Friday Letter - April 3, 2026

APRIL 3, 2026 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 8 NO. 32 Dear Mt. Diablo Community, This has been a difficult week for our Mt. Diablo Unified community, and I want to begin by addressing a tragic incident that occurred on Wednesday evening at  Sun Terrace Elementary School . During the After School Program, a conflict among several adults escalated into a physical altercation in the school's front parking lot, resulting in the death of Sione "Tekina" Filimoehala. We are actively cooperating with the Concord Police Department as their Major Crimes Unit continues its investigation. Our staff has responded with tremendous care and professionalism, and counselors and additional support personnel have been on campus to make sure our students return each day to the safe, structured, and loving environment they deserve. Families can visit the link below for the full Sun Terrace community message. Even in a hard week, there are moments that remind me why I care so deeply for the Mt.D community. A big hand for the  Northgate High School SAVE Promise Club , which recently celebrated Say Something Week with a series of powerful, student-led activities focused on the role of Trusted Adults and Upstanders in keeping our schools safe. Students created a Trusted Adult Tree displayed in the Forum and spent lunchtime writing thank you notes and sharing their own stories about why and when they speak up. This kind of student leadership is exactly what we need more of, and it connects beautifully to the message I shared above. A reminder that  schools will be closed for Spring Break April 6 through 13, with the District Office closed on Friday, April 10 . There will be no Friday Letter next week, and we will return on April 17. It is also with great sadness that I share the  passing of Walnut Acres Elementary teacher Heather Garcia-Roy . Heather was a beloved member of our MDUSD family, and our hearts go out to her loved ones and to the entire Walnut Acres community. A Celebration of Life will be held in Pleasant Hill, and the school will hold a tribute on April 22. Details are below. Please join me in congratulating Northgate High School student Yuna Ko, whose comic book Daltokki ex Machina earned a National Gold Medal and the prestigious Best-in-Grade Award and Scholarship at the 2026 Scholastic Art and Writing Award s . The Best-in-Grade distinction is awarded to only two students per grade level from among all Gold Medal recipients nationwide. Yuna, we are so incredibly proud of you! Transportation Pathway students at Mt. Diablo High Schoo l had a tremendous week of real-world learning, visiting Concord Auto Service (owned by a 2005 MDHS alum), the Costco tire shop and Pacific States Aviation to explore careers in aviation  alongside Concord High School students, and Solano Way Auto Service to learn about small mechanic shops. Connecting students to the working world in this way is what great pathway programs are all about! We also celebrated the first-ever  MDUSD District Film Festival, held at Northgate High School, where approximately a dozen student films were recognized with unique awards. The event was hosted by Northgate's Drama Program, which hopes to grow the festival in the years to come.  Other highlights include: Career Day at Mountain View Elementary School and Staff Social Media Highlights Have a happy and safe Spring Break! Thank you, Dr. Adam Clark Spotlight Northgate High School SAVE Promise Club celebrates "Say Something Week" Northgate HS SAVE Promise Club members (l-r) Cameron Turner, Denise Castillo-Perez, Alex Johnson, Lucie Sandon, Sadie Pagani and Tanishka Roy lead lunchtime "Say Something Week" activities (above). Northgate HS students (l-r) Savannah Shopp, Francesca Cochrane, and Brooklyn Iwasyk hold signs about why they would say something (below left). Posters encourage students to write about when they would say something (below center) and to speak to "trusted adults" on campus (below right).  Last week, Northgate High School's SAVE Promise Club  celebrated " Say Something Week ." The SAVE Promise club is a student-led initiative within Sandy Hook Promise focused on preventing school violence, bullying and self-harm before they happen, said Social Work Specialist Merritt Rollins, who advises the club. "Say Something Week spotlights the impact of Trusted Adults and Upstanders in our community, which empowers students to take action and create change."  The club created a Trusted Adult Tree that they posted in the school's Forum to remind students of who some of the Trusted Adults are on our campus, Rollins added. Lunch activities were offered where students: wrote thank you notes to their Trusted Adults, and shared why they Say Something and when they Say Something, if something is on their minds. For example, student Savannah Shopp wrote, "I want my friends to be happy," Francesca Cochrane wrote, "I would say something because I care for my friends," and Brooklyn Iwasyk wrote, "I want a happy, safe school." "Having Trusted Adults that students feel comfortable sharing challenges with helps ensure that our campus is a safer place for everyone as well as an easier place to learn," Rollins said. "I am SO proud of my students and how everything went. We even had air brush tattoos that said, 'Say Something,' which were a huge hit. It was awesome!" District News MDUSD School Closed April 6-13 for Spring Recess, District Offices closed April 10 MDUSD schools will be closed for Spring Recess from April 6-13. District Offices will be open April 6-9 and April 13, but will be closed Friday, April 10 for a Board Holiday. Schools will reopen on Tuesday, April 14.  There will be no Friday Letter and no Organizational Update on Friday, April 10. MDUSD and Walnut Acres Elementary community mourn the loss of teacher Heather Garcia-Roy MDUSD and the Walnut Acres Elementary community are mourning the loss of former TK teacher Heather Garcia-Roy, who passed away last Sunday morning after a battle with cancer. "Heather was a cherished member of our Walnut Acres family for many years, and her kindness, dedication, and deep care for students have left a lasting and meaningful impact on all who knew her," said Principal Nicole Berglund, in a message to the school's staff and families. "She will be deeply missed by our entire community." The Garcia-Roy family invites community members to a Memorial Service for Heather at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 10 at Christ the King Church, 199 Brandon Road in Pleasant Hill, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Dr, Pleasant Hill.  RSVPs are requested here .  The school will host a  tribute to Heather at 6 p.m. April 22 in the Walnut Acres Multi-use room at 180 Cerezo Drive in Walnut Creek. In remembrance of her love for Disney, attendees are invited to wear Disney-themed attire. The family has shared that the most helpful support would be donations to their GoFundMe . "This is a heartbreaking loss for our Walnut Acres family," Berglund said. "Heather’s legacy of love, kindness, and dedication to children will remain a part of our school community always." Community Update from Sun Terrace Elementary School Sun Terrace Elementary Principal Sheila McCumber sent a message to her school community at 7 a.m. April 2, 2026 regarding a conflict involving several adults that escalated into a physical altercation in the front parking lot of the school at 5:30 p.m. April 1 during the school's after-school program. After this incident, Sione "Tekina" Filimoehala died. Our SOAR program is sharing information about a GoFundMe fundraiser for the family of Filimoehala. MDUSD Adult Education Lifelong Learning program offers new classes in April MDUSD's Adult Lifelong Education program has plenty to offer in April, including: art -such as drawing and painting with teacher Mark Jezierny* (pictured left), cooking, crafts, dance, finance, fitness, home improvement, language, music, personal enrichment, technology, woodcarving, woodturning, and woodworking!  Details are in the program's  April newsletter here .  More information about Mt. Diablo Adult Education is on the MDAE website here .  *Acrylic and Oil Painting instructor Mark Jezierny, along with a group of his Monday morning and afternoon students, are exhibiting 85 paintings at aRt Cottage studio , 2238 Mt. Diablo St. in Concord, through April 24. Admission is free at the cottage, which is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday.  Focal Scholar Newsletter highlights supports for selected students at 9 schools MDUSD's Focal Scholar Program would like to share its monthly  newsletter with the community, highlighting the work staff is doing to foster a supportive educational environment for selected Elementary and Secondary students at Bel Air, Delta View, Fair Oaks, Rio Vista and Shore Acres elementary schools, and Riverview MS, Oak Grove MS, Mt. Diablo HS and Ygnacio Valley HS. The newsletter recaps recent events and previews upcoming events. It also spotlights program partners, focus areas, and supports, and highlights impacts and student growth.   More information about the Focal Scholar Program is on our website here. The program primarily serves students identified in MDUSD's Local Control Accountability Plan ( LCAP ), under Goal 4. Adult Education Negotiations Update An Adult Education Negotiations Update was sent to MDEA members and Adult Education staff on March 30, 2026. The update highlighted "Substantial progress in MDUSD/MDEA negotiations over Adult Education Employees." Key points included:  District proposes 21% Salary Increase for 2025-2026 Other Cost Issues Remain: Retiree Benefits, Holidays, Preparation Time, and Leaves of Absence Agreements Reached on Most if Not All Language Items Board Briefs: MDUSD Board to hold meetings April 15 and April 22 due to Spring Break next week Although the MDUSD Board normally meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, the MDUSD Board will not meet next week due to Spring Break. Instead, it will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 15 in the District Office Boardroom to appoint an Elementary Principal for 2026-27 at a site to be determined, among other items. The agenda will be posted here after 5 p.m. Thursday, April 9.  Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark's Weekly Organizational Update to the Board, which includes detailed District operations reports from Department leaders, is here . An a rchive of past reports is here . African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC) Family Feedback Night is April 16 in Concord MDUSD's District wide African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC) Family Feedback Night will be held April 16 at 6 PM at Meadow Homes Elementary school, 1371 Detroit Ave. in Concord. This event is centered on “Our Voice, Our Schools” and will focus on gathering input aligned with  LCAP Goals #3 and #4 . Your feedback is essential in supporting student success, strengthening school communities, and ensuring that all families are heard. During the evening, participants will have the opportunity to: Share perspectives and experiences Engage in meaningful dialogue with District leaders and other families Contribute to discussions that help guide District priorities All MDUSD families are welcome. Whether you are new to the District or have been part of our community for years, your participation is valued and appreciated. For additional information, please contact Family Engagement Coordinator Dr. Lamont Francies at franciesl@mdusd.org. "Cafecito Con Las Consejeras" (Coffee with the counselors) is Saturday, April 18 in Concord Las Consejeras from MDUSD (Angela Ordaz, Leidi Arias, Marcie Torres, Yaretzie Amaya) cordially invite you to our Cafecito con las Consejeras (Coffee with the Counselors) #3 on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Holbrook Language Academy, 3333 Ronald Way in Concord. Our areas of focus for this day will be on finishing the year strong, summer school information, summer enrichment opportunities, a grounding terrariums connection activity and nourishment bags.  RSVP here . We look forward to welcoming you! Hablamos Español. Class of 2026 Graduation Dates and Locations MDUSD is pleased to share the dates and locations of our Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremonies: Tuesday, May 26 at 7:00 PM: Northgate High School - Toyota Pavilion Wednesday, May 27 at 6:00 PM: College Now Celebration - DVC Commons Thursday, May 28 at 7:00 PM: College Park High School - Toyota Pavilion Friday, May 29 at 6:30 PM: Bridge Program - Loma Vista Adult Education Multi-Use Room Friday, May 29 at 7:00 PM: Concord High School - Toyota Pavilion Saturday, May 30 at 11:00 AM: Alt. Ed. (Glenbrook, Horizons, Prospect) -Toyota Pavilion Saturday, May 30 at 5:00 PM: Olympic/Crossroads - Toyota Pavilion Monday, June 1 at 7:00 PM: Mt. Diablo High School - Toyota Pavilion Tuesday, June 2 at 7:00 PM: Ygnacio Valley High School - Toyota Pavilion Saturday, June 6 at 10:00 AM: Adult Education High School Graduation - Loma Vista Adult Education Student News Northgate High School Animation student Yuna Ko earns National awards for Comic Book Northgate High School Intermediate Animation student Yuna Ko has earned national recognition at the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, receiving both a National Gold Medal and the prestigious Best-in-Grade Award/Scholarship for her comic book,  Daltokki ex Machina . The Best-in-Grade distinction is especially notable, awarded to only two students per grade from among all Gold Medal recipients nationwide. All entries to the Scholastic Awards are judged through a fully anonymous process, ensuring that selections are made without consideration of a participant’s gender, age, ethnicity, or hometown. Works are evaluated by leading figures in the visual and literary arts, including past jurors such as Marc Brown, Kay WalkingStick, Michael Bierut, Philip Pearlstein, and Edward Sorel. Jurors look for works that demonstrate the Awards’ core values: originality, technical skill, and a strong personal voice or vision. "In addition to these honors, Yuna has been invited to the national ceremony at Carnegie Hall this June to celebrate her achievement," said Northgate HS Animation Teacher Michelle Carmon. "We proudly congratulate Yuna on this outstanding accomplishment." School News Mt. Diablo HS and Concord HS Transportation pathway students learn about careers on field trips Mt. Diablo HS Transportation Pathway students visit Concord Auto Service (left). Transportation students from Mt. Diablo HS and Concord HS visit the Costco Tire Center (center) and Pacific States Aviation (right). MDUSD's Transportation Career Pathway students have been busy getting a firsthand look at local career opportunities over the last few weeks, said Heather Fontanilla, Director of College & Career Readiness. On March 26, Mt. Diablo HS Transportation students and their teacher, Neil Bertson, visited Concord Auto Service, owned by a 2005 MDHS alum Ken Barasabal. The students had the opportunity to hear about Barasabal's journey to business ownership. They also got to see how smaller auto mechanic shops operate and find out about the broad knowledge needed to be successful. On March 27, MDHS Transportation and Concord HS Transportation students, with their teacher Greg Golsan and an MDUSD Work Based Learning Coordinator, visited the Tire Shop at Costco. They heard from technicians about the quick pace of working there. Students also got to tour other Costco departments, learning about career opportunities within Costco beyond the Tire Shop. From there, students went to Pacific States Aviation, learning about careers in a different transportation field -- aviation.   Finally, on April 3, MDHS Transportation students visited Solano Way Auto Service, again learning about smaller mechanic shops. "These experiences provide MDUSD Transportation students broad exposure to different career trajectories within the Transportation field," Fontanilla said. Guest speakers provide insights into career options during Mountain View Elementary Career Day Guest speakers answer questions about their careers from students (above). Social Worker Mrs. Downey speaks to students (below left). Mr. Attia teaches students to code (below center). Mr. Judson speaks to students about his career as an attorney (below right).  Mountain View Elementary's 1st Annual Career Day took place Friday morning, said Principal Stacy Campbell. "We had 10 guest speakers who came and spoke to our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students about their amazing careers," she said. "Students then had the opportunity to meet with guests in small groups and learn more about the careers. We had a writer, scientist, nurse, dental hygienist, lawyer, construction manager, CFO for a Cybersecurity Company, social worker and teacher."  Before the Career Day, students made their own resumes, which were posted on the wall in the background. Thank you to all the guest speakers for sharing your time with our students! Check out the School Social Media Highlights below to see photos from the Career Day at Pleasant Hill MS! 12 awards doled out at first-ever MDUSD Film Festival, held at Northgate High School MDUSD student films "Dubai Chocolate Labubu" (left) and "Stranger Disney" (center) were among a dozen films that garnered awards at the MDUSD Film Festival hosted by Northgate HS Artistic Director John Litten and Drama Honors students Kylah Battershall and Amelia Milford (right), as well as other Drama Dept. students. In what organizers hope will evolve into an annual and growing event, Northgate HS Drama Honors students and Artistic Director John Litten launched the first-ever MDUSD Student Film Festival on Thursday in the school's Little Theater. More than a dozen student films played back-to-back without a break on a movie screen, while audience members laughed, clapped or gasped, based on what they saw on screen. After the screening, Drama Honors students Kylah Battershall and Amelia Milford doled out unique awards related to the content of the films. The awards and student film titles were:  Best Film - Hear No Evil Outstanding Comedic Film - Who's Got the Goods? Outstanding Dramatic Film - The Note Most Original Film - The Milking Outstanding Cinematography - Continuous Outstanding Action Film - Echo: Resurgence Best Slice of Life Film - Fall Sports Recap Outstanding Sound Design - Juicy Outstanding Horror/Suspense Film - Open Space Outstanding Documentary - Walnut Creek Ablaze Outstanding Editing - Dubai Chocolate Labubu Outstanding Parody/Crossover Film - Stranger Disney "I think this is going to be something that just keeps growing and growing," Litten said, after the awards were handed out. The Drama Club originally planned to only give out four awards, but after receiving fewer entries than anticipated, Kylah said they decided to give nearly every film an award to say, "Good job, so we we can grow it next year." Amelia agreed that there were not as many submissions as they had hoped, and Litten said most were from Walnut Creek schools, with the majority from Northgate and a few from Foothill MS and Walnut Acres Elementary. The trio said student Elena Rosen, who is president of the Video Production Class, came up with the idea for the festival, but was unable to attend. The audience was also smaller than anticipated, with about 40 people applauding and munching on popcorn and other snacks. Litten said the fact that it was two days before Spring Break could have had something to do with that. Next year, he said, the school may consider holding the festival in the first semester. School Social Media Highlights Meadow Homes, Gregory Gardens, Silverwood and Valle Verde elementary schools MDUSD elementary students have been enjoying community building activities together. Recent social media highlights include: a fantastc Multicultural Night at Meadow Homes Elementary , Gregory Gardens Elementary students participate in after-school program jamboree, Silverwood Elementary families celebrated “Art and Pie” night, and Valle Verde Elementary  students welcomed Daisy the Cow to their campus.  Diablo View, Oak Grove, Sequoia and Valley View middle schools MDUSD middle school students have been learning and collaborating with each other. Recent social media highlights include: Diablo View MS thanks Northgate HS for hosting the MS Leadership Exchange, Oak Grove MS 8th graders  displayed their International Baccalaureate (IB) community projects during open house, Sequoia MS 8th graders enjoyed a field trip to the Exploratorium, and the  Valley View MS Jazz Band treated staff and students to an awesome lunchtime performance! College Now, Concord HS, Mt. Diablo HS and Ygnacio Valley HS MDUSD high school students have been exploring new academic pursuits and receiving accolades for athletic and academic accomplishments. Recent social media highlights include: the College Now Program welcomes new students at its Meet and Greet event, the Concord HS Mayor recognizes the Concord HS DAL and NCS champion Girls Wrestling team , Mt. Diablo HS engineering students learn land surveying skills, and Ygnacio Valley HS celebrates 55 freshmen who earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher! Staff Social Media Highlights Mt. Diablo HS, Food & Nutrition, Counselors and College & Career Advisors, Ygnacio Valley HS MDUSD staff members have been working hard and looking forward to Spring Break. Recent social media highlights include: Mt. Diablo HS Engineering teacher Mr. Kondo gives his students hands-on surveying experience on campus; Food and Nutrition Services workers  show in reel how they make burritos on National Burrito Day, MDUSD School Counselors and College & Career Advisors  celebrate the completion of a 3-year training program, and an Ygnacio Valley HS reel  shows how fast staff is leaving for spring break! Community News Concord seeks input on traffic safety from residents through April 15 The City of Concord is currently conducting a traffic safety survey, and seeks input from city residents through April 15.  The City is working on its Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP) to systematically eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries on its streets. It is building a data-driven roadmap that identifies the highest-risk locations across the city and defines a prioritized set of engineering, education, and enforcement strategies to address them. Community input is an important part of the data needed. Residents interested in learning more or sharing input on their own time can check out  www.concordsafestreets.org . This site includes significant information about CSAP and provides the opportunity to give direct feedback on the community survey. The survey takes approximately 5 minutes and is anonymous. The input from the survey will shape which corridors and intersections get addressed first. This work is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program. Important Dates April 6-13:  Schools closed for  Spring Recess ; District Offices open April 6-9 and 13, but closed on April 10 for Board Holiday April 15: District Governing Board  meeting at 6 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom April 16: African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC) meeting at 6 p.m. at Meadow Homes Elementary in Concord (See District News above) April 18 :  Cafecito con las Consejeras (Coffee with the Counselors) at 10 a.m. at Holbrook Language Academy in Concord (See District News above) April 20:  Mt. Diablo Business Education Alliance (MDBEA)  meeting at 4 p.m. at Mt. Diablo HS April 21 : Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC)  meeting at 7 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom April 22 : District Governing Board  meeting at 6 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom The Friday Letter is written and compiled by Theresa Harrington Brandt, Public Information and Community Relations Officer. Reach her at brandtt@mdusd.org for Friday Letter submissions

Saturday, Apr 04 2026

April Focal Scholar Newsletter 2026

April 2026 Focal Scholar Program The Focal Scholar Program is an innovative MDUSD program aimed at fostering a supportive educational environment for selected Elementary and Secondary students in the following schools: Bel Air, Delta View, Fair Oaks, Rio Vista and Shore Acres elementary schools, and Riverview MS, Oak Grove MS, Mt. Diablo HS and Ygnacio Valley HS. The program collaborates with students, staff, and families to improve student attendance, academic success, reduce behavior challenges and improve students’ sense of belonging. It emphasizes social-emotional learning, highlighting the importance of emotional well-being in academic success for students identified under LCAP Goal 4. The program opens pathways to college and career opportunities, assisting secondary students in envisioning and achieving their long-term goals. It adopts a holistic approach to education, nurturing every aspect of student development across different educational stages.   CAAASA "Courage Under Fire" In March, the Focal Scholar Team traveled to Anaheim, California to attend the CAAASA (California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators)“Courage Under Fire” Conference alongside executive leadership and several MDUSD administrators. This inspiring conference, hosted by CAAASA, featured keynote speakers, professional development sessions, and opportunities to learn from districts across the country that are achieving positive outcomes for students.   Upcoming Events A major field trip is being planned May 20, 2026 to honor and celebrate our Elementary Focal Scholar Schools. This amazing End of Year Event will showcase performances by Young Audiences who will present an I-Shine Assembly and a variety of art-based activities for students to enjoy. Students will receive lunch and there will be a short awards certificate ceremony that will highlight students that have shown kindness, courage and outstanding improvement for math/language arts, and attendance.   Partner Hub Updates Program/Personnel Updates: The bilingual tutor, Patricia Silveira, launched at Shore Acres Elementary this week. Anthony Page returned to Fair Oaks Elementary last week and this week, and Evelyn Silva Rosales, a new bilingual tutor, completed her third session at Shore Acres Elementary.  Schedule/Logistical Changes: At Bel Air, math intervention sessions are now held in the library to accommodate the larger older group. Some groups are small, indicating room for additional students to participate. Academic Preparation & Skill Development: Goals include preparing students for CAASPP by practicing word problems and building up to grade-level word problems, strengthening students' phonemic awareness/site words (1st-2nd grade), and developing comprehension skills such as inferring and schemas (3rd-5th grade). Instructional Focus & Assessment: Programs will focus on using strategies to develop flexibility in basic math computations (including multiplication for 3rd-5th grade), supporting perseverance through multi-step problems, improving fluency, and conducting the Second San Diego Quick Assessment. Specific academic goals include increasing vocabulary development, enabling 3rd-5th grade students to successfully make and use a multiplication table, subtract with borrowing, and order fractions. Socio-Emotional Learning (SEL) & Engagement: Focus areas include strengthening students' emotional awareness, spelling skills, continuing to strengthen and explore insight and awareness, practicing and building coping skills, and integrating arts (specifically fashion) into the SEL program to make learning more fun. Program Support & Operations: Key goals include increasing attendance, ensuring the tutor Patricia's support aligns with classroom teacher goals at Shore Acres Elementary, ensuring the instructional strategies used by push in tutor at Fair Oaks Elementary remain effective. Additionally, Fred Finch is working to engage families by connecting new parents to workshops with a licensed clinician. Staff Development: Goals involve building rapport and providing tailored support and having Jonathan from Study Smart Tutors conduct drop-in observations and check in with on-site teachers and administration regarding the new phase of service at Fair Oaks Elementary and Shore Acres Elementary.   Focal Scholar Partner Impact Report: Driving Student Growth Academic Growth & Literacy Gains 26% average growth for Focal Scholars in grade 1 ELA across all sites. 37% increase in advanced SIPPS Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics and Sight words) skill levels for students receiving support through KTH (Keys to Holistic Learning) partner at 4 out of 5 sites. 34% literacy assessment improvement SEL & Student Engagement 83% boost in emotional regulation Digital Engagement & Reach Across Platforms Activating engagement and eagerness to learn with vocabulary.com, EdTech platforms, and (Keys to Holistic) KTH Learning   Focal Scholar Supports Academic support focuses on progress monitoring, grade checks and intervention opportunities that occur both during the school day and after school for Elementary and Secondary focal scholar students. Attendance support includes SST (Student Support Team), CARE Team, (School Attendance Review Team SART) and SARB (School Attendance Review Board) Focal Scholar Elementary Schools include Bel Air, Delta View, Fair Oaks, Rio Vista and Shore Acres. Focal Scholar Secondary Schools include Riverview MS, Oak Grove MS, Mt. Diablo HS and Ygnacio Valley HS. Mentoring and SEL Groups K-12 through Fred Finch, P.O.W.E.R and KTH Learning.   Past Events Miles Hall Summit was held March 26, 2026, at Diablo Valley College with Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark as a guest speaker. The event focused on exploring whole person (mind, body, spirit) wellness with interactive sessions, mentorship, and a community celebration of young African American students. The Black Panther Museum trip was on March 12, 2026, for High School Focal Scholar students. Click here to visit our webpage

