Dear Miramonte Community,

It was great to see you all at Open House last night! Our students and staff were so grateful to celebrate the year with you and look ahead to next year as well. A few reminders as we head into February:

• Course Registration for next school year is open and deadlines are next week! Please read this checklist carefully for key dates and items to complete.
• Check out our school website if you haven’t done so recently… We update the site each week with lots of important information, dates, and news to know.
• Spring Sports tryouts are on Monday, February 10. Review key details here and make sure your child is registered and ready for tryouts!

As I mentioned last night, thank you again for everything you do to support our school community! We truly appreciate your donations, volunteer efforts, encouragement, participation, and feedback. Most importantly, we know how much you do at home to support your child—helping them navigate high school and find success at Miramonte.

If you haven’t had a chance to get involved yet this year, I encourage you to connect with the Miramonte Parents’ Club, our Athletic Boosters, or another program that interests you. And if you’re able, it’s never too late to make a donation of any amount to One-Miramonte—every dollar stays here at our school and directly benefits your child and their classmates.



Wishing you a great weekend, and as always—GO MATS!

Mr. Ben Campopiano

bcampopiano@auhsdschools.org

Happy Friday Miramonte Families,

A huge thank you to our incredible teachers and staff for making the Open House experience truly awesome—your passion and hard work made it an inspiring and informative event for all! It was wonderful to see so many current AND incoming 9th grade families and learn more about the wide range of classes and experiences that make Miramonte such a special place for our students.

As we move into the week ahead, we want to wish the best of luck to all the students participating in the Public Speaking Tournament at Las Lomas tomorrow. Spring sports are also kicking off next week, and we’re looking forward to an exciting season of athletic competition and school spirit. Be sure to support our teams- GO MATS!! 

Next week is also Counseling Appreciation Week, and we want to express our gratitude for our amazing Counselors. Their dedication to supporting our students is truly appreciated, and we’re lucky to have such a caring and talented team here at Miramonte.

Join us at our next MHS Parents Club Meeting on Wednesday, February 12, at 11:15 a.m. -12:30 p.m. in the Student Union for an informative session with Principal, Ben Campopiano and Lead Counselor, Ellen Connors. They will walk us through the course registration process and how the master schedule is created. This is a great opportunity to learn how these decisions impact our students and ask any questions you may have during the Q&A. We’ll start with updates from the Parent Club, so don’t miss the chance to stay connected and informed. We look forward to seeing you there!

Stay up to date with all Parents' Club activities by visiting our website. As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns. 

Warmly,

Christina Linezo

Chair MHS Parents' Club

February 1: Public Speaking- GGSA IE Speech 3 Tournament

February 2: Class of 2025 Moms' Night Out

February 3: Spring Sports Begin

February 3-7: Counseling Appreciation Week

February 5: Class of 2025 Senior Ball Reveal at lunchtime, Senior Lawn

February 5: AUHSD Meeting, 7:00 p.m.

February 6: Class of 2025 Senior Ball tickets go on sale

February 8-10: Public Speaking - Stanford Invitational

February 12: Parents Club Meeting, 11:15 a.m.; Student Union

February 14-17: President's Weekend; No School

February 15-17: Public Speaking: UC Berkeley Invitational

February 21: Performers for Progress; 7:00pm; MHS Theater

February 22: Regional Latin Quiz Bowl, 8:00 a.m.

February 28: Class of 2028 Parent Party; 6:00 p.m.

Extra Class Sections Funded by Donations to ONE-Miramonte

Have you read that donations to ONE-Miramonte fund 19 extra class sections at our school and wondered what that really means? When you look at our budget, you will see that the largest single line item, $425,000, is paid to the school district to fund these extra class sections. If Miramonte had to rely on state funding alone, we would have a 6-period day and fewer course options for students. 

Extra class sections mean:

• First-year students who take a foreign language still have another period open in their schedule to explore an interest, such as Yearbook, Choir, Foods, Photography, Engineering, and Public Speaking, among many others. These classes allow students to dive deeper into an existing passion or explore new ones. 

• As there are fewer mandatory course requirements in student schedules, these 19 extra sections allow students — even those who have a 6-period day — more options when they select courses. Students who love history can really dive into AP European, United States, and World History classes. STEM-interested students can take AP Computer Science and have choices between AP Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, along with Anatomy & Physiology, Sports Medicine, and Engineering classes. Journalism, Drama, and Public Speaking students have space in their schedule to enroll in these classes all four years if they wish. There are options at every level to build a schedule suited to every student. 

