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Dear Miramonte Community,
Believe it or not, but we are halfway through the 3rd Quarter. Time is flying by this spring! At the conclusion of each grading period (eight times per year), my admin and counseling teams (Happy National School Counselors Week and shoutout to our counselors!) and I analyze all of the student grade data that is submitted by our teachers. We do this for several reasons:
- To identify which students might need additional support or intervention.
- To determine if there are any outlier classes where the grade data seems inconsistent from other common courses.
- To highlight and honor improvement from prior grading periods.
Additionally, one of our key goals in our WASC plan and Single Plan for Student Achievement is for our teachers who teach the same courses to collaborate and create alignment and consistency across their classes. This ensures that students in the same course will have a similar experience, regardless of their teacher, and this includes the grading expectations and assessments for the course. Here’s the steps, strategies, and guiding questions our teacher teams continually go through as part of this alignment work:
- STEP #1: Identify Essential Standards: What is it we want our students to know and be able to do during each unit?
- STEP #2: Create and utilize common formative and summative assessments: How will we know if each student has learned these essential standards?
- STEP #3: Analyze and improve our instructional practices: How will we respond when some students do not learn the essential standards?
- STEP #4: Identify students who have reached proficiency and provide extended learning opportunities: How will we extend the learning for students who have demonstrated proficiency?
If you have questions about a grade, an assignment, or a class, please partner with your child and have them reach out to their teacher. Usually the student and teacher can resolve things before or after class or during Academy. However, when that doesn't work, a meeting with you, your child, and the teacher is a great way to solve issues and determine a positive path forward for your child in the class.
Have a great weekend and Go Mats!
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Dear Miramonte Families,
Please join us for our next Parents' Club meeting on Wednesday, February 21, 9:30 a.m., in the Student Union. Principal Campopiano and Associate Superintendent Mr. John Walker will discuss the new courses offered for the upcoming school year, the new ethnic studies requirement, and the master schedule process for Miramonte and how it impacts students. In addition, we will hear updates from Wellness Coordinator Mr. Sal Avila. All parents and guardians are welcome!
Please save the date for Paralyzed to Power, a parent and student education event featuring the very powerful speaker Robert Paylor on Tuesday, March 19, at 7:00 p.m. in the Acalanes Performing Arts Center. The link to RSVP for this event will be coming soon. All Miramonte parents and students are welcome to RSVP when the RSVP link is available. You and your student will not want to miss this very impressive presentation.
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February 9 & 10: Performers for Progress
February 10: Public Speaking Stanford Invitational
February 12: Will follow Wednesday/Friday bell schedule
February 13: Class of 2025 Moms' Social
February 16 & 19: Holiday; No School
February 21: Parents' Club Meeting; 9:30 a.m.; Student Union
February 21: AUHSD Governing Board Meeting; 7:00 p.m.; district office
February 23: Deadline to submit spring Athletic PE contract (info)
February 23: District-wide Mardi Gras Dance; 7-9:00 p.m.; MHS Gym (tickets)
February 24: Latin Certamen State Qualifiers
February 29: Deadline to register for CSF (info)
March 1: Career Month Begins (for students)
March 2 & 3: Public Speaking GGSA State Qualifiers
March 6: AUHSD Governing Board Meeting; 7:00 p.m.; district office
March 8 & 9: Spring Musical: Footloose (tickets)
March 15 & 16: Spring Musical: Footloose (tickets)
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ONE-Miramonte Fundraising | |
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Donations to ONE-Miramonte provide supplemental funding for every class on campus, including visual and performing arts. 3D Art is among the most popular choices in the arts. Taught by Mr. Gavin Kermode, a Miramonte alumni himself, 3D art students create incredible pieces, some of which you can see on display in the library.
We asked Mr. Kermode why the arts are important and what goes on in 3-D Art. Read below to find out what he had to say:
The arts are important for every student's education, not because everyone should be an artist, but because the arts help develop creative thinking more than any other subject.
