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Being a school leader in a small district comes with challenges, but they are outweighed by opportunities to connect with students and staff in meaningful and life-changing ways. This year, each of the 12 rural school districts in Mendocino County embraced their small size to host unique back-to-school events, setting the tone for another exceptional school year.
Mendocino County Office of Education staff visited school sites across the county to wish staff and students well as they start the new school year. During these visits, they witnessed rich back-to-school traditions alongside fresh ways to welcome everyone back. For example, in Potter Valley, a district of 275 students, staff and their families gathered before students returned, bonding over tacos from a local taco truck and sharing a potluck dessert bar in a barn overlooking a sprawling vineyard. On the first day of school in Leggett Valley, a district whose 120 students are vastly outnumbered by redwood trees, the entire staff greeted students as they arrived, cheering them on and connecting from the very moment they stepped off the bus and onto campus.
At Point Arena, one of the smallest incorporated cities in the state and one of 10 “Common Districts” in the state with separate elementary and high school districts, the superintendent eagerly awaits the completion of a new schoolyard garden outside his office. He chose the specific sunny garden site because district staff are delighted to be within earshot of the elementary school children who will learn science, math, and arts in the garden. Meanwhile, at Manchester, a coastal dual-language district with multi-grade classrooms, each of the 45 students received a customized basket filled with affirmations in both English and Spanish, a school t-shirt, and supplies to start the year on a positive note.
MCOE's own Community School, West Hills School, and Orr Creek Schools hosted a combined staff breakfast for all Alternative Education Department teachers, clinicians, administrators, and support staff to bond over pastries and breakfast burritos. The host was the new Principal, Chris Francis. Just down the road, Ukiah celebrated the return of the school year with a huge 1000-person rally to welcome new staff and honor long-serving team members. All new employees were given a “welcome salute to all new employees,” and the Ukiah High School ASB Class President addressed the crowd.
Mendocino County's rural, small school districts offer a unique blend of honoring tradition while embracing innovation. Starting the new school year in our close-knit communities creates a memorable educational experience for all students.
This article was originally published as a guest piece in the Small School Districts' Association newsletter.