Friday Letter - June 2, 2023

JUNE 2, 2023 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 5 NO. 38 PLEASE NOTE: This is the last regular Friday Letter of the 2023-24 School Year. Watch for the special 2022-23 Year in Review edition over the summer and the first 2023-24 School Year edition in August! This issue highlights:  June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month District news including High School graduations continued this week and will wrap up on Saturday School news including Diablo View MS establishes Braden Fahey Memorial Award; end of year activities at three schools Student news including YVHS foreign exchange student wins innovation award; Clayton Pride Contest winners from MDUSD schools Staff social media shoutouts featuring "twins"! Community news inviting you to a Juneteenth event in Concord Important dates, and more!  Important dates, and more MDUSD recognizes LGBTQ+ Pride Month and flies Progress Pride flag MDUSD Board Members (front l-r) Linda Mayo, Erin McFerrin and Debra Mason stand with Rainbow Community Center Interim Executive Director Dodi Zotigh, MDUSD Board Member Cherise Khaund, YVHS senior Kai Khaund, Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark and PLAG Clayton-Concord President Kathleen Krentz before the LGBTQ+ Progress Pride flag raising on June 1st outside the District Office. MDUSD is proud to recognize June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month and to fly the Progress Pride Flag above the District Office and at our schools! On June 1st, District officials were joined by representatives from the Rainbow Community Center and PFLAG of Clayton-Concord as Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark raised the District's Progress Pride Flag. The School Board adopted a  Resolution last month recognizing June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month "to celebrate our dynamic LGBTQ+ community, raise awareness of quality services, and foster a dialogue to promote healthy, safe, and prosperous school climates and communities for all." Dr. Clark said this is the third year that he has raised a Pride flag as a way to show LGBTQ+ students, staff and their families that the District supports them 100%.   Kathleen Krentz, President of PFLAG of Clayton Concord, said her organization values its partnership with the District and was pleased organize the Pride Prom at Concord High School earlier this year. Dodi Zotigh, Interim Executive Director of the Rainbow Community Center, said visibility is one way schools and districts can show support for the LGBTQ+ community and that flying the flag helps to reinforce that, adding that local cities including Concord, Clayton and Pleasant Hill are also flying the Pride flag in recognition of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Zotigh encouraged community members to attend the Clayton Pride Parade at 10 a.m. on June 4th and the Pride in the Plaza event starting at noon on June 17th in Todos Santos Plaza in Concord.  Congrats to the MDUSD Graduating Class of 2023! High School Graduations continued this week and will wrap up on Saturday Northgate HS students perform at their graduation (above left), Mt. Diablo HS students pose with staff members (above center) and Bridge Program Administrator Dr. Candace Ng congratulates a graduate as Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark applauds (above right). As the 2023 graduation season comes to a close in MDUSD this week, families, friends and MDUSD staff and community members celebrated the Northgate HS graduation on Tuesday, the Mt. Diablo HS graduation on Wednesday, and the Adult Special Education Bridge Program graduation on Thursday. Tonight, Ygnacio Valley HS seniors will celebrate their graduation at the Concord Pavilion commencement, which will be followed up by the Adult Education program at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 3rd, Alternative Education programs at 11 a,.m. Saturday, June 3rd, and OIympic HS at 6:30 p.m. Saturday June 3rd at the Concord Pavilion. You can watch the Concord Pavilion live graduations and recordings on Concord TV here for all schools except for Northgate HS, which is available on Walnut Creek TV  here . The Bridge Program graduation, which was not live-streamed, took place at the Loma Vista Adult Education Center in Concord. At the event, 21 graduates received Certificates of Completion after learning life and work skills that will help them transition to adulthood, supported by enthusiastic families and friends. Student speaker Ambs Vizcarra said the program was like another family to her and helped her to gain confidence. "Bridge has given us new powers and skills that we will use everyday in our lives," she said. Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark said Bridge stands out as one of the most special programs in the District, with some of the most caring and compassionate employees, including teachers, special education assistants, administrators, and office staff, as well as agency and service providers. "I'm extremely inspired," he said, referring to the challenges students have overcome, as well as the unwavering support they have received from their families and the program staff.   Bridge teacher Kim Huntley praised the students' perseverance, even when times got tough. "You stuck with it and I'm so proud of you," she said, encouraging them to always tell themselves: "I can do hard things" and "I can ask for help." She pointed out that they have persisted and said: "You can keep on persisting and I can't wait to see what your journey entails in the next step." Click on the social media posts below to see highlights from this week's graduation ceremonies. And congrats to 8th-graders, 5th-graders and TK and Kindergartners celebrating promotions! End of the year events at middle and elementary schools included celebrations and other activities for 8th-graders being promoted to high schools, 5th-graders moving onto middle schools and TK and Kindergartners moving up in primary grades. Click on the tweets below to see a sampling of some of the ways students were recognized and celebrated. District News School Board to meet June 14th and June 28th The Mt. Diablo Unified Governing Board will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 14th and June 28th in the District Office. Although the agendas are not yet finalized, the Board expects to make administrative appointments and to hold public hearings regarding the District's Local Control and Accountability (LCAP) plan and 2023-24 budget, among other items. Agendas are posted here the Friday before the meeting dates. Free summer community meals for children 18 years and younger at many MDUSD sites The Mt. Diablo Unified School District's Food and Nutrition Services Department will provide free community meals including breakfast and lunch for children 18 years and younger at 19 District Sites in Bay Point, Concord, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill and at the Concord Library during portions of the summer. The list of times, dates and sites is HERE . No identification is required and each child can receive one portion per meal per day, which must be consumed on-site. Breakfast will be served from 8:40-9:10 a.m. and lunch will be available from 12:10-12:40 p.m. Breakfasts will consist of either assorted cereal, a breakfast bar, a muffin, an English muffin with cheese, or a bagel and cream cheese, depending on the day. Lunch will consist of either a hamburger, chicken corn dog, bean and cheese burrito, breaded chicken sandwich, or pizza, depending on the day. Seasonal produce and unflavored nonfat or low-fat milk will be served daily.  Free 3-week VEX IQ Robotics Camp open to Middle School students June 5-23 MDUSD is offering a free three-week Summer VEX IQ Robotics Camp to Middle School students from from 9 a.m. to 12 noon June 5 - 23 (Monday to Friday) at the El Dorado, Oak Grove and MS CARES Expanded Learning Program sites. The camp is open to any middle school student in the District, with priority given to CARES program participants. It is brought to you by the Project 212 Ygnacio Valley HS Robotics Club, CARES Expanded Learning Program and Bay Area LEEDS. It is seeking 18 students to enroll at each of the three sites. Project 212 students developed and will teach the curriculum. It will include one week of learning how to build and program VEX IQ robots, followed by a week of making a competition robot to play a game that will be revealed during the camp. YVHS will host a competition June 21st to 22nd. Industry partners will help judge for some of the awards teams will receive. Register here . Mt. Diablo Adult Education Dental Assistant training classes begin June 20th MDUSD's Adult Education Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) is now enrolling students in its 11-month Dental Assistant program, with classes starting June 20th. The Dental Assistant program prepares students to take the California Registered Dental Assistant Examination and be hired in a growing field with plentiful jobs.  Pell Grants and other Financial Aid is available. Register at 925-685-7340 ext. 6730 or  https://mdae.mdusd.org/register Please see the attached flyer for more information. Click here for Dental Assistant details. MDUSD's Adult Education Lifelong Learning program offers new classes in June and July Mt. Diablo Adult Education is offering several Lifelong Learning courses in June and July before its complete Summer program starts in August.  Courses available this month include technology classes, a painting class, a cooking class, or a woodturning or woodworking class. The technology classes cover topics including All About iCloud, Learn Numbers on the Mac, Photos, Staying Safe with Apple Products, organizing computer files, and email.  More information about these classes is here .  Pre-registration for the summer courses opens June 7th. You can register for current classes or Summer courses here .  First day of the 2023-24 School Year is Thursday, August 10th The Mt. Diablo Unified School District looks forward to welcoming students back to school for the 2023-24 school year on Thursday, August 10th!  Please note that we will be transitioning to a new website provider in July, so some links in Friday Letters from the 2022-23 school year may no longer be active after July 1st. Please watch for Parent Square messages to stay updated during the transition. You are invited to a free MDUSD Parent Conference on Saturday, August 12th! MDUSD parents are invited to attend a free Parent Conference from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, August 12th at the Loma Vista Adult Center, 1266 San Carlos Ave. in Concord. The event will feature a keynote by Dr. Lettie Ramirez, author of "You Are Not Alone: Recipes to Obtain Success by Parents for Parents."  It will also include workshops in English and Spanish, community resources, free lunches for registered adults and kids, free backpacks and schools supplies, and childcare. See flyers. School News Diablo View MS establishes Braden Fahey Memorial Award Former Diablo View MS student Braden Fahey (above left) died suddenly and unexpectedly last August. The PFC and DVMS administration established a memorial award in his memory, which was presented to Brady Lovick and Leah Jensen (above right). Braden Fahey was a much beloved 7th grade student at Diablo View Middle School in Clayton, who died suddenly and unexpectedly at the beginning of the 2022-23 school year.  Braden was respected and admired as both a student, and athlete, by his peers and teachers, and was particularly known for his sportsmanship and being a good friend to many.  In memory of Braden Fahey, the Diablo View Middle School Parent Faculty Club in conjunction with the DVMS administration have established a perpetual award in Braden’s name. The Braden Fahey Memorial Award will be issued every year to two 7th grade students who exemplify the traits of friendship and good sportsmanship in honor of Braden. It will be awarded to one boy and one girl to honor the fact that Braden had many incredible friendships with both boys and girls alike. These students will receive the Braden Fahey Memorial Award and have their names added to the Braden Fahey Memorial Award display on campus. This year's recipients are Brady Lovick and Leah Jensen,, who are role models who exemplify good sportsmanship and demonstrate what being a good friend looks like.  End of year activities at Strandwood and Walnut Acres elementary schools and Foothill MS Click on the tweets below to see how some students at Strandwood ​and Walnut Acres elementary schools and Foothill MS celebrated the end of the 2022-23 school year! Student News YVHS foreign exchange student wins innovation award Bishop-Wisecarver, an industrial automation company based in Pittsburg, selected Ygnacio Valley HS student Maurice Straubhaar to receive its Innovation Award for his design of a natural, chemical free, flame resistant and home compostable packaging material that could be used by small to medium online businesses that need to ship products, but want to keep their rising costs of packaging at a minimum and be earth-friendly by providing no material waste. . Since its inception three years ago, this competition has provided local students with real world learning experiences that the company hopes will help further their success in life and careers. YVHS received $1,000 and Maurice, who is a foreign exchange student from Switzerland, received $250. He entered the contest as part of his Computer Integrated Manufacturing class, taught by District Teacher of the Year Joseph Alvarico, who is also a County Teacher of the Year finalist. A junior, Maurice said he wants to be an engineer and the class and the contest gave him great hands-on learning opportunities. Congrats! Clayton Pride Contest winners from MDUSD schools Congrats to the winners of the Clayton Pride Poster Contest, including 5 from the MDUSD schools Mt. Diablo Elementary, Bancroft Elementary and Northgate HS, along with 4 MDUSD honorable mentions from Mt. Diablo Elementary! The complete list of winners is here: https://claytonpride.com/poster-contest-winners-2023 Clayton Pride Poster contest winners from MDUSD in grades K-5 are: 1st Place Winner Owen Quady-Lee 4th Grade, Mt. Diablo Elementary (above left), 2nd Place Charlie Yalenty 1st Grade, Bancroft Elementary (above center), 3rd Place Grayson McChesney 2nd Grade, Mt. Diablo Elementary (above right). The HS winners are: 1st Place Juju Yoshii, 10th Grade, Northgate High (below left), 2nd Place Red Mannion, 10th Grade, Northgate High. Honorable Mentions went to MDE students Helen Ball, 1st Grade, Ethan McChensney, 4th Grade, Reid McChensney, 1st Grade, and Elizabeth Salinas, 2nd Grade. Congrats to all! Staff Social Media Shoutouts We couldn't resist posting these final staff "twin" tweets from the 2022-23 school year! Community News Juneteenth event in Concord on June 25th The Concord Communities Alliance in partnership with several other community organizations is organizing a Juneteenth celebration to be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, June 25th at Todos Santos Plaza in Concord. Called "Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future," the event will include music, speakers, vendors, food, and crafts.  More information is available by contacting concord.communities.alliance@gmail.com or by visiting the group's Facebook page  here .  Important Dates June 2 :   Last Day of School ;  Ygnacio Valley  HS  graduation   at 7 p.m. at Concord Pavilion June 3:  10:30 a.m. Adult Education  graduation  at Loma Vista Adult Education Center; 11 a.m. Alternative Education  graduation  at Concord Pavilion; 6:30 p.m. Olympic HS  graduation  at Concord Pavilion June 7 : Special Anti-Bias, Anti-Racism Advisory Committee (ABAR) Committee  meeting  at 4:30 p.m. June 14 :  Budget Advisory Committee  meeting  at 5:30 p.m.; MDUSD Board  meeting  at 6 p.m. June 19 :  District offices and Extended School Year classes closed in recognition of the Juneteenth  Holiday June 28 :  MDUSD Board  meeting  at 6 p.m. Aug. 10:   First day of school for the  2023-24   school year Aug. 12: MDUSD Parent Conference from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Loma Vista Adult Center Weekly Organizational Update Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark publishes detailed District operations reports in our weekly Organizational Update to the Board. Click  here   or on the image below to view this week’s update from Department leaders, which is also   archived for reference  on the District's website . The Friday Letter is written and compiled by MDUSD's Public Information and Community Relations Officer Theresa Harrington Brandt. Reach her at  brandtt@mdusd.org  for Friday Letter submissions.