Wednesday, Apr 01 2026

Friday Letter - March 27, 2026

MARCH 27, 2026 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 8 NO. 31 Dear MDUSD Community, Happy Friday, Mt. D! I have some truly exciting news to kick off this week’s letter.  Diablo View Middle School and Pleasant Hill Middle School have both been named California Distinguished Schools, and Prospect High School has been recognized as a Model Continuation High School,  among the highest honors a school can receive in California. These designations reflect the incredible dedication of our students, staff, and families. Please join me in celebrating these amazing school communities! In Student News, our Ygnacio Valley and College Park High School robotics teams joined forces at the FIRST California Sacramento District Competition, earning a 3rd place overall ranking alongside students from Santa Clara. Both MDUSD teams compete again at the Contra Costa District Competition at Pittsburg High on April 3 and 4, which is open to the public, so come out and cheer them on! We are also celebrating  College Park High School choir students who recently traveled to Skywalker Ranch for a recording session at the world-renowned Skywalker Sound. Yes, that Skywalker Ranch. How cool is that?! In District News, schools and District Offices will be closed Tuesday, March 31 for Farmworkers Day. We will also r ecap recent community events including the AAPAC Health meeting, Districtwide Choir Festival, Allied Health Fair, Celebration of Success, and the Miles Hall Summit. School News highlights include  College Park High School’s Every 15 Minutes Program focused on safe and sober driving; the grand reopening of El Dorado Middle School’s library thanks to community volunteer Nina Pate and Tessique Houston; the Special Olympics Young Athletes Program at Robert Shearer Preschool and Gregory Gardens with 5th grade buddies; and a fantastic Wellness Week at Oak Grove Middle School  featuring dodgeball, volleyball, and more. Finally, I want to share a personal reflection . Last week I completed my term as President of CAAASA (the California Association of African-American Superintendents & Administrators), an experience that has been one of the true honors of my career. I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate for equity and amplify voices across our state. I also want to recognize our  MDUSD colleagues who attended this year’s conference, and give a special shoutout to Dr. Diane Fitzpatrick for her outstanding presentation on the Focal Scholars program . Thank you for everything you do for our students. Wishing you a wonderful weekend! Dr. Adam Clark Spotlight 2 MDUSD schools named "Distinguished" and one named a "Model Continuation HS" in CA  MDUSD is proud that Diablo View Middle School in Clayton and Pleasant Hill Middle School in Pleasant Hill have been named 2026 California Distinguished Schools , and that Prospect Continuation High School  in Pleasant Hill has been named a  2026 Model Continuation High School,  by the California Department of Education (CDE). MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark commended all three schools on their achievements. "I am inspired that we are living up to our goals of meeting the needs of all students," he said. "The recognition for Prospect as a Model Continuation High School and for our two distinguished middle schools really reflects the commitment of the schools’ staff and our wonderful students." Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students, according to the CDE news release. The CDE identified 408 middle and high schools statewide for this honor, based on their performance on state indicators on the 2025 California School Dashboard, with a focus on demonstrating excellence and growth in academic achievement and/or closing the achievement gap. The Diablo View MS Dashboard and Pleasant Hill MS Dashboard  show that both schools made "exceptional" or "accelerated" growth in English Language Arts and Math in 2025. The state alternates years for elementary schools, and middle and high schools. Diablo View was also named a CA Distinguished School in  2024 .  "Diablo View Middle School is extremely honored and humbled to learn that we were selected to receive the Distinguished School Award from the State of California," said Principal Vicki Wilson. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment of our entire school community—students, teachers, staff, parents, and supporters alike. It reinforces our belief in the importance of providing a nurturing and empowering learning environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This recognition affirms our dedication to fostering academic excellence, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and preparing our students to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens." Pleasant Hill Middle School Principal Terry McCormick said her school community was also honored by the recognition. "We are thrilled to be recognized as a California Distinguished School," she said. "This honor reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire Pleasant Hill Middle School community, highlighting the outstanding efforts of our students and the unwavering commitment of our staff to support their success. We have worked intentionally to foster a positive school climate where every student feels safe, valued, and connected, while also providing culturally relevant learning experiences that honor the diverse backgrounds of our community. While we are proud to receive this recognition, we view it as a milestone rather than a finish line, and we will continue to build on this success to meet the evolving needs of our students. At the heart of our work is a shared belief: all students can achieve at high levels when given the right opportunities, support, and sense of belonging. Somos Familia, We Grow Together.” Prospect Continuation High School was named one of 59 Model Continuation High Schools in the state. “The priority of our Model Continuation High Schools is to give students more than a diploma," said State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, in a news release. "The teachers and administrators aim to provide students with a student-centered approach that meets their diverse academic, social, and emotional needs and opportunities to explore options beyond high school, preparing students for the future whether they choose to pursue further education or join the workforce.” Continuation schools provide a high school diploma program for students ages 16 through 18 who have not graduated from high school, are required to attend school, and are at risk of not completing their education. Model Continuation High Schools excelled and provided exceptional opportunities for their students to pursue academic and social success. Prospect was also named a Model Continuation High School in 2023 . Model Continuation High Schools retain their designation for three years. "We at Prospect are deeply honored to receive the recognition as a Model Continuation High School," said Principal Charles Harrington, Jr. "At our core, we are committed to providing a supportive and empowering environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed, grow, reclaim and redefine their path forward. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributes to making our school a place of opportunity, encouragement, and transformation. We share this honor with all who believe in the potential of our students and support their journeys. We are very thankful to serve under the umbrella of Mt. Diablo Unified School District, continuing to serve all students." District News Schools and District Offices closed Tuesday, April recognitions MDUSD schools and District Offices will be closed on Tuesday, March 31 in recognition of Farmworkers Day. Schools and District Offices will reopen on Wednesday, April 1. The MDUSD Board has adopted resolutions recognizing April 2026 as Arab American Heritage Month and Cannabis Awareness Month . MDUSD Film Festival is at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 2 in the Northgate HS Little Theater Northgate High School is proud to announce the 2026 MDUSD Student Film Festival, celebrating the creativity, courage, and storytelling of student filmmakers across the district, which will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 2 in the Northgate High School Little Theatre at 425 Castle Rock Road in Walnut Creek.  Free entry, with suggested donation of $5.  The event will include a fantastic 90-minute program featuring filmmakers from across the district, representing all grade levels and a wide range of skill levels, said Northgate Theater Artistic Director John Litten.  Films selected from student submissions will be screened on the big screen in the Northgate Little Theatre. Audience members will vote,  and awards will be presented for: First Place, Second Place. Third Place, and Audience Choice Award.  Prizes will be announced the night of the festival. (See flyer for details.) D istrict seeks Community Feedback for the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) by April 3 MDUSD is seeking community feedback to inform our 2026-27 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). We invite all community partners, including parents, family members, and community members, to provide input using this survey link . The survey will close on Friday, April 3, 2026 at 11:45 p.m. Staff and student survey links will be sent out separately. High School Math Materials Public Review through April 13 The MDUSD High School Curriculum Adoption Team is reviewing materials for our high school math courses. The community is welcome to review the materials being considered for adoption at the Willow Creek Center in Concord. Review dates: Weekdays March 30 - April 3 Viewing times: 1:30–4:30 p.m. Location: Willow Creek Center, 1026 Mohr Lane, Concord Please review and share your written feedback. Recent District meetings and events African American Parent Advisory Committee (AAPAC) Health Night brings community together AAAPAC families and MDUSD staff at March 12 meeting Dr. Lamont Francies presents information during the meetin On the evening of March 12, a room full of parents, students, educators, and community members gathered at Sequoia Middle School for the MDUSD African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC) Health Night. The event featured an informative presentation from Black/African American Family Engagement Coordinator Dr. Lamont Francies, who shared practical strategies for improving both mental and physical health. He emphasized the powerful role that community, regular exercise, and healthy dietary choices play in supporting overall well-being. The evening also provided an opportunity for families to connect, learn, and reflect on ways to build healthier lifestyles together. "A special thank you to Principal Douglas Corbin for hosting such an impactful event at Sequoia Middle School and for providing delicious, nutritious snacks that families enjoyed throughout the evening," Dr. Francies said. "Events like AAPAC Health Night highlight the importance of collaboration between schools, families, and community leaders as we work together to support the health and success of every student." The  next meeting will be Thursday, April 16 at 6 p.m. at Meadow Holmes Elementary in Concord . It will be a year-end celebration that will include conducting parent quality surveys. High School  Patient Care Pathways students explore careers during hands-on Allied Health Fair MDUSD's annual Allied Health Fair on March 19 brought together about 130 students from College Park, Mt. Diablo, and Ygnacio Valley high schools for a hands-on career exploration experience. The event was hosted at Loma Vista Adult Education  in collaboration with High School Career Pathways . Students rotated through six sessions, including Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Diablo Valley College (DVC), and an Exhibit Hall, where they learned about healthcare certificate programs and connected with industry professionals. In the Exhibit Hall, students participated in “speed interviews" with employers, gaining a real-world look into healthcare careers and the training pathways to get there. MDUSD extends special thanks to our industry partners: Alameda Health System, CareBuilders at Home - East Bay, Contra Costa County Health, Coliseum Dental Concord, Donors Network West, DVC, Global Medical Response, Gurnick Academy, Joybound People & Pets, Mt. Diablo Adult Education, Pacific Home Care Services, Precision Chiropractic and VEG Veterinary.  More  information about the event is in the Mt. Diablo Adult Education weekly newsletter. Click here to see a reel highlighting the event . Students from 22 elementary, middle and high schools perform in Districtwide Choir Festival Director Andrew Brown leads over 500 singers from across the District in "Give Us Hope" by Jim Papoulis (above). Rio Vista Elementary singers (l-r) Mila Cruz, Alyson Jue and Valerie Ortiz Danielle stand with teacher Danielle Haffner, and singers Abby Ganugaling, Eric Melendez Martinez, Ximena Garibay, and Cassius Guzman (below left). Gregory Gardens Elementary singers (back l-r) Camryn Young, Harinaz Qias, and Fatima Cortez Gonzalez stand with teacher Ray Gwynn, and students Haylie Vallado, Charlotte Armanini and (front l-r) Sabrina Regan and Ava Grigsby (below right). Guest column by Danielle Haffner Last Friday evening (March 20), the auditorium at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church buzzed with 100 4th and 5th graders waiting for the Districtwide Choir Festival to begin. In rooms off-stage, some 200 middle school vocalists and as many high school choirsters anticipated their turn to share their music at this first-time ever event combining elementary, middle, and high school choirs representing 22 schools. Sponsor for the event, the Mount Diablo Music Education Foundation (MDMEF), provided T-shirts for the elementary students for this concert and also brought in guest conductor Andrew Brown, who is director of Choral Studies at Pacific Boyschoir Academy and a current MDUSD general music teacher. The foundation was established in 2009 and has given over $242,750.00 in grants and other financial support to MDUSD music programs. The is the largest choral event it has sponsored to date.  Other general musc teachers at the event were Richard Lyon, Monica Deshay, Ray Gwynn, Gabrielle Kitchen, Danielle Haffner, Michelle Hackel, David Wright (who doubled as collaborative flautist) and Bonnie Shea, who emceed the evening. Shea welcomed the audience, which included performers’ families, community members, and MDUSD staff including MDUSD Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator Kellie Hoover. After voicing her pride for the work of the youngest singers, Shea introduced the Elementary Honor Choir and the concert’s opening songs “Shenandoah” and “Firefly,” both accompanied by collaborative pianist, Stella Brown. Combined choirs from Foothill, El Dorado, and Valley View middle schools then took the stage to perform “Fly Away Home,” conducted by Kirsten Nesmith, followed by “Tiger! Tiger!” under Sally Anderson’s direction. Kerry Leyden accompanied both the Middle School and High School choirs. Next, the High School Treble Enemble sang “Yo Le Canto Todo el Dia” under the direction of Georgia Friend. Bruce Rockwell led the High School Tenor-Bass ensemble in “Johnny Schmoker.” The High School Honor Choirs performed “Earth Song” and “Fire” conducted by Andrew West and Georgia Friend, respectively. Then, the High School Mixed Ensemble wrapped up the secondary part of the program with “Homeward Bound.” MDMEF Board President Joan Miller addressed the audience before the closing song. “Every time you drop your child off for a (music) lesson, every time you go to a recital…every time you buy a child an instrument, that’s a lifetime gift you are giving them," she said. "Keep that in mind… We are so grateful for your support.” Turning to the 500 students on stage she said, “ I think you’re marvelous! Hallelujah!” With that, the voices of those marvelous students filled the auditorium with the closing song, “Give Us Hope.” This concert gave the participants the opportunity to work for something bigger than themselves, the teachers a chance to collaborate with colleagues in a unique way, families a window into what their students might anticipate in their future, and the community an incentive to make a way for our children to have continued access to choral instruction. Above all, it put all involved in a place to experience the joy and beauty of music made and heard together. Click here to watch a video of the festival. "Celebration of Success" honors Special Education students demonstrating personal success MDUSD and the Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC) hosted the annual Celebration of Success on Thursday, March 24th at Concord High School, recognizing special education students who have demonstrated extraordinary progress or persevered through significant challenges to achieve the highest levels of success.  The students were each awarded certificates and medals in recognition of their success, and many posed proudly for photos with MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark, who presented the awards, as well as with school administrators, teachers and family members.  Some schools shared their photos on Social Media, including Gregory Gardens Elementary, Diablo View MS, Riverview MS, Sequoia MS, Northgate HS and Ygnacio Valley HS. Gregory Gardens Elementary Principal Kathleen Koontz posted photos of student Richie Velles III beaming with pride, with his SDC teacher Kira Byrd, his general education teacher Lauren Knabe, and Koontz (l-r, above left). "Today we honored the incredible achievements of our special education students—recognizing growth, resilience, and the unique strengths each student brings to our community," the  post said." This is what inclusion looks like: every voice valued, every learner seen, every success celebrated." Sequoia MS posted photos of a student receiving his award, including one with Vice Principal Carolyn Hull (above center), with the comment: " MDUSD honored students at the Celebration of Success tonight and we are incredibly proud of our nominee! 🎉👏 Celebrating hard work, growth, and resilience 💪🌟 Way to represent! 💙🙌 "  Ygnacio Valley HS posted a photo of a student holding his medal on stage with Dr. Clark (above right), with the comment: " We’re so proud of our students who represented YVHS tonight, congratulations to all of the incredible recipients!! 👏✨" Check out the School Social Media Highlights below to see more photos from the event .  More information about the CAC is on the District website .  Board Briefs: MDUSD Board appointed Educational Services administrators at March 25 meeting The MDUSD Board met at March 25 and appointed Christina Filios as Executive Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Improvement; and Megan Gerdts as Assistant Director of Instructional Support. In addition, the Board accepted a Teamsters Local 856 Additional Sunshine proposal , among other items. The complete agenda is here. Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark's Weekly Organizational Update to the Board, which includes detailed District operations reports from Department leaders, is here . An archive of past reports is here. SOAR teams up with nonprofit program to provide 14 MDUSD senior girls with prom dresses 321 Life +1 founder Brandon Gruber stands with his mother Teresa at the Macys event (left). MDUSD seniors stand behind Gruber with their dresses (right).  This week, the SOAR Program partnered with the 321 Life+1 Project  to provide 14 MDUSD senior girls with a full shopping experience at Macy’s in Concord. Brandon Gruber, an adult with Down syndrome, founded this program as a high school senior to help ensure all students can participate in the milestone experiences that make high school special. Through the generosity of the program's  21 Dresses Project , 14 students chose a brand-new prom dress valued at up to $250.  "The students selected for this opportunity have demonstrated strong commitment to their education and remarkable perseverance throughout their high school journeys," said SOAR Program Specialist Rosie Reid. "Each participant enjoyed a special red-carpet experience, complete with support from Macy’s personal shoppers, making the day memorable, affirming, and fun."  Annual Miles Hall Youth Summit focuses on Breaking Barriers: Building Black Brotherhood On Thursday, March 26, the Miles Hall Foundation presented its annual Miles Hall Youth Summit, an empowering and uplifting event aimed at educating male Black and African American students about mental health issues and emotional intelligence.  MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark was the  keynote speaker for the event (above left).  Male students from MDUSD attending the event participated in breakout sessions in various rooms and were able to meet an author named of Antwone D Johnson, who was autographing his book, said Instructional Program Specialist Dr. Diane Fitzpatrick.   Student News Ygnacio Valley and College Park HS robotics teams join forces at Sacramento District Competition College Park HS Falcon X robotics team members (left) pose with the BagelBytes team from Santa Clara (center) and the Ygnacio Valley HS Project 212 robotics team (right) after competing together as an "alliance" with their robots (above). Ygnacio Valley HS "drive team" members (l-r) Joseph Huerta, Luis Zamudio and Althea Vivar control their robot (below left). Ygnacio Valley HS robotics team members cheer their robot on (below right).   Last weekend, the Ygnacio Valley HS Project 212 robotics team and College Park HS Falcon X robotics team had a true test of resilience at the FIRST California Sacramento District Competition.  "We had opened with four consecutive losses, an undeniably tough start, but instead of letting it define us, we refocused and match by match, we climbed the rankings ultimately finishing 9th out of 38 teams," said Ygnacio Valley HS robotics team CEO Gabrielle Love. "Our performance earned us the position of first pick for Alliance 4, where we joined forces with College Park High School’s FIRST robotics team, Falcon X, securing an incredible 3rd overall finish after playoffs." The photos above show the intensity and spirit of the event, Gabrielle said. She explained that the Alliance was formed by a team from Santa Clara, called BagelBytes, which was the Team Captain. "They chose us as their first pick to join their alliance, and together we chose FalconX, Team 6662, as the second pick to complete our alliance," Gabrielle added. Together, the alliance was ranked third, meaning they made it to the semi-final match.  "With our amazing finish in Sacramento, we are already looking ahead to our next competition, the Contra Costa California District Competition at Pittsburg High School," Gabrielle said, adding that the event is April 3-4 at the school, 1750 Harbor St. in Pittsburg. "We consider this our 'home game,' and we are ready to show up and show out. We invite you and your families to come support us in person. There is nothing like the energy of a live competition, and having our community there means everything to us." Both the Ygnacio Valley and College Park teams will be competing at the event, she added. Click here for more information . College Park HS choir students sing in recording session at Skywalker Ranch's Skywalker Sound College Park HS choir students sing in Skywalker Sound recording session (above). Teacher Bruce Rockwell and sound engineers direct choir students (below left). Skywalker Sound engineer Sean Martin (l-r) stands with Liam Rockwell (CPHS '24), engineer Dann Thompson, Rockwell and engineer Robert Gatley in the control room (below right).   On Saturday, March 14, choir students from College Park High School traveled to Skywalker Ranch for a special recording session at the world-renowned  Skywalker Sound . “I wanted my students to experience what it’s like to create music in a truly world-class studio—the same environment where scores for the films they grew up with were brought to life,” said CPHS choir director Bruce Rockwell. "Skywalker Sound is the creative home behind the music of iconic films such as the Jurassic Park , The Lord of the Rings , and  Pirates of the Caribbean franchises, among many others," Rockwell added. "During the session, students had the opportunity to work with renowned recording engineer Dann Thompson, gaining firsthand insight into the professional recording process." Next month, the College Park choir students will continue their musical journey with a trip to New Orleans, where they will participate in a music festival and immerse themselves in the city’s rich cultural heritage, Rockwell continued. Students will explore  Mardi Gras World , experience local traditions through a Cajun cooking workshop, take an airboat tour of nearby swamps, and discover the history—and ghostly legends—of the French Quarter. Rockwell also brought along his son, Liam, a 2024 College Park grad who sang in the choir as a student. "He was helping in the control room to produce the session – communicating musical and sonic details with the engineering staff, making musical suggestions to the student performers, etc.," Rockwell said. "He is currently splitting his time between Los Angeles and the Bay Area, building his career as a Singer/Songwriter and recording artist." Bravo! School News College Park High School’s Every 15 Minutes Program focused on safe and sober driving Mock drunk driving car accident on College Park HS football field. College Park High School, in conjunction with California Highway Patrol and Office of Traffic Safety, hosted an Every 15 Minutes Program on the campus on March 19 and 20. The program participants included the Pleasant Hill Police Department and other Emergency Response Service providers in the area. The program is designed to educate and prepare students for a life-long commitment to safe and sober driving The Pleasant Hill Police Department posted several photos from the event on  Facebook , with the following description: "On March 19, our department had the opportunity to participate in the ' Every 15 Minutes' event at College Park High School. This intense and emotional simulation highlights the grief and trauma that occurs 'every 15 minutes' as a statistic, reflecting the frequency with which a life is taken as a result of drunk driving.  This two-day event began 8-months ago, made possible through grant funding and assistance provided by the CHP. Approximately 30 students participated in a variety of ways, including fulfilling roles as the drivers (and passengers) of two vehicles involved in a simulated fatal collision where alcohol consumption was a factor. This experience is designed as a true-to-life recreation. The immediate aftermath of the accident was presented for students and faculty at the school with paramedics, law enforcement, firemen and helivac personnel assisting in responding to the scene, assessing the victims and transporting the injured and deceased to John Muir Hospital in Walnut Creek – and making arrests where applicable. The parents of these 'victims' received mock notifications from police officers and medical personnel (in some cases, accompanied by chaplains), advising them of the accident and the status of their child. Depending on the outcome of each child, parents were advised to head to the hospital or received simulated death notifications.  Each parent was tasked with writing an obituary for their child, and a memorial service" was held at the school on March 20. "Retreats were held separately for the participating parents and students, where they could discuss the experience and further explore and understand the impacts of driving under the influence." A New Chapter: The Grand Re-Opening of El Dorado Middle School’s Library  The newly reopened El Dorado MS library includes new books and furnishings (above). A grand reopening was held March 13 (below left). Dr. Clark visited the library and congratulated volunteer Nina Tate (l-r) and substitute teacher Tessique Houston, who also volunteered on the project (below right). On March 13th, El Dorado Middle School celebrated a transformative milestone with the official re-opening ceremony of our school library, said Principal Jeanne Johnson. "This space has been completely revitalized, turning it back into the vibrant heart of our campus," she said. "This achievement was made possible by the extraordinary dedication of community volunteer Nina Pate," Johnson added. "Over the last year, Nina has generously donated her own time and resources while tirelessly securing support through DonorsChoose, our parent community, Scholastic Book Fair contributions, and various local donors. Thanks to her efforts, we have added over 4,700 new titles to our collection, ensuring our students have access to a diverse and modern world of literature." The El Dorado staff gathered to celebrate this incredible progress, and we were honored to have Dr. Clark stop by to witness the transformation firsthand, Johnson said. We also want to recognize substitute teacher Tessique Houston, whose dedication to the library during her non-teaching hours has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. "This is only the beginning for our new space," Johnsons said. "We have exciting plans ahead, including integrated library lessons and collaborative activities designed to foster a lifelong love of reading. We are so grateful to our volunteers and community for investing in the future of our students." B ig Wins and High-Fives: Robert Shearer Preschool and Gregory Gardens Young Athletes Program Guest column by Robert Shearer Preschool Site Administrator Jessica Phillips Our campuses were filled with smiles and school spirit this week as Robert Shearer Preschool and Gregory Gardens Elementary hosted the Special Olympics Young Athletes Program (YAP) . It was an incredible morning of inclusion and community! The Action: Preschoolers showed off their skills at soccer, basketball, baseball, and obstacle tunnel stations. The Mentors : All three 5th-grade classes served as "buddies," running every station with patience and heart. Their cheers for our preschool athletes were the highlight of the day! The Turnout: We were thrilled to see a ton of families in attendance! Having so many parents and caregivers there to cheer on the sidelines made the event truly special. The Mission: Events like this are vital for our District. They foster a sense of belonging from the very start of a student's journey and teach our older students the power of leadership and empathy. A huge thank you to the Contra Costa County Office of Education (CCCOE) for partnering with us to make this event a smashing success. We are so proud of our youngest athletes! Wellness Week at Oak Grove Middle School in Concord Oak Grove MS staff members (l-r) Mrs. Harris, Mr. Winters, Ms. Zakak, Ms. Puma, Ms. Navarro, and Mr. Saddler in the school gym (left). A student gets her face painted (center). Students play dodgeball against staff in the gym (right). Guest column by Oak Grove MS Social Work Specialist Shawna Puma Oak Grove Middle School had their Wellness Week from March 9-13, hosted by their Wellness Center in partnership with the  Bring Change To Mind Club. This special week is dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, encouraging healthy coping strategies, and strengthening connections across our school community. Throughout the week, students and staff were able to participate in engaging activities designed to support overall well-being, including: Staff vs. Students Dodgeball Game – A fun and friendly competition to build community and school spirit. Staff and Student Volleyball Game  – Promoting teamwork, connection, and healthy movement. Wellness in Schools Tabling During Lunch – Students can explore mental health tools, coping strategies, and helpful resources. These interactive sessions help normalize conversations about mental health and empower students with practical skills they can use every day. Face Painting – A creative and uplifting activity to celebrate self-expression and add a little extra fun to the week. Wellness Week reflects our District’s ongoing commitment to supporting the social-emotional health of both students and staff. By creating opportunities for connection, movement, creativity, and meaningful conversations, we continue to foster a positive and supportive school environment. Staff News CAAASA 2026 Statewide Professional Development Summit:  A Reflection from Outgoing President Dr. Adam Clark MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark (right) interviews Colin Kaepernick. Dr. Clark (center) stands with (l-r) MDUSD staff members Jaylani Cortes, Brooke Bell, Celeste Graybill Kitts, Samantha Allen, Charles Harrington, Jr. and Wendi Aghily Serving as President of the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators ( CAAASA ) for the past two years has been a huge honor. This year, I had the pleasure of leading one of the largest professional development conferences in the state of California, the 2026 CAAASA Statewide Professional Development Summit, held March 18 through 20 at the Anaheim Marriott. The summit brought together educational leaders from across the state for over 60 sessions and workshops covering just about every aspect of California public education, from equity and racial justice, to literacy and math instruction, AI in education, early childhood development, family engagement, health and wellness, college and career readiness, and so much more. We were also incredibly proud to host a Youth Summit that brought in 300 high school students and 150 parents from the Los Angeles area, along with a Women's Leadership Summit through our UNITY Professional Women's Networking Organization, where 100 women educational leaders came together for powerful workshops and trainings. As I step into my role as Past President, I will continue to serve on the advisory board for the next two years, supporting the incoming leadership of Dr. Antoine Hawkins, Superintendent of Evergreen School District, who was formally sworn in during the conference. It has been a privilege to lead this organization and I look forward to continuing to support its important work. One of the real highlights of this year's summit was the Opening Plenary, where I had the pleasure of sitting down for a conversation with Colin Kaepernick, legendary quarterback, philanthropist, and entrepreneur. Colin shared his incredible work supporting communities and young people across the country, including his AI platform,  LUMI STORY AI, which helps students write stories and narratives tied to core curricular subjects. His passion for empowering youth through advocacy and technology was a perfect fit for our conference theme: "Courage Under Fire: Culturally Driven Leadership in Challenging Times." For our MDUSD colleagues who attended, this conference was an amazing opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside some of the brightest minds in California education. The sessions offered real, practical strategies that connect directly to the work we do every day in Mt. D, from building AI ready classrooms to expanding community school models. Attending this summit was a meaningful investment in our students, our staff, and all Mt. Diablo Schools. Reflections from 2 other MDUSD staff members who attended the CAAASA Conference MDUSD Instructional Program Specialist Dr. Diane Fitzpatrick (right) stands with Kevin Nichols, CEO of The Social Engineering Project. MDUSD staff members Jaylani Cortes, Brooke Bell and Dr. Diane Fitzpatrick enjoy the CAAASA conference together. MDUSD staff members who attended the CAAASA conference along with Superintendent Dr. Clark included: Instructional Program Specialists Jaylani Cortes and Dr. Diane Fitzpatrick; mental health specialist Brooke Bell, Chief of Educational Services Samantha Allen, Chief of Pupil Services and Special Education Wendi Aghily, Director of Strategic Supports and Interventions Linda Pete, Assistant Director of Partnerships and MTSS Celeste Graybill Kitts, Principal of Prospect HS Charles Harrington, Jr., and Family Engagement Coordinator Dr. Lamont Francies. Fitzpatrick teamed up with Kevin Nichols, CEO of The Social Engineering Project, to present a workshop session called, "Cultivating Whole Children in a Torn System,” which explored how schools and community organizations can work together to support Boys and Men of Color and Girls and Women of Color in becoming college and career ready. Through our partnership between MDUSD and The Social Engineering Project, Inc., the pair shared how programs like mentoring, STEM camps, and career exposure opportunities are helping focal scholar high school students: improve attendance, reduce suspensions and expulsions, strengthen social-emotional learning, and increase graduation and college readiness. They also spoke about student voice and survey insights that help guide how schools and community partners design programs that truly meet the needs of students of color. Cortes, who also works in the District's  Focal Scholar Program , said she appreciated the opportunity to attend the conference and see Dr. Clark's leadership in action. "The true power of attending CAAASA under Dr. Clark’s leadership lies in the inspiration it sparks as an educator," Cortes said. "It provides space to connect with passionate educators from all over California that are doing exciting things to move student achievement forward.  Lastly, we participate in transformative workshops and leave with a renewed vision for how we can uplift and empower our diverse student communities — a powerful reminder of why our work matters and what becomes possible when we lead with courage, clarity and purpose." School Social Media Highlights Robert Shearer Preschool, Gregory Gardens, Shore Acres and Walnut Acres elementary schools MDUSD preschool and elementary students have been busy outside their classrooms. Recent social media highlights Include: Robert Shearer Preschool students learn about the garden from Ygnacio Valley HS Education Academy students; Gregory Gardens Elementary  students help create a Women’s History Month display; Fifth graders from Shore Acres Elementary  visit U.C. Berkeley as part of the 𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝘼𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙨 𝙂𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙜𝙚 field trip series, funded by the Mt. Diablo Education Foundation; and Walnut Acres Elementary replaced individual milk cartons with a new milk dispenser as part of the school and District’s commitment to sustainability! Diablo View MS, Sequoia MS, Riverview MS and Valley View MS MDUSD middle school students have been learning and achieving together. Recent social media highlights include: Diablo View MS  invited several guests, including Superintendent Dr. Clark, to speak to students during its recent Career Day; Congrats to Sequoia MS Geography Bee winner Enjo and runner-up Julia; Riverview MS congratulates students Randall Hill and Natalie Limones on their Celebration of Success awards; and Valley View MS band students perform alongside band students at Sequoia and Pleasant Hill middle schools during the College Park Area Band Festival! College Now, Mt. Diablo HS, Northgate HS, and Ygnacio Valley HS MDUSD high school students have been learning and celebrating together. Recent social media highlights include: College Now students held their first ever multicultural rally; Focal Scholars from Mt. Diablo HS and other MDUSD schools visited the Black Panther Museum in Oakland; Northgate HS recognizes its Celebration of Success award winners; and the Ygnacio Valley HS Counseling Team and Community Culture Club proudly hosted their first annual Eid & Nowruz Celebration where students came together to honor and celebrate their beautiful culture! Community News Sydney Paige Foundation Open House is from 4-7 p.m. Friday, April 3rd in Walnut Creek For the past 10 years,  Sydney Paige Foundation has proudly supported students throughout our community (including MDUSD), providing high-quality backpacks and school supplies to more than 330,000 students in need. We are incredibly grateful for the partnership and trust of our local schools. As we continue this work, we know we cannot do it without strong community involvement. That is why we are hosting an Open House on April 3rd from 4–7 p.m. at 1243 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek, This Open House is an opportunity for community members to: • Tour our warehouse and see how our operations work • Meet our team • Learn how to get involved as a volunteer, donor, or board member Many of our yearly volunteers are students from schools right here in our surrounding cities. Volunteering with Sydney Paige is a meaningful way for students to serve their community while building leadership experience that strengthens college applications and resumes. Important Dates March 31 : Schools and District Offices  closed in recognition of Farmworkers Day April 2 : MDUSD Film Festival at 6 p.m. in the Northgate HS Little Theater (See District News above) April 6-13: Schools closed for  Spring Recess ; District Offices open April 6-9 and 13, but closed on April 10 for Board Holiday April 15: District Governing Board  meeting at 6 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom April 20: Mt. Diablo Business Education Alliance (MDBEA)  meeting at 4 p.m. at Mt. Diablo HS April 21: Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC)  meeting at 7 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom The Friday Letter is written and compiled by Theresa Harrington Brandt, Public Information and Community Relations Officer. Reach her at brandtt@mdusd.org for Friday Letter submissions

