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Dear Miramonte Community,
This week at Miramonte was our annual Spring Spirit Week, and it was a blast! Our Leadership students hosted dress-up days, lunchtime activities, the Spring Rally, and brought back the Power Puff flag football game at lunch today. The rally and game today were soooo much fun and soooo competitive - ask your kids about them, they were a huge success. A big shoutout and thanks to Mrs. Porter and our Leadership students for making this week such a spirited, positive and fun time for all students and staff!
This year, our school district has been working with Song For Charlie, a national nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about fentanyl. As part of this work, Song For Charlie will host presentations next month for Miramonte students and parents about the dangers of self-medication and casual drug use in the fentanyl era. More details to come about the presentations, but here’s a few things to know in the meantime:
The annual Miramonte Campus Beautification Day is one month away! All students, parents, and family members are encouraged to sign-up and lend a hand. This is a great opportunity to show our school pride and give our campus a little TLC. And, as a benefit, students earn volunteer hours for participating! Please save the date (Saturday, April 20), sign-up, and join us as we come together to celebrate Earth Day and beautify our campus!
Have a great weekend and Go Mats!
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Dear Miramonte Families,
Save the date: Friday, April 12! ONE Orinda invites all Orinda community members, local businesses, and school families to join ONE Orinda for food trucks, beer & wine, and great company as they celebrate the impact your support has on the journey of every Orinda student from TK-12. Tickets are $75 per person. To purchase tickets and learn more, visit the ONE Orinda website.
We are excited to bring back the Start Smart Safe Driving Class on Thursday, April 18. Please see the message below for more information. Parents MUST attend with their teens.
Join us for Miramonte Campus Beautification Day on Saturday, April 20! Friends and family are welcome! Bring shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, and a water bottle. Sign up here. Many thanks to Rod Rios for organizing this event!
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March 19-22: Spring Spirit Week
March 19-29: CAASPP Testing
March 23: Aca-Eras Tour by MHS Acabellas; 7:00 p.m.; MHS Theater (info)
March 25: Miramonte Blood Drive; 9:00-2:00 p.m.; Big Gym (sign up)
March 27: Orinda Schools Music Festival
March 28: CCC: Financial Aid Presentation on Awards Letters and Appeals; 6:30 p.m.; virtual (register)
April 1-5: Spring Break; No School
April 9-12: CAST Testing
April 11: Class of 2027 Parent Social
April 11: Parent Ed: Song For Charlie; time TBD (Zoom link coming soon)
April 12-13: Latin Convention
April 13: Senior Ball
April 17: Parents' Club Meeting; 9:30 a.m.; Room 221
April 17: CCC: Paying the Bill & Borrowing for College; 6:30 p.m.; virtual (register)
April 17: AUHSD Governing Board Meeting; 7:00 p.m.; District office
April 18: Parent & Student Ed: Start Smart Safe Driving presentation; 6:30-8:00 p.m.; MHS Theater (sign-up link coming soon)
April 19&20: Performers for Progress; 7:00-9:00 p.m.; MHS Theater
April 20: Campus Beautification Day; 9:00-1:00 p.m. (sign up)
April 20: Class of 2025 Parent Social
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ONE-Miramonte Fundraising | |
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Peer tutoring is among the many academic support programs your donations to ONE-Miramonte help fund. Peer tutors are nominated by their teachers to become tutors, and they volunteer to help fellow students during Academy periods.
Mr. Sean Hennessy is the teacher in charge of the Peer Tutoring program. When asked why it’s a program worth funding at Miramonte he said, “I believe the Peer Tutoring program gives students another vehicle to help achieve academic success. For some students, having the ability to go over a single concept or get caught up in a particular class in a low stress environment can be exactly what the student needs.”