Saturday, Jun 03 2023

Friday Letter - May 26, 2023

MAY 26, 2023 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 5 NO. 37 This issue highlights:  High School graduation celebrations began this week, starting with the College Now program, and will continue next week District news including tech teachers are getting early training on new interactive digital panels to enhance teaching in all classrooms by next fall School news including a chalk artist visits Delta View Elementary and the Growing Healthy Kids event in the El Monte Elementary garden was a success Staff news featuring YVHS Director of Activities Corissa Stobing is inducted into CA Assoc. of Directors of Activities (CADA) Hall of Fame  Community news including a Juneteenth event in Concord and a new Community Health Worker certificate program at DVC Important dates, and more HS graduation celebrations have begun, starting with College Now, continuing next week More than two dozen seniors who completed MDUSD's College Now program at DVC pose for a group photo after their Class of 2023 Senior Celebration on Tuesday, when they received College Now Certificates and graduation stoles. They will receive diplomas when they graduate with their home schools. As graduation season gets underway in MDUSD, the College Now program at Diablo Valley College (DVC) kicked off the festivities with a Senior Celebration on May 23rd. The seniors, who came to the program from other District high schools, officially graduate and receive their diplomas along with their classmates from the schools where they took freshman and sophomore courses before entering the College Now dual enrollment program as juniors. Their celebration was followed up by College Park High School's commencement on Thursday and Concord High School's commencement on Friday. Next week is the last week of school for all MDUSD students, with schools closed on Monday due to the Memorial Day Holiday. The remaining week will be filled with back-to-back graduations , including Northgate HS at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 30th and Mt. Diablo HS at 7 p.m. Wednesday May 31st at the Concord Pavilion; the Bridge Program at 6:30 p.m. at the Loma Vista Adult Center; Ygnacio Valley HS at 7 p.m. Friday, June 2nd, the Adult Education program at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 3rd, Alternative Education programs at 11 a,.m. Saturday, June 3rd, and OIympic HS at 6:30 p.m. Saturday June 3rd at the Concord Pavilion. You can watch the Concord Pavilion live graduations and recordings on Concord TV here for all schools except for Northgate HS, which will be live-streamed and recorded on Walnut Creek TV  here . The  College Now program allows students to earn college credits through DVC while also taking high school courses on the college campus. This year's graduating class of approximately 30 seniors earned an average of 27 college units with an average GPA of 3.0, which means they completed the equivalent of more than one year of college. Students completed 176 college applications and received 115 college acceptances. Nine will continue their education at DVC, one has committed to attending an out-of-state community college, two will go onto vocational schools and one will join the military, said College Now Administrator Dr. Heather Fontanilla. She and other speakers commended the students for "taking the risk" to attend classes at DVC and challenge themselves outside their comfort zones. MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark said the District's primary goal is to graduate students who are college and career ready. "This program is the culminating event of that mission," he said, adding that he always enjoys the College Now celebration because it is such a small, intimate community gathering that includes MDUSD and DVC officials, students, families and friends. He also praised the students for their senior project presentations, which he helped to observed last week. "It was top-notch," he said. "It was college level."  He urged the graduates to consider returning to the District to work after they complete their college educations - as teachers, counselors, principals or in other roles - just as others have helped them, in the spirit of giving back.  Student speaker Norma Carrera, who wants to become a physician's assistant, said College Now has changed her life trajectory. "Our class is one-of-a-kind," she said, "and this program made me a different person in a positive way." Click on the social media posts below to see highlights from the College Now, College Park HS and Concord HS graduations, along with a shout-out to Pleasant Hill grads from the city of Pleasant Hill!  District News No school Monday in honor of Memorial Day Holiday, last day of school is Friday, June 2nd All Mt. Diablo Unified School District schools and offices will be closed Monday, May 26th in honor of the Memorial Day Holiday. Classes will resume Tuesday, May 27th. The last day of school is Friday, June 2nd.  The last Friday Letter of the 2023-24 school year will be published on June 2nd. MDUSD's COVID-19 Dashboard reflects cases each week and Year-to-Date To keep the community informed about COVID-19 cases reported by school staff and students, the District has been updating its COVID-19 Dashboard often. This week's Dashboard reflects all cases reported Monday through Thursday, along with Year-to-Date case counts for students and staff at each school. The Year-to-Date numbers do not include cases reported during the past week. You can find this week's Dashboard  here ,  on the District's website home  page  and on the COVID-19 Response  page . Free summer community meals for children 18 years and younger at many MDUSD sites  The Mt. Diablo Unified School District's Food and Nutrition Services Department will provide free community meals including breakfast and lunch for children 18 years and younger at 19 District Sites in Bay Point, Concord, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill and at the Concord Library during portions of the summer. The list of times, dates and sites is HERE . No identification is required and each child can receive one portion per meal per day, which must be consumed on-site. Breakfast will be served from 8:40-9:10 a.m. and lunch will be available from 12:10-12:40 p.m. Breakfasts will consist of either assorted cereal, a breakfast bar, a muffin, an English muffin with cheese, or a bagel and cream cheese, depending on the day. Lunch will consist of either a hamburger, chicken corn dog, bean and cheese burrito, breaded chicken sandwich, or pizza, depending on the day. Seasonal produce and unflavored nonfat or low-fat milk will be served daily.  Apply now for free one-week MDUSD STEM Summer Camps for Middle School students! Free MDUSD STEM Summer Camps for Middle School students this summer are filling up fast. Apply now for the Girl Camp the week of June 5th-9th or the Boy Camp from June 12-16th at Valley Valley Middle School in Pleasant Hill.  Marathon, our community partner at the Martinez Renewable Fuels Facility, has provided funding for the camps since 2016, and continues to be a strong advocate for bringing STEM/robotics opportunities to middle and high school students.  More information is here . If you are interested in participating, application links can be found here for girls and here for boys. Applications will be accepted as long as space is available. Questions can be directed to Mrs. Shauna Hawes, retired Valley View teacher, at mrshawesvvms@gmail.com Free 3-week VEX IQ Robotics Camp open to Middle School students June 5-23 MDUSD is offering a free three-week Summer VEX IQ Robotics Camp to Middle School students from from 9 a.m. to 12 noon June 5 - 23 (Monday to Friday) at the El Dorado, Oak Grove and MS CARES Expanded Learning Program sites. The camp is open to any middle school student in the District, with priority given to CARES program participants.  It is brought to you by the Project 212 Ygnacio Valley HS Robotics Club, CARES Expanded Learning Program and Bay Area LEEDS. It is seeking 18 students to enroll at each of the three sites. Project 212 students developed and will teach the curriculum. It will include one week of learning how to build and program VEX IQ robots, followed by a week of making a competition robot to play a game that will be revealed during the camp. YVHS will host a competition June 21st to 22nd. Industry partners will help judge for some of the awards teams will receive. Register here . Mt. Diablo Adult Education Dental Assistant training classes begin June 20th MDUSD's Adult Education Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) is now enrolling students in its 11-month Dental Assistant program, with classes starting June 20th. The Dental Assistant program prepares students to take the California Registered Dental Assistant Examination and be hired in a growing field with plentiful jobs.  Pell Grants and other Financial Aid is available. Register at 925-685-7340 ext. 6730 or  https://mdae.mdusd.org/register Please see the attached flyer for more information. Click here for Dental Assistant details.   Tech teachers get early training on new interactive digital panels to enhance teaching MDUSD teachers from several schools try out new Promethean ActivPanels that will be distributed to every classroom in the District by next fall. MDUSD teachers and administrators are enthusiastic about new technology the District will provide to every classroom by the fall to enhance instruction. Called " Promethean ActivPanels ," the high-tech displays look like large screen Smart TVs, but act like touch screen computers, white boards and overhead projectors all rolled into one - with extra bells and whistles that make them more interactive, easy to use and even fun! "It's built for collaboration," said Promethean trainer Xan Roberti, during an after-school training on Wednesday at Concord HS. "It's an engaging tool." Training started this week for 200 teachers and administrators, including Tech Integration Leaders (known as TILs) who will receive their ActivPanels next month to begin testing them out. These Phase 1 users were designated by their principals as "tech-forward educators," said Erin Vallejo, MDUSD's new Educational Technology Coordinator, who is overseeing the training. In Phase 2 next fall, all teachers at every school will be trained, "but we'll already have some Phase 1 users on site so they can help Phase 2 users whenever they get them and tell them how amazing they are," Vallejo said. The District is hiring two dedicated Promethean educational consultants for the 2023-24 school year to help train teachers on the basics of how to use the panels, then move into "pedagogical lesson planning," said Vallejo, who is a former English teacher. "I'm thrilled," Vallejo said, "because we're standardizing technology across the District, so that we'll be providing equity" and consistency from one school to another. She's also excited about how well the panels integrate with Google and document cameras such as Elmos, as well as the interactivity and "top-of-the-line" technology that includes adjustable stands, a wireless keyboard, and "Chromeboxes" that integrate with Chromebooks. Now, she wants to be sure "teachers are feeling supported so they can ultimately support their students" and make the panels "as valuable as possible" in classrooms. Teachers and administrators at the Wednesday training were all smiles as they wrote or drew on the panels with their fingers or with stylus "pens," connected to the internet, created "spinners" and timers, moved images around, split the screen into halves and quarters, and learned how to use a variety of math tools.  They learned that they can annotate on the screens, then save their work to PDFs or google drives and share them in their Google Classrooms and even tap into Google translate. They can also record their lessons along with their voice for students to review later, with adjustable brightness and volume. And they can share their students' Chromebook screens on the large screen so everyone can see what individual students are working on. "It's tricked out," Roberti said, adding that  Promethean is a company that was created by teachers for teachers.  Mt. Diablo Elementary teacher Elaine Baker teamed up with Silverwood Elementary teacher Roxan King and Crossroads HS teacher Teresa Bolla to try out the panels. "I'm really excited that all the schools are getting the same equipment, so it's not a decision between the haves and the have-nots," King said. "Everyone's going to have it." Baker said the panels are adaptable for every grade level, from TK all the way through high school, and "this does way more than the large screen TVs or whiteboard projectors." Bolla said she thinks her students will love the technology. "I think it's very exciting and I'm looking forward to learning right alongside my students," she said. Mt. Diablo HS computer science teacher Susan Verharen said the panels are a big improvement over current District tech tools. "The touchback is cool," she said, referring to a teacher's ability to touch a student's screen to give them feedback on some computers. "It's nice to be able to share the students' individual screens, so if you were teaching math, you could say, 'Joey did it this way, and someone else did it another way.' This was so fun. I like it.'" Monte Gardens Elementary Principal Bess Inzeo gave the panels a glowing review. "It's life-changing for the teacher in the classroom," she said, explaining that the adjustable stand allows teachers to lower the screen to the level of a TK child or a student in a wheelchair or raise it for a tall student standing in front of it. "All kids can access it." Monte Gardens Elementary Principal Bess Inzeo (above left) watches a teacher try out the panel, three teachers test out the panel's spinner function (above center) and Sequoia Elementary teachers access their school's website on the panel (above right). School News  Chalk artist helps Delta View Elementary students express their creativity Chalk artist Mark Wagner (above right) works with Delta View Elementary students creating a colorful hammerhead shark on the school's playground on May 25th. Delta View students create a dragon (below left), a mushroom (below center) and a multi-layered heart (below right) using chalk supplied by Wagner. Students at Delta View Elementary got to express themselves by drawing beautiful artwork using colorful chalk on the playground Thursday, when renowned chalk artist Mark Wagner spent the day taking turns with every grade level, encouraging students to be creative. The result was a spectacular patchwork of vibrant hues decorating the pavement with creatures, plants, flags and other creations dreamed up by the students. Wagner started the day off with an assembly where he showed video of some of his well-known projects, including some that have been photographed by satellites and one that earned him a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. "I've worked with about 40,000 kids," said Wagner, whose Drawing On Earth foundation raises money for his school outreach. The Mt. Diablo Education also funded his work with District elementary schools in 2018. "I talk about being a professional artist," Wagner said. "I start by saying I paint and draw for a living." Kids are born creative, he said, but that needs to be nurtured. He asks students to tap into their imaginations when creating art, or to add their own unique twists to popular characters or images. At the moment, he is fond of hammerhead sharks, so he draws outlines of sharks for students to fill in. He also teaches them how to add shadows, and to shade and blend colors. Art is a language that connects to all students, including those in special education or who don't speak English, engaging them with creative energy. He also visited the Sunrise School on Tuesday and Valhalla Elementary on Friday.  At Delta View, one boy proudly pointed out his "Kirby" character, which he adapted using his imagination. Javier worked on a yellow and orange surfboard, and two girls colored a red and white Tongan flag. Second-grade teacher Aileen Nichols took pictures of her students with some of their creations. "The class used teamwork to create their art, and some of them worked alone," she said. "We hope we have more opportunities like this in the future." Third grade teacher John Fox said he remembers when Wagner visited a few years ago. "I'm so glad he's back," Fox said, adding that he liked how Wagner showed students the video showing how he creates his own art. He was particularly proud of his student Enjo, who drew images reflecting what he learned recently about John Muir. Enjo said he drew a sequoia tree, the earth and a red snapper to show the nature that John Muir worked to protect. Second-grader Javier draws a colorful surfboard (above left), second-grade teacher Aileen Nichols photographs a student with his artwork (above center), and third-grader Enjo stands by his drawing of a sequoia tree, the Earth and a red snapper inspired by what he has learned about John Muir. Growing Healthy Kids event in the El Monte Elementary garden was a success! The Growing Healthy Kids workshop in the El Monte Elementary School Garden on May 20th was a success! Families enjoyed a variety of healthy foods and participated in mini nutrition and cooking workshops, rotating through different stations that included digging in dirt, dissecting fruit, using a grinding stone and working with produce. Thanks to our community partners who helped host the event! Staff news YVHS leadership teacher inducted into CA Assoc. of Directors of Activities Hall of Fame  Ygnacio Valley HS ASB President Adrian Lomas (left) stands with (l-r) Director of Activities Corissa Stobing, Senior Class President Nubia Rivera and Rally Commissioner Jasmin Garcia in the leadership classroom. Congratulations to Ygnacio Valley High School's Director of Activities  Corissa Stobing , who has been inducted into the California Association of Directors of Activities (CADA) Hall of Fame! Stobing is the second teacher from MDUSD and YVHS to receive this recognition, which was first given to her mentor, the school's previous Activities Director Tom Palmer, who passed away in 2010.  "The CADA Hall of Fame recognizes exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of student activities and have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication throughout their careers," according to a news release. "Corissa Stobing's tireless commitment to fostering a positive and engaging school culture, along with her unwavering support for student growth and development, has earned her this well-deserved honor." Stobing started working at YVHS in 2002 as an English teacher, whom Palmer took under his wing along with a few other new teachers, she said. She started teaching leadership in 2008-09 and now also works as an English learner secondary support teacher. She is the school's Donors Choose Ambassador teacher, she coordinates rallies and brought the LINK crew to campus several years ago to connect sophomores and juniors to freshmen, and is working to bring a program called " Breaking Down the Walls " to the campus to help students from different backgrounds relate better to each other. She also works with other leadership teachers in the District and throughout the state and presents at CADA conferences. "As a leadership teacher, my number one priority is teaching students servant leadership," she said, explaining that everything they do is to benefit the school. She asks students: "Is it inclusive? Are we keeping people involved and happy? I never want to do something just because that’s the way we’ve always done it." The school has been doing a non-gender homecoming rally for the last 10 years and has been working on building social and emotional skills after the pandemic.  Leadership students Adrian Lomas, Nubia Rivera and Jasmin Garcia said Stobing is very approachable. "I think she’s probably one of the nicest teachers," said Adrian, who is the ASB President. "You’re able to talk to her, she helps you out. She's more than a teacher, she kind of connects with you as well." Nubia, who is the senior class president, said Stobing is a great teacher who guides students, but also encourages them to come up with their own ideas, such as face painting during lunch, playing music in the quad, and launching a TikTok page . "She's always open to our ideas and helps us out," Nubia said. Jasmin, who is the rally commissioner, said Stobing relates well to students. "She’s a person we can talk to," she said. "We know she’ll be there for us if we need anything." Community News Juneteenth event in Concord on June 25th The Concord Communities Alliance in partnership with several other community organizations is organizing a Juneteenth celebration to be held from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, June 25th at Todos Santos Plaza in Concord. Called "Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future," the event will include music, speakers, vendors, food, and crafts.  More information is available by contacting concord.communities.alliance@gmail.com or by visiting the group's Facebook page here .  Diablo Valley College (DVC) is offering a new Community Health Worker certificate program Diablo Valley College (DVC) is offering a new Community Health Worker (CHW) certificate program starting in the Fall. WHAT IS A CHW?  Community Health Workers help community members access critical resources and navigate the healthcare and social service systems, so they get the care they need. CHWs work in various settings, such as healthcare clinics, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and community health centers, to name a few.  For more information, see the attached flyer and program description or contact Dr. Kristen Colchico, Department Chair, Public Health and CHW Program Coordinator at kcolchico@dvc.edu or 925-969-4254. Important Dates May 26 : Concord  HS  graduation   at 7 p.m. at Concord Pavilion May 29:  No School -  Memorial Day Holiday  (All District schools and offices closed) May 30 :  Northgate HS   graduation  at 7 p.m. at Concord Pavilion May 31 :  Mt. Diablo HS   graduation at 7 p.m. at Concord Pavilion June 1:   Bridge Program  graduation   at 6:30 p.m. at the Loma Vista Adult Education Center June 2 :   Last Day of School ; Ygnacio Valley  HS  graduation   at 7 p.m. at Concord Pavilion June 3:  10:30 a.m. Adult Education  graduation  at Loma Vista Adult Education Center; 11 a.m. Alternative Education  graduation  at Concord Pavilion; 6:30 p.m. Olympic HS  graduation  at Concord Pavilion Weekly Organizational Update Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark publishes detailed District operations reports in our weekly Organizational Update to the Board. Click  here   or on the image below to view this week’s update from Department leaders, which is also   archived for reference  on the District's website. The Friday Letter is written and compiled by MDUSD's Public Information and Community Relations Officer Theresa Harrington Brandt. Reach her at  brandtt@mdusd.org  for Friday Letter submissions.

Saturday, May 27 2023

Friday Letter - May 19, 2023

MAY 19, 2023 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 5 NO. 36 This issue highlights:  Ygnacio Valley HS history teacher joins his wife, a College Now history teacher, as a James Madison Memorial Fellow District news including Black Excellence Awards and Celebration of Success shine spotlights on deserving students School news including a schoolwide reading event at Highlands Elementary, mural and art show at Bancroft Elementary and Lost and Found spotlight on Walnut Acres Elementary Student news including Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center Art & Writing Award winners, MDHS and NHS student achievements Staff news featuring Sunrise and Shadelands schools showing appreciation for bus drivers and custodians Important dates, and more! Ygnacio Valley HS history teacher joins his wife, a College Now history teacher,  as a James Madison Memorial Fellow Ygnacio Valley HS history and ethnic studies teacher Bryan Shaw, above right, has been selected a 2023 James Madison Memorial Fellow following in the footsteps of his wife, College Now history teacher Erica Shaw, above left, who was chosen as a James Madison Memorial Fellow in 2022.  Erica Shaw teaches 11th grade U.S. History, senior Government and Economics, and AVID in the College Now program at DVC. Bryan Shaw teaches Social Studies and Ethnic Studies at YVHS. By Theresa Harrington Brandt MDUSD Public Information Officer You've probably heard of a "match made in heaven." But in MDUSD, teachers Bryan and Erica Shaw could be considered "a match made in history."  They met while they were both teaching history at Mt. Diablo HS in 2009. "That's what brought us together," Bryan said with a smile. After a whirlwind romance, they married in 2010 and started a family. Erica now teaches 11th grade U.S. History, senior Government and Economics, and AVID in the College Now program at Diablo Valley College and Bryan teaches social studies and ethnic studies in the Education Academy at Ygnacio Valley High School. As lifelong learners themselves, both Bryan and Erica are always searching for history-related information that they can share with each other and their students. This led Erica to apply for a James Madison Memorial Fellowship, which she received last year, to pursue a master's degree in U.S. history with an emphasis on the U.S. Constitution. This year, Bryan was selected as a 2023 fellow, following in Erica's footsteps. Both are studying through an online Gettysburg College program in partnership with the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Heralded as "America’s most prestigious award in constitutional history and government for secondary teachers," the fellowship provides recipients with up to $24,000 each to pursue a master's degree in a program that includes "courses on the history and principles of the Constitution" in recognition of President James Madison's reputation as the "Father of the Constitution and Bill of Rights." "The program is magical place where I get to learn history just for myself," Erica said, adding that much of what she learns helps to inform her teaching in MDUSD, such as a recent "historiography" course that looked at how scholars have studied issues such as the New Deal. One point now being addressed that was not considered 15 or 20 years ago, she said, is who didn't have access to New Deal programs. After seeing how rigorous the fellowship was, Bryan decided he wanted to take on the same challenge as Erica, in part, "to prove that I can do it." This mindset is something he sees his own students grappling with when they take on rigorous projects. "Erica and I are both pushing ourselves and trying new things," Bryan said, adding that this helps their children and their students to see them as learner role models.  The pair are so engrossed in history that they discussed the relative merits of Communism during their first dance together at their wedding, they are both members of the UC Berkeley History-Social Science Project , and they regularly discuss history at home with their family. They wrote their own history curriculum, which relies heavily on primary source materials instead of textbooks and requires students to think critically about their roles in creating today's history. "Teaching gives us the opportunity to help students realize they have a voice that deserves to be heard," Erica said. "That is why I love history so much, because history is full of people who have fought to have their voices heard - and helping students see themselves in the history of the past is something I just love to do." Bryan said he likes "helping students learn how to think." He recalls being required to memorize a lot of dry, boring facts in his high school history classes. But that's not what he requires from his students. In both his history and ethnic studies classes, he wants students to "understand where they fit into the narrative today and have conversations with their parents" about this. Regarding the fellowship, he said: "I love history, but my strength is not the Constitution, so I'm excited to learn more about it." Erica said having a firm understanding of the Constitution will help her better communicate to her students "what their rights are and what the ideals of this nation are" so they understand how to use their voices most effectively to advocate for themselves. After a year in the program, Erica said she expects to be halfway through the 10 courses required by the end of this summer. Bryan wants to accelerate his studies during the summers so they can graduate and "walk the stage together." Erica is excited by this prospect. "We're going to hold hands and be so cute," she said. Click on the tweets below to see how Erica started her fellowship and read kudos from some of the Shaw's colleagues.   District News MDUSD’s First Annual Black Excellence Awards Celebration was a "Joyful Night" Screenshots from a KTVU news report on MDUSD's First Annual Black Excellence Awards night highlight some of the student award winners (above).  More than 400 people attended MDUSD’s First Annual  Black Excellence Awards Night on May 16th at Concord High to recognize and honor over 150 student award winners in grades K-12. Awards were also presented to members of the Black Educators Association and the Parent of the Year for the African American Parent Advisory Council. It was an empowering evening full of celebration for the amazing accomplishments of our Black and African American students!  A KTVU report about the event called it "a joyful night." Click on the image below to see the report.   Click on the tweets below to see award winners from Gregory Gardens and Sequoia elementary schools and from College Park HS. Congratulations to all award-winners! Celebration of Success shines spotlight on deserving students Students from (l-r) Robert Shearer Preschool, Hidden Valley Elementary and Sequoia Elementary receive awards during the Celebration of Success.   MDUSD and the Special Education Community Advisory Committee hosted their 21st Annual Celebration of Success Awards Night on May 17th at Concord High School honoring students with special needs who are achieving success in a variety of ways at their schools. Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark and MDUSD Governing Board Member Linda Mayo presented awards to students including Kawika (above left) from the Robert Shearer Preschool, who was highlighted in an Instagram post that said: "He's come such a long way and we're so proud of him!" A student in Ms. Maher's class at Hidden Valley Elementary (above center) was honored as a kind and helpful boy "who is a friend to everybody and really, truly shows love." And Sophia, a 4th-grade student at Sequoia Elementary, earned recognition for her academic success. Kudos to all! Town Hall Meeting with Superintendent and Board President addresses a range of topics Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark (left) and Board President Keisha Nzewi (right) respond to questions during a virtual Town Hall meeting on May 16th. MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark and Board President Keisha Nzewi held a virtual Town Hall listening session on May 16th in which they fielded questions from parents regarding a variety of topics including summer school, facilities upgrades, District committees, budget issues and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), among other items. You can watch the hourlong meeting here . MDUSD's COVID-19 Dashboard reflects cases each week and Year-to-Date To keep the community informed about COVID-19 cases reported by school staff and students, the District has been updating its COVID-19 Dashboard often. This week's Dashboard reflects all cases reported Monday through Thursday, along with Year-to-Date case counts for students and staff at each school. The Year-to-Date numbers do not include cases reported during the past week. You can find this week's Dashboard  here ,  on the District's website home  page  and on the COVID-19 Response  page . Free Farm to Table Workshop on Saturday, May 20th at El Monte Elementary in Concord! MDUSD families, staff and community members are invited to join Growing Healthy Kids for free hands-on gardening workshops and farm to table tastings in the beautiful El Monte Elementary School garden from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 20th at 1400 Dina Drive in Concord. The event will include hands-on activities and raffle prizes, along with fresh foods to sample (see Facebook post above left). Registration is required here so organizers will have enough food. May 21-27 is Classified Employees Week The MDUSD Board has declared May 21-27 Classified Employees Week. Classified employees are those who do not hold credentials and perform a variety of critical roles, including bus drivers, custodians, secretaries, instructional assistants, and IT technicians. "Classified school employees provide valuable services to the schools and students," the Board resolution says, adding that the Board "recognizes and wishes to honor the contribution of classified employees to quality education" in the state and District.  Parent Advisory Committee meeting is Monday, May 22nd MDUSD's next Parent Advisory Committee meeting will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Monday, May 22nd at the Willow Creek Professional Development Center at 1026 Mohr Lane in Concord. The agenda includes: District updates, the review and approval of Bylaws, and an opportunity to provide feedback on the Parent Advisory Committee schedule for 2023-24.   A copy of the proposed PAC Bylaws with revisions from the March 20, 2023 meeting can be found HERE . These meetings are open to the public and translation support is available. Mt. Diablo Adult Education Dental Assistant training classes begin May 30th MDUSD's Adult Education Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) is now enrolling students in its 11-month Dental Assistant program, with classes starting May 30th. The Dental Assistant program prepares students to take the California Registered Dental Assistant Examination and be hired in a growing field with plentiful jobs.  Pell Grants and other Financial Aid is available. Register at 925-685-7340 ext. 6730 or  https://mdae.mdusd.org/register Please see the attached flyer for more information. Click here for Dental Assistant details. . Apply now for free MDUSD STEM Summer Camps for Middle School students! Free MDUSD STEM Summer Camps for Middle School students this summer are filling up fast. Apply now for the Girl Camp the weeks of June 5th-9th or the Boy Camp June 12-16th at Valley Valley Middle School in Pleasant Hill.  Marathon, our community partner at the Martinez Renewable Fuels Facility, has provided funding for the camps since 2016, and continues to be a strong advocate for bringing STEM/robotics opportunities to middle and high school students. More information is  here .  If you are interested in participating, application links can be found  here  for girls and  here  for boys. Applications will be accepted as long as space is available. Questions can be directed to Mrs. Shauna Hawes, retired Valley View teacher, at  mrshawesvvms@gmail.com . Free VEX IQ Robotics Camp open to Middle School students June 5-23 through CARES MDUSD is offering a free Summer VEX IQ Robotics Camp to Middle School students from June 5 - 23 (Monday to Friday) from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the El Dorado, Oak Grove and MS CARES Expanded Learning Program sites. It is open to any middle school student in the District, with priority given to CARES program participants.  This camp is brought to you by the Project 212 Ygnacio Valley HS Robotics Club, CARES Expanded Learning Program and Bay Area LEEDS. It is seeking 18 students to enroll at each of the three sites. Project 212 students developed and will teach the curriculum. It will include a week of learning how to build and program VEX IQ robots, followed by a week of making a competition robot to play a game that will be revealed during the camp. YVHS will host a competition June 21st to 22nd. Industry partners will help judge for some of the awards teams will receive. Register here . School News Schoolwide reading program at Highlands Elementary ends with lemonade and cookies! Highlands Elementary students dressed in yellow line up for lemonade and cookies (above left) after reading "The Lemonade War" by Jacqueline Davies (center). A PTA member dressed in yellow (right) passes out cookies on the playground. Highlands Elementary has embarked on a schoolwide reading program that culminated with a lemonade and cookies party on May 15th! The entire school, including students and staff in grades TK- 5, read the book, "The Lemonade War," by Jacqueline Davies. The school's PTA purchased a copy of the book for every student "to help increase reading opportunities for every child," said Principal Kelly De Torres. All staff members, certificated and classified, read right along with the students. "So, this is truly a community event," she said. Students read at school and with their parents at home. After they finished the book, De Torres said the entire school enjoyed "a lemonade and cookie party to celebrate our reading adventure" and "celebrate as a community!" Mural honoring former principal and glowing art show at Bancroft Elementary open house Before Bancroft Elementary School's Open House on May 16th, the school unveiled a mural  (above) created in honor of former longtime Principal Linda Schuler (Photo credit: Rakel Blayke Photography). Schuler (in yellow dress below) and her family and staff who worked with her before she retired in 2020 gather for a photo in front of the mural.  When Linda Schuler was Principal at Bancroft Elementary, before retiring in 2020, she started a Kindness campaign inspired by the Sandy Hook Promise . In honor of her years of service to the Bancroft community, the school dedicated a mural with her kindness theme before its Open House on May 16th. "We could be kind by just saying 'hello to someone," Schuler recalled, as the mural created by art teacher and parent Alisa Kutsel was unveiled, with the motto: "Every kindness begins with hello." It includes wildflowers, butterflies and word "hello" in about 50 languages hidden in the mural. In front of the mural is a rock pathway created by 4th grade teacher Deanne Giffin that includes rocks painted by students along the edges. The mural was delayed due to the pandemic, Giffin said. Schuler had the honor of being the first person to walk along the pathway and to sit on a bench that was donated in her honor. The Bancroft Elementary Open House also included a mesmerizing "Rainforest After Dark" STEAM Lab art show made with neon art supplies and activated by black light. Art teacher Alisa Kutsel created the display, which included artwork by every student in the school. TK students created beaded snakes on leaves, Kindergartners made piranhas or angler fish, 1st graders created symmetrical insects, 2nd graders fashioned coiled snakes, 3rd graders created topical flowers, 4th graders showed off their iguanas and tropical frogs, and 5th graders made 3D animals. Congratulations to all! Lost and Found spotlight on Walnut Acres Elementary When the national education publication K-12 DIVE reached out to MDUSD to ask if any of our principals might be willing to participate in a fun end-of-the-year story about what gets left in the Lost and Found, we suggested Lauren Ashton at Walnut Acres Elementary. Lauren was happy to participate and ended up leading off the story, which highlights lost and found items and practices at schools around the country. Lauren contributed two photos of lost and found items, noting that sweatshirts are the most common items left behind. "The school’s lost and found, which is located at the front of the school, also has a healthy collection of water bottles, hats, lunch boxes and notebooks," the article says. You can read it here .  Student News Congrats to MDUSD's Mount Diablo Peace and Justice Center Art & Writing Award winners Congratulations to the MDUSD students listed below who won awards in the The Mount Diablo Peace and Justice Center's 2023 Art & Writing Challenge, which focused on the topic: "Young people making a difference." They will be honored at an awards brunch on Saturday. 1st place Essay: Adelaide Berrett, Northgate HS 2nd place Art: Erika Zecena, Pleasant Hill MS Honorable Mention MS art: Maya Yuryeva and Maleya De Jesus of Foothill MS. Mt. Diablo High Jr. ROTC captures two 1st place trophies at National Fitness meet Congratulations to the Mt. Diablo HS JROTC on its TWO 1st place National Fitness Meet trophies! The Pioneer highlighted this accomplishment in a recent article . "Ronnie Mcgee heads the JROTC program and his squad this year racked up wins in local, state and regional competitions to be selected for the Nationals from over 3000 JROTC high school programs around the country," it said. "The Red Devil Raider team of six boys and three girl cadets won the Co-Ed division for the 3K Run holding a 20-pound PVC pipe in a winning time of 9:49. The other first-place result came in the 900-yard obstacle course where a team of nine won in 1:50."  Congrats to all! Northgate HS senior recognized for service on State's Instructional Quality Commission Meera Chakradeo, graduating Senior at Northgate High School, recently completed her term as a Student Commissioner for the State Board of Education's Instructional Quality Commission. In this role, she was the sole representative of all 6 million public school students in California. She was also the Chair of the Commission’s Ad Hoc Committee and a member of the Health Subject Matter Committee. She attended all the meetings for the year in Sacramento or via Zoom.  During her last meeting, her fellow commissioners and state officials lauded Meera for her service. You can see their comments here . Meera will receive a Certificate of Recognition of her outstanding service signed by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, along with a plaque. Commissioners said they were impressed with her and that she has "a bright future." Northgate HS swimmers break state Boys 200 Freestyle Relay Record in CIF championship  Congrats to Northgate HS Boys 200 free relay swim team members Mason Wendler, Scott McMillan, Kyle Kengla, and Andrew Hallett, who set a new state record and recently won the event championship!  According to Swimswam.com , it was a tight race that started off with Palo Alto in the lead, but Northgate started inching closer. "Mason Wendler started things off for Northgate with a 20.61, and Scott McMillan and Kyle Kendla clocked 20.72 and 20.24, respectively." Then, "Northgate’s Andrew Hallett threw down a massive 19.79 to earn the win for his team in a meet record of 1:21.36." Go, Broncos! Staff news Sunrise and Shadelands schools show appreciation for their bus drivers and custodians The Sunrise and Shadelands schools showed their appreciation for bus drivers and custodians on Friday by making special signs and providing them with tasty treats! Thank you for all you do to help support our students! Important Dates May 20 : Free Farm to Table  Workshop   from 10 a.m. to noon at El Monte Elementary in Concord May 21-27:  Classified Employees Week May 22 :  Parent Advisory Committee  meeting  at 5:30 p.m.   at Willow Creek Center May 23 :  College Now Senior  Celebration  at 6 p.m. at DVC May 24:  Budget Advisory Committee (BAC)   meeting   at 5 p.m. May 25 : District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)  meeting   at 5:30 p.m.; College Park HS  graduation  at 7 p.m. at Concord Pavilion May 26 : Concord  HS  graduation  at 7 p.m. at Concord Pavilion Weekly Organizational Update Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark publishes detailed District operations reports in our weekly Organizational Update to the Board. Click  here   or on the image below to view this week’s update from Department leaders, which is also   archived for reference  on the District's website. The Friday Letter is written and compiled by MDUSD's Public Information and Community Relations Officer Theresa Harrington Brandt. Reach her at  brandtt@mdusd.org  for Friday Letter submissions.

