MDUSD’s Student Services Department is hosting a Mental Health & Wellness parent series this school year to provide our families with more information about mental health and how to support their child. 

The first presentation will be on the topic of Accessing Mental Health Supports (School & Community-based), from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept 30th at Concord High School, 4200 Concord Blvd, Concord, 94521

On the Agenda:

• Tough Conversations Made Simple
• Back to School: Smoothly Returning After the Hospital
• How We Partner with A3 to Keep Students Safe
• Free Youth Mental Health Services Ages 0-25

NEXT EVENT: "When is it bullying? A parent's guide," on October 21, 2026.

At the African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC) Family Back to School Night on Sept. 10, MDUSD Superintendent Dr.Adam Clark and Family Engagement Coordinator Dr. Lamont Francies welcomed families and discussed school level AAPAC groups where families of African American students can learn about resources available and share their experiences with each other.

Dr. Clark said he and District staff have worked intentionally since he took over leadership of MDUSD six years ago to create an African American parent network, which is now connected through African American Parent Advisory Councils at 26 schools. Representatives from these groups meet monthly at the District-level AAPAC meetings in Bay Point. "Every year, it's been growing," he said, adding that he was thrilled to see families with children and Dads as well as Moms at the Thursday meeting. "We need to get more Dads in our schools." He said the District focuses on providing strong academics, along with social-emotional support in a safe, welcoming environment. 

Dr. Francies explained the District's Focal Scholar Program, which assists students who need extra supports at 12 schools. About 60% of Focal Scholars are African American, he said. District partners working with Focal Scholars include Delta Bay Impact, which meets with students at Riverview MS and Wren Avenue Elementary. Executive Director Tiffany Francies said she and her staff teach students how to advocate for themselves, as well as about Black culture and heritage. Students also attend events such as an annual HBCU college fair, where they can receive scholarships, Dr. Francies said, adding that their work is focused on improving educational outcomes such as grades and attendance, reducing suspensions, and helping students prepare for college. The AAPAC also offers events such as a Kwanzaa celebration and Martin Luther King Jr. night, as well as Black Excellence awards for students. "It's a great community," Dr. Francies said.  

Dr. Francies said he expects to present updates about the AAPAC to the School Board. He also highlighted the District's Black Educators Association, which provides a support network for African American staff members as well as recognition awards for staff and involved parents. He noted there are about 1,000 students identified as African American in the District, or about 3.4%, but there are likely more who are identified as "two or more races." The 10 District schools with the highest numbers and percentages of African American students range from #10 Valley View MS in Pleasant Hill with 26 African American students or 3.2% of students, to #2 Delta View Elementary in Pittsburg with 85 African American students or 13.2% of students, and #1 Mt. Diablo High School in Concord with 117 African American students or 8.4% of students.

After his presentation, Dr. Francies invited families to introduce themselves and the schools their students attend. Several parents said they were excited to be at the meeting, especially some whose children attend schools with few African American students. "This is so needed," said one parent. A family that moved to the District from North Carolina said they wanted to meet other families to be able to connect outside their neighborhood schools. Another family that moved to the District from Arkansas said they were also happy to be at the meeting and were looking forward to making new friends. Referencing an African proverb that emphasizes the importance of shared community, Dr. Francies invited everyone to mingle to strengthen their bonds. "We want you to stick around," he said. "You are not here by accident. You are here to meet somebody."

This week's MDUSD Friday Letter spotlights:

• The African American Parent Advisory Council's Back to School Night held Thursday in Bay Point,  
• Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15th through October 15th,
• Congratulations to six National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists from College Park and Northgate high schools
• Education experts visit Pleasant Hill MS classes to observe teaching and learning strategies;
• School and Staff Social Media Highlights;
• And more!!

Read it on ParentSquare.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to focus on youth mental health, foster open conversation, and ensure every student knows they are supported.

Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health. Seeking support, whether talking to a counselor, mental health provider, or doctor, is a normal, healthy part of growing up and staying well.

As a school district, we are committed to partnering with parents to create a safe, supportive environment for our students. 

Here are a few ways to foster mental well-being in your household:

• Normalize mental health conversations: Talk about emotions as openly as you would a cold or a physical injury. Remind your child that asking for help when feeling overwhelmed is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Ask directly: Check in regularly by asking open-ended questions like, "How are you feeling about things lately?" Listen without judgment.
• Watch for changes: Pay attention to sudden shifts in mood, withdrawal from friends or hobbies, changes in sleeping/eating habits, or talking about feeling like a burden.
• Listen without fixing: Validate your child's emotions before offering solutions. Sometimes they just need a safe space to express difficult feelings.

Need Help Right Away?

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7, free and confidential)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Contra Costa Crisis Center: 1-800-833-2900 (24/7 local help, emotional and grief support)
• California Youth Crisis Line: 1-800-843-5200 (24/7, free and confidential)
• School Support: Contact your child’s school counselor and/or Wellness Administrator anytime during school hours.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our students safe, connected, and supported.

