Plumas Charter School’s Quincy Learning Center welcomed students and families to its first-ever Back-to-School Night for seventh through twelfth graders on Thursday, Sept. 11. The evening featured games, food and prizes, but its primary focus was on strengthening family engagement and tailoring support for each student’s unique academic program.

For middle and high school students at the Quincy Learning Center, no two schedules look alike. Many combine a mix of Feather River College classes, online coursework, and onsite instruction. To reflect that individualized approach, the beginning of the school year included one-on-one meetings designed to review and support each student’s specific program needs.

“Since we don’t hold traditional parent-teacher conferences at this level, we wanted to create a new way for families to connect,” said assistant director Brittini Wade. “Back-to-School Night gave us an opportunity to celebrate students while also ensuring parents feel supported and informed about their child’s path.”

By contrast, TK through sixth-grade families already have regular touchpoints through parent-teacher conferences and the school’s annual Fall Performance. Building on the success of this event, PCS plans to expand the Fall Performance with more vendors and a fuller program so it can serve as a family engagement night for elementary students as well.

The evening wrapped up with prizes for students, bringing a festive close to what organizers hope will become a new tradition for Quincy Learning Center families.