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This week's MDUSD Friday Letter spotlights: 

• The 7th Annual MDUSD HBCU Fair at Mt. Diablo High School,
• Career Pathways across our District,
• Mt. Diablo High School’s Patient Care Pathway students,
• Silverwood Elementary students recognized at the PTA District level for their creativity and excellence in the PTA Reflections program;
• The Foundry Career Pathway in its inaugural year at Olympic HS;
• World Read Aloud Day visits and special readings at Westwood and Meadow Homes Elementary Schools;
• College Park HS Mock Trial team finishes its second year of competition;
• School and Staff Social Media Highlights including recognitions for National School Counseling Week;
• And more!

You can read it here.

 

MDUSD's College Now program at Diablo Valley College (DVC), enables 11th and 12th-graders to begin their college journeys while they are still in high school. College Now is recruiting students who will be high school juniors and seniors in 2026-27 for the program, which gives students the opportunity to take 3–4 high school classes each day, taught by MDUSD teachers, while also enrolling in DVC courses that meet high school graduation requirements, all on the DVC campus. The program is hosting Family Information Nights at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4 at Willow Creek Center (and virtually), and at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 at Mt. Diablo HS (see flyers). Applications are due Feb. 12.

"This program is a great fit for motivated, self-directed students who are excited to explore their future and experience learning in a real college setting, with the guidance and support they need to succeed," said Program Administrator Susan Hartwig. Students in the alternative high school program also have the opportunity to explore possible career interests. The goal of the program is for all College Now graduates to finish high school with at least one year of college completed.

This head start on college saves both time and money when students go on to complete college. Since 2016-17, College Now has provided academic rigor in a supportive community of teachers, counselors and tutors, to help students navigate college. It is seeking 60 11th graders and about 10 12th graders to fill spots available. Students currently in the program highly recommend it, saying it gives them independence, flexible schedules, and the ability take college classes in subjects that interest them.

Seniors Fernando Solis and Zahra Almukter, who both previously attended Concord HS, said they were seeking something different from a traditional high school experience. They like the small class sizes with three teachers and a counselor who value their opinions and want to help them achieve their goals. "They're very attentive and they care," Zahara said, adding that Counselor Rima Boujaoude has helped her with both school and personal issues. "She has a great place in my heart." They also both said their class conversations are thoughtful and deep. Almukter referenced a discussion analyzing race in America in her Psychology class. Fernando added: "In my Sociology class, we talk about sensitive topics and have discussions about race and gender and how we perceive ourselves."

Juniors Tristan Moffett, Akieam Owens, Brisa Torres and Madison Barrett also praised the program. They appreciate learning alongside other students who are focused on going to college or military academies. Like the seniors, they value the close-knit community and one-in-one attention they receive. College Now students are still connected to their "home" schools and can participate in sports and other activities on those campuses, as well as part-time jobs. Madison is on the College Park HS Girls Wrestling team, Akieam is planning to participate in track at Mt. Diablo HS and Brisa participated in Cheer at Mt. Diablo HS. All three said the College Now teachers were very supportive of students who juggle extracurricular activities or jobs with school and noted that they can take classes as early as 6 a.m. or as late as 8 p.m. to fit their schedules. They also said they appreciate the AVID classes at College Now, which help them to develop skills such as study habits, time management and self advocacy that are needed in college. They recommend the program, but said students who join it must be prepared to work hard, with help. "It's a super fast pace," Brisa said. "You have to realize these are college classes. There's no slacking off. You need to make sure you're ready." Madison agreed, saying, "They want you to do your best, but they expect a lot of you and there's definitely a lot of support." Tristan added: "They know that you're here to succeed and in order to get you there, they have to push you, but the workload is up to you." They also said they take advantage of college resources such as study halls, student centers and the modern library. 

