Honoring Juneteenth: Reflection, Resilience, and Renewal
On June 19, we observe Juneteenth. A profound milestone in our nation’s history which marks the day in 1865 when news of emancipation finally reached the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas; a full two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed.
Also known as Freedom Day or Jubilee Day, Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of the enduring resilience, strength, and contributions of Black Americans. It is a day to celebrate liberation, honor the ancestors who fought tirelessly for dignity and civil rights, and reflect on the true meaning of freedom.
As an educational community, Juneteenth represents more than a historical date. It serves as an annual call to action. True freedom and equality require continuous cultivation, and higher education plays a pivotal role in that mission.
We are reminded that our work is not just to teach history, but to actively build a future where every individual experiences a genuine sense of belonging, equity, and opportunity. It challenges us to look closely at our institutional spaces and ensure they are inclusive, accessible, and supportive of all students, faculty, and staff.
The Mt. Shasta Property Guide invites the community to celebrate at the 3rd annual Weed Juneteenth event, honoring freedom, history, and community spirit!
Event Details:
Date: Friday, June 19, 2026
Time: 2:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: Charles Byrd Park, Weed, CA
Activities: Music, gospel hymns, poetry readings, farmers’ market, free ice cream, educational opportunities and games for all ages, food, prizes and more!
At the event, signs will form a path for celebrants to follow telling the history of emancipation. They will also honor resilience, and uplift Black culture and contributions. Most significantly they will stress the importance of literacy and education in a free society.
In honor of Juneteenth, College of the Siskiyous will be closed on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
ASM Appreciation Week: June 14 – 20, 2026!
We proudly celebrate Administrative Support Management (ASM) Week, a dedicated time to recognize, honor, and thank the remarkable professionals who serve as the operational backbone of our institution. From managing complex schedules and coordinating critical communications to keeping our day-to-day operations running seamlessly, our administrative support management team ensures that our campus remains a welcoming, efficient, and high-functioning environment. They are often the first faces our students see, the steady hands guiding our administrative workflows, and the problem-solvers working tirelessly behind the scenes.
During the June 16, 2026, Board of Trustees monthly meeting, we will be presenting a resolution which designates the third week of June as Administrative Support Management (ASM) week. It is the intention of this annual designation of a week of recognition to celebrate Administrative Support Management employees and their numerous contributions to the College.
A heartfelt thank you to our exceptional ASM team. Your ongoing dedication, deep expertise, and tireless efforts are the very pillars of our institution. By ensuring seamless daily operations, anticipating challenges before they arise, and providing invaluable support, you make a profound difference for our students and staff alike. We deeply appreciate your hard work, resilience, and the positive energy you bring to our campus every day.
Visit us at the Fair!
The 2026 Siskiyou Golden Fair will be Wednesday, June 24 through Sunday, June 28. We need HELP! College of the Siskiyous will have an outreach booth, and we need people to volunteer and help. The Fair offers us a super opportunity to promote the College, our classes, and the many wonderful programs and services we offer students. Sign up to work a shift by yourself and meet someone new or sign up to work with a campus colleague. The shifts are 2.5 hours long. Sign up is first-pick, first-get.
Those who sign up to help will receive two tickets for free admittance to the fair (one to be used on the day you work - or if you volunteer to work more than one day…a ticket for each day, the other(s) to be used as you like). The sign-up sheet is in Building 95. Stop by to sign up, send an email (pio@siskiyous.edu), or call extension 5373.
Can't help in June… No worries… we will also have a College of the Siskiyous outreach booth later this fall at the Tulelake Fair in September (9/10 – 9/13).
Reminder…Siskiyous Publicity (Creating Flyers, Programs, Digital Ads, and more)
Beginning April 24, 2027, all newly created digital content representing College of the Siskiyous must meet ADA Title II regs (accessibility – specifically on the college website and social media platforms). We are in the process of meetings with individuals / departments who post regularly on social media to go over the new requirements and provide helpful information and examples (dos and don'ts). We will also be scheduling 'drop-in' zoom sessions to help those who have questions and provide detailed information on what will be allowed to move forward in compliance with the new regs. Please remember, the new requirements have been established by the Department of Justice and we must comply.
Publicity, promotional, and marketing materials must be submitted to the Public Relations Office (email pio@siskiyous.edu) before being posted, printed, or distributed on campus and in the community. This includes images used in social media posts and other print publications. This process ensures that all materials meet branding and accessibility standards. Questions – send an email, call the office, or stop by for a chat. We are happy to meet and discuss.
Can’t help in June… No worries… we will also have a COS outreach booth later this fall at the Tulelake Fair in September (9/10 – 9/13).
Reminder… Siskiyous Publicity (Creating Flyers, Programs, Digital Ads, and more)
Beginning April 24, 2027, all newly created digital content representing College of the Siskiyous must comply with ADA Title II regulations related to accessibility, specifically for content posted on the college website and social media platforms. To support campus compliance efforts, we are currently meeting with individuals and departments who regularly post on social media to review the new requirements and provide helpful guidance, examples, and best practices.
In addition, all publicity, promotional, and marketing materials must be submitted to the Public Relations Office (pio@siskiyous.edu) prior to being posted, printed, or distributed on campus or within the community. This includes images used in social media posts and other printed publications. This review process helps ensure that all materials meet both college branding and accessibility standards.
To assist the campus community in learning more about the ADA Title II regulations, we have developed an Accessibility webpage for the institution. The webpage includes resources and guidance to help departments move toward compliance with the new accessibility standards. If you have questions, please send an email, call the office, or stop by for a conversation. We are happy to meet and discuss ways to support your department’s compliance efforts.
Come Join Our Team
We are always looking for new volunteers to join the Eagle’s Nest team. Volunteers work as cashiers, screening items as they come in, price merchandise, repair items, research antiques, etc. There is never a dull moment at the Eagles Nest. We are also looking for student workers. If you know of anyone who may be interested in volunteering or working as a paid student worker, have them call (530) 938-4663 or stop by the Eagle’s Nest Shop to speak with Angel Keen, Shop Supervisor.
Upcoming Activities & Events:
Event dates, times, and locations based on information available at the time of publication and are subject to change.
June 2026
College of the Siskiyous (Weed/Yreka) Campuses Closed on Fridays
July 2026
College of the Siskiyous (Weed/Yreka) Campuses Closed on Fridays
August 2026
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The Business Office is busy with fiscal year-end closing activities as we prepare for the start of the new fiscal year. Summer office hours are Mondays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The office will be closed on Fridays through July 31.
Melissa and Amy have returned to the Superintendent/President’s Office wing in the Student Center. If you are looking for them, that is where you now find them.
The Business Office team remains committed to providing accurate, transparent, and responsive service to the campus community. As we complete fiscal year-end activities and prepare for the new budget year, we appreciate everyone's patience, partnership, and support.
Food Services is currently working the summer 4/10 schedule along with the rest of the district. During this time, the department is closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Menu planning for the upcoming academic year is underway, and new vendors are being explored to provide additional menu options while maintaining quality and value. Suggestions for menu items, whether daily specials or permanent offerings, are always welcome. If you have ideas, please share them with Josh.
Friendly Tip: Fewer people on campus during the summer means a great opportunity to connect with Food Services staff and share ideas for the upcoming academic year.
Projects:
Information and updates regarding the project is posted on the Construction Projects webpage as it becomes available.
A new 'sharps medical waste' kiosk has been placed outside the Emergency Services Training Center (ESTC – Building 8), on the south sidewalk facing the Maintenance building. This location is to remain accessible to the public 24 hours a day for disposal of home-generated sharps. Home-generated sharps may be disposed of at this kiosk. This service is available at no charge to the public.
The drop boxes will accept used sharps packaged in safe containers and sharps that are loose. Public Health Division has responded to the need for syringe disposal kiosks to help prevent syringe litter in communities. Improper sharps disposal can affect janitors, pest control workers, groundskeepers, waste management workers, and children or household pets among others. Safe, legal and convenient syringe disposal sites will be available in multiple locations throughout the county. It is unsafe and illegal to discard syringes on the ground, in trash or recycling containers or by flushing them down the toilet.
Thank you Maintenance, custodial and personal preference crews for your hard work and dedication to this District you are appreciated immensely.
As we conclude another academic year at College of the Siskiyous, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible work of our students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
May marked the most meaningful, and my personal favorite, tradition at College of the Siskiyous—Commencement. Congratulations to all our graduates who reached this important milestone through hard work, determination, and perseverance. Whether students completed a certificate, degree, or transfer pathway, each accomplishment represents countless hours of dedication and the support of family, friends, faculty, and staff.
