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Dear Miramonte Community,
In the next two weeks, we have two important parent education presentations that I highly recommend all parents attend. On Tuesday, February 7, we are hosting a “Substance-Free Athletics” presentation that all parents will find highly informative and useful. And, on Monday, February 13, we are hosting a presentation and panel on “A Healthier Approach to College Admissions” that will help parents better understand how to support their child through the college application process.
Our administration, Parents’ Club, and Challenge Success Team hope that these parent ed presentations, and others like it, allow us all to better navigate the challenges our families face today. Although these issues are nearly impossible to solve, and probably here to stay for awhile, I hope by tackling them head-on we can make improvements where possible, and better support our students through it all.
Have a wonderful weekend, hope to see you at these events in the coming weeks, and GO MATS!
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Dear Miramonte Families,
As we launch into February, there is so much going on!
For students, tonight is the all-District dance, "A Night in New Orleans", sponsored by BSU. Encourage your student to come socialize with other students from across the District while enjoying games, arts & crafts, light snacks, and a DJ. See below for the link to purchase tickets.
For parents, we continue to have a lengthy roster of upcoming Parent Ed events. Next week, join us for presentations on Substance-Free Athletics and Beyond the Binary: Helping Parents Support Their Kids with Navigating Gender. Other events to follow, so please check the calendar and the Parent Ed section below for the latest event details.
Show your Miramonte Pride with some new spirit wear! The Merch Fan Shop is reopening for a limited time. Check it out below!
If you really want to express your love for Miramonte this month, please consider making a donation to ONE-Miramonte. Your tax-deductible contributions reach every student on campus and make Miramonte the amazing place it is. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
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February 3: All District "Night in New Orleans" Dance; 7:00-9:00 p.m.; Acalanes High School; Hosted by BSU (tickets)
February 4: Mats Merch Fan Shop reopens
February 6: Boosters Meeting; 6:00-7:30 p.m.; MHS Library
February 6: Spring Sports Begin
February 7: Parent Ed: Substance-Free Athletics; 6:30-8:30 p.m.; MHS Library and Zoom
February 7: Parent Ed: Beyond the Binary: Helping Parents Support Their Kids with Navigating Gender; 6:00-7:00 p.m.; Zoom
February 9: Class of 2025 Moms' Night Out
February 13: Parent Ed: Challenge Success "A Healthier Approach to College Admissions"; 7:00-8:45 p.m.; MHS Theater
February 15: Parents' Club meeting; 9:30 a.m.; location TBD
February 15: AUHSD Governing Board Meeting; 7:00 p.m.; district office
February 16: Class of 2024 parents: CAASPP Information Session; 7:00-8:00 p.m.; online (meeting link)
February 17-20: Presidents' Day Weekend; No School
February 18-19: Public Speaking Cal Invitational Tournament
February 21: Parent Ed: Supporting Students With Sleep: Why Sleep Is Important, 6:00-7:30 p.m.; Zoom
March 1: Mats Merch Fan Shop closes
March 1: AUHSD Governing Board Meeting; 7:00 p.m.; district office
March 4-5: Public Speaking State Qualifying Tournament
March 6: Boosters Meeting; 6:00-7:30 p.m.; MHS Library
March 9: Class of 2026 Moms' Night & Dads' Night
March 10: Deadline to drop a class
March 10: End of third quarter
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ONE-Miramonte Fundraising | |
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BECAUSE YOU GIVE …
A new feature of the 2022-23 ONE-Miramonte budget allows the Parents’ Club to award grants to Miramonte student clubs that require money for entry fees, materials, or events. We’ll highlight several of the clubs that applied for and were awarded money so you can see the ways in which your donations support student activities and learning.
First up is Model UN! Model UN has been greatly affected by covid restrictions; the current seniors haven’t been able to participate in an in-person conference since freshman year. They made up for that this past weekend with a trip to Boston to attend the Harvard Model UN (HMUN) conference! The Miramonte Parents’ Club paid entry fees for the students to compete.