Saturday, May 20 2023

Friday Letter - May 12, 2023

MAY 12, 2023 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 5 NO. 35 This issue highlights:  Northgate HS math teacher wins the Warren W. Eukel Teacher Trust Award District news including MDUSD School Board recognizes District Classified Employees of the Year, Virtual Town Hall listening session is Tuesday School news including multicultural festival at Mt. Diablo HS and Baile Folklorico at Shore Acres Elementary Community news including the Second Annual Clayton Pride Poster Design Contest deadline is Monday Important dates, and more! Northgate HS math teacher Dana Tarantino wins Warren W. Eukel Teacher Trust Award MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark (left) stands with Northgate HS math teacher Dana Tarantino at the Warren W. Eukel Teacher Trust Awards dinner May 4. The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is pleased to announce that Northgate High School teacher Dana Tarantino has been awarded the Warren W. Eukel Teacher Trust Award in recognition of her outstanding teaching. She received the award, which includes $10,000 for each recipient, along with Ellerhorst Elementary teacher Kris Berry and Stanley MS teacher Claire Scott, at an awards banquet on May 4th. The Warren W. Eukel Teacher Trust was created “to foster excellence in education by providing annual monetary awards to exceptional Contra Costa County K-12 classroom teachers," according to its website . "Ms. Tarantino is an exemplary educator,” said MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark, who attended the gala awards event. “I enjoyed hearing her story and spending time with her family. She is a worthy recipient of this prestigious award." Tarantino was nominated for the award by her former student Sabrina Woo, the school’s ASB President who graduated last year and is now attending UC Berkeley. For her award application, Tarantino created a video with clips of six current and former Algebra II students talking about what makes her special. Majed Al Hejazin said he appreciates the fact that she doesn’t just teach from the book and instead creates her own lessons that are so fun that he actually looks forward to coming to her early morning class each day. Katie Ringot said Tarantino’s “entertaining and engaging teaching style makes students want to pay attention and be involved,” along with the fact that they know “she cares so much.” Owen Hansel said the way she treats students makes them want to do better “so her effort isn’t wasted on you.”  Marina Johnson said Tarantino offers students “mutual respect and friendship” which helps her to bond with them. “The continued kindness and understanding that radiates from her is unparalleled by any other teacher I’ve ever had in my entire life,” Marina said. Ashley Chan said Tarantino is “passionate about her work,” she loves kids and “that joy on her face" really makes people want to be in her classroom. Adrianna Castro said Tarantino often reached out to her after class last year when she “went through a really hard time” and made her aware of opportunities such as joining the school’s site council, which she did. “She was an advocate for me,” Adrianna said. “If you are a student, she loves you and no matter if you have an A, B, F, or D, she will advocate for you inside and outside the classroom.” Tarantino, who has taught for 36 years and is in her sixth year at Northgate, said Adrianna’s comments about her advocacy for students “made my heart just swell. That’s exactly what I would dream my students feel like.” Tarantino says she “goes out of the box” to explain math to students in ways they can understand it. For example, instead of asking students to remember how to multiply equations using the acronym FOIL (first, outside, inside, last), she draws arrows from each part of the equation to the part that should be multiplied, which ends up looking like a claw. She calls this the “claw” strategy, which she said sticks with students more easily than FOIL. She has also created mini white boards on each student's desk so they can work together in groups and  she can show them how to do problems easily and quickly. She uses an interactive smart board that allows her to annotate problems while she is explaining them and to incorporate games such as one that features fish who cheer when students answer questions correctly, adding “a little more playfulness” to math. And as her students said, Tarantino builds strong relationships with students. “I spend nine months building a family,” she said, “because if you feel comfortable in class, you’re going to do better.” District News MDUSD School Board recognizes District Classified Employees of the Year Mt. Diablo Unified School Board Vice President Erin McFerrin (left-right) stands with District Classified Employee of the Year finalist Pamela Filstrup, Board member Debra Mason, finalists Patrick Reed, Jay Morrow, Ronald Rivett and Loretta Hurlbut, Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark (back), Student Board Member Anahi Nava Flores and Board Members Linda Mayo and Cherise Khaund at the May 10 Board meeting. The Mt. Diablo Unified School Board was pleased to recognize the District's five Classified Employee of the Year finalists on May 10, including two who were also named County Classified Employees of the Year. The District finalists are: Pamela Filstrup , Clerical and Administrative Services; Patrick Reed , Custodial Services; Loretta Hurlbut, Paraprofessional; Jay Morrow , Technical Services; and  Ronald Rivett , Transportation Services. Both Morrow and Rivett were also honored as County Classified Employees of the Year last month. Filstrup , who is the Office Manager for Sunrise Elementary and Shadelands Preschool, "is someone who voluntarily works beyond her job description," according to her nomination. "She manages to be the first person to greet you....seeming to be in two places at once...She is able to keep track of all important student information, coordinate support for students seamlessly throughout the day and provide a level-headed perspective when any situation arises, such as students having 'big feelings' or having multiple staff out at one site....Pam is a one-of-a-kind person and we are lucky to have her at our site." Reed  was nominated by a parent at Mt. Diablo Elementary where he worked as a custodian before his recent promotion to custodial and operations coordinator. He was described as "fantastic," and a "constant light for all of the students" who "takes an interest in their sports, hobbies an lives" and who "is dedicated to making MDE one of the cleanest and safest elementary schools in the district....Patrick Reed is a huge part of the heart and soul of MDE...he is the essence of joy and is always there to brighten the day" and is a valued custodian, co-worker and friend. Hurlbut , who is a special education assistant at College Park HS, was nominated by the parent of one of her students. "Mrs. H. is calm, patient and organized," the nomination said. "She works hard every day to enable my daughter to become as independent as she is able to. From the very start, she believed that my daughter and any other kids with special needs can do more than anyone can imagine...She is a great communicator...She always makes sure that the students are safe and are getting the support needed. She continues to make a difference in not just my daughter's life, but to all the students and staff she works with." Morrow  was lauded for "superior work performance in many areas" by a District manager, who noted that "he took great initiative to improve the security camera system across the entire District" and "has shown leadership in taking over this program and improving a camera system that will make campuses safer for students, staff and the general public." He was also commended for "his personal skills and dedication to customer service," along with his ability to be "a strong mentor and technical resource for field technicians." Rivett  has been   a District bus driver for 16 years. He was praised in his nomination from a District manager as "a consummate professional" who "wears a uniform every day and tucks in his shirt because that is the type of pride he takes" in his work. "He is the bus driver that will get to know the students by first name, and treats them with respect, and they give that right back to him....he has never turned in a citation for the students on his route." His goal is to have perfect attendance this year because his Bay Point students depend on him "to get to school every day."   MDUSD Board recognizes CA Association Bilingual Education Parents of the Year Mt. Diablo Unified School District Student Board Member Anahi Nava Flores (left to right) stands with District parents Enrique Sanchez and Indira Peraza, Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark, Board Member Cherise Khaund and (back) Board Members Erin McFerrin and Linda Mayo at the May 10 Board meeting. The MDUSD School Board on Wednesday recognized District parents Indira Peraza and Enrique Sanchez (a married couple), who were recently selected as Parents of the Year by the California Association of Bilingual Education (CABE). They were recognized as exemplary bilingual parents leaders, who have made significant contributions to their child’s schools on behalf of English learners, with the goal of biliteracy. Indira and Enrique have actively participated as English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) representatives for their daughter's schools. Additionally, they were District ELAC officers for three years. They also both participated in the three levels of parent leadership training "Project 2 Inspire." MDUSD Board appoints Student Board Member for 2023-24 MDUSD Board Vice President Erin McFerrin (l-r) stands with Board Member Debra Mason, 2023-24 Student Board Member Susana Barrios, 2022-23 Student Board Member Anahi Nava Flores, Board Members Cherise Khaund and Linda Mayo, and Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark (back) on May 10. The MDUSD School Board on Wednesday appointed Ygnacio Valley HS junior Susana Barrios as the 2023-24 Student Board Member. She has served as Sports Medicine President, been involved with Upward Bound, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), as has been a translator and caregiver. She will assume her new role in August. MDUSD Board appoints administrators, approves curriculum materials, hears reports The MDUSD Governing Board on May 10 appointed Leah Dubinsky and Leif Utler as an Elementary Principals for the 2023-24 school year, with the sites to be determined at a later date. The Board also appointed Raquel “Rocky” Chiasson as a District Wide Social Emotional Educational Collaborative Program Administrator and Kimberly Vaiana as a Director of Human Resources. In addition, the Board heard reports on the Concord HS proposed mascot change , Growing Healthy Kids program , and the dangers of fentanyl ; and approved elementary standards-aligned History-Social Science materials, among other items. The complete agenda is  here . MDUSD's COVID-19 Dashboard reflects cases each week and Year-to-Date To keep the community informed about COVID-19 cases reported by school staff and students, the District has been updating its COVID-19 Dashboard often. This week's Dashboard reflects all cases reported Monday through Thursday, along with Year-to-Date case counts for students and staff at each school. The Year-to-Date numbers do not include cases reported during the past week. You can find this week's Dashboard  here ,  on the District's website home  page  and on the COVID-19 Response  page . MDUSD's 1st Annual Black Excellence Awards Ceremony is Tuesday, May 16th The Mt Diablo Unified School District is proud to host our 1st Annual Black Excellence Awards at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 16th at Concord HS. The Black Excellence Awards is a district wide ceremony designed to celebrate African American student achievement. African Americans students will be recognized for their high grade point averages, attendance and outstanding grades in English Language Arts and Mathematics. More than 130 students from Kindergarten through 12 Grade will be recognized in the ceremony.  In addition, schools that engage in culturally responsive practices while reducing African American suspensions will also be recognized. Our objective is to increase African American family engagement through building trust and inclusive partnerships between students, families and staff.    Town Hall Listening Session with the Board President and Superintendent on Tuesday Mt. Diablo Unified School District School Board President Keisha Nzewi and Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark invite District parents, guardians, staff and community members to participate in a virtual Town Hall listening session at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 16th. The topics expected to be addressed include: safety, academic achievement, celebrations, support services, the 2023-24 school year, class assignments and other issues. The Zoom link is here: https://mdusd.zoom.us/j/82674832189 . Mt. Diablo Adult Education to co-host Central County Career & Resource Fair Wednesday Mt. Diablo Adult Education is pleased to co-host with the Workforce Development Board Contra Costa County the Central County Annual Career & Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 17th at the Loma Vista Adult Center, 1266 San Carlos Ave. in Concord. Youth, veterans, individuals with disabilities and other job -seekers are invited to attend the event, which will include career counseling and resume review services, as well as on-the-job-training opportunities, educational resources and jobseeker services. Please bring your resume to share with employers who may be hiring on the spot! If you have questions, please call 925-671-4560 or email wdb@ehsd.cccounty.us Click here to register or scan the QR code on the flyer. Mt. Diablo Adult Education participates in Regional Career Technical Education Expo Mt. Diablo Adult Education was proud to participate in the Contra Costa Regional Career Technical Education Expo on May 3rd. The Expo featured career training programs from local adult schools and community colleges. Mt. Diablo Adult Education featured their Medical Assistant, Dental Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Emergency Medical Technician Programs. Employers that hire students from these programs were also in attendance. Bay Medic allowed interested people to look inside their ambulance and provided information about working as an EMT. Other schools provided information and demonstrations about their programs including automotive technology, culinary arts, floral design, firefighting, HVAC, pharmacy technician, and optical assistant training. Many of these training programs are free, low cost or eligible for financial aid.  Approximately 400 people attended the event sponsored by the Contra Costa County Adult Education Consortium. More information about Mt. Diablo Adult Education programs is here . Free Farm to Table Workshop on May 20th at El Monte Elementary in Concord! MDUSD families, staff and community members are invited to join Growing Healthy Kids for free hands-on gardening workshops and farm to table tastings in the beautiful El Monte Elementary School garden from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 20th at 1400 Dina Drive in Concord. There will be hands-on activities and raffle prizes, along with fresh foods to sample. Registration is required here so organizers will have enough food. Mt. Diablo Adult Education Dental Assistant training classes begin May 30th MDUSD's Adult Education Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) is now enrolling students in its 11-month Dental Assistant program, with classes starting May 30th. The Dental Assistant program prepares students to take the California Registered Dental Assistant Examination and be hired in a growing field with plentiful jobs.  Pell Grants and other Financial Aid is available. Register at 925-685-7340 ext. 6730 or  https://mdae.mdusd.org/register Please see the attached flyer for more information. Click here for Dental Assistant details . Apply now for free MDUSD STEM Summer Camps for Middle School students! Free MDUSD STEM Summer Camps for Middle School students this summer are filling up fast. Apply now for the Girl Camp the weeks of June 5th-9th or the Boy Camp June 12-16th at Valley Valley Middle School in Pleasant Hill.  Marathon, our community partner at the Martinez Renewable Fuels Facility, has provided funding for the camps since 2016, and continues to be a strong advocate for bringing STEM/robotics opportunities to middle and high school students. More information is  here .  If you are interested in participating, application links can be found  here  for girls and  here  for boys. Applications will be accepted as long as space is available. Questions can be directed to Mrs. Shauna Hawes, retired Valley View teacher, at  mrshawesvvms@gmail.com . School News Multicultural festival at Mt. Diablo HS celebrates school's diversity Mt. Diablo HS students from the Polynesian, Filipino and Latino clubs perform traditional dances during the school's annual Multicultural Festival. For more than 30 years, students at Mt. Diablo HS have held an annual Multicultural Festival celebrating the heritiage of the diverse student body. The highly anticipated event held Friday included numerous student performances from cultural clubs including the Polynesian, Filipino and Latino clubs, which included dancing and other entertainment.  The school is proud to host the event "to celebrate our students and show off their talents," said Leadership teacher Scott Ananos.  Anahi Nava Flores, a junior who is also the Student Member on the MDUSD School Board, organized the event and was the Master of Ceremonies. Students at the school, Anahi said, are proud of their own heritages and also respect the cultures of others. "We feel a sense of community," Anahi said. Students Cindy Bustamante and Erika Villanueva, who danced the Folklorico to represent the Latino Club, said they enjoyed being part of the cultural celebration. "Everyone comes together," said Erika, who is Mexian-American. "I feel pride. I feel like regardless of where we came from, we are all here for each other and we are all supportive of each other."  Shore Acres Elementary celebrates Central American Mother’s Day with Baile Folklórico Instructor Sagrario Ibarra from "Asi se Siento México Baile Folklórico" prepared Shore Acres Elementary students to perform in front of the school community on Wednesday, May 10th, which is Mother's Day in many Central American countries, said Principal Miguel Rodriguez.  "Twenty-two Shore Acres students spent the last five weeks learning the history, culture and of course dance steps of several regions of Mexican Baile Folklórico," Rodriguez said. "This culturally sustaining performance also included bilingual poems dedicated to mothers. Students were challenged to speak and perform publicly for the first time. Community News The Second Annual Clayton Pride Poster Design Contest deadline is Monday The deadline to submit an entry in the Clayton Pride Poster Design Contest is Monday, May 15th. This year's theme is "Love and Community." Contest categories are: K-5th grades, and 6-12th grades. Submit entries in .jpg format to claytonprideparade@gmail.com. Artwork can be any media. Clearly print your name and information on each email entry. Poster must be original artwork created by an individual student. One entry per student. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be selected with prizes for each category. Use markers, paint, colored pencils/pens, crayons, charcoal, watercolors, etc. Avoid thin-lined, light-colored artwork. Painted, hand-drawn or digital posters accepted. Balance a combination of illustrations and words. Text should be large enough to be easily read. Be as neat as possible. The parade will be held June 4 in downtown Clayton. Poster contest awards party will be held in May (date TBD) in Clayton. Details are here . Current 3rd and 4th grade students can apply to attend a free Concord History Camp Students in grades 3 and 4 are invited to apply to attend a free Concord History Camp that will take place from 9 a.m. to noon June 13-16 on the grounds of the Galindo Home, 1721 Amador Ave. in Concord. Application deadline is Wednesday, May 17.  Sign up on the attached forms and visit www.concordhistorical.org for more information. Important Dates May 16:  Virtual Town Hall Listening Session with Superintendent and Board President at 6 p.m. on Zoom; MDUSD  Black Excellence Awards  2023 at 6 p.m. at Concord HS May 17 : Central County Annual Career & Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at MDUSD's Loma Vista Adult Education Center May 18 : Measure J CBOC    meeting   at 5 p.m.; Measure C CBOC      meeting  at 7 p.m.   May     21-27:  Classified Employees Week May 22 :  Parent Advisory Committee  meeting  at 5:30 p.m.   at Willow Creek Center May 23 :  College Now Senior  Celebration  at 6 p.m. at DVC Weekly Organizational Update Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark publishes detailed District operations reports in our weekly Organizational Update to the Board. Click  here   or on the image below to view this week’s update from Department leaders, which is also   archived for reference  on the District's website. The Friday Letter is written and compiled by MDUSD's Public Information and Community Relations Officer Theresa Harrington Brandt. Reach her at  brandtt@mdusd.org  for Friday Letter submissions.

