|
We’ve reached the month of November which has a healthy number of breaks built into it as our students make that final push to finish the first semester strong. There is a buzz on campus as we reach the holiday season, fall sports focus on the playoffs, and winter sports get underway. There seems to always be something to be excited about here at Miramonte, which is great for our kids and their sense of belonging at our school.
Fall Pulse Survey
Each year we administer a short survey to students to get a sense of how well we are supporting them with their social-emotional wellness. The survey is voluntary and anonymous but we would really like every student to complete it. They will be given a link in their Period 2 class next Tuesday, along with a few minutes to complete this quick but important check-in.
Drive Safely, Please
In talking with parents and members of the local community, one theme that comes up over and over again is the driving situation around campus. We fully realize that we have inexperienced, young drivers who also have a sense of invincibility that comes only with being a teenager, but the level of safe driving is short of where it needs to be. Please remind your young drivers that parking rules within the parking lots, as well as driving rules on the roads around campus will be strictly enforced. Very soon, we will enlist the help of the OPD and MPD in enforcing safe driving near Miramonte High School. It is in the best interest of all that our young drivers learn good habits now and that we ensure that students, staff, parents, and community members are safe going to and from MHS. Thanks for your help in this important matter.
Walk Audit
The City of Orinda has employed a consulting firm to do a walk audit in the area around our schools. We have a walk audit next Thursday, November 12th that starts at 8:50am. The consulting firm, students, staff, and any interested parents will talk a stroll on the streets near campus so that the firm can more fully appreciate the issues related to walking in this area. This is an important study that could lead to significant changes in Orinda. Please consider joining the walk on Thursday.
No School on Veteran’s Day
Veteran’s Day now occurs on November 11th, as it should, regardless of where the date falls on the calendar. This year the holiday splits the school week exactly in half. There is no school and all offices will be closed on November 11th in remembrance of all veterans. The schedule for the rest of the week will remain consistent, with the only change being Monday. This coming Monday will not be an all-period day, it will be a Wednesday schedule instead. That means Monday starts with 4th period.
Pool Party!
This Friday at 5pm we will officially dedicate the newly refurbished Bill Brown Aquatics Center. Please stop by if you have time. Bill Brown himself will be speaking, as will selected student athletes, and Dr. Nickerson. This is our chance to thank everyone who made the project possible. We hope to see you there!
Go Mats!
Mr. Bill Schloss
bschloss@auhsdschools.org
| | |
Happy Friday, Miramonte!
It’s a great day to be a Matador with so much to celebrate!
A huge thank-you to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to get Measure W passed! It truly took a village, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of this investment in our schools in the coming year.
On a similar note, the Parents Club would like to express our sincere gratitude to our ONE Miramonte donors. Alongside public funding and parcel taxes, your generous contributions are essential in helping close the educational funding gap for every student. And the impact is already being felt! Teachers have begun putting these funds to work to support the outstanding academic programs that make Miramonte so special. We encourage every family to participate in whatever way they can, as every contribution makes a difference!
The celebrations continue tonight with our much-anticipated Pool Party! A big shoutout to all the parents and staff whose time and hard work made the pool renovation possible.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone and best of luck to all of our athletes! Go MATS!
Stay up to date with all Parents’ Club activities by visiting our website. As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns.
Warmly,
Nazia Sheriff Mohiuddin
President, MHS Parents Club
| | |
🧡 Thank You, Miramonte Community! 🧡
At last count, about 70% of voters said YES to Measure W, and we are celebrating! Votes are still being counted, but the message from our community is loud and clear: we show up for our schools.
Our deepest thanks go to the more than 500 volunteers (students, parents, community members and seniors in Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda and Walnut Creek, including Rossmoor) who made it happen. Together you volunteered over 3,500 hours, made 89,155 phone calls, knocked on 8,150 doors, distributed 12,000 door hangers and 2,500 yard signs, wrote 8,000 postcards and gathered 3,029 endorsements. On Election Day alone, volunteers called or texted over 4,000 voters to remind them to turn in their ballots.
Here's the impact: Measure W means librarians in our libraries, the ability for Miramonte to be competitive for the best teachers, and a wide variety of electives that prepare students for college, career and beyond.
This will make a difference for our students, our teachers, our schools and our community. Thank you for showing up for Miramonte! YesForOurHighSchools.com
| | |
November 9: Wed/Fri Block Schedule
November 10: Fall Sports Signing Day during Brunch, 11:40-11:55 a.m.