Miramonte teacher Mr. Xavier Frippiat served as advisor and flew with eight students and Miramonte parent Ms. Sandi Balonick to Boston, where the students had the opportunity to compete at HMUN, an international convention with student delegates from all over the world.
We asked Model UN Club Presidents Michelle Giovinazzo and Mia Balonick why Model UN is important and what was impactful about their attendance at HMUN, and they had this to say:
We believe that MUN is very important because it increases people's confidence and communication skills (both in a public speaking speech setting and in collaborating with others). MUN is also instrumental in broadening one's worldview as the issues are inherently global and the activity encompasses students from around the world. During our time in Boston, Mia and I collaborated with people from Venezuela, Tunisia, India, and more to discuss ways to tackle global poverty and economic development. This was a once in a lifetime experience to see such a range of perspectives in a diverse collaborative environment.
If this sounds like a great opportunity for your student, tell them to join Model UN next fall! The juniors who attended are already busy planning for 2024. To see more about HMUN, check out their Instagram account @Miramunte.
BECAUSE YOU GIVE to ONE-Miramonte, students are able to have extraordinary experiences, like attending HMUN, where they can grow as learners and as individuals.
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Announcements & Reminders | |
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Parents, Please Remind Your Students!
This is a friendly reminder that students are prohibited from using any food ordering app (DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc.) during school hours. It is a safety issue to have food delivery people coming onto campus without proper clearance or checking in with the front office. Parents are more than welcome to stop by the school and leave food at the admin office for students to pick up.
Thank you so much for keeping our school safe!
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Student Parking On Campus - only juniors and seniors with valid parking permits!
Please remind your students that only juniors and seniors with valid parking permits are allowed to park on campus. Students who do not have a valid parking permit will be ticketed and may face further consequences.
Do not park in Miramonte Gardens or red zones. You will be towed or ticketed. Miramonte High School has no jurisdiction outside of the Miramonte High School parking lot.
We understand more students become drivers as the school year progresses. Please do not allow your student to park on campus if they do not have a valid parking permit. The school will be monitoring the parking lots as drivers come to school, and only vehicles displaying a current Miramonte parking pass will be allowed to enter.
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Volunteers Needed for Next School Year
We have many enthusiastic volunteers who generously give their time to our community. This year, many of these parent volunteers will graduate, so we will have several open positions on the Miramonte Parents’ Club board. There are some jobs perfect for working and busy parents and some jobs perfect for parents who have the time or inclination to take a bigger leadership role. If you are interested in learning more about our open volunteer positions, please indicate your interest on this form, and we will contact you soon with a list of open volunteer positions that align with your interests.
Questions about volunteering at Miramonte? Contact Alissa Lillie.
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Junior Parents - CAASPP Information
How does CAASPP count for your junior? How do colleges use CAASPP scores? How do CAASPP scores establish a high school's academic reputation?
Please join our Associate Principal, Jami Greer, for a CAASPP Conversation via zoom on Thursday, February 16, 7:00-8:00 p.m. She will discuss the importance and purpose of CAASPP and why the test matters for your student and the academic reputation of Miramonte High School.
CAASPP Information Session Google Meet Link
In the meantime, we need parents to help support uploading the secure browser onto your student's device. Here is a LINK to the directions. Mr. Kearney and Mr. Lee will be available in the Cafeteria during Academy on Wednesday, February 8, and Friday, February 10, to help troubleshoot tech issues. The secure browser must be downloaded onto a device by Tuesday, February 21.
PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE TO PREPARE YOUR STUDENT'S DEVICE FOR THIS TEST.
CAASPP Testing in math, English, and science will officially begin in March. This test requires students to have a secure browser loaded onto their devices. If a device is unable to download the secure browser, your student's math, English, and science teacher will add their name to the "Chromebook Request List", and they can use a school-issued Chromebook for CAASPP.