Saturday, May 13 2023

Friday Letter - May 5, 2023

MAY 5, 2023 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 5 NO. 34 This issue highlights:  Prospect HS teacher is named a California Continuation Education Association Plus Teacher of the Year and an MDHS student is a Gates Scholar! District news including May is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month Community news including COPE Parenting Classes in May   Important dates, and more! Prospect HS teacher is named a CA Continuation Education Association Teacher of the Year Prospect HS teacher Elizabeth "Libby" McDonagh received the 2023 CCEA Plus Region 4 Teacher of the Year and the CCEA Plus State Teacher of the Year awards at the group's annual conference on April 29th. The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is pleased to announce that Prospect High School teacher Elizabeth "Libby"  McDonagh has been recognized as both a regional and state 2023 California Continuing Education Association Plus Teacher of the Year! She received both awards on April 29th at the CCEA Plus annual conference in San Diego, where Prospect HS was also recognized as a 2023 California Model Continuation High School. "These awards are given annually to individuals who have gone above and beyond in their leadership with staff, their dedication to student success, and involvement in their community," said Prospect HS Principal Melissa Brennan. "The CCEA Plus Teacher of the Year is the most prestigious award. We are incredibly lucky to have Libby on our Prospect team."  McDonagh has been teaching for eight years and this is her third year at Prospect. In her first year there, she was recognized as a  District Teacher of the Year . "I love this school," she said. "I love working in continuing education. I think it’s great that we have smaller classes because we can build much deeper relationships. I never want to go back to a traditional school environment." Her goals, she said, align with the school's vision, which is "serving kids equitably and making sure they get a good education and taking care of the whole child." This includes keeping up with students' grades, credits, and what's going on in their lives. One of the ways she checks in on students each day is to show them a variety of animated pictures depicting different emotions and asking them to tell her which one they identify with as she takes roll. If a student picks a character who looks sad, she knows the student is "in a vulnerable state." She teaches English, leadership, psychology and sociology to the mostly 11th and 12th-graders, who came to Prospect after experiencing difficulties at traditional high schools. A lot of them missed class time during the pandemic, including one student who didn't have Internet access, she said. "A lot are here because they didn’t find a good fit at one of the traditional schools," she said. "It’s very telling that a lot of our students are Latino and English learners. I think that shows where we as a District might be struggling. We have an over-representation of students of color, those with IEPs (special education Individualized Education Program), and those learning English as a second language." McDonagh, who has a doctorate in educational leadership, said traditional lessons that require teens to memorize Shakespeare or facts that are not relevant to them don't resonate with her students. "It's our job to show them how this is meaningful to their lives," she said, explaining that she invites her students to come up with "self-guided projects" focused on "something they are passionate about - something they want to do or create." As they are working on these projects, she is also teaching them time management skills, which will help them throughout their lives. Students said she cares about them and makes lessons interesting by incorporating things that appeal to them, such as pop culture TV shows that deal with topics such as race, gender, capitalism and philosophy. "Her class is a safe environment for most people," said Gabby Cramer, an 18-year-old senior. "I'd say she's the best teacher here. She connects very well with everyone individually and as a group. She gets us." Marissa Schatz, a 17-year-old junior said McDonagh "can make us laugh when it's needed" and "she's not just talking at us. If she's telling us something and she thinks we're not understanding, she'll put it in ways the whole class can get it."  McDonagh said she stumbled into her career as a teacher and "it's become my greatest passion in life." She said she loves to learn and believes "the most important thing we can do is inspire a love of learning - even if it’s an alternative means of learning for our kids." Ultimately, she said, "I would hope there would be no need for schools like ours because every school would be as welcoming."  Mt. Diablo HS student receives prestigious Gates full ride Scholarship! Mt. Diablo HS senior Tori Umaña Almaraz stands proudly by the school sign holding a University of Southern California banner and wearing a USC sweatshirt on "signing day" May 4th, after committing to their dream school when they learned they were awarded a prestigious Gates Scholarship.  Mt. Diablo High School and the Mt. Diablo Unified School District are proud to announce that senior Tori Umaña Almaraz has received a prestigious Gates Scholarship, which will enable them to attend their dream school - the University of Southern California (USC) in the fall. Tori (who uses the pronouns "they" and "them") plans to major in math and minor in education for their undergraduate studies, then pursue a master's degree with the goal of becoming a high school or community college math teacher. "Whenever I tell people I want to be a math teacher, they're like, 'Ew, why?'" Tori said. "People hate math because they think it's really difficult. I like math and the reason I’ve been able to do well is because of the teachers I've had." But, in middle school, Tori said they had one math teacher who really wasn't very good at explaining the concepts, so they struggled a lot. "That's part of the reason I want to teach math," Tori said, "because if I can make a difficult subject like math easier for many students, that’s something I think is enjoyable, and that's my contribution to the world and society." Like some of their favorite teachers, Tori plans to be available to future students by inviting them to ask questions during regular office hours, and being available via email. "I understand students learn differently, such as by hands-on learning," Tori said. "I want to incorporate that and make my teaching more accessible for my students." The "highly selective" Gates Scholarship is awarded to "outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households" who are "exceptional student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential," according to the website . This year, Tori said 750 students were selected out of 51,000 applicants, based on the application, essays, letters of recommendation and a personal interview. Tori, who is Latinx, has a weighted GPA of about 4.4 and has also been selected as Mt. Diablo High School's valedictorian for the Class of 2023. They are taking five classes at MDHS this semester - public speaking, physics, AP English literature, AP government and statistics. In addition, they are taking AP Calculus BC through the  UC Scout program, with oversight from MDHS math teacher Kyle Kondo, who wrote a letter of recommendation for the Gates Scholarship.  "I recommended Tori for the scholarship because of their confidence and the growth that they demonstrated taking AP Calculus AB last year," Kondo said. "It's very rare for me to encounter juniors in AP Calculus AB at our school. Tori demonstrated a lot of resilience through the class and in the end was very successful in both the class and on the AP test. Tori has continued forward and has been self studying AP Calculus BC this year. I feel very honored that Tori is interested in becoming a math teacher. I honestly really want them to explore the other options too though. I hope that when they are at USC that they will get to see how many different choices and options that there are to explore."  Tori was busy this week taking AP exams, while also juggling softball practice and games, and planning an upcoming field for the school's Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) club. At age 17, Tori has figured out the importance of maintaining a balance in their life both inside and outside of school. But this has not always been the case. As a child, Tori said they "failed" at fully enjoying their childhood, including fun activities outside of school. "When I was younger, I let other people's expectations of me decide my life," Tori said. "But I'm doing my own thing now. I'm choosing my own pathway. I was good at school at a young age, and I feel like in elementary and middle school, I wasn't focusing on myself. I was trying to do more than I could and that was really stressing me out. Now, even though I'm still working hard, I can hang out with friends or take a walk to take some time to myself. I can organize my time. If I get a B on a test, I'm fine with it. If I need to raise my grade, I will talk to the teacher. There are other things I want to do, too. I'm trying to learn how to roller blade." At graduation, Tori wants Mt. Diablo High students to stand tall and proud, even though some have been discouraged at times by a negative perception of the school by some in the community, which Tori believes is unfounded. "In 9th grade, I told someone I went to Mt. Diablo High and they said, 'I'm sorry,'" Tori recalled, voicing a desire to show that the school doesn't deserve such a reputation. Tori plans to tell their classmates that they are proving the doubters wrong. "You're going to do great things," Tori will say, stressing options such as college, trade schools or starting work. "You have all these opportunities in front of you. You are here now and you know what you are capable of." Just as Tori has learned to chart their own path, Tori wants their classmates to know that they too, can overcome misperceptions that others may have about them or the school and realize their dreams.  District News May is Asian American Pacific Islander Month and Jewish American Heritage Month The Mt. Diablo Unified School Board has proclaimed May as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and  Jewish American Heritage Month .  "Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest-growing racial groups in California, and they make up 15% of California's resident population," the Board resolutions states. "Understanding Asian and Pacific Islander history in our state and nation is an important part of celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month." "There is a need for public education, awareness and policies that are culturally competent when describing, discussing, or addressing the impacts of being Jewish American in all aspects of American society, including discourse and policy," the Board resolution states. "The Governing Board of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District hereby recognizes May as Jewish American Heritage Month and supports opportunities for all students, staff, faculty, and members of the public to honor and learn more about Jewish American history and culture." May 5 is School Lunch Hero Day The Mt. Diablo Unified School Board has proclaimed May 5 as  School Lunch Hero Day . "The staff of Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) Food and Nutrition Services are committed to providing healthy, nutritious meals to the District's children," the Board resolution states. "The men and women who prepare and serve meals help to nurture our children through their daily interaction and support." "The Mt. Diablo Unified School District Governing Board expresses deep appreciation to these valuable employees and commends their good work on behalf of children and encourages all to celebrate nutrition professionals and their one-of-a-kind superpowers."  May 8-12 is National Teacher Appreciation Week and May 10 is the CA Day of the Teacher The Mt. Diablo Unified School Board recognizes May 8-12 as National Teacher Appreciation Week and May 10 as the California Day of the Teacher.  "The Governing Board of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District wishes to express its appreciation to our teachers for their creativity, dedication, and talent," the Board resolution states. "The Day of the Teacher affords an excellent opportunity to give recognition to this deserving group of talented professionals." MDUSD Board meets Wednesday to appoint administrators, recognize classified employees The MDUSD Governing Board will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 10 in the District Office Board Room to appoint administrators; recognize MDUSD's Classified Employees of the Year; hear reports on the Growing Healthy Kids program, Concord HS proposed mascot change and the dangers of fentanyl; and review and potentially approve elementary standards-aligned History-Social Science materials, among other items. The complete agenda will be posted here by Friday evening. MDUSD's COVID-19 Dashboard reflects cases each week and Year-to-Date To keep the community informed about COVID-19 cases reported by school staff and students, the District has been updating its COVID-19 Dashboard often. This week's Dashboard reflects all cases reported Monday through Thursday, along with Year-to-Date case counts for students and staff at each school. The Year-to-Date numbers do not include cases reported during the past week. You can find this week's Dashboard  here ,  on the District's website home  page  and on the COVID-19 Response  page . MDUSD Career Pathways Showcase is Thursday, May 11th MDUSD's annual Career Pathway Showcase will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 11th at the Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle in Concord.  The event will include a special awards ceremony at 7 p.m., along with open house style displays with about a dozen teachers, pathway and student representatives showcasing the work they have completed this year.  "This is a time for families to see the work the students have done and it is also an opportunity for the MDUSD community to learn more about our career pathways and the opportunities they offer," said College and Career Transition Specialist Erin Larkins. For more information about Career Pathways in MDUSD please click here . The 2023 MDEA Awards of Excellence event is Thursday, May 11th at Centre Concord The Mt. Diablo Education Association (MDEA) will host the 2023 Awards of Excellence on Thursday, May 11th at Centre Concord. The event celebrates the work of teachers, staff members, administrators, community organizations, and supporters of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. Awards are presented in 10 categories including Creative Curriculum, Most Inspirational and Lifetime Achievement. Educators and honorees are nominated by colleagues, parents, or community members.   Attendees can enjoy appetizers and desserts, socializing, and entertainment by MDUSD student performers. Details are  here . Mt. Diablo Adult Education's Lifelong Education program offers new classes this month Mt. Diablo Adult Education's Lifelong Education program has new classes available this month, including art, cooking, crafts, finance, fitness, home organization, personal enrichment, technology, woodturning and woodworking. Click here for details. For questions, call (925) 937-1530 or email lifelonged@mdusd.org. Mt. Diablo Adult Education to co-host Central County Career & Resource Fair on May 17th Mt. Diablo Adult Education is pleased to co-host with the Workforce Development Board Contra Costa County the Central County Annual Career & Resource Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 17th at the Loma Vista Adult Center, 1266 San Carlos Ave. in Concord. Youth, veterans, individuals with disabilities and other job -seekers are invited to attend the event, which will include career counseling and resume review services, as well as on-the-job-training opportunities, educational resources and jobseeker services. Please bring your resume to share with employers who may be hiring on the spot! If you have questions, please call 925-671-4560 or email wdb@ehsd.cccounty.us Click here to register or scan the QR code on the flyer. You are invited to a free Farm to Table Workshop May 20th at El Monte Elementary in Concord! MDUSD families, staff and community members are invited to join Growing Healthy Kids for free hands-on gardening workshops and farm to table tastings in the beautiful El Monte Elementary School garden from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 20th at 1400 Dina Drive in Concord. As you enjoy a garden tour, you can learn how outdoor spaces are being used as 3D curriculum to promote student wellness and learning. There will be hands-on activities and raffle prizes, along with fresh foods to sample. Registration is required  here  so organizers will have enough food. Mt. Diablo Adult Education Dental Assistant training classes begin May 30th   MDUSD's Adult Education Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) is now enrolling students in its 11-month Dental Assistant program, with classes starting May 30th. The Dental Assistant program prepares students to take the California Registered Dental Assistant Examination and be hired in a growing field with plentiful jobs.  Pell Grants and other Financial Aid is available. Register at 925-685-7340 ext. 6730 or  https://mdae.mdusd.org/register Please see the attached flyer for more information. Click  here  for Dental Assistant details. Apply now for free MDUSD STEM Summer Camps for Middle School students! Free MDUSD STEM Summer Camps for Middle School students this summer are filling up fast. Apply now for the Girl Camp the weeks of June 5th-9th or the Boy Camp June 12-16th at Valley Valley Middle School in Pleasant Hill.  Marathon, our community partner at the Martinez Renewable Fuels Facility, has provided funding for the camps since 2016, and continues to be a strong advocate for bringing STEM/robotics opportunities for middle and high school students around the district.  More information is  here . If you are interested in participating, application links can be found  here  for girls and  here  for boys. Applications will be accepted as long as space is available. Questions can be directed to Mrs. Shauna Hawes, retired Valley View teacher, at  mrshawesvvms@gmail.com . MDUSD is hiring School Nurses (RNs) The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is hiring School Nurses! Join our School Nurse team and make a difference in the lives of our students! Full-time positions available. 7-hour days Work schedule: 185 work days, from the beginning of August through June 4th (with all weekends, school holidays and summer off, including one week for Thanksgiving, two weeks in late December, and one week for spring break). Requirements to apply: Bachelor's Degree (in any field) Registered Nurse License For more information, please email School Nurse Liaison/Coordinator Julie Ronhaar at ronhaarj@mdusd.org To apply, please scan the QR code in the attached flyer with your smartphone or tablet, or visit  https://tinyurl.com/join-mdusd.nurses . Community News C.O.P.E. Parenting Classes in May The C.O.P.E. Family Support Center, which works to strengthen family relationships through Counseling Options and Parent Education, is offering several new classes starting in May. These include: Supporting Father Involvement ,  Free Group Triple P: Parents with children ages 0-5 , and a Family Transitions Positive co-parenting class . More  information is  here . New Brochure: Healthy Smiles from Pregnancy Through the Toddler Years A new Smile, California Healthy Smiles from Pregnancy Through the Toddler Years brochure is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean at SmileCalifornia.org . Practicing good oral health habits is important during every life stage by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly. Medi-Cal members are covered during pregnancy and 12 months postpartum. City of Concord’s Recreation Services Department has launched a youth scholarship program  The City of Concord’s Recreation Services Department has launched a youth scholarship program to provide recreation opportunities for young residents. The first review of applications will take place May 15. Through this program, underserved Concord youth can experience traditional summer recreation activities, including the popular group swim lessons at Concord Community Pool, Backyard Explorers day camp for elementary students, East Bay Explorers day camp for middle school students, and the Counselor in Training (CIT) program for teens ages 12-15 The Youth Scholarship Program is open to all Concord residents under the age of 18 who meet financial qualifications and submit a completed application. Awardees will pay a nominal enrollment fee of $10-$75, depending on the program selected. Participation is limited and based on funding availability. Applications are available now and will be accepted until spaces or funding are exhausted. To learn more about the program and to apply, please visit www.cityofconcord.org/youthscholarship . Second annual Bay Area Bike Swap & Festival is May 6 at Heather Farm Park In Walnut Creek The Bay Area Bike Project is hosting its second annual  Bay Area Bike Swap & Festival on Saturday, May 6 at Heather Farm Park In Walnut Creek.  "Our main goal is getting more kids on bikes, bike education and advocating for safe biking communities," said parent volunteer Anna Park. "It's a great way for folks to test-ride multiple bike brands with experts, up-cycle outgrown bikes and learn about local biking opportunities."   She said the group wants to encourage kids to learn how to ride bikes properly as a way to get physical exercise, and enjoy the outdoors. "Giving a kid a bike and teaching them to ride is the best way to get kids active, increase their health, and boost their confidence," she said. MDUSD students are invited to enter the Second Annual Clayton Pride Poster Design Contest Poster Design Contest. This year's theme is "Love and Community." Contest categories are: K-5th grades, and 6-12th grades. Submissions are due by May 15, 2023 in .jpg format to claytonprideparade@gmail.com. Contest rules: Artwork can be any media. Clearly print your name and information on each email entry. Poster must be original artwork created by an individual student. One entry per student. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be selected with prizes for each category. What makes a good poster? Colorful posters are the best! Use markers, paint, colored pencils/pens, crayons, charcoal, watercolors, etc. Avoid thin-lined, light-colored artwork. Painted, hand-drawn or digital posters accepted. Balance a combination of illustrations and words. Text should be large enough to be easily read. Be as neat as possible. Research the theme as a way to brainstorm ideas.  The parade will be held June 4 in downtown Clayton.  Poster contest awards party will be held in May (date TBD) in Clayton.  Details are here . Current 3rd and 4th grade students are invited to apply to attend a free Concord History Camp Students currently in grades 3 and 4 are invited to apply to attend a free Concord History Camp that will take place from 9 a.m. to noon June 13-16, 2023 on the grounds of the Galindo Home, 1721 Amador Ave. in Concord. Application deadline is  May 17 .  Sign up on the attached forms and visit  www.concordhistorical.org  for more information. Important Dates May 5 :  School Lunch Hero  Day May 8-12 :  Teacher Appreciation  Week May 10 : School Board meeting at 6 p.m. in the District Office Board Room,  Day of the Teacher   May 16:  MDUSD  Black Excellence Awards  2023 at 6 p.m. at Concord HS May 18 : Measure J CBOC  meeting   at 5 p.m.; Measure C CBOC  meeting  at 7 p.m. May 21-27:  Classified Employees Week Weekly Organizational Update Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark publishes detailed District operations reports in our weekly Organizational Update to the Board. Click  here or on the image below to view this week’s update from Department leaders, which is also   archived for reference  on the District's website. The Friday Letter is written and compiled by MDUSD's Public Information and Community Relations Officer Theresa Harrington Brandt. Reach her at  brandtt@mdusd.org  for Friday Letter submissions.