November 11: No School; Veteran's Day
November 14: Ludi Latin Convention, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., San Jose
November 15: Public Speaking Speech and Debate Showcase, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
November 18-20: Wellness Gratitude Tabling Week
November 23-27: No School; Thanksgiving Fall Break
December 1: Considering Out of State College Parent Night 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
December 3: Winter Music Concert 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
December 7: Winter Spirit Week
December 7: Boosters Public Meeting, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
December 9: Wellness Stress Less Tabling Week
December 9-11: Exam Jams, 3:15- 4:15 p.m.
December 15-18: Finals Week
December 21-January 4: Winter Break; No School
January 5: 1st day of 2nd Semester
| | ONE-Miramonte Fundraising | | |
Because You Give: Music
Music is one of the many programs supported by your donations to ONE-Miramonte. Our new music teacher, Mr. Kevin Harper, teaches a dedicated group of student musicians and singers in a wide range of music classes including Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Chamber Singers, Digital Music Production, and beginner guitar. These students recently performed at a fall concert in October and will take the stage again at their winter concert on December 3. If you haven’t yet attended a music concert, it’s a great evening of music brought to you by talented singers and musicians!
Why are the Arts Important?
Here’s how Mr. Harper explained the importance of music and the Arts:
The Arts are important because they develop our emotional connection to the world around us. The Arts give a creative outlet for students. Whether it’s Theater, Music or Art, the need to express ourselves is vital. The skills learned in the Arts are relevant to many other lines of work: teamwork, dedication, practice, expression — all are traits used in other professions and can help drive success and emotional well-being. It also gives students who may not fit in elsewhere a place to call home. Music classes tend to be full of a wide spectrum of individuals, and it’s a great place for everyone to come together and work towards a common goal.
Music Classes at Miramonte
Mr. Harper’s music classes are a mix of hard work and fun. He teaches from “a perspective of encouragement and positivity, while setting high standards.” Students are taught not only to perform their parts, but also how to break down, analyze, and develop their understanding of the music. Incorporating aspects of music history into the curriculum also helps students have a better understanding of the time and place of the music. Mr. Harper explains, “understanding the music’s history and cultural significance” allows students to “enjoy the music more and get more out of it.”
As one student shared,
I play nine instruments and I want to be good at playing many instruments. Being able to take jazz and orchestra allows me to play and practice every day. It’s fun and challenging to play music and you learn not just about the notes, but about new things, like rhythm and the music. - Maximus, ‘30
Because you give to ONE-Miramonte music students have the opportunity to learn music, collaborate, and create artistic and musical works together. Your donations directly fund instrument purchases and repairs, sheet music, new band equipment, and student music development. Contributions fund a weekly coach to help students improve and master their instruments. This week trumpet coach Owen Miyoshi, who plays with the Oakland and San Francisco symphonies, helped our ensemble students improve their music skills.
Last week, students attended an open rehearsal and lecture at the San Francisco Symphony and this spring will be participating in a districtwide orchestra that will travel to New York City to perform at Carnegie Hall. We all know how important it is for students to have the opportunity to explore their interests and engage deeply with their passions during their high school years. As Mr. Harper shared, “People who play music in some way are generally happier, healthier individuals, and I’m glad I can help people be happier in some way.” Your support of ONE-Miramonte makes that possible.
A well-rounded high school education includes the arts, and that’s made possible by donors like you. Thank you, ONE-Miramonte donors!
| | | | |
Finals Fuel, Matador Style
Finals are stressful. A care package from home helps! For $30, your Matador gets a custom tote bag, an MHS phone charger, a gift card from 8Moose Pizza, candy and gum for a study break, and a personal note from you, the part they’ll keep.
Order for any MHS student! Packages will be delivered at school the week before finals, and every dollar supports the Class of 2027.
On sale now through December 6. Last year’s packages sold out, and the deadline is firm, so ORDER yours before they’re gone!
Questions? Contact Marita Erickson or Cathy Opdycke
| | |
AP Exam Registration is Currently Open!
As a reminder, the early registration fee is $110.00 per exam through November 8th. After November 8th, a $40.00 late fee will be added to each exam purchased including financial aid.
The final deadline to order AP exams is March 8th.
Payment Verification
If you are unsure whether you have completed payment, please check your order history through the WebStore:
- Log in to the WebStore.
- Go to My Account.
- Select My Settings.
- Your purchase history will be listed there.
Please do not email to request payment verification. All purchases can be viewed directly through your WebStore account. Your student can also check the dashboard of their AP Classroom. Registration is updated twice a week so please allow a few days to see the "Undecided" change to a "Yes" as these are manually changed one by one.