Saturday, Mar 28 2026

Friday Letter - March 20, 2026

MARCH 20, 2026 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 8 NO. 30 Dear Mt. Diablo Community, March Madness is in full bloom. Today I am reminded of the many ways our students continue to shine across Mt. Diablo Unified community. Whether through the arts, athletics, or opportunities to share their talents, our students consistently demonstrate creativity, dedication, and a strong sense of pride in their work. This week, we celebrate achievements from our Northgate High School animation students, who earned top honors at the Winton Art Film Festival, proof of their talent and creativity. Across the District, Music in Our Schools Month is in full swing, bringing students together through performances that highlight not only their skills, but also the joy and connection that music fosters. We also recognize the many student-athletes who were honored through Diablo Athletic League (DAL) Boys Winter Sports All-League selections . Their commitment to teamwork, discipline, and excellence represents the very best of Mt. D. At the same time, opportunities like the upcoming Student Film Festival at Northgate HS continue to elevate student voice, encouraging creativity, storytelling, and confidence. Finally, I am  inspired by the ways our students and alumni give back to our schools. This week’s story of a Northgate alum using her photography to capture the beauty and transformation of our modernized campuses  is a powerful reminder of the lasting connections within our MDUSD community. Thank you for your partnership in supporting our students. Their achievements remind us every day why this work matters, and I could not be more proud of all they are accomplishing. Thank you, Dr. Adam Clark Spotlight Substitute teacher and Northgate HS alum photographs 2 recently modernized schools MDUSD substitute teacher Juliet Moore, who is a Northgate HS alum, photographs Meadow Homes Elem. Juliet Moore photographs Rio Vista Elementary as a volunteer project to help promote recent modernization and build up her photography portfolio. Click on the photos above to see galleries of Juliet Moore's photos of Meadow Homes and  Rio Vista  elementary schools. Click on the reels (right) to see Juliet in action photographing Meadow Homes Elementary and Rio Vista Elementary .  When MDUSD substitute teacher Juliet Moore heard about the  recent renovations of some District elementary schools , she thought the District might like to have some professional photos of two of the schools to promote the campus transformations, while also helping her to build her photography portfolio. A Northgate HS alumnae who took photography while in high school, Moore is continuing to pursue her creative passion as a local photographer, as she also works as a substitute teacher in MDUSD schools. Now a 26-year-old Walnut Creek resident, Juliet graduated from Northgate in 2018, then graduated from San Francisco State University in 2022 as a Child Development major. She hasn't yet earned her teaching credential and is exploring photography as a career path as she considers her options. She has been a substitute teacher for about three years at all grade levels, but said she most often works in elementary and middle schools in Concord and Pleasant Hill.  As soon as Juliet attended the freshman orientation for Northgate, she was excited about taking photography courses. She took photography and AP Photography, then also took some photography courses in college. "I did photo stories on social justice and women’s issues , photographing women’s shelters in the city," she said. Her  Instagram account also includes family portraits and other photography work.  Juliet decided to photograph the schools to focus on architecture, lines, shadows and shapes, expanding on her work photographing people. After hearing about how excited the kids were to see the modernization of their schools and their new learning environments, Juliet said she wanted to share that and go through and see for herself how that was really going to impact their learning. "That was the coolest part for me - experiencing that for those schools," she said. She was impressed with the vibrant colors, warm and cozy furniture tailored to students' needs, rocket ship furniture in the Rio Vista library, and spaces for students to take a break in "calming corners." "I’m hoping people like the photos and I’m hoping they are able to see how comfortable that they’ve made the classrooms, how nice and clean it looks, with new paint and new furniture," Juliet said. "I hope I was able to capture the warmth of the classrooms that I noticed." Rio Vista Elementary Principal Janis Heden said the photos are very nice and really show the beauty of the remodel. In addition, she appreciates Juliet's connection to our District. "I’m so happy we are supporting one of our people," she said. Meadow Homes Elementary Principal Leah Dubinsky agreed. “These professional photographs beautifully capture our refreshed school campus, highlighting the vibrant new furnishings and finishes that students and staff get to enjoy this school year," Dubinsky said. "A fresh, welcoming environment helps foster pride and a positive sense of belonging for everyone who learns and works here. Thank you to Juliet Moore for providing her professional photos of these updated spaces that can help us celebrate our school with the wider community.” Juliet's former Northgate HS photography teacher, Carolyn Moore (no relation), is happy to see that her former student is following her dreams. "Juliet Moore was one of those rare students who truly stood out – she combined strong technical skills with creative vision and a real love for visual storytelling," said Ms Moore, who follows Juliet on Instagram. "Even in high school, she approached photography with curiosity, intention, and a sharp eye for composition and perspective. Watching her continue to pursue photography and build her creative voice makes me incredibly proud. She’s the kind of graduate every teacher hopes for: still creating, still learning, and still genuinely passionate about the art form.” For more information about the furniture upgrades at Meadow Homes, Rio Vista and Mt. Diablo elementary schools, check out this video by Meteor Education . District News March is Music in our Schools Month MDUSD elementary music teachers (l-r) David Wright, Terrell Liedstrand, Monica DeShay, Bonnie Shea, and Anton Van Oosbree celebrate Music in our Schools Month. MDUSD elementary music teachers (back l-r) David Wright, Anton Van Oosbree and (front l-r) Monica DeShay, Danielle Haffner, Richard Lyon and Terrell Liedstrand celebrate Music in our Schools Month. MDUSD Districtwide Choir Festival is tonight, College Park HS Area Music Festivals next week The Districtwide Choir Festival will take place at 7 p.m. tonight (Friday, March 20) at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church.  Tickets are $10 for in-person admission or $10 for a livestream link (see flyer). The College Park HS Area  Band Festival is Monday, March 23 at 7 p.m. The College Park HS Orchestra Festival is Wednesday, March 25 at 7 p.m. Entry deadline today for S tudent Film Festival Hosted by Northgate HS Video Production Club Northgate High School is proud to announce the 2026 MDUSD Student Film Festival, celebrating the creativity, courage, and storytelling of student filmmakers across the district, which  will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 2 in the Northgate High School Little Theatre. Free entry, with suggested donation of $5. We are currently accepting short films from MDUSD student filmmakers. Submission Requirements : Films must be 2 to 7 minutes in length, films must include a title card and end credits, content must be school-appropriate, and films must be the original work of the submitting student(s). Submission Deadline: TODAY, Friday, March 20, 2026 To submit your film, join our Google Classroom: Classroom Code: udpcqbyt. Detailed submission instructions will be available inside the Classroom. Festival Night: Selected films will be screened on the big screen in the Northgate Little Theatre. Audience members will vote, and awards will be presented for: First Place, Second Place. Third Place, and Audience Choice Award. Prizes will be announced the night of the festival. Board Briefs: MDUSD Board to meet Wednesday, March 25 The MDUSD Board will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 25. The agenda will be posted here after 5 p.m. Friday, March 20. Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark's Weekly Organizational Update to the Board, which includes detailed District operations reports from Department leaders, is  here. An archive of past reports is here . High School Math Materials Public Review through April 13 The MDUSD High School Adoption Team has convened and is beginning the process of reviewing materials for our high school math courses. The community is welcome to review the materials at the Willow Creek Center, 1026 Mohr Lane in Concord. Review dates: Weekdays March 23 - April 3 Viewing times: 1:30–4:30 PM Location: Willow Creek Center, 1026 Mohr Lane, Concord Please review and share your written feedback. District seeks Community Feedback for the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) by April 3rd The Mt. Diablo Unified School District seeks community feedback to inform our 2026-27 Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). We invite all community partners, including parents, family members, and community members, to provide input using this   survey link .   The survey will close on April 3, 2026 at 11:45 PM.  Staff and student survey links will be sent out separately. Student News MDUSD Diablo Athletic League (DAL) Boys Winter Sports All-League selections This week, we’re proud to recognize the Diablo Athletic League (DAL) Boys Winter Sports All-League selections from our five comprehensive high schools.  Congratulations to Alan Garcia from Ygnacio Valley High School, who was named Soccer Defense MVP in the Valley Division, along with many other outstanding student-athletes.  We are recognizing 19 soccer players, five basketball players, and 17 wrestlers who earned first, second, and third-team honors. These include: Boys Soccer Valley Division MVP Defense : Alan Garcia (YVHS) First Team: Jake Vensko and Logan Cairns (CPHS); Abram Martinez and Rashad Wilson (CHS); Alexander Villarace, Diego Ortega, Margarito Lazaro, and Sa'id Nait Challal (YVHS) Second Team: Darriyon Connolly-Smith, Gavin Sirivar, and Maddux Hurd (CPHS); Alejandro Avalos and Omar Rodriguez Ulloa (YVHS) Foothill Division First Team: Cristopher Arzeta and Juan Velasquez (MDHS) Second Team: Cristian Garcia (MDHS); Josh Sheehy and Thomas Martin (NHS) Boys Basketball First Team : Steven Barnett (CPHS); Jalan Cody (YVHS) Second Team : Miles Cooper (CPHS); Machai Alston (YVHS) Third Team: Rufus Lee (NHS) Boys Wrestling First Team: Lincoln Collins and Zachary Lee (CPHS); Jaydon Holland (CHS); Almas Shirzad and Chase Strand (MDHS); Jacob Nouhi (NHS) Second Team: Gabriel Northrup, Giovanni Gonzalez, Maximilian Otero and Jacob Barros (CPHS); Alexander Escobar (CHS); Haris Nurakhunov, Pratham Sharma and Joseph Bunik (NHS); Daniel Monge-Ascencio (YVHS) Third Team: Hayden Smith (CPHS); Nasib Shirzad (MDHS) School News Northgate HS Animation students shine at Winton Art Film Festival Nicholas Serrano accepts his Oaky Award for his "Fire PSA" in the Super Short category (above left). Tilly Lee (left) stands with her Oaky Award along with Nicholas Serrano (third from left) and other FilmFest winners from Carondelet and De La Salle high schools (above right). Northgate students (l-r) Meteo Del Bianco, Masa Yee, Nicholas Serrano, Emma Lobzhandiz, Ren Lovell, Yuna Ko, Tanishka Roy, Tilly Lee and Abigail Auger walk the red carpet (below left). Tilly Lee accepts her award in the Best Comedy category (below right).  Northgate High School is proud to announce that 26 animation students from the Intro to Animation , Intermediate Animation, and  Animation III  courses were selected to participate in the Winton Art Film Festival, held at Carondelet High School on March 6. This marks the third consecutive year that Northgate students have been invited to participate in this prestigious event. The following students were selected to represent Northgate at the festival: Eleanor Hopton, Dylan Turney, Tilly Lee, Allie Nonaka, Nicholas Serrano, David Zyla, Quinton Westover, Dylan Pagtakhan, Mattey Marinov, Daniel Sallai, Enzo Sbarro, Mateo Del Bianco, Tanishka Roy, Justice Towey, Alexander Yee, Lincoln Huntington, Emma Lobzhanidze, Megan Womble, Yuna Ko, Rewn Lovell, Cameron Fisher, Sofia Acevedo, Aleena Lange, Madelyn Rae Talento, and Alexis Monitfar. Students entered films in several categories, including Comedy, Super Short (under 2 minutes), and Animated Short. Northgate films screened at the festival included:  "The Text," by Tilly Lee - nominated in the Comedy category "AI PSA," by Eleanor Hopton - nominated for Best Animated Short "Impaired Driving PSA," by Dylan Turney - nominated for Best Animated Short   "A Fire PSA," by Nicholas Serrano - nominated in the Best Super Short category "Ad Undas," by Madelyn Rawe Talento and Alexis Montfar - nominated in the Best Super Short category Nicholas Serrano was also nominated for  Best of Show,  competing against students from Carondelet and De La Salle high schools.  The festival featured many memorable moments for the Northgate students. Participants walked the red carpet, viewed films created by students from other schools, and connected with fellow young storytellers and filmmakers. Northgate students achieved impressive results in the awards ceremony. Dylan Turney won Best Animated Short Nicholas Serrano won Best Super Short Tilly Lee won in the Comedy category Each winner received the highly coveted "Oaky Award." According to festival founder Chris Walsh, the Oaky Award is a leaf-shaped plaque crafted from natural wood. Designed to reflect the unique Bay Area environment and promote eco-consciousness, the award is 100% biodegradable. Northgate animation teacher Mrs. Carmon praised all of the students involved. "I am so impressed by the creativity, dedication and hard work these students have shown," she said. "It's amazing to see their passion for animation come to life and to have their efforts recognized at such a prestigious event. They've truly earned this recognition, and I couldn't be prouder of their accomplishments." Olympic High School's Thrift & Swap  is a monthly lunchtime pop-up shop for students Olympic High School's  Thrift & Swap  transforms a standard classroom into a high-energy, boutique-style pop-up shop during lunch. Led by Child Welfare and Attendance worker Melanie Mendez in partnership with The Phoenix Nest Wellness Center, the event (pictured above) features curated racks of clothing and upbeat music to create a trendy retail atmosphere. "Our goal was to create a way to engage students that felt exciting," Ms. Mendez said. "By turning donated clothing into a boutique-style event, we've found a way to celebrate these resources and completely destigmatize the experience for our students." The shop's impact is rooted in the power of choice, allowing students from Olympic and Crossroads high schools to select items that match their personal style. This personalized approach, fueled entirely by community donations, boosts student confidence and strengthens their connection to the school. Wellness Administrator Emilio Perdomo said the project's success reflects a commitment to supporting the "whole student," proving that meeting basic needs with dignity and joy encourages students to show up and succeed.  Staff Social Media Highlights Technology Integration Leaders (TILs) at Bancroft, Fair Oaks, Gregory Gardens, Highlands, and Rio Vista elementary schools, and Horizons Center for Independent Study  MDUSD is pleased to shine a light on our Technology Integration Leaders (TILs). Recent TIL social media highlights feature: Victoria Freitas at Bancroft Elementary , Michael Tranate at Fair Oaks Elementary , Lauren Knabe at Gregory Gardens Elementary , Loz Delaney at Highlands Elementary , Alison Wilkey at Rio Vista Elementary, and  Debbie Rosa at Horizons Center for Independent Study ! Important Dates March 24: Special Education  Celebration of Success at 6:30 p.m. at Concord HS March 25:  District Governing Board  meeting at 6 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom March 31: Schools and District Offices closed April 6-13: Schools closed for  Spring Recess ; District Offices open April 6-9 and 13, but closed on April 10 for Board Holiday April 15 : District Governing Board  meeting at 6 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom The Friday Letter is written and compiled by Theresa Harrington Brandt, Public Information and Community Relations Officer. Reach her at brandtt@mdusd.org for Friday Letter submissions

