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SCSOS Community Update
Summer 2023
A Message from Superintendent Reusser
Summer is here which means students are on break, but our staff is still hard at work preparing for the upcoming school year.
We just finished up a busy month of graduations. For the entire 22/23 school year, we will have had 270 students earn a diploma or certificate in our SCSOS programs. Some students will either be heading out into the job field or will be furthering their education with us. Seventeen out of our current 20 Licensed Vocational Nursing students completed their Certified Nursing Assistant program with us. We love helping our students to progress toward future careers and education.
I want to say a big congratulations to our students in our Career Technical Education, Adult Education, Special Education and Alternative Education programs. You did it! I also want to say congratulations to the instructors who helped them to get there. You are here day in and day out helping to mold the minds of the future. Thank you for all you do.
Our Medical Assistant and Cosmetology students are still going strong. We have several students putting in the work. Right now, Medical Assistant students are learning hands skills, such as how to use EKG monitors, blood smears, remove sutures and staples, as well as how to keep tools clean for procedures. Our Cosmetology School is in the process of opening up to the public, allowing our students to earn their training hours by cutting, coloring and styling hair. Keep a close eye on our social media pages for when we begin accepting appointments. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
Here at SCSOS, we are student focused. While we are still busy working away for the next school year, we hope our students enjoy their summer and we’ll be prepared for our new students in the Fall.
Have a great Summer Break!
SCSOS Adult Education Graduation Ceremony: May 25, 2023
Congratulations to all our 2023 graduates!
Congratulations to our Yuba City High School Special Education Graduates!
Congratulations to our Feather River Academy Graduates!
Graduates!
Diego Aguilar
Izzy Bhatti
Auburie Blagg
Marissa Leann Burrone
Matthew Wayne Burrone
Emma Cantu
Melani Deeds
Alyssa DeNeef
Owen DeNeef
Valerie and Bridget de Flores
Aubriana Gomez
Josiah Hendrix
Cruz Jimenez
Kalifornia Kruzic
Joey Lefevre
Vivienne Rose Macy
Gabby Maggiano
Sebastian McCullough
Bryson McGraw
Olivia Menendez
Olivia is the daughter and youngest child of LIz and Danny Menendez.
Megan Moreno
Michael Mwanje
Alyssa Parker
Ty Parker
Jennifer Peters
Bailee Poland
Savannah Poland
Alejandro Quiroz
Emily Reyes
Liliana Ruiz
Thomas Schmidl
Thomas Denman Schmidl is 6 years old and graduating from Kindergarten at Brittan Elementary School. When he grows up he would like to be a teacher so he, “can hang out at school all day!” His favorite things are pizza, driving his snowmobile and hanging out with his little brother Tucker and his cousin Chase. Thomas is the son of Danielle Schmidl.
Irene Ssebagereka
Berrit Thomas
Amiya Sardin-Thomas
Javier Torres
Rachel and Rochelle Volmer
Their credentials will be for multi-subject so they can both teach any grade.
Rachel and Rochelle are the great nieces of Sandra Jopson.
Welcome to Sutter County Superintendent of Schools!
Bob Eckardt, Director of CTE/ROP
Sutter County Superintendent of Schools is delighted to welcome Bob Eckardt to our team as Director of Career Technical Education/Regional Occupational Programs!
Born and raised in Yuba City, Bob graduated from Yuba City High School. He earned his BS degree from California State University, Sacramento in Social Sciences. He also earned his multiple subject and single subject teaching credentials. He earned his Master’s Degree in Education Administration from Chapman University.
Bob’s first teaching assignment was at St. Isidore Catholic School where he served for five years. His next position was teaching middle school at Butte Vista Elementary School for one year. He then served four years at Gray Avenue Middle School; the first three years in the classroom, the last year as a Literacy Resource Coach.
In July 2005, Bob began his first administrative position as vice principal at Lindhurst High School. He became interim principal in spring 2006 and was named the permanent principal later that year. He served there for 17 years. His most recent position has been Director of Adult Education Programs and Community Partnerships at Marysville School District.