The English portion of the test requires earbuds. The earbuds MUST plug into your computer because the secure browser blocks wireless devices such as earbuds or a mouse. The school will provide earbuds, but you may use your own if they plug into your device.
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Parent Education: Parent’s Presentation of Substance-Free Athletics
Please join us for a parent presentation, “Substance-Free Athletics”, which will be held on Tuesday, February 7, at 6:30 p.m. in the MHS Library and on Zoom. Register here whether you are attending in person or on Zoom.
Debbie Berndt, former Miramonte parent and Director for Parents Movement 2.0 and Substance-Free Athletics, will present the Substance-Free Athletics training for parents. This nationally recognized youth prevention program has already been presented to Miramonte athletes and coaches.
Parents with athletes of any kind will find this information very useful. Interested parents without athletes should attend, too – the science is easy to follow and extrapolate into other parts of student life.
Find more information at this link.
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Parent Education: Challenge Success Presentation: "A Healthier Approach to College Admissions”
Monday, February 13, 7:00-8:45 p.m., MHS Theater
Miramonte and OIS parents are invited to attend a presentation and panel discussion focused on supporting your student while reducing family stress during the college admissions process. The event is suitable for parents of middle and high school students in all grades. Why are we hosting this event? Watch this fun student-produced video!
The event will feature a presentation by Margaret Dunlap, Senior School Program Director at Stanford’s Graduate School of Education Challenge Success program, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with Miramonte Principal Ben Campopiano, Andie Nishimi from Wellness, Ellen Conners from Academic Advising, Stephanie Brady from the College and Career Center, teacher Meredith Hawkins, and student Faris Banaja.
Find more information at this link.
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AUHSD Wellness Parent Education Series
Click here to review the full AUHSD Wellness Parent Education Series for the rest of the school year.
The February events are:
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Tuesday, February 7, 6:00-7:00 p.m. over Zoom, Rainbow Community Center Presents: Beyond the Binary: Helping Parents Support Their Kids With Navigating Gender. Register here
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Tuesday, February 21, 6:00-7:30 p.m. over Zoom, Deniz Keskinel, MSc Presents: Supporting Students With Sleep: Why Sleep Is Important. Register here.
Recordings of past AUHSD Parent Ed events can be viewed on the AUHSD website. Previous topics include Teen Survival Tips for Parents; Connecting with Your Teen; Navigating Substance Abuse and the Fentanyl Epidemic; and Depression and Anxiety in your Teen.
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Schedule Changes
The deadline to drop a class without it appearing on the transcript is Friday, March 10.
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Course Requests Are Complete!
Congratulations! All students have completed course requests for next year! In the coming weeks, you will receive a confirmation listing the courses your student requested. If your student would like to make a change to their course request, please have them email their counselor or stop by the counseling office during lunch ASAP, as it becomes more difficult to request changes later on.
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Junior Student Meetings
Junior meetings begin shortly! 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 junior student to come ready with their questions!
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The Mats Merch Fan Shop is reopening tomorrow, Saturday, February 4, through Wednesday, March 1. Check out our new style items, including an all-weather pullover jacket that is great for watching your favorite Matador during our cold nights. Shop at the link below until Wednesday, March 1. Delivery will start in mid-March. | |
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The Miramonte girls basketball team is having an outstanding season this year, with an overall record of 21-3 and a league record of 9-1. The team is short on players this year – 8 on varsity and 8 on JV – compared with 13 on varsity last year. During the second game of the season this year, the team lost their starting point guard to an injury. Varsity coach, Vince Wirthman, was very concerned as this meant the team was down to 7 players. So far, the team has managed to avoid further injuries.
The teams have formed a very close, tight-knit group. They are extremely supportive of each other, and this shows up on the basketball court as they share the ball and play excellent team defense. This has all translated into their tremendously successful season so far. Assisting Coach Wirthman is Michaela Thomas, who also played basketball at Miramonte. The returning JV coach is Ace Wright.