Friday, May 05 2023

Friday Letter - April 28, 2023

APRIL 28, 2023 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 5 NO. 33 This issue highlights:  Olympic HS Behavioral Health Specialist is named a California Continuation Education Association Plus Counselor/School Support Person of the Year District news including Adult Education Career Technical Education (CTE) Expo is Wednesday, May 3rd in Martinez Community news including Concord is seeking Youth Parks, Recreation and Open Space commissioners School news including Strandwood Elementary 3rd-graders learn to weave  Student news including scholastic and athletic achievements Staff social media shout-outs recognizing administrative professionals Important dates, and more! Olympic HS Behavioral Health Specialist wins CA Continuation Education Association Award Olympic HS Behavioral Health Specialist Carrie Buchek (center) stands with two students at the school in front of a mural of a phoenix rising with butterflies that she helped to coordinate based on students' ideas. The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is very proud of the wonderful work being done by Olympic Continuation High School Behavioral Specialist Carrie Buchek, which is being recognized by the California Continuation Education Association this week! Carrie has been named a 2023 Counselor/Support Person of the Year by the organization and will receive her award on Saturday at an annual conference in San Diego. "It is specifically given to those who go above and beyond in their leadership with staff and dedication to student success while being heavily involved within their community," said Principal Courtney Lyon. "Carrie is all of those things and so much more. Olympic, and our students, are so fortunate to have her as a part of our team." Buchek started her career in the District in 2005 as a School Psychologist at Olympic and transitioned to working with students in the adjacent Alliance Social Emotional Educational Collaborative (SEEC) program. She took on the role of a Behavioral Health Specialist in 2009 when the District created these positions to directly serve students with mental health needs. She is now in her second year as a Behavioral Health Specialist at Olympic. "This is my dream job," she said. "I love it so much. It blends everything I love to do." This includes building close relationships with general education students who have experienced trauma through intensive therapy as a licensed clinical therapist and helping them to "believe in themselves and what they are capable of achieving after they leave us." Calling this "transformational work," Buchek said "it's always really exciting" to see students succeed. "Graduation is my favorite day of the year." (Olympic's graduation is June 3.) Unlike an office therapist who works in isolation from the rest of the school, Buchek said she is very involved in the campus community and in supporting students and advocating for them when needed. She helps students understand why they are struggling and teaches them skills such as mindfulness and self-awareness to help regulate their emotions and get through moments when they are agitated without acting on them. Without these skills, some students may resort to self-destructive or self-harm impulses, such as drug use or fighting, she said. Her role includes helping students to figure out what's triggering these emotions and to pause before acting so they can make healthier coping choices such as self-soothing instead of self-numbing through controlled substances. Ultimately, she works to motivate them to reduce and change these risky behaviors.  Students said she understands them. "She's cool," said a 17-year-old senior boy. "She cares about what you've got going on." A 17-year-old junior girl added: "She keeps it real. She talks to you straight up and doesn't lie to you, even if you don't want to hear it. When I first met her, I could see in her face that she was going to be someone I wanted to talk to." Calling her "a great person," a 17-year-old junior boy said: "She makes me feel comfortable. You could open up to her about anything. She wants to be there for everybody. If she sees you have a problem, she tries to help you fix it."  District News MDUSD Board appoints elementary Vice Principal, approves History-Social Science/AP materials The MDUSD Governing Board on April 26th appointed Madyson Benz as an elementary vice principal for 2023-24 to a school to be determined later. The Board also approved middle and high school History-Social Science and high school Advanced Placement instructional materials and heard a community presentation in support of the current Concord HS mascot, among other items. The agenda is here . MDUSD's COVID-19 Dashboard reflects cases each week and Year-to-Date To keep the community informed about COVID-19 cases reported by school staff and students, the District has been updating its COVID-19 Dashboard often. This week's Dashboard reflects all cases reported Monday through Thursday, along with Year-to-Date case counts for students and staff at each school. The Year-to-Date numbers do not include cases reported during the past week. You can find this week's Dashboard  here ,  on the District's website home  page  and on the COVID-19 Response  page . Superintendent discusses Building and Retaining a K-12 Educator Workforce: Leading for Equity During a recent Arizona State University (ASU) and Global Silicon Valley (GSV) conference, MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark participated in a panel discussion titled: "Building and Retaining a K-12 Educator Workforce: Leading for Equity." In his comments, which begin about 20 minutes into the discussion, he stressed the importance of recruiting, hiring, onboarding and retaining a diverse workforce. He said this starts with the application process to ensure the District is getting diverse people in the room. You can watch the discussion here . Coffee with the Counselors builds parent engagement, especially with Spanish-speakers MDUSD Latina counselors -  Angela Ordaz, Marcie Torres, Leidi Arias and Yaretzie Amaya - hosted "Coffee with the Counselors" at Shore Acres Elementary Saturday. Building on their first "Coffee with the Counselors" event last fall, MDUSD Latina counselors Angela Ordaz, Marcie Torres, Leidi Arias and Yaretzie Amaya hosted a second event on April 22nd at Shore Acres Elementary in Bay Point. They said it helped them to connect to some parents who had attended the first coffee, as well as some new parents, especially those who speak Spanish.  "Being able to host an event like this was very special and heartwarming," Torres said. "Parents shared that they often feel that language is a barrier for them - not speaking in English - and asking for help is a big challenge to navigate." The counselors presented information in Spanish with English translation. "That made our families feel very welcomed, comfortable and affirmed," Torres said. Amaya said families came from a variety of schools in the District. "It was nice to see families come to be with each other and with us, and to answer questions regarding summer school and upcoming summer enrichment activities," she said. "They were just really appreciative." She was also pleased that Board Member Debra Mason and Student Services Director Felicia Stuckey-Smith attended the event.  Arias said that several parents stayed after the presentation to ask follow-up questions. "That really highlighted for me the importance of having this parent engagement event," she said. "We let the parents know that in the future, we plan to have four during the school year. They got really excited to hear that. We just expect a better and and better turnout every time." Ordaz said the group held a restorative justice circle that lasted 45 minutes, including mothers, grandmothers, and aunties. "They let us know their deepest thoughts about the education system and how they would like to get more support," she said, adding that some pointed expressed concerns and areas for growth. The counselors, Ordaz said, are striving to create an environment where "families can trust us and tell us how they really feel and what they really think." Already, they feel they are starting to achieve that goal. "There was a lot of laughter, joy and tears," Ordaz said. College Park HS Choirs to Sing National Anthem for Oakland A's vs. Cincinnati Reds on Saturday Now that spring is here, be sure to watch College Park High School's talented singers perform the National Anthem for the A's game against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday, April 29th! The A's organization has reserved a block of field level tickets behind 1st Base for the MDUSD community, and is offering the seats at a discount, which also includes a donation to the CPHS choir program. It's going to be an afternoon of great weather and great baseball! Click here for tickets. MDUSD Art & Digital Media Exhibition through Sunday, April 30th at Sunvalley Shopping Center The Second Annual MDUSD Art & Digital Media exhibition is on display at Sunvalley Shopping Center in Concord through Sunday, April 30th in the mall's food court, featuring Art & Digital Media Pathways student work from College Park, Concord, Mt. Diablo and Northgate high schools.  The exhibition is a partnership with the shopping center and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce to build community engagement with local schools.  The exhibition includes four large screen monitors that display digital photos of art created at each of the high schools represented, including photography, animation and digital media.  More information is here . Adult Education Career Technical Education expo Wednesday, Dental Training program in May MDUSD's Adult Education program is teaming up with adult schools and colleges in the county to offer a Career Technical Education Expo on Wednesday, May 3 at the Martinez Adult School, 300 F St. in Martinez. It will include demonstrations, career information, emergency services staff, medical assistants, dental assistants, culinary, and more. MDUSD parents and high school students are encouraged to attend. The program is also recruiting Dental Assistant students for classes beginning May 30. Click  here  for expo information and  here  for Dental Assistant details. The 2023 MDEA Awards of Excellence event is Thursday, May 11th at Centre Concord Each year, the Mt. Diablo Education Association (MDEA) hosts the Awards of Excellence celebrating the work of teachers, staff members, administrators, community organizations, and supporters of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. Awards are presented in 10 categories including Creative Curriculum, Most Inspirational and Lifetime Achievement. Educators and honorees are nominated by colleagues, parents, or community members. The 2023 MDEA Awards of Excellence is Thursday, May 11th at Centre Concord. Award winners will be honored and attendees can enjoy appetizers and desserts, socializing, and entertainment by MDUSD student performers. Details are here . You are invited to a free Farm to Table Workshop May 20th at El Monte Elementary in Concord! MDUSD families, staff and community members are invited to join Growing Healthy Kids for free hands-on gardening workshops and farm to table tastings in the beautiful El Monte Elementary School garden from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 20th at 1400 Dina Drive in Concord. As you enjoy a tour of the garden, you can learn how outdoor spaces are being used as 3D curriculum to promote student wellness and learning. There will be lots of hands-on activities and raffle prizes, along with fresh foods to sample. Registration is required here so organizers will be sure to have enough food for everyone. MDUSD Robotics Club students learn from each other and from other teams during competitions MDUSD students and advisors (left to right) in the Ygnacio Valley HS Project 212, College Park FalconX and Mt. Diablo HS DevTech robotics clubs participated in a First Robotics Sacramento Regional competition at UC Davis last month. Four MDUSD high schools have after-school robotics clubs that give students opportunities to hone engineering skills and participate in regional competitions, where they can learn from each other, as well as from other teams. In the past, we have highlighted the Project 212 Robotics team at Ygnacio Valley HS, which has built a strong program under the leadership of MDUSD 2023 Teacher of the Year  Joseph Alvarico . College Park and Concord high schools also offer robotics clubs.  Now, Mt. Diablo HS is coming on strong with its own fledgling robotics club that has participated in regional competitions. Josemit Rodriguez, president of the MDHS robotics team, is a former member of the YVHS Project 212 team. "This year, our team has accomplished many things for a rookie group," Josemit said, adding that MDHS had not previously sent a robotics team to the Sacramento Regional Competition since 2017. At this event, Josemit said the MDHS team "did fairly well."  "We  placed 39th competing against 46 teams," Josemit said. "We deem it as a success given our circumstances. Our team of promising young students managed to successfully create a fully functional robot given the time and the resources we had. We had three matches where we scored the highest in our alliance" (a group of three teams from different schools). "After our trip, we also realized that there are many things that we can work on, such as recruiting more girls on the team, collaborating with potential sponsors, and most of all, strengthening the ties with the high schools around us for possible mentorship and collaboration for future projects," Josemit said. "As of right now, we need all the help we can get to ensure that the students at Mt. Diablo High School have access to a robotics program that will prepare them for the future, give them an opportunity to connect with the community around them, and most of all, to have fun while learning."  Their team (pictured above) includes 18 students and is mentored by math teacher Kyle Kondo, English teacher Aislyn Alegre and Ruben Corrales. "Our journey would not be possible if it was not for our strong mentors, and the support from other organizations, and we have great gratitude towards the MDUSD board for supporting us on our journey," Josemit said. "Because of this event, we have learned so much from other teams and their journey."  At the Sacramento event, the Ygnacio Valley HS Project 212 team was ranked 14 , the College Park HS team was ranked 22 , and the Concord HS team was ranked 30 . The College Park team and Ygnacio Valley teams competed as part of an alliance (see FB post below left). Also, the CPHS robot was shown competing in a news report about the event (see tweet below center). Oak Grove MS has also started a robotics club, with sponsorship from Marathon (see tweet below right). Middle School students interested in learning STEM skills can apply to the Summer STEM camps below! Apply now for free MDUSD STEM Summer Camps for Middle School students, filling up fast! Free MDUSD STEM Summer Camps for Middle School students this summer are filling up fast. Apply now for the Girl Camp the weeks of June 5th-9th or the Boy Camp June 12-16th at Valley Valley Middle School in Pleasant Hill.  Marathon, our community partner at the Martinez Renewable Fuels Facility, has provided funding for the camps since 2016, and continues to be a strong advocate for bringing STEM/robotics opportunities for middle and high school students around the district. More information is here . If you are interested in participating, application links can be found  here  for girls and  here  for boys. Applications will be accepted as long as space is available. Questions can be directed to Mrs. Shauna Hawes, retired Valley View teacher, at  mrshawesvvms@gmail.com . Community News Second annual Bay Area Bike Swap & Festival is May 6 at Heather Farm Park In Walnut Creek The Bay Area Bike Project is hosting its second annual Bay Area Bike Swap & Festival on Saturday, May 6 at Heather Farm Park In Walnut Creek.  "Our main goal is getting more kids on bikes, bike education and advocating for safe biking communities," said parent volunteer Anna Park. "It's a great way for folks to test-ride multiple bike brands with experts, up-cycle outgrown bikes and learn about local biking opportunities."   She said the group wants to encourage kids to learn how to ride bikes properly as a way to get physical exercise, and enjoy the outdoors. "Giving a kid a bike and teaching them to ride is the best way to get kids active, increase their health, and boost their confidence," she said. . City of Concord seeks two Youth Members for its Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission  The City of Concord is currently recruiting for two Youth Members for its Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Commission. The Youth Members serve for one year to coincide with the school year, effective September 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.   The deadline to submit applications is Friday, May 12, 2023 at 5 p.m . Applications must be submitted online through the City’s website at:  https://www.cityofconcord.org/264/Applications-for-Boards-Committees-Commi .   The city is trying to generate interest within the youth population to get involved in local government. The attached flyer includes a QR code for the application. Applicants must be between the ages of 13 and 21 at the time of appointment and must be residents of Concord or attend school in Concord. For questions, contact the City Clerk at: cityclerk@cityofconcord.org.  More information is at cityofconcord.org/PROSC . MDUSD students are invited to enter the Second Annual Clayton Pride Poster Design Contest Poster Design Contest. This year's theme is "Love and Community." Contest categories are: K-5th grades, and 6-12th grades. Submissions are due by May 15 , 2023 in .jpg format to claytonprideparade@gmail.com. Contest rules: Artwork can be any media. Clearly print your name and information on each email entry. Poster must be original artwork created by an individual student. One entry per student. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be selected with prizes for each category. What makes a good poster? Colorful posters are the best! Use markers, paint, colored pencils/pens, crayons, charcoal, watercolors, etc. Avoid thin-lined, light-colored artwork. Painted, hand-drawn or digital posters accepted. Balance a combination of illustrations and words. Text should be large enough to be easily read. Be as neat as possible. Research the theme as a way to brainstorm ideas.  The parade will be held June 4 in downtown Clayton.  Poster contest awards party will be held in May (date TBD) in Clayton.  Details are  here . Current 3rd and 4th grade students are invited to apply to attend a free Concord History Camp  Students currently in grades 3 and 4 are invited to apply to attend a free Concord History Camp that will take place from 9 a.m. to noon June 13-16, 2023 on the grounds of the Galindo Home, 1721 Amador Ave. in Concord. Application deadline is  May 17 .  Sign up on the attached forms and visit www.concordhistorical.org for more information. School News Strandwood Elementary 3rd-graders learn to weave  The State of the Arts: Featuring art from Strandwood students Third graders are weaving creativity into their art! After learning where fibers originate and how they are spun into yarn, Strandwood students practiced the mindful exercise of weaving. During the school's recent Global Play Day, students upcycled boxes into structures. Some of those materials were then upcycled again into mini looms.  If your student wants to make a loom and textile, check out this  video . Note: Strandwood students used fingers to weave instead of tapestry needles. School Events Click on the tweets below to see highlights from the Walnut Acres Elementary International Fair, Mt. Diablo HS Senior Awards Night and Olympic HS Open House! Student News Click on the social media posts below to see highlights of recent student scholastic and athletic achievements. Staff Social Media Shoutouts Click on the social media posts below to see how some schools showed their appreciation for administrative professionals this week! Important Dates April 28:  School Recess . Schools closed. District offices open Through April 30 : Second Annual Art & Digital Media Exhibition at Sunvalley Shopping Center May  2:  Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC)  meeting  at 7 p.m. in the District Office Board Room (may also be viewed on Zoom) May   3 :  Adult Education Career Technical Education (CTE)  Expo , 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  at the Martinez Adult School, 300 F St. in Martinez May 8-12   :  Teacher Appreciation Week May 10 : School Board meeting   at 6 p.m. in the District Office Board Room, Day of the Teacher     Weekly Organizational Update Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark publishes detailed District operations reports in our weekly Organizational Update to the Board. Click  here or on the image below to view this week’s update from Department leaders, which is also   archived for reference  on the District's website. The Friday Letter is written and compiled by MDUSD's Public Information and Community Relations Officer Theresa Harrington Brandt. Reach her at  brandtt@mdusd.org  for Friday Letter submissions.

