Hello Mats Community!

My enthusiasm for this outstanding learning community is undiminished as we finish our seventh week of the school year. If it feels like the year is moving swiftly, I share that thought. Our campus is a vibrant hub of activity every day of the week and we are having a great year. Here are some important items:

Homecoming Was Great!

We had a terrific showing last week for the Homecoming Game. I was pleased to see how deeply involved our kids were in enjoying the night and in creating an environment of support and excitement for our team. The parade was a highlight for me, as we had the chance to shine the spotlight on our Campus Supervisor, John Fowley, who is universally loved and admired at MHS. The Mats Nation showed up strong and in big numbers for the alumni event and I enjoyed talking with many of the attendees. The Matador spirit is strong!

Mid-Quarter Progress Grades

Getting this first look at how the semester is going for your students is an important moment to talk with them about their year. High school is difficult and our kids add to that challenge by taking very demanding classes. They need our guidance and support as they navigate time management and the focus necessary to succeed in their classes. One of the tools we have to provide additional support is our Academy that occurs on Wednesday and Friday. Please encourage your students to attend Academy in the classes where they need to the most help. We’ve seen Academy provide the right support for students as they work to excel. Your partnership with us in helping students navigate the challenges of high school is vital to their success.

Moving Toward the End of the Quarter

The end of Quarter One will be here before we know it. Between now and then, there will be many assignments due and also important exams. Please access the digital tools we have available to monitor your student’s progress and to help them study for those important assessments. Quarter grades are really another progress report, but they are a very good indication of how the semester is progressing in each class.

ONE-Miramonte

Thank you to the families who have already made your annual contribution to ONE-Miramonte, and thank you in advance to those planning to donate this year! We are truly grateful for your help in reaching our fundraising goals.

I want to encourage every family to contribute at any level so we can continue offering the outstanding programs that make Miramonte such a special place. A few key things to know about our school budget:

• We receive very limited funding from the state, which means your family support is critical to closing the gap.
• The dollars you give this fall directly support this school year's classes, programs, and departments.
• Every student benefits from your generosity. Your donations fund the 7-Period Day schedule, the Wellness Center, the College & Career Center, the Counseling Department, additional AP courses, classroom supplies, field trips, and smaller class sizes.

Thank you again for supporting our students and our school... Your support truly makes all the difference! 

Go Mats!

Mr. Bill Schloss

bschloss@auhsdschools.org

Happy Friday, Mats!

Good luck to our Public Speaking Congressional Debate students competing tomorrow- we’re cheering you on!

Looking ahead, our talented Mats will take the stage in October! Don’t miss the Fall Concert on October 8 at 7 pm, featuring the Miramonte Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, and Chamber Singers. Then, Murder on the Orient Express comes to the Miramonte stage October 15–18 at 7 pm. Check out the Visual & Performing Arts section below for more details on both.

I hope to see many of you at tonight’s home football game. There’s nothing better than a Friday night under the lights with our Mats community! Have a wonderful weekend, and 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,



Christina Linezo

Chair MHS Parents' Club

September 28: Voter Registration Drive in the Library, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

October 2: Custodian Appreciation Day

October 6: LatinX Heritage Festival, 5:30-8:00 p.m.

October 7: Senior SAT Test, 7:30-12:00 p.m.

October 8: Fall Concert, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Miramonte Theater

October 9: Q1 Ends

October 12: No School; Indigenous People's Day

October 13-16: Wellness: Anti Bullying Tabling Week

October 13: Athletic Information Night (Winter/Spring Sports), 6:00-8:00 p.m.

October 15: CCC-CSU Application Workshop (7th Period), 2:00-3:30 p.m.

October 15-18: Fall Play, 7:00-10:00 p.m., Miramonte Theater

October 16: Parents' Club General Meeting, 9:00-10:00 a.m., MHS Library

October 17: Class of 2028 Dads' Social

October 19: AUHSD BSU Summit, 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

October 21: Sophomore/Junior PSAT Test, 7:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

October 24: Class of 2029 Parents' Social

October 30: Halloween Spirit Day

Student Clubs are among the many student activities, events, and programs your donations to ONE-Miramonte help fund. A couple of weeks ago Miramonte hosted Club Day — an opportunity for students to recruit their peers to join one or more of the many unique and interesting student-organized clubs. These clubs range from the Anglers, Latin, Filmmaking, and Cookies for a Cause Clubs, to the Miramonte Friends of the Farmers’ Market, Business, and Rowing Clubs.  


Why are student clubs important? Cassi Porter, the Leadership teacher, shared, “Clubs offer students a place to find peers with similar interests and increase the social connection on campus. Our over 95 clubs celebrate diverse cultures, champion philanthropic efforts, and create a welcoming environment for all students, making our campus more dynamic and engaging for students.”

