Volume 7 Issue 4 | November 2023

Photo credit Mott Rodeheaver

Dates to remember!


Nov. 10 — Veteran's Day observed, no school


Nov. 20-24 — Thanksgiving break, no school

In brief...


HSC fundraising news — As of Oct. 25, we exceeded our $30,000 fundraising goal by more than $1,100! Thank you for your support!


It's not too late to donate. Your donations are already making an impact as the HSC recently funded supplies for several art and English classes as well as staff appreciation events.


The HSC has had a busy fall semester. In addition to a staff room makeover, volunteers held a baked potato bar for staff on Nov. 2. Bigger events on the horizon include the Leigh Stampede 5K Run/Walk on May 18 and Grad Night on June 6 — we'll keep you posted on details and volunteer needs in future editions.

If you missed our last HSC meeting on Oct. 23, the next one will be Monday, Nov. 27 at 7 p.m. in the school library. Everyone is invited and welcome to attend HSC meetings.

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 Fundraising News

We Met Our Fundraising Goal


We are thrilled to announce that we've exceeded our fundraising goal for the 2023-24 school year! As of Oct. 25, we've raised a remarkable $31,141. This achievement is possible with your incredible generosity.


It's not too late too donate! Any amount helps — and both individual and corporate matching donations extend our mission to support the academic and social-emotional well-being of all students at Leigh High School.


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 $4,332 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.

HSC Recent Expenditures & Grants

The following programs and activities were funded in October.

Insurance: Annual Renewal

$470

Staff Appreciation/Hospitality: Staff Treats for October

$122

Staff Appreciation/Hospitality: Staff BBQ


$1015

Staff Grant: Two sets of Books for SAI English

$233

Staff Grant: Materials for art project in 3D Design 1, 2, and 3


$368

Staff Grant: Online course for English teacher — Thoughts, Questions, and Epiphanies (TQE) Course

$197

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


Fees for Mock Trial Competition — $610

What else is your HSC up to?

The HSC wants to take a moment to extend our heart-felt appreciation to the dedicated staff at Leigh High School.


Your unwavering commitment and passion for providing our students with the best possible education truly shine through in everything you do. 


We are deeply grateful for the love, joy, and warmth you bring to our school community every day. Your efforts are making a significant difference in the lives of our students. Thank you for your continued excellence and dedication!

Staff Appreciation & Hospitality


Staff enjoyed a table full of October-themed treats and a baked potato bar lunch November 2.

Leigh Stampede 5K Run/Walk


This event is Saturday, May 18, 9 a.m. Mark your calendars! We recently hosted a kick-off planning meeting, and we extend our gratitude to all the parents who have generously volunteered to support the event planning efforts! The goal is to open registration in mid-January.


This event is coordinated by the four booster clubs at Leigh (HSC, PAPA, Sports Boosters, and Spirit Boosters). More information and photos from past events can be found on the Stampede website or on Facebook at Leigh Stampede.

Grad Night


This event is scheduled for Thursday, June 6. Our seniors are going to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk! Ticket sales will start after Thanksgiving break.

Welcome New Volunteers!


We're so excited to say hello to so many new faces in the HSC! Siobhan Hadley has joined Mindy Chan and Aine O’Donovan on the Communications Team. Welcome, Siobhan!

Meeting Minutes


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.

Campus Representative Updates

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

Principal's Highlights

Brandon Wall


  • The Noche Latina event was successful with full tables and valuable school information shared by Ms. Soto (Community Liaison), Ms. Buonomo (Counselor), and Ms. Dhanani (Spanish Teacher).
  • There was lots of participation in the annual blood drive!
  • Our English Learner (EL) Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) hosted a professional development session on instructional strategies and will also conduct a follow-up session with staff.
  • Homecoming week ended with an exciting win against rival Branham and a Harry Potter-themed dance.


Read Principal Wall's full report.

Teacher Representative

Celeste Smiley


  • Teachers are busy writing letters of recommendation for students.
  • Staff joined a student/staff basketball game during Homecoming week.
  • Now is the time to buy yearbook senior ads (aka) "Senior Salutations." Early bird pricing ends Dec. 20.


Read Ms. Smiley's full report.

College and Career Specialist

Nathalie Goricanec


  • Career Technical Education (CTE) teachers are collaborating with industry for program alignment, and to help ensure Leigh is offering the right pathways with current technologies and opportunities.
  • College essay support continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and is very busy. Senior Wednesday Workshops now feature Q&A sessions instead of presentations.

College and Career Center

Resources


ASB Student Representative

Farbod N.


  • ASB has been busy at four football games with leadership activities and preparation. 
  • The Halloween Hallway decorating contest featured a grade-level competition.
  • Dia De Los Muertos altar was on display in the beginning of November.
  • Transgender Day of Remembrance is on Nov. 16.
  • Diwali Festival is on Nov. 17.
  • ASB surveys are coming soon.

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. Please check the latest updates on their websites:

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!


Did you know? The Snack Shack contributes nearly 40% of the Sports Boosters' budget, which supports all sports, and that goal has been successfully achieved this season. Other fundraising efforts are ongoing, including the sale of stadium chairs.


The next Dine Out night is set for Crumbl Cookies in January.

Spirit Boosters

Spirit Boosters Website


Leigh High Spirit Boosters (LHSB) include parents, coaches, and community members dedicated to supporting the cheer program at Leigh. We are fully funded by family donations and annual fundraisers thus our boosters are vital to the success of the program.


There are two cheer teams at Leigh, Side-line cheer and Competitive cheer.


Leigh cheer took first at a recent competition. The costs for the Side-line team are approx. $10K and the costs for the Comp Team are approximately $60K. Fundraising is therefore an essential part of this organization's efforts.


The annual Cheer Camp was held in October and the students all performed at the Pink game. More than 200 cheerleaders participated.


View the Spirit Booster report with lots of fun details!

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. 


PAPA's fall updates include supporting the Fall play, the classic mystery Clue. Preparation is underway for December shows.


It is currently marching band season, and seniors were recently honored. The Western Band Finals competitions are approaching — regional championships are Nov. 11 and the Northern CA championships are Nov. 18-19.


PAPA also needs volunteers for the BBQ/Auction in February.

Until Next Time...

Save the Date!


We'll see you at the next HSC meeting Monday, Nov. 27, 7 p.m. in the school library.


Everyone is welcome!

Want to know more about the Leigh Home and School Club?


You'll find extensive information, volunteer opportunities, and photos at our website leighhsc.org.

We're trying something new


Thank you for reading our HSC Newsletter! We've reorganized our layout so you can more easily find the news that matters to you.

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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.