Richmond High Band wins #1, West County is a 2025 CA...

    West County Mandarin School is a 2025 California Distinguished School West County Mandarin has been recognized as a  2025 California Distinguished School   by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.  This award recognizes schools that close the achievement gap and demonstrate exceptional student performance. West County Mandarin and all other schools will be recognized on May 30 in an Anaheim celebration. Way to represent WCCUSD! Kennedy Celebrates the Ending & Beginning of History  On March 15, Kennedy High School alumni and community members celebrated the iconic 100-200 wing that will be demolished later this summer. Alumni reconnected with old classmates as they bid farewell to the memories of those wings. Among the generations of Kennedy High School alumni, they were honored to hear a speech from County Supervisor John Gioia and joined by special guests: Board President Leslie Reckler Board Clerk Guadalupe Enllana, Board Trustee Jamela Smith-Folds Former Board Trustee and Kennedy alum Otheree Christian former El Cerrito Council Member and Mayor and Kennedy alum Paul Fadelli, Interim Superintendent and Kennedy alum Dr. Kim Moses. Thank you to everyone who joined us to honor the past as we celebrate the future! *Photo courtesy of Don Gosney.   Richmond First place in SF Chinese New Year parade The Richmond High Marching Band performed among thousands and won 1st place at the SF Chinese New Year parade! Congratulations to band teacher, Mr. Wilke, and the band for this achievement. Go Oilers! *Photos courtesy of @rhsoilders on Instagram   Flashback Friday: Black History Month Festivities King Elementary King Elementary celebrated a Black History Family Night on February 27th. Supported by an EdFund grant and the King AAPAC, students, families, and staff connected with and celebrated the rich history of the Black diaspora which featured powerful ballads, spoken word, and affirmations, and began with the National Black Anthem. Nyabingha McDowell, Richmond poet and the older sister to a King student, performed a impactful spoken word piece. SOL Development used powerful songs and affirmation booklets to spread encouragement and light. The program continued with the King Dance Team, an author talk from Bianca Monterrosa (RJ Coordinator at King) and another from D'Artagnan Connor (garden instructor at King), and finally, a praise dance from Jamiah Sanders.The importance of self-love and affirmations was emphasized throughout each activity and moment. Downer Elementary The after-school program hosted the Y Scholars Black History Month event at Downer Elementary on February 26. Over 35 families attended this event where they celebrated the contributions of the Black diaspora through music and art. Thank you to Ms. Lola & Bay Area creative staff, Mr.AJ & Mr.Shaka for supporting us in creating a safe and fun space for our children to learn new dances and teaching them about the culture throughout this month.   DeJean College & Career The DeJean College & Career class recently had an exciting field trip to the Finishing Trades Institute, offering students a firsthand look at careers in the trades. Opportunities like these open doors and inspire futures! A huge thank you to former California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, the Whole Child Institute, and the Finishing Trades Institute for making this impactful, hands-on learning experience possible. Opportunities like these open doors and inspire futures!   STEM Night at Stege Elementary! On April 1, the FabLab and Stege Elementary staff hosted a Family STEM Night, providing a meal and several hands-on activities for students. Activities for students included making a kaleidoscope, cup & string telephones, a marble run, optical and digital microscopes, Oobleck, slime, building and painting cardboard animals, a 3D printer demo, and even more!  This event was also one of the first to include the new FabLab interns from Kennedy High School!    U.S. Air Force Band & Singing Sergeants to Perform at El Cerrito High School The United States Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants will be hosting a FREE concert at El Cerrito High School on Saturday, April 5th at 3:00 pm. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to hear great patriotic music, the music of Wicked, and, as always, a salute to celebrate our veterans! Link to tickets:  https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/usafband/el-cerrito-ca   Exciting Science Contest Opportunity WCCUSD Students, ages 13-19, are invited to participate in the Microgravity Contests! Below are the descriptions of both contests. You can review below and  register here: Experiment Contest:  Students create a proposal for an experiment to be performed in microgravity. The winner will get to consult with and receive mentorship from microgravity scientists to bring their proposals to life. In Fall 2025, the winner will have their experiment tested in microgravity by a mission specialist. Mission Patch Contest : Students create a drawing/logo that embodies the theme of the microgravity contest "One step at a time". The winner will have their submission become the official artwork for the contest and the printed logo will also be flown in microgravity. The deadline for both contests is May 15, 2025.  Sign up today!   East Bay Center for Performing Arts survey The East Bay Center for the Performing Arts are looking to create an arts corridor in Richmond and they would love your feedback on what you would like to see.  Click Here to take the short online survey and send them your art!   FREE EVENT hosted by YouthWORKS! Richmond  YouthWORKS  is excited to host its Annual Youth Resource & Career Fair! This free event provides an incredible platform for students and young adults to connect with employers and training providers as they embark on their professional journeys. Date: Tuesday, April 08, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location: Richmond Memorial Auditorium, 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, CA 94804 Scan the QR code to register or visit: https://tinyurl.com/YWCareerFair2025   After School Applications for the '25-26 School Year Opens April 14 The after-school applications for the 2025-26 school year will be released on the PowerSchool Parent Portal the week of April 14, 2025. First-priority enrollment will go to students in the following categories: McKinney Vento/Families in Transition, Foster Youth Students who qualify for free or Reduced Meals, and English Language Learners.   WWUSD Students Invited to Summer Study Trip to China WCCUSD students have the opportunity to travel to China this summer through the Global Ambassador Program, in collaboration with the West County Mandarin IB Program. The program offers three student travel groups, with trips scheduled for July 5-25, July 7-27, and July 9-29. Participants will: Earn college credit through Contra Costa Community College Explore major cities, food, culture, and language Build connections with peers and international communities Students and families interested in participating can contact TripChina2025@gmail.com for more details.    