Donations to ONE-Miramonte support student-led clubs by helping provide funds for activities, such as entering a state or national competition, purchasing supplies, or planning events. Last year, donations enabled members of the South Asian Student Union to attend a South Asian History walking tour, as well as helping members of Model U.N. and the Robotics Club attend competitions and events. 

In addition to student clubs, gifts to ONE-Miramonte fund a wide range of student activities, events, and programs including Link Crew, Mock Trial, The Mirador, field trips, campus culture and spirit initiatives, Mats Day, graduation events and activities, Public Speaking, and library research and educational subscriptions - all of which greatly enrich the educational experiences of our students. 

Because you give to ONE-Miramonte, our students are able to explore their interests and cultivate their passions by participating in a broad range of student activities and events.

Thank you to the Miramonte families who have already donated to ONE-Miramonte. If you have not yet made a donation to ONE-Miramonte this year, please consider doing so today! Your contribution is vital and will be put to good use this school year.

Questions about Miramonte fundraising? Please contact Kristan Mayer-Leibowitz, Parents' Club VP Fundraising, at VPFundraising@mhspc.org.

Why Does the Parents’ Club Have to fundraise each year? Check this out to learn why.

Want to learn more about the programs, events, and activities that receive vital support from donations to ONE-Miramonte? Check out Because You Give. 



The LatinX Heritage Festival on October 6, will be hosted at Miramonte High School on the quad at the front of the school.  The festival will take place from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. and will include student run booths, a food truck and a band.  Come support Miramonte students!

Measure W Needs Volunteers!

Ballots go out to Orinda voters on October 5, so the next two weeks are critical for reaching voters.


Volunteers can help with:

• Voter outreach (our #1 need). Phone or door-to-door conversations with voters in Orinda. This is the single biggest lever we have, one real conversation moves more votes than anything else we do. SIGN UP HERE

• Write note cards to your neighbors. Sign up to write a stack of handwritten notes explaining why Measure W matters to you. We'll give you cards, stamps, names, addresses, and talking points. SIGN UP HERE

• Help deliver yard signs. 2 hours, one day, 500 yard signs. SIGN UP HERE
  

Every one of these moves us closer to passing Measure W for our students and our community. Please help us with one (or all three) today!

Want a Measure W yard sign delivered and installed? Click HERE to request one.

Thank you for stepping up!

Vote yes for Miramonte High School - vote YES on W! 
Learn more at www.YesForOurHighSchools.com

Schedule Changes:

The deadline to drop a class without it appearing on your transcript is October 9.

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. 

Seniors

• Counselors are continuing to meet individually with seniors to discuss post-high school plans! 
• If your senior is applying to college, they can begin requesting transcripts via MaiaLearning. 
• Please have your student speak with their counselor immediately if they are applying EA or ED to a school.
• Consider attending the Academy college application workshops in the College and Career Center. Students can sign up using TeachMore. 

CSF Registration

California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is an honor club at Miramonte that acknowledges the high academic achievement of students. Eligibility is determined through a point system based on the last semester’s course load and specific semester grades. 


Fill out the application on the CSF webpage to determine if you are eligible. Students that have been members for 4 of their last 6 semesters of high school (including one senior year) receive Lifetime Membership. Lifetime Membership is acknowledged with a CSF stole worn at Graduation, as well as a certificate and pin.

Registration is from now through Wednesday, September 30.

This will determine membership for the SPRING semester of the 2025-26 school year.

You may go here to fill out the Spring 2026 Application.

If you have any questions, please email MiramonteCSF@auhsdschools.org and visit the FAQ page for more information about CSF.



Seniors should sign up (in Maia) to come to one of our College Rep Visits next week:

Tuesday 9/29:

University of Southern California

The Pennsylvania State University - Main Campus

Wednesday 9/30:

University of California - Davis

Thursday 10/1:

University of California - Berkeley

Saint Mary’s College of California

Binghamton University

Friday 10/2:

San Francisco State University

University of Oregon

Brandeis University



Today, our students had a special visit from therapy dogs on the quad! Students had the opportunity to interact, engage, and spend some time with these wonderful four-legged friends. 

Moments like these can provide students with a chance to take a break, relax, and relieve some of the stress that comes with school. We are grateful to Canine Companions for volunteering their time and helping support the mental health and well-being of our students.

We’re excited to share that therapy dogs will be back on campus every last Friday of the month, as well as every day during finals week. 

Thank you for helping us continue to prioritize and support our students’ mental health. Together, we can create a campus community where students feel supported, connected, and cared for. 

Get Connected

If you have questions about Wellness, please email us at

mhswellness@auhsdschools.org

To refer a student to Wellness, please use this form: Miramonte Wellness Referral Form

Follow us on Instagram @miramonte_wellness to find out more about what we're doing to support Miramonte students. There is also additional information about our program on the Miramonte High School website

Fall Concert: Music Takes the Stage!

