In Sequoia Elementary School's International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, 5th-graders are required to complete group research projects that represent the culmination of their academic learning. In the interactive event held Friday, May 16th, student groups presented their projects to parents and community members, with informative displays including their "lines of inquiry," interesting facts, and "action plans."

Principal Becky Vichiquis said students met with local elected officials and other leaders in preparation for the exhibition. "Each group is focused on a project within one of the UN Goals for Sustainable Development," she said. "Students work in groups of three to develop distinct but connected lines of inquiry around one of the key concepts and then share their research and design action to work toward education and progress on their goal." Students met with Song Kim from the United Nations to learn about Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier to discuss Clean Water and Sanitation. 

Project topics for the 33 groups included providing clean water to people around the globe, equity for all, and quality education worldwide. Mila Khatri, who presented a "Clean Water and Sanitation" project alongside classmates Adria Maier and Autumn Moreno, noted: “Every 15 seconds, an adult, child or baby dies from a preventable water-borne illness." The group interviewed Akberet Ghebremariam, who previously lived in Eritrea, Africa, about water sanitation there. They also communicated with the Raise the Roof Academy, which is working to improve education and health conditions in Uganda through water filtration and other methods.
 
Students Olivia Ashworth, Eva Jeschke and Morgan Ceballo focused on reducing inequities in their project, specifically researching racism, sexism and discrimination against refugees. They interviewed Pleasant Hill Councilwoman Belle La about the city's efforts to spread awareness about diversity through "Night Markets" that highlight different cultures. They also put up posters around the school with QR codes for more information and created a true or false game regarding their topic. Morgan's Dad, Brian Ceballo, said he was impressed by the IB program and this project because it required students to deal with "meaty issues" by "contextualizing them and doing a deeper dive."

Students Luca Chen, Alexander Bernstein and Landon Nielsen focused on providing quality education worldwide. They agreed that the project was fun, interesting and helped to prepare them for the rigors of middle school that they will encounter next year. "It was really fascinating to research," Alexander said. "122 million girls don't go to school around the world." Landon said that in some countries such as Afghanistan, girls stay home and do chores while boys go to school." To help improve access to educational materials locally, the group held a book drive for the Pleasant Hill Library.

Sequoia Elementary is part of an IB continuum in MDUSD that includes the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for elementary school years at Sequoia Elementary and Monte Gardens Elementary schools, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for middle school years at Oak Grove Middle School, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for high school years at Ygnacio Valley High School to develop well-rounded individuals who respond to modern challenges with optimism and open-mindedness. More information is here.

This week's MDUSD Friday Letter spotlights:

• 5th graders at Sequoia Elementary showcased critical thinking through the International Baccalaureate Exhibition,
• Board honors Classified Employees of the Year,
• District celebrates excellence at Willie Mims Awards,
• Northgate HS senior Sophia Mitchell named a National Merit Scholarship winner,
• Strandwood Elementary second grader Sadie took top honors in the school's Art Folder Contest,
• Focal Scholars recognized at Delta View Elementary and Ygnacio Valley HS,
• Mountain View Elementary hosted a Family Literacy Night in partnership with Yours Humanly,
• Wren Avenue Elementary students create chalk art,
• Students from 7 middle schools presented at ConservationCon at the Marine Mammal Center,
• Ygnacio Valley HS Special Education classroom hosts Mother’s Day tea,
• Mt. Diablo Adult Education hosts Connect-To-Care workshops,
• High School counselors visit the University of Nevada, Reno as part of a "Counselor Fly-In," 
• Valley View MS musicians shine in spring concerts,
• School Social Media Highlights from the Willie Mims awards event,
• Staff Social Media Highlights including longevity recognitions;
• And more!

You can read it here. 

This week's Friday Letter spotlights:

• MDUSDS's eight Classified Employees of the Year,
• Northgate HS junior Sven Grant has been recognized in a Pioneer Athlete Profile for his accomplishments as a member of the Northstar Ski team,
• Two MDUSD students honored in the 27th Annual Art & Writing Challenge hosted by the Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center,
• MDUSD Preschool & Assessment Center Team Joins Community Partners at Family Resource Fair,
• Dr. Heather Fontanilla's article detailing how MDUSD is preparing students for the workforce published on ACSA's prestigious Resource Hub,
• Spotlight on 7 Technology Integration Leaders (TILs),
• And more!

You can read it here.

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is pleased to announce the District's eight Classified Employees of the Year, including two who were also selected as County Classified Employees of the Year from among the District finalists. The District Classified Employees of the Year are: Jose (Jun) Cancio, Custodial and Maintenance Services; Teresa Cross, Transportation Services; Anita Fontana, Security Services; Gyongyi Iraheta, Food & Nutrition Services; Virginia (Ginny) Monge, Paraprofessional; Nicole Nakasato, Clerical and Administrative Services; Tara O'Keefe, Technical Services; and Ai Dong (Kitty) Peng, Health and Student Services. The MDUSD Governing Board will recognize the employees at its May 14th meeting. Nakasato and Cross were also recognized as Contra Costa County Classified Employees of the Year on April 23rd. 

Cancio, who is now the Elementary Head Custodian at Shadelands Preschool/Sunrise Elementary School, was nominated for the award by Bancroft Elementary teachers Anna Davis and Jennifer Winbery earlier this year, when he was a custodian at their school. He has worked in custodial and maintenance services for 26 years. "His efficiency and problem-solving abilities have positively impacted the overall workflow of the school, ensuring that operations run smoothly and effectively," according to his nomination. "Jose has made remarkable contributions both within the school and in the wider community." The teachers said Cancio participates in school events, volunteer programs and outreach events "ensuring that the school remains a well-integrated and supportive institution for both students and parents." He also leads by example and is a "cornerstone of the school community." 

Cross, a School Bus Driver, was nominated by Transportation Director Cris Lepe, who praised her "dedication, skill and unwavering commitment to our school community" during her two decades of service. She drives a 40-foot bus and serves the Bay Point community driving school routes, and also drives for field trips. "Her ability to foresee and prevent potential issues, particularly with field trip scheduling, has proven invaluable," Lepe said. "Teresa's sharp eye for logistics and her understanding of our operational needs help preempt potential problems, allowing the field trips for the transportation department to run smoothly." Lepe concluded that Cross "brings consistency, skill and quiet strength to our department as a model of professionalism" with a strong work ethic and "deep care for her students and colleagues." 

Fontana, a Campus Supervisor II at Pine Hollow MS, was nominated by Principal Andrew Strawbridge. "As a dedicated campus supervisor with 31 years of exeptional service, Anita exemplifies the highest standards of prefessionalism, care, and commitment to our school community," Strawbridge said in his nomination. "Anita's firm yet fair approach to campus supervision sets her apart as a leader and role model." Strawbridge added that Fontana builds positive and respectful relationships with students and staff, and mentors other campus supervisors. "Her dedication, leadership, and kindness make her an indispensable part of the Pine Hollow family." 

Iraheta, who is a lead Food Service Worker 1 at Woodside Elementary, was nominated by Food Service Area Supervisor Tom Egan for her 15 years of service. "Woodside Elementary kitchen successfully serves approximately 96 to 98 percent of the enrolled students at Woodside breakfast and lunch daily," Egan said in his nomination. "This is absolutely unheard of in our business. She does this by interacting with the students, attending afterschool functions with the parents and letting them know about our Food Service program, while promoting our department and the food she proudly serves." Egan added that she comes up with new ideas for recipes and operations, mentors new hires, is highly motivated and "is a strong communicator and collaborator who fosters positive relationships with colleagues, staff, parents and of course, the students."

Monge has been a Special Education Assistant (SEA) in an autism class at Silverwood Elementary for more than five years. "She has advocated for her students like no other aide I have ever seen," said teacher Liz Tang, who was one of several Silverwood staff members who nominated Monge. "She stays late, comes early, and even skips lunch to make sure there are enough appropriate things for her students to be doing." Tang added that Monge has provided lesson plans and curriculum for substitutes. "She just knows what needs to be done and is doing everything she can to help her class succeed." 

Nakasato, who is the District's Student Enrollment Coordinator, was nominated by Student Services Directors Marji Calbeck and Felicia Stuckey-Smith. Nakasato has worked in the District for eight years, is a "visionary leader and a systems thinker with a skillset to be highly effective in multiple capacities," her directors said. She is passionate about education, has strong organizational and interpersonal skills and "was the brain trust behind the creation of our current Centralized Enrollment Center." She created the centralized TK and Kindergarten enrollment process and the virtual processes for transfer and "choice" lotteries. She provides professional development to other district staff members, works closely with the IT, Human Resources and Fiscal Departments, and "provides a welcoming environment to all of our families as the Enrollment Center is the first point of contact for families coming to MDUSD."

