Mount Shasta rising above the open fields of the Shasta Valley

Big Springs Union Elementary School District

Big SpringsElementary School

Big Pride. Big Dreams. Big Springs.

A TK–8 school and single-school district in Montague, California — serving the farming and ranching families of the Shasta Valley since 1884.

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Upcoming

Upcoming at Big Springs

Board meetings, school events, and family dates.

Calendar Dates Are Being Verified

The live Parent / Student Calendar is not publicly enabled yet, and upcoming dates are being confirmed before they are posted here. For current dates, meeting times, and school events, call the school office at 530-459-3189.

Full calendar

Announcements

News & Announcements

School News

The 2026–27 School Year Begins August 12

Welcome back, Badgers. Students may arrive beginning at 7:15 AM. Grades 3–8 start at 8:20 AM and TK–2 start at 8:30 AM. The handbook and bell schedule are posted in the Families section.

August 12, 2026

SAFE / ASP

SAFE After-School Begins With the School Year

SAFE runs from dismissal until 6:00 PM on instructional days with snack, homework and literacy support, enrichment, physical activity, and choice time. Registration packets are available online and in the office.

August 12, 2026

Nutrition

Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program Funded for 2026–27

The district was awarded Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program funding for the 2026–27 school year. Details about how servings are scheduled will be shared through the school office.

August 5, 2026

Board & Governance

Board Meeting Dates and Agendas

Meetings of the Board of Trustees are open to the public. Current meeting dates, agendas, and minutes are available through the Board page and the district office.

August 1, 2026

Families

Current Forms and Resources Are Now Online

Permission slips, release authorizations, SAFE registration, volunteer packets, and facility use applications are now gathered in one place in the Families section.

July 30, 2026

Programs

What We Offer

From toddlers in child care to eighth graders in the shop — one campus, one team.

Child Care / PreschoolA state-licensed child care facility serving toddlers and preschool-age children right on campus.TK–8 School ProgramTransitional kindergarten through eighth grade in one small, connected school community.SAFE / ASPAfter-school programming every school day until 6:00 PM — academics, enrichment, activity, and clubs.AthleticsBasketball, volleyball, cross country, track, cheerleading, and the ski school program.CTE / InnovationDesign, build, and create. A hands-on culture growing toward CAD, 3D printing, laser, and CNC work.Student SupportCounseling, academic support, attendance engagement, behavior supports, and family communication.

The Big Springs Elementary School campus

A school workshop with hand tools, workbenches, and a 3D printer

Photography placeholders — approved campus and student photos will replace these.

Community

Around Big Springs

FacebookDay-to-day photos, reminders, and quick updates from campus. (Link placeholder — URL to be added.)

InstagramBadger athletics, student work, and program highlights. (Link placeholder — URL to be added.)

YouTubeRecorded events, program overviews, and community videos. (Link placeholder — URL to be added.)

Facilities

Projects & Progress

Every project is labeled so families know exactly where it stands.

In Progress

Facilities Assessment & Modernization Planning

Reviewing campus buildings and grounds to prioritize repairs and long-term modernization needs.

Planned

Roof Repair & Replacement

Scoped roofing work identified in the district's major maintenance planning.

Grant-Dependent

Paving, Playground & Track

Surface improvements for parking, play areas, and the track. Timeline depends on funding.

All projects

Welcome

From the Superintendent

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Welcome to Big Springs. We're a small school in a working valley, and that shapes everything we do. We know our students by name, we expect them to work hard, and we make sure they leave here ready for whatever comes next.

If you're new to the area, come see us. If you've been here for generations, thank you — this school belongs to this community. Our door and our phone line are always open.

Scotty ApplefordSuperintendent / Principal

Read the full welcome

Employment

Work at Big Springs

Small school. Real relationships. Shasta Valley.

Example listing

Example: TK–8 Classroom Teacher

Sample card showing how a certificated opening will appear. Not an active posting.

Example listing

Example: Instructional Paraprofessional

Sample card showing how a classified opening will appear. Not an active posting.

Example listing

Example: SAFE Program Staff

Sample card for after-school program staffing. Not an active posting.

Careers at Big Springs