• The 19 extra class sections mean that class sizes in every class are smaller than they would be if Miramonte were reliant on state funding alone; Miramonte has smaller class sizes than those in nearby districts. This allows for more opportunities for questions, class discussion, and personal attention from teachers. 

Because you give to ONE-Miramonte, students have more options to build a schedule as rigorous as they desire, with ample opportunities to explore their interests during the school day. Because of parent donations, Miramonte is an exceptional place for students to learn, explore, and grow. Thank you to the 54% of families who have donated to ONE-Miramonte this year to make this all possible for every student. 

Questions about Miramonte fundraising? Please contact Jill Hughes, Parents' Club VP Fundraising, at VPFundraising@mhspc.org.

Why does the Parents' Club have to fundraise each year? Check this out to learn why.

Testing FAQ for more questions.

Junior meetings are underway! Counselors will spend the next two months calling in all juniors for a check-in. This meeting typically lasts between 15-20 minutes as we go over senior year course requests and post-high school plans. Juniors, come ready with your questions!

Students who received a D or F in a graduation required course should email their counselor to see if they are eligible for remediation through a FuelEd course. Ninth graders are not eligible for FuelEd.

Course Registration

All students have been given a registration form to complete and return (with a parent signature) to their English teacher. Forms will be collected by counselors in English classes and are due online on the following days:

11th graders: Monday, February 3

10th graders: Tuesday, February 4 and Wednesday, February 5

9th graders: Thursday, February 6 and Friday, February 7

We ask that students and families who have questions about courses for next year email counselors. Unfortunately due to the high volume of questions we get, we are unable to have individual meetings for every student to go over course selections. However, it is our experience that most questions can be answered via email. Of course, if a question cannot be answered via email, we will schedule a meeting!

Counselors will be available for students to ask specific registration questions during lunch in front of the counseling office January 22 - February 8. Counselors will also be holding a Q&A session at Open House on Thursday, January 30. 

Students have received math course recommendations from their current math teacher and are pre-enrolled in the class they have been recommended for. If a student wishes to take a math class they were not recommended for, they need to speak directly with their math teacher.

Students who do not complete their course registration by the above deadlines will be required to attend a make-up session during Academy.

California Scholarship Federation (CSF) registration opens on Saturday, February 1! CSF is an honor club at Miramonte that acknowledges the high academic achievement of students. Eligibility is determined through a point system based on the last semester’s course load and specific semester grades. Fill out the application on the webstore to determine if you are eligible. Registration is open for the month of February.

Email Sylvie Shawn with any questions or if you need a fee waiver.

To fill out the application and pay the dues click here.

Follow us!

Parents and students can follow the @miramontecounseling Instagram account for information, news, and advice from the counseling department.

The Wellness Fair at lunch today was a fun and interactive way for students to engage with Wellness staff, therapy dogs, and organizations such as Rainbow Community Center, Planned Parenthood and The Youth Advisory Council for Teen Mental Health. We had a great turnout!

Next week, The Wellness Center will welcome all sophomore HSD classes to come and take a deeper dive into the resources and services the center has to offer. Students will learn how to make a wellness referral, as well as understand how to access the many resources available here from cool down breaks to health supplies to mindful coloring and fidgets. Every year we invite 9th grade PE classes and 10th grade HSD classes into this space so that all students are familiar and comfortable, and know where to go when the need arises! 

College Aid Pro Open Office Hours

On Wednesday, February 12, at 6:30 p.m., we will offer our second (and final) Open Office Hour with College Aid Pro. JP Schmidt, a CAP expert, will be available to answer your financial aid questions live. Please register using the link below:

Register Here



This is a fantastic opportunity to gain clarity on financial aid and feel confident about your college planning journey. Don’t miss it!

SAT Bootcamp

We are partnering with Tried & True to offer a 2-day SAT bootcamp for Miramonte students. While it is open to any family, it is designed to help juniors get ready for the March SAT. It will be held on February 22 and 23 from 2:00 - 6:00 PM in the College & Career Center. For more information, click here. Click here to register.

College and Career Snacks

Every student who graduates from Miramonte will experience an amazing resource in the College and Career Center. From college rep visits to workshops on essay writing and the application process, the CCC is an invaluable resource with an amazing staff. So whether your student is a senior or a first year, please consider purchasing items from this wishlist to fuel our students while they are meeting with our College and Career Counselors this semester. Your child will benefit in their senior year from the generosity of our parent community.

Contact April Meagher with questions.