O'Keefe is a Network/Systems Administrator, who has worked in this field for 16 years. "Tara's proactive approach to her role ensures not only the resolution of immediate issues, but also the implementation of long-term improvements, creating a seamless and supportive environment for students and staff," said Director of Technology and Innovation Robert Sidford in his nomination. "Her positivity and focus ensure that problems are met with solutions, not blame, and her efforts have become a cornerstone of her schools' success." Sidford also praised O'Keefe's people skills, saying "her dedication to creating a stable, secure, and supportive environment enables students, staff, and teachers to focus on their goals and thrive." 

Peng has worked as a Licensed Vocational Nurse for five years. She "has demonstrated exceptional clinical expertise" and "handles every situation with competence and care," said Director of Strategic Supports and Interventions Linda Pete and Credentialed School Nurses Diana Nachajski and Marianne Johnson in their nomination. "Many students have directly benefitted from her swift actions in urgent situations, such as administering first aid or coordinating emergency care, which has had a lasting positive impact on their health and well-being." In addition, Peng "has developed a deep connection with students in her care, parents and staff," making her a "trusted figure" who demonstrates compassion, professionalism, dedication, a strong work ethic, and an "unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our school community."

Shore Acres Elementary staff and families celebrated Dia del Niño on April 30th with a carnival-themed gathering that honored the Mexican and Latin American traditional “Children’s Day!” The event, which included food, balloons, clowns, dancing and outdoor soccer, was organized by Noon Supervisors Liliana Hernandez and Estela Mojica, along with Office Manager Evelin Delgadillo Mojica (Estella's daughter), and supported by administrators, teachers and parent volunteers.

Andrea Navarro, who teaches 2nd grade at the school, said Dia del Niño is often celebrated in Mexico with parades, bands and people dressing up. She was born in Mexico and moved to California as a child, attending Ygnacio Valley Elementary, which did not celebrate this day back then. "I think it's a really good opportunity to create relationships between staff and families - so they feel seen - and to be able to celebrate their cultures, especially since we have a lot of newcomers (immigrants), so they get to keep a lot of that part of them here," she said. 

Second-grade teacher and parent Lorena Murillo, whose daughter attends 2nd grade at the school, said Dia del Niño was a way to recognize the cultural heritage of many of the families. "I think it's great," she said. "It brings the community together!"

Estello Mojica said she and her daughter and Liliana worked together with parents to continue the event this year after starting it last year. "It's for the whole school," she said. "It's for the little kids." Liliana said it brings her satisfaction to see all the children so happy.

Principal Lisamarie Gascot Reyes, who leads Shore Acres along with Vice Principal Angelica Zanipatin, said she is from Puerto Rico, which does not have the same kinds of celebrations on Dia del Niño. "This is our first year (as administrators) here, but we were welcomed with open arms," she said. "I just fell in love with the community. They are great. And this event is so special for them. It's so great just to celebrate together."

Click here to see a reel highlighting the event. 

After creating a "touring" production of Little Women by his Northgate HS drama students last year, Drama Artistic Director John Litten and his Drama III students followed up this year by touring two productions - one for elementary students ("The Lady or the Tiger?") and one for middle and high school students - "The Warriors." A small cast of students staged three back-to-back performances of "The Warriors" over two days - April 28 and April 30 - at Foothill MS and Valley View MS, then culminating with a performance for Drama students at College Park HS. 

Their goal was to bring student-driven, high-quality free educational theater directly to other MDUSD campuses, Litten said. "Not only does this provide our young actors with real-world performance experience, but it also fosters creativity, empathy, and engagement in the audiences we serve." As the only two high schools with drama programs in MDUSD, Litten and College Park HS teacher Tony Gardner have also collaborated on creating an honors Drama course that will launch at both schools next year, and they are discussing the idea of developing a Theater Festival, similar to band festivals that are held at many schools.

The show focused on fights between rivaling gangs, but also dealt with themes of friendship, families, survival and peace. After the performance, Northgate students answered questions from their College Park peers about their fight scenes, costumes, and rehearsals.