Samira Kilicheva, a junior who transferred into the program from Mt. Diablo HS, where she started out as an English Learner as an immigrant from Uzbekistan, is thriving in the College Now program. She expects to be "reclassified" as Fluent English Proficient when she takes the required exam in the Spring, and no longer needs to take English Language Development (ELD) courses. But when she sometimes doesn't understand a word or concept, she said the College Now teachers are patient and help to explain the meaning using different words. "I really like it," she said. "The teachers really love their jobs and they put their passion into teaching and it makes me love this place even more." She appreciates that History Teacher Mrs. Shaw doesn't tell her the answers. "She leads me to the answer so I can get it myself," Samira said, adding that she recommends the program highly. "This place is perfect for people who know what they want, or if you don’t know, there are so many people here who help you understand, and it motivates you to become better each day and it gives you a lot of opportunities. This place leads you step by step into the real world."

 

This week's MDUSD Friday Letter spotlights:

• The College Now program at Diablo Valley College (DVC),
• The Great Kindness Challenge, which took place at many of our schools,
• The Ygnacio Valley High School Education Academy, 
• A beautiful new "Stars" mural at Delta View Elementary School, made possible through the support of the Mt. Diablo Education Foundation;
• A recent driver safety lesson held for immigrant boys from Afghanistan at Ygnacio Valley High School in collaboration with the Family Justice Center;
• School and Staff Social Media Highlights celebrating school events, staff shout-outs, and more from around the District.

You can read it here.

 

MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark sent the following message to District families and staff on Jan. 27, 2026:

Dear MDUSD Community,

Many have reached out and expressed concerns regarding recent reports of increased federal immigration enforcement activity across the country. I want to take this opportunity to reassure all of our students, families and staff that the safety and well-being of everyone in our schools remains our top priority.

Mt. Diablo Unified School District has clear policies in place to protect our students and their information. We do not release any student or their personal information to anyone other than their parent or legal guardian. In the situation of federal immigration agents, such as ICE, we will only respond if agents present a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge. Without such a warrant, no access to our campuses or student information will be granted.

All of our school administrators and front office staff are trained and aware of these procedures. Additionally, if there is any sign of unsafe activity near or around our campuses, we will immediately enact our school safety plans, which may include lockdown protocols and modified dismissal procedures to ensure student safety.

We are also aware that some federal agencies may not follow standard operating procedures in the field, which is why we proceed with extreme caution in any such circumstance. Our approach remains rooted in protecting the rights of our students and staff, and in maintaining safe, welcoming campuses for all.

We understand the fear and uncertainty many students and families are feeling. Our schools are safe, and we are committed to ensuring that every student feels supported and protected. We will continue to monitor developments closely and provide additional guidance as needed.

Thank you for your partnership and trust as we work together to keep our community safe.

Sincerely,

Dr. Adam Clark
Superintendent
Mt. Diablo Unified School District

The SOAR Program hosted its 3rd Annual Winter Resource Fair on Thursday, January 23, at the Willow Creek Center. SOAR families received essential items including blankets, toys, socks, shoes, hats, gloves, umbrellas, grocery items, free haircuts, and a hot meal. In addition, more than 40 bicycles and an assortment of gift cards were raffled off to families.

The SOAR (Support Office for Access and Resources) Program extends its sincere thanks to the MDUSD community for the incredible support that made this event possible, including financial contributions, donations of bicycles and other essential items, and the many hours volunteered by staff and community members, said Program Specialist Rosie Reid.

While donations are accepted year-round, the annual donation drive—which enables staff to purchase needed items and support families in accessing these and other critical resources—will continue through January 30, 2026.

Any MDUSD family in need of clothing, shoes, winter apparel, school supplies, hygiene products, or assistance with referrals to community agencies or public benefits is encouraged to contact or visit the SOAR Office.

SOAR Office
1026 Mohr Lane
Concord, CA 94518
Hours: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., school days

 

This week's Friday Letter highlights:

• The 3rd Annual Winter Resource Fair, hosted by our SOAR program;
• MDUSD ACSA Region 6 Administrator of the Year nominees;
• Student Advisory Committee Board presentation;
• Northgate High School’s Debate Club recently participated in the Harvard Model Congress, where Umaiza Youna earned an Honorable Mention Award in the media category;
• Ygnacio Valley High School senior Boys Basketball Player Jestus Akudinobi highlighted by Bay Area News Group;
• College Park High School students, along with school leaders from CPHS and Sequoia Middle School, led an Anti-Racism Assembly at Sequoia MS in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. observance;
• Ygnacio Valley HS Project 212 Robotics Team newsletter highlights competition preparations;
• Staff and school social media highlights, including Superintendent's visit to Gregory Gardens Elementary;
• And more!

