Placer County Office of Education

09/02/2026

Next Week: Our second annual Blankets & Books event is back! 📚🎉

Join us for this free, family-friendly celebration of reading and the Placer County Reads Literacy Initiative. Enjoy literacy games, hands-on activities, free books, giveaways, raffles, and more!

📅 Wednesday, September 9
⏰ 5–7 PM
📍 PCOE HQ: 1400 W Stanford Ranch Road, Rocklin

09/02/2026

Check out Season 2, Episode 2 of UDL Unlocked -- a podcast created by our colleagues at Open Access! 🎧▶️

🎙️ NEW EPISODE: UDL Unlocked

What does collaboration look like when your learners are just six and seven years old?

In the newest episode of UDL Unlocked, we sit down with Mahj Yusufi, first-grade teacher at Natomas Star Academy, to dig into the UDL consideration Foster Collaboration, Interdependence, and Collective Learning.

Mahj shares practical ways she intentionally builds the skills young learners need to learn with and from one another. From turn-and-talks and peer problem-solving to sentence stems, visual supports, structured partnerships, and even role reversal, collaboration becomes part of the everyday classroom experience.

We also explore how these early collaborative experiences can build learner agency, empathy, communication, belonging, and shared responsibility, while helping students become more independent in their learning.

What does it take to create a classroom where even our youngest learners see one another as resources for learning?

Listen to the newest episode of UDL Unlocked to find out: https://www.openaccess-ca.org/podcast/episode/9b176e5b/more-collaboration-for-all

Natomas Charter School - Star Academy
SELPA Administrators of California
North Inland SELPA
Humboldt County Office of Education
Placer County Office of Education
California Department of Education
California Collaborative for Educational Excellence
California Statewide System of Support

09/01/2026

Congratulations to our colleagues supporting First 5 Placer, who received recognition from Assemblymember Heather Hadwick! PCOE is proud to collaborate on this important work!💙👏

We’re honored to share that First 5 Placer has received the Shaping the Future Award from California Assemblymember Heather Hadwick 1st District!

This Certificate of Recognition celebrates First 5 Placer’s dedicated service to advancing education and opportunity for children and families throughout our community. We’re grateful for this recognition and proud to continue working alongside our partners to create lasting opportunities and help shape a brighter future for Placer County’s youngest residents.

Thank you, Assemblymember Heather Hadwick, for recognizing the work we do and for your support of children and families in our community! 💙

09/01/2026

Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica is pleased to recognize her selection for PCOE's 2026 Superintendent's Award: Kelsey Bonnet, Communications & Events Specialist in the Communications and Prevention Supports and Services Department! 💙🌟

Kelsey’s creativity, strategic thinking and behind-the-scenes work have made a lasting impact across PCOE. Through award-winning communications, an expanded social media presence and innovative marketing for California PBIS, she has elevated PCOE’s profile and created tools that strengthen the organization and inspire confidence. Congratulations, Kelsey!

08/31/2026

Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica is pleased to recognize PCOE's 2026 Rookie of the Year: Dr. Brian Swank, Executive Director of Human Resources! 🥳🙌

In his first year at PCOE, Brian Swank has already made a significant impact through his expertise, collaborative leadership and commitment to exceptional service. Whether supporting employees, partnering with labor groups or advancing Human Resources initiatives, he approaches every opportunity with a solutions-focused mindset and a willingness to help. Kudos to you, Brian!

08/28/2026

Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica is pleased to recognize PCOE's 2026 Management Employee of the Year: Becky Canham, Director of Curriculum & Instruction in the Education Innovation and Supports Department! 💙🎉

Becky is a visionary leader whose influence has strengthened literacy and instructional practices across Placer County and throughout California. Through transformative efforts such as Placer County Reads and the development of a $15 million statewide literacy grant, she has created lasting opportunities to improve outcomes for students and educators. Three cheers for Becky!

08/27/2026

Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica is pleased to recognize PCOE's 2026 Certificated Employee of the Year: Torre Ruff, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the Student Services Department! 🌟👏

Torre consistently demonstrates a commitment to excellence, bringing dedication, professionalism and a positive spirit to everything she does. Her willingness to support others and go the extra mile makes her a valued member and a deserving recipient of this recognition. Congratulations, Torre!

08/26/2026

Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica is pleased to recognize PCOE's 2026 Classified Support Employee of the Year: Denise Siguenza, Program Support Specialist in the Early Childhood Education Department! 🥳🙌

Denise is the heart of the Early Childhood Education team, creating a welcoming and supportive environment where colleagues feel valued, encouraged and cared for. Through her knowledge and kindness, she embodies the PCOE Promise and demonstrates what it means to be part of Team PCOE. Kudos to Denise!

08/26/2026

A great story is waiting for you! 📖🤩

Don't forget: our second annual Blankets & Books event is happening soon! Join us for a free, family-friendly celebration of reading and the Placer County Reads Literacy Initiative. Enjoy literacy games, hands-on activities, free books, giveaways, raffles, and more!

📅 Wednesday, September 9
⏰ 5–7 PM
📍 PCOE HQ: 1400 W Stanford Ranch Road, Rocklin

08/25/2026

Placer County Superintendent of Schools Gayle Garbolino-Mojica is pleased to recognize PCOE's 2026 Classified Clerical Employee of the Year: Michaela Berg, Staff Secretary in the Student Services Department! 👏💙

Michaela is the kind of teammate every organization hopes to have, bringing resilience, adaptability and a steadfast commitment to those she serves. Throughout a year of change, she consistently provided exceptional customer service while approaching challenges with grace, positivity and a team-first spirit. Three cheers for Michaela!