Friday, Mar 20 2026

Friday Letter - March 13, 2026

MARCH 13, 2026 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 8 NO. 29 Dear MDUSD Community, One of the greatest joys of our District is seeing students come together to share their talents with our community. This week’s Friday Letter highlights an exciting celebration of student activities. What began as a small honors choir event for elementary and some middle school students has grown into a much larger celebration of music on March 20  that will now include our high school choirs as well. This expansion reflects the strength of our music programs across MDUSD and the incredible opportunities students have to grow as performers throughout their school experience. A special thank you goes to elementary music teacher Bonnie Shea for helping coordinate and promote the event, along with the  Mt. Diablo Music Education Foundation, whose sponsorship helps make this wonderful experience possible for our students. We’re also supporting our strong partnerships with families through learning opportunities like the Social Media Parent Night at Valley View Middle School, which is open to all parents and will focus on helping families better understand the digital spaces our students navigate every day. Also music lovers will have even more opportunities to support our talented students with High School Area concerts coming up at Ygnacio Valley, Northgate, and College Park high schools. Our students continue to shine in athletics as well. This week we’re recognizing the Diablo Athletic League (DAL) Girls Winter Sports All-League selections from across our five comprehensive high schools.  Congratulations to McKenzie Corson from Concord High School, who was named Soccer Defense MVP in the Valley Division , along with many other outstanding student-athletes. We are recognizing 10 soccer players, five basketball players, and 23 wrestlers who earned first, second, and third-team honors. We are so proud of their dedication, teamwork, and commitment both on and off the field. Next week we will celebrate our Boys All-League selections. Thank you for taking the time to celebrate the creativity and accomplishments of our students and staff.  Sincerely, Dr. Adam Clark Spotlight Choir students and teachers are preparing for the March 20 Districtwide Choir Festival The MDUSD Districtwide Choir Festival is March 20 ( left). Fair Oaks Elementary Honors Choir 4th-graaders (l-r) Julian Ramirez, Dominic Saldivar and Naran Boldsaikhan stand with Elementary Music Teacher Bonnie Shea in the music classroom (right).  MDUSD Elementary Music Teacher Bonnie Shea is eagerly preparing her honors choir students for the first Districtwide Choir Festival that will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, March 20 at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church (see flyer). The event, which started off a few years ago as an Elementary Honor Choir that also included a couple of Middle School Choirs, has now grown to include high school choirs as well.  "The MDUSD Districtwide Choir Festival will include 500 students representing 22 schools across the District," Shea said. "This is the first time we will have all levels of singers - elementary, middle and high schools - in one concert!"  The larger event requires a larger venue, which is why the Mount Diablo Music Education Foundation, which is sponsoring the event, has moved it to Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church. To help cover costs, admission is $10 and a livestream is also available for $10 for those who would like to watch the event from home. Shea - who teaches at Westwood, Fair Oaks and Sunrise elementary schools - met with her three Fair Oaks honors choir students recently to chat about the upcoming event. Fourth-graders Julian Ramirez, Dominic Savidov and Naran Boldsaikhan said they were looking forward to singing "Firefly," "Shenandoah" and "Give us Hope" with other students for their families and friends. Shenandoah is the grand finale, which all students will sing together. Although they have sung in feeder pattern concerts, the elementary students will be singing with a wider variety of students in the Districtwide Festival. They all said they enjoy singing and that Shea is a good teacher who helps them to remember the words to songs. Shea said she and her students practice the singing skills involved, such as how to breathe properly, practicing the way the melody goes, and practicing the rhythms they need to sing.  "Once they have worked on it that hard, they usually know the words without really working on it," she said. "Sometimes, the first time without the paper is a little scary, but they realize their brain knows it." Shea said the concert will include songs from many different genres and cultures. "I love hearing children’s voices singing," she said, "because it has a unique sound that shows that they can accomplish difficult things and spread beauty in the world." District News No School on Monday, March 16 for Teacher In-Service Day MDUSD schools will be closed to students on Monday, March 16 for a  Teacher In-Service Day providing professional development training to staff. District Offices will be open. Schools will reopen to students on Tuesday, March 17. Board Briefs: Board met to hear transportation update, approve budget report The MDUSD Board met Wednesday, March 11 to hear a Transportation Department Update and Home-to-School Transportation Survey Overview, and to approve MDUSD's Second Interim Budget Report for 2025-26, among other items. The agenda is here . Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark's Weekly Organizational Update to the Board, which includes detailed District operations reports from Department leaders, is  here. An archive of past reports is here . MDUSD Area Music Festivals continue March 16 at Ygnacio Valley High School MDUSD Area Music Festivals will continue March 16-25 at MDUSD high schools. Admission is free. (See flyer.) The  Ygnacio Valley HS Are a  Band Festival is March 16 at 7 p.m.; the Orchestra Festival is March 17 at 7 p.m. The Northgate HS Area Band Festival is March 18 at 7 p.m.; the Orchestra Festival is March 19 at 7 p.m. The  Districtwide Choir Festival  will take place at 7 p.m. March 20 at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church. Tickets are $10. (See Spotlight above.) The College Park HS Area Band Festival is March 23 at 7 p.m.; the Orchestra Festival is March 25 at 7 p.m. Parent Advisory Committee Meeting on March 17 to include Local Accountability and Control Plan (LCAP) Mid Year Report MDUSD's Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) will meet from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 17 at Willow Creek Center, 1026 Mohr Lane, in Concord. The  agenda includes: Introductions - Christina Filios LCAP mid year report - Christina Filios and Martha Thomas Information Technology - Erin Vallejo Announcements - Christina Filios Future Meeting Dates: April 28, 2026 May 19, 2026 Social Media Parent Night is Wednesday, March 18 at Valley View MS in Pleasant Hill MDUSD is partnering with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to present The Vigilant Parent Initiative, which teaches parents to navigate social media, monitor children’s usage, and master concepts that can keep children safe from online predators. The first presentation was March 11. Presentation 2: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 at Valley View Middle School, 181 Viking Drive, Pleasant Hill (94523). Please see the flyers in English and  Spanish for more information. High School Math Materials Public Review March 17 to April 13 The MDUSD high school adoption team has convened and is beginning the process of reviewing materials for our high school math courses. The community is welcome to review the materials at the Willow Creek Center, 1026 Mohr Lane, Concord. Review dates: March 17 - April 3 Viewing times: 1:30–4:30 PM Location: Willow Creek Center, 1026 Mohr Lane, Concord Please review and share your written feedback. Teen Journaling Workshop at Ygnacio Valley library led by Northgate HS student March 18 Northgate HS senior Ava Scattergood (left) is hosting free Expressive Writing Journaling Workshops for Teens from 4:15-4:45 p.m. March 18 and April 29 as part of her Senior Project. These guided sessions help teens relax, reflect, and connect with peers. Teens are encouraged to bring a friend. Journals, pencils, and cupcakes will be provided. For questions, contact Ava at ava.j.scattergood@gmail.com More information about Ava's interest in journaling is here.   Student Film Festival Hosted by Northgate HS Video Production Club seeks entries Northgate High School is proud to announce the 2026 MDUSD Student Film Festival, celebrating the creativity, courage, and storytelling of student filmmakers across the district, which  will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 2 in the Northgate High School Little Theatre . Free entry, with suggested donation of $5. We are currently accepting short films from MDUSD student filmmakers. Submission Requirements: Films must be 2 to 7 minutes in length, films must include a title card and end credits, content must be school-appropriate, and films must be the original work of the submitting student(s). Submission Deadline: March 20, 2026 To submit your film, join our Google Classroom: Classroom Code: udpcqbyt. Detailed submission instructions will be available inside the Classroom. Festival Night: Selected films will be screened on the big screen in the Northgate Little Theatre. Audience members will vote, and awards will be presented for: First Place, Second Place. Third Place, and Audience Choice Award. Prizes will be announced the night of the festival. Student News MDUSD Diablo Athletic League (DAL) Girls Winter Sports All-League selections This week, we’re proud to recognize the Diablo Athletic League (DAL) Girls Winter Sports All-League selections from our five comprehensive high schools.  Congratulations to  McKenzie Corson from Concord High School, who was named Soccer Defense MVP in the Valley Division,  along with many other outstanding student-athletes.  We are recognizing 10 soccer players, five basketball players, and 23 wrestlers who earned first, second, and third-team honors. These include: Girls Soccer Valley Division MVP Defense : McKenzie Corson (CHS) First Team : Allie Randazzo, Ana Navarro and Kimberly Rubio (CHS); Jocelyn Nunez and Paola Castro (MDHS); Fatima Gomez (YVHS) Foothill Division First Team:  Kaytie Lopez (CPHS); Ireland Lewis and Leah Cooper (NHS) Second Team:  Sophia Fulp and Taelynn Jriyasetapong (NHS) Girls Basketball First Team : Taylor Ochoa (CPHS) Second Team : Carlesia Adams (MDHS); Donatella Borvice (NHS) Third Team : Isabella Lawson (CPHS); Ashley Herman (NHS) Girls Wrestling First Team:  Rebekah Gutierrez, Annabelle Rodriguez, Sabrina Downing, Madison Barrett and Bernice Lucero (CPHS); Keirabella Brown and MacKenzie Cauthen (CHS); Lana Gargenta, Hailey Lui, Symone Jewell and Alexis Rotenberry (NHS) Second Team : Natalia Andres, Madilynn Todd, Kayli Wright and Emilia Magallon (CPHS); Ayaka Naddy and Elysia Youngblood (CHS); Leinahje Aguilar and Aracely Lara Vazquez (NHS); Lea Slanger (YVHS) Third Team : Mirabela Gum (CPHS); Emily Calvillo (CHS); Luz Estrada (MDHS) Next week we will highlight our Boys All-League selections. Important Dates March 16: Schools closed for  Teacher In-Service Day ; District Offices open March 17 : District Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting at 5 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom; District Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)  meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Willow Creek Center in Concord March 18 : Social Media Parent Night at 6 p.m. at Valley View MS (See District News above) March 19: District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)  meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Willow Creek Center March 24: Special Education  Celebration of Success at 6:30 p.m. at Concord HS March 25 : District Governing Board  meeting at 6 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom The Friday Letter is written and compiled by Theresa Harrington Brandt, Public Information and Community Relations Officer. Reach her at brandtt@mdusd.org for Friday Letter submissions.

Friday, Mar 13 2026

Friday Letter - March 6, 2026

MARCH 6, 2026 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 8 NO. 28 Dear MDUSD Community, Every week I am so impressed with the energy of our District. Watching firsthand the incredible things our students are creating, achieving, and experiencing both inside and outside the classroom should make us all very proud.  This week at  Ygnacio Valley High School, the robotics team unveiled this year's robot named Cubone . This happened at their annual “robot reveal” Wednesday evening. Families, staff, mentors, and community members gathered to celebrate the hard work of these talented students. The team will take Cubone on the road for its first competition on March 20 in Sacramento. We wish them the very best as they represent MDUSD! We’re also proud to celebrate two extraordinary educators who help make these student successes possible.  Mary Acebu of Riverview Middle School and April Saldivar of Shore Acres Elementary, our 2026-27 MDUSD Teachers of the Year,  were recently honored at the County Teacher of the Year reception alongside many outstanding educators from across the county. Their dedication, passion, and commitment to students inspire all of us. This week we also recognize the compassionate professionals who support the well-being of our students and families as part of  National Social Work Week . We have staff who play a vital role in helping students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn, and we are grateful for the care and expertise they bring to our schools every day. Congratulations to the  College Park High School Mock Trial team, where Sofija Maksimovic was recognized as an Outstanding Witness for the Prosecution, Jasper O’Steen received an Honorable Mention for Bailiff, and Celia Roe earned an Honorable Mention for Prosecution Pretrial Attorney  at the recent County Mock Trial Competition. Their dedication and poise in the courtroom are truly impressive. We also celebrate  Ygnacio Valley High School student Anderson Scott, who received a $500 scholarship from the 32nd District PTA, presented by MDUSD Board Member Linda Mayo , along with a certificate from Rep. Mark DeSaulnier’s office. Congratulations to Anderson on this big time recognition. Finally, we’re highlighting some wonderful wellness activities at College Park High Schoo l , where Joybound therapy dogs and volunteers visited campus during lunch. I am so happy that students take advantage of the Wellness Center during brunch and lunch to relax, connect with friends, and recharge. I am so happy we have Wellness Centers to support student well-being, which is an essential part of their success. Other highlights include: Wren Avenue Elementary students enjoy Field Day with Concord High Link Crew School Social Media Highlights from Gregory Gardens, Mt. Diablo and Sequoia elementary schools and Holbrook Language Academy; Oak Grove, Riverview and Sequoia middle schools; and Mt. Diablo, Northgate, Olympic and Ygnacio Valley high schools. Thank you for taking a moment to celebrate the amazing accomplishments and experiences happening across our District.  Sincerely, Dr. Adam Clark Spotlight Ygnacio Valley High's Robotics Team reveals robot that can shoot balls and climb a structure Ygnacio Valley HS Project 212 Robotics Club students, teacher/advisor Joseph Alvarico and team mentors are ready for their spring competition (above) [Photo credit: Joshua Wagner]. Controlled by students, their robot, Cubone , chases and picks up balls, then tosses them into a hopper (below). The Ygnacio Valley HS Project 212 robotics team unveiled its newest robot, called " Cubone ," during a "robot reveal" event on Wednesday that included presentations by students explaining their roles on the team and how they worked together to build and test their invention before they take it on the road to competitions starting later this month. Established in 2018, the team is led by highly-motivated students and engineering teacher Joseph Alvarico, and is supported by experienced mentors and sponsored by generous community partners. Team members proudly explained that they needed to develop a robot that could pick up yellow balls, called "fuel," then toss them into a giant hopper. It also needs to be able to climb a structure  by grasping metal bars and raising itself off the ground. The team will score points in competitions based on how well they can maneuver the robot, which they have programmed to complete these tasks, using a remote keyboard. Team members can also toss balls to the robot from the sidelines. Team member spent seven weeks and about 5,608 hours after school and on weekends working to perfect their robot design. Students divide into smaller teams with specific tasks, such as marketing, designing parts of the robot, programming, and even building the hopper, ramps and climbing structure to practice for competitions. Team members also mentor the Oak Grove MS robotics team and recently attended the Sequoia Elementary STEAM Fair to mentor younger students ( see School Social Media Highlights below ).  This year, the team held a "mock season" in the fall to introduce new members to the tools, team and strategies they used last year, before the official "build season" began this year. "During this process, we learned that robotics is all about teamwork," said Mica, a freshman. Jesus, who worked on the "intake" mechanism, said he learned that even small changes to the design could make a big difference in its efficiency. Kenneth Vincent, who worked on the "shooter subsystem" that tosses balls, said he was proud of the team's design process, as well as the final robot. "Seeing it all come together has been incredibly fulfilling," he said. Trey said he helped develop the robot's "climb system" by using a "two-hook design for strength and stability."   The team's competitions, which are open to the public, will take place March 20-22 at Pleasant Grove HS in Elk Grove and April 2-4 at Pittsburg HS. More information about the team is here . District News MDUSD Teachers of the Year recognized at County Reception  Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark (l-r) stands with 2026-27 MDUSD Teachers of the Year April Saldivar and Mary Acebu, Riverview MS Special Education Assistant Kimberley Montano, Chief of Educational Services Samantha Allen, and Adult Education Principal Eric Wood (above left). Riverview MS Principal Veronica McLennan stands with (l-r) Shore Acres Elementary Principal Lisamarie Gascot-Reyes, Riverview MS teacher Shawna Patterson, MDUSD 2026-27 Teachers of the Year April Saldivar and Mary Acebu, Adult Education Principal Eric Wood, El Dorado MS Vice Principal Tatiana Peyko, Riverview MS Special Education Assistant Kimberley Montano, former Riverview MS Principal Laurie Clark, and Chief of Educational Services Samantha Allen (above right). Acebu (below center) and Saldivar (fourth from right below) are recognized with all District Teachers of the Year in Contra Costa County. MDUSD  2026-27 Teachers of the Year Mary Acebu (Riverview MS) and April Saldivar (Shore Acres Elementary)  were recognized along with Teachers of the Year from every District in the county at a Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year Welcome Reception on Thursday. Several MDUSD administrators and other staff members attended the event to show support for their colleagues, including Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark, Riverview MS Principal Veronica McLennan, Shore Acres Elementary Principal Lisamarie Gascot-Reyes, and Chief of Educational Services Samantha Allen. "It was a great evening connecting with inspiring teachers from across the county," Acebu said. "I feel proud and honored to represent our District and our Riverview community, and I’m incredibly thankful for my village: the colleagues, students, families, and friends who continue to support this journey." Saldivar said she also appreciated the event. "The Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year Welcome Reception was a joyful evening filled with amazing fellow educators," she said. "I was proud to represent both Mt. Diablo Unified School District and the Shore Acres community. It was especially meaningful to share the recognition alongside my fellow Teacher of the Year, Mary Acebu. I was also grateful to attend with my principal, LisaMarie Gascot Reyes, whose encouragement and leadership mean a great deal to me. Moments like this remind me how fortunate I am to work in a school community filled with dedicated educators, supportive families, and incredible students." Acebu and Saldivar are now advancing to the County Teacher of the Year competition . Four County Teachers of the Year will be selected in the Spring, and two Contra Costa County Teachers of the Year will be announced in September at an event where all of the District Teachers of the Year will be publicly recognized. A Special Thank You to our School Social Workers During National School Social Work Week! Mt. Diablo HS Social Work Intern Gimena Saldivar, Social Work Specialist Chris Carlay and interns Sierra Williams and Elena Moreno in the school's Diablo Community Center (DCC) Wellness Center (above). College Park HS Social Work interns Naomi Bareket and Rose Gluck stand with Social Work Specialist Marcela Ardema in the school's Wellness Center (above). During  National School Social Work Week , we are proud to recognize and thank our School Social Workers and interns for the incredible support they provide to our school community. School Social Workers play a vital role in supporting students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being through compassionate guidance, collaboration with families and staff, and a strong commitment to helping every student succeed. Please join us in thanking our School Social Workers and interns for their dedication, care, and lasting impact at Mt. Diablo Unified School District. — MDUSD Assistant Director of Mental Health Programs Jessica Pozos, Wellness Program Administrator Norma Lopez, and Student Services Director Melissa Brennan See School News below for more information about the College Park HS Wellness Center and wellness activities. MDUSD recruiting for Fall 2026 Dual Enrollment classes that offer college credit in high school MDUSD is currently recruiting for Fall 2026 semester dual enrollment classes.  Dual enrollment allows high school students to take college-level courses while still in high school, earning both high school and college credit for those courses. These courses are offered through partnerships between MDUSD and Diablo Valley College (DVC). The benefits of dual enrollment are numerous: students can get a head start on their college education and potentially save time/money by completing college credits early. MDUSD’s dual enrollment program also helps students meet a certificate requirement or a degree requirement. Dual enrollment provides exposure to the rigor of college coursework and helps students transition more smoothly to higher education. Finally, students earning a C or higher in a CSU/UC transferable dual enrollment class will earn a GPA boost for that class – similar to an AP or honors class. Participating in this program demonstrates academic ambition, preparedness, and long term goal setting. Overall, this program offers an opportunity for students to challenge themselves, reduce future college costs, and accelerate their educational journey.  MDUSD has a variety of dual enrollment classes for Fall semester. While they are offered on different campuses, they are open to students across the district – please note that students are responsible for getting themselves to the classes as MDUSD does not provide transportation. Look at our course schedule below for days, times, and course details:  Concord High School: Communication Mt. Diablo High School: Nutrition and Sociology Northgate High School: Business Ygnacio Valley High School: Early Childhood Education, Engineering Technology, and Ethnic Studies If students are interested in taking a course please fill out our  Fall 2026 Dual Enrollment form  so we can support them through the dual enrollment process.  For more information, please contact Jorge Salinas-Tognetti ( salinastognettij@mdusd.org ) or EarlyCollegeCredit@dvc.edu and go to MDUSD Early College Credit . MDUSD Adult Education Lifelong Learning program offers new classes in March MDUSD's Adult Lifelong Education program has plenty to offer in March, including: cooking, crafts - such as Marsha's Succulents and Backyard Gardening (pictured right), dance, finance, home improvement, personal enrichment, woodturning, and woodworking!  Details are in the program's  March newsletter here.   More information about Mt. Diablo Adult Education is on the MDAE website here . Registration for Spring Classes begins March 11. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum Review continues March 9-11 MDUSD elementary school parents and guardians are invited to review the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) materials currently being piloted at the elementary level. Teachers and counselors are piloting Schoolbeat and Second Step. The District intends to select one of these two SEL programs to be used in all elementary classrooms next year. Review dates continue next week: March 9, 10 & 11 Viewing times: 1:30–4:30 PM Location: Willow Creek Center, 1026 Mohr Lane, Concord School sites currently piloting: Ayers, El Monte, Fair Oaks, Gregory Gardens, Holbrook, Monte Gardens, Mt. Diablo, Mountain View, Pleasant Hill, Rio Vista, Strandwood, Walnut Acres, and Westwood elementary schools. Join us to provide feedback and help shape SEL instruction for our students. Kindergarten Intradistrict Transfer Window open through Tuesday, March 10th he 2026-2027 Kindergarten Intradistrict Transfer Window is open through March 10. The transfer application is available to currently enrolled students for all schools, except Sequoia and Monte Gardens elementary schools, whose transfer window closed in November 2025.  A link to the application is posted on the  Intradistrict Transfer webpag e for parents/guardians to complete. Please note: All TK students who are currently enrolled at a school other than their school of residence must submit an intradistrict transfer request if they wish to remain at that school for kindergarten. In addition, all TK students currently enrolled in a dual language program at Shore Acres, Holbrook, or Ygnacio Valley Elementary do not need to reapply. Board Briefs: Board to meet Wednesday to hear transportation update, approve budget report The MDUSD Board will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 to hear a Transportation Department Update and Home-to-School Transportation Survey Overview, and to review and approve MDUSD's Second Interim Budget Report for 2025-26, among other items. The  agenda is here . Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark's Weekly Organizational Update to the Board, which includes detailed District operations reports from Department leaders, is here . An archive of past reports is here. MDUSD Area Music Festivals continue March 11, Districtwide Choir Festival is March 20 MDUSD Area Music Festivals will continue March 11-25 at MDUSD high schools. Admission is free. (See flyers.) The Districtwide Choir Festival  will take place at 7 p.m. March 20 at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church.  Tickets are $10 .  The  Mt. Diablo HS Area  Band Festival is March 11 at 7 p.m.; the Orchestra Festival is March 12 at 7 p.m. The  Ygnacio Valley HS Area Band Festival is March 16 at 7 p.m.; the Orchestra Festival is March 17 at 7 p.m. The  Northgate HS Area Band Festival is March 18 at 7 p.m.; the Orchestra Festival is March 19 at 7 p.m. African American Parent Advisory Council Districtwide Health Night is Thursday, March 12 The African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC) invites families, students, and community members to attend AAPAC Health Night, a district-wide event focused on promoting health, wellness, and student success.  Join us on Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 6 p.m. at Sequoia Middle School, 265 Boyd Road, Pleasant Hill, for an informative evening where you can learn about valuable health resources, and engage in meaningful conversations that support stronger families and healthier communities.  All are welcome. For more information, contact Dr. Francies at FranciesL@mdusd.org.   Social Media Parent Nights are March 12 at Meadow Homes Elem., March 18 at Valley View MS MDUSD is partnering with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to present The Vigilant Parent Initiative, which teaches parents to navigate social media, monitor children’s usage, and master concepts that can keep children safe from online predators. Presentation 1: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 12 at Meadow Homes Elementary Schoo l, 1371 Detroit Ave, Concord (94520). Presentation will feature bilingual (English/Spanish) language support Presentation 2: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 at Valley View Middle School , 181 Viking Drive, Pleasant Hill (94523). Please see the flyers in English and Spanish for more information. No School on Monday, March 16 for Teacher In-Service Day MDUSD schools will be closed to students on Monday, March 16 for a Teacher In-Service Day  providing professional development training to staff. District Offices will be open. Schools will reopen to students on Tuesday, March 17. Teen Journaling Workshop at Ygnacio Valley library led by Northgate HS student is March 18 Northgate HS senior Ava Scattergood (right) is hosting free Expressive Writing Journaling Workshops for Teens from  4:15-4:45 p.m. March 18 and April 29 as part of her Senior Project. These guided sessions help teens relax, reflect, and connect with peers. Teens are encouraged to bring a friend. Journals, pencils, and cupcakes will be provided. For questions, contact Ava at ava.j.scattergood@gmail.com More information about Ava's interest in journaling is here .  Student Film Festival Hosted by Northgate HS Video Production Club seeks entries through 3/20 Northgate High School is proud to announce the 2026 MDUSD Student Film Festival, celebrating the creativity, courage, and storytelling of student filmmakers across the district, which will take place at  6 p.m. Thursday, April 2  in the Northgate High School Little Theatre. Free entry, with suggested donation of $5. We are currently accepting short films from MDUSD student filmmakers. Submission Requirements: Films must be 2 to 7 minutes in length, films must include a title card and end credits, content must be school-appropriate, and films must be the original work of the submitting student(s). Submission Deadline: March 20, 2026 To submit your film, join our Google Classroom: Classroom Code: udpcqbyt. Detailed submission instructions will be available inside the Classroom. Festival Night: Selected films will be screened on the big screen in the Northgate Little Theatre. Audience members will vote, and awards will be presented for: First Place, Second Place. Third Place, and Audience Choice Award. Prizes will be announced the night of the festival. Student News 3 College Park High School Mock Trial Team members receive County recognition College Park HS Mock Trial Team advisor Amy Hiatt is pleased to announce that students Sofija Maksimovic, Jasper O'Steen, and Celia Roe received recognitions for their efforts on the school's Mock Trial Team during the Contra Costa County Awards Night. Sofija received an award for Outstanding Witness for the Prosecution, Celia received an Honorable Mention for Prosecution Pretrial Attorney, and Jasper received an Honorable Mention for Bailiff.  This was the second year College Park HS participated in the competition.  "These students should be incredibly proud of their performance and dedication to this year's Mock Trial competition," Hiatt said. "We are already looking forward to strengthening our skills based on feedback throughout the process and competing again next year."   Ygnacio Valley HS student Anderson Scott receives $500 scholarship from the 32nd District PTA The Ygnacio Valley HS PTSA recently sent a BIG SHOUT OUT to student Anderson Scott, who received a $500 scholarship from the 32nd District PTA.   MDUSD Board Member Linda Mayo presented Anderson with a certificate from the PTA, as well as a certificate from Congressman Mark DeSaulnier’s office. School News College Park HS wellness events offer a variety of activities for students College Park HS students enjoy the Joybound therapy dog (above left) and Wellness Center coloring activities (above right). Social Work Specialist Marcela Ardema with students in the Wellness Center (below). College Park HS Social Work Specialist/Wellness Administrator Marcela Ardema is pleased to share that the school has been providing a variety of wellness activities for students.  These include Joybound therapy dogs and volunteers on campus during lunch! “Joybound comes to CPHS twice a month to provide joy and snuggles to CPHS students and staff,” Ardema said. Social Worker Intern Naomi Bareket and Social Work Specialist also assist Ardema in providing wellness activities to students. The CPHS Wellness Center is open everyday during brunch and lunch for students to hang out with friends, play games, drink tea, relax and do school work, Ardema added. The Wellness Center also offers daily drop in hours and students can make an appointment to check in with Wellness Staff. Wren Avenue Elementary students enjoy Field Day with Concord High Link Crew Wren Avenue Elementary 4th and 5th graders wrapped up the week with a visit from Concord High School Link Crew students, said Wren Avenue Counselor Nicole Galvãn-Goble. "Our students enjoyed some mentorship opportunities while they rotated through different field day stations such as: football, basketball, soccer and sidewalk chalk drawings, she said. School Social Media Highlights Gregory Gardens, Mt. Diablo and Sequoia elementary schools, and Holbrook Language Academy MDUSD elementary students have been learning together with each other, as well as with family members and other District students. Recent Social Media Highlights include: Gregory Gardens Elementary ended the Second Trimester with Gator Spotlight Awards  celebrating students for a variety of positive character traits and attendance; Mt. Diablo Elementary students learned about seeds in the school garden; Sequoia Elementary students got hands-on instruction in robotics from the Ygnacio Valley HS Robotics club at the Sequoia Elementary STEAM Fair ; and a Holbrook Language Academy family presented a project in honor of Black History Month! Oak Grove, Riverview and Sequoia middle schools MDUSD middle school students have been enjoying a variety of activities together. Recent social media highlights include:  Oak Grove MS Counselor Mrs. Harris has started the only middle school chapter of “Friday Night Live” clubs in the county for students who want to build a healthier community by identifying substance-use related issues and projects to address them. In February, OGMS students showcased how they keep their hearts healthy. Riverview MS Delta Bay Impact students presented a “Who am I?” series to their peers for Black History Month; and  Sequoia MS 6th graders explored ocean density in a hands-on lab, testing how salt levels affect water layers, just like in the real ocean! Mt. Diablo, Northgate, Olympic and Ygnacio Valley high schools MDUSD high school students have been learning and participating in events together. Recent social media highlights include: Ms. Vicky’s Living Earth class at Mt. Diablo HS enjoyed a field trip to the Exploratorium; Congrats to Northgate HS Girls Wrestlers Symone Jewel and Hailey Liu, who earned medals at the State meet, and to Lexi Rotenberry, who finished in the top-12, and to the Girls Team, which set a new school record, finishing 15th in the state; Olympic HS students enjoyed their field trip to the USS Hornet; and Ygnacio Valley HS students performed in a Multicultural rally! Important Dates March 10 : Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC)  meeting at 7 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom; Kindergarten transfer deadline (see District news above) March 11: District Governing Board  meeting at 6 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom March 12 : Social Media Parent Night at 6 p.m. at Meadow Homes Elementary (See District News above)  March 16: Schools closed for  Teacher In-Service Day ; District Offices open March 17 : District Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting at 5 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom; District Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)  meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Willow Creek Center in Concord March 19 : District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)  meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Willow Creek Center The Friday Letter is written and compiled by Theresa Harrington Brandt, Public Information and Community Relations Officer. Reach her at brandtt@mdusd.org for Friday Letter submissions.

