Shasta County Office of Education

The 2025–26?Free Application for Federal Student Aid?(FAFSA) is now available to all students and families at?fafsa.gov. Any student, regardless of income, should complete this form if they plan to apply for college, career school, or graduate school. If you need help, reach out to your student's school counselor.

The Shasta Strengthening Families Collaborative invites all community champions to start coming together to share about the power of protective factors to keep families strong and children safe. RSVP at: https://lnkd.in/g7_JMpAF or scan the QR code.

Big shoutout to the Shasta-Trinity ROP Restaurant Careers class?that prepared?nearly 200 Friendsgiving meals from scratch for students and families from Excel Academy and Shasta County Independent Study! When families arrived, they had the option to dine in or drive through. All were greeted by our wonderful SCOE Student Programs staff, who created a warm, welcoming, and fun environment for students and their families.?Their dedication and teamwork remind us that food is more than just nourishment—it's about bringing people together.?

???FIVE FOR FRIDAY! Take a look at these fun things our Shasta County Schools posted on social media this week. ??Redding School of the Arts students sported some serious facial hair for Mustache Monday. ??Students earn positive behavior referrals at Grand Oaks Elementary. ??Juniper Elementary celebrates Thanksgiving with students and families. ??Exchange student, Eko is honored at Foothill High School for her work ethic and dedication to music. ??U-Prep students prepare for their 21st musical, “Once on This Island."

Supporting homeless youth and families in schools is essential because it ensures that some of our community's most vulnerable members have a chance to thrive. More than 1,000 homeless students have been identified in Shasta County, and each of our 24 districts and 17 charter schools have homeless youth liaisons who are supported by SCOE Youth Support Services Coordinator Maggie Joyce. This work takes a village of caring, nonjudgmental adults who meet families where they are and walk alongside them in times of need. As one district liaison aptly shared, this is truly "heart work." By wrapping around children, youth, and families early on, we can help create stability, build resilience, and change the trajectory of their lives. These efforts reflect our collective responsibility to support every member of our community and invest in a brighter future for all.

T'is the season for wondering if kids are really sick or just suffering from a little stuffy nose. Attendance is so important to school success so, how do you know when your little one should stay home? Special thanks to our Reach Higher Shasta, Shasta County Office of Education friends for sharing this great tip sheet! It's better to spread joy and not germs!

The latest episode of Inspire Shasta, SCOE's new podcast, is live! November is Family Literacy Month, and our guests are Stephanie Byars, SCOE's Director of District and School Support, and Heather Armelino, Superintendent of the Enterprise Elementary School District and Chair of Reach Higher Shasta's Early Literacy Committee. They delve into the science of reading, the value of reading with kids, the importance of reducing screen time, leading by example, and much more. They're aiming for a future where all Shasta County graduates are skilled readers who are well equipped to follow the college and/or career path they choose. Check it out wherever you find your favorite podcasts, or find a direct link in the comments.

More than 1,400 students and 50 exhibitors descended upon the Shasta District Fairgrounds on Friday for the 11th Annual STEM Career Day. This action-packed regional event encourages North State students to prepare for and pursue career opportunities in STEM fields, with a focus this year on medical technologies. Students heard engaging presentations from professionals working in STEM fields, got real-world advice about the educational paths to STEM career opportunities in our area and beyond, and interacted with professionals and college students, and engage in STEM activities. What a busy, FUN day - thank you to our sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and attendees!

It’s National School Psychology Week, and we’re thrilled to honor two incredible professionals who make a world of difference every day. Thank you,?Polly Bambauer and Arisa Baker!

??Mandarin Immersion Kindergartners at Redding School of the Arts harvest learning with a fruitful project ?? Central Valley High School's FFA team secures victory at local speaking competition ?? Grand Oaks Elementary fifth graders gain hands-on experience at Shasta Dam ?? Manzanita Elementary School's students showcase student success to RSD board members ??Foothill High School's Cougar Band honors Veterans at the Shasta Lake Veterans Day parade