You can read it here.

 

Northgate HS Ethnic Studies teacher Meg Honey and Saint Mary’s College of California Professor Dr. Mary Raygoza are both passionate about helping their students understand the importance of diversity in children’s literature. 

Honey helped found the Rise Up Against Racism nonprofit that installs “Little Free Antiracist Libraries” in the community, including at El Dorado MS and in her own classroom. Filled with books that have been banned elsewhere, the library is a resource for Honey’s students, who are delving into issues including justice and identity, as well as book bans, censorship, and activism.

“Ethnic studies students explore themes of joy and resilience, inclusion, equity, and belonging,” Honey said. “And children’s literature really helps us make sense of those important topics in a way that provides great access and connection, while also giving us the opportunity to discuss big topics in really simple form.” 

Raygoza is teaching a course this month called, “J is for Justice: Early Childhood Books for a More Just World,” which is exploring similar themes. So, Honey invited Raygoza and her college students to collaborate with the Northgate Ethnic Studies students in a joint discussion on Tuesday about how children’s literature impacts children and families. The students broke into groups to read and discuss some of the books, after the teachers noted that children’s books can be viewed as “mirrors,” “windows,” or “sliding glass doors.”

Reflecting on this, Northgate student Emma Arruda said, "books serve as a mirror that can reflect your own lived experiences, a sliding glass door that allows you to put yourself into another person's reality, and a window that allows you to take a deeper look into another person's life/culture." Emma said her group "also talked about how some of these books might be put on banned or censored book lists as a way to suppress people's chosen identities that don't fit the mold of social norms."

The students used a rubric called "Considerations in Selecting Books for Young Children that Build Equity and Inclusion," as they discussed the characters, stories, themes, settings and illustrations in the books. Honey noted that historically some groups of people have been virtually "left out" of literature, while other people have been "over-represented in books and media." Her students sometimes analyze children's books while referencing high school level books such as "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States," to see how the same themes are discussed at different grade levels.

After reading the book, "Cornrows," by Camille Yarbrough, Northgate senior Ismael Opeyany said: "The book provided us a window to look into a different culture, showing the importance of braids. Coming from somebody outside this culture, I understand their culture better now.”

Saint Mary's student Kate Plachy complimented an insight shared by a Northgate junior Brooke Rooney, who said that the reason people ban books is because they know the messaging works in helping people to better understand each other. Honey agreed, adding: "People who are implementing book bans know that these books create more inclusive and welcoming societies."

For Honey and Raygoza, as well as their students, the time spent together was inspiring and motivated them to want to collaborate with each other again in the future. 

"Our convening affirmed that social justice and community-centered learning can take place across education levels," Raygoza said. "SMC undergraduates learned from and with high school students as they read and analyzed early childhood books together. What was most powerful was watching my college students learn directly from high school students who are already thinking critically about representation, power, and whose stories get told. Meg Honey’s high school students are engaged in sophisticated, justice-centered literary analysis."

Raygoza also praised Honey's teaching and relationship to her students. "Meg Honey’s classroom is a space where joy, critical inquiry, and community come through not only her curriculum but the uplifting and affirming ways in which she engages with all students."  

Honey was also incredibly impressed with Raygoza's accomplishments and the work she is continuing to do at Saint Mary's College. They are both Northgate HS alumni — Honey graduated in 1997 and Raygoza graduated in 2005, with Honey as her swim coach.

"Returning to Northgate as an alum was deeply personal," Raygoza said after the class. "My path into educational research and teacher education began here with my senior project focused on the topic of educational inequity in the era of No Child Left Behind. Pursuing my passion was possible because of my humanizing, empowering teachers at Woodside Elementary, Oak Grove MS, and Northgate."