Student Services is honored to play a role in each student's journey. From Admissions and Records and Financial Aid to Counseling, Disability Services, Housing, Basecamp, Outreach, EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, TRIO, Veterans Services, and many other programs, our collective goal is to help students achieve their educational and personal goals.
At the end of May, the College came together for our annual Staff Appreciation Event. This event provided an opportunity to recognize the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of employees across all departments. In addition, we had fun, ate well, danced, laughed, and had a great time. The success of College of the Siskiyous is a direct result of the people who serve our students every day, and we are grateful for the positive impact our staff and ASM make throughout the year. A big thank you to the team of Dr. Char Perlas, Dr. Mark Fields, Melissa Ericsson, Kristi Wilson, Stephanie Wroten, Beverly Muelrath, Dr. Hallie Coppi, Val Roberts, and Dr. Jeremiah Sims for their contributions to making the day a success.
As we move into summer, Student Services remains focused on preparing for a successful Fall 2026 semester. Our teams are working diligently to assist students with registration, financial aid, educational planning, housing, and support services.
Summer is an excellent time for students to:
On August 1, we will hold our 2nd Annual Soar & Explore Event. All new, current, or prospective students are welcome to attend.
On behalf of the entire Student Services division, I wish everyone a safe, productive, and enjoyable summer. We look forward to welcoming both returning and new students in the months ahead.
The EOPS Counselors and staff were thrilled to celebrate our Siskiyous graduates at the Annual EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, and Veterans Services Graduation Party! The event featured delicious food, a crowd-favorite 'Dirty Soda' bar, and plenty of opportunities for students to connect and celebrate their achievements.
Graduates received their program cords and got to spend time reminiscing and sharing their upcoming plans with each other and the staff. Many also enjoyed taking Polaroid photos together to commemorate the special occasion.
We were pleased to be joined by Siskiyous President Dr. Char Perlas, and our Vice Presidents - Patrick Walton, Dr. Mark Fields, and Melissa Ericsson; and Deans - Val Roberts and Dr. Jeremiah Sims, all of whom came to show their support and celebrate our students' accomplishments.
It was a very successful and uplifting event for the students and staff! Congratulations to all our EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, and Veterans Services graduates!
Dean Jeremiah Sims Delivers Keynote at Lincoln Heights Legacy Project Fundraiser
Last week, College of the Siskiyous Dean of Career Technical Education, Dr. Jeremiah J. Sims, served as the keynote speaker at the Lincoln Heights Legacy Project fundraiser. The event brought community members together to honor the history of Lincoln Heights, celebrate the legacy of Sheriff Charles Byrd, and reflect on the resilience of Black families who helped shape Siskiyou County.
In his address, Dr. Sims highlighted the history of Lincoln Heights, one of Northern California's most significant Black communities, established by families who arrived during the Great Migration seeking opportunity, dignity, and a better future. He emphasized that the story of Lincoln Heights is not simply a local history lesson, but a powerful example of Black resistance, perseverance, and community building.
Drawing from his concept of 'Radical Becoming', Dr. Sims encouraged attendees to view history as an ongoing process of growth and transformation. "We are all unfinished stories," he shared, emphasizing that while people are shaped by their struggles, they are not defined by them.
A central focus of the speech was the life and legacy of Charles Byrd, a Weed native who became the first African American elected Sheriff in California history. Dr. Sims described Byrd’s story as a testament to the power of community, determination, and the belief that one's circumstances do not determine one’s destiny.
The keynote also reflected on the devastating impact of the Mill Fire, which destroyed much of historic Lincoln Heights. Despite the loss, Dr. Sims reminded attendees that communities are more than buildings and geography. They live on through memory, relationships, and a shared commitment to future generations.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Sims challenged the audience to use the lessons of the past to radically reimagine the future of Siskiyou County by building communities rooted in belonging, opportunity, and hope. He encouraged attendees to continue the unfinished work of those who came before them and to help ensure that future generations can find their own "beautiful path" forward.
Sierra Workforce Summit Explores the Promise and Peril of Artificial Intelligence
This week, regional workforce leaders, employers, educators, and community partners gathered for the 2026 Sierra Workforce Summit to discuss one of the most consequential issues facing education and industry today: the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).