Here’s what some peer tutors have to say about why this is a worthwhile program at our school:
"The Miramonte peer tutoring program has myriad benefits for our school community. Not only does the program provide assistance for struggling students, but it also develops relationships between individuals across all grades and strengthens the interconnectedness of the Miramonte community." - David Leibowitz ‘25
“Teachers are the foundation of Miramonte, but they can't always cater to every student's individual needs. Peer tutoring allows students that need extra help in their courses to get a deeper lesson on the topic, but also gives the tutors themselves the chance to give back to the Miramonte community. As a peer tutor, I have a special connection with the students at Miramonte and that connection has encouraged me to pursue a career in teaching.” - Zoe Zimmerman ‘25
“Peer tutoring is a valuable resource for students seeking one-on-one help. This program not only fosters friendships among students but also provides those receiving tutoring valuable insights and tips from peers who have previously taken the class and are highly knowledgeable in the subject(s).” - Gabbi Decareau '24
Because you give, students are able to get extra support to understand course material they’re struggling with, go over problems they missed on a test, review verb conjugations they’re not quite getting, or get help clarifying their thesis for an essay. When our students get the support they need, they can gain confidence and achieve their potential. Peer tutoring is a valuable program at MHS both for supporting student learning and promoting community and connection. Thank you, ONE-Miramonte donors!
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Questions about Miramonte fundraising? Please contact Jill Hughes, Parents' Club VP Fundraising, at VPFundraising@mhspc.org. | | |
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The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.
~Pablo Picasso
We'd love for you to share your gifts with our school community! We're looking for:
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Matador News Co-Editor - Are you a detail-oriented grammarian? Do you know your way around a dangling participle? Are you a fan of the Oxford comma? If this describes you, and you have time every other week to help assemble the Pulitzer prize-winning Matador News, then we’d like to talk to you about volunteering for the Matador News Co-Editor position!
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Matador News Meet A Matador Co-Editor - Work with both the VP of Communication and a co-editor to compile four (yes, only four!) articles per school year that highlight a Miramonte staff member.
If you'd like to learn more about these vital roles or any other open volunteer opportunities, email Meredith Moss or indicate your interest on this volunteer interest form. (We’re just kidding about that Pulitzer.)
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Lunchtime help needed!
Miramonte Administration is looking for some parent volunteers to help with lunchtime waste management. We are looking for a couple of volunteers per day, preferably on a consistent basis. If you can lend a hand, please fill out the Waste Management Sign-Up Form. Questions? Email Associate Principal Danny Caravalho.
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Miramonte High School Blood Drive
Miramonte is hosting a blood drive with Stanford Blood Donation Center on Monday, March 25, 9:00-2:00 p.m. in the MHS Big Gym. Anyone 16 years and older can sign up for a donation appointment at this link. Sixteen-year-olds need a consent form signed by a parent/guardian to donate. All eligibility information is here.
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Community Service Year Coming to a Close
Miramonte’s current community service year ends on Sunday, March 31. The deadline for students to have all hours submitted to Helper Helper and validated by our community service volunteers is Monday, April 15. Please don’t wait until the last minute! Please check here for detailed information on opportunities, what qualifies, and awards. Questions? Email MHS Community Service.
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Parent Ed Event: Save the date for Song For Charlie presentation on Zoom on Thursday, April 11
Join us for an insightful presentation by Song for Charlie, a national family-run nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl. As they've done in the other AUHSD schools this school year, they'll be highlighting the emerging dangers of self-medication and casual drug use in the fentanyl era and offering healthier strategies for coping with stress. Mark your calendar for the evening of Thursday, April 11, for this powerful Zoom presentation. Stay tuned for the exact time and Zoom link. This presentation will be recorded for those who cannot attend.
In addition to the parent event, our students will hear from Song for Charlie during an all-student assembly on Friday, April 12, during Academy.
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Parent & Student Ed Event: Save the date for Start Smart Safe Driving Class on Thursday, April 18, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Presented by the Contra Costa CHP, Start Smart is a free interactive traffic safety class designed for drivers or soon-to-be drivers and their parents. Contra Costa CHP will discuss safe driving habits, consequences of a poor choice behind the wheel, tips on how to avoid crashes, parental roles and responsibilities, and legal and civic liabilities. Participants will come away more aware, better educated, and better prepared for the responsibility of operating a vehicle. Students who attend the class will receive a certificate from CHP that they can present to insurance companies. RSVP information is coming soon.