Saturday, Apr 29 2023

Friday Letter - April 21, 2023

APRIL 21, 2023 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 5 NO. 32 This issue highlights:  MDUSD's two 2023-24 District Teachers of the Year are named County Teacher of the Year finalists! District news including Two Mt. Diablo Adult Ed staffers receive awards and the County recognizes District Classified Employees of the Year School news including El Monte Elementary gets a developer donation and Monte Gardens Elementary unveils a new mural  Student news including Growing Healthy Kids works with high school students and elementary students on garden projects Community news including the Second annual Bay Area Bike Swap & Festival is May 6 at Heather Farm Park In Walnut Creek Important dates, and more! MDUSD's 2023-24 District Teachers of the Year are named County Teacher of the Year finalists! Ygnacio Valley HS teacher Joseph Alvarico Olympic HS teacher Danya Townsend The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is pleased to announce that both of its 2023-24 District Teachers of the Year have been named as finalists in the Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year competition! During surprise visits on Monday, April 17th, County Superintendent of Schools Lynn Mackey congratulated Ygnacio Valley HS teacher Joseph Alvarico and Olympic HS teacher Danya Townsend on their selection as two of four finalists, who will compete to be named as County Teachers of the Year in September, when two winners will be announced and advance to the state competition. Alvarico and Townsend were named as finalists along with Annalouisa Gonzalez-Ortega, who teaches at Freedom HS in the Liberty Union High School District, and Patricia Ogura, who teaches at Hercules Middle School and Hercules HS in West Contra Costa Unified.  The four teacher finalists were selected from 21 candidates nominated by their school districts, the Contra Costa County Office of Education and the Contra Costa Community College District. Joining in on the surprise visits were school principals, district administrators, School Board members and parent leaders. Students enjoyed cheering their teachers on and posing for photos with them after they learned the exciting news.  “Congratulations to the four 2023-24 Teacher of the Year finalists,” Mackey said. “These four teachers are a testament to the teaching profession, and all certainly deserve recognition for the impact they are making in the classroom and in their school communities. Thank you for choosing to be a public-school teacher and making a continued effort to do the best you can for the children in Contra Costa County’s public schools.”  Joseph Alvarico Ygnacio Valley HS teacher Joseph Alvarico (center holding plaque) stands with his students and (l-r)   a 32nd PTA representative, MDUSD Board Member Linda Mayo, YVHS Principal Jonathan Pike, County Superintendent Lynn Mackey and MDUSD Board Member Cherise Khaund at DVC on April 17, where he was leading a field trip. Joseph Alvarico was born into a family of educators but did not set out on a path to become a teacher until a full-ride college scholarship in his native country, the Philippines, was awarded to him. The scholarship required him to work as a teacher for at least one year. With a short-term commitment in mind, he became a teacher intern in the 1990s and has been “hooked” on teaching ever since. After immigrating to the United States, Alvarico has spent multiple years instructing middle school and high school students in MDUSD. With his on-the-job experience in the tech industry, he weaves real world experiences into his lessons. Teaching teenagers, being a lifelong learner, and building a community with his students is the secret sauce that has turned his robotics and yearbook students into design and engineering professionals. While helping underserved students for the past 23 years, Alvarico strives to show them their potential and the possibilities available when they leave high school Danya Townsend Olympic HS teacher Danya Townsend (center holding plaque) stands with her leadership students and (l-r) MDUSD Board Member Cherise Khaund, County Superintendent Lynn Mackey, 32nd District PTA President Nicholas Smetak, MDUSD Board Member Linda Mayo and Principal Courtney Lyon (front) on April 17. As a physical education (PE) and leadership teacher, Danya Townsend uses PE and the weight room as a safe space for her students and staff members. Teaching at Olympic High School means that traditional schools were not a good fit for her students, but she has found they all need to be engaged and to have feelings of success. She uses this knowledge to find new ways to re-engage them through weightlifting, exercise, and multimedia projects that are transferable to the workforce. In her leadership class, she incorporates philanthropy and giving-back into activities students plan. Townsend’s passion to connect with students has led to projects outside of the classroom too. She developed a partnership with the Contra Costa Food Bank to support a school pantry and coordinates with the Red Cross to host blood drives. She interacts with her leadership team, colleagues, and students with the same philosophy - to empower and be empowered. From research to reflection, Townsend is “all-in” when it comes to showing her students that they matter.  You can read more about Alvarico and Townsend here . District News 2 Mt. Diablo Adult Ed staffers receive awards at California Council for Adult Education Conference Adult Education teacher Judith Sosnowski (left) stands with Vittoria Abbate, Director of College & Career and Adult Education after receiving the Bay Area Chapter Excellence in Teaching Award. Adult Education Accountability Specialist Sandy Kawamura received the California State Excellence in Support Services Award. Mt. Diablo Adult Education is proud to announce that two of its staff members received awards at this year's California Council for Adult Education Conference. Judith Sosnowski - Bay Area Chapter Excellence in Teaching Award In the 2008-9 Great Recession, adult education programs for our frail and elderly community were eliminated as a California Department of Education-authorized State program, and State funding for these programs was also eliminated. Judith’s business experience and savvy enabled Mt. Diablo Adult Education to reimagine and reinvent its programming, providing sustainable Lifelong Education. This program offers art, exercise, culinary, technology, foreign language and  finance classes for active adults 50 years of age and beyond at the Pleasant Hill Education Center. During the pandemic, Judith found ways to provide classes that community members came to rely on for their health and happiness to continue in new and exciting ways. Judith handles the job of both coordinating the Lifelong Education program and teaching one of its ceramics classes with grace, professionalism, efficiency and skill, said Tricia  Ouellette,  Assistant Director of College & Career and Adult Education. Sandy Kawamura - California State Excellence in Support Services Award Sandy has been the go-to person for Mt. Diablo Adult Education staff for all data-related needs whether it is for federal program monitoring, accreditation, grants, state and federal reports or program reviews. "She pleasantly and professionally keeps us on task to meet all reporting deadlines," Oullette said. "She has a keen eye and raises the alarm when data is not adding up or is starting to trend in the wrong direction. She often has identified and provided solutions to problems that we didn’t even know were problems yet. Sandy is recognized as an expert by other adult schools and has been asked by them to help their new employees learn all the many and various state adult education reporting requirements." "Mt. Diablo Adult Education is very fortunate to have such stellar individuals supporting our school and the needs of our very diverse community," Oullette said. Contra Costa County Office of Education recognizes District Classified Employees of the Year MDUSD Director of Maintenance and Operations Melanie Koslow stands with (l-r) IT Network Systems Administrator Jay Morrow, Administrative Secretary Janet Richardson,  Building & Grounds Manager   David Hart,  Custodial and Operations Coordinators  Patrick Reed and Hashimu Lewis, School Bus Driver Ron Rivett, School Office Manager Pam Filstrup, Director of Transportation Cris Lepe, School Principal Jenny Vargas and Assistant Director of Special Education Jessica Pozos at the County Classified School Employees of the Year awards reception on April 19. Rivett and Morrow were named District and County School Employees of the Year. Reed, Filstrup and paraprofessional Loretta Hurlbut (not pictured) are District Classified Employees of the Year. MDUSD is proud that two of our District Classified Employees of the Year have been selected as Contra Costa County Classified Employees of the Year who were recognized at the Contra Costa County Board of Education meeting on April 19: Bus Driver Ronald Rivett (Transportation Services) and IT Network Systems Admin Jay Morrow (Technical Services), who are now California Classified School Employee of the Year nominees!  Rivett and Morrow are among five District Classified Employees of the Year who were recognized at a county reception and who will also be recognized by the Mt. Diablo Unified School Board on May 10th. The other District Classified Employees of the Year are Office Manager Pamela Filstrup (Clerical and Administrative Services), Custodial and Operations Coordinator Patrick Reed (Custodial Services), and paraprofessional Loretta Hurlbut (Paraprofessional). Please watch for more details about these five outstanding classified employees in a future Friday Letter! 2nd Annual MDUSD Art & Digital Media Exhibition through April 30 at Sunvalley Shopping Center MDUSD Art and Digital media students (above) cut a ribbon to unveil the 2nd Annual MDUSD Art & Digital Media Exhibition at Sunvalley Shopping Center in Concord on April 17th, surrounded by family members, District teachers and staff, and community members. Concord Councilwoman Carlyn Obringer looks at the Concord HS display (below left), MDHS junior Esdras Barradas Roan stands by a self portrait (below center), exhibit flyer (below right).     More than three dozen MDUSD students, staff, business and community members turned out to kick off the Second Annual MDUSD Art & Digital Media exhibition at Sunvalley Shopping Center in Concord on April 17th, featuring Art & Digital Media Pathways student work from College Park, Concord, Mt. Diablo and Northgate high schools. The artwork with be on display through April 30th in the mall's food court, through a partnership with the shopping center and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. "It's partnerships like this that allow us to do projects like this and to bring our students' work to the public," said Dr. Heather Fontanilla, MDUSD's Career Pathways Administrator. "Thank you to our teachers and students."  The exhibition includes four large screen monitors that display digital photos of art created at each of the high schools represented, including photography, animation and digital media. Mt. Diablo High School Digital Safari Academy junior Esdras Barradas Roan, 16, said it was "cool" to see his artwork on display, along with the work of other District students in the show. In his Multimedia II class, he created a self-portrait illustration using Adobe Illustrator based on a photo of himself as a child wearing sunglasses and a bandana. He also manipulated the colors in a digital photograph looking up at a tree in a "perspectives" display, lightening the brown branches to yellow to provide a more interesting contrast with the blue sky. He said he enjoys art because it allows him to express his creativity and "to show what you have in your mind." His family accompanied him to the exhibit, proudly taking photos of him and his work.  MDHS Digital Safari teacher Katalina Gallo said the exhibit gives art students an opportunity to present their work to an authentic audience. "It feels that much more meaningful when you make art and have an audience," she said. "This gives you a chance to see real reactions."  Luther Daniel, General Manager of Sunvalley Shopping Center, said the exhibit helps strengthen the center's ties to the community. "This is some great work," he said, referring to the students' art. "We will continue to support this project forever, because Sunvallley is not going anywhere." Click on the tweets below to see more highlights from the kick-off reception. MDUSD's COVID-19 Dashboard reflects cases each week and Year-to-Date To keep the community informed about COVID-19 cases reported by school staff and students, the District has been updating its COVID-19 Dashboard often. This week's Dashboard reflects all cases reported Monday through Thursday, along with Year-to-Date case counts for students and staff at each school. The Year-to-Date numbers do not include cases reported during the past week. You can find this week's Dashboard  here ,  on the District's website home  page  and on the COVID-19 Response  page . Parents are invited to "Coffee with the Counselors" on Saturday at Shore Acres Elementary Latina Counselors (left to right below)  Angela Ordaz, Marcie Torres, Leidi Arias and Yaretzie Amaya Four Latina counselors in MDUSD will host "Coffee with the Counselors" from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, April 22nd in the cafeteria at Shore Acres Elementary in Bay Point for parents who want to learn about finishing the year off strong, summer enrichment opportunities, summer school, and more! Hablamos Español! RSVP by clicking on the above flyers in English and Spanish or by clicking  here . MDUSD foster youth case study to be highlighted Monday in CA Dept. of Ed. webinar   The California Department of Education's Student Achievement and Support Division's Integrated Student Support and Programs Office and MDUSD staff will host a webinar on reducing chronic absenteeism for foster youth at 10 a.m. Monday, April 24. Attendees will learn how the District built a multi-tiered system of support for foster youth and has seen an 11% to date decrease in chronic absenteeism in a short period of time. Register via Zoom for the Reducing Chronic Absenteeism for Foster Youth: M.T.S.S. Case Study webinar  here . You can read about our efforts in this article , titled "Moving toward equity for foster youth," by David Haupert, a District and School Continuous Improvement Administrator for the Contra Costa County Office of Education, who started working with the District last May on improving support for foster youth. "What I am most excited and encouraged by is that we have developed an equity-based model that is sustainable and poised to transform educational outcomes for foster youth," he wrote. School Bus Driver Appreciation Day is Tuesday, April 25th We would like to remind the MDUSD community that School Bus Driver Appreciation Day is Tuesday, April 25th!   Please acknowledge our hard-working drivers when you see them at our sites that day!  We are especially proud that School Bus Driver Ron Rivett, an MDUSD Classified Employee of the Year, has also been named a Contra Costa County Classified Employee of the Year (see above)!  Application deadline is Tuesday for part-time temporary AP test proctors to work in May MDUSD is reaching out to our community to fill several Advanced Placement (AP) Test Proctor positions in May for the AP test season. This is a paid part-time temporary position. The rate of pay is $23.35 per hour and the work location is the Willow Creek Center in Concord. Applicants can sign up for as many or few test sessions as desired. We encourage those who seek flexible work schedules to apply and ask you to please help spread the word. The application deadline is Tuesday, April 25th. More information is here . MDUSD Board on Wednesday to appoint elem. VP, review History-Social Science/AP materials The MDUSD Governing Board will meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26 to appoint an elementary vice principal and review History-Social Science and Advanced Placement materials, among other items. The Board will also hear a community presentation in support of maintaining the current Concord HS mascot. The complete agenda is here . HBCU Parents and Students College Information Night is Thursday, April 27th at Mt. Diablo HS The MDUSD College & Career Advisors along with our MDUSD Equity Department and the National College Resource Foundation invite parents and students to a Historically Black Colleges and Universities HBCU College Information Night from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 27 at Mt. Diablo HS, 2450 Grant St. in Concord . It will include a recap of the previous student HBCU Fair, current HBCU student speakers, parent and alumni speakers and MDUSD college and career advisors discussing financial aid, scholarships and grants. Registration is required. Click here for students and here for parents. No school Friday, April 28th All MDUSD schools will be closed, Friday, April 28th for a School Recess. However, District Offices will be open. Classes will resume Monday, May 1st. MDUSD Adult Education Career Technical Education expo, Dental Training program in May MDUSD's Adult Education program is teaming up with adult schools and colleges in the county to offer a Career Technical Education Expo on May 3 at the Martinez Adult School, 300 F St. in Martinez. It will include demonstrations, career information, ambulance personnel, fire fighters, police officers, medical assistants, dental assistants, culinary, and more. MDUSD parents and high school students are encouraged to attend. The program is also recruiting Dental Assistant students for classes beginning May 30. Click here for expo information and here for Dental Assistant program details. Apply now for free MDUSD STEM Summer Camps for Middle School students  We are excited to announce that free MDUSD STEM Summer Camps for Middle School students will be offered again this summer the weeks of June 5th-9th (GIRL Camp) and June 12-16th (BOY Camp) at Valley Valley Middle School. Marathon, our community partner at the Martinez Renewable Fuels Facility, has provided funding for the camps since 2016, and continues to be a strong advocate for bringing STEM/robotics opportunities for middle and high school students around the district.  More information is here . If you are interested in participating, application links can be found on the attached flyers or  here  for girls and  here  for boys. Applications will be accepted as long as space is available. Questions can be directed to Mrs. Shauna Hawes, retired Valley View teacher, at  mrshawesvvms@gmail.com . Mt. Diablo Unified School District Completes Bond Refinancing, Saving Taxpayers $5.9 Million Mt. Diablo Unified School District is pleased to announce that it recently completed the refinancing of $42.1 million in general obligation bonds, saving taxpayers nearly $5.9 million over the next eight years. The District took advantage of still low interest rates due to economic uncertainty and the federal government’s inflation-fighting rate policies to refinance bonds originally sold in 2013 when interest rates were higher. The District Board of Trustees unanimously approved the refinancing of the bonds on March 22, 2023. Last year, the District refinanced $198 million in bonds, saving taxpayers $49 million through 2038, bringing the total amount saved to more than $54.8 million. Read more  here . Mt. Diablo Adult Education congratulates a new class of Medical and Dental Assistants  There are many new Medical Assistants and Dental Assistants heading out to work in our community this month!  Mt. Diablo Adult Education had a combined commencement ceremony on April 13th to award Medical Assistant and Dental Assistant program students certificates of completion. All of the students completed externships at medical and dental offices and clinics in our area after first learning about their fields and necessary skills in their classrooms. Above, the new Dental Assistants and Medical Assistants and their families and friends came to celebrate their success.   Mt. Diablo Adult Education takes pride in helping families in Contra Costa County advance towards rewarding and higher paying careers while also investing in the economic vitality of the Greater Concord area, said Tricia Ouellette, MDUSD Assistant Director of College & Career and Adult Education. The program will be starting a new cohort for dental assistants in mid-June and a new cohort for medical assistants in September. More information is on the  website or at 925-685-7340 ext. 6730. Space is limited and financial aid is available to those that qualify. Mt. Diablo Adult Ed. Healthcare Careers Pathways Certified Nursing Assistant Commencement  The Mt. Diablo Adult Education program was proud to participate in a joint commencement ceremony on April 12th at the El Campanil Theater for the Healthcare Careers Pathway (HCP) Certified Nursing Assistant program in collaboration with its East County partner, Opportunity Junction, a community-based organization in Antioch. "HCP is accelerating its work and helping meet the urgent need for California's healthcare workers shortage," said Vittoria Abbate, MDUSD’s Director of College and Career and Adult Education. "Our excellent student outcomes of persistence, completion, proficiency, and employment are the   result of exemplary partnership and programming."        A fond farewell to Broccoli the Pig, as he moves to a house with a yard and welcomes a new sister MDUSD District Office staff and the Monte Gardens Elementary community said a bittersweet "Goodbye" on Friday to our little front lawn grazer, Broccoli the Pig, whose family is moving to a house in downtown Concord with a yard. They will also welcome a new 5-month-old pig into their family. Monte Gardens tweeted : "We love you!" On Instagram , Broccoli thanked the community for all the love and support he has received. You can read more about Broccoli here . School News El Monte Elementary gets a $12,000 donation from Trumark Homes MDUSD Director of Elementary Education Marji Calbeck (left) stands with (l-r) Chief of Educational Services Jennifer Sachs, Board Member Debra Mason, Elementary School Support Administrator (and former El Monte Principal) Erin DeMartini, El Monte Elementary Principal Jeff Miles, Trumark Chief Administrative Officer John Willsie, Trumark representatives presenting check, Concord Mayor Laura Hoffmeister, Board Member Cherise Khaund and Concord Councilwoman Carlyn Obringer. MDUSD Board Members and District administrators joined El Monte Principal Jeff Miles and Concord city officials at a check presentation ceremony on April 19th, when Trumark Homes Chief Administrative Officer John Willsie and his staff followed through on a promise made years earlier to then-Principal Erin DeMartini by a previous developer who sold a nearby development project in the works to Trumark. Now that the project called " Penny Lane " is under construction, Trumark delivered the $12,000 as promised, to pay for a new audio visual system at the school to highlight the first event that will use the new equipment - the El Monte Drama Club's performance of "Aladdin."  Concord Councilwoman Carlyn Obringer  praised Trumark for delivering on the previous developer's promise. Willsie, whose family lives in Concord, said Trumark looks for great communities to build in and they are pleased to be developing new homes that will likely be occupied by future El Monte Elementary families. "We couldn't ask for a better neighbor that El Monte Elementary," Willsie said, adding that his oldest son attended 1st grade at the school and later graduated from Concord HS, where his youngest son is now a senior. "We look forward to helping new families come to the community and join the school," he said.  Miles said he was grateful for the donation to the school and students. "This is going to improve our ability to have events and continue to grow as a community," he said.    Monte Gardens Elementary unveils a new mural based on a concept created by two students The new Monte Gardens Elementary mural includes mountains, garden plants, a mountain lion, "hello" in several languages and the adage: "In a world where you can be anything, be kind." Students Micaiah Yonas and Briseda Garcia-Estevez hold their mural concept drawing (below left) and two tweets show highlights from the ribbon-cutting ceremony (below center) and artist Eric Rosales at work on the mural (below right).  Monte Gardens Elementary, like most schools in MDUSD, is proud to display murals that reflect the values of of its community. As our District has raised awareness about the importance of equity and the need to create welcoming environments for all students and families, District and school administrators recently took a closer look at an outdated mural that had been painted on a Monte Gardens wall back in the 1960s with depictions from Disney's "It's a Small World."  They found "stereotypical images of the children around the world that do not represent our global-mindedness or our equity focus of our school," said Principal Bess Inzeo in a message to parents before the old mural was painted over last February. "I will begin working with students in supporting their learning about stereotypes through classroom lessons. The next step is to work with a local muralist on creating a beautiful new piece of art work as a part of this restorative and healing process. My goal is to have students be a part of this creativity and learning." This process resulted in a new mural unveiled on April 20th that was based on a concept created by 5th-graders Micaiah Yonas and Briseda Garcia-Estevez, which celebrates the meaning of Monte Gardens and its mascot, with mountains, garden flowers and a mountain lion. The girls, who participated in a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the new addition to the campus, said they like the mural's vibrant colors, which include the school's colors, blue and yellow. The mural painted by artist Eric Rosales also features the word "hello" written in several languages and the adage: "In a world where you can be anything, be kind."  Student News Growing Healthy Kids works with high school and elementary students on garden projects The Growing Healthy Kids program continued training Ygnacio Valley HS Education Academy students to educate elementary students during a visit to Bancroft Elementary on April 14th (above). "YVHS students taught TK, Kinder and 5th graders about worms, seed planting, seed exploration, and even did a healthy ramen noodle cooking lesson," said Growing Healthy Kids educator Laney Cline. The Growing Healthy Kids program plans to continue its collaboration with the YVHS Education Academy next year, she added. Sixteen Concord HS Construction Academy students built 13 root view boxes for Growing Healthy Kids gardens. They installed one on April 18 at Mt. Diablo Elementary. "We are so grateful," said Growing Healthy Kids educator Laney Cline. "Mt. Diablo Elementary kids loved watching the Concord HS students install the root view box and learning more about the careers in construction and building trades."  Community News Second annual Bay Area Bike Swap & Festival is on May 6 at Heather Farm Park In Walnut Creek The Bay Area Bike Project is hosting its second annual Bay Area Bike Swap & Festival on May 6 at Heather Farm Park In Walnut Creek.  "Our main goal is getting more kids on bikes, bike education and advocating for safe biking communities," said parent volunteer Anna Park. "It's a great way for folks to test-ride multiple bike brands with experts, up-cycle outgrown bikes and learn about local biking opportunities."   She said the group wants to encourage kids to learn how to ride bikes properly as a way to get physical exercise, and enjoy the outdoors. "Giving a kid a bike and teaching them to ride is the best way to get kids active, increase their health, and boost their confidence," she said. MDUSD students are invited to enter the Second Annual Clayton Pride Poster Design Contest MDUSD students in grades K-12 are invited to enter the Second Annual Clayton Pride Poster Design Contest. This year's theme is "Love and Community." Contest categories are: K-5th grades, and 6-12th grades. Submissions are due by May 15 , 2023 in .jpg format to claytonprideparade@gmail.com. Contest rules: Artwork can be any media. Clearly print your name and information on each email entry. Poster must be original artwork created by an individual student. One entry per student. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be selected with prizes for each category. What makes a good poster? Colorful posters are the best! Use markers, paint, colored pencils/pens, crayons, charcoal, watercolors, etc. Avoid thin-lined, light-colored artwork. Painted, hand-drawn or digital posters accepted. Balance a combination of illustrations and words. Text should be large enough to be easily read. Be as neat as possible. Research the theme as a way to brainstorm ideas.  The parade will be held June 4 in downtown Clayton. Poster contest awards party will be held in May (date TBD) in Clayton. Details are here . Current 3rd and 4th grade students are invited to apply to attend a free Concord History Camp  Students currently in grades 3 and 4 are invited to apply to attend a free Concord History Camp that will take place from 9 a.m. to noon June 13-16, 2023 on the grounds of the Galindo Home, 1721 Amador Ave. in Concord. Application deadline is  May 17 .  Sign up on the attached forms and visit www.concordhistorical.org for more information. Important Dates April 24 :  Foster Youth Webinar at 10 a.m. (see above);   Mt. Diablo Business Education Alliance (MDBEA)  meeting  at 4 p.m. at Mt. Diablo HS April  25:  School Bus Driver Appreciation Day (see above) April  26: School Board meeting   at 6 p.m. in the District Office Board Room   April  27 :  HBCU Night at Mt. Diablo HS (see above) April 28:    School Recess . Schools closed. District offices open Through April 30 : Second Annual Art & Digital Media  Exhibition  at Sunvalley Shopping Center Weekly Organizational Update Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark publishes detailed District operations reports in our weekly Organizational Update to the Board. Click  here  or on the image below to view this week’s update from Department leaders, which is also   archived for reference  on the District's website. The Friday Letter is written and compiled by MDUSD's Public Information and Community Relations Officer Theresa Harrington Brandt. Reach her at brandtt@mdusd.org for Friday Letter submissions.