The arts allow for the exploration of ideas and the development of new skills, whether through performing or creating with your hands and discovering passions one might carry through life. I've always enjoyed Einstein's quote, "Creativity is Intelligence having fun." I've always felt that 3D Art (Crafts) has been a special place that offers a world outside of the academics the students experience every day. It's a space for creative thinking and making. Some of the best parts of teaching are seeing the enthusiasm and engagement the students have in what they are making, as well as the random conversations that pop up throughout the day.
There are three levels of 3D Art (Crafts), as well as an option for Honors when students reach 3D Art 3. In 3D Art 1, students learn new mediums and techniques with each project. In the first semester, they learn how to sand cast in brass, solder silver rings, lost wax casting in brass and silver (for small sculptures and jewelry), and then how to rivet. In the second semester, they dive into ceramics, learning how to throw on the pottery wheel, and then lead into large ceramic sculptures. Both 3D Art 2 and 3 develop into more of an independent studio; now that students have learned the basics they can pick and choose where they want to focus and ideas they would like to pursue. These tend to be my favorite classes because of the amount of different creative work that is being done and I know the students well. I continue to do demonstrations throughout the year for the students so they can see more sophisticated techniques in the various mediums.
All the work we do in class is in the studio so there is no homework. This class is about creating, thinking, and making something with your hands. Every day I walk into the studio, I think of creative potential. It's a special place, with great students and amazing community support, I wouldn't want to teach anywhere else.
Miramonte senior Zennen Hura, adds: “3D Art has been one of the most awesome classes I have ever taken. The freedom to express yourself combined with excellent access to advice, community, and appliances creates an ideal environment. Through this class, I have developed a love for pottery, a skill which I intend to continue past high school. Also, Gavin is the best.”
Miramonte junior, Jessica Chambers said: "I look forward to crafts every week. With the high academic rigor that comes with being a Miramonte student, it is not only rewarding but relaxing to come to a class where the only true assignment is creativity. Not just the teacher but the class will forever hold a place in my heart."
To learn more about Mr. Kermode, you can read Mr. Kermode's October 2023 Meet A Matador article. To see more of the incredible work 3D art students produce, check out their Instagram @mhscrafts.
Because you give to ONE-Miramonte, students are able to receive a rich, well-rounded education that includes the arts. Your gifts support creativity, self-expression, and exploration. Thank you for your generosity in making Miramonte an exceptional place for students.
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Questions about Miramonte fundraising? Please contact Jill Hughes, VP of Miramonte fundraising, at VPFundraising@mhspc.org. | |
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Mardi Gras Dance Sponsored by Miramonte BSU & Leadership
Miramonte’s BSU and Leadership are hosting a district-wide Mardi Gras dance for all AUHSD students on Friday, February 23, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Along with dancing and an awesome DJ, there will be a 360 open-air video booth, a place to hang out with friends, and an airbrush tattoo artist! Tickets are $10. Purchase tickets here.
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Volunteer and make a difference at our school! Sign up here!
We are extremely lucky to have so many enthusiastic parents who generously give their time to our school community. We have some volunteer jobs that are a great fit for busy parents, and some that are perfect for those with the time or inclination to take a bigger leadership role.
Are you someone who likes to work behind the scenes on a one-and-done project? We are looking for a volunteer to prepare our Student Directory in August-September 2024. This project is done on your own time and is finished early in the school year.
Questions? Contact Meredith Moss or indicate your interest on this form.
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New AUHSD DEIB Website
Visit the new AUHSD Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging website to learn about important DEIB initiatives and find opportunities to get involved.
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Visual & Performing Arts News | |
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"Holding Out for a Hero," "Let's Hear It for the Boy" and "Almost Paradise" … yes, it’s almost time for FOOTLOOSE!
Get ready to kick off your Sunday shoes and cut loose at Miramonte High School’s high-energy performance of Footloose! Join us for a toe-tapping, hip-shaking journey that'll have you dancing in the aisles and cheering for more. With electrifying music, exhilarating choreography, and a 90-member cast and crew that's ready to rock, this year’s musical production is sure to make you feel like you've been transported straight to the heart of the '80s. Don't miss out on the fun - grab your tickets before they sell out and prepare to let loose with Footloose!
Purchase tickets here. Show times are Friday, March 8, 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, March 9, 7:00 p.m.; Friday, March 15, 7:00 p.m.; and Saturday, March 16, 4:00 p.m.
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Schedule Changes
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The deadline to drop a class without it appearing on the student transcript is Friday, March 15.
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Junior Meetings
Junior meetings are underway! 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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FuelEd
Students who received a D or F in a graduation-required course should email their counselor to see if they are eligible for remediation through a FuelEd course. Ninth graders are not eligible for FuelEd.
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Course Selection for 2024-2025 School Year
All students have completed course requests for next year! 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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California Scholarship Federation (CSF) registration is now open!
CSF is an honor club at Miramonte that acknowledges the high academic achievement of students. Eligibility is determined through a point system based on the last semester’s course load and specific semester grades. Have your student fill out the application on the Web Store to determine if they are eligible. Registration is open for the month of February.
Email Sylvie Shawn with any questions or if you need a fee waiver.
Fill out the application and pay the dues here.
| Follow us! Parents and students can follow the new @miramontecounseling Instagram account for information, news, and advice from the counseling department. | |
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Class of 2024 News
Graduation Yard Signs - purchase by Thursday, February 29
Graduation yard signs are now for sale on the Web Store. $20. Sales are open until Thursday, February 29. Signs will be distributed in mid-April.
Questions? Contact the Class of 2024 Parent Advisors
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Class of 2025 News
Moms' Social - Tuesday, February 13
2025 moms, join us for a sweet valentine-inspired evening on Tuesday, February 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Chez Crinks, 75 Donald Drive, Orinda. Tickets are $50 and include beverages, appetizers, chocolate, and 2025 love! Purchase tickets here.
Questions? Contact the Class of 2025 Parent Advisors
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Class of 2027 News
Candygrams on sale now - purchase by Sunday, February 11!
Candygrams are now on sale and are available for purchase for all Miramonte students. Candy packages will be delivered during class on Valentine’s Day. The cost is $4 for one candygram and $10 for three candygrams. Purchase candygrams here by Sunday, February 11. All proceeds support the Class of 2027.
Casa Orinda Chicken Dinner Fundraiser - Monday, February 26
Take the night off from cooking and order your fried chicken dinners to go from Casa Orinda! The meal includes fried chicken, mashed potatoes, veggies, and a biscuit. This is a fundraiser to support the Class of 2027. Anyone can order, and it’s not limited to Class of 2027. Place your order on the Web Store, then choose a pick-up time on the Sign-Up Genius. The deadline to order is Sunday, February 25.
Questions? Contact the Class of 2027 Parent Advisors
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New Miramonte spirit wear is available through the Miramonte Athletic Boosters Club! The following items are available for purchase on the Web Store:
- Boosters Stadium Seats with Pocket (black)
- Matador Unisex Hoodie (sport grey color with green/white/black logo)
- Boxercraft Flannel Pajama Pants (green and white plain with white logo)
- Short Sleeve T-Shirt (dark green with white and black logo)
- Car Magnet Round M (dark green and white)
All proceeds benefit the Boosters Club. Items will be delivered to your home address. Questions? Contact Lee O'Haver.
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Board Positions Available: We're still actively searching for dedicated individuals to fill vacant positions on our board. If you have a passion for contributing to our school's success and want to play a key role in boosting our programs, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Join Miramonte Athletic Boosters: For all of you who are enthusiastic supporters of the Mats, we invite you to become part of “The Team Behind the Teams”! Membership levels are available from $200-$1000.
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Spring Athletic PE
All 10th- and 11th-grade spring student-athletes who are planning to earn PE credit through the Athletic PE Program must submit a completed and signed contract/application to the file folders in the counseling office no later than Friday, February 23. Find more information here.
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Connect with the Parents' Club: | | | | |
