TCOE Dispatch 2026-04 by Jeff Morris

Student Projects Highlighted the “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History” Theme

On Thursday, March 12th, Burnt Ranch Elementary School proudly hosted this year’s Trinity County National History Day (NHD) competition.  The event brought together 4th to 8th graders from across the county for a day of creativity, learning, and historical exploration with a backdrop of the scenic Trinity River, offering a unique setting for the budding historians of the future to showcase their research and passion for history.

The competition featured 46 student projects, all centered around this year’s NHD theme, “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.” Participants represented three local schools: Burnt Ranch Elementary, Trinity Center Elementary, and Junction City Elementary, competing for the chance to attend the National History Day state finals at California State University, Sacramento, from May 1st – 3rd.
Finalists were selected in two divisions (Junior and Elementary) as well as two special awards. 

Junior Finalists: 
Ruby Eszterhas (Trinity Center): Seneca Falls Convention
Jo’Von Rosales (Burnt Ranch): Nirvana and the Grunge Movement in Music   

Elementary Finalists:
Cora Montgomery/Eloise Corp (Junction City): What Was That (Sonic Boom)

Special Awards:
Paisley Raines/Legend Thompson (Burnt Ranch): All Aboard Harriet Tubman (Elementary Division) 

The projects covered a wide array of historical topics, showcasing the students’ deep engagement with the past. Other presentations included subjects like the 1970s Feminist Campaign, Dred Scott, The Downfall of Hedy Lamar, and The Long Walk of the Navajo, among others.

“The students brought history to life through their diverse projects," commented Trinity County Superintendent of Schools Fabio Robles. "This event not only highlights their creativity but also reminds us that history is more than a subject—it's an ongoing narrative that we continue to learn from that also connects us all."

Judges and other onlookers agreed that the competition was a testament to the students’ hard work, passion, and commitment to understanding the complex tapestry of history and its ongoing relevance to our world today. “Burnt Ranch Superintendent Amanda Platt concurred, “Burnt Ranch Elementary School is proud to continue hosting such a meaningful event, and we look forward to seeing the progression of these young historians.”

For more information about National History Day or to learn how to participate in future events, please visit www.tcoek12.org.
 

The creative gears will soon be turning at full speed as 7th–8th graders from multiple Trinity County school districts prepare to unveil their work at this year’s STEAM Expo and Science Challenge. From robots and renewable energy prototypes to water quality investigations and emerging AI innovations, local students will don their goggles and lab jackets to present bold ideas, careful experiments, and imaginative solutions to real-world problems.

Hosted at the historic Veterans Memorial Hall in Weaverville, the event promises an inspiring showcase of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in action. The Expo brings together students, families, educators, and community members for an evening that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore interactive displays, ask questions of student presenters, and see firsthand the remarkable work happening in Trinity County classrooms.

More than a competition, the STEAM Expo and Science Challenge is a celebration of problem-solving and perseverance. Students have spent weeks researching, designing, testing, revising, and refining their projects. Along the way, they’ve learned not just scientific principles, but collaboration, communication, and resilience — skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom.

Community members are warmly encouraged to attend and support these young innovators. Whether you’re fascinated by robotics, passionate about environmental science, or simply eager to encourage the next generation, the STEAM Expo offers something for everyone. Come witness the future in the making and help us celebrate the creativity and determination of Trinity County’s students.

This year’s event runs from 9:30 am - 12:00 pm on Wednesday, April 14th at a new location, the Veterans' Memorial Hall in Weaverville.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Trinity County Office of Education Announces Inaugural “Excellence in Education” Gala; Nominations Now Open

WEAVERVILLE, CA – January 8, 2026 – The Trinity County Office of Education (TCOE) is proud to announce the launch of the first annual Excellence in Education Gala, a premier event dedicated to honoring the extraordinary educators and staff who shape the lives of students throughout the county.

The gala, scheduled for May 2, 2026, at the Veterans Memorial Hall in Weaverville, serves as a formal platform to recognize those who go above and beyond their defined roles. TCOE is currently seeking nominations from the community and colleagues to identify the "heroes" within the school system, including teachers, support staff, and administrators.

Celebrating Our Educational Community
The Excellence in Education Gala is designed as an intimate, private celebration for Trinity County school employees and invited guests. While the event itself is not open to the general public, TCOE encourages the community to participate by submitting nominations for those who have made a profound impact on local education.