Come out and support the Miramonte girls basketball team! Their last league game is on Thursday, February 9, against Acalanes (their only league loss of the year so far!) – varsity plays at 7:00 p.m. and JV plays at 5:30 p.m. at Acalanes.
Follow them on Instagram @miramonte_wbb. Go Mats!
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Girls Lacrosse Tryouts – February 6-8, 7:00 p.m.
Mark your calendars for girls lacrosse team tryouts starting February 6 - February 8. We will meet at the turf at 7:00 p.m. All welcome! Please have your student bring a stick, goggles, mouthguard, and cleats or turf shoes. If your student is in need of gear, please let us know as we can provide some for tryouts.
If you haven't already done so, please complete the athletic clearance form by the first tryout on Monday, February 6.
Questions? Contact Charlene Robinson or Kim Anderson.
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Boys Lacrosse Season Kicks Off Next Week
Evaluations will be held February 6-8 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. All players should expect an emphasis on stick skills and conditioning. Players should bring all of their equipment, including cleats, running shoes, sticks, helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, mouth guards, and athletic cups. Please also bring a practice pinny and/or light and dark shirts and water.
The coaching team will work with any winter sports players who are not able to attend and will conduct evaluations at a later date.
Please submit your athletic clearance and complete all waivers through Miramonte’s online Athletic Registration.
Make your Athletic Contribution here.
Finally, please mark your calendar for a Miramonte Lacrosse Parent Info Night. Our new coach, Jake Azevedo, and his staff are looking forward to connecting with the Miramonte lacrosse community. Hosted appetizers on Monday, February 13, 6:30 p.m. at The Fourth Bore, Orinda. Please RSVP.
Questions? Contact Sunny Bliss and Katharine Hawkins.
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Attention Families of Spring Sport Athletes Boosters Needs Your Help - Become Part of The Team Behind the Teams!
Miramonte Boosters Club is a critical funding mechanism for Miramonte Athletics. Thanks to member donations, Boosters is able to purchase much-needed equipment, gear, and supplies for all of our athletic teams. More importantly, the club helps pay for the salaries of personnel, such as the athletic trainer and strength/conditioning coach.
The entire school depends on the Boosters’ Club to pay for big-ticket capital purchases!
Boosters donations are used to fund the following:
- Athletic Trainer
- Strength and Conditioning Coach
- Sports Medicine Supplies
- Weight Room Equipment
- Equipment for every Mats sports team including balls, nets, training aids, etc.
- Capital expenditures such as scoreboards, cheer mats, wrestling mats, ball boundary safety nets, gym wall pads, goals, and bench covers.
We seek 100% of families with student-athletes to join the Boosters’ Club!
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Class of 2023
Roundup - see you there tonight!
Let’s celebrate 2-3-23 (you see what we did there?)! Join us tonight at 8:00 p.m. at the Roundup in Lafayette. Live music. And don’t forget, cash only. Click here to see the flyer.
Casa Orinda Fundraiser
Our final Casa Orinda fried chicken fundraiser is Monday, February 27. Click here to purchase your meal, and here to select a pick-up time.
Senior Ball - volunteer and donate
It is time to sign up to volunteer and donate to the Senior Ball. Please click here to see all the exciting opportunities.
CCC - donate snacks
The College & Career Center is so grateful for our snack donations. Please click here to participate.
Stay informed
Lots of important information will be shared via social media. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and bookmark our Linktree to find all of our important documents, signups, and websites.
Questions? Contact the Class of 2023 Parent Advisors
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Class of 2025
2025 Moms, join us for Galentine’s Day!
Date and time: Thursday, February 9, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Hosted by: the fabulous Stacy Crinks!
Location: 75 Donald Drive, Orinda
Tickets: $50 includes beverages, apps, and 2025 love!
Questions? Contact the Class of 2025 Parent Advisors
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Connect with the Parents' Club: | | | | |
