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Weekly Community Newsletter - February 13, 2026

Posted Date: 02/13/26 (02:00 PM)
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Weekly Community Newsletter

February 13, 2026
The ACUSD/ACOE Community Newsletter is a weekly communication from the Amador County Unified School District and Amador County Office of Education. The purpose of this newsletter is to keep our families, staff, and community members informed about our district!

Questions, comments, or concerns? Please feel free to leave a comment below and we will get back to you within working hours. All comments are private and can only be seen by the Communications Specialist.

District News & Announcements

No School Monday

There will be no school on Monday, February 16. Our schools and offices will be closed in observance of Presidents' Day.

Please note that due to the Monday holiday, Wednesday will not be an early release day. All schools will follow the regular day schedule on Wednesday, February 18.

February is Love the Bus Month ❤️

February is Love the Bus Month, and schools and communities everywhere are showing their appreciation for the yellow school bus and the incredible drivers who keep students moving safely each day! It’s the perfect time to celebrate the rides, routes, and friendly faces that help learning happen. Love the Bus Month puts the spotlight on the buses—and the people behind them—who make getting to school safe, dependable, and full of possibility. 
A group of bus drivers pose for a photo in a conference room decorated with Valentine's Day hearts and bows.

Coffee & Connection - This Tuesday ☕

The Amador County Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC) invites you to the February Coffee & Connection gathering! 

🗓️ Tuesday, February 17, 2026
🕕 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 First 5 Amador, 975 Broadway, Jackson, CA 95642

You're invited to join us and other parents/caregivers of children with exceptional needs. This is a time to connect, support, share, and grow together.

Small plates, refreshments, and childcare provided! 
Please RSVP to (209) 268-8945 with any dietary restrictions or if you need childcare!

Free Community Training - The Nurtured Heart Approach

ACUSD is presenting a FREE training (childcare & dinner included) for our community! The Nurtured Heart Approach helps parents and teachers understand how the power of relationship can turn even the most challenging kids/teens around. Participants learn to recognize and build upon strengths in even the most challenging children.

Date: March 5, 12, & 19
Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: Faith Lutheran Church
22601 CA-88, Red Corral, CA 95666

 

School Site News

Free Instructional Assistant Course

Amador Adult Education is offering a FREE course for aspiring instructional assistants!
The class will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00 - 7:00 pm, starting on March 24 and running through April 2.
Interested? Call (209) 257-5110 to enroll!
 

News From the Community

Kids Community Bulletin

Visit the Community Bulletin page for more information about these events!
 

School Board Updates

The next School Board meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Amador County Administration Center located at 810 Court St. Jackson, CA 95642. 

ACOE Open Session will begin at 5:30 pm.
ACUSD Open Session will begin at 7:00 pm.
 

Celebrations

Four men stand together indoors, with framed documents and a bust visible in the background.

Maintenance Challenge Coins

At the February 4 board meeting, maintenance team members Mitch Knapp, Michael Maciolek, and Eric Baird were recognized with ACUSD Challenge Coins. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to keeping our campuses operating smoothly!

Director Surprised with Challenge Coin

Superintendent Critchfield presented Joe Cruz with an ACUSD Challenge Coin. Mr. Cruz has been helping oversee our transportation department while continuing to serve as our Maintenance Director. We greatly appreciate the extra time and effort he has been putting in to keep the transportation department in order until our new Transportation Director starts in March!

Pioneer Elementary Challenge Coins

Three Pioneer Elementary staff members were presented with ACUSD Challenge Coins! Principal Denae Merten recognized Jamie Nicholas (not pictured), Kayla Reeder, and Lisa Howe for their contributions to the Pioneer Elementary community. Thank you for your dedication to nurturing positive relationships with our students, staff, and families!
 

Upcoming Events

  • 2/16/2026 - No school (Presidents' Day)
  • 2/17/2026 - Coffee & Connection
  • 2/18/26 - School Board Meeting