Bob and his wife, Beth, have been married for 8 years. Bob has two grown children, James and Thomas. They have two pit bull rescues. Bob and his wife enjoy traveling, playing golf, yard work, gardening and they are avid campers. Their next trip is scheduled for Westport this summer.
“I’m wickedly excited to be here at SCSOS,” Bob said, “I love what I do. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with great people and to get back into the world of CTE.”
Be sure to welcome Bob when you see him!
Change in Positions
Jake Holmes, Director of Adult Education
"I'm excited to start this new position," Jake said. "My biggest goal is to continue to grow the programs that Tom and Eric began."
Jake and his wife will welcome their second child, a girl, in mid-July. They also recently moved into a new home.
Jake was the initiator for the Eric Pomeroy Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament on May 6, that raised over $19,000 for scholarships for students.
Be sure to congratulate Jake when you see him!
Lorilee Niesen, Assistant Superintendent of Adult and Career Education
Congratulations are in order for Lorilee Niesen who will be serving as Assistant Superintendent of Adult and Career Education beginning July 1. Lorilee has been employed by SCSOS for the past year, but has been in education for the past 33 years.
Lorilee has several goals that she would like to tackle as Assistant Superintendent. She would like to create systems and policies for the Adult Education Consortium to create transparency and support our consortium partners in Adult Education. She also plans to expand services to multiple LEAs within the Tri-County ROP to ensure services are delivered in all three counties and to continue to expand programs to meet the needs of our area.
“I love working here,” Lorilee said. “I appreciate the trust that’s been given to me by administration to carry out existing programs, but also to explore other opportunities for students. It is such a pleasure to work with the staff and team each day in Adult Education, Career Training Center, One Stop and ROP/CTE. Their dedication to students and programs is unsurpassed. I will work endlessly to ensure that a culture of inclusion and collaboration exists across all of our departments."
Lorilee says that she lives by the following quote:
“Train people well enough so that they can leave; Treat them well enough so they don’t want to.”
- Richard Branson
Be sure to congratulate Lorilee when you see her!
Dulia Aguilar, Special Ed Behavior Analyst for all Sutter County sites
"I'm excited to take on this position," Dulia said. "It is new and there will be a learning curve, but I enjoy serving students and teachers."
Be sure to congratulate Dulia when you see her!
Jasmin Dhami, Special Education Director for AeroStem
Congratulations are in order for Jasmin Dhami. Beginning on July 1, she will serve as the new Special Education Director for AeroSTEM, a school that has 120 students and serves grades 5-12.
Born and raised in Yuba City, Jasmin graduated from Yuba City High School in 2007. She earned her Bachelor’s in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry from CSU, Sacramento. She then earned her Master’s in Teaching from Brandman University and is currently completing her Doctoral Degree in Organizational Change and Leadership.
Jasmin’s first teaching position was as a long term substitute at Central Gaither School teaching 7th and 8th grade math and science. She then served as a RSP teacher at Riverbend for three years before transitioning to the county. For the last four years, she has served as a teacher in both the non-categorical and significant disability programs for SCSOS. Jasmin also serves as a board member for Yuba City Unified School District.
Jasmin got her start in education by serving in her mom’s classroom as an elective class in high school, where her mom was a para educator. She states that teaching has always been a natural fit for her; although teaching 7th and 8th grade math and science was an amazing experience in content areas that she loved, she found that teaching special needs students was more fulfilling in many ways.
Now, as she moves into her new role, she stated that “working at AeroSTEM is my dream position; I will be able to take on a leadership position while being able to still work directly with students and teachers.”
Be sure to congratulate Jasmin when you see her!
SCSOS Department Appreciation!
SCSOS Cabinet
Communications Department
Curriculum, Instruction and Accountability Department
"Our department has accomplished so much this year. We have supported 14 districts and charters with 900+ hours of both onsite coaching, support and countywide professional learning opportunities. Our team implemented a county wide consortium to support Expanded Learning Programs for seven districts within Sutter County. We applied for and received a $396,000 grant through Sierra Health to enrich those Expanded Learning Programs. Throughout the 22/23 school year, we have provided monthly ‘System of Support’ sessions and ‘Small District PLC’s’ for our district Superintendents and staff. This helps them access statewide information and updates. Our team led districts that were identified for Differentiated Assistance through a systematic cycle of continuous improvement. CIA has coordinated a successful Federal Program Monitoring review between Feather River Academy, Pathways Charter Academy and Sutter County Adult Education. We planned and led the Countywide Spelling Bee for 56 students in grades four through six. Lastly, one of our biggest ongoing achievements is the planning and implementation of the Annual Educators of the Year Awards. This was our second year and we recognized more than 100 Educators across Sutter County. CIA is devoted to supporting our schools, districts and educators, we couldn’t ask for a better team!"
