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College Fair flyer

The 12th Annual MDUSD College Fair will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 at Ygnacio Valley HS, 755 Oak Grove Road in Concord.

It is open only to students and parents/guardians from MDUSD high schools or Adult programs.

Students must show a student ID or proof of attending a MDUSD Adult program to enter the fair.

Highlights:
● Meet more than 90 representatives from colleges and universities.
● Learn about other post-secondary options and gather resources.
● Get answers to questions and make an informed decision about the right fit.
● Ideal for HS juniors and seniors!

This event is run entirely by volunteers. To volunteer or ask questions, email mdusdcollegefair@gmail.com.

College Fair flyer

 

Spanish College Fair Flyer

College Fair flyer

Read More about 12th Annual MDUSD College Fair is Thursday, Oct. 24th at Ygnacio Valley HS in Concord
MDUSD 2024 CAASPP results

On Oct. 10th, MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark sent the following message to District parents and staff members:

Dear MDUSD Families,

I hope this letter finds you well during our first Fall Break. This letter contains important information about the results from the state testing our students participated in last spring under the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). Each spring, California public school students in grades 3-8 and 11 take state standardized tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and math to assess their progress in meeting grade-level standards.

This year, there are a few changes to how the results are categorized. The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium has updated the descriptions of performance levels:

  • "Exceeding standards" is now referred to as “Advanced grade level knowledge and skills.”

  • "Meeting standards" is now labeled as “Proficient in grade level knowledge and skills.”

  • "Standard nearly met" is now called “Foundational grade level knowledge and skills.”

  • "Standard not met" is now described as “Inconsistent grade level knowledge and skills.”

Despite these new descriptions, the state still groups “Advanced” and “Proficient” results as "meeting or exceeding standards" in their overall reports. Additionally, levels 2, 3, and 4 are referred to as "Grade level performance with increased levels of accuracy and complexity."

When looking at MDUSD's overall results, our students scored slightly below the statewide average in ELA but above the statewide average in math. However, the district did not show the same rate of improvement as the statewide averages in either subject area. Here are some highlights:

  • ELA: Statewide, students meeting or exceeding standards increased from 46.6% to 47.0% (+0.4), while MDUSD saw a slight decline from 45.99% to 45.52% (-0.47).

  • Math: Statewide, students meeting or exceeding standards rose from 34.6% to 35.6% (+1.0), while MDUSD increased from 36.38% to 37.34% (+0.96).

We have also broken down the data for key student groups:

  • White students in MDUSD scored slightly higher than those statewide in both ELA and math. Both state and district students saw slight declines in ELA but improvements in math.

    • ELA: CA white students declined from 60.72% to 60.24% (-0.48), while MDUSD white students declined from 62.23% to 61.72% (-0.51).

    • Math: CA white students improved from 49.02% to 49.57% (+0.55), and MDUSD white students rose from 52.93% to 54.55% (+1.62).

  • Black/African American students in MDUSD scored slightly below the statewide average in ELA but slightly above the state average in math. MDUSD students saw more improvement in ELA than the state average but slightly less improvement in math.

    • ELA: CA students rose from 29.9% to 30.3% (+0.5), while MDUSD students increased from 27.71% to 28.75% (+1.04).

    • Math: CA students increased from 14.2% to 15.0% (+0.8), and MDUSD students rose from 18.16% to 18.47% (+0.31).

  • Hispanic/Latino students in MDUSD performed below statewide averages in both ELA and math, with lower improvement rates in both subjects.

    • ELA: CA students increased from 36.1% to 36.8% (+0.7), while MDUSD students declined from 29.42% to 28.04% (-1.38).

    • Math: CA students increased from 18.9% to 19.6% (+0.7), while MDUSD students rose slightly from 18.82% to 19.05% (+0.27).

  • Socioeconomically disadvantaged students in MDUSD scored below statewide averages in both subjects, and the rate of improvement was slower than state averages.

