Black Oak Mine Unified School District

Retired Northside School Principal Bill Jensen was honored at BOMUSD’s Board of Trustees meeting on Jan. 10 by Superintendent Jeremy Meyers for his years of service as “Farmer Bill.”  Meyers presented a certificate, saying: “Thank you for your legacy of establishing the garden program at Northside School; for your devotion in mentoring students in gardening; for your partnership in overseeing UC Davis’s School Gardening Program; for writing garden grants; and for your work to bring the access pathway between Auburn Lake Trails and North side School.”  Future projects include building students’ curiosity and sense of accomplishment as they cook and eat the vegetables and fruits from the garden.  Students are also learning how to reduce waste in the school cafeteria and recycle both food and paper waste.Jensen brought laughter when he said, “I’m on permanent recess!”  

How are high achievers recognized at Golden Sierra High School? A new Student of the Month program,designed by teacher Bill Sammons and Librarian Angela Schroeder, and in collaboration with Principal Jeremy Meyers, is highlighting a 7 th -12 th grade student each month. All staff recognize one student in their class, then these students are reviewed by the team and a final selection is made. What criteria is considered for recommendation? Each teacher bases his/her decision upon charactertraits such as citizenship, service, integrity, contribution to class as well as academic achievement, perseverance and determination. GSJSHS is striving to ensure that students plan for their future; “building a college resume can begin as early as 7 th grade,” says Sammons. “It’s never too early to start.”All students are recognized in class and receive a certificate of merit; the Student of the Month is featured in a video production designed and filmed in the CTE video production class. The student’s picture and description of his/her outstanding student attributes is displayed in the hallway display case. Student Landon York was selected by Sammons in September “for his academic achievement as well as his contribution to the school through his participation in extra-curricular activities.” October’s student was Madison Bradley, nominated by Mr. Robin Jones, who stated “I have seen enormous improvement from Algebra 1 to now. She has transitioned …thanks to her perseverance.Student Paige Dehlinger has been selected for November.  As nominating teacher Tim Palmer said, “Paige is an outstanding student.  In addition to excelling academically, she works hard as part of the school drama club and peer advocate program. Paige is one of the best critical thinkers I have ever had the pleasure of teaching. Her writing is filled with expressive and articulate word choices and shows a mastery of reasoned thought and organization.”  This tangible recognition of what makes a Golden Sierra Super Star is just one way to encourage students to work hard, set positive role models and achieve at their personal best.  Congratulations, Golden Sierra Students of the Month.