Saturday, Mar 07 2026

Friday Letter - February 27, 2026

FEBRUARY 27, 2026 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 8 NO. 27 Dear MDUSD Community, There are weeks when you can truly feel the momentum across our District. This is one of those weeks. We begin by celebrating excellence in great teaching. At this week’s Board meeting, we recognized our  2026 Teachers of the Year and finalists. Mary Acebu and April Saldivar will represent MDUSD in the County Teacher of the Year competition. Also recognized were finalists Erin Hernandez, Brendan Moseley, Christine Reimer, and Julia Romero. These educators exemplify MDUSD through their dedication, innovation, and  belief in every student. Their impact on student learning reaches beyond their classrooms, and we are so grateful for their leadership and service. Career exploration is continuing to shine.  Students from Concord and Mt. Diablo high schools’ Transportation Career Pathways programs recently visited our District Transportation Department for a behind the scenes look at our buses, electric charging systems, and daily operations.  In District News, we highlight our continued  implementation of CaliforniaColleges.edu across our middle and high sc hools. This platform supports students in identifying career interests, exploring college options, and mapping out workforce training opportunities.  Our students continue to inspire us with their achievements.  Northgate High School students Angie Yao, Avanti Morucci, Ava Scattergood, Aleah Clark, and Robyn Khaund have been named National Merit Scholarship Finalists, joining College Park High School’s Leah Sobol, whom we celebrated last week. In addition, Northgate’s Robyn Khaund has earned the prestigious distinction of being named a U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate,  one of the highest honors a high school student can receive.  Concord High School’s Leadership program hosted its 18th annual Leadership Exchange , bringing together 370 student leaders from nine high schools across five districts, including all five of MDUSD’s comprehensive high schools. This event celebrates student voice and collaboration, and I was incredibly proud to see it come together. A special thank you to Concord High educator Leah Darby for her outstanding leadership. Northgate’s Intermediate Animation and Animation III students attended the GRID Summit in Oakland . Ygnacio Valley High School’s International Baccalaureate Program recently hosted its annual gala celebrating international minded education and the achievements of its IB learners. Gregory Gardens Elementary launched a new Daily Attendance Incentive to help keep overall absences below 5 percent, creating excitement through its Friday Wheel Recess Raffle.  Meadow Homes Elementary and Wren Avenue Elementary students honored Black History Month by presenting short biographies of Black inventors during their Black History Month assemblies. Every week, I am reminded that MDUSD is defined by collective excellence. From classrooms to career pathways, from academic honors to leadership experiences, our students and staff continue to excel.  Thank you for your partnership, Dr. Adam Clark Spotlights MDUSD Board recognizes District 2026-27 Teachers of the Year and finalists MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark (l-r) stands with District 2026-27 Teacher of the Year finalists Julia Romero, Christine Reimer and Erin Hernandez, District 2026-27 Teachers of the Year Mary Acebu and April Saldivar, and finalist Brendan Moseley at the Feb. 25, 2026 Board meeting. During its February 25th meeting, the Mt. Diablo Unified School Board recognized the 2026-27 District Teachers of the Year Mary Acebu and April Saldivar  and finalists Erin Hernandez, Brendan Moseley, Christine Reimer and Julia Romero.   Acebu teaches Special Day Classes (SDC) at Riverview MS in Bay Point and Saldivar teaches Kindergarten at Shore Acres Elementary in Bay Point, as the English partner in the Dual Language program that also includes Spanish instruction. Hernandez teaches 6th Grade Core English and World History, and 21st Century Skills at El Dorado MS in Concord; Moseley teaches 8th Grade English, English Language Development (ELD) and Academic Language Development (ALD) at Pleasant Hill MS; Reimer teaches AP U.S. History, Careers in Teaching, and Sociology at Northgate HS in Walnut Creek, and Romero teaches 3rd grade at Fair Oaks Elementary in Pleasant Hill.  Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark praised the teachers and noted that the two MDUSD Teachers of the Year represent Mt. Diablo in the  Contra Costa County competition , which will announce four county finalists in the spring and two County Teachers of the Year in September.   The finalists were chosen from  nearly 150 outstanding elementary, middle and high school educators  who were nominated and offered the opportunity to submit a brief questionnaire. The Teachers of the Year received wooden plaques, while the four additional finalists received engraved glass mementos.  You can  watch the Board recognition here .  Reimer thanked the Board and her fellow teachers and staff members. "This is a very difficult job and so many of my colleagues have inspired me throughout my 30-year career, so I would like to accept this on their behalf, because I wouldn't be the teacher I am without them," she said. "And thank you for the opportunity to work with all of your students. It's been very rewarding." Hernandez said it felt "crazy" to be recognized alongside so many wonderful teachers. "I'm just so fortunate and I love teaching," Hernandez said. "Teaching rocks. El Dorado rules. Represent. That's where I am." Romero  thanked her colleagues, mentors and her family for all the support she has received over the years, as well as "the amazing families at Fair Oaks."  Moseley thanked all of the hundreds and hundreds of students he has had the privilege to teach over the years. "They keep us coming back every single day. They inspire us, they motivate us, they are amazing people. And I feel so lucky to have the trust of our communities, our schools, and our parents, for their most precious things. Thank you to all the students in this District." Saldivar  said she was honored and was initially shocked to learn that she had been chosen as a Teacher of the Year, but also very happy to represent Shore Acres Elementary School in Bay Point. "Teaching is a deeply joyful career and teaching Dual Language at Shore Acres has been the honor of my life." She also thanked her teacher "besties" at Shore Acres, including a retired teacher, as well as her school administrators. "And of course, my Super Sharks, my students, who work hard every day to do the work of carrying two languages academically at Shore Acres," she said, adding: "And to the Shore Acres community - I love you." Acebu said she was deeply honored and humbled to receive this recognition. "Teaching has never been about standing in the spotlight for me. It has always been about standing beside my students -  helping them find their voice, their confidence and their place in the world. I teach at Riverview, a Title 1 middle school, where resilience walks through my classroom door every day. My students remind me that growth does not happen in perfect conditions. It happens when someone believes in you, shows up consistently and refuses to give up on you. This recognition does not belong to me alone. It belongs to my village - colleagues who collaborate and share their brilliance, to our classified staff who support our students with compassion, to our administrators who lead with vision, and to the families who trust us with their children. Most of all, it belongs to my students. They are my greatest teachers. They remind me daily why this work matters. Thank you for supporting public education, for believing in our schools, and for investing in the futures sitting in our classrooms today." Board Vice President Keisha Nzewi recognized all the the finalists and gave kudos to Bay Point, where the two Teachers of Year educate District students. "I just want to uplift that," she said. "We have excellent teachers everywhere in every school in our District, no matter if it's what we consider a high-achieving school, or a school that struggles with a myriad of issues. We have high quality teaching everywhere because every student deserves that. And I'm so excited that both of our Teachers of the Year are from Bay Point. Congratulations to them." Board President Debra Mason, who represents Bay Point, said, "It always touches my heart to see educators that see the value of kids in my community." Dr. Clark added that he loves to see the teachers' families come out to the Board recognition to see the impact the teachers have on students' lives.   Transportation Pathway students get behind-the-scenes look at MDUSD Transportation Dept. Students from Concord and Mt. Diablo high schools' Transportation Career Pathways courses had an exciting opportunity to visit MDUSD's Transportation Department for a behind-the-scenes look at how our District keeps students moving safely every day, said Work Based Learning Coordinator Daisy Romero-Briceno, who organized the field trip.  Hosted by Director of Transportation Cris Lepe and the District's Transportation team, students toured the office spaces where bus schedulers coordinate daily routes and learned about the important roles that support operations, including budgeting and logistics. In the garage, students observed mechanics at work and explored the maintenance process that keeps the fleet road-ready. A highlight of the visit was seeing a school bus lifted off the floor, giving students a view of the vehicle’s undercarriage, along with key mechanical components that ensure safety and performance.  Students also visited the Maintenance & Operations Department, where they learned about facilities work and heavy machinery used across the District. This portion of the tour helped connect learning between the Transportation and Construction Career Pathways, reinforcing how multiple trades and career fields collaborate to support MDUSD schools.  "From electric vehicles and charging stations to traditional gas-powered vehicles and fueling systems, students gained hands-on exposure to the evolving technology and infrastructure behind student transportation," Romero-Briceno said. "Experiences like this provide meaningful, real-world insight into high-demand career pathways right here within our District." District News MDUSD recognizes March as Women's History Month The MDUSD Board has adopted a resolution recognizing March as Women's History Month. In addition, the Board has adopted resolutions recognizing: March 1-7 as National School Social Work Week , and March 2-6 as National School Breakfast Week. Board Briefs: Board heard reports on LCAP, a potential new Bond Measure, and Measure J audit The MDUSD Board met Feb. 25 to recognize the 2026-27 Teachers of the Year, finalists and nominees (see Spotlight above). The Board also received reports on the Local Control Accountability Plan ( LCAP ), voter survey results regarding a potential Bond measure, and the Measure J Bond Funding Audit , among other items. The agenda is here . Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark's Weekly Organizational Update to the Board, which includes detailed District operations reports from Department leaders, is here . An archive of past reports is here. MDUSD recruiting at Contra Costa County Certificated Education Job Fair on Saturday, Feb. 28  MDUSD is helping to host the Contra Costa County Office of Education’s Certificated Job Fair from 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at Pleasant Hill MS, 1 Santa Barbara Road in Pleasant Hill.  Discover teaching positions in a variety of fields, including: All levels of K-12 education; Specialty; and Substitute teaching positions.  Meet MDUSD  representatives along with reps from other county districts and schools, enjoy onsite interviews, and join our dynamic team shaping bright futures. Unlock your potential with us! MDUSD Job Opportunities are here . Several local colleges will also be at the fair to meet with and provide information about the credential programs and pathways available. Confirmed colleges include St. Mary's College, Grand Canyon University, National University, and the University of the Pacific. More information about MDUSD's Teacher Residency in Partnership with St. Mary's College is here . ParentSquare to require Multi-Factor Authentication on mobile apps starting Monday, March 2 To ensure mobile users are using required sign-in protections, ParentSquare will prompt users on older iOS and Android app versions to update before access is blocked on March 2. January 26, 2026: Launched in-app reminders to update sent every three days March 2, 2026 : Users on the legacy versions of mobile will be blocked from using the app until they upgrade. CaliforniaColleges.edu Spring 2026 Update for middle and high school students During the second semester, MDUSD middle school counselors will deliver classroom lessons to students in grades 6th-8th, as part of the School Counselor/College & Career Advisor Tier 1 Scope & Sequence , said Career Pathways Counselor Amanda Witczak. As part of this work, all middle school students will use CaliforniaColleges.edu to complete the  Career Interest Profiler . This tool helps students identify their interests and connect them to potential career pathways. Results will highlight careers students may wish to explore and support more informed decision-making when selecting high school courses.  At the  high school level, College and Career Advisors will also utilize CaliforniaColleges.edu with students in grades 9 and 10, to explore college and post-secondary options. Students in grades 11 and 12 will use the platform to prepare for life after high school, including learning about college costs, financial aid opportunities, and the transition to postsecondary education or the workforce.  Parents and guardians are encouraged to create their own accounts on CaliforniaColleges.edu by following the steps outlined in the English Flyer and Spanish Flyer . Parent accounts provide access to valuable information about a student's academic progress and career interests, as well as guidance on career planning, college options and applications and financial aid resources.  Free Movie Night featuring "Counted Out: Math is Power" film is March 4 at Pleasant Hill Library Families, educators and community members are invited to a Free Movie Night featuring a film by Vicki Abeles - " Counted Out: Math is Power, " presented by the Contra Costa County Office of Education and Mt. Diablo Unified School District. DATE AND DETAILS Wednesday, March 4th: Pleasant Hill Library, 6- 8 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.) Register for Tickets In our current information economy, math is everywhere. Whether we know it or not, our numeric literacy—whether we can speak the language of math—is a critical determinant of social and economic power. Prepare to be both entertained and inspired by this insightful movie. MDUSD Area Music Festivals start March 4, Districtwide Choir Festival is March 20 MDUSD Area Music Festivals will take place March 4-25 at MDUSD high schools. Admission is free. (See flyers.) The Districtwide Choir Festival  will take place at 7 p.m. March 20 at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church.  Tickets are $10 .  The  Concord HS Area  Band Festival is March 4 at 7 p.m.; the Orchestra Festival is March 5 at 7 p.m. The  Mt. Diablo HS Area  Band Festival is March 11 at 7 p.m.; the Orchestra Festival is March 12 at 7 p.m. The Northgate HS Area Band Festival is March 18 at 7 p.m.; the Orchestra Festival is March 19 at 7 p.m. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum Review from March 4-11 MDUSD elementary school parents and guardians are invited to review the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) materials currently being piloted at the elementary level. Teachers and counselors are piloting Schoolbeat and  Second Step . The District intends to select one of these two SEL programs to be used in all elementary classrooms next year. Review dates: March 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 & 11 Viewing times: 1:30–4:30 PM Location: Willow Creek Center, 1026 Mohr Lane, Concord School sites currently piloting: Ayers, El Monte, Fair Oaks, Gregory Gardens, Holbrook, Monte Gardens, Mt. Diablo, Mountain View, Pleasant Hill, Rio Vista, Strandwood, Walnut Acres, and Westwood elementary schools. Join us to provide feedback and help shape SEL instruction for our students. Kindergarten Intradistrict Transfer Window open through March 10th The 2026-2027 Kindergarten Intradistrict Transfer Window is open through March 10. The transfer application is available to currently enrolled students for all schools, except Sequoia and Monte Gardens elementary schools, whose transfer window closed in November 2025.  A link to the application is posted on the Intradistrict Transfer webpage for parents/guardians to complete. Please note: All TK students who are currently enrolled at a school other than their school of residence must submit an intradistrict transfer request if they wish to remain at that school for kindergarten. In addition, all TK students currently enrolled in a dual language program at Shore Acres, Holbrook, or Ygnacio Valley Elementary do not need to reapply. No School on Monday, March 16 for Teacher In-Service Day MDUSD schools will be closed to students on Monday, March 16 for a Teacher In-Service Day  providing professional development training to staff. District Offices will be open. Schools will reopen to students on Tuesday, March 17. Social Media Parent Nights are March 12 at Meadow Homes Elem., March 18 at Valley View MS MDUSD is partnering with the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office to present  The Vigilant Parent Initiative,  which teaches parents to navigate social media, monitor children’s usage, and master concepts that can keep children safe from online predators. Presentation 1: 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 12 at Meadow Homes Elementary School , 1371 Detroit Ave, Concord (94520). Presentation will feature bilingual (English/Spanish) language support Presentation 2: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 at Valley View Middle School , 181 Viking Drive, Pleasant Hill (94523). Please see the flyers in English and Spanish for more information. Teen Journaling Workshop at Ygnacio Valley library led by Northgate HS student is March 18 Northgate HS senior Ava Scattergood (right) is hosting free Expressive Writing Journaling Workshops for Teens from  4:15-4:45 p.m. March 18 and April 29 as part of her Senior Project. These guided sessions help teens relax, reflect, and connect with peers. Teens are encouraged to bring a friend. Journals, pencils, and cupcakes will be provided. For questions, contact Ava at ava.j.scattergood@gmail.com More information about Ava's interest in journaling is here . (See Student News below for more news on Ava.) Student Film Festival Hosted by Northgate HS Video Production Club seeks entries through 3/20 Northgate High School is proud to announce the 2026 MDUSD Student Film Festival, celebrating the creativity, courage, and storytelling of student filmmakers across the district, which will take place at  6 p.m. Thursday, April 2  in the Northgate High School Little Theatre. Free entry, with suggested donation of $5. We are currently accepting short films from MDUSD student filmmakers. Submission Requirements: Films must be 2 to 7 minutes in length, films must include a title card and end credits, content must be school-appropriate, and films must be the original work of the submitting student(s). Submission Deadline: March 20, 2026 To submit your film, join our Google Classroom: Classroom Code: udpcqbyt. Detailed submission instructions will be available inside the Classroom. Festival Night: Selected films will be screened on the big screen in the Northgate Little Theatre. Audience members will vote, and awards will be presented for: First Place, Second Place. Third Place, and Audience Choice Award. Prizes will be announced the night of the festival. Student News 5 Northgate High School students named National Merit Scholarship Finalists Northgate HS Principal Kelly Cooper is pleased to announce that Seniors Avanti Morucci, Ava Scattergood, Angie Yao, Aleah Clark and Robyn Khaund have been named National Merit Scholarship Finalists! The Northgate students were previously named National Merit Scholar Semi-finalists in September, along with College Park HS Senior Leah Sobol, who has also been named a finalist (see the  Feb. 20 Friday Letter) . All of these students represent less than 1% of U.S. seniors, earning this distinction through exceptional PSAT scores and academic excellence.  More information on the National Merit Scholarship Program is at www.nationalmerit.org .   Northgate HS Senior Robyn Khaund is named a U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate Robyn Khaund, a graduating senior at Northgate HS in Walnut Creek, has been named one of more than 5,000 candidates in the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2026. Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected based on superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities. Further consideration is based on students' essays, self-assessments, description of activities, school recommendations, and school transcripts. A distinguished panel of educators will select approximately 600 semifinalists in the spring. The Commission on Presidential Scholars will select the finalists, and the U.S. Department of Education will announce the Scholars in the summer. Annually, up to 161 U.S. Presidential Scholars are chosen from among that year’s senior class, representing excellence in education and the promise of greatness in America’s youth. More information is at http://www.ed.gov/psp . School News Concord High School’s Leadership program hosts its 18th annual Leadership Exchange Concord HS Leadership students welcome students from other schools to their annual Leadership Exchange (above). Leadership Exchange participants listen to presentations (below left). Mascots from neighboring schools bond with the CHS Bear Mascot during the exchange (below right). On Friday, Feb. 20, Concord High's Bear Leadership program hosted its 18th annual Leadership Exchange. There were 385 students from 9 different high schools, including all 5 MDUSD comprehensive high schools, and representing 5 different school districts, said Concord High Activities Director Leah Darby. There was music, laughter, learning from peers, games, and a guest speaker Dr. Doug Luff. Students shared ideas about what makes their programs successful as well as lessons on character, valuing all leadership styles, and being a visionary leader.  The CHS students who lead this event each year are learning leadership skills to use inside and outside the classroom, Darby said. Students lead the entire event from booking a speaker, to communicating with schools, to organizing peer workshops and SWAP (Sharing With A Purpose) sessions, to planning food, snacks and water for everyone. "CHS students are using skills to plan a professional conference; the only one like this in California," Darby said. "They work hard for months for a day like this! I couldn't be more proud of this event that is for students and planned and executed by students." At the annual exchange, students are always empowered to learn from their peers and take away ideas to help progress their own Leadership programs. Students come from surrounding schools, but all treat each other like they're from the same school. There's a sense of camaraderie and teamwork that is rare, and this event showcases how much student leaders are willing to work with each other. "Leadership Exchange has always been one of my favorite events to not only attend, but plan," said CHS Senior, Sara Miller, who helped organize the event. "It holds so much importance and it's always amazing to see the power of student leadership. It brings us together, gives us confidence to share, grow and meet new people." Northgate HS Animation students attended the GRID Summit in Oakland Northgate HS student Nic Serrano talks to Miss Tee about how he should market himself and his artwork (left). Northgate HS students (l-r) Daniel  Sallai, Quinton Westover, Mattey Marinov, Daid Zyla, Masa Yee, Nic Serrano, Dylan Pagtakhan and Lynne Talento in the GRID Summit at the California Ballrom in Oakland (right). On Thursday, February 19, Northgate’s Intermediate Animation and Animation III students attended the GRID Summit at Oakstop in Oakland, said Northgate HS, said Northgate HS Animation and Art Design Teacher Michelle Carmon. This year marked the first time the GRID Summit was held in Northern California, bringing together students from across the state for a full day of creativity, collaboration, and career exploration. It also marked the first time Northgate students participated in a conference-style day dedicated entirely to creative exploration and professional growth. Hosted by Creative Career Leadership Labs, the GRID Summit is designed to inspire the next generation of creative thinkers and leaders by unlocking students’ creativity and equipping them with the tools to thrive. Throughout the day, students participated in hands-on workshops, pop-up storytelling sessions, career panels, and project showcases, engaging with peers and connecting directly with industry professionals. The day began with an inspiring keynote from Tamaira “Miss Tee” Sandifer, founder of Studio T Arts & Entertainment, a Sacramento-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through dance, media, music, and entrepreneurship, Carmon said. Miss Tee spoke about the power of creativity and problem-solving, leaving students with a memorable message: “If you see a problem… guess what? You are the problem solver,” she said. Miss Tee encouraged students to listen closely, think creatively, and stand tall and proud as they step forward to make a difference. As part of their experience, Northgate students participated in a Graphic Art Systems workshop and attended a Digital Storytelling career panel featuring Tariq Stone, Michael Lovan, and Saman Quadir. The panelists shared their diverse journeys into the Arts, Media, and Entertainment industries, with professional backgrounds spanning photojournalism, film editing, documentary filmmaking, and acting. They also discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence in their fields, emphasizing that while AI can be a useful tool, it lacks original thought and relies on recreating existing ideas. Students also took part in a special Photography and Storytelling workshop with Ted Chin, who offered valuable insight into finding one’s voice and building a personal brand. "The GRID Summit provided meaningful exposure to creative career pathways while helping students develop practical skills, expand their industry knowledge, and build professional connections that will support their future endeavors," Carmon said. Ygnacio Valley High School’s International Baccalaureate Program host its annual Gala Ygnacio Valley HS student Rugiatu Jalloh receives the IB French Year 1 award from teacher Julia Flanagan-Schmidt (left). Student Jareli Garcia Ceja receives the award for IB Math Year 2 from teacher Tabatha Box (center). Student Teresa Duran presented teacher Sally Roth an award for the IB Learner Profile Trait "Inquirer" (right). Ygnacio Valley High School’s International Baccalaureate (IB) community gathered for this year’s IB Gala on Thursday, February 12. The evening reflected the global spirit, academic excellence, and strong partnerships that define the programme. Families, students, staff, and community leaders came together to celebrate international-minded education and the achievements of our IB learners. said French Teacher Julia Flanagan-Schmidt and Math Teacher Tabatha Box. We were honored to welcome Mayor Laura Nakamura of Concord, whose presence highlighted the importance of collaboration between schools and the broader community. MDUSD Board President Debra Mason and Board Member Linda Mayo joined us in support of our students and staff, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to academic excellence. We were also pleased to host Gabriella Amini from the office of Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, underscoring the recognition our IB programme continues to receive. The program was both celebratory and inspiring, the teachers said. Student speakers recognized faculty members through the lens of the IB Learner Profile, honoring teachers as thinkers, communicators, caring, balanced, and principled leaders. Guests enjoyed musical performances, art exhibitions, and multimedia presentations showcasing student learning across disciplines. This year’s theme, “A Night Around the World,” was reflected in the décor, programming, and cuisine, creating a vibrant atmosphere of global connection. The evening served as a reminder that IB is more than a set of courses; it is a framework that challenges students to think critically, act ethically, and engage meaningfully with the world. Beyond the celebration, the gala strengthened community partnerships and built momentum for the future of IB at YVHS. "We extend our sincere thanks to our volunteers, performers, planning committee, and families," Flanagan-Schmidt and Box said. "Most of all, we celebrate our students, whose curiosity and global perspective inspire us all." Gregory Gardens Elementary launches a new Daily Attendance Incentive Gregory Gardens Elementary flyer promotes new attendance initiative (left). Older students (above ) and younger students (below) enjoy the "Wheel Day" recess. Gregory Gardens Elementary Principal Katie Koontz is excited to announce the launch of a new Daily Attendance Incentive. "We’re working hard to keep daily absences below 5% so we’re turning showing up into something FUN," the school explained in an  X post. "Every day you’re at school = another chance to be entered into our Friday Wheel Recess Raffle! 🚲🛴 Every day counts! So show up, be on time, & let’s keep our campus FULL & ROLLING!"  One winner is selected in a drawing from each class each day. The winners get to enjoy a "Wheel Day + Extra Recess." Winners may bring something with wheels to ride at school (bike, scooter, skateboard, etc.). Helmets are required to participate. Students without wheels can still participate in an extended recess with additional fun equipment and activities to enjoy. "Strong attendance ensures our Gators have consistent access to high-level instruction, inclusive school experiences, and the meaningful moments that make elementary school so special," Koontz said. "We’re excited to build momentum as we head into spring!" Black History Month presentations at Meadow Homes and Wren Avenue elementary schools Meadow Homes Elementary students present information on Black inventors during Black History Time Machine Assembly (above.) Wren Avenue Elementary students present short speeches about Black inventors (below). In honor of Black History Month, Meadow Homes Elementary Principal Leah Dubinsky and Wren Avenue Elementary School Counselor Nicole Galvãn-Goble are pleased to share that students from both of their schools recently presented information about Black inventors at school assemblies, in partnership with Delta Bay Impact mentor Terryck Carter.  IMPACT club students shared their research on the lives of some important contributors to Black History, Dubinsky said. Galvãn-Goble added: "We had a large group of students that recited speeches on notable contributions." Some of the approximately 20 inventors featured in the speeches and an accompanying PowerPoint slide presentation included George Washington Carver, Alexander Miles, Madam C.M. Walker, Lucean Arthur Headen, Garrett Morgan, and Marie Van Brittan Brown. Students discussed their inventions, challenges the inventors faced, and told their classmates whether the inventions are still used today. Some of the inventions included a fire extinguisher, washing machine, clothes dryer, reversible baby carriage, electric roller coaster, helicopter, and hair care products.  Check out the School Social Media Highlights below to see more photos from the Meadow Homes event. School Social Media Highlights Delta View, Meadow Homes, Valle Verde and Mountain View elementary schools MDUSD elementary students have been celebrating together. Recent Social Media Highlights include: Delta View Elementary students celebrate Black History Month with art and research projects; Meadow Homes Elementary  students present information about Black inventors during a Black History Time Machine Assembly; Valle Verde Elementary students celebrated Lunar New Year with the help of a students’ grandma; and Mountain View Elementary congratulates Spelling Bee winner Isaiah, who won 1st place in the annual event with 14 finalists! Oak Grove, Pleasant Hill, Riverview and Sequoia middle schools MDUSD middle school students have been enjoying a variety of activities together. Recent social media highlights include: Oak Grove MS  TUPE leaders attend Teens Tackle Tobacco Conference; Pleasant Hill MS students celebrate Black History Month with a variety of lunchtime activities; Riverview MS  celebrates Black History Month with a presentation by Dr. Francies; and Sequoia MS Black Student Union (BSU) hosts Black History Month activities at lunchtime! Concord, College Park, and Ygnacio Valley high schools; and Mt. Diablo Adult Education MDUSD high school and Adult Education students have been sharing their learning and team spirit with their communities. Recent social media highlights include: the Concord HS Unified Sports program with Benicia HS is highlighted by the CIF North Coast Section in an NCSShines spotlight ; Supervisor Ken Carlson visits the FalconX Robotics Club at College Park HS ; Ygnacio Valley HS Ethnic Studies students present on the power of visual protest during the Civil Rights Movement; and MDUSD Adult Education celebrates its Dental Assistant grads! Staff Social Media Highlights Latina "Consejeras," Northgate HS, Sun Terrace Elementary and Walnut Acres Elementary MDUSD staff members have been collaborating with each other. Recent social media highlights include: Latina “Consejeras ” present about their “Cafecito Con Las Consejeras” at the National School Counseling Leadership conference; Northgate HS welcomes new Head Girls Water Polo Coach Lindsay Struempf; Sun Terrace Elementary parent Mr. Olin teaches a ukelele class in the school afterschool program; and Walnut Acres Elementary teachers cheer on students during “Wake Up Shake Up” morning greetings! Important Dates March 4: "Counted Out: Math is Power" film at 6 p.m. in the Pleasant Hill Library (See District News above)  March 10 : Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting at 7 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom March 11: District Governing Board meeting at 6 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom March 16: Schools closed for Teacher In-Service Day; District Offices open March 17 : District Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting at 5 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom; District Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Willow Creek Center in Concord March 19 : District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Willow Creek Center The Friday Letter is written and compiled by Theresa Harrington Brandt, Public Information and Community Relations Officer. Reach her at brandtt@mdusd.org for Friday Letter submissions.