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Volunteers and donations needed for our annual Campus Beautification Day - Saturday, April 20
Bring friends, family, and neighbors! Bring your sports teams and student clubs! In celebration of Earth Day, we’re calling on the entire Miramonte community to show their Miramonte pride and team spirit by joining us at our campus-wide clean-up and beautification day on Saturday, April 20, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Sign up here to donate snacks or to volunteer for a 2-hour shift. Volunteer hours will be granted to all student volunteers. Questions? Contact Rod Rios.
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School Photos – still available to order
It’s not too late to order school photos! You can still do that here.
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College & Career Center News | |
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Financial Aid Presentation - Thursday, March 28
Don't miss this, seniors!! The acceptances are in! Your child is receiving financial aid award letters. Join College Aid Pro experts as they share tips and tricks for understanding award letters and putting together a successful appeal.
Register for the "How to Decipher Award Letters and Appeal to Colleges to Get More Money" webinar with College Aid Pro on Thursday, March 28, at 6:30 p.m.
In this webinar, you will discover:
1. Did you get a good deal?
2. Who, What, Where, and How to appeal?
3. What are realistic expectations?
4. Does it ever make sense NOT to appeal?
Registration is required. If you can't attend live, you will need to register to receive the recording.
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Math Override Requests Due by Thursday, March 28
As the 3rd Quarter has ended, math override forms are now available through your student’s math teacher. Students who wish to override their math recommendation have until Thursday, March 28, to speak with their current math teacher and complete the form. In the weeks following, your student's counselor will send a confirmation email once the change has been made.
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Junior Meetings
Junior meetings are continuing! 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. Remind your juniors to come ready with their questions!
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AUHSD Summer School
If your child earned a D or F in a high school graduation requirement course this year, they may be able to remediate the course during summer school. See a counselor for an application or visit the district website!
- Summer school will be held this year in one, 5-week session.
- Classes begin Tuesday, June 11, and end Friday, July 12
- Location: Acalanes High School
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DVC Career Academies
Sophomores and juniors, are you looking for a summer program that is affordable and close to home? If so, DVC has a great option for you to explore! DVC Career Academies are week(s) long offerings that run all summer long! These are the types of programs that colleges love to see and you will earn college credits upon completion!! If you would like more information, please click here.
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Follow us!
Parents and students can follow the @miramontecounseling Instagram account for information, news, and advice from the counseling department.
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The incredible cast, crew, and directors of Footloose "kicked off their Sunday shoes" after the high-energy, closing weekend of two sold-out performances! Many thanks to our students, parents, alumni, and community for supporting the arts at Miramonte High School. Since 1999, Miramonte has had a long-standing tradition of producing high-quality musical productions, and this year's collaboration between Musical Theater, Instrumental Music, and Stagecraft was no exception! Congratulations to all on a successful and electrifying run that transported each audience straight back to the 80s. Special thanks to Heather Cousins, Meredith Hawkins, Justin Cole, and Thomas Dwyer, as well as to the Miramonte Parents’ Club for the supplemental funding received from parent donations to ONE-Miramonte. | |
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Miramonte Acabellas Fundraiser Concert – Saturday, March 23, 7:00 p.m., in the MHS Theater
Our talented Miramonte Acabellas singing group invites the entire Miramonte community to the Aca-Eras Tour concert benefiting the Contra Costa Food Bank. Our amazing singers will sing a selection of Taylor Swift’s global hits, including Shake It Off, Karma, The Man, and so, so much more! Tickets are cash only at the door – students and faculty are only $3 and everyone else is only $5. Bracelets are optional but highly encouraged! Find more information here.
