|
Dear Miramonte Community,
Thank you for attending our Parent Information Nights this week! If you weren’t able to attend, don’t worry, we’ll have more opportunities for you to connect with us this year. Here’s the slide decks we used during our presentations, and please reach out if you have any follow up questions.
As I mentioned at these meetings and at Back to School Night, my vision for our school is centered around Connection, Equity, and Wellness.
Connection is all about creating fun and engaging opportunities for our students to connect with each other, with their teachers, and with our school. All the research shows that when students are more connected to each other and their school, they are significantly more likely to excel academically, and feel better socially and emotionally.
Equity is about thoroughly embedding multiple perspectives into our curriculum, broadening our academic experiences, being inclusive to all, and providing access to all of our curriculum, courses and programs. It’s also about diving deeper into content and conversations around racial equity, class equity, and gender equity. This year our goal is to embed equity more deeply into every classroom in a more natural and consistent way, rather than rely on “equity lessons” that deliver content at random points in the year.
Wellness efforts are aimed at supporting students with their time-management, stress-management, and ability to cope with the various high school challenges that are in front of them. Our goal as a staff is to embed wellness principles into our classes every single day so that students begin to better understand, utilize, and value the resources and strategies that will help them with their physical, social, and emotional wellness.
When we thoughtfully embed these principles of Connection, Equity, and Wellness into our everyday work at Miramonte, our students will better develop academically, socially, and emotionally. And that is our goal. Have a wonderful long weekend, reach out if you need anything, and Go Mats!
|  | |
|
Dear Miramonte Families,
It was great to see so many of you at this week’s class meetings. Thank you to our Administration, Counseling team, College & Career department, and Parent Advisors for setting us all up for success this year. If you missed it, please make sure to read your class-specific emails and class news below. And don’t forget to donate to your class activity fund to support all of the special milestone events for your student.
Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for “Coffee with Campopiano & Company” on Wednesday, September 14, at 9:30 a.m. Principal Campopiano will give an update, introduce the new Associate Principals, and host a Q&A. Coffee and treats will be served. We hope to see you all there!
Stay cool and enjoy the long holiday weekend!
| |
|
September 4: Deadline to order Mats Merch and class t-shirts
September 4: Deadline to register for the October 15 PSAT at MHS
September 5: Holiday; No school
September 7: Club Day for students
September 7: AUHSD Governing Board Meeting; 7:00 p.m.; District office
September 7: CCC: Class of 2023 parent presentation; 6:30-7:30 p.m.; MHS Theater
September 12: Athletic Boosters Meeting; 6:00 p.m.; MHS Library
September 14: Parents' Club Meeting: Coffee with Campopiano; 9:30 a.m.; MHS Library Courtyard
September 14: CCC: Class of 2024 parent presentation; 6:30-7:30 p.m.; MHS Theater
September 17: Class of 2023 Parent Socials
September 19-23: Homecoming Week
September 19: AUHSD Night with Arshay Cooper; 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Acalanes HS PAC Theater
September 21: School photo make-up day
September 21: AUHSD Governing Board Meeting; 7:00 p.m.; District office
September 22: Class of 2025 Dads' Social
September 23: Homecoming Tailgate; 5:00-7:00 p.m.; MHS outdoor basketball courts
September 24: Homecoming Dance; 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.; MHS Gym
October 1: Class of 2026 Parent Social
October 3: Athletic Boosters Meeting; 6:00 p.m.; MHS Library
| |
Meet A Matador: Jami Greer | |
|
This week, we are kicking off this year's series of our very popular "Meet A Matador". Each month, we will highlight a member of our dedicated and talented Miramonte staff. We hope you enjoy getting to know a few more fabulous Matadors throughout this year's series!
If you love reading about our exceptional staff, please consider volunteering to fill one of the open Meet A Matador editor roles. Contact VPCommunication@mhspc.org if you’re interested in this volunteer job.
| |
Ms. Jami Greer, sophomore year of high school | |
Meet one of our dynamic new Associate Principals, Ms. Jami Greer. Ms. Greer is the Associate Principal for students with last names M through Z. If you’ve already had a chance to meet Ms. Greer, you know she’s a warm, engaging, and hands-on administrator who has already had a positive impact on Miramonte in just a few short weeks. If you haven’t yet had a chance to meet her, be sure to introduce yourself to her at the next school event or when you are in the school office. Welcome to Miramonte, Ms. Greer. We’re thrilled to have you here! | |
|
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m Jami Greer, the new Associate Principal at Miramonte High School. I grew up in Arizona, and I attended Arizona State University. I began my teaching career in Arizona and moved to California 20 years ago where I continued teaching and got married. I have three daughters: Laura (a junior at Las Lomas), Emily (who is in 8th grade), and Allison (who is in 1st grade). I taught English for 22 years, and before I came to Miramonte, I taught English at Las Lomas.