She went onto earn Bachelors and Masters degrees and a Ph.D., and teaches in the Teacher Education program at St. Mary's. But the "J is for Justice" course is open to students with any major and focuses on children's books that uplift characters of marginalized identities. "The culminating assignment of the course is for students to author their own children’s book, selecting a theme based on something they would have loved to read as a child themself," Raygoza said.

Honey said she was glad her students got to learn how Raygoza started out as a Northgate student and followed her passion to make a difference in education through her work. 

Both the Northgate and SMC students said they appreciated the joint learning experience, as well as the educators.

• SMC junior Anna Clara Rocha ('27), said: "We got to sit down and meet with the students in Ms. Honey’s social justice class and I can say that as a college student from Saint Mary’s College I was thoroughly impressed with what I witnessed. The students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, spoke eloquently about such important social issues and were very well informed. You could feel the energy in the classroom, these kids are the future of social justice and Ms. Honey has created an amazingly safe environment to teach this curriculum!"

• Northgate senior Ciaria Ireland said: "Working with SMC students was a fun and new experience for me. I would love to do something like this in the future, maybe even just reading books about topics related to Ethnic studies, and then dissecting and studying the book. This visit really brought out something I didn't even know was inside of me."

• Northgate freshman Charlotte King said: "I really enjoyed listening to everything the SMC students had to say. They all had very valuable insights, and the sharing space felt very comfortable. I think it was also super fun to be able to understand the perspectives of people older and more educated on certain topics."

• Northgate junior Brooke Rooney said: "I would love the opportunity to collaborate with SMC students once again because it gives us high schoolers the belief in our own capabilities of contribution, even if we have not yet reached the collegiate level of education. I believe true learning is held in experiences and reaching beyond the walls of a single institution. In order to move forward as a flourishing society we need to have the courage to expand the reach of our knowledge."

• Northgate sophomore Livia Stroh said: "We talked about representation shown in the children's books that we read and how the books were able to show that in a way that would be easy for young children to understand. Each book has a different way of showing the representation that aligns with the themes and topics in Ethnic Studies, and they each show the representation in a clear and respectful way that is easy for children to learn from and understand."

• SMC student Olivia Burke (NHS '23, SMC '27), said: "Mrs. Honey’s classroom is filled with joy and passion, and I am grateful that I got to experience it! It is clear that she has a heart for her students and the material she teaches, and is making a real impact through her work. I am so glad to know that Northgate students have such a wonderful teacher and role model who is highlighting the value of social justice, activism, and representation."

In a followup survey at Northgate, many students said they would like more opportunities to engage with SMC students. "I truly hope to continue working with Mary (Raygoza) and create more moments like Tuesday," Honey said, adding that she is also excited about MDUSD's teacher residency partnership with Saint Mary's. "There are so many powerful understandings and experiences that happen when K-12 schools connect with our higher education institution partners."

Social Justice Storytime with Saint Mary's College Students on Jan. 17th at Pleasant Hill Library 

Dr. Raygoza and her "J is for Justice" students will present a special Social Justice Storytime in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership in the Civil Rights Movement at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Pleasant Hill Library.

The students will read a selection of children's books that focus on themes of empathy, inclusivity, solidarity and mindfulness. The program is best suited for ages 2-8 with a caregiver. No registration required.

Gregory Gardens Elementary Principal Katie Koontz is promoting this event to her school community because it ties in with the school's emphasis on the social justice curriculum standards of identity, diversity, justice and action — which are part of the school's Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program.

"Our social justice work is really about giving students the tools and language to talk about who they are, how they relate to others, and how to handle big feelings and real-world topics in a safe, supported way," Koontz said. "Each standard has age-appropriate lessons and book selections that help spark conversation, build empathy, and teach students how to listen, reflect, and respond respectfully." 

Raygoza said the event information has been shared with MDUSD principals and is expected to draw over 100 families. "We're so excited," she said. "Children's books and literacy — including book bans and debates on the science of reading — are hot news topics right now. The work of educators, librarians, and children's book authors to inspire hope, awareness, solidarity, and change through books and early reading is so important. Children's books offer high school and college students alike opportunities to engage in critical analysis and hope."