Friday, Apr 04 2025

Reminder - We Want Your Input About New District Pol...

Gov. Newsom recently signed the Phone-Free School Act (AB-3216) into law, and WCCUSD is shaping a new policy to limit or prohibit smartphone use on school campuses. We want to hear from students, parents, staff, and community members to ensure this policy is fair, equitable, and supports student success. Take our short survey and share your thoughts! 📲 Survey Link:  tinyurl.com/2025wccusd Your input will help us create a policy that supports student safety, well-being, and academic focus. Make your voice heard today! 

Thursday, Mar 27 2025

📢 Reminder! 📢 Attend the Virtual DLCAP Town Hall Mee...

We Need Your Voice! Virtually join us for the final DLCAP Town Hall to help shape our Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) and develop stronger strategies to support students, remove barriers, and build brighter futures. Your input is essential! Date :  Monday, March 25, 2025 Time:  6:00- 8:00 PM Virtual Meeting (Zoom) : Meeting ID: 925 4761 5644 RSVP: bit.ly/DLCAPTOWNHALL Parents, students, staff, and community members—your voice matters!

Tuesday, Mar 25 2025

📢 We Need Your Voice! 📢 Attend the DLCAP Town Hall M...

We Need Your Voice! Join us for a DLCAP Town Hall to help shape our Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) and develop stronger strategies to support students, remove barriers, and build brighter futures. Your input is essential! Meeting 1: Saturday, March 15, 2025 Breakfast: 9:15 AM – 9:45 AM Town Hall: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Richmond High School Meeting 2: Monday, March 25, 2025 Virtual Meeting (Zoom) | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Meeting ID: 925 4761 5644 RSVP today! bit.ly/DLCAPTOWNHALL Parents, students, staff, and community members—your voice matters! Let’s work together for Achievement for All! #WCCUSD #LCAP #StudentSuccess #CommunityEngagement