AP Exam Accommodations
If you have a 504 or IEP and have not previously applied for accommodations through College Board, please contact Ms. Lezcano ASAP. School accommodations do not automatically apply to College Board exams.
The deadline to request accommodations through College Board is January 6, 2027.
If you already have College Board-approved accommodations, you do not need to notify us.
Refund Information
Please review the refund deadlines and amounts carefully:
- Requests received by November 9th: $95.00 refund per test.
- Requests received after November 9th but before March 9th: $70.00 refund per test.
-
Requests received March 9th or later: NO REFUND.
All refund requests must be submitted in writing via email to BOTH:
| | |
Counselors will be continuing four year plans with first year students! 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.
Students who received a D or F in a graduation required course should contact their counselor to see if they are eligible for remediation through the district’s UC Scout courses. Remediation is important if your student wants to maintain UC/CSU eligibility.
| | |
We hope that parents can attend our presentation “Looking Toward College” on Wednesday, November 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the Miramonte Theater. We will offer an overview of the current landscape of college admissions, what goes into a college application, and how students can best be prepared for this exciting process. This is a great presentation to attend if you currently have a 9-11th grader. If you have any general questions you want us to try and cover (not about a specific student) in our presentation please submit them here.
UC and CSU applications are due November 30th. Pro-tip - Remind your senior(s) to submit before Thanksgiving! (College & Career Office will be closed 11/23-11/29)
Other Upcoming Events:
NACAC Virtual College Fairs - November 8, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
These are fantastic opportunities to understand the options and think beyond the names you already know. Registration is required.
National Portfolio Day - November 8, San Francisco
If you are applying to colleges and are submitting an art portfolio as part of your application, please register for the upcoming National Portfolio Day.
Why Go Out-of-State College Fair - December 1 6:30 p.m.
Miramonte small gym
19 colleges will be in attendance! The event will feature a 20-to-30-minute informational talk and brief school snapshots in the beginning followed by a traditional college fair set-up where students talk directly to regional admission officers who read applications.
Register here, Choose "California" then "12/01/26 Miramonte High School"
*Schools attending include: Sacred Heart University, Hampden-Sydney College, Syracuse University, Creighton University, Stony Brook University, University of Iowa, U-Mass Amherst, High Point U, University of Utah, Franklin & Marshall, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, WPI, Oregon State University, University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Miami Ohio University, Penn State, Marist University, Lawrence University, Indiana University
Got Leftover Halloween Candy?? Bring it into the College & Career office so our students have something to munch on during their daily visits to our office. These treats are appreciated by all!
| |
As we head into November, we know many of our students are feeling more tired than ever and are probably counting down the days until Thanksgiving break (just three more weeks!). Between academics, extracurricular activities, friendships, and everything else that comes with being a high school student, this time of year can feel a little overwhelming.
As we make our way toward the break, lets work together to help our students navigate these next few weeks with a little less stress, whether at school, at home, or in the community. With that in mind, here is a friendly reminder of what is available to students at the Miramonte Wellness Center!
Our Wellness Center is a welcoming space where students can take a break, talk to someone, or simply have a moment to reset when things feel overwhelming. We offer:
● Drop-in and ongoing counseling for students needing emotional or mental health support.
● Wellness breaks to help students recharge and get through their school day.
● Community resources for students and families looking for additional support.
● Student programs, and wellness activities that encourage connection, self-care, and mental
health awareness.
As parents and caregivers, your support makes a difference, too! Sometimes a simple check-in, listening without judgment, or reminding your student that it is okay to ask for help can go a long way.
| |
Get Connected
We encourage parents and caregivers to connect with the Wellness Center to learn more about our services and the resources available to support their students.
● Contact us: Email mhswellness@auhsdschools.org with questions about the Wellness Center or available support services.
● Refer a student: If you have concerns about a student’s well-being or believe they may benefit from additional support, please use the Miramonte Wellness Referral Form to make a referral.
● Follow us on Instagram: Visit @miramonte_wellness for updates, wellness resources, mental health information, and highlights of our programs and services.
● Learn more: Visit the Miramonte Miramonte High School website for additional information about our Wellness Center and the support we provide.
Our goal is simple: to remind students that they do not have to navigate everything on their own.
We are here for them, and we are here to partner with you!
| Visual and Performing Arts News | |
Attention Music Parents: WE NEED YOU!