    • ELA: CA students increased from 35.3% to 36.8% (+1.5), while MDUSD students rose from 25.89% to 26.93% (+1.04).

    • Math: CA students increased from 22.9% to 25% (+2.1), while MDUSD students rose from 16.44% to 17.89% (+1.45).

  • Foster youth in MDUSD saw a significant decline in both ELA and math performance, in contrast to slight improvements statewide.

    • ELA: CA students rose from 19.43% to 19.92% (+0.49), while MDUSD students dropped from 41.67% to 7.14% (-34.53).

    • Math: CA students increased from 10.47% to 11.15% (+0.68), while MDUSD students declined from 15.38% to 0% (-15.38).

We recognize the importance of addressing these disparities and are committed to providing additional resources and support to help all students succeed. We will continue working diligently to close achievement gaps and ensure that every student in our district has the opportunity to thrive.

For more detailed information on MDUSD’s CAASPP results, please visit the following links: MDUSD Standardized Test Scores 2024 and MDUSD State Test Results 

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting our students. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s principal and teacher.

Sincerely,


Dr. Adam Clark
Superintendent

Read More about California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) Data 2024
Intradistrict transfers flyer

From October 10 - November 10, 2024, the Intradistrict Transfer Application are available for all schools, grades 1-12 and for Sequoia and Monte Gardens elementary schools' Kindergarten. 

Currently enrolled students can complete the application using their Aeries Homelink Portal. Students that are not currently enrolled can use a link available on the District website.

The Intradistrict Transfer Application window for Kindergarteners (except Sequoia and Monte Gardens elementary schools) will continue to take place in the Spring (February - March, 2025).

All families with students eligible to apply for an Intradistrict Transfer during the October-November timeframe were sent a Parent Square notice as a reminder prior to October 10th.

Intradistrict transfers flyer

 

Read More about Intradistrict Transfer Changes: Most transfer applications for 2025-26 are now available through Nov. 10
CHS student on KTVU

To help bring attention to "Farm-to-School Month" in October, MDUSD has teamed up with the Center for Ecoliteracy to highlight the fresh fruits and vegetables that are now being served in local schools. Concord High senior Kevin O'Connor, who works in the school cafeteria, was featured on Oct. 4 as part of this promotion on KTVU's "Mornings on 2" program with Alexa Norstad, Executive Director of the Center for Ecoliteracy. 

Kevin showed how to make panzanella salad with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, fresh-made croutons and parmesan cheese. He also talked about yogurt parfaits served for breakfast, made with homemade granola, locally-sourced yogurt and fresh fruit. You can watch Kevin's interview here.

On Wednesday, MDUSD's Food and Nutrition Services Director Alexandra Emmott appeared on KRON TV to discuss the District's commitment to locally-sourced, nutritious foods. You can see her interview here.

"Serving fresh produce supports student health and the local economy," Emmott says. "We pride ourselves on supporting a variety of small organic farmers and producers. Yogurt parfaits, made with Sierra Nevada Creamery Greek yogurt, is a fixture on our menus and panzanella salad is a seasonal treat that features fresh Durst Farm tomatoes."

CHS student on KTVU

Concord HS student Kevin O'Connor appears on KTVU (above). MDUSD Food and Nutrition Services Director Alexandra Emmott appears on KRON (below).

MDUSD school meals

 

Read More about Concord HS student and MDUSD Food & Nutrition Services Director highlight fruits and vegetables in MDUSD school meals on local TV stations
Young Athletes event

Robert Shearer Preschool students, parents and staff members joined 5th-grade "buddies" at Gregory Gardens Elementary on the playground on Friday for the 3rd Special Olympics Young Athletes program, which helps the youngsters - who are all in special education classes - to learn about sports while also helping to build relationships and a sense of community with the older kids. The preschool students are in a variety of special needs programs, such as for deaf, hard of hearing, autism and other disabilities. Currently, 80 students are enrolled in the school, but site administrator Jessica Phillips said the school adds new students throughout the year. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing program serves students ages 18 months to 3 and the preschool serves 3 and 4-year-olds before they enter Transitional Kindergarten. 

