Students participated in school-wide activities for Climate Action Week between May 18-22. High School and Middle School students planned and carried out activities for our younger students as part of their science classes with Ms. Kalila.
PCCS staff shared a 5-year review with the Point Arena Schools District Board at their May 13, 2026 meeting. This review included a broad overview of the bright spots and growth opportunities for our school since COVID.
A few of the highlights over the past 5 years include:
Student Services
In-Person Waiver during Distance Learning Farm to School Program
Our middle school and high school students traveled to Fort Ross to participate in LiMPETS (Long-Term Monitoring Program and Experiential Training for Students). PCCS students collected scientific data in the rocky intertidal environment by counting and identifying ecologically significant organisms and species.
Walk-a-thon 2026. Our students ran, walked, skipped, and cartwheeled a total of 712 laps…that is a collective 178 miles!!! We are still collecting donations, but so far we have raised over $4,500!
Students from Pacific Community Charter School (PCCS) recently completed a multi-day experiential learning trip across the Bay Area, engaging in agricultural education, environmental exploration, and STEM-focused activities.
The trip brought together students from transitional kindergarten through 8th grade for a series of immersive, place-based learning experiences. Middle school students began their journey at Presidio Tunnel Tops, where they participated in geocaching activities before traveling to Hidden Villa. There, they spent two days on a working educational farm learning about sustainable agriculture and building practices, exploring local trails and creeks, and preparing meals together as a community.
The group also attended a STEAM Day game at Oracle Park, where the San Francisco Giants defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 5–0, adding excitement to a day that blended science and sports.
Younger students in TK–5th grade began their trip midweek. TK–3rd grade classes visited Redwood Hill Farm, where they toured the creamery and learned about sustainable goat farming. Students brought cheese from the farm back to share at dinner later that evening. Meanwhile, 4th–5th grade students spent the afternoon at Challenge Sonoma, participating in a ropes course designed to build confidence, teamwork, and resilience.
On Thursday, TK-8th grade students continued their exploration with a trip into San Francisco. Second and third graders rode the SMART train to Larkspur Ferry Terminal, gaining firsthand experience with regional public transportation. All students then traveled by ferry into the city, visiting the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market and the Exploratorium, deepening their understanding of local food systems and interactive science.
The trip culminated in a Farm to School BBQ dinner at the KOA on Thursday evening. The meal showcased locally sourced ingredients, including lamb burgers and pork sausage from Hidden Villa, beef hamburgers from Coast Cattle, fresh salad from James & Kelly’s Garden, and radishes from Windy Hollow Farm. Additional offerings—such as citrus, pickles, hummus, croutons, and mushrooms—were sourced by the students from the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, reinforcing the connection between local agriculture and everyday meals.
“This trip exemplifies PCCS’s commitment to experiential education,” said Jennifer Ketring. “Students not only learned about food, science, and sustainability—they lived it.”
The multi-day journey provided students with meaningful opportunities to connect classroom learning to real-world environments, fostering curiosity, independence, and a deeper appreciation for their local community.
This field study was made possible through generous community support, including funds raised during the school’s Walk-a-thon, where students collectively completed 712 laps—equivalent to 178 miles—around the track at Point Arena High School. Additional funding was provided by the Redwood Coast Education Foundation, the Mendocino County Office of Education Naturalist Program, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture Farm to School Program.
Our high school students just completed their 2nd Mushroom Identification course at Mendocino College. One of our students is focusing his year-long Passages project on Photography. He has been working with local photographers and attending workshops to hone and develop his skills. The above mushroom photos were some that he took in the field – beautiful!
PCCS is undergoing a restructuring process to better meet the changing needs of our community. This work began two years ago in response to declining enrollment in our high school program. Since then, we’ve gathered input from many sources — including Community Forums, the High School Advisory Committee (with staff, Governance Council, and community representatives), the Community Engagement Team (with staff, students, families, and Governance Council members), Governance Council, K-12 staff, and multiple surveys.
Starting in the 2026–2027 school year, we will implement several key changes:
TK–8 Reconfiguration: We will adjust our TK–8 grade groupings to support students’ learning needs and adapt to the new TK-12 program structure.
High School Program: A new non-classroom based program that includes virtual classes, Mendocino College dual-enrollment courses, collaborative peer projects, field studies, and independent learning opportunities.
Middle School Move: Middle school will relocate to the new PCCS building at 200 Lake Street. The exact grade configuration is still being determined.
Thank you to everyone who was able to join us before the break for our Winter Family Forum. It was a great way to gather together before setting off for the end of the calendar year. Welcome back and happy new year!
Our 4th-12th grade students enjoyed a performance by the Kronos Quartet in early November. This was a special “Arts in the Schools Performance” hosted at the Gualala Arts Center.
pacificcharterschool.org 