Saturday, Feb 28 2026

Friday Letter - February 20, 2026

FEBRUARY 20, 2026 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 8 NO. 26 Dear MDUSD Community, Every day, I am reminded that the heart of our District is our students. In this weeks’ Friday Letter we are excited to spotlight the incredible educators and students whose leadership and teamwork continue to make our schools places of excellence. At next Wednesday’s Board meeting, we will recognize our four Teacher of the Year finalists alongside our 2026–27 District Teachers of the Year, Mary Acebu and April Saldivar. Help me celebrate the  outstanding finalists: Erin Hernandez of El Dorado Middle School, Brendan Moseley of Pleasant Hill Middle School, Christine Reimer of Northgate High School, and Julia Romero of Fair Oaks Elementary. These educators exemplify what it means to put students first! They create environments where every student is welcomed and encouraged to be active leaders in learning. In District News, we are proud to highlight our  College & Career Expanded Learning internships in recognition of Career Technical Education (CTE) Month . These programs provide students with meaningful, real-world experiences that connect classroom learning to help them explore their passions and prepare for success after they leave Mt.D. Our Student News section is filled with accomplishments that demonstrate both academic excellence and leadership in real school life.  College Park High School senior Leah Sobol has been named a National Merit Scholar Finalist! This is a huge achievement that reflects years of dedication and hard work. (We are also awaiting the names of additional finalists from Northgate High School and look forward to celebrating them as well.) In honor of Black History Month, members of  Northgate High School’s Black Student Union led a powerful panel discussion for Foothill Middle School 8th graders, addressing hate speech, building empathy, and fostering understanding. I was so proud to watch these students share their experiences and give advice to our Foothill students about succeeding in high school. Their leadership is evidence of what young people can accomplish with a supportive learning community. We also celebrate our student-athletes.  El Dorado Middle School won the Middle School soccer tournament, and we congratulate College Park Boys Basketball, Northgate Girls Basketball, Northgate Girls Soccer, and Mt. Diablo Boys Soccer for earning spots in the NCS playoff quarterfinal games this Friday and Saturday . Your teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship make us proud. Our schools continue to build strong bridges for incoming students. On February 19, Concord High’s Link Crew hosted 8th Grade Day for students planning to attend Concord next year, ensuring incoming freshmen feel welcomed and supported as they begin their high school journey. And  Northgate High School’s 2025 yearbook, its special 50th anniversary edition, has been selected for inclusion in Varsity Yearbook’s distinguished national Portfolio, recognizing it as one of the most outstanding yearbooks in the country. From classrooms to athletic fields, from leadership panels to national recognitions, our students continue to demonstrate excellence. Thank you to our educators, families, and community members who partner with us each day to create opportunities that help every student thrive. Wishing you a wonderful weekend. Dr. Adam Clark Spotlights Congratulations to MDUSD's four 2026-27 District Teacher of the Year Finalists Last week, the Friday Letter highlighted the District's 2026-27 Teachers of the Year: Riverview Middle School’s Mary Acebu and Shore Acres Elementary’s April Saldivar ! This week, we are taking a closer look at the four other finalists:  El Dorado Middle School teacher Erin Hernandez, Pleasant Hill Middle School teacher Brendan Moseley, Northgate High School teacher Christine Reimer, and Fair Oaks Elementary teacher Julia Romero .  These teachers were selected along with Acebu and Saldivar from  nearly 150 outstanding educators from TK through grade 12 who were nominated and offered the opportunity to submit a brief questionnaire. The questionnaires were scored by members of the MDUSD Teacher of the Year Selection Committee and the top-scoring individuals were interviewed.  The MDUSD School Board plans to recognize the District Teachers of the Year, along with finalists and nominees, at its Wednesday, February 25th meeting . Like Acebu and Saldivar, all of the finalists place a high priority on building strong relationships with students, and emphasizing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) as well as rigorous academics. Below are excerpted profiles of each, including what they love about teaching at their schools. Please click here to read more about them and find out what their students and colleagues said about them  (Note: linked profiles will be updated with new information next week).  Erin Hernandez Erin Hernandez helps a student in her 6th grade Core history class (left). El Dorado MS students (l-r) Chloe O’Driscoll and Chloe Wong stand with Hernandez and students Hattie Kuhn and Colton Greer (holding honorary staff member Eggdog) (right). Hernandez, 47, teaches 6th grade Core and 21st Century Skills, helping students build critical thinking and collaboration skills, at El Dorado MS in Concord. She has 23 years of teaching experience, including 21 years at El Dorado, where she taught 7th grade for 16 years before moving to 6th grade. She collaborates with Mr. Boles for the 21st Century Skills class, based on feedback from parents, most recently creating lessons on financial literacy. She also shares tips with staff about using student data to make sure their teaching strategies are working, so students are learning and growing. And she keeps her classroom open during lunch so kids can hang out, talk or do homework. "I just really love El Dorado," Hernandez said. "I'm so lucky that I get to work here - the way we wrap ourselves around students and help them." Her favorite part of teaching, she said, is connecting with students, their families and staff colleagues. "There’s always something good in every day," she said. "It’s all I’ve ever wanted - to make school more fun for kids, help them learn how to be good people, and also see how they grow. Just getting to be a part of that is something really, really magical. I don’t think a lot of people can say that." Brendan Moseley Brendan Moseley helps a student in his 8th grade English class (left). Pleasant Hill MS students (l-r) Mia Joseph and Parthenia Badrous stand with Mosely and student Eli Feerer (right). Moseley, 45, teaches 8th grade English, English Language Development (ELD) and Academic Language Development (ALD) at Pleasant Hill MS, where he has taught for 13 years, after starting off his career at Ygnacio Valley HS for one year and Pine Hollow MS for two years. He has been the English Dept. chair for 12 years. Moseley also helps train other teachers in technology such as Google Classroom and in analyzing student data to make sure teachers are focusing on priority standards such as using contextual clues to determine word meanings, and intervening effectively to address weaknesses in students' understanding. He also collaborates with grade level chairs and Department Chairs at other MDUSD middle schools to make sure they agree on priority standards and supplementary instructional materials.  "I like that every single day is different than the day before," he said. "This is a job with ever-shifting sands, and that can be panic-inducing sometimes, but it is also invigorating." Moseley said he enjoys getting to know his students and providing a safe space where they can feel comfortable being themselves. "I can’t be all things to all kids, but I can be something to some of them when they need it," he said. "Helping them learn how to navigate their lives - especially when there is so much constant change in our world - is an obligation, but also a privilege." Christine Reimer Christine Reimer chats with a student in her AP U.S. History class (left). Northgate HS student Anderson Lien (l-r) stands with Reimer and student Raihan Lele in front of a map showing past redlining in Oakland and Berkeley (right). Reimer, 52, teaches AP U.S. History, Careers in Teaching, and Sociology at Northgate HS in Walnut Creek, where she first taught as a student teacher in 1996, before working as a full-time teacher at Clayton Valley HS through 2013-14, when she returned to Northgate. She taught dance and history at Clayton Valley, but was tapped for Sociology and Careers in Teaching - in addition to history - when she got to Northgate when the previous teachers retired. She completed her Master's Degree in Teaching Leadership at Saint Mary's College of California in 2013, so the principal at the time thought she would be a good fit to work with students interested in teaching, she said. She is now in her 30th year of teaching, and in her sixth year of teaching AP U.S. history.  "I love the interaction with the students," she said. "I look forward to coming to work. The best part is to see them excited about learning and to see them making connections. That’s very fulfilling." She tells her Careers in Education students that teachers don't just help students learn reading or math. "You're encouraging them and supporting them to be the best people they can be," she said. Reimer also enjoys working together with her colleagues. "The collaboration among the Social Sciences Dept. here at Northgate is exemplary," she said. "I wish all teachers had the support and cohesiveness we have. We work together and support eadh other to create experiences for students that are really unique." These include the school's Mock Congress for seniors and "If I could change the world" project for juniors, as well as helping to support English teachers when students undertake their Senior Projects.  Julia Romero Julia Romero listens to a student explain how he is figuring out his math problem (left). Fair Oaks Elementary students (l-r) Dylan Hernandez, Bello Guillermo, Elina Ayari, Ariana Lara, Mustafa Hassan and Meissen Toumert stand with Romero. Romero, 47, teaches 3rd grade at Fair Oaks Elementary in Pleasant Hill, where she has taught for 21 years, after starting off her career at Sun Terrace Elementary. She also worked at Meadow Homes Elementary for one year. "I love making a difference in the kids’ lives and I love the challenge of getting to know each one and getting to know what works for each of them," she said. "I love that lightbulb moment when all of a sudden they get it and they’re feeling great, and they start liking learning and thinking it’s fun." Noting that Fair Oaks is a Title 1 (low income) school, Romero said some students have experienced trauma or housing insecurity. "I like to set my classroom up as somewhere they can feel safe, comfortable and that their needs are being met for those hours of the day - and that way they can learn," she said. Third grade, Romero said, is her favorite grade to teach. "The students are so independent, but they have some innocence to them," she said. "I feel like they haven’t been influenced a lot by outside or negative things. They’re really open to learning. It’s a chance for me to show them it can be fun and they can be successful." As students take on reading and multiplication and division, Romero enjoys celebrating their successes with them. "I have a lot of kids who come in and are either not reading or they’re struggling," she said. "By the end of the year, it’s so exciting to see their growth. When they take the STAR test, or any assessment, we have a little data conference together. We celebrate any growth, and always come up with a goal. I ask: 'Where do you want to be?' I print out the plot graph that lets me know where they’re on track to be at the end of the year. I show them and we come up with a goal and we adjust it throughout the year. I think it’s so important. They want to see where they really are and how they did. I think that’s one way to get them to slow down and really take ownership of their growth." District News College & Career Expanded Learning Internship program has grown to 32 students this year Ygnacio Valley HS interns at their Weekly Wednesday Work Readiness Workshop (l-r) Ichiro Shimizu, Sarai Galan, Sahar Azizi, Arman Mojadedi, Savannah DelaRosa-Hale, Romel Mariano, Jaxson Blaine, Ahmad Mashal, Jakob Richnvasky, Ryle Garcia, Gabrielle Love, Teresa Duran, Althea Vivar, Landon Love, and Luis Zamudio. Through College and Career Readiness and Expanded Learning programs, MDUSD has created a structured learning internship opportunity for high school students, said Anna Ramos, Manager Youth Development & Support Services. Internships are short-term, supervised work-based learning experiences designed to provide hands-on training and practical application of classroom knowledge in a specific industry. Internships can be paid or unpaid, last from a few weeks to several months, and often provide networking, resume building, and career exploration opportunities. Before being placed as an intern, students create a work plan where they focus on three work readiness goals, which are then evaluated by their intern supervisor at the end of the internship.   From September to December, MDUSD had seven Expanded Learning interns, including five students from Mt. Diablo High School and two from Ygnacio Valley High School. These students participated in five weeks of work readiness workshops, which included resume building, mock interviews, and time management, led by Work-Based Learning Coordinators Isaiah Harper and Daisy Romero-Briceno, at MDHS and YVHS. The fall intern placements hosts were East Bay CPR, the International Baccalaureate Math Hub, The Riverview MS Garden, and tutoring at Mt. Diablo High School.  This spring, the College and Career Readiness Department has been able to grow the program to 32 Expanded Learning student interns. Currently, we have 10 students at Mt. Diablo High School, 16 at Ygnacio Valley High School, and six at Olympic Continuation School, Ramos said. The student interns are currently participating in their work readiness workshops on Wednesdays and will continue their internship until the end of May 2026. Their internship placements include East Bay CPR; Girl Scouts of Northern California; International Baccalaureate Math Hub; the Riverview Middle School Garden; After School Programs at Bel Air Elementary, Cambridge Elementary, and Holbrook Language Academy; and Tutoring through the after-school programs at Mt. Diablo High School and Ygnacio Valley High School. More i nformation about College & Career readiness programs is here . Free Movie Nights featuring "Counted Out: Math is Power" film continue Feb. 24 at Concord HS Families, educators and community members are invited to a Free Movie Night featuring a film by Vicki Abeles - "Counted Out: Math is Power," presented by the Contra Costa County Office of Education and Mt. Diablo Unified School District. DATES AND DETAILS Tuesday, February 24th: Concord High Multi-Use Room Register For Tickets Wednesday, March 4th: Pleasant Hill Library, 6- 8 p.m.  (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.) Register for Tickets In our current information economy, math is everywhere. Whether we know it or not, our numeric literacy—whether we can speak the language of math—is a critical determinant of social and economic power. Prepare to be both entertained and inspired by this insightful movie. Board Briefs: Board meets Feb. 25 to recognize Teachers of the Year and Finalists, hear reports The MDUSD Board will meet be at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25 in the District Office Boardroom to recognize the 2026-27 Teachers of the Year, finalists and nominees; and hear reports on the LCAP, the Measure J Bond Funding Audit, and Voter Survey Results regarding a potential new Bond measure; among other items. The agenda is here . Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark's Weekly Organizational Update to the Board, which includes detailed District operations reports from Department leaders, is here . An archive of past reports is here. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum Review from March 4-11 MDUSD elementary school parents and guardians are invited to review the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) materials currently being piloted at the elementary level. Teachers and counselors are piloting Schoolbeat and Second Step. The district intends to select one of these two SEL programs to be used in all elementary classrooms next year. Review dates: March 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 & 11 Viewing times: 1:30–4:30 PM Location: Willow Creek Center, 1026 Mohr Lane, Concord School sites currently piloting: Ayers, El Monte, Fair Oaks, Gregory Gardens, Holbrook, Monte Gardens, Mt. Diablo, Mountain View, Pleasant Hill, Rio Vista, Strandwood, Walnut Acres, and Westwood elementary schools. Join us to provide feedback and help shape SEL instruction for our students. Kindergarten Intradistrict Transfer Window open through March 10th The 2026-2027 Kindergarten Intradistrict Transfer Window is open through March 10. The transfer application is available to currently enrolled students for all schools, except Sequoia and Monte Gardens elementary schools, whose transfer window closed in November 2025.  A link to the application is posted on the I ntradistrict Transfer webpage for parents/guardians to complete. Please note: All TK students who are currently enrolled at a school other than their school of residence must submit an intradistrict transfer request if they wish to remain at that school for kindergarten. In addition, all TK students currently enrolled in a dual language program at Shore Acres, Holbrook, or Ygnacio Valley Elementary do not need to reapply. Student Film Festival Hosted by Northgate HS Video Production Club seeks entries through 3/20 Northgate High School is proud to announce the 2026 MDUSD Student Film Festival, celebrating the creativity, courage, and storytelling of student filmmakers across the district, which will take place at  6 p.m. Thursday, April 2 in the Northgate High School Little Theatre. Free entry, with suggested donation of $5. We are currently accepting short films from MDUSD student filmmakers. Submission Requirements: Films must be 2 to 7 minutes in length, films must include a title card and end credits, content must be school-appropriate, and films must be the original work of the submitting student(s). Submission Deadline: March 20, 2026 To submit your film, join our Google Classroom: Classroom Code: udpcqbyt. Detailed submission instructions will be available inside the Classroom. Festival Night: Selected films will be screened on the big screen in the Northgate Little Theatre. Audience members will vote, and awards will be presented for: First Place, Second Place. Third Place, and Audience Choice Award. Prizes will be announced the night of the festival. Student News College Park High School senior Leah Sobol has been named a National Merit Scholar Finalist!  College Park HS Principal Dr. Ronald Richardson is pleased to announce that Senior Leah Sobol has been named a National Merit Scholar Finalist! Leah and five Northgate HS students were named National Merit Scholar Semi-finalists in September. They represent less than 1% of U.S. seniors, earning this distinction through exceptional PSAT scores and academic excellence. The Northgate HS students who were named semi-finalists in September are: Aleah Clark, Robyn Khaund, Avanti Morucci, Ava Scattergood, and Angie Yao. These exceptional students moved forward in the competition for approximately 6,930 National Merit Scholarships, collectively worth nearly $26 million, to be awarded in spring 2026. More information on the National Merit Scholarship Program is at www.nationalmerit.org .   Northgate HS Black Student Union members lead panel discussion for Foothill MS 8th graders Today (Friday, Feb. 20) Northgate High School's Black Student Union (BSU) presented a dynamic and engaging panel for Foothill Middle School’s 8th Grade class, said BSU Advisor and Northgate HS teacher Meg Honey. Panelists Cameron Turner (11th), Connor Harze (12th), Toyo Obembe (10th), Sven Grant (12th), Jordan Scales (12th) and Toyin Obembe (10th) shared thoughtful insights about a wide range of topics including allyship, empathy building, and visibility. BSU panelists also offered thoughtful perspectives on how to address hate speech and provided guidance for the 8th graders as they prepare to enter high school. At the end of the event, the BSU members shared their book, film, and article recommendations for Black History Month.  Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark opened the panel discussion with moving remarks about the importance of celebrating and honoring all students in MDUSD. Dr. Lamont Francies, MDUSD’s Family Involvement and Community Engagement Program Coordinator for African American Student Achievement, met and enthusiastically debriefed with the panelists after the discussion.  Northgate High School Principal Kelly Cooper accompanied the panelist group to Foothill and commented, "Our BSU leaders did a fantastic job sharing their stories as well as offering thoughtful advice and practical tools to the future 9th graders. The authenticity and insights of the BSU panelists created a reassuring picture of what lies ahead in high school. I am so proud of the way the panelists represented themselves and our school community through meaningful outreach and mentorship. I’m also deeply grateful to our BSU Advisor, Ms. Honey, for her steady leadership and commitment to affirming and amplifying student voice." Senior Jordan Scales is the BSU Co-President and served as one of the event panelists. She shared keen insights with the 8th grade students about finding meaningful connection with others and how to engage positively with social media. After the discussion, Jordan shared, “It was a really fun and educational experience. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to make an impact on the mindset of our future Broncos.” Foothill MS 8th-grader Will Lazzarini was inspired by the panelists’ stories and experiences. She shared, “Northgate’s Black Student Union gave a powerful assembly that provided a warm welcome for all students and upheld Northgate’s exemplary reputation of a representative and inclusive school community.” The panel event was supported by Northgate Social Work Specialist Merritt Rollins, Foothill MS Principal Crystal Stull, and Foothill MS Office Manager Lex Lopez. Northgate will host artist Jermaine Dante Burse on campus next week as part of the school community’s ongoing celebration of Black History Month. El Dorado Middle School wins Middle School soccer tournament The energy was electric at Riverview Middle School on February 13th as El Dorado Middle School claimed the championship soccer tournament trophy, said El Dorado MS Principal Jeanne Johnson. Sponsored by the CARES Team and Chosen Sports, this five-week tournament featured intense competition from Holbrook Language Academy, Oak Grove MS, and Riverview MS. "Heading into the final, the El Dorado players were feeling the pressure," Johnson said. "Having lost 1-0 to Riverview earlier in the season, they knew they had a major challenge ahead of them. However, they rose to the occasion with an incredible performance, defeating Riverview 2-0 in the championship rematch!" Johnson gave a huge shoutout to El Dorado student Moises Hernandez (#45), who was named the game’s MVP for his outstanding play.  "Both teams played with heart and skill, making it a game to remember," Johnson said. "Congratulations to our El Dorado players for their hard work, sportsmanship, and well-deserved title!" Four MDUSD high school teams in basketball and soccer NCS Quarter Final Playoff games MDUSD is proud that the College Park HS Boys Basketball team and Northgate HS Girls Basketball team have advanced to the NCS Basketball Quarterfinal Playoffs, with the College Park HS Falcons playing v. St. Bernard’s-Eureka at 7 p.m. Friday and the Northgate HS Broncos playing  v Las Lomas at 7 p.m. Saturday. Go, Falcons and Broncos! We are also proud that In the Mt. Diablo HS Boys Soccer team and Northgate HS Girls Soccer team have advanced to the NCS Soccer Quarterfinal Playoffs, with the Mt. Diablo HS Red Devils playing v Richmond at 7 p.m. Friday and the Northgate HS Broncos playing v Ukiah at 7 p.m. Saturday. Go, Red Devils and Broncos! School News Concord HS Link Crew hosts 8th Grade Day for students planning to attend Concord HS next year Concord HS Link Crew members present information to 8th graders who plan to attend CHS as freshmen next year (left). Superintendent Dr. Clark (l-r) stands with Link Crew members Chanelle Champion and Alan Barrera-Orellana, and Secondary Support Administrator Chris Clausen (center). Eighth-graders listen to presentations in the gym (right). On Wednesday, Feb. 19, Concord High’s Link Crew hosted 8th Grade Day for students who plan to attend Concord High next year, said Azeema Yahya, Link Crew Coordinator and CHS teacher. "Link Crew is dedicated to helping incoming 9th graders transition smoothly into high school, ensuring every freshman begins their first year with supportive upperclassmen mentors and friends," she said. "During their time at CHS, the 8th graders enjoyed live performances from our music program, student-led presentations about clubs, academics, electives, and all the exciting opportunities Concord High has to offer, and then they were taken on a tour of campus." As they listened, they filled out "Bingo sheets" listing information they learned - from who their counselor would be next year to what sports they could play.  "We are so excited to welcome the Class of 2030," Yahya said! "Go Bears!" To see more photos from this event, check out the High School Social Media Highlights below! Northgate HS 2025 yearbook selected for Varsity Yearbook’s distinguished national Portfolio Northgate High School proudly announces that its 2025 yearbook - which celebrated the Walnut Creek school's 50th anniversary - has been selected for inclusion in Varsity Yearbook’s distinguished Portfolio, a national showcase recognizing the most outstanding yearbooks produced by Varsity Yearbook. This achievement places Northgate High School among the top 10% of yearbooks produced!  Portfolio recognizes yearbooks that demonstrate sustained excellence in writing and visual presentation, comprehensive and meaningful coverage and exceptional photography. As a collection of the top books printed by Varsity Yearbook, Portfolio celebrates the dedication, creativity and teamwork that define each staff’s work. “We’re proud to present  Portfolio , a showcase of the most exceptional work in journalism and design,” Doug McWilliams, executive vice president of Varsity Yearbook, said. “This collection represents the very best in the nation, and we are honored to highlight the talent and creativity of these remarkable students.” Go, Broncos! School Social Media Highlights Meadow Homes Elem., Holbrook Language Academy, Monte Gardens & Walnut Acres elem.  MDUSD elementary students have been enjoying community building activities. Recent social media highlights include: Meadow Homes Elementary  celebrates students reclassified as English proficient; Holbrook Language Academy parent and author reads her book to first-graders; Rep. Mark DeSaulnier visits Monte Gardens Elementary ; and Walnut Acres Elementary students create a “living wax museum” based on biography research! Diablo View, Pleasant Hill, Sequoia and Valley View middle schools MDUSD middle school students have been participating in extra curricular activities. Recent social media highlights include: Diablo View MS students show their spirit on Bright Color Day; Pleasant Hill MS offers popcorn and “Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black History” as an educational and relaxing lunch option in recognition of Black History Month; Sequoia MS  congratulates its lunchtime soccer tournament winners; and Valley View MS Leadership students host a noodle tasting event in honor of Lunar New Year! Concord HS, College Now, Mt. Diablo HS and Ygnacio Valley HS MDUSD high school students have been participating in fun and educational activities. Recent social media highlights include: Concord HS Link Crew  hosts 8th Grade Day; College Now students enjoy “The Great Senior Valentine Swap” - an old school, elementary style Valentine’s Day tradition in 12th grade AVID; Mt. Diablo HS TUPE educators present on reducing tobacco use in Living Earth classes; and Ygnacio Valley HS Education Academy students transform the library into the 1920’s and 1930’s eras sharing their learning through fun, informative games based on each decade’s timeline! Staff Social Media Highlights College Now, Sequoia MS, MDUSD Human Resources, and Walnut Acres Elementary MDUSD staff members are being recognized in a variety of ways. Recent social media highlights include: College Now posted about staff sporing new t-shirts and participating in the “Friendship Squad Day” for spirit week; Sequoia MS welcomed Ms. Elsa as the school secretary and congratulated Ms. Desiree, who is moving into the position of Office Manager; MDUSD shouted out Taylor from Human Resources , who traveled to Chico State's Job Fair to recruit new employees; and Walnut Acres Elementary  posted about a TK teacher who received Super Hero capes for TK and K students thanks to a Northgate HS student's Senior Project!  Important Dates Feb. 24 : "Counted Out: Math is Power"  film at Concord HS (See District News above) Feb. 25 : District Governing Board  meeting at 6 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom March 4: "Counted Out: Math is Power"  film at 6 p.m. in the Pleasant Hill Library (See District News above)  March 10 : Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC)  meeting at 7 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom March 11: District Governing Board  meeting at 6 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom March 16 : Schools closed for  Teacher In-Service Day ; District Offices open The Friday Letter is written and compiled by Theresa Harrington Brandt, Public Information and Community Relations Officer. Reach her at brandtt@mdusd.org for Friday Letter submissions.

