Dear Families of Oroville City Elementary School District,
It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I reach out to you today to address a tragic incident that has deeply affected our school community. We have recently learned about the untimely loss of one of our students. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family and loved ones who are enduring this unimaginable grief.
We are aware that this tragic event has garnered attention on social media platforms and local news outlets. Please remember that during such difficult times, it is important to exercise caution and respect the privacy of those directly affected. We must come together as a community to support one another and honor the memory of the student we have lost.
I want to assure you that the Oroville Police Department has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy. As a school district, we will cooperate fully and provide any assistance required throughout their inquiry. Our primary focus is to ensure that all necessary information is gathered thoroughly and timely, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the events leading to this heartbreaking loss.
In times like these, it is crucial that we come together as a community to support one another. We understand the tremendous impact such a loss can have on our students, families, and staff. In collaboration with the Butte County Office of Education, we are working diligently to provide counseling services and support to anyone in our school community who may be in need. Our dedicated team of professionals will be available to offer assistance, guidance, and a listening ear to help navigate through this difficult period.
Students affected by the incident will process this in their own way. Please be sensitive to any changes in your child's behavior. Over the next few days, please encourage your child to express their feelings and listen attentively.
Some of the common reactions that children experience when reacting to a traumatic event are:
· Restlessness, nervous behavior
· Trouble concentrating
· Difficulty sleeping, nightmares
· "Clingy" behavior, fear of being alone
· Asking questions over and over again
· Remembering previous losses and events
Please take the time to reach out to one another, offering comfort and support to those who may be struggling. We must remember that grief knows no timetable, and everyone copes with loss in their own unique way. Be patient and understanding, as a simple act of kindness can make a difference.
If you have any concerns, questions, or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact your child's school. We are here to support you through this difficult time. Together, we will navigate this painful journey and emerge stronger as a community.
With deepest sympathies,
Dr. Holtom
A special message from OCESD Board of Trustee Member K. Sandra Barnes:
The agenda for the May 10, 2023, regular meeting of the Board of Trustees may be accessed here: http://go.boarddocs.com/ca/ocesd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CREMXM5D04A0
English Learner Families, please join us for our final District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting on May 16th at 4:30 in rm. 12 at Wyandotte Academy. In this meeting we review English Learner data & our parent survey, plan future meetings and ask for parent input on how we can make our English Learner program at OCESD stronger. Children are welcome, We hope to see you there.
Tabitha VanGunda and Rachelle Linden were presented with the Ross-Harmon Educator of the Year Monday evening! Congratulations to you both!
The Bureau of Children's Justice representatives will be holding office hours for students, parents, and guardians at the Studios @ Central Middle School at 2565 Mesa Avenue on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 4-5:30 p.m.
They would like to hear from you regarding your and your child’s experiences with
school climate and school discipline in the District, including class or school removals, suspensions, expulsions, and transfers.
You can access the full notices in English, Spanish, and Hmong by clicking on the Equity Resources button, then go to DOJ Visits.
The agenda for the April 19, 2023, regular meeting of the Board of Trustees may be accessed here: http://go.boarddocs.com/ca/ocesd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CQMNVP61C5BB
Work crews removed storm-damaged trees from the Ishi Hills Middle School over break!
https://youtube.com/shorts/yq0n7UF3rSk
Another incredible position has opened up at the OCESD District Office!
Full-time, full-year, health benefits, retirement (PERS) and you can learn the Business Attendance Clerk position on the job!
Apply today! https://www.edjoin.org/Home/DistrictJobPosting/1750430
Ishi Hills Middle School is getting a fresh coat of paint over the break!
Hay there! Did you hear? The Paradise Grazing Festival is next weekend!
Get ready for a day of fun for the whole family, hosted by the Butte County Fire Safe Council (BCFSC)!
Meet your Host: The BCFSC is a nonprofit, community-based organization providing wildfire safety services to Butte County since 1998!
When: Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: The Terry Ashe Recreation Center at 6626 Skyway, Paradise, CA
Why: Come celebrate some amazing grazing from nature’s firefighters. Learn about how goats can help protect our communities from wildfires by clearing flammable vegetation to create a more fire-safe landscape.
Learn about using grazing for wildfire safety, and then stay for food, vendor booths, live music, tie dye crafts, goat activities, and more!
We’re bringing the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) goats, just like last year.
Goat Experiences: Petting zoo, goat yoga, goat photobooth, story time with goats, and a dog herding demonstration!
Find out more online:
Watch the video recap of last year’s first ever Paradise Grazing Festival: https://youtu.be/g9ueao2-HSU
Event webpage: https://buttefiresafe.net/paradisegrazingfestival/
RSVP or share on Facebook: https://fb.me/e/3nsfIr202
Learn more about the Butte County Fire Safe Council (BCFSC): https://linktr.ee/buttefiresafe
Staff and students at Sierra Del Oro Preschool celebrated Kindness Day on March 16!
The agenda for the March 23, 2023, special meeting of the Board of Trustees may be accessed here: http://go.boarddocs.com/ca/ocesd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CQ5QRP6A95D8
The agenda for the March 8, 2023, regular meeting of the Board of Trustees may be accessed here: http://go.boarddocs.com/ca/ocesd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CPFT8X727EC2
Please join us for the Supportive School Climate Advisory meeting; full details are on this flyer: https://5il.co/1pu0z RSVP by March 3, 2023 for dinner
The agenda for the March 7, 2023, meeting of the Supportive School Climate Advisory Committee can be found here: https://5il.co/1pm5k
The agenda for the February 15, 2023, regular meeting of the Board of Trustees may be accessed here: http://go.boarddocs.com/ca/ocesd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=CNNT4D7588A1
Oroville City Elementary School Families: Each year we offer a survey for Families to provide feedback to our schools and district. This information is reviewed and will help drive changes in policies and culture. Please take about 10 minutes and provide us with your feedback. Thank you
https://www.pbisassessment.org/Anon/GoSx00zzX000
English Learner Families, please join us to our 2nd District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting tomorrow at 4:30 in rm 12 at Wyandotte Academy. In this meeting we review English Learner data, talk about language testing that is currently taking place and ask for parent input on how we can make our English Learner program at OCESD stronger. We hope to see you there.
Incredible job opportunity open right now in Oroville! The Accounts Technician position is full time, full year with benefits working at the OCESD District Office. Apply Today! https://www.edjoin.org/Home/DistrictJobPosting/1710820