Click here to continue reading about Jami Greer.
| |
|
Club Day for Students - Wednesday, September 7
Remind your student to attend the annual Club Day on Wednesday, September 7, during lunch. Club Day is a school-day event for students that showcases the student clubs and gives students the opportunity to find other students with similar interests, make new friendships, and develop new skills. Joining a club provides many opportunities for students to develop as a leader and become active participants in our vibrant campus community. With an astounding 92 clubs this year, there is something for everyone! This informational flyer was emailed to students this week.
| |
|
2022-23 Student Directory - Opt Out Option
If you do NOT wish to be included in this year’s directory, please indicate that by using the Directory Opt Out form. The deadline to opt out of the directory is by the end of the day on Friday, September 2, at which point we will move forward to produce the directory with the contact information received during registration.
If you would like the contact information you provided during registration included in this year’s directory, there is no need to take any further action.
| |
|
Directory Artwork Contest for MHS Students
Miramonte students who love to draw, design, and create are invited to submit an original piece for the cover of this year's directory. Drawings, digital creations, sketches, captured images, etc. are all welcome. The directory parent volunteers will judge all submissions and select the winner. The winner will receive a $100 gift card!
Artwork Submission Details:
- Should be high resolution so it will show well on an 8.5 x 11 page
- Artwork must be submitted digitally
- Do not include the word "directory" on the artwork
-
Deadline to submit is Saturday, September 10 (new deadline!)
Please send artwork submissions and questions to Michelle Kohr, Directory Chair.
| |
|
Now Selling Directory Ads!
Advertise your business in the 2022-23 MHS Student Directory and reach over 2,200 Miramonte families, teachers, and staff. We’ll also thank your business in an upcoming issue of the Matador News (with your business website link!) and on our social media! Please feel free to pass this advertising opportunity along to other businesses that may be interested.
Full-color ads in our 100% digital directory are available in full-page ($400), half-page ($300), and quarter-page sizes ($200). The deadline to purchase is Friday, September 2.
Please click here to place your advertisement in this year's directory, and click here to check out how the advertisements appeared in the 2021-22 edition.
Questions or need help with an ad? Contact Jeanne Mao, MHS Directory Ad Chair
| |
|
AUHSD Night with Arshay Cooper - Monday, September 19
Join us for an interactive chat with Arshay Cooper. His book, A Most Beautiful Thing, is a true story of a group of young men growing up on Chicago's West side who transform their lives when they form the first all-black high-school rowing team in the nation.
During the chat, Mr. Cooper will share about his life, trauma, experience as a rower, film career, and more. The evening will be conversational in nature, facilitated by a panel of district student leaders in a Q&A format.
Date and time: Monday, September 19; 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: Acalanes High School PAC Theater
More information here
| |
|
Here’s what you missed from the fundraising team if you weren’t at the class meetings this week.
The ONE-Miramonte fundraising goal is $1,002,000 for the 2022-23 school year. Mr. Campopiano set the budget last spring after consulting with the department heads and program leaders to determine what they need to be able to offer the outstanding academic classes and programs our students deserve; the funding Miramonte receives from the state simply does not cover the cost of running a school like Miramonte. The budget was voted on and approved by the Miramonte Parents’ Club.
We kept the per-student ask at $1,300 this year, even though we are trying to raise $23,000 more than last year and have a smaller student population this year. That means it’s more important than ever that every family contribute to ONE-Miramonte. We aim for 100% participation because every student benefits from the classes and programs ONE-Miramonte funds. Every class receives some supplemental funding from ONE-Miramonte.