- Kristi Johnson, CIA Senior Director
External Business Department
- Whitney Hardison, External Business Coordinator
Human Resources Department
"The Human Resources (HR) department plays a vital role at SCSOS, supporting all of our departments and organization as a whole. The 22/23 fiscal year, like many others, has been a busy one. We created the Climate and Culture Team for SCSOS focusing on morale and inclusion, we attended the CSU, Chico EdShop Workshop to assist upcoming credential graduates in their career search, organized attendance and prepared for recruitment fairs at multiple colleges and the Sutter County One Stop. We also partnered with the Special Education Director to create and implement a process and timeline for Extended School Year staffing. Our team hosted a CalSAAS training and workshop for all districts and charters for the second year in a row. We do all this while actively managing our daily tasks of the Credential Analyst and Human Resource Assistants, as well as work to answer HR–related questions and problem solve for all departments. We are truly proud of this team, some of which are new employees that brought their A-game and have made this a very successful year. Go HR!" -Kathy Mercier, Human Resources Director
Internal Business Department
- Paramjeet Kaur, Internal Business Services Coordinator
School-Based Medi-Cal Administrative Activities Department
"The School-Based Medi-Cal Administrative Activities (SMAA) department has been very focused on growing our program this year. We have added 15 new Local Education Agencies (LEA) for fiscal year of 22/23 which is the most growth we have seen in one year since the start of the program. We partnered with the El Dorado County Charter SELPA to help market our program quarterly to the 400+ LEA’s that contract with them throughout the state. We currently hold contracts with 93 LEA’s and were able to reimburse them a total of $5,318,357 for their time spent on Medi-Cal related services for the fiscal year of 20/21, which were paid out this year. We successfully passed our first Department of Health Care Services Desk Audit with no audit findings. They audited four of our LEA’s and each one was in compliance and not deemed as high risk. Due to being in compliance, we will not be audited for another three years. We have had so many program changes this year that we revamped our SMAA Training and Resource Binder and have trained/retrained over 40 LEA’s this year through zoom. We are incredibly proud of the work we are doing, especially with such a small team. We are making great progress!" - Caitlin Welch, SMAA Coordinator, Region 3 LEC
Payroll Department
- The 2020/2021 and the 2021/2022 CSEA Retro that was paid in May 2022. Consisted of retro’ing over 150 employees. Starting to work on the 2022/2023 CSEA Retro.
- The 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 CTA Retro, which also includes an 1% off salary schedule payment for 2022/2023 that has to be paid monthly on end of month payroll. Consisted of retro’ing over 60 CTA employees.
- The 2022/2023 Management Retro, which also includes an off salary schedule payment for 2022/2023 that has to be paid monthly on end of month payroll.
- The 2021/2022 Confidential Retro, which consisted of an increase to their Health Cap and as well as an off salary schedule retro for the year.
We are extremely proud of our department and all our accomplishments."
- Chelsey McGraw, Payroll Services Coordinator
Shady Creek Outdoor School
- Christopher Little (Yeti), Shady Creek Director
Special Education Department
Special Education Local Plan Area
This year the SELPA led stakeholders in a revision of the SELPA Allocation Model. While it may not seem that funding models can improve outcomes for students with disabilities, special education funding actually has a huge impact. To begin the process, Superintendents, Special Education Directors and Business Administrators came together to develop a SELPA mission statement, formalize our guiding principles for special education and shared interests in funding services. With the new allocation model in place, our districts will be able to better predict the cost of providing students with disabilities a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). This model will also ensure that all students have access to needed services without jeopardizing the fiscal solvency of our smaller districts. During this year the SELPA also supported a full continuum of alternative dispute resolution activities including training for staff and parent liaisons, direct mediation services, and facilitated IEP meetings. The year brought new compliance monitoring for small districts and charter schools, which the SELPA supported. For more information on Sutter County SELPA or to discover how to get involved in our Community Advisory Committee, please visit our website at SutterSELPA.org.