The summit opened with an employer panel examining AI's impact on the workplace, followed by a keynote presentation from Jess Rivers of NVIDIA. Throughout the day, participants engaged in structured workshops designed to identify workforce challenges, compare regional trends, and collaboratively develop solutions that will help guide future workforce investments and initiatives.
A central theme emerged from nearly every conversation: AI is both an opportunity and a disruption. Across higher education and workforce development, AI continues to generate spirited debate. Many participants acknowledged the tremendous potential of these technologies to increase efficiency, expand access to information, enhance productivity, and support innovation across industries. At the same time, concerns remain about the possibility of job displacement, the changing nature of work, and the ethical implications of increasingly sophisticated AI systems.
The mood of the summit was perhaps best described as hopeful, yet circumspect. There was broad recognition that AI is not a future challenge, it is a present reality. The question facing educators and workforce leaders is not whether AI will transform our economy, but how we can prepare students, workers, and communities to navigate that transformation successfully.
Participants emphasized the importance of developing AI literacy alongside technical and durable skills such as critical thinking, communication, creativity, adaptability, and ethical decision-making. These uniquely human capacities will become increasingly valuable as AI tools continue to evolve. The summit concluded with a collaborative "Call to Action," ensuring that the voices of employers, educators, and workforce practitioners will help shape future regional workforce priorities.
While uncertainty remains, the conversations at the Sierra Workforce Summit reinforced a shared commitment to preparing learners not simply for the jobs of today, but for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.
The Spring 2026 semester has been busy for the Art Department. They would like to share information about five galleries and museum exhibitions the department represented during the spring and have coming up this summer.
The Art Department is excited to announce the exhibition "Emerging Talent," opening June 13 at the Siskiyou Arts Museum in Dunsmuir. Over 30 Siskiyous Art students are showing their work, many of them for the first time. Student work spans painting, sculpture, ceramics, and traditional and alternative photographic processes. The exhibition is generously sponsored by the College of the Siskiyous Foundation, and we deeply appreciate this commitment on the part of the college to support both our students and arts in the community. We are incredibly proud of our students' efforts, and we hope everyone has time to visit and show support. The opening reception is Saturday, June 13 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm during the City of Dunsmuir's monthly 'Second Saturday' community event. The Siskiyou Arts Museum's hours are Thursday-Sunday from 12:00 - 4:00 pm. The exhibition will run through August 1.
Siskiyous student Anna Melo also has a solo show at Theory Coffee in Mt. Shasta, which is up currently and runs through July 7. Melo continued to develop the photographic series in this exhibition as part of her special studies course this semester and organized the exhibition with the management at Theory. There will be a closing reception in early July.
In conjunction with "Emerging Talent," our full time Art Department folks - Chris Clother, Sean Julian, and Amanda Thomas - will be showing at the Darmera Studio in Dunsmuir. Multiple artistic disciplines will be represented in the show, including photography, painting, and work that sits somewhere in between. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, June 13 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. For more information, contact Sean Julian by emailing sjulian2@siskiyous.edu or Chris Clother at cclother@siskiyous.edu. If you can come to the reception for Emerging Talent, stop by and see us and what we've been working on.
Additionally, earlier this spring during the month of April, Amanda Thomas showed with photographer Rich Bergeman in "Witness: Earth and Sky," at the Maude Kerns Art Center in Eugene, Oregon. Bergeman's photographs explore the Willamette Valley's tribal homelands, transporting viewers to a land devoid of post-colonial marks. Thomas' work in the exhibition documents toxic, abandoned mining sites in Northern California, Southern Oregon, and Western Nevada. Her sculptures, which are glazed with acid mine drainage and soil samples from the sites, call to mind rock formations and ancient artifacts, and her photographs provide a sense of place. The series centers on mining’s long term environmental impact.
A joint artist talk also took place at the Maude Kerns Art Center in early April, where the artists discussed their processes, the impetus for each project, and common themes in their work. Both artists chose to donate their proceeds from the exhibition to the scholarship fund for Lane Community College’s Chinuk Wawa Indigenous Language Program, which gives students the unique opportunity to learn a universal intertribal language of the Pacific Northwest.
Thomas will also be showing a portion of this body of work at Open Sky Gallery in Montague, California in support of a collection of work by young artists processing the environmental legacy they will be inheriting as they become adults. An opening reception is planned for June 27 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. For more information, contact Snow Thorner by calling (541) 292-2772.
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