"We are thrilled to launch this inaugural event," said County Superintendent of Schools Fabio Robles. "This gala is about shining a spotlight on the dedication and inspirational spirit that strengthens our community every day. We want to hear the stories of innovation and unwavering commitment that happen in our schools every single year."

Call for Nominations
Nominations are being accepted now through January 31, 2026. TCOE is looking for individuals who:
●      Consistently exceed the expectations of their role.
●      Embody innovation and exhibit dedication to student success.
●      Foster a positive and impactful learning environment.

Nomination Info
●      Nomination Deadline: January 31, 2026
●      Nomination Form: https://bit.ly/EducationAwardNomination-2025-2026
 
Event Details
●      Gala Date: May 2, 2026, by invitation only
●      Time: 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
●      Location: Veterans Memorial Hall, Weaverville
●      Attendance: This is a private event for Trinity County school employees and honorees.

For more information regarding the nomination process or the Excellence in Education Gala, please contact comms@tcoek12.org.

Three Trinity County high school students recently traded their regular school day for clippers, color bowls, and a glimpse of their possible future. The outing was made possible by the WorkAbility I program, run through the Trinity County Office of Education and led by program coordinator Stephanie Rebelo, in collaboration with Joy Thompson and the Trinity Together: Cradle to Career Partnership. Together, these partners arranged a full-day career exploration field trip to the Shasta School of Cosmetology in Redding.

For many teens, choosing a career path can feel distant and abstract. WorkAbility I changes that by connecting students with real workplaces and real professionals. This field trip was a perfect example: a complete behind-the-scenes tour of one of Northern California’s top cosmetology programs, personally guided by the school’s lead instructor, Mr. Deazmond Paul Lerner.

From the moment the group walked through the doors, the energy was electric. Styling stations lined the walls, mannequins waited patiently for the next practice cut, and the hum of blow-dryers filled the air. Mr. Lerner, with his signature long hair, red smock, and welcoming smile, greeted the students like future colleagues. He didn’t just talk about cosmetology; he showed it.

The tour covered every corner of the facility:

• Professional salon chairs and mirrored workstations  
• Shelves stocked with professional-grade products and tools  
• Dedicated classrooms for theory and hands-on practice  
• A student clinic where learners serve real clients under supervision  

What made the visit even more relatable? The Trinity County students spotted familiar faces – former classmates from their own high school who are already enrolled and thriving in the program. Seeing peers they know succeeding in dual-enrollment courses turned “someday” into “this could be me right now.”

Mr. Lerner walked the group through the tools of the trade: shears, clippers, hot irons, color brushes, and the latest techniques in balayage, barbering, and esthetics. He explained how the school’s curriculum prepares students not just to pass the California State Board exam, but to walk straight into a salon chair and start earning the day they graduate.

For the WorkAbility I students, the trip was more than a tour; it was inspiration in action. 

“This is exactly why we do these experiences,” said Stephanie Rebelo, WorkAbility I coordinator with the Trinity County Office of Education. “When students can touch the tools, talk to the instructors, and see peers from their own community succeeding, the future stops feeling out of reach.”

Thanks to dedicated educators, the strong collaboration between Stephanie Rebelo’s WorkAbility I team and Joy Thompson of Trinity Together: Cradle to Career Partnership, and welcoming professionals like Mr. Lerner, Trinity County students aren’t just dreaming about their futures; they’re stepping right into them, one field trip at a time.

(Photos: Mr. Deazmond Lerner explains professional tools to WorkAbility I students while touring the Shasta School of Cosmetology in Redding.)

Effective January 1, 2025, Assembly Bill (AB) 3218 (Wood, Chapter 849, Statutes of 2024) and Senate (SB) 1230 (Rubio, Chapter 462, Statutes of 2024) strengthen California’s flavored tobacco laws, SB 793 & AB 935 , by:

• requiring the California Attorney General to create an Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL) of unflavored products legal for sale in California
• prohibiting online and delivery sales of illegal flavored tobacco products
• requiring tobacco sellers and deliverers to comply with all state and local tobacco laws that apply to local retailers where the products are shipped
• allowing the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) and other enforcing agencies to seize illegal flavored tobacco products found during inspections
• updating the definition of “characterizing flavor” to include products that produce a cooling sensation
• updating the definition of “nicotine” to include nicotine analogs  
• increasing penalties for noncompliant retailers
• updating penalties for retailers selling to minors.  

For more information about the Trinity County Office of Education's work in this area, visit our webpage or contact TUPE Coordinator Taylor Lerma at tlerma@tcoek12.org  (530) 623-2861 ext. 232.