Before heading into winter break, Plumas Charter School brought together junior high and high school students from its Quincy, Chester and Indian Valley Academy sites for a full day focused on connection, collaboration and student success.

The day-long workshop, held Dec. 17 at IVA, was designed to strengthen relationships across school sites while giving students tools to support their academic, social and emotional well-being.

Students rotated through a variety of hands-on workshops and activities throughout the morning, including ornament making, cupcake decorating, team-building games, journaling and goal-setting exercises. The sessions encouraged creativity, cooperation and reflection while allowing students to work alongside peers they may not see regularly during the school year.

“This was a meaningful opportunity for our students to build community beyond their individual learning centers,” said wellness coach Rhonda Wayson “Bringing everyone together helps reinforce that they are part of one school community, even though they attend different sites.”

The day concluded with a schoolwide assembly, where IVA site director Ryan Schramel addressed students and encouraged them to set goals, take ownership of their choices and approach the coming year with purpose and responsibility. Laughter followed as senior boys wrapped up the event with a cupcake-eating challenge, a moment that added fun and camaraderie to the close of the day.

Students were then dismissed to enjoy a taco lunch prepared and served by Ms. Veronica and the IVA culinary class, providing a fitting and festive end to the workshop.

Staff described the event as a valuable chance for students to connect, collaborate and recharge before winter break, reinforcing positive relationships and a shared sense of belonging across PCS programs.