Bright Spots in Butte County
Connecting Families, Building Trust, and Celebrating Culture
Across Butte County, school districts are making incredible strides in student support, family engagement, and community connection. Two recent highlights showcase the power of whole-child strategies and the impact of the CCSPP grant’s four pillars: Integrated Student Supports, Family and Community Engagement, Collaborative Leadership, and Extended Learning Time.
The burned remains of an elementary school on Nov. 9, 2018, in Paradise. Credit: AP/Rich Pedroncelli
Paradise Unified: A National Model for Reducing Absenteeism
Paradise Unified School District has faced extraordinary challenges, from the devastation of the Camp Fire to the widespread disruptions caused by the pandemic. Yet today, the district is being recognized nationally for its innovative and compassionate approach to reducing chronic absenteeism.
With support from their CCSPP grant, Paradise Unified has reimagined what it means to support students and families. The district has strengthened Integrated Student Supports by embedding counselors directly in classrooms, helping students build trusting relationships and ensuring they receive mental health and academic support right where it’s needed most. They’ve deepened Family and Community Engagement by meeting families where they are — visiting them at grocery stores, delivering meals to community gathering spots, and even riding bus routes to stay connected.
Behind the scenes, the district has embraced Collaborative Leadership by creating dedicated roles to coordinate recovery efforts, manage donations, and make sure families have access to vital resources. Through Extended Learning Time, Paradise has also offered more opportunities for students to re-engage with school and learning, helping them rebuild a sense of belonging and purpose.
The results are remarkable: Paradise Unified has cut chronic absenteeism nearly in half in just a few years. At one point, almost 40% of students were missing too much school, but today that number is down to about 20%. District leaders are now sharing their strategies with educators across the country — from Hawai‘i to Ukraine — positioning Paradise Unified as a true bright spot for Butte County and beyond.
Read more about PUSD’s work here.
Ballet Folklórico dancers light up the stage during “Eternamente: A Día de los Muertos Spectacular!” – bringing heritage, art, and history to life for Wilson Elementary students and families.
Gridley Unified: Wilson Elementary Families Celebrate Día de los Muertos at CSU Chico
In another example of family and community connection, Wilson Elementary in Gridley Unified hosted a special field trip to CSU Chico’s Laxson Auditorium. Students and families came together to experience “Eternamente: A Día de los Muertos Spectacular!” – a vibrant performance featuring live mariachi music, ballet folklórico, and a stunning tribute to loved ones through song and dance.
What made this trip especially meaningful was the school’s decision to invite families who might not have been able to drive to Chico to ride together on the school bus. This thoughtful step ensured that all families, regardless of transportation barriers, could join in the celebration and learning experience.
This event illustrates how the district is weaving the CCSPP pillars into real experiences. By organizing the trip, Wilson Elementary created a powerful opportunity for Family and Community Engagement, bringing families together to celebrate culture and learning in a shared space. The performance also supported Integrated Student Supports by helping students feel seen, connected, and proud of their heritage – an important part of supporting emotional and social well-being. At the same time, the trip reflected Extended Learning Time, as students expanded their learning beyond the classroom, deepening their understanding of history, art, and cultural traditions.
Why These Moments Matter
These bright spots reflect the heart of the CCSPP mission: supporting the whole child, strengthening family-school partnerships, and making education more joyful and inclusive. Whether it’s Paradise Unified rethinking how schools show up for families or Wilson Elementary creating opportunities to celebrate culture, Butte County schools are proving what’s possible when we work together.