Saturday, Apr 22 2023

Friday Letter - April 14, 2023

APRIL 14, 2023 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 5 NO. 31 This issue highlights:  Concord HS student and teacher who participated in Washington Post ChatGPT-detector analysis reflect on how their school’s focus on the value of learning can help students overcome the urge to cheat District news including MDUSD Digital Arts exhibition starts Monday at Sunvalley Shopping Center in Concord Community news including MDUSD students are invited to enter the Second Annual Clayton Pride Poster Design Contest School news spotlighting a new lunch area at Gregory Gardens Elementary, an Earth Day event at Holbrook Language Academy and a belated Global Play Day at Strandwood Elementary.  Important dates, and more! Concord HS student and teacher who participated in Washington Post ChatGPT-detector analysis reflect on how their school’s focus on the value of learning can help overcome the urge to cheat Concord HS English teacher Rebecca Dell, left, stands in her classroom with senior Lucy Goetz below posters stressing the importance of integrity and character. By Theresa Harrington Brandt, MDUSD Public Information Officer ChatGPT has been making headlines lately as educators worry that the powerful AI-writing technology could be opening doors to widespread student cheating that is difficult to prove. A recent Washington Post article about this featured Concord HS senior Lucy Goetz, who was one of five high school students asked to help test a ChatGPT-detector by submitting original writing, work that was generated by ChatGPT, and work that included a mixture of original and ChatGPT writing. To Lucy’s surprise, the educational software called Turnitin flagged flagged the second half of her original essay about socialism “as likely being generated by ChatGPT,” according to Washington Post reporter Geoffrey A. Fowler. In his article, both Lucy and her AP English Lit teacher Rebecca Dell raised concerns about the fallibility of AI-writing detectors.  In a classroom interview earlier this week, they stressed the importance of students doing original writing, research and analysis for the sake of learning, instead of just to get a good grade or to pass an AP test. The value to students investing time in their own education is also emphasized in Concord High School’s theme this year: “We are here to learn.” Lucy and Dell believe ChatGPT is something that should be discussed in classrooms, along with the reasons that may lead some students to use it. “It’s a tool that provides opportunities for kids to cheat,” Dell said. “But they had those opportunities already. If you communicate to them that, ‘I want you to learn and grow and it’s OK to make mistakes,’ you take away a lot of the reasons for cheating.” Dell created a lesson on the new technology in December, before Lucy was approached by the Washington Post. For that lesson, Dell gave a prompt to ChatGPT, then asked her class to write essays using the same prompt. The AI version didn’t include the same level of original thinking that her students’ work reflected, she said. “The ChatGPT was well-written as far as structure, but there was no analysis,” Dell said. “It was a summary, which is what I teach students not to do. I tell them, ‘I want to see your critical thinking.’” Concord HS Principal Julene MacKinnon, who was previously an administrator at a school in another district, said she got a lot of referrals there for plagiarism in part because students felt pressure to get good grades on the competitive campus. “I would tell them, ‘But you’re not demonstrating what  you know - and down the line, that’s going to hurt you,’” MacKinnon recalled.  At Concord HS, most teachers in the English Department have embraced a concept called “ Point-Less ” grading, which means grading is not based on points accumulated during the semester in comparison to other students. Instead, grades are based on students’ individual progress, meeting instructional standards, and conversations with teachers honestly evaluating their work. Giving them more time to complete work or revise it if they don’t get it right the first time relieves pressure and allows students to get to the point where they can show they’ve mastered the standards and the learning objectives, but “it can be a little bit more on their time frame,” MacKinnon said. Read more here . District News April is Arab American Heritage Month Both the Mt. Diablo Unified School Board and the Contra Costa County Office of Education have proclaimed April as Arab American Heritage Month. The MDUSD Board resolution , adopted March 22, 2023, states in part: "California is home to more immigrants than any other state. Our state is fortunate to have the largest Arab-American population in the country, with thriving communities in the Bay Area and Southern California. The more than 715,000 Californians of Arab descent trace their heritage across the Middle East and North Africa, with unique traditions and histories....Mt. Diablo Unified School District is proud to serve and employ Arab American students, parents and employees.... "The Mt. Diablo Unified School District Board of Education hereby (1) encourages staff to review the district's equity policy and review cultural literacy resources; and (2) urges the district to observe Arab American Heritage Month with appropriate programs and activities that celebrate the contributions of Arab Americans to the United States." MDUSD Board recognizes Earth Day, approves school site safety plans, among other items  The MDUSD Governing Board on April 12 adopted a resolution recognizing Earth Day on April 22nd and reaffirming the District's "commitment to be a part of climate change solutions and to educate our students about climate change."  In addition, the Board approved 2022-23 School Site Safety Plans, and heard a report from Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark detailing district goals, changes in the District, and activities at various schools.  The complete agenda is here . MDUSD's COVID-19 Dashboard reflects cases each week and Year-to-Date To keep the community informed about COVID-19 cases reported by school staff and students, the District has been updating its COVID-19 Dashboard often. This week's Dashboard reflects all cases reported Monday through Thursday, along with Year-to-Date case counts for students and staff at each school. The Year-to-Date numbers do not include cases reported during the past week. You can find this week's Dashboard  here ,  on the District's website home  page  and on the COVID-19 Response  page .  MDUSD mourns the loss of beloved founding Northgate HS Principal William "Bill" Hansen The Mt. Diablo Unified School District extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of William "Bill" Hansen, the founding Principal of Northgate High School, who opened the Walnut Creek campus in 1973.  "Northgate would prove to be the crowning achievement of Bill's long and storied career as an educator," according to his  obituary . "He loved both the staff and students and attended every event put on by the student body."  His family has shared that a Celebration of Life will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 22nd at the Shadelands Museum in Walnut Creek, where Bill volunteered after retiring in 1988.  Current Northgate Principal Kelly Cooper said in a tweet : "He was a Bronco through and through, supporting our programs throughout his retirement as well as during his 14 years at the school. He is beloved and remembered fondly." 2nd Annual MDUSD Art & Digital Media Exhibition starts Monday at Sunvalley Shopping Center Sunvalley Shopping Center will host the Second Annual Art & Digital Media Exhibition from April 17 to April 30. The Shopping Center will exhibit artwork submitted by Concord, College Park, Mt. Diablo and Northgate high school students in the Food Court.  The students have worked extremely hard to create unique and expressive art in a variety of photography, animation, and digital media pieces through Career Pathways programs at their schools.  The public is invited to the kickoff reception and ribbon cutting ceremony in the Food Court from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 17th.  “As firm believers in supporting our community, Sunvalley is proud to continue our relationship with the Mt. Diablo Unified School District in hosting their second annual Art & Digital Media Exhibition Showcase,” said Luther Daniel, General Manager of Sunvalley Shopping Center. You can read about last year's event here . Medical verification now required for chronically absent students to receive excused absences Effective April 10, 2023, if a student is chronically absent, the parent/guardian must provide medical verification for future absences to be excused. Once a student is identified as chronically absent, they will be required to follow these procedures until the end of this school year. Chronic absenteeism means that a student has missed 10 percent or more of school days (to date) due to absences for any reason — excused, unexcused absences and suspensions. Absences can cause students to have difficulty learning to read by their third-grade benchmark assessments, affect academic achievement in middle school, or affect student motivation to do the work required to graduate from high school. Anti-Bias Anti-Racism Advisory Committee to discuss diverse curriculum in schools on Wednesday The Anti-Bias, Anti-Racism Advisory Committee (ABAR) examines issues related to bias, racism, and inequity in the District to actively guide the District in continuously identifying, describing, and dismantling systemic racism and oppression in our schools and communities. Parents, guardians and community members are invited to the next meeting at 5 p.m. Wednsday, April 19 at the District Office at 1936 Carlotta Drive in Concord, where the committee will discuss "Using an Equity Lens: Addressing the diverse curriculum taught in our schools." Parents are invited to "Coffee with the Counselors" on April 22nd at Shore Acres Elementary Latina Counselors (left to right below)  Angela Ordaz, Marcie Torres, Leidi Arias and Yaretzie Amaya Four Latina counselors in MDUSD will host "Coffee with the Counselors" from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, April 22nd in the cafeteria at Shore Acres Elementary in Bay Point for parents who want to learn about finishing the year off strong, summer enrichment opportunities, summer school, and more! Hablamos Español! RSVP by clicking on the above flyers in English and Spanish or by clicking  here . MDUSD is hiring part-time temporary Advanced Placement test proctors to work in May MDUSD is reaching out to our community to fill several Advanced Placement (AP) Test Proctor positions in May for the AP test season. This is a paid part-time temporary position. The rate of pay is $23.35 per hour and the work location is the Willow Creek Center in Concord. Applicants can sign up for as many or few test sessions as desired. We encourage those who seek flexible work schedules to apply and ask you to please help spread the word. The application deadline is April 25th. More information is here . MDUSD Adult Education Career Technical Education expo, Dental Training program in May MDUSD's Adult Education program is teaming up with adult schools and colleges in the county to offer a Career Technical Education Expo on May 3 at the Martinez Adult School, 300 F St. in Martinez. It will include demonstrations, career information, ambulance personnel, fire fighters, police officers, medical assistants, dental assistants, culinary, and more. MDUSD parents and high school students are encouraged to attend. The program is also recruiting Dental Assistant students for classes beginning May 30. Click here for expo information and here for Dental Assistant program details. Apply now for free MDUSD STEM Summer Camps for Middle School students  We are excited to announce that free MDUSD STEM Summer Camps for Middle School students will be offered again this summer the weeks of June 5th-9th (GIRL Camp) and June 12-16th (BOY Camp) at Valley Valley Middle School. Marathon, our community partner at the Martinez Renewable Fuels Facility, has provided funding for the camps since 2016, and continues to be a strong advocate for bringing STEM/robotics opportunities for middle and high school students around the district.  More information is here . If you are interested in participating, application links can be found on the attached flyers or  here  for girls and  here  for boys. Applications will be accepted as long as space is available. Questions can be directed to Mrs. Shauna Hawes, retired Valley View teacher, at  mrshawesvvms@gmail.com . Community News   News MDUSD students are invited to enter the Second Annual Clayton Pride Poster Design Contest MDUSD students in grades K-12 are invited to enter the Second Annual Clayton Pride Poster Design Contest. This year's theme is "Love and Community." Contest categories are: K-5th grades, and 6-12th grades. Submissions are due by May 15, 2023 in .jpg format to claytonprideparade@gmail.com. Contest rules: Artwork can be any media. Clearly print your name and information on each email entry. Poster must be original artwork created by an individual student. One entry per student. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will be selected with prizes for each category. What makes a good poster? Colorful posters are the best! Use markers, paint, colored pencils/pens, crayons, charcoal, watercolors, etc. Avoid thin-lined, light-colored artwork. Painted, hand-drawn or digital posters accepted. Balance a combination of illustrations and words. Text should be large enough to be easily read. Be as neat as possible. Research the theme as a way to brainstorm ideas.  The parade will be held June 4 in downtown Clayton. Poster contest awards party will be held in May (date TBD) in Clayton. Details are here . Current 3rd and 4th grade students are invited to apply to attend a free Concord History Camp  Students currently in grades 3 and 4 are invited to apply to attend a free Concord History Camp that will take place from 9 a.m. to noon June 13-16, 2023 on the grounds of the Galindo Home, 1721 Amador Ave. in Concord. Application deadline is May 17.  Sign up on the attached forms and visit www.concordhistorical.org for more information. Everyone 6 months and over is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine Right now, everyone 6 months and over is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. MDUSD is partnering up with Refugee & Immigrant Transitions (RIT) to answer questions you may have around COVID-19 vaccines, and help you and your families schedule a vaccination appointment. COVID vaccines are free of charge and RIT can help you schedule an appointment near you. Need support from RIT to make an appointment:   Contact  casemanagers@reftrans.org for assistance and with your questions and concerns about the vaccine and the booster.  Want to make the appointment yourself? Visit myturn.ca.gov to schedule a vaccine appointment or call Covid-19 Vaccine Hotline 1-833-422-4255 to schedule an appointment over the phone. Please see the attached COVID-19 Vaccine Myth Buster flyers in English, Spanish, Dari and Pashto for more information about vaccines.  School News Click on the tweets below to find out about a new lunch area at Gregory Gardens Elementary, an Earth Day Event at Holbrook Language Academy and a belated Global Play Day at Strandwood Elementary. Important Dates April 17 : Second Annual Art & Digital Media Exhibition at Sunvalley Shopping Center, kickoff  reception  6-7:30 p.m. April  18:  Parent Advisory Committee  meeting at 5:30 p.m.   at Willow Creek Center April  20 :  District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting at 5:30 p.m. April 24 :  Mt. Diablo Business Education Alliance (MDBEA)  meeting  at 4 p.m. at Mt. Diablo HS April 26: School Board meeting at 6 p.m. in the District Office Board Room   April 28:    School Recess . Schools closed. District offices open Weekly Organizational Update Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark publishes detailed District operations reports in our weekly Organizational Update to the Board. Click  here  or on the image below to view this week’s update from Department leaders, which is also   archived for reference  on the District's website. . The Friday Letter is written and compiled by MDUSD's Public Information and Community Relations Officer Theresa Harrington Brandt. Reach her at brandtt@mdusd.org for Friday Letter submissions. ​