Thursday, Mar 13 2025

Superintendent Search Update

Superintendent Search Update Welcome to this week's Superintendent Search Update. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  Not displaying correctly? View in browser   February 10- 21 and 24 - 28 (as needed), 2025 Representatives from Leadership Associates, the search firm hired by the Board, completed their input meetings and town halls with staff, students, parents and the community. ONLINE SURVEY DATES EXTENDED! February 10 - March 10 Take the online survey! What do you think? Share your feedback on the characteristics and qualities that you want to see in the next permanent superintendent, as well as the strengths and challenges of our school district and community. Your input will help to shape the position description, leadership profile and interview questions. Survey results will be shared with the Board of Education. The survey is available in English ,  Espanol/Spanish and   عربي Arabic . The survey can also be found on the Superintendent Search webpage:  https://www.wccusd.net/site/default.aspx?PageID=15312 Take the Online Survey Ver la encuesta en español شارك في الاستطلاع باللغة العربية Potential candidates are being identified. A position description is being developed and will be approved at the March 12, 2025 WCCUSD Board Meeting.* Recruitment materials are being developed and posted. March 24, 2025 5:00 p.m. is the deadline for applications.* Updated Search Timeline Released! Minor adjustments were made to the timeline. February 10-21, 2025 is now the main community engagement period, with February 24-28, 2025 to be used as needed. Please see the updated calendar below. * Subject to Change. The dynamic nature of a candidate search may necessitate some changes to the timeline presented. In the News EdSource " West Contra Costa Seeks New Superintendent with Roots in the Community . EdSource " West Contra Costa Ramps Up Search for New Superintendent " Resources Visit the Superintendent Search Website: www.wccusd.net/superintendentsearch www.wccusd.net/superintendentsearch Communications Department www.wccusd.net/superintendentsearch Subscribe Click subscribe to receive regular superintendent search updates.  

Monday, Mar 03 2025

District Newsletter: Here's A Few Things you Should ...