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Class of 2024 Graduation Announcements are arriving
Jostens will be on campus on Wednesday, March 27, during lunch to distribute graduation announcements to those seniors who purchased them.
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Class of 2024 News
Senior Ball - purchase tickets by TODAY, Friday, March 22
Purchase tickets to Senior Ball now! Sales close Friday, March 22, at 3:00 p.m. Be sure to fill out your MHS Student permission slips and have guests complete Non-MHS Student permission slips if applicable. Permission slips are due by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27. Bus sign ups will begin Wednesday, March 27.
Senior Slideshow - photos and videos needed
We really need your photos and videos for the Senior Slideshow. Please submit them via our Google drive. The slideshow is an important part of Senior Week, and we need your pictures to make it special. Deadline to submit is Sunday, March 31.
Graduation Announcements - Orinda News is collecting submissions for their special graduation announcement edition. Please submit your content and payment if interested.
Time of Reflection
If your senior would like to be a speaker or performer at Time of Reflection on Sunday, May 19, they must submit the Screening Request Form by Friday, April 12. Questions? Contact Joanna Wagner.
Questions? Contact the Class of 2024 Parent Advisors
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Class of 2025 News
Save the date! Chipotle Class Fundraiser
Date and time: Wednesday, March 27, 5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Place: Chipotle in Lafayette
2025 Parent Social
Save the date for our Spring Parent Social!
Date and time: Saturday, April 20, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Home of Larissa & Nick Kosla at 11 Bobolink Road, Orinda
Early bird tickets here!
Pay It Forward
Help out the Class of 2024 this spring and get a sneak peek for major events for next year!
Junior Prom
Ticket sales coming soon. Theme reveal on Friday, April 26 at lunchtime.
Questions? Contact the Class of 2025 Parent Advisors
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Next AUHSD Board Meeting
The next AUHSD Board Meeting is on Wednesday, April 17. The agenda will be posted here on Sunday, April 14. 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.
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The remaining Wednesday meeting dates for this school year are May 1, May 15, and June 5 | |
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21st Annual High School Visual Arts Competition Exhibit
Lamorinda Arts Council invites the community to the 21st Annual High School Visual Arts Competition Exhibit at the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library. The exhibit is open now through Sunday, April 7. With over 200 works of student art to view, you're sure to be inspired by the diverse display of creativity by our local youth!
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St. Mary’s College Disney Forum Speaker Series: Person Over Player
St. Mary’s College invites all young athletes, artists, writers, and actors to “Person Over Player,” a presentation by Kaleb Joseph, a mental health advocate, Self Help Tour founder, and former ESPN Top 10 PG recruit. The event will be held on Monday, April 8, at 7:00 p.m. at the Soda Center at Saint Mary's College and is open to the public.
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Orinda/Tabor Sister City Foundation Seeks Host Family For Fall 2024
For each of the past 22 years, an exchange student from Tabor, Czech Republic (just south of Prague) has come to Orinda and enrolled at Miramonte for the fall semester. It's been quite a rewarding experience for both the student and the host family as they both get to know each other's cultures and education systems.
The Orinda/Tabor Sister City Foundation is looking for a host family for fall 2024 for Jan Belada, a 17 year old rising senior, who plays the cello, piano, and guitar. He is an accomplished tennis player and enjoys flying drones. His essay and interview beat out 23 impressive applicants. The host family needs to provide meals, a proper bedroom (can be shared with same sex), a desk, and access to a bathroom. They also help enrich the student’s California experience by taking them on excursions, e.g., Yosemite, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Muir Woods. Trip cost reimbursement to be made by the Orinda/Tabor Sister City Foundation. The host family also provides logistical support to and from school and friends' houses and supports the student’s integration into Miramonte by helping them join teams, clubs, and other school activities.
There are many past host families who would be happy to give testimonials about the wonderful adventure of hosting one of the Tabor students! For more information, please email Dan Lynch with the Orinda/Tabor Sister City Foundation.
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Connect with the Parents' Club: | | | | |