Almost half of our budget goes to pay the school district for the fourteen extra classes ONE-Miramonte funds. This means our students have more options for engaging electives, rich STEM offerings, AP classes, and everyone has smaller class sizes because of the increased number of classes. Miramonte would not have a seven-period day without supplemental funding from ONE-Miramonte. A large portion of our budget goes to fund the Wellness Center, a resource that has proven invaluable over the last several years as many students have struggled with the challenges of being a teen during a pandemic. Another large portion of the budget goes to cover the College and Career Center. Mrs. Brady’s team has four-year programming aimed at helping students plan for how they’ll use their time at Miramonte to prepare them for their post-secondary steps, in addition to working with juniors and seniors on college applications.
If you’re curious about all the classes and programs paid for by ONE-Miramonte, you can see the budget here. The important thing to remember is this -- all the money raised by ONE-Miramonte is spent this year to support our students having the best possible high school experience.
| |
|
Yearbooks for the 2022 - 2023 school year are now on sale!
If you would like to purchase a yearbook for your student and have not already done so, please click the here to make your purchase. If prompted, please enter order number 6301. The yearbook is a fantastic way to capture the memories of the year. You don't want to miss out!
| |
|
As some of you may know, Carolyn Vasicek is moving on to pursue a career outside of public education in health and wellness coaching. We were so fortunate to get to know Ms. Vasicek last year, and she enjoyed the opportunity to get to be a Matador. It's a bittersweet goodbye, but we truly wish her nothing but the best.
We have hired a new counselor who will be announced soon, but that person's start date is currently not firm. In the interim, the counselors will be dividing Ms. Vasicek's caseload between them, and you should feel free to reach out to the counselor that corresponds to your last name for support.
Low - Sy should contact Ms. Erika Vasquez
Fin - Lov and T - Wal should contact Ms. Ellen Conners
A - Fil and Wam - Z should contact Ms. Rebecka Zielinski
We sincerely thank Ms. Vasicek for her time and dedication, and we will miss her deeply but are excited for her future!
| |
|
Schedule Changes
The deadline to drop a class without it appearing on the student's transcript is Friday, October 7.
| |
|
Seniors
- Counselors are beginning to meet individually with seniors to discuss post-high school plans!
- Please contact your counselor immediately if you are applying EA or ED to a school.
-
If you are applying to college, you should begin ordering transcripts on the Web Store. On the Web Store, you need to list the name of the college(s) you are applying to completely (ex. University of Oregon; not U of O), but do not need to provide an address.
- UC and CSU schools do NOT need transcripts ordered, unless specifically requested by the school.
- If you qualify for a testing fee waiver, you are also eligible for a transcript fee waiver. Please approach your counselor with any questions or concerns.
- Consider attending the Academy college application workshops in the College and Career Center. Students can sign up using TeachMore.
| |
Students who received a D, F, NC, or NP in a graduation required course should contact their counselor to see if they are eligible for remediation through a FuelEd course. Remediation is important if your student wants to maintain UC/CSU eligibility. FuelEd will begin in September. | |
PSAT Registration Information - no late registrations accepted!
Who: sophomores and juniors
Test date: Saturday, October 15, 2022
Where: Miramonte High School
Deadline: last day to register is Sunday, September 4
Fee: $30.00
Register here: Register for the October 15 PSAT
Questions: Please email Selina Cortez
| |
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. It is also #BeKind 21- the campaign for kindness that we participate in each year for 21 days in September. It is not a coincidence that the two happen at the same time! Next week we will be providing resources around suicide prevention and throughout September we will be promoting #BeKind. Kindness builds connections that in turn build community. Follow miramonte_wellness on Instagram for our kindness challenge and for information and resources about suicide prevention. | |
Questions? Email us or call us at (925) 280-3936. | |
Last chance of the year to purchase class t-shirts and other Mats Merch! The Mats Merch Fan Shop is open through Sunday, September 4. These orders will be delivered to the purchaser's home on Wednesday, September 21, or soon after. Order at the Mats Merch Fan Shop link below. | |
|
Class Activity Fund Donation
We hope you had a chance to make your Class Activities Fund donation during registration. This donation goes directly into your student's class account and helps to fund class events for your student's class, including Junior Prom, Senior Ball, and Grad Night. To make your donation, please click on the button for your student's class level at this link.
Class T-Shirts - last chance to order!
Your Matador will definitely want a class t-shirt to show off their class spirit at rallies and other class events. Purchase your student's shirt by Sunday, September 4, at this link.
| |
|
Class of 2023
Senior Sunrise is on Friday, September 9, at 6:30 a.m. This event is for ALL our seniors. Click here for more information and here to help out.
