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YVHS InvenTeam

An Ygnacio Valley High School team of 12 students led by engineering teacher Joseph Alvarico and math teacher Tabatha Box has been awarded a Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam® grant in the amount of $7,500 to create an invention geared towards helping people with limited hand mobility regain their independence and reconnect with loved ones and their community. Ygnacio Valley High is one of only eight high schools nationwide to be selected as an InvenTeam this year, and it is the only school in California to earn this honor.

The Ygnacio Valley High School InvenTeam is inventing a solution to assist those with limited ability— whether due to arthritis, cerebral palsy, or other conditions—to use their hands to overcome challenges in their daily lives, such as gripping utensils or using hand gestures to communicate. With more than 50 million adults in the U.S. affected by arthritis and 764,000 people living with cerebral palsy, these challenges are widespread and can become frustrating struggles, leading to feelings of isolation. The YVHS InvenTeam’s goal is to not only improve quality of life for people with limited hand mobility, but also to promote a more inclusive and connected society. 

Alvarico, who is a 2024 California Teacher of the Year, hand-picked the 12 members, who are both male and female students in grades 9-12 including many who are also members of the after-school robotics club he advises, have taught robotics to middle school students, and participate in dual enrollment engineering classes for which they are earning college credit through Diablo Valley College (DVC).

"I thought it would be really cool for students from Ygnacio Valley, with limited resources from low socioeconomic backgrounds, to have the same opportunities that other students do, so we are making this a vehicle not just to help the community, but for the kids to see what’s outside of California," Alvarico said, explaining that the project culminates in a presentation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The team hopes to attract outside mentors in the field of technology and/or Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) support, as well as in-kind donations or monetary support, since the grant will not cover all of the group’s expenses as they develop a working prototype that could lead to a patent. 

The eight teams were chosen by a respected panel of university professors, inventors, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and college students including former InvenTeam members now working in industry. “The InvenTeams are focusing on solving problems that impact their local communities,” said Leigh Estabrooks, Lemelson-MIT’s Invention Education Officer. “Teams are focusing their technological solutions — their inventions — on inequities in health and wellbeing, environmental issues, and safety concerns. These high school students are not just problem-solvers of tomorrow, they are problem solvers today helping to make our world more equitable, healthier, and safer.”

Students on the YVHS InvenTeam were inspired to pursue their invention after meeting a special education student at their school who is nonverbal and has difficulty moving his hands. "We decided to help him by working on a project to improve hand mobility and fine motor skills for people with lack of ability," said senior Leqi Li. The students also met with MDUSD Special Education Department staff members who work with students needing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) supports to better understand their challenges.

Team members said they are excited to learn how the invention process works and some have personal reasons for joining the team. Althea Danae Vivar, a sophomore, said her grandmother works in a senior care home, where residents sometimes struggle with disabilities. "Sometimes, my grandma would say how lonely they were at the care home and their disability would lead to frustration because they cannot do the things they used to be able to do. This is something that could help."

You can follow the team's progress on Instagram here.  

YVHS InvenTeam

 

Read More about Ygnacio Valley HS students receive grant to invent technological solution to a real-world problem
Friday Letter

This week's MDUSD Friday Letter highlights:

  • The "Experience Dyslexia” event,
  • The Ygnacio Valley High School InvenTeam,
  • Girl golfers from Northgate and College Park High School celebrate undefeated seasons in the DAL, and recognition for individual girl golfers from Concord and Mt. Diablo high schools,
  • The grand opening of the new InFab Lab at Concord High School,
  • Career Pathways students from three high schools participate in Manufacturing Day,
  • A College Now student earns 2nd place in speech and debate competition at Santa Rosa Junior College,
  • Olympic HS students participate in Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce First Friday Coffee,
  • Mt. Diablo Adult Education Surgical Technology Students Receive Scholarships, and
  • School and Staff social media highlights.

You can read it here

Friday Letter

 

Read More about Friday Letter - October 25, 2024
Experience Dyslexia

In recognition of Dyslexia Awareness Month in October, MDUSD held two "Experience Dyslexia" events this month that gave participants the opportunity to better understand the challenges that people with dyslexia face every day. MDUSD is ahead of many other districts in screening students in grades K-2 for dyslexia, which will be required by the state in all districts in 2025-26. 

The District's Special Education Community Advisory Committee (CAC) created a dyslexia task force and obtained the Experience Dyslexia simulations through a grant they received, said Dorothy Weisenberger, CAC Chair, during the Oct. 21st event. "This is about getting our kids help and about us as parents understanding what our kids go through," said Weisenberger, who is the mother of three children with dyslexia.

