November 13, 2023

Events Coming Up

11/13 PTSA Association Meeting


11/15 Coffee with the Counselors


11/15 Grad Night 2024 Planning Meeting


11/16 Staff Friendsgiving Lunch


11/16 Instrumental Music Booster Meeting


11/16 Dance Show


11/20 - 11/24 Thanksgiving Break


11/27 Athletic Boosters Meeting

Bell Schedule
SRVUSD Instructional Calendar

December and Beyond

12/1 Marching Band Banquet


12/1 Cal High Art Reflections Showcase


12/4 End of Winter Toy Drive


12/4 Academic Boosters Meeting


12/7 Town Hall with Mr. Ball


12/7 Instrumental Music Booster Meeting


12/11 - 12/14 Thrive Week


12/11 PTSA Board Meeting Only


12/12 Winter Orchestra Concert


12/14 Winter Band Concert


12/15 - 12/20 Finals


12/17 Cookies and Cram


12/18 Start Spring Sports Registration


12/21 - 1/7 Winter Break

Note: Gmail clips the Bear Facts newsletter. Look below your Bear Facts to "click to view the entire message". 

Bear Facts Weekly Newsletter

Stay up-to-date: If you know someone who did not receive this Bear Facts newsletter, forward this to them and tell them to click on Bear Facts sign up to register for the newsletter. Be sure to choose “California HS”.

School Updates

Coffee With the Counselors


Hello all,

You are invited to our virtual Coffee with the Counselors! Join some of our CHS Counselors for a Q&A session. The session will be on Wednesday, November 15th from 9:00-9:30 am virtually. Here is the link to register. We hope to see you there, but if you are unable to make it, we record and post our sessions to our YouTube page.

Have a question? Email Kelly Falcone at kfalcone@srvusd.net.

Take care,

Your Cal Counseling Team

Sister School Toy Drive


It's time for our annual Cal High Toy Drive! We will collect donations for our sister school, Michelle Obama Elementary School in Richmond. We will be collecting toys appropriate for 5-12 year olds (please no gift cards, or toys resembling weapons). Toys should be unwrapped and in the $10-20 price range. A donation bin will be located in the Cal High front office until December 4th. If you are too busy to shop but would like to contribute, please check out our Toy Drive Amazon Wishlist. Thank you for your support and generosity!

Grants Available for Student Academic Clubs


To our Cal High Student Clubs with an academic focus!


Cal High Academic Boosters is committed to offering financial assistance to academic clubs for entry fees, mentor programs, research, and club promotional programs, etc. We are open to supporting all academic enrichment clubs available to Cal High students. We do not support travel expenses. 

  • One club leader should submit this form by December 1, 2023 at 11:59pm
  • Applicants will be notified between December 31, 2023–January 31, 2024
  • Funding requests will only be considered if this form is complete and requested budget information is submitted with this application. Funding and partial funding availability will vary from year to year as finances permit.
  • Only one application per club is permitted.
  • No late submissions will be considered.

Reach out to Ms. Sexton at ksexton@srvusd.net with any questions.


We look forward to receiving your application,

Cal High Academic Boosters

Cal High Photo Donations


Do you have an old film camera or tripod collecting dust in your closet? Cal High Photo is looking for donations of any old photography equipment. If you have a donation please contact Paul Fortayon.

Color Guard Winter Fundraiser


The Color Guard is hosting a fundraiser for their Winter Season through See's Candies. Please consider buying your holiday candy through our special website. You can skip the lines and have your items delivered right to you. All prices are the same as in the store, and the Guard will earn up to 20% per item you purchase! Our store closes on Dec 1st. Thank you for your support!

50th Anniversary Edition of the Cal High Yearbook (2024)


1) Purchasing a yearbook:  Please check this list (link here) to see if you have purchased a yearbook (press <ctl><f> to find your name). A Yearbook Only option is available on Future Fund (link here) for $140 between September 1st and January 9th, 2024. After January 10th, Ms. Brindley must have a final count for the yearbook order and will be selling yearbooks for cash or check only in WL-1 until all the ordered yearbooks have been sold. The past two years we have sold out the yearbooks, so please DO NOT WAIT to purchase a yearbook.