Saturday, Apr 15 2023

Friday Letter - March 31, 2023

MARCH 31, 2023 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 5 NO. 30 NOTE: This week's Friday Letter is being sent out on Thursday, March 30, since Friday, March 31 is the Cesar Chavez Day holiday. There will be no Friday Letter next week, on April 7, due to Spring Break. The Friday Letter will resume on April 14. This issue highlights:  Music in our Schools Month features Elementary Honor Choir and Middle School Choir performance, along with many other school concerts. District news including MDUSD and Pleasant Hill Task Force met to discuss traffic safety, school infrastructure, and campus climates Community news regarding the Norman Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy 4-week paid internship for Bay Area HS students School news spotlights Bancroft and Mt. Diablo elementary and Diablo View MS Odyssey of the Mind teams head to World Tournament and Riverview MS students create portraits of refugees and orphans in Ukraine, Syria and Cameroon Important dates, and more! Music in our Schools Month features an Elementary Honor Choir & MS Choir performance MDUSD vocal music teachers (l-r bottom row) Amanda Smythe, Stella Brown, Kenn Hutchinson-Surette, Danielle Hafner, Bonnie Shea, Katherine Nash-Coan, Katie Page and (l-r top row) Sally Anderson, Doug Moore, MDMEF President Joan Miller, and teachers Ge Blind and David Wright stand with Board Members Erin McFerrin, Cherise Khaund and Debra Mason, along with Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark on the Pleasant Hill MS stage before the Elementary Honor and MS choir performance (above). The concert included performances by the Pleasant Hill MS Choir (below left), Foothill MS Choir (below center) and an Honors Elementary Choir with students from 16 schools (below right). Music in our Schools Month included many MDUSD school band, string and choir concerts in March, featuring students from campuses across the District performing together. As the concerts wrapped up this past week, one garnered special attention from School Board members and Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark because it marked the first time a District Honors Elementary School Choir performed together with Middle School Choirs. The first annual event sponsored by the Mount Diablo Music Education Foundation ( MDMEF ) took place at Pleasant Hill Middle School on Tuesday evening and included selected students from 16 elementary school choirs along with students in choirs from Pleasant Hill and Foothill middle schools. There was standing-room only in the multi-use room, which was packed with appreciative families, MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark and MDUSD Board Members Cherise Khaund, Debra Mason, Erin McFerrin, Linda Mayo and Student Board Member Anahi Nava Flores. “These students put on an amazing performance last night,” Dr. Clark said in a tweet the next day. “Proud to support VAPA!!" (Visual and Performing Arts). Khaund, who is part of a District Arts Steering Committee, added in another  tweet : “I was blown away by the passion and talent last night! I look forward to the June meetings of the districtwide Visual & Performing Arts Strategic Planning. Together with teachers, staff, community arts orgs, parents & students, we can build enriching arts for all in our schools.” The Pleasant Hill MS Choir performed a Haitian song accompanied by an instrumental music student playing a conga drum. The first Foothill MS Choir performed "Storm," by James DesJardins. Teacher Sally Anderson said students tried to recreate the sound of a thunderstorm in song, as they clapped their hands and drummed on their legs. The school's second choir performed "Little Wheel A-Turnin'," which Anderson said represented "wheels in motion, life in motion and the world in motion." The Elementary Choir sang "Child of Tomorrow" and "Calypso Melody," accented by maracas and claves (wooden sticks). For the grand finale, all the choirs stood and sang "Stand Together," by Jim Papoulis, prompting enthusiastic applause.  Diana Martinez, the CARES after-school program coordinator at Fair Oaks Elementary whose daughter Tamarah sang in the Elementary Choir, said kids at the school love the music program. "I think they look forward to being in school more because they want to participate in it," she said. Teacher Bonnie Shea, who introduced the concert, said: "The kids and teachers put their hearts and souls into it! We definitely plan to make this an annual event!" Click on the tweets below to see highlights from some other recent performances by school choirs, instrumental music groups and talented students. District News No School Friday due to Cesar Chavez holiday and no school next week due to Spring Break MDUSD schools and District Offices will be closed Friday, March 31st due to the César Chávez holiday.  Schools will also be closed next week - April 3-7, 2023 - for Spring Break.  MDUSD District Offices will be open April 3-6, but will be closed Friday, April 7 due to a Board Holiday. All schools and District Offices will reopen Monday, April 10th. MDUSD's COVID-19 Dashboard reflects cases each week and Year-to-Date To keep the community informed about COVID-19 cases reported by school staff and students, the District has been updating its COVID-19 Dashboard often. This week's Dashboard reflects all cases reported Monday through Thursday, along with Year-to-Date case counts for students and staff at each school. The Year-to-Date numbers do not include cases reported during the past week. You can find this week's Dashboard  here ,  on the District's website home  page  and on the COVID-19 Response  page . Note: There will be no COVID Dashboard update next week due to Spring Break. MDUSD/Pleasant Hill Task Force meeting focused on safety, infrastructure, school climate The Mt. Diablo Unified School District and City of Pleasant Hill Task Force - which includes Board President Keisha Nzewi and Board Member Linda Mayo along with Pleasant Hill Vice Mayor Matt Rinn and Councilwoman Sue Noack - held a special meeting March 28th in Pleasant Hill to discuss how to partner to support safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles near schools; school infrastructure related to severe weather; and how to partner to enhance positive welcoming school cultures. Councilwoman Noack said the Council plans to decide soon on funding for crossing guards at some MDUSD schools in the city. City Manager June Catalano said the city could consider including the district in its emergency preparedness training. Councilwoman Noack also said incidents of racism and bullying on some campuses are a community issue and the city wants to be part of the solution. Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark said the MDUSD Board and District are committed to ensuring that all students and families feel welcome at our schools and that District staff is ready to partner with cities "to make this a place where everyone is welcome." Task force members said they would try to set up another meeting in May "to continue the dialogue and conversation." Rio Vista Elementary student to be receive County Youth Hall of Fame Award on Tuesday As part of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors 29th Annual César E. Chávez Commemorative Celebration at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 4, the Board will honor several local students with 2023 Youth Hall of Fame Awards, including Rio Vista Elementary student Gianna Baglieri. Gianna will receive the “ Rising Star Good Samaritan” Award during the celebration, which will be held in the Board Chambers at 1025 Escobar Street in Martinez. Community members can also join the event live on Contra Costa Television and the County’s  website . “According to those who know her, Gianna demonstrates excellent problem-solving skills and leadership for such a young age. She is a kind friend and cares for others. She befriends new students, so they won’t feel alone.” MDUSD Board to meet April 12 to approve school site safety plans, among other items The MDUSD Governing Board will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 12 in the District Office Board Room in Concord to review and potentially approve 2022-23 School Site Safety Plans, among other items. The agenda will be posted here by Friday, April 7.  Deadline is Saturday for 2023-24 Elementary school intradistrict transfer applications The 2023-2024 Elementary Intradistrict Transfer Application for Grades K-5 is open through Saturday, April 1. For more information on the transfer process and to complete the online application, please visit our website at mdusd.org/intradistricttransfers . MDUSD Student Board Member application deadline extended to April 14th MDUSD has extended the 2023-24 Student Board member application deadline to April 14.  Click here for the Student Board Member Application. Please complete and return the application by Friday, April 14, 2023 to Laura Juranek, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, via email at: juranekl@mdusd.org   or mail to the MDUSD District Office at 1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord, CA 94519.  Applicants will be interviewed by members of the Student Advisory Committee with final approval by the Board of Education. An application workshop to provide guidance and support will be held by current Student Board Member, Anahi Nava Flores on Zoom from 5-6 p.m. Friday, March 31. Details are here . Parents are invited to "Coffee with the Counselors" on April 22nd at Shore Acres Elementary Latina Counselors (left to right below)  Angela Ordaz, Marcie Torres, Leidi Arias and Yaretzie Amaya Four Latina counselors in MDUSD will host "Coffee with the Counselors" from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, April 22nd in the cafeteria at Shore Acres Elementary in Bay Point for parents who want to learn about finishing the year off strong, summer enrichment opportunities, summer school, and more! Hablamos Español! RSVP by clicking on the above flyers in English and Spanish or by clicking here . MDUSD is hiring part-time temporary Advanced Placement test proctors to work in May MDUSD is reaching out to our community to fill several Advanced Placement (AP) Test Proctor positions in May for the AP test season. This is a paid part-time temporary position. The rate of pay is $23.35 per hour and the work location is the Willow Creek Center in Concord. Applicants can sign up for as many or few test sessions as desired. We encourage those who seek flexible work schedules to apply and ask you to please help spread the word. The application deadline is April 25th. More information is  here . Apply now for free MDUSD STEM Summer Camps for Middle School students  We are excited to announce that free MDUSD STEM Summer Camps for Middle School students will be offered again this summer the weeks of June 5th-9th (GIRL Camp) and June 12-16th (BOY Camp) at Valley Valley Middle School. Marathon, our community partner at the Martinez Renewable Fuels Facility, has provided funding for the camps since 2016, and continues to be a strong advocate for bringing STEM/robotics opportunities for middle and high school students around the district. More information is here . If you are interested in participating, application links can be found on the attached flyers or here for girls and here for boys. Applications will be accepted as long as space is available. Questions can be directed to Mrs. Shauna Hawes, retired Valley View teacher, at mrshawesvvms@gmail.com . Community News News HS students encouraged to apply for Norman Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy internsh ip Bay Area HS students are encouraged to apply by April 17th for the Norman Mineta Bay Area Summer Academy, a 4-week paid internship with MTC, the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Bay Conservation & Development Commission & Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Beginning July 6th, students will learn how regional agencies deal with various issues, including environmental justice, housing and transportation equity and community health. Details are here .  School News Odyssey of the Mind teams from three MDUSD schools to compete in World Tournament! Bancroft Elementary Odyssey of the Mind team members (l-r above) Reina U., Raksha A., Natalie I, Akshita M., Elza A., Ava L., and team coach Gohar pose in costumes with some of their props after winning 3rd place in the state tournament. Mt. Diablo Elementary students Shreya Dey, Colton Roberts, Paige Ridenour, Ethan Dunsford, Mikaeel Egbert, Jevindu Senarath, and Sophie Swain coached by Sri Dey (below) also earned a 3rd place trophy in the competition.  The Diablo View MS Odyssey of the Mind "Team Smarties" (below) includes Coach Renee Culp (a Rio Vista Elementary TK teacher), and students Carly Grover, Bailey McNeel-Caird, Emma Forrester, Hannah Laverick, Keira Caldwell, Charlotte King and Avica Bennett. The team won 1st place in all three of its categories. MDUSD is proud that Odyssey of the Mind teams from three of our schools have earned trophies at the State Tournament and are heading to the World Finals at Michigan State University on Memorial Day Weekend. The teams shown above include students from Bancroft and Mt. Diablo elementary schools and Diablo View Middle School.  The teams will now prepare to compete with teams from across the United States, as well as from countries including South Korea, Switzerland, Poland and Hong Kong. Odyssey of the Mind builds teamwork, problem-solving skills, creativity, and out of the box thinking. Congrats to all! Riverview MS students create art for orphans and refugees in Ukraine, Syria and Cameroon                                             Students in Annemarie Baldauf's art classes have been creating portraits of children in 25 different countries for 11 years and then sending them as gifts to the orphans and refugees as part of a project funded by Donors Choose grants throughout the United States. This year, students created portraits of 160 refugees and orphans in Ukraine, Syria and Cameroon. You can see the portraits in the above  video . Students receive photographs of the children, along with words describing them, Bauldauf said. "I have them learn about the country they are drawing the students from," she explained. "Students then draw the person either digitally - as with the Ukraine refugees - then they add pictures about Ukraine in the background. I print the pictures and then they paint them or use color pencils." They also included the words about the children in the pictures in English and Ukranian. On the back of the portrait, the students create another drawing by hand, along with their hand print. Students who create the portraits receive a video of the children when they receive them. The Ukranian video shows refugees in Poland with their parents, admiring the portraits, with some breaking down in tears of gratitude, with messages written in English thanking the students. "This is a very meaningful project, as we can see in the delivery video we get for each country," Baldauf said. To protect the privacy of the children, the video cannot be displayed in Parent Square. Important Dates March 31 :  Cesar Chavez  Holiday . No school. District Offices closed. April 3-7:  S pring Recess . Schools closed. District offices open April 3-6, but closed April 7. April 11 : Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC)  meeting  in-person at 7 p.m. in the District Office Board Room (on Zoom for viewing) to discuss Dyslexia supports for students with and without IEPs. April  12: School Board  meeting  at 6 p.m. in the District Office Board Room   April  18:  Parent Advisory Committee  meeting  at 5:30 p.m.   at Willow Creek Center April  20 :  District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)  meeting  at 5:30 p.m. Weekly Organizational Update Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark publishes detailed District operations reports in our weekly Organizational Update to the Board. Click  here  or on the image below to view this week’s update from Department leaders, which is also  archived for reference  on the District's website. The Friday Letter is written and compiled by MDUSD's Public Information and Community Relations Officer Theresa Harrington Brandt. Reach her at brandtt@mdusd.org.

Friday, Mar 31 2023

Friday Letter - March 24, 2023

MARCH 24, 2023 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 5 NO. 29 NOTE: Next week's Friday Letter will be sent out on Thursday, March 30 since Friday, March 31 is the Cesar Chavez Day holiday. This issue highlights:  College Park HS student saved a man's life after earning her CPR certification through MDUSD health pathways program in partnership with Adult Ed. District news including MDUSD's "Allied Health Fair" shows High School students career options and training available through Adult Ed. Community news featuring March is Nutrition Month and "Smile Alert" dental information for families School news spotlights an alternative education Graduation Fair for students at Prospect HS and the Horizons program Important dates, and more! College Park High School student saved a man's life after earning her CPR certification through MDUSD's health pathways program in partnership with Adult Education When College Park High School junior Sofie Patrick earned her CPR certification during her Honors Human Body Systems class last November, she had no idea she would soon use her new skills to save a man’s life. Less than two months later, while Sofie and her family were on a beach in Hawaii during Winter Break, they saw a woman pull a man’s lifeless body out of the ocean. As a crowd gathered around him, some people began asking frantically: “Is anybody CPR certified?” Sofie told her Dad, “I’m CPR certified!” He encouraged her to speak up, so she launched into action, stepping up to begin CPR. “He drowned,” Sofie said, as she stoically recalled the incident recently. “He was dead. He did not have a heart beat or a pulse. So, I started doing compressions, pushing on the chest.” In her head, she was thinking of the tune, “Baby Shark,” pushing down rhythmically with each beat of the song. Soon, the 61-year-old man began coughing up water that he had aspirated, but he was still not breathing. He regained a weak pulse by the time paramedics arrived, but no air was coming out of his nose or mouth. They and the man's wife thanked Sofie, then paramedics began using an AED to shock his heart and transported him to the nearest hospital. “It was a really traumatic experience for everybody involved – especially his wife, who was watching. She was the one who first pulled him out of the water,” Sofie said quietly. “Everybody was pretty scared that witnessed it.” Sofie gave a statement to the police and left the beach with her family, not knowing the man’s fate.   Two days later, her Dad saw a Facebook  post with an update about the “Possible Drowning,” which lauded Sofie’s role in the man’s rescue. “A young girl worked on him a long time and others helped until the first response team arrived. So traumatic,” said a post by Trish Dewit. “So proud of her and praying for the man’s recovery,” wrote another. “Thanks to the young lady and those who helped her,” said one more post. “She did an awesome job,” Dewit added. Sofie’s Dad posted that his daughter had just gotten CPR certified through her high school and he was glad she was willing and able to step in. This prompted a friend of the man she had saved to ask for her contact information. so the man's wife could update her on his progress.  The man and his wife, who do not wish to be identified to protect their privacy, are now back in their Southern California home, but the man’s recovery has been slow. He had gone for a swim and suffered cardiac arrest, which had caused him to pass out and drown, his wife said. Read more here . District News “Allied Health Fair” shows high school students career options available through Adult Ed.  Students from health career pathways at College Park, Mt. Diablo and Ygnacio Valley high school learned about career training programs at the Loma Vista Adult Education Center during the District's Second Annual "Allied Health Fair" on March 24, 2023, with a welcome from Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark. About 150 students in health career pathways at three District high schools got hands-on experience exploring a variety of health-related occupations during Mt. Diablo Unified’s Second Annual “Allied Health Fair” on Thursday at the Loma Vista Adult Education Center in Concord.  Students from College Park High School’s  Project Lead the Way Biomedical Sciences Pathway , Mt. Diablo High School’s  Medical and Biotechology Academy  (MBTA), and Ygnacio Valley High School’s  Health Academy  visited five health-career programs offered at the Adult Education Center and also visited with local healthcare employers in the Multi-Use room to learn about careers including Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Dental Assistants, Surgical Technologists, Medical Assistants and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). Students and teachers were excited about the opportunity to learn about so many different career options in one place and were especially interested in trying out the medical equipment, as well as seeing how Dental Assistants make impressions of teeth and practice on life-sized mannequin heads in dental chairs and getting to turn on the lights and sirens in an ambulance. Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark welcomed students and challenged them to reach outside their comfort zones to ask questions and glean as much information as they could during the fair. "Our job is to really prepare you for college and careers," he said. "We want you to be able to do whatever you want to do." Mt. Diablo HS biotech teacher Hayley Davis said the fair offered her students a great opportunity to interact with Adult Education students and healthcare professionals in a variety of fields they may not have known about. "It's a really interesting experience for them," she said, adding that students last year loved the interactive event. "I'm really excited to be here again." Mt. Diablo HS students Taylor Adams, Kianna Fano and Kaniya Jeanjacques said the fair was an eye-opening experience that gave them a chance to find out what different careers are like from people who are currently doing externships or working in these fields. Surgical technologist Kelly Tardiff said graduates of the 1-year program can earn $40-$49 per hour full time, or $59 per hour on a per diem basis.  College Park HS BioMed teacher Marcus Thomas said the Adult Education programs give students the opportunity to learn skills that will land them jobs in the community, along with the ability to continue advancing their education in the future to pursue other related fields such as nursing or becoming doctors. More information about Mt. Diablo Adult Education's Career Technical Education programs is  here .    Mt. Diablo Unified School Board declares March 20-March 24th "Adult Education Week"   At the Wednesday MDUSD Board meeting, trustees approved a resolution designating March 20-March 24th as "Adult Education Week!" Students and staff from the Mt. Diablo Adult Education Emergency Medical Technician and Dental Assistant Programs joined the Board in celebrating the approval of the resolution. Adult Education Administrators Vittoria Abbate and Tricia Ouellette introduced Gary Giusti, EMT Program Director, and Stephanie Marquez, Dental Assistant Clinical Coordinator, and some of the amazing students that are in these programs to Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark and the Board Members. More information about Mt. Diablo Adult Education is here .  MDUSD Board makes appointments, approves Facilities Plan Update  The MDUSD Board on Wednesday appointed Adelita Martinez as Vice Principal for Oak Grove MS and Gabrielle Villasenor as District Payroll Supervisor. In addition, the Board approved resolutions declaring March 20-24 as Adult Education week (see above), April as  Arab American Heritage Month , and Providing for the Issuance and Sale of 2022 Refunding  $54 million in General Obligation Bonds. The Board also approved a Facilities Plan Update that will include the modernization of Rio Vista, Meadow Homes and Mt. Diablo elementary schools, among other items. Staff noted that more money may be needed to complete all of the planned facilities projects. The complete agenda is  here . MDUSD and City of Pleasant Hill Task Force Special Meeting on Tuesday The Mt. Diablo Unified School District and City of Pleasant Hill Task Force will hold a special meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 28th in the City of Pleasant Hill Large Community Room, 100 Gregory Lane in Pleasant Hill. The task force will discuss: how to partner to support safety for pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles near schools; school infrastructure related to severe weather; and how to partner to enhance positive welcoming school cultures. The complete agenda is here . MDUSD's COVID-19 Dashboard reflects cases each week and Year-to-Date To keep the community informed about COVID-19 cases reported by school staff and students, the District has been updating its COVID-19 Dashboard often. This week's Dashboard reflects all cases reported Monday through Friday, along with Year-to-Date case counts for students and staff at each school. The Year-to-Date numbers do not include cases reported during the past weeks. You can find this week's Dashboard  here ,  on the District's website home  page  and on the COVID-19 Response  page . Tour Open School Gardens this weekend: Saturday, March 25th and Sunday, March 26th MDUSD families and community members are invited to the 2nd Annual Mt. Diablo Unified School District Open School Gardens events, which will continue this weekend on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26!  The following school gardens will be open on Saturday, March 25: Bancroft, Cambridge, El Monte, Fair Oaks, Gregory Gardens, Mt. Diablo, Pleasant Hill, Silverwood, Sun Terrace, and Wren Avenue elementary schools, and Pleasant Hill Middle School. On Sunday, March 26, Rio Vista Elementary and Foothill Middle School gardens will be open. See the attached flyer for exact times.  More information is at https://growinghealthykidsbayarea.org/open-school-gardens-weekend/ District choir concerts next week at College Park HS and Pleasant Hill MS! MDUSD has two great choir concerts lined up next week!  On Monday, MDUSD High School choirs will perform at College Park High School! Then on Tuesday, the Elementary Honor Choir will perform along with choirs from El Dorado Middle School, Foothill Middle School and Pleasant Hill Middle School in the Pleasant Hill Middle School Multi-use Room!  Thanks to the Mount Diablo Music Education Foundation for presenting these concerts! MDUSD is accepting applications for 2023 -24 Student Board Member through Thursday The MDUSD Governing Board is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 Student Board Member. Click here for the Student Board Member Application. Please complete and return the application by Thursday, March 30, 2023 to Laura Juranek, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, via email at: juranekl@mdusd.org   or mail to the MDUSD District Office at 1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord, CA 94519.  Applicants will be interviewed by members of the Student Advisory Committee with final approval by the Board of Education. MDUSD parents recognized as Parents of the Year at CA Bilingual Ed conference  Members of MDUSD's English Learner and Dual Language Programs Department were proud to be present at the California Bilingual Education Conference this past week in Long Beach, where District parents Enrique Sanchez and Jazmin Peraz were recognized as Parents of the Year in recognition of their support to English Learner and Dual Language instruction.  The married couple have been District English Learner Advisory Committee officers for three years and members of school sites' English Learner Advisory Committees for many years. They were nominated by their daughter, Gema Sanchez, who said: "It's an honor to have parents like them." Mt. Diablo is extremely proud of their leadership and congratulates them.  Centralized Enrollment for TK/Kindergarten students in 2023-24 continues MDUSD's new  Enrollment Center is now located at: The Willow Creek Center, 1026 Mohr Lane, Concord 94518.    This week, staff enrolled TK/K eligible students residing in the Valle Verde and Walnut Acres, Westwood and Woodside elementary attendance areas. Over 1,400 TK/K students have been enrolled and are ready to start school August 10, 2023.   Next week, the enrollment staff  will enroll eligible TK/K students who reside in Westwood, Woodside, Wren and Ygnacio Valley elementary attendance areas.    TK/K Enrollment will continue for all elementary schools throughout this school year.  Student Enrollment information is here . Elementary school intradistrict transfers for 2023-24 The 2023-24 Elementary Intradistrict Transfer application for Grades K-5 is open through April 1. Intradistrict transfers are for students who reside inside the MDUSD boundaries requesting to transfer to another MDUSD school. For more information on the transfer process and to complete the online application, visit our website at:  mdusd.org/intradistricttransfers . Parents are invited to "Coffee with the Counselors" on Saturday, April 22 at Shore Acres Latina Counselors (left to right below)  Angela Ordaz, Marcie Torres, Leidi Arias and Yaretzie Amaya Four Latina counselors in MDUSD will host "Coffee with the Counselors" from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, April 22nd in the cafeteria at Shore Acres Elementary in Bay Point for parents who want to learn about finishing the year off strong, summer enrichment opportunities, summer school, and more! Hablamos Español! RSVP by clicking on the above flyers in English and Spanish or by clicking  here . Community News March is National Nutrition Month Nutrition and oral health are closely related. The foods you choose and how often you eat them can affect your general health and the health of your teeth and gums. Dental pain or missing teeth can lead to difficulty chewing or swallowing food, which negatively affects nutrition. Eating a balanced diet from all the food groups and limiting sugary foods and drinks helps keep you and your teeth and gums healthy. In addition to eating a balanced diet, it is important to visit the dentist for regular cleanings and exams. Dental visits are the best defense against loss of teeth and gum disease.  Click here for Medi-Cal dental covered services in English and Spanish .  Smile Alert To make sure children are ready for school, California law requires children to have a dental assessment by May 31st in either kindergarten or 1st grade. Poor oral health can affect a child's attendance, grades, and overall performance in school. Medi-Cal covers dental check-ups and cleanings once a year for members 21 and over and twice a year for children and members under 21. Click here for details.  School News Alternative ed Graduation Fair is one-stop event for Prospect HS and Horizons students Prospect HS and Horizons students visit community college information tables, spin a raffle prize whell and post for senior portraits at the Alternative Education Graduation Fair on the Pleasant Hill MS campus (above). School staff members welcome seniors to the fair (below left). Representatives from the Urban Barber College answer questions (below, center). Prospect student Ernesto Hernandez spins the prize wheel (below, right).  High School seniors throughout the District are counting the days until graduation, while also getting ready for the ceremony by ordering caps and gowns, taking Senior Portraits and figuring out what they will do next. For students at Prospect HS and the Horizons program, all these details were made a bit easier by staff who hosted the Annual Graduation Fair on Thursday at the Pleasant Hill Education Center. The event included tables with information about DVC, Los Medanos College, the Urban Barber College and MDUSD Adult Education as well as financial literacy, online assessments of students' career interests and a spinning prize wheel. Students were also invited to decorate paper butterflies with their names and stick them on a poster board as they prepare enter adulthood. Principal Melissa Brennan said she expects about 80 students from both programs to graduate in June. The event, she said, was a reunion of sorts for some students who have already completed the 200 credits necessary to graduate. Some students who met the graduation requirements last fall came to the fair so they can graduate with the Class of 2023. Many have been working in jobs as they plan their next steps. "It was great to see everyone again," she said. Prospect HS senior Ernesto Hernandez said he enjoyed the fair, especially finding out more about Diablo Valley College, which he hopes to attend to study business. Eventually, he said he would like to open his own clothing store. Important Dates March 29:  Student Advisory Committee  meeting   at 4:45 p.m. March 31 :  Cesar Chavez  Holiday . No school. District Offices closed. April 3-7:  S pring Recess . Schools closed. District offices open April 3-6, but closed April 7. April 11 : Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC)  meeting  in-person at 7 p.m. in the District Office Board Room (on Zoom for viewing) to discuss Dyslexia supports for students with and without IEPs. April  12: School Board  meeting  at 6 p.m. in the District Office Board Room   April  18:  Parent Advisory Committee  meeting  at 5:30 p.m.   at Willow Creek Center Weekly Organizational Update Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark publishes detailed District operations reports in our weekly Organizational Update to the Board. Click  here  or on the image below to view this week’s update from Department leaders, which is also  archived for reference  on the District's website. The Friday Letter is written and compiled by MDUSD's Public Information and Community Relations Officer Theresa Harrington Brandt. Reach her at brandtt@mdusd.org.

Saturday, Mar 25 2023