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Dear Miramonte Community,
Earlier today, we hosted Song For Charlie for an all-school assembly about fentanyl and the opioid crisis among teens in America. It was a really impactful and informative presentation and I encourage you to check out The New Drug Talk which provides more information about the issues and how best to start the conversation with your child.
There’s about one million things going on this weekend and next week in the Miramonte world… so be sure to check out our school website and review the Mats News carefully to stay abreast of everything coming up. For those of you with kids attending Senior Ball tomorrow, please remind them about the schoolwide guidelines before, during, and after the event. And, please give them extra special reminders to thank the bus drivers, chaperones, venue staff, teachers, administrators and parent advisors for helping to organize, host, and run such a great event. Thank you and Go Mats!
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Dear Miramonte Families,
Join us for our next Parents' Club meeting on Wednesday, April 17, 9:30 a.m. in room 221. AUHSD Associate Superintendent John Walker will discuss the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), and we will hear updates from Principal Mr. Ben Campopiano. All parents and guardians are welcome! If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to provide your input on the 2024 LCAP via this survey Thank you in advance!
If you're reading this message, you already know that the Matador News is a vital source of information for all things Miramonte. Our wonderful VP Communication is graduating this year, and we need a parent to step up and volunteer to keep our communications flowing. The VP Communication works with a team of volunteers and oversees the Parents' Club website, school and class newsletters, and social media. You'll work alongside the other members of the Parents' Club Board of Directors, interact with school administration, and have fun doing it! Contact Parliamentarian Meredith Moss to join the team.
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 to donate or volunteer.
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April 12-13: Latin Convention
April 12: Deadline to complete AUHSD's LCAP survey (link to survey)
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 17: Choir Chapel Concert; 7:30 p.m.; St. Mary's Chapel
April 18: Parent & Student Ed: Start Smart Safe Driving presentation; 6:30-8:00 p.m.; MHS Theater (register)
April 19: Performers for Progress; 7:00 p.m.; MHS Theater (tickets)
April 20: Campus Beautification Day; 9:00-1:00 p.m. (sign up)
April 20: Class of 2025 Parent Social
April 22-26: Environmental Spirit Week
April 22: Athletic Boosters Club facility meeting; 7:00-9:00 p.m.; MHS Library
April 24: Spring Athletics Signing Day; brunch; MHS Gym
April 24-27: Spring Drama Production: One Acts – Liar Liar; MHS Theater (tickets)
May 1: AUHSD Governing Board Meeting; 7:00 p.m.; District office
May 6-10: Staff Appreciation Week
May 6-17: AP Exams
May 11: Junior Prom
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ONE-Miramonte Fundraising | |
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Public Speaking is a flagship program at Miramonte! Led by Kristen Plant, a Miramonte alum herself, Public Speaking students have the opportunity to compete in a variety of speech and debate events at tournaments around the Bay Area and at state and national competitions, if they qualify. Donations to ONE-Miramonte help support this program where Miramonte students learn how to be effective public speakers, to understand both sides of important public policy issues, and to argue their point clearly and concisely.
Why is Public Speaking at Miramonte worth supporting, and what do students get out of participating? Click here to learn why.
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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. | | |
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Lend A Hand If You Can - volunteers needed!
NOW is the moment to step up and carry forward the tradition of legendary Matador parent support that was established by those who came before you!
“Taking a leadership position with the Parents’ Club, I was able to take a hands-on approach to ensuring that Miramonte had a strong emotional and educational foundation for my sons and all the students at the school. It takes parents stepping up to make this thriving environment possible.” ~ Nicole, former superstar MHSPC volunteer and parent of Class of 2018 and 2020 students
“If not you, then who? There is no good time to volunteer, but it is necessary to keep our school running successfully. I used to hear from parents frequently that their teens wouldn’t want them involved in planning events or helping on campus. Since graduating, both my children have thanked me and said they appreciate how much I cared to be a part of their school life.” ~Tricia, former superstar MHSPC volunteer and parent of Class of 2018 and 2021 students
We’re so thankful to our parents for generously providing expertise, resources, and volunteer time—all of which foster our tight-knit and supportive community. Please consider lending a hand to help with the work it takes to make the Miramonte magic happen.
Check out the volunteer form link below for more details about next year's volunteer opportunities, to express your interest in a position, or to nominate someone you believe would be perfect for a position. Questions? Contact Meredith Moss.
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UPDATE: We have limited remaining tickets for our Start Smart Safe Driving Class. Register now! Because we are very near event capacity, please email Emily Waterbury to cancel your reservation if you no longer plan to attend.
Start Smart Safe Driving Class on Thursday, April 18, 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the MHS Theater
Presented by Officer Adam Lane of the Contra Costa CHP, Start Smart is a free interactive traffic safety class designed for drivers or soon-to-be drivers and their parents. Officer Lane 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.
This is open to the Miramonte community. Parents MUST attend with their teens. Registration is required. Sign up here. Please enter the total number of tickets needed (e.g., 2 tickets for parent and teen). Don’t delay; this event fills up quickly.
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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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Visual & Performing Arts News | |
Come out next week and enjoy an uplifting performance by the amazing Miramonte Choir in their favorite performance of the whole year! | |
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Performers For Progress: Friday, April 19, 7:00 p.m., MHS Theater
Performers for Progress began in 2006 and is an annual Miramonte student-run charity show benefiting a different charity each year. All acts are performed, created, and run by students. There will be snacks and drinks available before the show and during intermission. This year, all profits go to Habitat for Humanity. Come support Miramonte performers and charity! The show is on Friday, April 19, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets will be available on Showtix4u.com
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Spring Drama Production: One Acts – Liar Liar
The Miramonte Players present their Advanced Honors Projects, Liar Liar, on April 24-27 at 7:00 p.m. in the Miramonte Theater. Tickets are available now on showtix4u.com.
Original scripts are written and directed by the following Honors students, performed by Advanced Drama students, and produced by Stagecraft students:
- "Wereghostzompirestein" by Maya Taylor and Diego Aguilar: April 24, April 26
- "The Promise" by Lauren Wagner and Abigail Gardner: April 24, April 26
- "Fullest House" by Ivan Smith: April 25, April 27
- "Hell Hath No Fury" by Maple Davis and Soren Van Loben Sels: April 24, April 27
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College & Career Center News | |
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Financial Aid Webinar: Paying the Bill & Borrowing for College - Wednesday, April 17
Class of 2024: On Wednesday, April 17, at 6:30 p.m., College Aid Pro will help families understand the nuances of Paying the Bill & Borrowing for College.
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We hope your family had a safe and restful break!
Juniors – Requesting Letters of Recommendation
A reminder to juniors requesting letters of recommendation from counselors and teachers for college applications next year: there is important etiquette to follow in this process. After you’ve inquired about their policy for writing letters of recommendation, make sure you request politely and in person. Remember, you are asking for a favor, and as such, you need to do so respectfully (and be prepared for teachers to potentially say no). This is an important skill to learn, and we encourage families to help their student practice requesting a letter by role playing at home!
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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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Class of 2025 fundraiser: Graduation Lei for the 2024 Graduate in your life!
Purchase a Lei for your favorite 2024 soon-to-be graduate, their friends, or someone special in the class of 2024. Choose from purple orchid, white orchid, or marble kukui nut—or all three! Flown in fresh from Hawaii before graduation and distributed to the graduates as they line up for their ceremony. Be sure to let your graduate know who the lei is from! Purchase graduation lei here by Wednesday, May 1.
Questions? Please contact Julie Mercer or Kirsten Odmark
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Class of 2024 News
Senior Ball Tomorrow
Mira Ball is finally here!
A few final reminders:
- Please arrive for check-in by 5:30 p.m.
- Buses depart at 6:00 p.m. sharp.
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Please refer to the event FAQ if you have any questions.
Time of Reflection - forms due by TODAY
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 today Friday, April 12. Questions? Contact Joanna Wagner.
Grad Night - We hope ALL seniors have Grad Night on their calendars. Friday, May 31, immediately following the Graduation ceremony. Tickets go on sale next week.
Questions? Contact the Class of 2024 Parent Advisors
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Class of 2025 News
2025 Casa Orinda Chicken Dinner - Tuesday, April 16
Order the famous Casa Orinda fried chicken dinner TODAY! Help us support our class and our local Orinda restaurant. Deadline to order is Monday, April 15. First, pay for your dinner(s) here! ($40 per dinner); and second, sign up for a pick-up time here!
Parent Social - Saturday, April 20
Join us for our Spring Parent Social on Saturday, April 20, 6:00-9:00 p.m. Purchase early bird tickets here!
Junior Prom is almost here!
Date and time: Saturday, May 11, 6:00-10:00 p.m. Purchase tickets and download permission slips here. Tickets and permission slips are due by Friday, May 3. Find detailed information and all links here.
Pay It Forward
Help out the Class of 2024 this spring and get a sneak peek at major events for next year!
Questions? Contact the Class of 2025 Parent Advisors
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Class of 2026
Save the date! Chipotle Class Fundraiser
Monday, April 15 - 4:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Chipotle in Lafayette
Click here to print out the flyer to show in the restaurant or use code VEYP66D when ordering online for pick up.
Support the Sophomore Class's fundraising efforts to sell candy grams in honor of Earth Day on April 22 and donate candy and other eco-friendly materials. Click here to sign up to donate. Purchase candy grams now by clicking here.
Questions? Contact the Class of 2026 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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Orinda Classic Car Show T-Shirt Design Contest
The Orinda Association invites 8th through 12th grade students who attend school in Lafayette, Moraga, or Orinda to enter the Orinda Classic Car Show T-Shirt Design Contest. The t-shirts will be sold to the general public before and at the Orinda Classic Car Show in September 2024. The deadline to submit a design is Friday, May 3. Find more information, contest rules, and contest entry form here.
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Students invited: Hack the Planet!
Contra Costa County Office of Education invites students to join us on Saturday, April 27, a one-day event where students, teachers, and developers across the county collaborate in teams to tackle our world's most pressing challenges. After a day of innovative problem-solving, teams will pitch their solutions to industry experts for a chance to win fantastic prizes. Find more information about this hackathon and register by Friday, April 12.
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Connect with the Parents' Club: | | | | |