Sheri Roberti, the Special Olympics Schools Partnership Program coordinator for the Contra Costa County Office of Education, said the goal of the program is to introduce young children to the world of sports so they will feel comfortable participating in other Special Olympics sports events as they get older, such as soccer, bowling, swimming, basketball and track. The Young Athletes event included about 10 different activity stations such as basketball, a bean bag toss, walking a balance beam, playing with a giant parachute, soccer, crawling through a tunnel, bowling, and more.

Brooke and Trevor Tank's 4-year-old son Lucas jumped up and down excitedly after he tossed basketballs into hoops with the aid of cheering Gregory Gardens buddies, as his parents watched. "I think this is really cool," Brooke said. "He loves basketball." Trevor added: "It's nice that the older kids are helping out." Fifth-grader Cassidy Willforn said he enjoyed working with the younger kids, as he and two other boys shouted encouragement, such as "You've got this! You can do it!" 

Francy Soriano, whose 3-year-old son Valentino is autistic, said he enjoyed playing basketball, bowling, and playing with the parachute with his older buddies, before getting help on the balance beam from his Dad. "Playing with balls is his favorite thing to do," Francy said. "I'm glad they have this for kids with special needs. The older kids are very friendly. I like how they cheer him up and they have a lot of patience with him." 

Gregory Gardens buddies Neila Geagan and Ana Paixo said they were excited to be able to interact with the younger kids playing bean bag toss. "Little or big, it doesn't matter, as long as you're having fun together," Ana said. The girls have even learned a little sign language so they can communicate more easily with those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. "They look up to us and we try to be a good role model," Neila said. Fifth-grader Damien Meija proudly wore his Special Olympics "Unified Sports" ribbon after helping out the younger kids during the morning session. "Just seeing the kids happy and laughing, with a smile on their face - it makes my heart feel very warm," he said. "It makes me happy to see kids with special needs happy."

Phillips coordinated with Gregory Gardens Principal Katie Koontz to launch the program on their joint campus two years ago. "One of our goals is to try to plan activities where we can have parents involved," Phillips said, adding that the preschool is the parents' first experience with school, so it is important to build community and create a safe space where educators and parents can work together for the benefit of students. The event also served as an introduction to a yearlong "buddies" program where interested 5th-graders continue working with the preschoolers, forming special bonds of friendship, both school administrators said.

Click here to see a video reel showing highlights from the day.

Young Athletes event

 

Read More about Young Athletes program at Robert Shearer Preschool and Gregory Gardens Elementary builds inclusive student relationships
Friday Letter

This week's MDUSD Friday Letter highlights:

  • The Young Athletes Program at Gregory Gardens Elementary and Robert Shearer Preschool;
  • Concord High School student Kevin O'Connor highlights fresh fruits and vegetables in school lunches on KTVU;
  • Cambridge Elementary students participate in student council elections and get a surprise visit from Dr. Clark;
  • Concord High School's Link Crew held a field day at Mountain View Elementary;
  • Northgate High School students Caroline Donahoe and Sylvana Vuong were selected to join the Contra Costa Youth Journalism program;
  • Ygnacio Valley High School's football team continues to make headlines with three consecutive wins;
  • Pleasant Hill Elementary’s Bike PHE program receives Best Bike Advocacy award;
  • Northgate High School is named to the College Board AP Honor Roll for the second year and receives the AP Access award;
  • Curriculum Specialist Megan Gerdts receives a national Girl Scout award; and
  • School and staff social media highlights, including special recognition for our custodians and Technology Integration Leaders

You can read it here

Friday Letter

 

Read More about Friday Letter - October 4, 2024
NWS Heat Risk Index

In light of the current Bay Area heat wave, we are posting a link to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Health Guidance for Schools on Sports and Strenuous Activities During Extreme Heat.

The guidance originally released June 30, 2023 was updated July 1, 2024, and is subject to change. 