Saturday, Feb 21 2026

Friday Letter - February 13, 2026

FEBRUARY 13, 2026 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 8 NO. 25 Dear Mt. Diablo Community, I am inspired by the hard work, determination, and growth of our students across Mt. D!. The way they rise to meet and exceed our expectations reminds us why this work is so important.  This week, we are especially proud to spotlight our  2026–27 MDUSD Teachers of the Year: Riverview Middle School’s Mary Acebu and Shore Acres Elementary’s April Saldivar. Mary serves our 7th and 8th grade Special Day Class students with skill, compassion, and high expectations, ensuring that every learner is supported and challenged. April teaches Kindergarten in Shore Acres’ Dual Language (English) program, laying a strong academic and social foundation for our youngest learners. Both educators embody the excellence, care, and commitment that define our district. We also celebrate our  four outstanding finalists: El Dorado Middle School’s Erin Hernandez, Pleasant Hill Middle School’s Brendan Moseley, Northgate High School’s Christine Reimer, and Fair Oaks Elementary’s Julia Romero . Erin teaches 6th grade Core and 21st Century Skills, helping students build critical thinking and collaboration skills. Brendan supports students in English, ELD, and ALD, ensuring language development opens doors to opportunity. Christine inspires students in AP U.S. History, Careers in Teaching, and Sociology, guiding them to think deeply about our world and their place in it. Julia’s work in 3rd grade nurtures curiosity, confidence, and academic growth during a pivotal year of learning. Together, these educators represent the very best of MDUSD. A big hand goes out to  Dr. Rosie Reid, our SOAR Program Specialist, and Coleen Martin, Site Administrator at Crossroads High School, on being named ACSA Region 6 Administrators of the Year. They will now represent the region in the State Administrator of the Year awards competition!  We are also highlighting the  Black History Month Celebration at Gregory Gardens Elementary, hosted in partnership with the school and AAPAC . The event was a huge reminder of the strength found in honoring history, celebrating culture, and building community together. Our students always shine beyond the classroom as well. M t. Diablo High School student Patrick Paul Porpayas recently placed second in the Contra Costa Poetry Out Loud Contest. Northgate High School’s Animation III students had the opportunity to attend the premiere of the Goat animation film at the historic Grand Lake Theater in Oakland as special guests, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Keith Zwolfer of the San Francisco Film Festival.  Glenbrook Academy recently hosted its first Family Engagement Night in Bay Point , strengthening family-school partnerships and deepening connections that support student success. Finally, we would like to remind families that there will be  no school on Monday, February 16, in recognition of the Presidents’ Day holiday. Thank you for your continued partnership and support.  Dr. Adam Clark Spotlights Congratulations to MDUSD's 2026-27 Teachers of the Year and Finalists! MDUSD's 2026–27 MDUSD Teachers of the Year are Riverview Middle School’s Mary Acebu and Shore Acres Elementary’s April Saldivar. Other finalists for this recognition were: El Dorado Middle School’s Erin Hernandez, Pleasant Hill Middle School’s Brendan Moseley, Northgate High School’s Christine Reimer, and Fair Oaks Elementary’s Julia Romero. The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is pleased to shine a light on our two 2026-27 District Teachers of the Year: Riverview MS teacher Mary Acebu and Shore Acres Elementary teacher April Saldivar! We are also recognizing the finalists: El Dorado Middle School’s Erin Hernandez, Pleasant Hill Middle School’s Brendan Moseley, Northgate High School’s Christine Reimer, and Fair Oaks Elementary’s Julia Romero. The six teachers were selected from nearly 150 outstanding educators from Preschool through grade 12 who were nominated and offered the opportunity to submit a brief questionnaire. The questionnaires were scored by members of the MDUSD Teacher of the Year Selection Committee and the top-scoring individuals were interviewed. The MDUSD School Board plans to recognize the District Teachers of the Year, along with finalists and nominees, at its Wednesday, Feb. 25th meeting. Acebu and Saldivar will now advance to the  Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year competition , which will name four finalists in the spring and two County Teachers of the Year in September. We are taking a closer look at Acebu and Saldivar this week, and will feature the finalists in next week's Friday Letter. Both Acebu and Saldivar said they were pleased to be able to bring more attention to their schools and the Bay Point community as a result of this honor. They are both passionate educators who build strong relationships with their students and who enjoy working collaboratively with other staff members at their schools to meet students' needs. They represent diverse learners such as Kindergartners who are learning to read and write in both English and Spanish, and Special Education students in middle school, including some who are mainstreamed in general education classes as they prepare for high school.  Acebu teaches 7th and 8th grade Special Day Class students at Riverview MS in Bay Point, where she builds students' skills and confidence, using technology, humor and individualized instruction. In addition, she mentors new teachers and serves as the school's Technology Integration Leader (TIL), while also pursuing a doctorate in Education. Saldivar teaches Kindergarten at Shore Acres Elementary in Bay Point, as the English partner in the Dual Language program that also includes Spanish instruction. She provides students with a strong foundation in phonics as they learn to read and write, and focuses on Science and Social Studies in her English Language Development (ELD) instruction to build students' vocabularies.  Mary Acebu Mary Acebu uses technology to teach history to her 7th and 8th grade Special Day Class (left). Acebu bonds with 8th grade student King Dunbar (right). Acebu, 33, was born in the Philippines, where she started teaching special education in a private school before immigrating to the U.S. Her mother immigrated to the U.S. while Acebu was a child, so she was raised largely by her father. Once in the U.S., she continued teaching special education to elementary and high school students in a non-public school in Antioch, then began teaching Special Day Class (SDC) students in 7th and 8th grades at Riverview MS 10 years ago. In addition, she mentors student teachers through the  Saint Mary's College Teacher Residency Program with MDUSD , as well as the CalStateTEACH program at Fresno State University. And she is the Technology Integration Leader (TIL) at her school, who helps staff learn to implement new technology on campus. "With Special Education, it's different every day and every year," Acebu said. "Every single student has a story. I like getting to know them, seeing the potential in them, and helping them get to where they need to be. When you build relationships, you enable rigor. Once they see that a teacher cares for them as a human being, that translates to buy-in on lessons and you can reach them at a higher level." She noted that in a Title 1 (low income) school, many students have experienced trauma and things happening at home affect how they behave and perform academically. "I like seeing growth," she said. "I see my kids getting better everyday, even if it takes a long time. I know that it takes a village to raise our children and I'm happy to be a part of that. I know they feel safe in my classroom and they're loved. They are not afraid to ask questions. Sometimes they say I'm the only one who makes them happy." Focusing on students' Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is very important, Acebu says, explaining that she celebrates "small wins" in the classroom. "When everyone is on time. When everyone is working, we celebrate," she said. The celebrations can consist of verbal praise, positive behavior prizes, treats such as hot chocolate, or taking a break. As an immigrant English learner who was separated from her mother as a child and sometimes ate rice and soy sauce for lunch and dinner, Acebu said she can relate to issues some of her students face. "I want them to know that if you're given the right tools, you're not going to go astray," she said. She is proud that she has helped some students to move into mainstream general education classes with the support of resource teachers by showing them they were capable of doing that. She teaches a Life Skills Transitions class that introduces them to career pathways and virtual college tours, while also teaching them about the importance of building characteristics such as responsibility and resilience. "I want them to realize that you can do anything if you put your heart into it," she said. "If you really want something, you can achieve it." Acebu is one of three teachers on campus bringing the  Ocean Ambassadors science program to students. She modifies the lessons to make them appropriate for her students in collaboration with the general education teachers, using Universal Design for Learning strategies. Programs like these are crucial to Bay Point students, including some who have never been to the beach or to San Francisco, in part because parents work seven days a week or don't have cars. She is grateful to her colleagues at Riverview, including Para-educator Kim Montano, with whom she has worked for 10 years, and her new Student Teacher Andre Walker. "We used to be a dynamic duo," she said, "and now we're a terrific trio." She wants to help bring about positive changes in the lives of her students, the new teachers she mentors, and among her colleagues at Riverside. "I just want to help people," Acebu said. This drive has motivated her to purse a doctorate in Instructional Technology through the American College of Education and to enroll in the Administrative Leadership Program offered by the Contra Costa County Office of Education. Her doctoral dissertation focuses on professional development and technology in Title 1 middle schools, which she says is sometimes not comprehensive enough to inspire teachers to embrace new resources. "When teachers feel supported and empowered and given the right resources," she said, "that results in better student outcomes." King Dunbar, one of Acebu's 8th grade students, said she is a good teacher. "If we're having trouble with understanding something, we can always count on her to help us out with it," he said. "She helps me figure things out myself. She always has a nice attitude she brings to the class and she makes everybody happy." Acebu also builds relationships with students' families, which has resulted in some students and parents coming back to campus after students leave just to visit with her. Erika Colon, whose son Tyron McAllister was Acebu's student before he entered 9th grade at Mt. Diablo HS this year, visited with Acebu on Thursday with Tyron. "What I really like about her is she really works with you and your kids and she doesn't beat around the bush," Colon said. "She pushes them to their potential. I love that about her. She doesn't let them put themselves down. She shows them what they can do. She understands them. She knows what they need. She connects with them, but she's firm with them. I don't think we could ask for a better teacher than her. She makes her classroom fun. She really brings them love and joy just to be here. We have a parent-teacher bond. She comes to our students' high school graduations. She's amazing. She's rare." Tyron agreed. "She's the best teacher ever," he said, recalling the fun he had learning math in a "battle competition" where students would complete problems in front of the class.  Acebu's CalTEACH mentee, Malachi Tripp, who teaches 6th grade Core English Language Arts and history at Riverview, also praised Acebu. "As a mentor, she is the best leader and coach you could ever dream of," he said, adding that her emotional intelligence and ability to understand people and situations is invaluable, along with her technology expertise. "She's very detailed and organized and she can come up with something that will open your eyes and amaze you." Tripp said she encouraged him to use technology such as Canva, even though he used to run from it. And he proudly told her that an administrator recently praised his use of a digital textbook, which was thanks to her. "She's changed my whole outlook on teaching, especially with what we have to deal with on a day to day basis," he said. "It's a blessing, it's a great thing for all of us, her being Teacher of the Year and being recognized for what she has done for the past 10+ years. She has said it takes a village. She has given love to all the people before her, who helped her get here today. Riverview is big on that." Tripp said he has seen the strong relationships Acebu builds with her students and feels a strong bond with her as his mentor. As a former Riverview student who attended Concord HS, then graduated from Mt. Diablo HS in 2002, Tripp said he wants to follow in Acebu's footsteps by helping others who want to get into the teaching profession, paying it forward, just like she has. April Saldivar April Saldivar high-fives her student after he reads to her in a small group (left). Saldivar stands with her Spanish Dual Language Kindergarten program partner teacher Raquel Garcia Esquivel (right). Saldivar, 47, started her career as a daycare provider before obtaining her teaching credential and becoming a teacher at Shore Acres Elementary, where she has taught for eight years. She taught 1st grade, then became the Dual Language English partner for 1st grade, then taught Kindergarten during the pandemic over Zoom. She is now the English partner in the school's Dual Language Kindergarten program, working closely with Spanish language partner teacher Raquel Garcia Esquivel. "I have always been interested in working with kids," she said. "After working for 15 years as a daycare provider, I knew I wanted to level up and reach out to broader communities." She studied sociology and education at UC Davis in her 30s. "Those studies helped me to know the student populations I wanted to serve," she said. "I was looking for a school like Shore Acres to help students access resources, reach their potential and work collaboratively with a community like this."  The small Bay Point campus has welcomed her with open arms. "Shore Acres has been an amazing school," Saldivar said. "My colleagues have been my greatest teachers - showing me how to teach well, differentiate, and discern what students need in the classroom. Being in the Dual Language program as the English side allows me access to the culture and the special place that Shore Acres is. The community is a very close-knit, tight, supportive, loving community and being a teacher here is a privilege." In the Dual Language Program, Saldivar teaches 26 students in English for part of the day, then switches students with Garcia Esquival, and teaches 27 students for another portion of the day. This means both teachers are educating 53 students together, but in separate classrooms and in different languages. "And we have to assess each of them, so it’s a big load," Saldivar said. "We have to be very efficient, but at the same time, make sure they get everything they need." To help build their vocabulary in English, she uses the social studies and science curriculum during English Language Development (ELD). And Garcia Esquival teaches Spanish Language Development (SLD), to build students' vocabulary in Spanish.  Saldivar has been working to strengthen the Dual Language program and improve literacy scores by implementing "science of reading" practices such as emphasizing phonics in her classroom over the past three years. "I have seen profound changes in achievement," she said, noting that she helped pilot these materials in the District. "I immediately saw the great effects that science of reading-based practices had on teaching literacy. It is very strong in phonemic awareness, syllable work, and sounds - all to get the kids to build the parts of their brain that can take apart sounds and put them together, give them meaning, blend, and segment - to build those structures in their brain so they can read, so it’s not so laborious, or a chore. That’s what we’re building upon - making sure our literacy instruction is strong. For me, the most important thing I can give my kinders is the ability to read by the time they leave kindergarten." She also tries to meet students' Social and Emotional (SEL) and developmental needs, praising them when they sound out words or break them into syllables, and listening empathetically to anything they want to share during "carpet time."  As a Kindergarten teacher, Saldivar said she enjoys helping students to build confidence in themselves as learners. "I love when the students start to believe in themselves - that they are achieving," she said. "When they start kindergarten, they don’t know yet what they’re capable of. When they read on their own, that look on their face when they say, 'I’m doing it,' it's priceless." She also enjoys working with Olympic HS students who help her students as teaching assistants to earn service learning credit. "Some of them speak Spanish and a lot of them are from the Shore Acres community," Saldivar said. "So, it’s wonderful because they can feel very useful and they’re giving back to Shore Acres."  Saldivar said she and all the Shore Acres teachers work to show the students their potential, and to show them they’re capable of anything. "As an AVID elementary school, we’re always trying to prepare the kids to believe that their future is in college or in a career," she said. "They can imagine themselves going there. We make a plan for how they get there." Flipping through one student's AVID Binder, she showed information that is shared with parents to help them study with their children. "Students who are the most organized are the most successful in school," she said, explaining that the AVID binder helps students learn how to be organized and shows parents how to build on what their children are learning in English, Spanish, literacy and math. "I show the parents exactly how I'm teaching during parent teacher conferences," she said. "I show them how to use sound boxes (boxes on paper that students write letters in to sound out words). I share high frequency words, and letter sounds, so at home, parents can support them. Getting the students to reach their goals takes a team. This AVID binder gives the parents the tools to do that both in English and Spanish. Students work on it at home and at school, so it’s a big part of becoming scholars, becoming students of excellence."  Her teammates said Saldivar greatly deserves this recognition. "She's amazing," said TK Dual Language Spanish Partner teacher Blanca Lopez Casado, adding that she learns a lot from Saldivar. "She goes the extra mile. She teaches in a very pedagogical way that is differentiated and individualized. She's like the captain of the ship." Garcia Esquivel added: "We've been together three years now. The reason I like to teach kindergarten is because of her. I love working with her so much." District News Schools and District Offices are closed Monday, Feb. 16 for the Presidents' Day Holiday MDUSD schools and District Offices will be closed Monday, February 16 due to the Presidents' Day Holiday . Schools and District Offices will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 17 Board Briefs: Board met Feb. 11 to hear reports on Dual Language Program changes, audit  The MDUSD Board met Feb. 11 to hear reports on Dual Language Program changes at Shore Acres and Bancroft/Woodside elementary schools, the District audit, and the District Black Educators Association, among other items. The agenda is here . The next Board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25 in the District Office Boardroom to recognize 2026-27 Teachers of the Year, finalists and nominees, among other items. The agenda will be posted here after 5 p.m. Feb. 20. Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark's Weekly Organizational Update to the Board, which includes detailed District operations reports from Department leaders, is here . An archive of past reports is here . Two MDUSD administrators win Regional Administrator of the Year Award Congratulations to Crossroads HS/Olympic HS Administrator Coleen Martin and SOAR Program Specialist Dr.  Rosie Reid, who have both been named ACSA (Association of California School Administrators) Region 6 Administrators of the Year! Martin earned this recognition as a Continuation/Educational Options Administrator and Reid earned the recognition as a Student Services Administrator. Both will represent Region 6 - which includes administrators in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties - in the State ACSA Administrator of the Year competition. Black History Month Celebration at Gregory Gardens Elementary drew over 200 people The Districtwide Black History Month celebration held in partnership with the AAPAC (African American Parent Advisory Council) included art, songs, poetry and biographical information about important figures in Black history presented by Gregory Gardens Elementary students. It concluded with a Black History Trivia game hosted by Family Engagement Coordinator Dr. Lamont Francies, followed by food and beverages provided by the host families. "What unfolded tonight was more than a program, it was a powerful celebration of culture, history, student voice, and community," said Gregory Gardens Elementary Principal Katie Koontz, after the event, adding that the campus was filled with energy and pride. "From the heartfelt singing, to poetry, artwork and biographies, every performance honored the voices and legacy of Black Americans with thoughtfulness and respect." Please click on this reel to see highlights from the event . Parent Advisory Committee meeting on Feb. 17 to include Food Services & Facilities Presentations MDUSD's Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) will meet from 5:30 - 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 17 at Willow Creek Center, 1026 Mohr Lane, in Concord. The  agenda includes: ● Introductions - Samantha Allen ● State of the District - Dr. Clark ● Food Services - Alexandra Emmott ● Facilities - Melanie Koslow ● Announcements - Samantha Allen Future Meeting Dates: ● March 17, 2026 ● April 28, 2026 ● May 19, 2026 Teen Journaling Workshops at Ygnacio Valley library led by Northgate HS student starting Feb. 18 Northgate HS senior Ava Scattergood (left) is hosting free Expressive Writing Journaling Workshops for Teens from 4:15-4:45 p.m. Feb. 18, March 18 and April 29 as part of her Senior Project. These guided sessions help teens relax, reflect, and connect with peers. Teens are encouraged to bring a friend. Journals, pencils, and cupcakes will be provided. For questions, contact Ava at ava.j.scattergood@gmail.com More information about Ava's interest in journaling is here . FAFSA/CADAA Priority Deadline is March 2! Family Financial Aid Night is Feb. 19 at Concord HS The California Priority Deadline for submitting financial aid applications is March 2, 2026. All seniors must submit either the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)  or the CADAA (California Dream Act Application) to be considered for state and federal financial aid. MDUSD College & Career Advisors are here to help! The following College & Career Advisors are offering workshops and one-on-one support during the school day to help students and families complete their applications leading up to the March 2 deadline: Erika Ramos , Mt. Diablo HS David Walters, College Park HS Janine Santos, Northgate HS Maria Cardona , Ygnacio Valley HS Sheila Bergum, College and Career Advisor at Concord High School will host a Financial Aid Night Workshop on February 19 at 6:00 PM in the Concord High School College & Career Center.  All MDUSD seniors and their families are welcome. No pre-registration is required Please bring: Chromebook, Social Security Number, 2024 tax information (W-2s or other tax forms, if available) Important : Assembly Bill 469 requires all California high school seniors to submit a FAFSA or CADAA. This mandate ensures students are considered for financial aid and helps increase college access. Don’t forget scholarships! Meet with your College & Career Advisor to learn where and how to apply for scholarships— free money for college! Free Movie Nights featuring "Counted Out: Math is Power" film starting Feb. 18 at Northgate HS Families, educators and community members are invited to a Free Movie Night featuring a film by Vicki Abeles - "Counted Out: Math is Power," presented by the Contra Costa County Office of Education and Mt. Diablo Unified School District. DATES AND DETAILS February 18th: Northgate High School Little Theater Register for Tickets February 24th: Concord High Multi-Use Room Register For Tickets March 4th: Pleasant Hill Library, 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.) Register for Tickets In our current information economy, math is everywhere. Whether we know it or not, our numeric literacy—whether we can speak the language of math—is a critical determinant of social and economic power. Prepare to be both entertained and inspired by this insightful movie. MDUSD Career Pathways Winter Newsletter, 2025-26 includes Career Pathway Highlights The MDUSD Career Pathway s Winter Newsletter, 2025-2026 (attached), includes several upcoming events, such as: After School Work Readiness Workshops Trades Day at Los Medanos College  B.E.S.T. Day Allied Health Fair at Mt. Diablo Adult Education Center Campus to Commerce Showcase at John Muir Health in Concord It also includes the following Career Pathway highlights: 8th Grade CTE Fair First Friday Coffee Work-Readiness Workshops Dual Enrollment classes Education Pathway at Ygnacio Valley HS Consumer Services at Olympic HS High school students can earn college credits through Summer DVC Career Academies This summer, high school students have the opportunity to explore exciting career pathways, earn college credit, and gain hands-on experience through the  Diablo Valley College (DVC) Career Academies . These short-term summer courses are designed specifically for high school students who want to get a head start on college while discovering careers in fields such as healthcare, technology, engineering, public safety, business, animation, robotics, and more. Career Academies combine  college-level instruction, real-world projects, and interactive learning —giving students a meaningful preview of college expectations in a supportive environment. Students not only build confidence and valuable skills, but also strengthen their college and career resumes while saving time and money by earning college credit early. Courses run throughout June and July, fill quickly, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage students and families to review the course options, apply early, and take advantage of this unique summer opportunity. Please fill out the  Career Academies interest form  and in-person registration support will begin in mid March. If you have any questions please email dvccareeracademies@dvc.edu and Salinastognettij@mdusd.org .   Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum Review from March 4-11 MDUSD elementary school parents and guardians are invited to review the Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) materials currently being piloted at the elementary level. Teachers and counselors are piloting Schoolbeat and Second Step .  The district intends to select one of these two SEL programs to be used in all elementary classrooms next year. Review dates: March 4, 5, 6, 9, 10 & 11 Viewing times: 1:30–4:30 PM Location : Willow Creek Center, 1026 Mohr Lane, Concord School sites currently piloting : Ayers, El Monte, Fair Oaks, Gregory Gardens, Holbrook, Monte Gardens, Mt. Diablo, Mountain View, Pleasant Hill, Rio Vista, Strandwood, Walnut Acres, and Westwood elementary schools. Join us to provide feedback and help shape SEL instruction for our students. Student News   Mt. Diablo High School student placed second in the Contra Costa Poetry Out Loud Contest Congratulations to Mt. Diablo HS student Patrick Paul Porpayas, who placed 2nd  in the Poetry Out Loud Contra Costa contest!  Patrick received $100 and all entrants received a prize with gifts and a $25 gift card.  More information is here. Northgate HS Animation students attend premiere of Goat animation film at Grand Lake Theater Northgate Animation Pathway teacher Mrs. Michelle Carmon with her students Dylan Pagtakhan, Masa Yee,  Ealeanor Hopton, Lyne Talento, and Nic Serrano at the Goat premiere at the Grand Lake Theater (left). Student Nic Serrano was interviewed about his favorite part of the movie on the red carpet (right). On Tuesday, February 10th, Northgate Animation III students had the exciting opportunity of a lifetime — attending the premiere of the animated feature film  Goat at the historic Grand Lake Theater in Oakland, said Northgate HS Animation Pathway teacher Michelle Carmon. Goat tells the story of Will, a small but determined goat who earns a chance to join the pros and play Roarball — a high-intensity, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest and fiercest animals in the world. Despite being ridiculed by his teammates, Will sets out to revolutionize the sport and prove that “small can ball!” The film was produced by Stephen Curry, Rodney Rothman, Erick Peyton, Adam Rosenberg, and Michelle Raimo.  Students arrived at the theater at 5 p.m. as special guests, thanks to the generous sponsorship of Keith Zwolfer of the San Francisco Film Festival. “I can’t thank Keith enough for this rare experience,” said Mrs. Carmon, expressing her sincere gratitude for the opportunity. Keith has been a pivotal supporter of the animation program, consistently creating opportunities for advanced animation students to connect with industry professionals and gain real-world insight into the field, she added. The evening was filled with memorable moments. Student Masa Yee had the chance to meet Stephen Curry and received an autograph on his baseball cap. “He was the GOAT for making this movie and signing my hat!” Masa said enthusiastically. Additionally, Nic Serrano participated in a "step-and-repeat" on the red carpet, where he was interviewed about his favorite part of the movie. “My favorite part was when the character Modo started dancing because I love dancing!” Nic shared. It was an unforgettable evening that inspired students and highlighted the exciting possibilities within the animation industry, Mrs. Carmon said. School News Glenbrook Academy hosts Family Engagement Night in Bay Point community On February 5, 2026, Glenbrook Academy proudly hosted its first Family Engagement Night at Round Table Pizza in the Bay Point community. Families, students, and staff came together for an evening of food, conversation, and connection in a fun and welcoming setting close to home.  The event was a wonderful success and highlighted the strong sense of community that supports our students. We are excited to continue creating opportunities like this that strengthen family-school partnerships, build a positive school climate, and encourage student engagement and attendance School Social Media Highlights Holbrook Language Academy CARES; Mt. Diablo, Shore Acres and Walnut Acres elem. schools Mt. Diablo elementary students have been busy inside and outside the classroom. Recent social media highlights include: Holbrook Language Academy CARES program students offered goods and services during a “Grown Up Day” Fair for their classmates; Mt. Diablo Elementary students made hearts out of beautiful items from the school garden for Valentine’s Day; Shore Acres Elementary students  celebrated Black History Month with art projects; and Walnut Acres Elementary  teacher Mr. Richard taught students to play the recorder! Diablo View, Valley View and Riverview middle schools MDUSD middle school students have been having fun together. Recent social media highlights include: Diablo View MS students show their Super Bowl spirit; Valley View MS Leadership students hosted a “Capture the Cup” event at lunchtime; and Riverview MS students  enjoyed a Pac Man rally! Concord HS, Mt. Diablo HS, Northgate HS and Olympic HS MDUSD high school students and staff have been building community together. Recent social media highlights include: The Concord HS Link Crew  hosted a field day at Westwood Elementary; the Cafecito con las Consejeras at Mt. Diablo HS included mental health conversations and a restorative slime making session; the Northgate HS College & Career center posted student photos from the recent HBCU Fair; and Olympic HS celebrates recent grads! Important Dates Feb. 16:  Presidents Day Holiday  (Schools and District Offices closed) Feb. 17:  District Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)  meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Willow Creek Center in Concord Feb. 18 : "Counted Out: Math is Power"  film at Northgate HS (See District News above) Feb. 19: Measure J Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) meeting at 5 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom; District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)  meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Willow Creek Center Feb. 24:  "Counted Out: Math is Power" film at Concord HS (See District News above) Feb. 25: District Governing Board  meeting at 6 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom The Friday Letter is written and compiled by Theresa Harrington Brandt, Public Information and Community Relations Officer. Reach her at brandtt@mdusd.org for Friday Letter submissions.