 

 

This week's MDUSD Friday Letter spotlights:

• Northgate HS Ethnic Studies class collaborates with Saint Mary’s College of California students who are studying Social Justice in Children’s Books to discuss the importance of representation and diversity;
• KQED features podcast on California Food Deserts by College Now student Eumari King Perez;
• El Dorado Middle School honored 247 students who earned GPAs of 3.5 or higher in their First Semester Honor Roll celebration;
• Foothill Middle School 8th-graders explored the Animation Career Pathway at Northgate High;
• Ygnacio Valley Elementary students showcased a traditional Mexican dance they mastered over two months of instruction funded by the Mt. Diablo Education Foundation;
• And more!

You can read it here.

 

The 3rd Annual MDUSD Career Technical Education (CTE) Fair for middle school students on Jan. 8th at Riverview MS gave 8th-graders from all middle schools in the District the opportunity to learn about career options after high school such as working for local agencies including the Contra Costa Water District or PG&E, and to find out about the different career pathways in MDUSD high schools such as construction, engineering, healthcare, auto tech, digital media and JROTC.

"The goal of this event is for students to learn about some careers in different industries," said Heather Fontanilla, MDUSD's Director of College & Career Readiness. "Another goal is for them to learn about the different pathway programs at the high schools so that they can consider the options when they are completing course cards for the 2026-2027 school year." 

The event featured 13 different education and industry partners, as well as 11 career pathways from District high schools, with teachers and high school students showcasing the work they do and offering hands-on experiences to the middle school students. It also included post-secondary education providers including MDUSD Adult Education, Diablo Valley College and Cal State East Bay.

"We're very excited to be hosting the fair," said Riverview MS Principal Veronica McLennan. "It's a great opportunity for our students to learn about the different programs in our schools and what's offered in our community."

To help keep students engaged, they were given a "BINGO Card" that asked them to visit booths and to share feedback about what they learned, said Anna Ramos, MDUSD's Manager of Youth Development & Support Services, who coordinated the fair. She said Shore Acres Elementary 5th-graders, who will attend Riverview MS next year, also got a sneak peak at the campus and the fair.

The hands-on activities included welding, practicing CPR and interacting with a robot, under the supervision of MDUSD Career Pathways high school students. Concord HS Transportation Tech student Mario Rodriguez, who taught 8th-graders how to weld at the event, said his classes teach students life skills that will benefit them even if they don't end up becoming auto technicians. Mario said career pathways can "lead you to what you want to do in life." CHS Auto Tech teacher Greg Golson said the Fair gave 8th-grade students the opportunity to get a glimpse of the skills they can develop in high school that they wouldn't ordinarily get to see.  

Mt. Diablo HS Patient Care pathway seniors Tiffany Dong and Elsey Campos Perez said they both want to work in healthcare after graduation and their pathway courses are giving them a head start on what they need to learn, including CPR. Similarly, the Principles of Biomedical Science Pathway at College Park HS also attracts students interested in healthcare fields. Riverview MS 8th grader Bryan Alvarez said he wants to learn more about the human body. "I really like science, but I also like acting," he said. Mt. Diablo HS also has a Digital Arts program in which some students create videos. Bryan's sister Stephanie Alvarez, who is the Riverview MS Community School Coordinator, said the fair exceeded the expectations of many 8th graders, who thought it wouldn't be very interesting before they attended, but who were excited after they went. "It's a great idea," she said. 

Ygnacio Valley HS Engineering teacher Joseph Alvarico, whose students demonstrated a robot they created in the school's Robotics Club, said the fair helped 8th graders get hands on experience related to careers they could pursue in the future, and helped his high school students build presentation, leadership and communications skills. "So, it serves both of them well - the high school and the middle school students," he said.

High school career pathway programs that participated in the fair were: Biomedical Science, and Photography at College Park HS; Engineering, Art & Digital Media/Photography, and Transportation at Concord HS; Auto/Transportation Tech, Culinary Arts, Patient Care and JROTC at Mt. Diablo HS; Animation at Northgate HS; and Education, and Engineering at Ygnacio Valley HS. Students interested in programs not offered at their "home" high schools would need to apply for an intra-district transfer to participate in some programs. 

Click here to watch a reel featuring highlights from the event.