For California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) member schools: As per California State Law Assembly Bill (AB) 1653 and CIF Bylaw 503.K. Heat Illness and 503.L. Air Quality Index Protocols, all CIF member schools must adhere to the CIF Heat Illness Prevention and Heat Acclimatization Policies as outlined in the CIF Extreme Heat and Air Quality Policy (PDF).

Key updates as of July 1, 2​024:

Key Sections:

Read More about CDPH Health Guidance for Schools on Sports and Strenuous Activities During Extreme Heat
EDMS pickleball

Since last school year, volunteers from the Rossmoor Pickleball Club have come to El Dorado Middle School in Concord to teach students the popular and fun game of pickleball. Every Thursday, approximately 10-14 members of the Club teach students during the school's 1st and 2nd period PE classes. Club President Carol Cerioni said the Club became involved simply because "we want to give back to underserved schools in the community."

Cerioni noted that she is a friend of El Dorado MS Vice Principal Denise Carneiro, who told her that the Title I school would appreciate the Club’s support. The Club received a $350 grant from the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) that it used to purchase equipment, including nets and paddles. The Club also put out a call for volunteers, and more than 20 Club members responded.

"We all love working with the kids," said Cerioni, who is a retired school psychologist. "Many of the volunteers are retired educators, so they know kids and they were really excited about this program." She credited lead volunteer Danny Wong, who is a retired principal, with spearheading the project. He writes lesson plans each week that the volunteers follow with the students. It's a nine-week program, so they work with 8th graders for 3 weeks, then 7th-graders for 3 weeks, and finally 6th-graders for 3 weeks. "We have a blast out there with the kids," Cerioni said. "We started the program last year and it was so much fun that we wanted to do it again this year. It’s been a really pleasant and rewarding experience for everyone involved." In fact, they are hoping to expand to another middle school within the district in the spring.

“Part of what makes the experience so rewarding is the relationships we developed with the students,” Cerioni said. Wong chants with them before they start playing, shouting, "I say 'pickle,' you say, 'ball.' Let’s play Pickleball!" Although Cerioni initially thought the 8th-graders would think the chants were corny or silly, they do not, she said. "They're all taking part and enjoying themselves," she said. The volunteers first give verbal instructions, then demonstrate how to play, sharing their joy and camaraderie.

"It’s a great way to reach kids and the beauty of pickleball is it doesn’t require a lot of money, so kids at any economic level can play," Cerioni said. "It’s pretty easy to learn. You find some pretty talented kids who have great hand-eye coordination, but the kids who don’t have great hand-eye coordination can play too and enjoy it just as much. We want to get the kids enjoying themselves and having fun, which in turn, makes school fun." Apparently, their plan is working. She said Vice Principal Carneiro has told her that students bring out the pickleball nets at recess to play.

Another benefit, Cerioni said, is connections being made between older people and young people. "There are things we have in common," she said. "We still like to play and have fun and laugh and so do they, and that’s always a good thing! The students get to see that older people are still kids at heart, especially the pickle-ballers! It enriches our lives because we have something we love to do, it’s physical, it gets us out of the house and it's social. And that's true at any age!"

EDMS pickleball

 

Read More about Rossmoor Pickleball Club shares love of the game with students at El Dorado Middle School
ASL at Concord HS

As MDUSD continues our Deaf Awareness Month recognition in September, we are also highlighting the International Week of Deaf People (Sept. 23-29) and the International Day of Sign Languages, which was Monday, Sept. 23.

Concord HS is the only high school in the District that offers American Sign Language (ASL) as a World Language, with three years so students can move from beginner to advanced levels, meeting graduation and A-G requirements. Teacher Matt Moyers, who is deaf, communicates with students using sign language, with interpreters who vocalize his words. He teaches about 185 students, including roughly 75 who are in the first level course. This is his sixth year of teaching and his third year teaching ASL at Concord HS. "I'm really enjoying it," Moyers said, adding: "I feel like they are my kids."