This week's MDUSD Friday Letter spotlights:

• An exciting 6th grade science experiment at El Dorado Middle School,
• No school on Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of the Labor Day holiday,
• Attendance Awareness and Suicide Prevention Awareness tips,
• Northgate High wrestler Symone Jewell enters the fall season ranked No. 3 nationally in the 155 pound weight class,
• Rio Vista Elementary celebrates students who are making a positive difference in their school community,
• Mountain View Elementary hosts a Literature Night with free books donated by Yours Humanly,
• An Elementary Focal Scholar Program update,
• School Social Media highlights
• And more!

Read it on ParentSquare. 

September is Attendance Awareness Month

Be Here. Be Ready. Belong.

Regular attendance helps students learn, build strong relationships, and feel connected to their school community.

Build Strong Habits
Small routines can make mornings easier

• Keep a consistent bedtime and morning routine.
• Prepare clothes, backpacks, and lunches the night before.
• Schedule appointments outside school hours when possible.
• Create a backup plan for transportation or schedule changes.
• Check attendance and address repeated absences or tardiness early.
• Talk with your child about how they feel at school.

When Attendance Becomes Difficult
Challenges can happen. Reaching out early helps us work together.

• Health concerns or anxiety.
• Transportation difficulties.
• Housing or family changes.
• Caregiving responsibilities.
• Academic, social, or safety concerns.

YOUR SCHOOL IS HERE TO HELP
Contact your child's school so we can listen, connect you with resources, and make a plan together.

EVERY DAY IS AN OPPORTUNITY 
to learn, connect, and succeed.

NEED SUPPORT?

Contact your school: MDUSD Schools Webpage

Guidance adapted from Attendance Works: attendanceworks.org

As MDUSD enters the month of September this week, our schools are unifying around a consistent message to students and families: "Attendance matters." At Back to School Nights, in Principals' Newsletters and on digital signs outside schools - this message is being reinforced with this year's attendance campaign slogan: "Be here. Be ready. Belong." 

We are also rolling out a new ParentSquare messaging system called "Attendance Plus," which allows for two-way communication between schools and families regarding absences. The reason behind this attendance emphasis is simple: students need to be in school to learn and stay on track to graduate.

It also coincides with a statewide and nationwide Back-to-School emphasis on Attendance Awareness in the month of September. The MDUSD School Board - along with school boards throughout the state and country - has proclaimed September as Attendance Awareness Month. "This is a very important initiative in our District," said Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark, at the Aug. 26 Board meeting. "If district If students aren’t here at school, then they can’t learn and they can’t take advantage of the social interactions with their peers and being around trusted adults, and also the meals which we serve."

Aurelia Buscemi, Director of Enrollment Services, noted in her presentation to the Board that the District is focused on reducing "chronic absenteeism," which means missing 10% of school. Statistics show that:

• 59% of students who are chronically absent in Kindergarten or 1st grade are not able to read at grade level after 3rd grade
• By 6th grade, chronic absence is one of three signs that a student may drop out of high school
• By 9th grade, attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than 8th grade test scores.

Buscemi said interviews with MDUSD 12th-graders who were chronically absent showed that absences were driven by unmet social-emotional needs, relationships, and school climate. While each student's circumstance was unique, the theme of lack of belonging was consistent. This is why the District is working to strengthen the feeling of belonging for students by making them feel welcome in inclusive learning environments with trusted adults who help them feel valued, connected and successful.

For those who are struggling, the District will provide personalized outreach to families, meet with parents/guardians to develop an action plan, and identify and address barriers to attendance. Students with severe chronic absenteeism (missing 30% or more of school) will receive additional family supports.

"It takes a village," Buscemi said, noting that teachers, counselors, bus drivers, office staff, food and nutrition workers and custodians all play a role in creating safe, welcoming learning environments to show our students we support them so they can be here, be ready, and belong. 

Board President Debra Mason, who attended Back to School Nights at Delta View, Sun Terrace, Rio Vista, and Wren Avenue elementary schools, as well as at Holbrook Language Academy and Riverview MS, said she heard the same message everywhere she went. "The message is clear from all administrators," she said. "They're telling the parents the kids need to be here. If they’re not here, they’re not learning. It’s just really good to see everybody sharing the same message. It excites me."

MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark sent the following message to District staff and families on Aug. 28, 2026:

Mt. Diablo Unified School District and Mt. Diablo School Psychologist Association Reach Tentative Agreement For New Contract, Including Continued 100% Employer-Paid Benefits And Pay Increases.

We are excited to announce that on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) and Mt. Diablo School Psychologist Association (MDSPA) have reached a tentative agreement following negotiations for the 2026-2029 collective bargaining agreement. This agreement includes salary increases, contract updates, and fully maintained employee benefits, reflecting MDUSD’s ongoing commitment to fair compensation and strong support for our staff. By prioritizing competitive wages and stability, the District aims to strengthen staff retention, attract top talent, and ultimately drive better outcomes for our students.

The work of these employees plays an important role in expanding access to critical mental health supports for students and strengthening the District’s ability to sustain these services. 

Once ratified by MDSPA members and formally approved by the MDUSD Board of Education, this agreement will successfully wrap up negotiations for the three-year contract.

I want to personally thank MDSPA Leadership and their members for all they do to support our students!!

Dr. Adam Clark