Please help contribute to the Music Program’s success in 2026-2027. The Miramonte Parents Committee for the Visual & Performing Arts has an immediate need to fill two important roles supporting the Music area (Jazz Ensemble, Choral Singers, Chamber Orchestra):
Music Parent Liaison: the lead parent representative for the Music area, working directly with the Music Director on behalf of the VPA Parent Committee to coordinate parent involvement across the school year’s activities
Winter Concert Parent Coordinator: the parent leader who will coordinate the volunteers needed for the Winter Music Concert (Dec 3)
Please consider stepping into one of these roles to help make sure the full plans for 2026-2027 are possible. Interested? Have questions? Please contact: vpa@mhspc.org.
Save the Date: Winter Music Concert
Mark your calendars to join us for the Winter Music Concert on Thursday, December 3, 7 p.m. in the Miramonte Theater.
| |
Give These a Follow! Miramonte VPA on Instagram
For those on Instagram interested in following Miramonte’s Visual & Performing Arts, here are a few accounts to follow:
| |
We Need You! Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Parent Committee
We’re excited to share that our VPA Committee is getting underway and looking for parents who would like to volunteer and help support our VPA programs. Please
complete this interest form.
| | |
Winter sports have kicked off and fall sports roll into NCS playoffs and championships this week!
Make sure to come by the pool Friday, 11/6, at 5:00 for the Bill Brown Aquatics Center Rededication Ceremony. See the GoMats article with all the details.
Now is the time to renew your Boosters membership for the year, if you haven’t yet, to support the 700+ student athletes and receive your Boosters passes in time for the winter basketball season.
JOIN Boosters Here
Game times and updated schedules are available at GoMats.org/calendar.
To learn more about the Mats Fund and current projects, visit GoMats.org.
GO MATS!
| | |
Class of 2027 - Senior Deadlines to Note
Order your Yearbook:
$115 until December 1, 2026
$125 until January 15, 2024
After this, we can't guarantee a yearbook for your student
Place your Senior Ad:
$110 until January 1, 2027
Submit early to secure a spot (limited space available)
Confirm your Senior portrait selection by November 21, 2026
Finals Fuel, Matador Style
Finals are stressful. A care package from home helps! Finals Care Packages are on sale now through December 6. Order yours before they sell out!
Our Last See’s Candy Fundraiser - Shop for the Holidays
Our fundraiser is open! Shop here and stock up on holiday favorites while supporting the Class of 2027 one last time. Orders close December 4.
Questions? Contact the Class of 2027 Parent Advisors.
| |
Class of 2028
Please DONATE to our Class of 2028 Activities Fund TODAY!
This class fund supports all of our major Junior and Senior year events including Prom (both years), Senior Week (Fall and Spring) and GRAD NIGHT.
More Upcoming Events Etc...all of these can be accessed through our LinkTree HERE!
Questions? Contact the Class of 2028 Parent Advisors.
| |
Class of 2029
Hi Class of 2029 Parents!
Support the Class of 2029 with Your Holiday Cards
The Class of 2029 has partnered with Minted this holiday season to raise funds for our class. When you shop at Minted.com and use the code FUNDRAISEMHSPC29, you’ll receive 20% off all holiday cards and gifts - and Minted will donate 10% back to the Class of 2029!
Spread the word and share our code with family and friends to help us raise even more. Our promo code is good all year long, so you can support the Class of 2029 with every Minted purchase! SHOP MINTED HERE
Donate to the Class of 2029 Activities Fund. Thank you to everyone who has donated! We’re currently at 47% participation, and our goal is 100%. This is the single easiest way to support the Class of 2029 over the next three years. Every dollar goes directly toward the experiences our kids will remember - Prom, Senior Week, and Graduation. Please help us reach 100% participation! DONATE HERE
Questions? Contact the Class of 2029 Parent Advisors.
| |
Class of 2030
🙏 Thank you for all of the support on Measure W! We are so grateful for everyone who rallied, volunteered, showed up and voted!
🍩 A BIG thank you to everyone who contributed to the canned food drive for 4th period as well! Winners will get a DONUT party!
Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 14 from 5-9 p.m. for our Chipotle Fundraiser at the Chipotle in Lafayette. Order online using code H9G7D7D or grab the flyer from our linktree!
Please DONATE to our Class of 2030 activities fund here!
Don't forget to follow our class Instagram, Facebook and LinkTree to keep track of all the places you can go to get information!
Questions? Contact the Class of 2030 Parent Advisors.
| | |
Next AUHSD Board Meeting
The next AUHSD Board Meeting is on Wednesday, November 18, 2026. The agenda will be posted on Sunday, November 15. The meeting is held at the district office, with the public portion beginning at 7 p.m. You may also watch the live broadcast Upcoming Meetings: December 16.
| | Connect with the Parents' Club: | | | | |
