Dear Miramonte Community, | |
Next Tuesday is Election Day! This is an exciting yet often stressful time for many of our students, staff, and families. Here’s what you should know as we approach the day and prepare to respond to the results:
- In August, all district staff received training on managing sensitive and potentially controversial issues. This training covered both federal and state election laws as well as local board policies on neutrality and political messaging by staff and schools.
- At our recent staff meeting, we revisited these expectations, emphasizing the importance of supporting all students and upholding the core values we stand by at Miramonte—kindness, empathy, inclusivity, and respect.
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Over the past month, our Social Science teachers have guided students through activities and assignments exploring election systems, laws, and history. They’ve also led discussions, debates, and research projects around key political and governmental issues. This Monday, our juniors and seniors will participate in the California Student Mock Election, providing a valuable opportunity to engage with candidates, propositions, and current issues.
As election results are announced, I will keep all parents informed of any developments that may impact campus life. If any student demonstrations, walk-outs, or similar activities are planned or occur, I’ll reach out with details on our support strategies for both students and staff.
Lastly, and on a separate note, we welcomed the organization Song for Charlie to campus today to present to all 9th graders on the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills. (Our current 10th, 11th, and 12th graders received this presentation last year.) Please take a moment to explore Song for Charlie’s resources and talk with your child about the growing risks posed by counterfeit pills.
Bring your blanket to tonight’s football game, have a great weekend and Go Mats!
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Happy Friday Miramonte Families, | |
I hope everyone enjoyed a fun Halloween night…TGIF!
HUGE Kudos to the Miramonte Theater Department for their incredible productions of Cinderella and Treasure Island- such funny and engaging performances! Your incredible on-stage energy and presence brought the shows to life—bravo to the whole cast and crew! Our Theater Department is just one of the programs funded by ONE-Miramonte and I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has contributed. Your generosity helps us supplement state funding and to maintain the academic excellence that families have come to expect from a Miramonte education.
This year, however, donations are down and we’re falling short of our goal. Our goal is 100% participation since all students benefit from the academic classes and programs ONE-Miramonte helps fund. All donations to ONE-Miramonte are spent at Miramonte and benefit all our students, classes, and teachers. We are incredibly grateful for your support in any amount that works for your family.
Stay up to date with all Parents' Club activities by visiting our website. As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns. GO MATS!!
Warmly,
Christina Linezo
Chair MHS Parents' Club
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November 2: Public Speaking Congress 2 Debate @ San Ramon Valley HS
November 6: Safe Driving Presentation, 6:30-8 p.m.; MHS Theater Register here
November 7: Song for Charlie: Fentanyl Awareness webinar Register here
November 9: Public Speaking Congress 2 Debate @ San Marin HS
November 11: Veterans Day - No School
November 13: Parents' Club Meeting, 11:15 a.m., Student Union
November 25-29: Thanksgiving Holiday, No School.
December 5: Winter Concert; 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.; MHS
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ONE-Miramonte Fundraising | |
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The Mirador
Miramonte’s student-run newspaper, The Mirador, is among the academic classes and programs that receive funding from donations to ONE-Miramonte. Whether your student is on the The Mirador staff or not, they benefit from the vital role the newspaper plays within the Miramonte community.
We asked the Editors in Chief of The Mirador, Caleb Elkind, Grace Wood, Emma Wong, why student journalism is important and how they view the role The Mirador plays at our school.
“As student journalists, we are privileged to freely express the ideas and opinions held by ourselves, the student body, and the community. We pride ourselves in our ability to share influential stories and make an impact on our readers. As a fully student-run paper, it is our responsibility to publish accurate and relevant information. Although we do not have a team of full-time professional writers like large news companies, we offer a unique and locally centered perspective on a wide range of topics and issues. As leaders of the class, we encourage and support our team to be stronger writers and deeper critical thinkers."
You can subscribe to The Mirador and support the work of student journalists here.
Because you give, Miramonte students have the opportunity to write about important issues that are important to our community and keep their peers well-informed. Thanks, ONE-Miramonte donors!
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Book Drive
The National Charity League Acalanes Chapter Senior Class 2025 is collecting new and gently used books for children aged toddlers-high school. The books will be utilized as part of our “Sweet Dreams” Senior Class Project supporting Hope Solutions. Hope Solutions provides emergency support for unhoused individuals and families in Contra Costa County. Beginning Tuesday, November 5, through Friday, November 22, donations can be dropped off outside the admin office in a box labeled “Hope Solutions Book Drive”.