2) Seniors!!!: Make sure you are included in the yearbook. Please refer to this letter for important Senior due dates and links concerning Portraits (Nov 9th is the new last day) and ads (Nov 27th is the last day). 



If you have any other yearbook-related questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Brindley via email (jbrindl@srvusd.net). 

Class of 2024

Class of '24 Grad Night Celebration


We will once again continue the tradition of offering a Safe & Sober celebration for our 2024 graduates after the Graduation Ceremony. The event will be held on the Cal High campus and take place between 9pm and 1am on June 6th & 7th. Tickets are available to purchase via Future Fund for $150. Ticket price increases to $200 after December 31, 2023.


Want to help in planning? Check out available slots in our SUG!


SAVE THE DATE!!

Our first Dine Out Fundraiser for Grad Night '24 is scheduled for November 29 @ Hazy BBQ in Danville. Stay tuned for more information.

Cal High PTSA News

Click on Cal High PTSA to go to our website for more information

Enjoy reading the Bear Facts!


-Colleen Birmingham, PTSA President 2023-2024

Cal High PTSA
Cal High PTSA Meeting

Cal High PTSA Association November Meeting

  • Monday, November 13, 2023
  • 6:00-8:00 pm Live in the Cal High Library
  • Hoping you can join us this Monday, November 13th at 6 pm to hear Ravneet Julka discuss "what does advocating look like?” First in a series of discussions for how parents can help navigate advocacy for their family in the school district. Future discussions will have a focus from a student perspective.

PTSA Membership


We would love to see your support of the Cal High PTSA by becoming a member. This can be done on the Future fund registration platform, and also by sending us a check. Parent membership is $16, Students $10 and Cal High Teachers/Staff $8. Donations to PTSA can also be done by check if you want to avoid the platform fee of FF. The check can be send to the PTSA mailbox in school, 9870 Broadmoor Drive, San Ramon 94583. We truly appreciate your support and time.

Cal High PTSA Open Positions


The PTSA has several open volunteer positions. Please help us fill roles such as 2nd Legislation VP, Run for Education, Reflections and Memory Brick. Contact Colleen at Calhighptsa@gmail.com for more information. We will also have updated details on our PTSA website about committee and programs.

Council-wide Reflections Showcase Save-the-Date

2023-2024 Art Reflections Celebration

Don't miss Cal High's Live Showcase and Awards Ceremony

Friday, December 1st, 2023

6 - 9 PM

Cal High Theater

All students, families and friends are welcome!


This year we have 23 submissions, with all 6 categories being represented! The art has gone through the first level of judging - at the School Level! Students will be awarded based on their category at the showcase! So, please do not miss it! There will be live performances and so much more. This is their time to shine!!


We will have music performances, dance, a film, literature readings, visual arts and photography displays. Join us in celebrating the arts here at Cal High on December 1st!!


Then, on Thursday, December 7th, 2023 at 6 PM join the City of San Ramon at the newly renovated Dougherty Station Community Arts Center for the Council Showcase. The students that move forward at the School Level will then move on to the next level with the SRV Council Level. These students will be celebrated on this night. 


There is more to come, so do not miss these moments. Cal High has such talented students!! I am very, very proud of them all!! Thank You to the Front Office for collecting the physical Art! Thank You Ms. Laura Woods for always coming through as one of our amazing Judges. And Thank You PTSA for embracing the Arts within our school culture - needed now more than ever!



Contact Melanie James & Zenobia for any questions at calhighartreflections@gmail.com

Here are a few of the amazing Visual Arts and Photography submissions we received:

Sports

See website for Winter Sports Information

Winter Sports at Cal High:

Any students interested in trying out for a Winter or Spring sport can check the Cal High athletic website.

For any questions about the upcoming season contact the Head Varsity Coach for upcoming information.

Boosters

California High Ed Fund/Academic Boosters

The purpose of the California High School Education Fund/Academic Boosters is to raise money to enhance learning at California High School. Our fundraising activities are managed by Cal High Parents and we support all students, at all grade levels, and at all levels of academic performance.