Dear WCCUSD Community, We understand that there are concerns in the community regarding the district’s budget and the steps we are taking to ensure financial stability. Our goal is to keep you informed with clear and accurate information about our financial outlook and how we are working to minimize the impact on students and staff. 📊 Understanding the Budget Reductions WCCUSD is required to maintain a 3% reserve in our General Fund operating budget, as mandated by the state. Without these reductions, the district risks financial instability in the 2025-26 school year. To address this, the Board approved a  fiscal solvency plan, which includes $7 million in reductions for 2025-26 and an additional $6 million for 2026-27. While reductions are never easy, we are taking great care to minimize the impact on staff and students. 🔹 Key Facts to Address Common Concerns ✔  No Immediate Teacher Layoffs – Due to current vacancy levels, we anticipate that there will be a certificated job available for all current WCCUSD educators for the 2025-26 school year. ✔ Restricted Funds Cannot Be Used for Salaries related to required student services – Some have suggested that the district should use restricted funds to cover operating expenses. However, these funds are legally designated for specific programs, such as After School Programs and Community Schools grants, and cannot be used  for salaries related to required student services or operational costs. ✔ Vacancies Still Require Funding – Even when a position is vacant, the district must still fund necessary services —whether through substitute employees, overtime, or contracted services. These costs offset the salaries set aside for vacant positions. We encourage everyone to rely on official district updates in our newsletters, website, social media channels and board meetings to stay informed. Thank you for your continued engagement as we work together to maintain a strong and sustainable future for WCCUSD. In Community, Kim Moses, Ed.D Interim Superintendent West Contra Costa Unified School District   Wishing Our WCCUSD Community a Happy Presidents' Week Break!  WCCUSD observes Presidents' Week from February 17–21, 2025 , with a week-long break for students and staff. Schools and district offices will be  closed during this time. We hope our families, students, and staff enjoy a restful and refreshing break. Classes and regular office hours will resume on  Monday, February 24, 2025 . Have a safe and enjoyable Presidents' Week! WCCUSD Honors Black History Month his February, WCCUSD proudly celebrates Black History Month by recognizing the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black leaders, educators, and students in our community. As part of this celebration, the District held a  Pan-African Flag Raising Ceremony , a tradition led by the Office of African American Student Achievement. This annual event brings together schools across the district to raise the  Pan-African flag in front of their campuses, symbolizing unity, pride, and the ongoing commitment to equity and excellence for African American students. Throughout the month, schools will continue to honor Black history through events, activities, and lessons that reflect on the past, inspire the present, and empower the future. Together, we celebrate, uplift, and reaffirm our dedication to fostering an inclusive and equitable future for all.   Know Your Rights: Immigration Support & Resources As we head into Presidents' Week Break , we want to remind our families that WCCUSD remains committed to supporting all students, regardless of immigration status. While schools are closed, we encourage you to take a moment to explore the resources available to our community. Visit our Immigration Resources Page: www.wccusd.net/immigration-resources   Here, you’ll find: ✅  Know Your Rights information for students and families ✅ Legal assistance and community resources ✅ Guidance on school safety protocols We know that these times can bring uncertainty, but you are not alone. WCCUSD stands with our families and will continue to monitor developments, provide updated guidance, and offer resources to ensure that every student feels safe and supported.   Greenwood Academy Senior Shines at Golden State Warriors Basketball Camp  The Golden State Warriors hosted a basketball camp for East Bay students at Walnut Creek’s Ultimate Fieldhouse, combining athletic training with STEM exposure.  Seventeen-year-old Tamari McElroy, a senior at Sylvester Greenwood Academy, recently participated in a unique basketball camp hosted by the NBA team.  The event, organized in collaboration with the Rosie the Riveter Trust, provided 25 East Bay students with an opportunity to enhance their basketball skills using advanced technology at the Ultimate Fieldhouse in Walnut Creek. The camp featured the Shoot 360 system, which offers real-time digital analytics to help players improve their shooting, passing, and decision-making abilities. McElroy's involvement in this program highlights the district's commitment to providing students with exceptional opportunities for personal and athletic development. We want to thank KTVU Channel 2 for highlighting Tamari's amazing opportunity and achievements. You can find the full story here .   Superintendent Search: We Want to Hear from You! The West Contra Costa Unified School District is actively seeking input from our community as we search for our next superintendent. Your voice is essential in shaping the future of our district! Take the Superintendent Search Survey Today!  The survey is now open, and we encourage all families, staff, and community members to share their thoughts on the qualities and priorities they would like to see in the next superintendent. Your feedback will help inform the Board of Education’s selection process. Don’t miss this opportunity to make your voice heard! Click here to take the survey in English , Spanish , and  Arabic . Upcoming In-Person Town Halls – February 24, 2025  To ensure accessibility for all community members, we are hosting in-person town hall meetings on Monday, February 24, 2025, at various locations throughout the five cities we serve. These meetings will provide an opportunity to engage directly with district leaders and share your input in a collaborative setting. New! Hybrid Town Halls Added – February 25 & 26, 2025  We understand that not everyone may be able to attend on Monday, so we have added two  hybrid town hall meetings to accommodate more community members. These additional sessions will take place at one location with two available times each evening: 📅  Dates: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 🕕  Session 1: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM 🕢  Session 2: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM 📍  Location: DeJean Middle School Multipurpose Room 🔗 Join via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81571904071?pwd=fi5ASAwcAGzbYsN4cYocuhZgseNo2o.1 📅  Dates: Wednesday, February 26, 2025 🕕  Session 1: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM 🕢  Session 2: 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM 📍  Location: Richmond High School Library 🔗 Join via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86005448252?pwd=y9ObmcikpMKaIu0ogjUDpc3BqNxWqH.1 Whether you attend in person or online, your participation is invaluable in shaping the leadership of our district. For more details, including town hall locations and access to the survey, please visit the Superintendent Search Website . We appreciate your engagement and look forward to hearing from you!   Richmond Promise Scholarship: APPLY TODAY The Richmond Promise Scholarship offers $1,500 annually for at least four years and support services to help students succeed in college. There are no GPA or income requirements, and the application process takes just 20 minutes to complete. To qualify, students must reside in Richmond or North Richmond, graduate from a high school within the WCCUSD boundaries, or have earned a GED within the past three years, and complete the FAFSA/Dream Act before college enrollment. Applications  are open until Friday  March 14, 2025 . For more information visit the  Richmond Promise .   Communications Department www.wccusd.net

Wednesday, Feb 19 2025