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Shop at reCHIC on the first Thursday of every month to support Orinda schools! The next date is Thursday, November 7, perfect for picking up a Thanksgiving hostess gift or something special.
reCHIC, a locally-owned business, will donate 10% of purchases by ONE supporters. Enjoy bubbly, shop for a unique piece, and support students across all six of our public schools. Just mention you are shopping for ONE at checkout. Thank you reCHIC for your community commitment!
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Extra Halloween Candy?
Please drop off any extra candy to the College and Career Center.
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Back by Popular Demand: Safe Driving Class!
Wednesday, November 6, 2024, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Miramonte Theater
Presented by Officer Daniel Gilmore 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 Gilmore 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 they can present to insurance companies.
This event is open to the Miramonte community. Parents MUST attend with their teen. Registration is required. Sign up here. If registering multiple students, please complete the form for each student attending. Don’t delay; this event fills up quickly.
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Junior SAT Testing - Save the date!
Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Location: Miramonte High School
Registration opens on the Webstore Monday, December 2, and closes Monday, January 20. For more information, click here or contact Jennifer Lezcano
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Yearbook News
The 2024-25 Miramonte yearbook is currently on sale! Yearbooks must be purchased directly from the vendor. If you have not yet purchased a yearbook for your student, click on the link below and enter your student's first and last name. Make sure the first and last names you enter match the first and last names provided to the school on all registration documents.
Purchase a yearbook for your student HERE. When prompted for the School Order Number, enter the Miramonte High School school code: 6301
Attention Parents of Seniors - Senior Dedication Ads are now available for purchase! Senior Ads are a great way to commemorate your graduating Senior and all of their hard work and accomplishments. The final deadline is Friday, November 1. However, please note that ad space is limited and the sales window will close early if all spots are filled prior to that date! Purchase your ad now before space runs out! We are also currently accepting Then and Now photo submissions. Please click here for more details on purchasing an ad and submitting Then and Nows here.
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The Mirador
Subscribe to The Mirador! Our award-winning student-led publication will exclusively publish magazines this year. Support the community by purchasing a subscription for $65 and receive a complimentary Mirador swag item with your 6 issues. Subscribe here
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Counselors will be starting four year plans with first year students next week! This is an exciting time for students to begin thinking about what they would like their next three years to look like and for us to get to know students a little bit more!
Seniors
- If your senior is applying to a college that requires an official transcript, they should make the request via MaiaLearning.
- Consider attending the Academy college application workshops in the College and Career Center. Students can sign up using TeachMore.
Did your student sign up for a club on Club Day? Ask them if they have attended any meetings yet! We encourage all of our Matadors to engage with their community here on campus.
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Visual & Performing Arts News | |
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If you were lucky enough to catch one of the Cinderella or Treasure Island pantos last week, you were treated to a fantastic evening filled with silly, pun-filled dialogue and wonderfully over-the-top humor! Bravo and heartfelt congratulations to the entire student cast and crew for bringing these shows to life each night. Their energy and talent lit up the stage, infusing each scene with magic and laughter and creating an unforgettable experience for the audience.
Although they are not visible in these photos, the Miramonte stagecraft students are critical to our productions! They pour their talent and hard work into every detail, from set design and construction to props, lighting, sound, costumes, makeup, and theater management. Watch them in action here: Miramonte Stagecraft in Action.
Save the date—many of these talented students will be back soon with the annual Broadway Showcase on Friday, December 13! Stay tuned for more details.
Be sure to follow @miramontetheater for all Miramonte theater news.
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Finishing up fall sports and getting ready for winter sports? Join Boosters today!
Booster member cards enable access to all Miramonte home regular season sporting events. To join now CLICK HERE
Follow us!
Parents and students can follow the Athletic Boosters @miramonteathletics
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Class of 2026 Reminders
Prepare to Crumble! The Class of 2026 is hosting the Concessions Pop Up on Friday, November 8, at the Miramonte vs Campo football game. Click here to donate baked goods or help that night with sales.
Show your school spirit and purchase a Beat Campo hat or Miramonte corduroy hat.
Please follow us on Facebook & Instagram for up to date information regarding the Class of 2026. Questions? Contact the Class of 2026 Parent Advisors
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Citizens' Oversight Committee
The Acalanes Union High School District is seeking community members to join one or both of our financial oversight committees. Please visit the district website for more information on Measures G and A and Measure E. Apply to join the Citizens' Oversight committee here
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Next AUHSD Board Meeting
The next AUHSD Board Meeting is on Wednesday, November 6. The agenda will be posted here on Sunday, November 3. 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.
The upcoming board meetings for the rest of 2024 are on the following Wednesdays: November 20, and December 18.
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The Matadors were recently featured in the Lamorinda Weekly for the voter registration drive on campus. Read more HERE and register to vote HERE | |
Connect with the Parents' Club: | | | | |