Moms’ Night Out: Sushi and Champs is on Saturday, September 17, at 6:00 p.m. Click here for more information and here for tickets.
Dads’ Cornhole Tourney: Beer, Bags and Boards is on Saturday, September 17, at 4:30 p.m. Click here for more information and here for tickets.
The Class of 2023 is hosting the Concessions Pop Up at the Homecoming game on Friday, September 23. Click here to donate baked goods or help that night.
EVERYTHING is always available on our class linktree. Bookmark it and subscribe so you’ll be notified with new additions.
Questions? Contact the Class of 2023 Parent Advisors
| |
|
Class of 2024
Please order your fried chicken dinners! The Class of 2024 Casa Orinda Fundraiser is Monday, September 12. Purchase the famous fried chicken dinners here. Following your purchase, please select your pick-up time here. Dinner orders are open to all students/families in all grades.
Questions? Contact the Class of 2024 Parent Advisors
| |
|
Class of 2025
Snack Shack Class of 2025 Fundraiser
Friday, September 16; 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Miramonte Football Snack Shack. Please volunteer your time and/or baking skills by signing up here.
Dads’ Night Out Class of 2025 Fundraiser
Thursday, September 22, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Andy Lavelle's Barn. Tickets are $50 each. Purchase tickets here.
Get Involved!
We are actively looking for volunteers to help with our class Junior Prom, Senior Ball, Grad Night, and parent fundraisers. Let us know your level of interest here.
Questions? Contact the Class of 2025 Parent Advisors
| |
|
Big Win on the Road Last Week; First Home Football Game is Tonight!
The Matadors had a strong start to their season last week with a win over Berkeley High School (final score 48-20). The varsity football team will face off against Encinal High School tonight, Friday, September 2, at 7:00 p.m., at Miramonte. There is no JV game this week. Tickets are available here. Kids K-8th grade get in free with an accompanying adult.
The Snack Shack will be serving delicious food from The Fourth Bore, and our Miramonte Cheer Team is hosting a bake sale table with lots of tempting treats. Be sure to stop by for dinner and dessert! In addition, our Leadership class will provide music, face painting, and corn hole before the game.
Keep up with all the football news this season here.
| |
 | |
The Miramonte Girls Tennis teams are off to a fantastic start to the season! Coached by Riki Sorenson (head coach) and Julie Silveira (assistant coach), the varsity team is comprised of 20 players, 6 of whom are freshmen. The first match of the season, held on August 18, was a decisive and enthusiastic win against Heritage High School (winning all lines). The second match of the season on August 22 was against Carondelet, and the Lady Mats came out on top after three match tiebreakers. This week the team won their match against Piedmont on Tuesday and against Berkeley on Thursday. The first league match of the season is on Tuesday, September 13, against Campolindo (away).
The JV team is comprised of 19 girls, coached by Xavier Frippiat. The JV team is off to a great season, having won all three of their matches against Carondelet, Bentley, and Piedmont. The first league match will be against Campolindo at home on Tuesday, September 13, at 4:00 p.m.
The five home varsity matches are on September 20 (College Park), September 27 (Acalanes), October 4 (Campolindo), October 6 (Las Lomas), and Senior Night on October 20 (Northgate). The girls are looking forward to a successful season – come on out to the tennis courts and cheer on the tennis teams – Go Mats!!
Follow Miramonte Girls Tennis on Instagram @matsgirlsvarsitytennis
| |
|
Orinda Rotary Club: Dancing with the Cars - A Night in Havana
Orinda’s largest community-wide fundraiser is Friday, September 9, from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the outdoor Upper Plaza of Orinda Library. Order tickets by today, Friday, September 2. The price is $105 per person. Purchase tickets here.
Have a relaxing, fun Friday night and enjoy a Cuban-inspired buffet, mojitos, Latin music, vintage cars on display, friends and neighbors to see, and excellent items for auction. You can bid for casual and fancy dining out, private dinners, great getaways, wine, jewelry, gift baskets, golf outings, and more.
Proceeds benefit Miramonte scholarships and programs, Meals on Wheels, Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, and other humanitarian and emergency aid projects supported by Rotary in Orinda, the Bay Area, and around the world.
| |
Connect with the Parents' Club: | | | | |
