OUHSD Quarterly Newsletter

As we close out February, I want to share an important reminder about the moment we are in and the opportunity ahead for our students.

California has re-secured its position as the fourth-largest economy in the world, driven by growth in technology, clean energy, healthcare, infrastructure, and skilled trades. These industries are expanding not just statewide, but right here in Oroville, Chico, and throughout Butte County.

At OUHSD, we are intentionally preparing students not only to graduate, but to thrive in this evolving economy.

Our Portrait of a Graduate focuses on critical thinking, communication, collaboration, responsibility, and resilience. These skills matter whether a student pursues college, a skilled trade, healthcare, public service, or entrepreneurship.

Through strong A–G academic programs, we keep four-year college pathways open, including CSU and UC options such as Chico State. At the same time, our Career Technical Education (CTE) programs in areas like welding, agriculture, automotive technology, culinary arts, multimedia, and ag mechanics align directly with regional workforce needs. Students can enter employment immediately or continue through Butte College, trade schools, apprenticeship programs, or university study.

We are fortunate to sit within a powerful local education network that includes Butte College, Chico State, Northwest Lineman College, Butte County ROP, and Oroville Adult Education. Together, these partners create flexible pathways that allow students to earn, upskill, and advance throughout their lives.

Beyond academics, our athletics, arts, FFA, clubs, and extracurricular programs build leadership, teamwork, and accountability. These qualities strengthen both college applications and career readiness.

California’s economy is evolving. Butte County is growing. OUHSD students are prepared not just to enter this future, but to lead in it.

Our graduates are not just earning diplomas. They are launching into lifelong opportunity.

Sincerely,
Superintendent Williams
Oroville Union High School District

CAASPP testing provides valuable information about how well students are learning key academic skills and helps identify where additional support may be needed. Strong student participation ensures results accurately reflect our school community and helps guide instruction, programs, and resources. Our schools are committed to helping every student succeed by creating a supportive testing environment, clearly communicating expectations, and encouraging students throughout the testing process. We want all students to feel prepared, confident, and supported on testing days.

We appreciate our families’ partnership in helping students arrive rested, on time, and ready to do their best. Together, we can make CAASPP a positive and meaningful experience for all students.

CAASPP Testing Dates – 2026

Las Plumas High School

• March 10

• March 18–19

• March 25–26

Oroville High School:

• March 30–31

• April 13–16

• April 20–23
  

Since returning from winter break, our schools have seen an increase in seasonal illnesses, including flu-like symptoms and stomach-related illness. To help reduce the spread of illness and protect the health of our students and staff, we are reinforcing healthy habits such as frequent handwashing and the regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces throughout campus.

Please remember:

• Stay home when sick to rest and prevent spreading illness.

• Return to school only after being fever-free and vomit-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications (such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen).

• Practice good hygiene by washing hands often, using hand sanitizer, and covering coughs and sneezes.
  
  

Thank you for helping keep our school community safe and healthy. For more information on preventing flu and illness, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevention/actions-prevent-flu.html

Big things are happening in OUHSD cafeterias! Our Nutrition Services team is excited to roll out new menu options that bring more variety, flavor, and student-favorite choices to breakfast and lunch—because fueling our students should be both nutritious and delicious.

At OUHSD, we know that when students eat well, they’re better prepared to learn, grow, and succeed inside the classroom and beyond. That’s why our dedicated Nutrition Services professionals prepare meals from scratch every day, using quality ingredients to create balanced, flavorful dishes that meet USDA guidelines and support student health. That’s right... our meals aren’t just heated and served. They’re thoughtfully prepared by a caring team that takes pride in cooking real food for our school community.

Whether it’s starting the morning with a satisfying breakfast or recharging midday with a hearty lunch, students can count on meals made with care, skill, and a whole lot of heart.

✨ And here’s the best part: Thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), breakfast and lunch are FREE for all students at every OUHSD school—every day. No applications, no cost—just fresh, wholesome meals ready to fuel success.