-Carolyn Patton, SELPA Director
Student Support and Outreach Department
- Veronica De Leon, Student Support Specialist
Sutter County Adult Education
Sutter County Career Training Center
"Our Medical Assistant program continues to thrive. In November of 2022, we had 82 students graduate our program and currently have 65 students enrolled. Our three instructors are leading new cohorts every eight weeks, and with constant turn over, are keeping students on track for the medical field. We are currently offering financial aid to all our MA students. Throughout the 22/23 school year, we have worked closely with students and our department to make this a successful experience for all. We are so proud of the work that is being done at the Sutter County Career Training Center!"
- Joanna Alvarado, Career Training Center Coordinator
Sutter County Cosmetology School
Sutter County One Stop
"Many wonderful and exciting things are happening at the Sutter County One Stop. In fact, there is so much going on, you can read about everything here. To sum up just a few of the things we’ve accomplished this year, we are delighted to share that we served and enrolled roughly 840 customers for the first, three quarters of the year. We receive grant funding through Department of Labor (DOL) for various grants to help the local Sutter County community. These grants identify various target groups, which are deemed the hard-to-serve population. The public continues to take advantage of our free, no cost workshops. We had roughly 604 customers attend our workshops both on-site and off-site with our designated staff members. We created 187 job orders for employers looking to hire qualified applicants. We provided approximately 2,209 services to employers that consisted of job orders, work experiences, on-the job-trainings, and more. We provided Rapid Response Assistance to a handful of businesses that closed their doors due to various reasons. We are incredibly proud of our One Stop team. They are working hard to make a difference in our community." - Sutter County One Stop Team
Technology Department
"The 2022/2023 school year showcased significant progress in the Technology Department, with notable achievements in security measures, data management, communication platforms, parental engagement, and staff collaboration. We enhanced our cyber security measures to ensure better protection for sensitive information for our county office and the districts we serve. We streamlined our data management, adopted ParentSquare enhancing school to home communications, implemented Aeries Parent Portal providing parents and students online access to attendance, grades, test scores and more! Finally, our team led the deployment of surveillance cameras and a Crisis Alert system contributed to enhancing campus security and emergency response capabilities. We are so proud of our Tech Department team!" - Chris Osborne, Technology Services Director
Tri-County Induction Program
"The Tri-County Induction Program (TCIP) is a two year support program for new teachers and administrators consisting of more than 400 participants, mentors, and coaches. In the 22-23 school year, our department recommended more than 100 participants for a clear credential. In addition, we have developed required coursework for the Career Technical Education students who are working to clear their CTE credential. Our program offers: Introduction to CTE, Advanced CTE, Teaching English Learners, and CTE Foundations, a course for single subject teachers wanting to add a CTE credential. We are so proud of the work our team is doing and everything we have accomplished this year. We are making great strides with our program and hope to keep growing!" - Lisa Gault, TCIP Director
Tri-County Regional Occupational Programs
Student Spotlight
Nathanyal Robledo
Sutter Union High School student, Nathanyal Robledo, took second place at a state swim meet for the 100 back with a time of 1:17:23. Nathanyal is a member of the Sutter Buttes Swim Team, which was founded by Eric Pomeroy in August 2021. This Yuba-Sutter Youth Swim Program is built on character, hard work and strong swimming fundamentals. Sutter Buttes Swimming placed 3rd overall.
“It felt great to place second,”Nathanyal said. “It was awesome! We had our English teacher, Ms. Larsen, step up and coach us. She has never coached swimming before, but she did a great job!”
“I’m extremely proud of Nate,” said Shawn Howard, a teacher at SUHS. Nathanyal has been a student in Mr. Howard’s class since 2019. “He has shown tremendous growth and maturity in my class. He has been on the swim team twice and he participates in wrestling. He has taken the opportunity to excel in general education and run with it. He spends four periods of his day in general education. He’s on track to earn his high school diploma in 2024.”