Learning Labs

The California Academic Boosters is happy to continue to support the school's tutoring program Learning Labs for 2023-2024 school year. 

The program provides tutoring hours for subject areas such as math, WL, science and English to students in need, as well as building leadership/communication/social skills for tutors.

Donation to Cal High Ed Fund / Academic Boosters

Your contribution directly supports many academic programs at Cal High. Currently we are still taking donations. Please visit Cal High Store to contribute


Corporate Matching Fund

We benefit greatly from  Corporate  Matching Funds

Please check out the Corporate Matching information page for more details regarding how to take advantage of the program. 


Email us at california.edfund@srvef.org after donating online to give us your employer’s information. We have a dedicated director for Corporate Match to help submit matching funds requests.


Want to Get Involved?

Email us. We are looking for Academic Award Chair. 

This position will work with the school counseling department to coordinate to distribute annual academic award certificates to qualified Cal High students.


Upcoming Booster Meeting:

Monday, December 4th at 5:30pm Zoom


Please visit the Cal High Education Fund/Academic Boosters website for the latest information.


Email: california.edfund@srvef.org

Cal High Athletic Boosters

CAB Monthly Meeting

Monday, November 27 · 7:00 – 8:00pm

Time zone: America/Los_Angeles

Google Meet joining info

Video call link

Or dial: ‪(US) +1 512-813-1635‬ PIN: ‪240 582 104‬#

Instrumental Music Boosters

CHS Instrumental Music Boosters is a non-profit organization that fundraises to support the Instrumental Music Program at Cal High.

 

Booster/Parent Meetings:

Thursday, November 16 at 7pm - Band Room 

Booster Meetings are open to anyone interested in learning about the details of the Boosters' activities or about the wide array of opportunities to help the Instrumental Music Program. Please join our efforts to keep our program running.  


Marching Ensemble News:

  • **Congratulations to our CHS Marching Ensemble for their amazing performance at the Lodi Grape Bowl Band Review where they were awarded 1st place in their division. 
  • Click here for the SignUpGenius for Marching Ensemble events. Your volunteerism is much appreciated. 
  • 99 Pledges Fundraiser for Marching Band & Color Guard. Donations are vital to every aspect of our Marching Ensemble and fully tax deductible. Thank you for your support!
  • Upcoming Marching Ensemble performances:
  • Saturday, November 18, Tournament of Champions (Fairfield) - CHS Performance Time: 7:15pm
  • Marching Ensemble End of Season Banquet is on Friday, December 1 - CHS Commons (Time TBD)


Booster Events News:

  • Savers FUNDrive Fundraiser: start collecting gently used clothing, books, media, and household items to donate for our fundraiser. Collection dates and times at Cal High:
  • Saturday, December 2, 10am - 3:00pm (CHS back parking lot behind the main building)
  • We need volunteers to make this event successful on 12/2 and 12/9! Click here for the SignUpGenius. 


Instrumental Music Sponsors:

We’d like to thank our three platinum sponsors: Greenlight Simulation (Simulator-based driver training for teens) and Aki Lewis Realty, and Dublin Family Dentistry.


Website: www.calhighmusic.org

Email: calhighbandboosterprez@gmail.com

Drama Boosters


Please Save the Date:

The next Drama Boosters meeting is Thursday, January 11th, at 7pm in Room FA 106.


For more information:

Wellness Center

The Zen Den


Parents, if you want to keep up on what is happening in the Zen Den - our wellness program at Cal High, check out our monthly newsletter Zen Den Presents - for parents, or visit our Zen Den website

District News

Special Giving Thanks Meal - Call for Volunteers to Help Serve


SRVUSD staff, parents, and caregivers are being recruited to assist us with serving a special Giving Thanks meal to students. Have fun, celebrate, and give thanks to our students and Child Nutrition team by helping serve a special lunch! Different this year, the meal is being served on different days depending on the school type:

  • Elementary – Thursday, Nov 16
  • Middle – Wednesday, Nov 15
  • High – Friday, Nov 17



Our lunch menu will feature a special meal of locally sourced, sustainably raised turkey with gravy or plant-based patty with gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberry chutney, dinner roll, and fall cookie.