We invite students and families to explore what’s new and see what’s cooking this month:

👉 View the latest menus: https://www.ouhsd.org/departments/food-service/lunch-menu

We are excited to share that our district has already begun rolling out Paxton/Patterson Future Ready Labs, giving students hands-on opportunities to explore careers and build real-world skills.

Future Ready Labs are engaging, project-based learning experiences that allow students to step into the role of professionals across a variety of career fields. Rather than only learning about careers, students actively participate in authentic tasks — problem-solving, creating, and practicing skills used in real workplaces.

Through these labs, students are:

• Exploring a wide range of career pathways

• Developing practical skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and communication

• Making connections between classroom learning and real-world applications

• Reflecting on their interests, strengths, and future goals
  
  

These experiences are designed to be accessible and engaging for all learners, helping students gain confidence while discovering careers they may not have previously considered. Whether students plan to attend college, pursue technical training, or enter the workforce, Future Ready Labs support informed decision-making about life after high school.

We are thrilled to see students already engaging in this work and look forward to expanding these opportunities as implementation continues. More updates and highlights will be shared as students progress through the labs!

Oroville and Las Plumas each publish a monthly newsletter featuring campus news, upcoming events, and student highlights—an easy way to stay connected all year long to your high school.

👉 Check them out here:

• Oroville High School
• Las Plumas High School

It was a strong showing for OUHSD schools at the recent Butte County Academic Decathlon Competition, with both Oroville High School and Las Plumas High School delivering impressive performances and representing their campuses with pride.

Oroville High School earned an overall third-place finish in the county competition and secured second place in the Super Quiz, a fast-paced event known for spirited competition and bragging rights. Competing against schools from across the county, including Pleasant Valley, Las Plumas, Paradise, and Biggs, OHS students demonstrated dedication, academic strength, and teamwork.

OHS decathletes also brought home multiple individual medals across a wide range of subject areas, including essay, music, art, economics, literature, math, science, and speech. Their success reflects countless hours of preparation, collaboration, and commitment.

Las Plumas High School delivered a standout performance, turning what was expected to be a rebuilding year into a historic achievement. The team earned 49 total medals, the most ever won by a single school in Butte County Academic Decathlon history, surpassing the combined total of all other competing schools. Every Las Plumas decathlete earned at least one medal, with many earning multiple awards throughout the day.

Las Plumas students dominated several events, including a sweep of gold medals in both Essay and Literature, and impressed judges and competitors alike with their professionalism, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship.

Both teams benefited from the dedication of staff and supporters who generously volunteered time during lunches and beyond to help prepare students for exams, essays, speeches, and interviews. Their commitment played a key role in supporting student success.

Congratulations to the students, coaches, and supporters from both campuses on an exceptional Academic Decathlon season. It is a proud moment for OUHSD and a strong reminder of the academic excellence across our schools.

The Las Plumas Thunderbirds SOARed at the first round of the Butte County Mock Trial competition.

Competing in a real courtroom and in front of real judges, the team tried the fictional first-degree murder case People v. Fromholz. Facing Chico High and Core Butte—two highly polished programs—Las Plumas rose to the challenge with confidence and professionalism.

The core team is made up primarily of sophomores, supported by two graduating seniors, CJ Rowe and Grace Counts, and one calm, cool freshman, Marcus Mullen. The future of the Las Plumas Mock Trial program is bright, and the team is already looking ahead to next year.

The team earned multiple recognitions throughout the competition. Gwendolyn Vickery was selected as MVP twice—once for her witness portrayal and once as a defense attorney—by both Chico High and Core Butte.

Additional awards included:

• Bianca McIntosh – Best Prosecution Witness (Amari Rodriguez)

• Julian Ortiz – Best Expert Defense Witness (Dr. Ren Dunne)

• Gwendolyn Vickery – Best Defense Attorney (Direct Examination)

• Chloe McManus – Best Defense Attorney (Cross Examination)

• Selma Schufeldt – Best Court Clerk

• Bryson Moss – Best Bailiff

Two photos are included: one featuring the team with the three presiding judges, and another highlighting the impressive courtroom artwork by Grace Counts, whose artistic talent continues to stand out.