All the students posed for a group photo with their teachers after building bonds as fellow actors. Gardner said he invited the Northgate students to College Park to strengthen ties between the two schools based on their love of drama. "Collaboration between high schools is always good - good for students and for the district," he said. "Sharing and enjoying performing arts together is important. We shouldn't always just get together to compete, but to collaborate." 

The College Park students were especially impressed by the choreographed fight scenes, which included one gang swinging bats at rival gang members, punches, slow motion kicks, grunts, groans and even some "leap frog" jumps. The Northgate actors talked about how they concentrated on their facial expressions and practiced projecting their voices in rehearsals. To make it easy to tour the show, there were no sets and few props.

The Northgate students also discussed the sacrifices they make to be in productions, rehearsing after school and on weekends, while juggling school and other activities, as well as District and AP testing at this time of year. But they do it because they love it, they said. They spend so much time together that they have become like a second family. 

Litten invited Gardner to bring his students to perform at Northgate. "Let's start to build a bridge," Litten said. "Let's start to see each other's plays." College Park HS student Emme Potts, a junior, said she supports this. "I do think it's a good idea for people to connect between schools," she said. "Bringing two schools together to perform for one another - to have that opportunity - is a very good idea."

Click on this reel to see highlights from the show.

Students from all five MDUSD comprehensive high schools participated in the 2025 MDUSD Campus to Commerce Career Pathways Showcase on May 1 at John Muir Health in Concord, displaying photos and samples of their work and speaking to visitors about what they are learning. During the event, three students participated in a panel discussion about the value of the District's career pathways programs along with three internship providers from local businesses.

The participating Career Pathways programs included: Art & Digital Media at College Park HS; Art & Digital Media, Engineering, and Transportation at Concord HS; Art & Digital Media, Engineering, Information Computer Technology, and Patient Care at Mt. Diablo HS; Art & Digital Media at Northgate HS; and Education, Engineering, and Health Care at Ygnacio Valley HS. 

The student panelists were MDHS Patient Care Pathway student Sofia Carrera Cuevas, CPHS Art & Digital Media student Joseph Giacomino, and YVHS Engineering student Angie Villalon. Sofia, a sophomore, said she has appreciated the internship and training opportunities she has received, which have strengthened her interest in healthcare. She has worked as a paid intern for MDHS teacher Dr. David Pintado's East Bay CPR organization, and received Community Emergency Response Training (CERT) training through a partnership between MDHS and the city of Concord. Joseph, a sophomore, said business partners show students things they aren't exposed to in school. He met with the Sunvalley Shopping Center manager to discuss marketing, and visited the Academy of Art and the Disney animation studio, which helped him to decide that he was most interested in animation, he said. Angie, a senior, said her internship at Calitho enabled her to use machines and software not available at her school. "It helped me to realize I want to continue developing my skills in product design," she said. 

Students showcasing their programs at display booths were also enthusiastic about the in-depth career education they are receiving. MDHS Digital Arts & Media students Isabella Leon and Gisselle Garcia explained their "capstone" projects to Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark, including photo displays and posters. Both students plan to attend Diablo Valley College (DVC) after graduation, then transfer to universities. CHS photo arts student Penny Selby said she likes expressing herself through photography and using technology to enhance her photos. Although her career goal is to become a librarian, she says she will continue to explore photography as a hobby. YVHS Education Academy student Amy Arreola said her courses are preparing her for a career as a teacher, and she would ideally like to return to MDUSD and teach ethnic studies, which she said is crucial to help students understand themselves, their families and their peers. 

During his presentation at the event, Dr. Clark said MDUSD is working to teach students technical skills needed to pursue careers, as well as "soft skills" , such as showing up on time, being able to work with diverse people, and critical problem-solving. Partnering with local businesses gives them an opportunity to help shape their future workforce, while giving students valuable exposure to real life careers. "I see it as a symbiotic relationship between our schools and our business partners," Dr. Clark said. 

This week's MDUSD Friday Letter spotlights:

• Campus to Commerce Career Technical Education (CTE) Showcase at John Muir Medical Center,
• Northgate HS Drama III students share their performance of "The Warriors" with College Park HS drama students,
• Shore Acres Elementary and Mt. Diablo Adult Education’s Family Literacy Class celebrated Día del Niño (Children’s Day) on April 30,
• School social media spotlights
• And more!

You can read it here.