Saturday, Feb 14 2026

Friday Letter - February 6, 2026

FEBRUARY 6, 2026 FRIDAY LETTER VOLUME 8 NO. 24 Dear Mt. Diablo Community, I’m excited to share another Friday Letter filled with articles and photos that reflect the pride and momentum across Mt. D. This week, we are spotlighting  the 7th Annual MDUSD HBCU Fair at Mt. Diablo High School , a successful event that brought together nearly 600 of our 11th and 12th grade students from across the district. It was inspiring to see so many students not only explore their future possibilities, but also receive on-the-spot college acceptances and scholarships that are truly life-changing.  We are celebrating  Career Technical Education Month by highlighting the exemplary Career Pathways across our District, opening doors and expanding opportunities for our students. You will read about students who are learning, leading, and achieving in remarkable ways, from Mt. Diablo High School’s Patient Care Pathway students  who engage in hands-on learning through violence prevention workshops, dual enrollment in community and public health, and psychological first aid training, to  Silverwood Elementary students being recognized at the PTA District level for their creativity and excellence in the PTA Reflections program.  Our school news includes examples of innovation and connection. This includes a new video and newsletter featuring T he Foundry Career Pathway in its inaugural year at Olympic HS . We will also share the joy of literacy through World Read Aloud Day , highlighting visits and special readings  at Westwood and Meadow Homes Elementary Schools .  Other highlights include: College Park HS Mock Trial team finishes its second year of competition School and Staff Social Media Highlights including recognitions for National School Counseling Week As always, thank you for being part of a community that believes in our students and works together to ensure every learner thrives. Thank you, Dr. Adam Clark Spotlight 7th Annual MDUSD HBCU Fair at Mt. Diablo HS attracts nearly 600 high school students MDUSD District and school counselors, college & career advisors, social work specialists, Educational Services and Student Services administrators, and HBCU reps celebrate a successful HBCU Fair (above)  Juniors and seniors from Concord HS show the acceptances, scholarships and information they received at the HBCU Fair (above). Drumline students from Mt. Diablo and Northgate high schools perform at the event (above left). A students speaks with Philander Smith University rep Ja'Wan Wright (above center). Concord HS juniors (l-r) Tatiana Razvaliaeff and Symone Rollins get ready to board the bus back to school after attending the fair (above right). The 7th Annual MDUSD Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Expo Thursday at Mt. Diablo High School attracted nearly 600 juniors and seniors from District high schools, who met with representatives from 21 HBCUs. Approximately $1.8 million in scholarships was offered to about 35 students, including some who received four-year scholarships and certified admittance awards. The HBCU representatives provided guidance on college readiness and shared the unique qualities of their colleges and universities with students. Ja'Wan Wright, from Philander Smith University in Little Rock, Ark., said the caravan HBCU program is traveling to several schools in California. "This gives us the opportunity to connect with students and show them what we have to offer," he said. Concord HS juniors Tatiana Razvalieaeff and Symone Rollins said they appreciated learning about different opportunities after graduation. "I'm here to experience my culture collectively with everyone and to see things I'm interested in," said Symone, who wants to study psychology. Tatiana, who wants to pursue arts and sports, added: "I'm here to see my options and see what scholarships I could get."  This year’s event also spotlighted the Drumlines from Mt. Diablo High School and Northgate High School, said Linda Pete, Director of Strategic Supports and Interventions. "The drum beats were energizing, and both schools highlighted the diverse talent in our schools." The event was successful thanks to the hard work and leadership of Instructional Program Specialist Dr. Diane Fitzpatrick and Mt. Diablo HS Career & College Advisor Erika Ramos, Pete added. Ramos said she enjoyed seeing smiles all around the event. "It warms my heart to know that students can see their potential options at an HBCU," Ramos said. Please click here to see a reel highlighting the event . District News Westwood Elementary and Meadow Homes Elementary celebrate World Read Aloud Day MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark reads, "The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath," by Julia Finley Mosca at Westwood Elementary. At Meadow Homes Elementary, Enrollment Services Director Aurelia Buscemi reads, "Never Follow a Dinosaur," by Alex Latimer (left), Board President Debra Mason reads, "The Black Stallion," by Walter Farley (center), and Multilingual Education Dept. Assistant Director Chitra Bhardwaj reads "Always Anjali," by Sheetal Sheth (right). Reel highlighting World Read Aloud Day (below). On " World Read Aloud Day, " which is celebrated the first Wednesday of February, Westwood Elementary and Meadow Homes Elementary invited special guests to read books to their students.  MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark read, "The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath," by Julia Finley Mosca, to a class of 3rd graders, and also to several 5th graders in the library at Westwood Elementary. He chose the book in recognition of February as Black and African American History Month . Dr. Clark encouraged students to read to find out about other interesting people and places. "You can go anywhere in the whole world through reading," he said. He also answered lots of questions from the students about the book, as well as about his job as Superintendent.  Click here to watch a reel highlighting the event. Meadow Homes Elementary welcomed more than a dozen guest readers to its campus, including Enrollment Services Director Aurelia Buscemi, Board President Debra Mason, and Multilingual Education Dept. Assistant Director Chitra Bhardwaj. Buscemi read "Never Follow a Dinosaur," by Alex Latimer, which she used to read to students when she was a Principal at Pleasant Hill Elementary, whose mascot is a dinosaur. Buscemi engaged the students with hand motions and asked them questions about the story. "It's a very interactive book," she said after the class. "Students use their literacy skills, such as predicting what is going to happen, and making sense of what they hear, by asking questions and going back and re-reading things that don't make sense." Trustee Mason said she chose "The Black Stallion" because it was one of her daughter's favorite books when she was a girl. Mason said she enjoys reading to students because she loves reading and hopes to pass that onto them. "I've read 3,000 books since I graduated from high school," Mason said. "I try to read a book a week - and I did last year." Bhardwaj said she chose "Always Anjali" because it is about a girl who was teased about her name being different, but then she learned to appreciate her identity. Bhardwaj said she wants our students to take pride in their diverse identities. She said the teacher planned to do a follow-up project with the students on this topic. Thank you to everyone who helped share their love of reading with our students! (See the Elementary School Social Media Highlights below for more photos from Meadow Homes Elementary.) What is a Career Pathway and why join a pathway? Concord HS Construction students frame a Tiny House (left). Concord HS Art Digital Media students design their own T-Shirt screens (right). The MDUSD Board has proclaimed February as Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. MDUSD’s  LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan) goals state that all MDUSD students will graduate College AND Career Ready. This goal demonstrates MDUSD’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to explore different careers, learning about the skills needed to succeed in those careers, and opportunities to practice the skills needed for a career. All students benefit from these experiences.  Students who participate in these CTE programs have the opportunity to meet professionals from the industry and learn more about the journey into those careers. Students also learn industry specific skills. Students in a Construction Pathway build a tiny house. Students in an Art Digital Media pathway collaborate with middle school students to design elements for a picture book that is professionally printed. Patient Care pathway students can get multiple industry certifications, including in CPR, that will make them more competitive when they look for a job.   Most importantly, in all of the pathways, students learn transferable skills that are required by all professions. They learn to creatively problem solve and to collaborate and work as a team. They learn professionalism. All students will need these skills. MDUSD encourages your students to explore the different pathway options at their high schools. Click on the links below to watch videos that highlight the different pathways at MDUSD high schools.  MDUSD Career Pathways Overview Concord High School College Park High School Mt. Diablo High School (more information about the Patient Care Pathway is under "Student News" below) Northgate High School Olympic High School (more information about The Foundry Pathway is under "School News" below) Ygnacio Valley High School MDUSD Adult Education Lifelong Learning program offers new classes in February MDUSD's Adult Lifelong Education program has plenty to offer in February, including: art, cooking, crafts - including Creative Floral Design (pictured left*), finance, fitness, home improvement, personal enrichment, technology, woodturning, and woodworking!  Details are in the program's  February newsletter here .  More information about Mt. Diablo Adult Education is on the MDAE website here.   *Lifelong Ed Floral Design instructor Jimmie St. Arnold is pleased to announce that she and three of her students, Grace Yu, Judith Garcia, and Mary Jane Herr, will be exhibiting pieces in the De Young Museum’s 42nd annual Bouquets to Art 2026 March 3rd - 8th. Congratulations! Jimmie's previous Bouquets to Art entry (left). Cafecito Con Las Consejeras" (Coffee with the counselors) is Saturday, Feb. 7 at Mt. Diablo HS Las Consejeras from MDUSD (Angela Ordaz, Leidi Arias, Marice Torres, Yaretzie Amaya) cordially invite you to our Coffee with the Counselors (Cafecito #3) on Saturday 2/7/2026 from 10:00 am-12:00 p.m. at Mt. Diablo High School's library, 2450 Grant St., Concord. Our areas of focus for this day will be social emotional wellness and mental health, positive coping skills, helpful resources and ongoing connection activities with our families throughout the morning. RSVP here. We look forward to welcoming you! Hablamos Español. Kindergarten Intradistrict Transfer Window will be open from February 10 through March 10 The 2026-2027 Kindergarten Intradistrict Transfer Window will be open from February 10 through March 10.  The transfer application will be available to currently enrolled students for all schools, except Sequoia and Monte Gardens elementary schools, whose transfer window closed in November 2025.  Once the transfer window opens, a link to the application will be posted on the Intradistrict Transfer webpage for parents/guardians to complete. Please note: All TK students who are currently enrolled at a school other than their school of residence must submit an intradistrict transfer request if they wish to remain at that school for kindergarten. In addition, all TK students currently enrolled in a dual language program at Shore Acres, Holbrook, or Ygnacio Valley Elementary do not need to reapply.   Information session for MDUSD Teacher Residency Program at Saint Mary’s College is Feb. 10 MDUSD, in collaboration with St. Mary’s College of California, launched a Teacher Residency Grant Program this school year and is preparing to enter into the second year of the program for the 2026–27 school year. This hands-on residency supports candidates pursuing a Multiple Subject, Special Education, or Single Subject (Math or Science) California preliminary teaching credential, with an option to add a Bilingual Spanish Authorization. Program highlights include: • Monthly stipend • Individualized mentorship in an MDUSD classroom • Guaranteed substitute teaching opportunities • Priority consideration for future MDUSD teaching positions We invite you to attend our upcoming Virtual Information Session from 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 to learn more about the program and application process.  More information about the program is here .  Please  Click Here to Register . College Now information night is Tuesday, Feb. 10 at Mt. Diablo HS in Concord MDUSD's  College Now program at Diablo Valley College (DVC) is recruiting students who will be high school juniors and seniors in 2026-27 for the program, which gives students the opportunity to take 3–4 high school classes each day, taught by MDUSD teachers, while also enrolling in DVC courses that meet high school graduation requirements, all on the DVC campus.  The program is hosting a Family Information Night at 6 p.m. Feb. 10 at Mt. Diablo HS. ( See flyers ). Applications are due Feb. 12. Board Briefs: Board meets Tuesday, Feb. 11 to receive audit report, Dual Immersion report  The MDUSD Board will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 to hear reports on the District audit, Dual Immersion program changes at Shore Acres and Bancroft elementary schools, and a District Black Educators Association presentation, among other items. The agenda is here . Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark's Weekly Organizational Update to the Board, which includes detailed District operations reports from Department leaders, is here . An archive of past reports is here . Districtwide Black History Month Celebration is Feb. 12 at Gregory Gardens Elementary In partnership with MDUSD AAPAC (African American Parent Advisory Committee), Gregory Gardens Elementary is excited to invite District families and community to join us for a meaningful Black History Month Celebration, hosted at Gregory Gardens on behalf of the district. This special evening will celebrate history, culture, and the contributions of Black leaders—past and present—while highlighting student learning and the school’s ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and social justice. 📅 Thursday, February 12, 2026 ⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM 📍 Multi-use Room More information is here . RSVP requested here . Schools and District Offices closed Monday, February 16 for Presidents' Day MDUSD schools and District Offices will be closed Monday, February 16 in honor of the Presidents' Day holiday. Schools and District Offices will reopen on Tuesday, February 17. Free Movie Nights featuring "Counted Out: Math is Power" film starting Feb. 18 at Northgate HS Families, educators and community members are invited to a Free Movie Night featuring a film by Vicki Abeles - "Counted Out: Math is Power," presented by the Contra Costa County Office of Education and Mt. Diablo Unified School District. DATES AND DETAILS February 18th: Northgate High School Little Theater Register for Tickets February 24th: Concord High Multi-Use Room Register For Tickets March 4th : Pleasant Hill Library, 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 5:30 p.m.) Register for Tickets In our current information economy, math is everywhere. Whether we know it or not, our numeric literacy—whether we can speak the language of math—is a critical determinant of social and economic power. Prepare to be both entertained and inspired by this insightful movie. Student News Mt. Diablo High School’s Patient Care Pathway students engaged in hands-on learning Mt. Diablos HS students in teacher Dr. David Pintado's Emergency Medical Responder course completed in a five-day workshop series led by Contra Costa Health's Violence Prevention Program (above). Guest speaker Savannah Crippen, MPH, speaks to students in the Dual Enrollment Introduction to Community and Public Health Course (below left). Students are trained in Psychological First Aid (below right). Mt. Diablo HS Patient Care Pathway teacher Dr. David Pintado is proud to share that students in his Emergency Medical Responder course recently completed a five-day workshop series led by Contra Costa Health's Violence Prevention Program. "The series introduced students to a public health approach to violence prevention, covering emergency response skills, de-escalation techniques, and community healing pathways," he said. "Through interactive scenarios and hands-on practice, students learned how to recognize and respond to situations before, during, and after violent incidents occur. The workshop emphasized that violence is preventable—and that young people have a critical role to play in building safer communities." Dr. Pintado is also excited to share that the "Introduction to Community and Public Health" Dual Enrollment Course in partnership with Diablo Valley College officially started at Mt. Diablo HS with the participation of guest Speaker Savannah Crippen MPH, a representative of the nonprofit organization Charlie's Health Program. Students in this class earn both high school and college credits. Finally, Dr. Pintado shared that students who are HOSA Future Health Professionals club members received a 2-hour training in Psychological First Aid presented by the Contra Costa County Health Program in collaboration with the Medical Reserve Corps Program at the Emergency Medical Services office in Martinez. Congrats to all! Silverwood Elementary students recognized for entries in PTA Reflections program The 32nd District PTA Reflections Showcase honored award recipients from throughout Contra Costa County, including 3 Silverwood Elementary students (above left). Cade Morphis (above center) received an Award of Merit, and Samantha Picenta (above right) and Lilian Amirchian (not pictured) went on to earn Honorable Mentions. Cheryl Kolano, Secretary for the Mt Diablo Council of PTAs, awards certificates to Silverwood Elementary students Alana Mireles (left), Aarto Lair (center) and Kyra Escobar (right) for their PTA Reflections entries. Six Silverwood Elementary students were recognized for their participation in the PTA Reflections Program, a national program that celebrates children's art and creativity. Three of the students were also honored at the PTA Reflections reception on Jan. 24 at the Contra Costa County Office of Education offices in Pleasant Hill.  Cade Morphis received an Award of Merit from the 32nd District PTA in the "Film K-2nd grade" category. Samantha Picena and Lilian Amirchian each received Honorable Mentions from the 32nd District PTA. Samantha entered the "Literature 3rd-5th grade" category, and Lilian entered the "Dance 3rd-5th grade" category. Students Kyra Escobar, Alana Mireles and Aarto Lair each received certificates from Cheryl Kolano, Secretary for the Mt Diablo Council of PTAs, on Friday, along with the other award winners. Kyra entered the "Visual Arts, 3rd-5th grades" category, Alana entered the "Visual Arts, K-2nd grade" category, and Aarto entered the "Music, 3rd - 5th grade" category. Congratulations to all!  College Park HS Mock Trial team finishes its second year of competition The College Park HS Mock Trial Defense Team included (front row l-r) Emily Engebretson, Bailey Bevitz, Jasper O'Steen, (middle row l-r) Eva Balogh, Lucy Hicks, (back row l-r) Azzaya Yau, Dylan Napierski, and Celia Roe (left). The Prosecution Team (front row l-r) Sofia Maksimovic, Kyra Paskos, Brianna Reyes, Gwen Stroot, and Isabella Modir stand with (back row l-r) teacher coach Amy Hiatt and team members Gabriel Thomas, Carter Middleton, and Celia Roe (right). College Park High teacher and Mock Trial team coach Amy Hiatt said the school's team finished the Contra Costa County Office of Education's Mock Trial preliminary rounds in 18th place out of 20 schools from across the county. This marked the team's second year of competition, in which they finished ahead of Clayton Valley Charter High School and Richmond High School.  "Since receiving the case in September, the team has dedicated countless lunch, after school and weekend hours preparing their case and roles for this year's competition," said Hiatt, who provided guidance to the team along with "their amazing attorney coaches, Barbara Matthews and Jane Mariani."  "These students should be incredibly proud of their performance and dedication to this year's Mock Trial competition," Hiatt said. "We are already looking forward to strengthening our skills based on feedback throughout the process and competing again next year." The top 8 teams are moving on to semi-finals next week. An awards night will be held on February 19th, in which all participants are eligible to receive awards or honorable mentions for their participation on the Defense or Prosecution teams.  School News New video and newsletter feature The Foundry Career Pathway in its first year at Olympic HS                                                             MDUSD's College and Career Readiness Department and Olympic HS are excited to share the latest Career Pathways video on our  MDUSD College and Career YouTube page, featuring The Foundry at Olympic High School—an innovative, student-centered program that puts career exploration, real-world skills, and personal growth at the heart of learning! The Foundry is a unique consumer services-focused career pathway designed to help students discover their interests, build essential workplace skills, and prepare for life after high school through project-based learning, reflection, and community engagement. In this program, students take the lead in their learning by researching careers, engaging in meaningful discussions, and connecting classroom learning with hands-on experiences in the community. Through “leave to learn” days and exploration activities, students delve into topics that matter to them, meet professionals in fields related to consumer services, and begin shaping their next steps—whether that’s further education, training, or entering the workforce. The Foundry’s philosophy is built around curiosity, community, and confidence—helping students ignite their spark, develop new skills, and connect what they love with real opportunities ahead. We invite our MDUSD staff, families, teachers, and community partners to  check out the video , read The Spark newsletter (attached) celebrate the creativity and growth of our students, and learn more about this remarkable pathway shaping futures here at Olympic High School.  If you, or someone you know, would be interested in connecting with The Foundry to support the program, please scan the QR code or  click this link to complete a form , or contact the program coordinator Danya Townsend at townsendd@mdusd.org. School Social Media Highlights Delta View, Gregory Gardens, Meadow Homes and Bel Air elementary schools MDUSD elementary school students have been enjoying time together inside and outside of their classrooms. Recent Social Media Highlights include: Delta View Elementary students  enjoy a performance by Lion Dancers in celebration of the Lunar New Year; Gregory Gardens Elementary  celebrates Heritage Night; Meadow Homes Elementary students listen to guest readers on World Read Aloud Day; and Bel Air Elementary students  earned outstanding attendance recognitions, reflecting Bear pride making attendance a priority! Diablo View, Riverview and Valley View middle schools MDUSD middle school students have been engaging in fun and educational activities. Recent Social Media Highlights include: Diablo View MS students and teachers dress as each other on “Teacher/Student Flip Flop Day; Riverview MS students in the Principal Advisory Club met with Principal Mrs. McLennan to discuss cell phone usage on campus and how they would feel about not having their cell phones during classes; and  Valley View MS students enjoyed a field trip to SFMOMA! Concord HS, Mt. Diablo HS, Olympic HS and Ygnacio Valley HS MDUSD high school students have been celebrating. Recent Social Media Highlights include: Concord HS Girls Wrestling celebrates DAL Dual Team championship; Mt. Diablo HS and District staff and students  celebrated the successful 7th Annual HBCU Fair on the campus; Olympic HS celebrated getting a new “Phoenix Nest” banner; and Ygnacio Valley HS  celebrated 33 newly reclassified Fluent English students at its English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) meeting! Staff Social Media Highlights Counselors at Walnut Acres Elementary, Holbrook Language Academy, Mt. Diablo HS, Ygnacio Valley HS, Oak Grove MS, Bel Air Elementary, Pleasant Hill MS and Northgate HS MDUSD counselors celebrated National School Counseling Week in a variety of ways. Recent Social Media Highlights include: Walnut Acres Elementary thanks counselor Ms. Finn for always listening, caring and making days a little brighter; Elementary Counselor Angela Ordaz' students  wrote about why every student deserves a school counselor; Mt. Diablo HS counselors celebrated four years together as a team; Oak Grove MS thanks its counselors and wellness team for all they do for students; Bel Air Elementary thanks Mr. Rosales for all he does for their students and school community; Pleasant Hill MS administrators thank Counselors Lily and Robin  with treats and small gifts; and Northgate Counselors Mrs. Owen , Mrs. Santos , Ms. Driver and Mrs. Torres-Shahan  explain how they amplify and support student success! Thank you to all our counselors for all that you do to amplify and support student success! Important Dates Feb. 7:  Cafecito Con Las Consejeras  (Coffee with the Counselors) from 10 a.m. to noon at Mt. Diablo HS (See District News above) Feb. 10 : Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC)  meeting at 7 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom Feb. 11: District Governing Board  meeting at 6 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom Feb. 12: Districtwide Black History Month Celebration at 6 p.m. at Gregory Gardens Elementary ( RSVP requested ) Feb. 16:  Presidents Day Holiday  (Schools and District Offices closed) Feb. 17: District Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)  meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Willow Creek Center in Concord Feb. 19: Measure J Citizen’s Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) meeting at 5 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom; District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)  meeting at 5:30 p.m. at Willow Creek Center The Friday Letter is written and compiled by Theresa Harrington Brandt, Public Information and Community Relations Officer. Reach her at brandtt@mdusd.org for Friday Letter submissions.

Saturday, Feb 07 2026