This success reflects the dedication of Coach David Loudermilk and co-coach Bret Lawson, whose commitment ensures the continued growth of Mock Trial at Las Plumas. Special thanks also go to Chico attorney Adam Sorrells, who generously volunteered his time and expertise. With over 30 years of legal experience, his coaching helped students perform at a high level while remaining encouraging throughout the process.

Thanks as well to the families, friends, and OUHSD Board Member Ray Sehorn who traveled to Chico to support the team.

And finally, If you know “Haley Fromholz”, She was ultimately convicted of first-degree murder. Any assistance in organizing her schoolwork for the next 25 years to life would be greatly appreciated.

Earlier this month, the Oroville Adult Education team came together for a professional development weekend that was equal parts learning, reflection, and connection. While it may have looked like “just” a training weekend from the outside, inside it was a powerful reminder that small intentional actions can create lasting impact—for staff and for students.

The objective was not only professional growth, but also to reenergize staff as we head into the climax of the school year. Through Chapters 1 and 2 of The High 5 Habit, the team explored the importance of positive self-talk, self-encouragement, and building intentional morning routines that help set the tone for the day. One simple yet powerful practice we focused on was literally learning to high-five ourselves in the mirror each morning—starting the day by recognizing our own effort, resilience, and worth.

By beginning each day from a place of encouragement and positivity, staff are better prepared to support students from a positive framework. Through thoughtful discussion, collaboration, and a few laughs along the way, the team reflected on how modeling confidence, resilience, and compassion can help our adult learners feel seen, supported, and capable.

Adult education students often juggle work, family, and life responsibilities while pursuing their goals. The OAE team recognized that sometimes the most powerful support doesn’t come from a grand gesture—it comes from small, consistent actions:

• A welcoming smile at the classroom door

• A quick check-in before a test

• Words of encouragement during a tough week

• Celebrating progress, no matter how small
  
  

By focusing on mindset and self-growth, our educators are strengthening their own capacity to lead with empathy and positivity. When staff practice self-encouragement—even something as small as a morning high five—they are better equipped to help students build confidence in themselves. That ripple effect, one high five at a time, creates classrooms where perseverance is celebrated and growth is expected.

This annual PD weekend was more than a training; it was an investment in our people. And when we invest in our staff, we invest in every adult learner walking through our doors.

At OAE, we believe small actions truly do lead to big impact—and this team continues to prove it.

The Oroville Fellows Club is proud to host the Top Ten Awards Night on May 14 at 6:00 p.m. at the beautiful Historic State Theatre in downtown Oroville—an evening dedicated to celebrating some of our community’s most outstanding students.

This year marks a remarkable milestone:
The 60th Anniversary of the Fellows Club Top Ten Awards. For six decades, this cherished tradition has honored academic excellence and recognized students whose hard work, dedication, and leadership inspire those around them.

During the ceremony, the Fellows Club will recognize:

• The Top 10 students in each grade level at LPHS and OHS

• Two outstanding students from PHS
  
  

We are incredibly proud of each and every one of these students. Your commitment to excellence lights the path for others. Keep dreaming big and striving forward—the future is yours!

The Fellows Club of Oroville, established in 1922, was the first lunch club in town and has been a steadfast part of our community for over a century. Members have met weekly for lunch since its founding—opening each meeting by singing “America”—and their annual dues? Still just $12 per year.

The Club began recognizing top academic students in 1967. At the very first ceremony, seniors received $100 checks, and guests enjoyed a $1.50 Swiss steak dinner prepared by LPHS cooks. Over the years, the event has evolved and grown in popularity, now held at the historic State Theatre thanks to the continued partnership between the Fellows Club and the Oroville Union High School District.

Today, thanks to the generosity of Club members, senior award recipients receive $500, while freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are honored with certificates recognizing their outstanding achievement.

Athletic schedules for our schools are available on each school’s website.Please note that schedules are subject to change.

• Las Plumas High School

• Oroville High School

Oroville Union High School District prepares approximately 2,400 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: contact@ouhsd.net

Website: www.ouhsd.org
Location: 2211 Washington Avenue Oroville, CA 95966
Phone: (530) 538-2300