In his 5th period Level 1 course on Tuesday, the 37 students in his class were learning to sign questions such as: "Who, where, what, why, how many, and which?" Moyers stressed that facial expressions are very important to help communicate meaning, similar to voice inflections when speaking.

"The only way to learn ASL is by watching carefully and really copying and emulating the teacher," he said, adding that muscle memory will eventually kick in. "The more you use sign language, the better you become, just like with other languages." Students said they chose ASL instead of Spanish because it is less well-known and offers a unique way for them to express themselves, as well as to communicate with Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students at the school. "I wanted to take this class because I don't think many people know how to do sign language and I wanted to learn it," said freshman Alexis Von Raesfelt, whose older brother is in his third year of ASL as a junior. Alexis said she also appreciates having a deaf teacher, which gives her a new perspective. "He's really sweet," she said, adding that she can have conversations with him even when the interpreter isn't there, using the sign language she has already learned.

Freshman Rachel Fischer said she took American Sign Language because "it just kind of spoke to me more than other languages" and she likes using facial expressions to communicate. "It's really a lot about using your eyes and your eyebrows," she said, noting that her classmate Alexis scrunched her eyebrows when she signed, "what?" Rachel said learning from Moyers is "really cool because you get more insights into what it's like to be deaf and he's a really good teacher. You can tell he loves to teach."

Freshman Xavier Niemeier said he took ASL because he was inspired by a friend of his who learned it on her own. "It's a lot of fun," he said. "At first, it was kind of challenging to move my fingers around, but after a while, I got used to it." Junior Cody Hickok said he likes communicating in sign language. "It allows me to vividly express my feelings," he said. "When I'm confused or happy, I can easily communicate with my facial expressions, when normally you wouldn't pay attention to that." For example, he smiled when he signed "happy" and frowned to express confusion as he signed "what?"

Interpreter Marina Renfrow began taking ASL classes when she attended Berean Christian School, then she transferred to Concord HS to continue taking Level 3, graduated from CHS in 2002, went onto become an interpreter and has worked at CHS since 2008. "I fell in love with the language," she said. "I had taken Spanish, but it wasn't a good fit. I knew I wanted to become an interpreter." She works with Moyers in his 1st and 5th period Level 1 classes, and works with the school's Deaf and Hard of Hearing students the rest of the day. Freshman Alicia Paredes, who is Hard of Hearing, is a student in Moyers' 6th period Level 2 class, since she already knew sign language from attending Westwood Elementary and El Dorado MS, which are part of the District's DHH continuum. 

Visual Arts teacher David Hevel, who previously taught at Northgate and Mt. Diablo high schools, said having DHH classmates and seeing interpreters in their classes is "normalized" for all students at Concord HS. Deaf students are just like everyone else, and their interpreters "are actually a voice for the teacher or the student," he said.

Moyers said he appreciates Deaf Awareness Month and the DHH and ASL programs at Concord HS. "It’s really nice to see more and more people signing," he said. "It makes the world a little better place for the deaf community in general. These students are our future and they’ll become company managers, and when a deaf person comes in, they will have already been exposed to a deaf person, and they’ll have some basic fundamentals." The only thing deaf people can't do, he said, is hear.

Click on this reel to see Moyers and some of his students signing.

ASL at Concord HS

 

Read More about American Sign Language courses taught by deaf teacher at Concord HS attract students interested in world language alternatives
Friday Letter

This week's MDUSD Friday Letter highlights:

  • The American Sign Language (ASL) program at Concord High School taught by Matt Moyers, who is deaf;
  • Volunteers from the Rossmoor Pickleball Club are sharing their love of the game with students at El Dorado Middle School, using equipment funded through a grant;
  • Monte Gardens Elementary recently hosted an International Food Festival celebrating the school's diversity; and
  • The Wren Avenue Elementary PTA's Car Show fundraiser was a huge success; plus
  • School, student and staff news in our Social Media Highlights!

You can read it here

Friday Letter

 

Read More about Friday Letter - September 27, 2024

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