Kick off Miramonte’s concert season with an evening featuring the Jazz Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, and Chamber Singers. Join us Thursday, October 8 at 7:00 p.m. in the Miramonte Theater and come celebrate our talented student musicians! Tickets are $5 adults / free for students (w/ ID).

Fall Play: Murder on the Orient Express

A train. A murder. Everyone’s a suspect. Hercule Poirot takes on the ultimate whodunit as Miramonte Theater brings Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express to the stage. Join us in the Miramonte Theater for a fast-paced evening of mystery, suspense and humor as Poirot races to uncover the killer. 

Four Shows

Cast 1: 7 p.m. on 10/15 & 10/16

Cast 2: 7 p.m. on 10/17 & 10/18

Planning to see a particular student perform? Please confirm with them which Cast they are in prior to ticket purchase. Ticket info – coming soon.

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.

Follow us on Instagram: @miramonte.arts


Calling All Mats Supporters: Join Miramonte Boosters Today!

Miramonte Boosters Club welcomes you to join its mission of serving every student-athlete every day! 

Athletics are supported through a variety of funding sources, including contributions to individual team foundations. Your annual Boosters membership provides essential funding that benefits all Miramonte athletes and athletic programs, complementing the support families provide directly to their teams.


BOOSTERS DONATIONS ARE USED TO FUND THE FOLLOWING:


• Athletic Trainer
• Sports Medicine Supplies
• Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Weight Room Equipment
• Equipment for every MATS sports team including balls, nets, training aides, etc.
• Capital expenditures such as scoreboards, cheer mats, wrestling mats, ball boundary safety nets, gym wall pads, goals, and bench covers.


Please consider the following giving levels when you make your tax deductible donation this year:

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS 26-27 SCHOOL YEAR


• $1,000 Platinum Membership - 10 Booster Member cards (6 adult and 4 child passes under high school age) for all Miramonte home regular season sporting events and Booster Member car window sticker. **Up to 4 additional member cards can be requested - 2 adult and 2 child passes.**
  
• $400 Gold Membership - 4 Booster Member cards (2 adult and 2 child passes under high school age) for all Miramonte home regular season sporting events and Booster Member car window sticker.
  
• $250 Basic Membership - 2 Booster Member cards (1 adult and 1 child pass under high school age) for all Miramonte home regular season sporting events and Booster Member car window sticker. 
  

JOIN NOW


• To join Boosters Club, please CLICK HERE!

Visit our website for more information: www.gomats.org

Follow us on Instagram: @miramonteathletics

Class of 2027 

Senior year is moving fast! Please be sure to read through our most recent class newsletter (sent  9/24), which includes all kinds of senior dates & updates. Two highlights include:

Our Last See’s Candy Fundraiser

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.

Senior Portraits Reminder

All seniors must schedule a photo session with Creative Imaging by November 21 to be included in the yearbook. You are under no obligation to buy anything; we just need the photo! Please get in touch with Creative Imaging to schedule your photo session: call 925-485-6025, email orders@ciphotoca.com or go online. 

Questions? Contact the Class of 2027 Parent Advisors.

Class of 2028


Sausage Fest 2.0: Class of 2028 Dads' Night is October 17th! 

Sausage Fest is back this year and it's bigger and better! Come hang with fellow Mats Dads at a casual backyard BBQ. Your ticket includes drinks, games, and a variety of grilled sausages, fixings and sides. All are welcome! 

Buy your ticket for our Class of 2028 Dads' Night on October 17 HERE

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

There’s plenty happening for the Class of 2029 this fall. Here are a few ways parents can join in:

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.

Get Your Tickets for the Sophomore Spooktacular Parent Party!

Join us on October 24 for a fun night out with fellow Class of 2029 parents! Drinks, catered taco dinner, candy and dessert bar, plus more surprises. Tickets are limited and this event is expected to sell out, so don’t wait—buy yours today! Click here to purchase.

Questions? Contact the Class of 2029 Parent Advisors.

Class of 2030


THE CLASS OF 2030 NEEDS YOUR HELP THIS WEEK FOR TWO KEY THINGS: 


1. Our Pop Up Bake Sale is TONIGHT, 9/25 at the football game: The theme is NEON, so please, support the class by enjoying some yummy treats and purchasing neon lights and sunglasses! 
   
2. We need your help on Measure W!   We need a 2/3 vote to support this measure and it takes the entire community. Here is how you can help:

• Voter outreach (our #1 need). Phone or door-to-door conversations with voters in Orinda. This is the single biggest lever we have, one real conversation moves more votes than anything else we do. SIGN UP HERE
• Write note cards to your neighbors. Sign up to write a stack of handwritten notes explaining why Measure W matters to you. We'll give you cards, stamps, names, addresses, and talking points. SIGN UP HERE
• Help deliver yard signs. 2 hours, one day, 500 yard signs. SIGN UP HERE

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.

Connect with the Parents' Club: