Volume 7 Issue 5 | December 2023

In brief...

Finals week is next week, Dec. 18-20. Winter break is Dec. 21 – Jan. 3.


Seeking holiday gifts for teachers and staff? Here's a list of great ideas!


Call for volunteers! The College & Career Center needs help moving to the library. Contact Mrs. Goricanec, College and Career Specialist, if you're available to help move or decorate.

Keep reading for highlights from our campus representatives, with updates from the principal, ASB student liaison, teacher liaison, school boosters, and college and career specialist.

HSC News

''Tis the Season to Appreciate Our Longhorn Teachers and Staff!


Spread holiday cheer and appreciation to our dedicated teachers and staff! Send gifts or treats with your student, drop off gift cards at the front office, or email an e-gift card using their school email addresses.


Seeking inspiration? Home & School Club asked our amazing educators for their favorites, compiling a list of treats, preferred stores, and restaurants. Let's make this season extra special for those who enrich our Leigh community. Your kindness will surely brighten their days!

Teacher/Staff Gifts

View a list teacher and staff gift ideas.

Staff Directory

Send a season's greeting or a gift certificate using the Leigh staff directory.

Teacher and Staff Hospitality


The HSC Hospitality Team provided a baked potato bar for lunch in November and holiday treats in December. Thank you to all the hospitality volunteers!

HSC Meeting Minutes


Our last meeting was Monday, Nov. 27, 2023.


Our next meeting is Monday, Jan. 22, 2024.


Minutes from past meetings and dates of upcoming meetings can be found on the HSC website.


Contact us any time with questions or suggestions at president@leighhsc.org.

HSC Recent Expenditures & Grants


The following programs and activities were funded in November:

Leigh Wall Letters & Mascot

$7,261

Tax Preparation: FY22 taxes

$870

The following grant request was approved at the November HSC meeting:


  • 3D printer materials for a technical writing lesson in the Special Education classroom — $558

We Met Our Fundraising Goal


We've raised a remarkable $36,067. Thank you for your generosity.


Your donations are already making a significant impact and will ensure we can continue supporting vital programs for our students. Our community is stronger because of your help. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey!

Corporate Matching


Our corporate matching currently stands at $12,212 of our $10,000 target. If you have already donated to the Home & School Club, check out our Double the Donation online tool to quickly and easily see if your employer will match your donation.

It's not too late to donate!


Leigh Home & School Club

5210 Leigh Ave.

San Jose, CA 95124


Questions? Contact Pam Reynolds, HSC Treasurer, at treasurer@leighhsc.org


Leigh High School Home and School Club is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Tax ID # is 77-0199809. All donations are tax-deductible.

Campus Representative Updates

At each HSC meeting, campus representatives share important reports and insights.

Principal's Highlights

Brandon Wall


Community & Celebrations


  • Halloween Costumes & Decorations — Students and staff showcased their creativity through vibrant costumes, while halls bloomed with spirited decorations for the class competition. Leigh staff also engaged in a lively costume contest, adding to the fun atmosphere!


  • Dia De Los Muertos — The celebration of Dia De Los Muertos added cultural richness to our campus.


  • Diwali Celebration — The Leigh community rejoiced in celebrating Diwali, adding cultural diversity to campus events.


  • New Leigh Letters Installation — The installation of the new Leigh letters in the quad garnered fantastic feedback. The HSC provided funding for this successful collaboration between the Leigh administration and the HSC community.


Staff & Campus Updates


  • New Counselor Arrival — A warm welcome is extended to Andrea Gonzalez, Leigh's new half-time counselor, as she begins her journey at Leigh.


  • Thanksgiving Food Giveaway — Before the Thanksgiving break, Leigh's Community Liaison, Ms. Soto, dedicated significant effort to organizing a Thanksgiving food giveaway, providing meals to families in need within our community.


  • LED Light Replacement Project — The LED light replacement project is complete. See full details in the principal's report.


Upcoming Events


  • Holiday Event — Looking ahead, students and staff are excited for upcoming holiday events, including Stress-Relief Week scheduled for December 11-15.


Read Principal Wall's full report.

Watch the new Leigh Longhorn letters unveiling video!

Thanksgiving food giveaway.

College and Career Specialist

Nathalie Goricanec


Important Dates and Events


  • Feb. 15 — Leigh is seeking parent speakers for Career Day, an opportunity to inspire and inform students about different career paths. If you are interested, please contact Mrs. G at ngoricanec@cuhsd.org.


  • March 26 — Leigh hosts the CUHSD Career Pathway Expo, emphasizing alternative pathways, now enhanced with a mini summer job fair.


  • April 26 — Latinx Can: A district-wide event conducted entirely in Spanish, focusing on college access. Leigh's alumni and a current parent of a first generation student will share their experiences.


Recent Events


  • Nov. 27 — Prospect High School hosted an out-of-state college event.


  • Nov. 28 — Leigh co-hosted a Financial Aid Night with Branham High School



Campus Updates



  • CCC Relocation & Help — The CCC is relocating to the library. Mrs. G needs help with the move and decorating the new area. Reach out to her at ngoricanec@cuhsd.org.


  • Scholarships: Successful senior college application scholarships, with thanks to Ms. Soto, Leigh's Community Liaison.

College and Career Center

Resources


The Leigh HSC Recognizes

Mrs. Goricanec For Outstanding Effort


Mrs. G, who is both the CCC Specialist and a parent at Leigh, received a well-deserved round of applause for her relentless dedication and hard work in supporting the students' future education and endeavors!

★★★

ASB Student Representative

Amit


Campus & Events


  • Quad Facelift Reveal — November brought about the exciting reveal of the revamped letters in the quad, marking a significant update to our campus.


  • Other Events — Various engaging events took place, including a spikeball tournament, a cozy Sweater Day accompanied by apple cider, a club event, and an enlightening business class event.


Upcoming Activities


  • Stress Relief Week — Stay tuned for Stress Relief Week, an upcoming event aimed at providing relaxation and relief.


  • Winter Ball — Mark your calendars for the Winter Ball on Saturday, Jan. 20, which promises an evening of festive celebration.

ASB Resources







Leigh Boosters Updates

The Home & School Club supports the academic and social-emotional well-being of all students at Leigh High School. There are three additional booster clubs at Leigh that support extra-curricular activities. All boosters operate independently of each other.

Sports Boosters

Sports Booster Website


Leigh Sports Boosters includes parents, coaches, and community members dedicated to supporting the athletic programs at Leigh. You are invited you to connect with the Sports Boosters and join in the fun!


  • Fundraising is a little behind where expected but most requests for funding will be met.
  • Wi-Fi issues were identified in the snack shack.


Call for photos! The Leigh Sports Boosters have an ongoing search for crowd-sourced event photos to feature on Instagram and Facebook. Submit your content and it could be posted on Sports Boosters social pages!

Performing Arts Parent Association

PAPA Website


PAPA is a volunteer-run organization, supporting all of the performing arts students, teachers, staff and organizations at Leigh High School. Financial support is provided by a combination of general fundraisers, program specific fundraisers, and parent and community donations. 


Theater


  • The Haunt event concluded successfully.
  • The theater department's fall play "Clue On Stage" finished its run in December.


Musical & Marching Arts


  • A benefit concert for the Maui fires took place.
  • Winter percussion is beginning.
  • Marching band and color guard finished its season.
  • New decorations for smaller trailers have been completed; there is a delay in decorating the large trailer.


Call For Volunteers


  • Assistance is needed for the BBQ/Silent Auction on Feb. 3.

Until Next Time...

Save the Date!


We'll see you at the next HSC meeting Monday, Jan 22, 7 p.m. in the school library.


Everyone is welcome!

Find information, volunteer opportunities, and photos at our website leighhsc.org.

Leigh High School Home and School Club is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Tax ID # is 77-0199809. All donations are tax-deductible.