Save the date: Performers for Progress, Friday, February 21, 7:00 p.m.

Performers for Progress has been a cherished tradition at Miramonte since 2006. This annual show, entirely created and produced by students, highlights the incredible talents of our students while supporting a meaningful cause. Each year, the show benefits a different charity, and this year, all proceeds will go to Tri Valley Haven, which provides shelter and resources to people who are homeless or suffering from domestic violence and has a food bank.

Join us for an evening of inspiring performances and support both our Miramonte performers and this outstanding organization!

Ticket information is coming soon. 

Class of 2025

2025 FINAL MOMS' NIGHT OUT!

Sunday, February 2, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Hosted by Stacy Crinks, 75 Donald Drive

Tickets $50 on the Miramonte Webstore

We hope you can join us for our final Valentine's-themed moms' night out and last class fundraiser party!

Questions: Jessica Elkind

SENIOR BALL UPDATES

February 5: Senior Ball Reveal at lunchtime, on the Senior Lawn

February 6: Senior Ball tickets go on sale

2025 GRAD YARD SIGNS

Celebrate your soon-to-be graduate with a yard sign! Order now and pick up in the April timeframe.

Thank you for your support of the Senior class!

SENIOR PARENT MEETING

Thank you to all you attended and picked up your memory board! 

Here is the presentation deck with all the info/links, and where to pick up a board. 

Questions? Contact the Class of 2025 Parent Advisors

Class of 2026

Please help the Class of 2026 with our big auction fundraiser this spring. We'd love your help to make the auction great - classes, services, wine, experiences, etc. Click here to donate. 

We are still looking for volunteers to help with the Junior Prom on April 26. Click here to sign up.

Questions? Contact the Class of 2026 Parent Advisors

Class of 2028

Please mark your calendars for the following and stay turned for more info to come!

February - See’s Candy Fundraiser (Online)

Friday, February 28- Class of 2028 Parent Party

Cheers to a fantastic year!

Questions? Contact the Class of 2028 Parent Advisors

Winter Sports Are Here!

Don’t miss out—join the Miramonte Boosters today! Membership includes free entrance to games so that you can cheer on your Mats all season long.

Mats Spirit Wear

Show your Mats pride and purchase spirit wear HERE Go Mats! Miramonte Mats spirit wear will be available for purchase at upcoming home basketball games. Feel free to reach out to Lee O'Haver with any questions. 

Follow us!

Parents and students can follow the Athletic Boosters @miramonteathletics

Next AUHSD Board Meeting

The next AUHSD Board Meeting is on Wednesday, February 5. The agenda will be posted here on Sunday, February 2. The meeting is held at the district office, with the public portion beginning at 7:00 p.m. You may also watch the live broadcast here.

The upcoming board meetings for 2025 are on the following Wednesdays: February 19, March 5, March 19, April 16, May 7, May 21, and June 4.

AUHSD Special Education Department

Join AUHSD high school staff for an informative panel discussion about special education programming and support services for incoming 9th graders with IEPs on Wednesday, February 12, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Acalanes High School Library.

Is your AUHSD student ages 16-22 and on an IEP? Learn how Work Ability and Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) services can help them gain job skills, explore careers, and prepare for success after high school. This information session will be held on Wednesday, March 12, 6:00 -7:00 p.m. at the Del Valle Campus, Room 400, Walnut Creek.

Please contact Leigh Gregory, Executive Director, Special Education with any questions.

Boys Team Charity

Boys Team Charity (BTC) Orinda League is accepting new members currently in grades 9-11! Boys Team Charity is a volunteer service organization dedicated to developing an altruistic spirit in young men through active participation of parents and sons in philanthropic projects in their communities. For more information, please visit our website. Our new member drive runs through Saturday, March 15. Prospective members can apply here. Any questions, please contact our Membership Chair, Rebecca Reategui.

Lamorinda Arts Council High School Visual Arts Competition - registration opens Sunday, January 5

The annual High School Visual Arts Competition returns to the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library in March 2025! Interested students should save these important dates.

Sunday, January 5 - Registration Opens

Friday, February 21 - Registration Closes

Monday, March 4 - Friday, April 7 - Public Exhibit at the Library Gallery

Thursday, March 20 - Artist Reception & Award Presentation

This competition celebrates student artwork in four categories: 2D, 3D, Photography, and Digital Art. Submissions are open to high school students who live in or attend school in Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, or any of the schools in the Acalanes Union High School District.

Detailed information and other important dates are available here.

Connect with the Parents' Club: