Volume 7 Issue 3 | October 2023 | | |
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Signup and join us!
- Campus Beautification Lead/Co-Lead
- Stampede 5K Run/Walk Planning
- Communications/Tech support
- Corresponding Secretary
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HELP US REACH OUR ANNUAL GIVING DRIVE GOAL | |
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We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have contributed to our Annual Giving Drive! As of now, we’ve raised $23,525 towards our $30,000 goal for the 2023-2024 school year. To fully support the vital programs we've committed to this year, we need to secure an additional $6,475. Your donation to the Home & School Club can make a significant impact. Plus, remember to check if your employer offers donation matching to maximize your contribution’s effect. Every donation, whether big or small, is greatly appreciated, and we’re deeply thankful for your ongoing support.
Donate online or mail a check: make payable to Leigh Home & School Club; mail to: Leigh Home & School Club, 5210 Leigh Ave, San Jose, CA 95124.
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SEPTEMBER 2023 HSC MEETING
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Highlights from Principal Brandon Wall |
- The Home & School Club (HSC) funded a staff BBQ, organized by Mr. Wall, which was greatly enjoyed by all.
- Last year the HSC provided $10,000 for Restorative Practices (RP) Training as part of a large anonymous donation. The RP team, consisting of 8 teachers and Mr. Wall, led a Professional Development training for staff on Sept 25th focused on various ways circles (one example here) could be used in the classroom. It is very inspiring to see this work grow and to see teachers learning and using the tools. Staff vs. Students basketball game on Sept 29th at lunch!
- Homecoming (HOCO) football game on Sept 29th vs Branham.
- The kitchen remodel is underway and is on schedule to be completed for the 2024/2025 school year.
- End of grading period was September 25th. Intervention Tutorial starts on October 2nd. This program is for students who have a D/F in a class to receive more individualized support during tutorial to help raise their grade in a particular class.
- PSAT/NMSQT will be hosted at Leigh on October 14th.
Stay Connected with Leigh:
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Highlights from Student Representative (Officer), Ryan E. |
- In commemoration of Rosh Hashanah, ASB hosted a meaningful gathering in the quad. ASB also honored those lost on 9/11. An uplifting event was held in recognition of National Addiction Recovery Month, where participants adorned purple ribbons and purple-painted hands as a powerful symbol of unity and support.
- Homecoming week was Sept 25th- 29th, with a Harry Potter theme.
- Sept 27th: Lip Sync and Dance contest (Mrs. Butler kindly agreed to come back and judge).
- Sept 30th: Homecoming Dance (pizza, drinks, 9-square, volleyball, corn hole, caricature artists, photo booth, Harry Potter playing in the cafeteria, and of course dancing)
- Oct 3rd: Blood Drive
- Oct 13th: Hispanic Heritage Month will be celebrated with Hispanic music and pinata hitting in the quad.
- Birthday Outreach Project to acknowledge our teachers' birthdays is currently in progress. Each teacher will receive a green coffee tumbler on their birthday.
- Tune in to the September 25th edition of Leigh News Network, where you'll have the chance to see Mr. Wall in a memorable cameo as Professor Dumbledore that you won't want to miss!
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Stay connected with ASB and student happenings on campus:
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Highlights from College & Career Specialist, Nathalie Goricanec |
- Wednesday workshops with our Seniors have kicked off, providing valuable guidance for their journey ahead.
- Students can get assistance with their college essays on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and can attend college planning workshops on Wednesdays.
- Leigh hosted an insightful college panel night, with an engaging pre-session in Spanish.
- An impressive 1,500 individuals and 75 colleges participated in the district-wide college fair, making it a resounding success.
- Jr/Sr College Night was held on Sept 7th and was a success. There was a pre-session in Spanish followed by a great college rep panel. The conversation was very lively and interesting. This was followed by a student panel which was very insightful.
- Mrs. G has been actively engaging with many Juniors in one-on-one sessions, providing personalized support.
- Freshmen and Sophomores have also been exploring the College & Career Center to get a head start on their future plans.
Resources:
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Highlights from Teacher Rep, Celeste Smiley | |
Ms. Smiley shares a Teacher's Report every month. The October Teacher's Report is loaded with information and updates. Highlights include:
- Thank you to all the parents who hosted the back-to-school breakfast and the salad lunch!
- Club Fair: clubs are up and running and the fair gave students the opportunity to learn more about student clubs and join the ones they are interested in.
- Professional Development - teachers continue to work on restorative practices to improve students’ success. Thank you to our RP Team (Jennifer Lynn, Cindy Williams, Tim Hanley, Lupe Dhanani, Jazelle Johnston, Sam Nguyen, Kimberly Pistor, and Brandon Wall)
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RECENT PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES FUNDED BY YOUR DONATIONS | |
The following items were approved for funding at our September HSC Meeting: | | |
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Materials for macrame for 3D Design 1, 2, 3 | | |
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Online course for English 1 & 4 teacher to support teaching instruction | |
* At the August HSC meeting, Mr. Wall made a proposal to replace the letters on the Quad wall and asked for $3,903 to fund the project. This was approved. Suggestions were made at this meeting regarding the artwork (add black outline and add the Longhorn logo). At the August meeting, Mr. Wall shared the updated rendering. The additional funding needed for the updates ($1358) was approved. | |
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WHAT ELSE IS YOUR HOME & SCHOOL CLUB UP TO?
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Volunteer Coordinator Anne Haro is working to connect people who have signed up to volunteer with the committees that interest them. Thank you to everyone who has already signed up to help! Your committee lead will be in touch with you shortly. We need more volunteers! If you would like to see where you can help, check out our volunteer opportunities. We are in particular need of people who can help with:
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Corresponding Secretary – Email invoices to donors and write thank you cards.
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Communications/Tech support – Do you like to update websites? Write? Create graphics? Do you want to participate in ensuring our community stays informed? Do you like to do backend tech support? Help ensure the HSC communicates effectively with our parent community.
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Campus Beautification Lead/Co-Lead – the committee has 9 volunteers. A lead/co-lead is needed.
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Stampede 5K Run/Walk Planning – running experience not required! Tasks include hanging flyers, advertising to local gyms and youth groups, purchasing snacks for the event, sourcing sponsorship, managing the website, managing the registration site, supporting communications tools (email, social media), hanging tow signs, helping at Packet Pick Up, etc.
- Sign up to volunteer!
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8th Annual Longhorn Stampede 5K run/walk: The date has changed to May 18, 2024. Learn more.
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Presidents Council: CUHSD hosts a monthly meeting with the HSC and PTA Presidents from the 5 comprehensive sites in the district (Leigh, Branham, Westmont, Del Mar, and Prospect). During these meetings, the district shares updates and each school provides a report from their HSC/PTA. HSC President, Kerry Haywood, shared an update on this month's meeting. Currently, District HR is actively seeking Spanish teachers and Special Education teachers. Additionally, the District Office is seeking input on district communication style.
- The Staff Appreciation team (Amanda Bierly & Alexis Hoekstra) coordinated a Back to School welcome luncheon in September, which was well received. There were lots of yummy salads and treats, with many hands to help serve. Thank you to all of the parent volunteers who helped! In October, there will be treats placed in teacher mailboxes. In November the hospitality team will be serving up a delicious baked potato bar.
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The Home & School Club supports the academic and social-emotional well being of all students at Leigh. There are three additional booster clubs at Leigh that support extra-curricular activities. All four boosters operate independently of each other.
SPORTS BOOSTERS includes parents, coaches, and community members dedicated to supporting the athletic program at Leigh. Follow Sports Boosters on social media to see pictures of athletes and results from games: Instagram | Facebook. Website: http://leighsportsboosters.org/. Highlights shared at the September HSC meeting:
- Fundraising efforts are ongoing with the donation drive. Donors can look forward to exciting incentives such as yard signs and beanies.
- The Snack Shack is off to a great start this year, with specific sports teams assigned to manage it on designated evenings.
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Oct 11th: Sports Booster's Chef Night Out (CNO) will take place at South Winchester Barbeque. Use code HornsUp and a % of sales will go back to Sports Boosters. View flyer.
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November 2nd: Don't miss the Willow Street Pizza event in Los Gatos. View flyer. Present flyer electronically or on paper when you order and 20% of sales goes back to Sports Boosters.
- Plan to join the next Sports Booster meeting on October 2nd - all parents with students in sports are encouraged to attend.
PAPA is the Performing Arts Parents Association supporting all theater and music programs at Leigh. Website: http://leighpapa.org/. Highlights shared at the September HSC meeting:
- On October 13th, the Haunted House attraction kicks off and will run for three weekends.
- In September, the Rummage Sale was a huge success, generating approximately $12,000 in funds.
- PAPA is actively working on establishing a storefront where parents can find a variety of merchandise, including sweatshirts featuring the performing arts logo.
- To stay informed of upcoming performances and activities, please make sure to join the PAPA mailing list. Remember, it needs to be renewed annually.
SPIRIT BOOSTERS includes all parents, coaches and community members dedicated to supporting our cheer program at Leigh. Website: https://sites.google.com/view/leighcheer.
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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. | | | | |