We are welcoming SRVUSD staff, parents, and caregivers to assist us with serving the meal - we can’t do it without you! In terms of time commitment - most schools have one or two shifts ranging from 1 to 1.5 hours for elementary, 1.5 hours for middle, and 45 minutes for high school.

The Truth About Fentanyl


Monday December 11, 6:00-7:00 pm 

Join this in-person presentation co-sponsored by SRVUSD and the SRVCPTA to hear from Ryan Rezaei, Narcotics Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Francisco. He will discuss fentanyl: what is it, how deadly is it, and, above all, what do you need to know for your children? Session will include overdose rescue training by April Rovero with NCAPDA and free Narcan overdose rescue kits for all attendees. Registration required, space is limited: bit.ly/Dec11ParentEd.


Stay connected with all SRVUSD/SRVCPTA events by subscribing to the master calendar at: www.srvusd.net/Calendar/index.html


Social Media and Social Emotional Well-Being in Middle School


Monday November 27, 6:00-7:00 pm 

Join this virtual presentation co-sponsored by SRVUSD and the SRVCPTA to hear from Jamie Nunez with Common Sense Media. Learn about the social media landscape and the role it plays in students' social emotional well-being, receive guidance for parents, and how to support students with safe and responsible social media use. Register: bit.ly/Nov27ParentEd


Stay connected with all SRVUSD/SRVCPTA events by subscribing to the master calendar at: www.srvusd.net/Calendar/index.html

Announcing SRVUSD TK and Kindergarten Enrollment for the 2024-2025 School Year!

Community News

Explore.Act.Tell Program & Student Challenge 


This program is fully funded by Albertson’s Nourishing Neighbors Foundation and FREE to all educators and students - and is designed for students to work on projects on fighting hunger and food insecurity in their own community.  

• Grades 6-12 in a classroom or club environment

• Consists of a kick-off Leadership Lesson and then four interactive lessons with student and teacher lesson plans

• Students will practice the skills needed to become good citizens and advocate for community involvement and service  

• Enter projects into the competition for a chance to win a $1,000-$2,500 grant for a hunger-focused charity of choice

See flyer for more information.

Ongoing Fundraisers

Support our Cal High Teachers and Staff - Donors Choose!
Teachers and staff are working hard to make learning more engaging, but some could use your support. Go to DonorsChoose to contribute to help our Grizzly heroes.

Social Media

Stay Up To Date

Need a place to connect with other parents? Join one of the community groups on Facebook. The pages are organized by grade, run by parents, and are always reliable forums. To receive reminders, obtain quick responses about anything scholastic or extracurricular, and also access other types of assistance or support, join today! Be sure to answer the membership questions and a parent, who moderates the group, will welcome you shortly.  


Parents of Freshmen:  California High School Class of 2027

Parents of Sophomores: California High School Class of 2026

Parents of Juniors: California High School Class of 2025

Parents of Seniors    Cal High Grizzlies Class of 2024


You can also stay connected through the following Instagram groups:


  • CAL HIGH: @calhighgrizzlies 
  • CLASS of 2024: @calhigh2024
  • CLASS of 2025: @calhigh25
  • CLASS of 2026 @calhigh26
  • CLASS of 2027 @calhigh2027
  • SPIRIT: @calhighspirit
  • RALLY and LTA: @calhighrallylta
  • CULTURE AND CLIMATE: @chs_cultureandclimate
  • PTSA: @calhighptsa
  • @CalHighCounseling
  • @CalHighWellness

Cal High Website 

SRVUSD Website 

Instructional Calendar

Bell Schedule

Facebook  Twitter  
Bear Facts is the weekly newsletter published by Cal High PTSA with articles submitted by SRVUSD, Cal High staff/organizations, and PTSA.

Contact Calhighnews@gmail.com if you would like
to share news with the Cal High Community.
No advertisements are allowed.