunities

We are happy to share with you that Wheatland Union High School District has been approved for three grants that will greatly support our students’ academic and professional development. The grants were awarded to WUHSD, through the K12 Strong Workforce Program, and will benefit the Edward P. Duplex Continuation School WBL (Work Based Learning) and Career Counseling, Pirates Educator Pathway (PEP), and Pirates Patient Care Pathway (PPCP). These programs are aligned with the Strong Workforce Program’s goals and guided by regional priorities. They are staffed by skilled educators and provide professional development opportunities for teachers.

Our district remains committed to advancing the quality of the education and resources we provide. WUHSD was previously awarded three other grants through Strong Workforce Program: Get Focused Stay Focused Initiative, Pirates at SEA (Scholars' Enrichment Academies) a Voyage to College and Career Readiness, and WE WORK. WUHSD has been successful in implementing all three programs and we are on track to meet our goals and objectives.

Throughout the programs, students will be required to complete Career Technical Education (CTE) course sequences with a C or better to obtain industry certificates and earn early college credit. There will be designated opportunities for students to meet with counselors and assess academic progress and discuss career goals throughout each of the new programs.

EPD Continues to Thrive

Edward P. Duplex (EPD) Continuation School WBL (Work Based Learning) and Career Counseling Approved for $325,772 Grant

Key goals of this project include developing opportunities for EPD Continuation School students to engage in meaningful Career Technical Education Pathways and earn college credit while still in high school. Students are eager to graduate and enter the workforce, and many desire the opportunity to earn an industry certification leading to employment with a livable wage.

Working with local colleges, EPD staff will ensure alignment of coursework at the high school and college level to meet the requirements of each identified CTE pathway.

WUHSD has developed a substantial system of support for students including a tutoring lab for one-on-one support, a career center, a WE WORK center, and more.

Students in EPD benefit from a smaller class size with an increased level of teacher support to help them succeed academically. Work based learning opportunities and community partnerships will allow students to connect with a local mentor in their industry of interest to gain valuable job skills.

Supporting Future Educators

Pirates Educator Pathway (PEP) Approved for $970,791 Grant

Schools in California are struggling with teacher shortages, especially in the areas of Special Education, math, science, & English. The problem has intensified during the pandemic with teachers retiring or not continuing in the profession. Our Get Focused Stay Focused teachers used surveys and classwork to identify 103 students interested in an education pathway.

The new pathway will provide students with training, certifications, and college credits to give them a head start on their post-secondary journey.

Our partnership with Yuba College will provide a highly articulated pipeline for students to enter this industry sector through dual enrollment, work based learning experiences, and internships. Our education pathway students will be well prepared to continue into the in-demand field of education.

Creating Leaders in Patient Care

Pirates Patient Care Pathway (PPCP) Approved for $785,685 Grant

We have been working closely with healthcare industry partners, Yuba College, and Harmony Health to identify ways to implement a Health Science-Patient Care Pathway to meet the specific workforce needs in our local community and region.

Patient Care is the most requested pathway. Students will be supported by instructors and academic technicians who will provide academic support, field trips, work based learning, industry and community college mentoring. This pathway will ultimately lead to a career which provides financial independence for our graduates.

The Pirates Patient Care Pathway will organize field trips and site-based career and college exploration events, allow students to become members of HOSA - Future Health Professionals (Health Occupation Students of America), and provide curriculum, materials and supplies that align with industry and community college programs. Certification in Electronic Medical Records (EMR), First Aid & CPR will also be available to participants.

Wheatland Union High School District