Nathanyal served as a lifeguard at the Colusa Pool last summer and is currently waiting to hear that he will serve there again this summer. He also plans to continue as a member of the Sutter Buttes Swim Team. We at Sutter County Superintendent of Schools are proud of Nathanyal and look forward to hearing more about his athletic feats in the future.
The Eric Pomeroy Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament: May 6, 2023
Unique Scaffold: 1st place
MHS Alumni: 2nd place
Cordano Dental: 3rd place
There were a variety of raffle prizes and fun was had by all! In total, $19,465.00 was raised and has been split between Sutter Buttes Swim and SCSOS' Career Technical Education programs for student scholarships.
Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way and Alec Flores Scholarship Foundation present the Eric Pomeroy Memorial Scholarship Recipients
Eric Pomeroy served 24 years in education; 10 years as a teacher for CTE, Academic and Alternative Education. He served 14 years in educational administration overseeing CTE, Workforce Development and Adult Education. In his memory, money has been raised to go towards scholarships for students. The Eric Pomeroy Memorial Scholarship awards each student $1,000.
Congratulations to all recipients!!
Karsyn Gwinnup
Meika Lauppe
Abigail Redfield
Lorelai Miller
News from our Districts
Congratulations to Aaron Heinz!
Happening TODAY at East Nicolaus High School!
Colin's Corner
Our precious student, Colin passed away last January from a rare childhood cancer. Over the past two years, his family has been fundraising and working with the city departments to build Colin's Corner. It's a sensory friendly gated area of Maple Park and is officially open. I know his family would love to be able to see other kiddos in our community using this area of the park.
There is also a library box across the street from the park where people can take books. The books have Colin's story printed inside for anyone who would like to learn about his story.
Tips for reducing energy this summer
Sutter County One Stop
Alliant International University
Next session begins June 26, 2023
The Blue Zones Project - Yuba Sutter
Local Events!
The Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way, in partnership with Plumas Lake Golf and Country Club and the Enterprise Rancheria Community Foundation, is excited to present the 2nd annual “Together We’re Better Golf Tournament” at Plumas Lake Golf and Country Club on Friday, June 9, 2023.
Last year was great with nearly 50 golfers and many dollars raised for local charities. This year, we look to double the amount returned into our community. Funds collected will be distributed to our local United Way to provide to its non-profit partner agencies and needs in our communities, and to the Enterprise Rancheria Community Foundation for non-profit community needs. Like last year, an amount will be designated, based on event proceeds, for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams to donate to a local non-profit of their choice.
THE BASICS
WHAT: 2nd Annual “Together We’re Better” Golf Tournament
WHEN: June 9, 2023 Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. with a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start
WHERE: Plumas Lake Golf and Country Club, 1551 Country Club Road, Olivehurst
FORMAT: Callaway Format (no golf handicaps needed)
ENTRY FEE: $125.00 Per Player in a Foursome
Includes cart, post tournament lunch, range balls and more
HOW DO I REGISTER & PAY: Visit www.yscunitedway.org - Click on “Events” then “Together We’re Better Golf Tournament Registration.” You can register an individual or register a full team. Registration and payment can also be made by phone by calling (530) 743-1847, M-F, 8:30 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Special Note: We are trying to avoid payment on the day of the tournament, please kindly pay in advance
CONTESTS:
Accurate Drive, Men and Women – Prizes Awarded
Closest to the Pin– Prizes Awarded
Long Drive, Men and Women– Prizes Awarded
Hole in One contests – Prizes Awarded
TOURNAMENT WINNERS:
1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams will designate their winning to a charity of their choice. Amounts awarded will depend on the amount of
tournament proceeds received. Plus, gift cards to local restaurants will be
awarded: First place, $100 per player; Second place, $75 per player; Third place, $50 per player.
Please be part of this fantastic event!
As we say at United Way: “Together, united, we will inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow for many thousands of your friends and neighbors.”
Sutter County Superintendent of Schools
Email: angelah@sutter.k12.ca.us
Website: www.sutter.k12.ca.us
Location: 970 Klamath Lane, Yuba City, CA, USA
Phone: (530) 822-2900