After she first participated in the simulations, Weisenberger told parents at the event, "I cried and went home and hugged my kids. I kept thinking, 'It has to be easier.' But it doesn't get easier. They have to learn a different way." The simulations helped parents understand the immense effort and focus that students with dyslexia need to complete tasks that may be easy for those without dyslexia, as well as the frustration and helplessness they may feel when they cannot complete classwork or homework as quickly as their peers. 

In the simulations, Weisenberger and MDUSD Special Education staff members played the roles of teachers giving assignments to students with time limitations. Participants played the roles of students, trying to accomplish tasks while attempting to overcome barriers that made it difficult to process the information they were given. The simulations included:

  • trying to read unfamiliar symbols and decode their meanings based on context and repetition in texts,  
  • trying to write down information dictated by the teacher while significant background noise makes it difficult to hear instructions,
  • trying to draw a star shape while looking in a mirror to watch your hand moving your pencil under a cardboard tent,
  • trying to write letters and unknown symbols with your non-dominant hand,
  • taking a spelling test three times, once with the audio simulating hearing loss, once with low level sound, and finally with some amplification simulating a hearing aid. 

After each simulation, participants talked about how they felt when they were unable to easily complete the assignments. Many said they felt frustrated and anxious. "It hurt my brain," some one parent. Special education teacher Mabel Ventriglia, who participated in the simulations, said: "I felt like I had to retrain my brain." She also noted that some students who have trouble reading act out in class or make excuses, such as needing to go to the restroom, to avoid reading aloud in front of their peers.

MDUSD Special Education Director Amy Sudrla and other facilitators told parents that early screening can help identify students with dyslexia so they can get interventions and learn to read by the end of 3rd grade, which is essential for them to be able to read to learn in grades 4-12 and into adulthood. Parents can also ask for accommodations such as a quiet place to take assessments, additional time or no time limits, and assistive technology to help with auditory processing challenges. Sudrla said dyslexic students are often exhausted by the end of the school day and need a break to decompress when they get home before plunging into homework. They should also be praised by teachers and parents for incremental improvements, in recognition of the extra work they are putting in to process information. After the event, a parent named Anna said she appreciated the simulations and information provided. "It was super helpful," she said, adding that it not only showed her what it feels like to have dyslexia, but also gave her practical steps for advocating for her child.

A CAC presentation about MDUSD's mClass dyslexia diagnostic screener and interventions including Spire and LindaMood Bell is here. Details about dyslexia screening and curriculum materials approved by the MDUSD School Board in June are here. Information about the CAC is here. California Dyslexia Guidelines (2018) are here

Experience Dyslexia

 

Read More about "Experience Dyslexia" shows what it feels like to have dyslexia as MDUSD rolls out K-2 screener
Career Education Fair

Students from all District high schools had the opportunity to meet with representatives from nearly 50 organizations offering training and career opportunities during the 7th annual Career Education Fair at Concord High School on Oct. 16th. The MDUSD Career Pathways Program event, organized in partnership with Concord HS College and Career Advisor Sheila Bergum, highlighted many options that don't necessarily require 4-year college degrees, but offer training, high salaries, excellent benefits. These included unions for carpenters, electricians, plumbers and other trades that offer apprenticeship programs; Mt. Diablo Adult Education and community colleges; the U.S. military; local law enforcement; and public services agencies.

"Not all students are going to go directly to college," said Heather Fontanilla, MDUSD Director of College and Career Readiness, explaining that the fair exposes them to what else is out there. She said news reports have recently noted that plumbers and HVAC techs can become millionaires, showing the value of skilled trades. The District's 21 high school Career Pathways programs also help to expose students to a variety of career fields including healthcare, digital arts, engineering, culinary arts, and hospitality, she added.

Students from other schools were bused to the fair and given time to browse the career booths, ask questions, and sign up for more information, along with Concord HS students. Concord HS senior Nicholas Gutlalenko said he really enjoyed finding out about healthcare careers such as becoming a medical assistant at the Kaiser booth. His classmate Rosh Well, a junior, said he appreciated the fair because he hasn't yet decided what kind of career he wants to pursue and it was interesting to see the variety of options available. He said he might consider sports medicine, since he is an athlete and his mother is a nurse.

A few organizations also offered hands-on experiences. Outside the gym, students were able to try on Contra Costa firefighters' gear and sit in a fire engine, or operate an excavator while they learned about careers as Operating Engineers from the Local 3 union. Contra Costa Fire Captain Denis Ware told students firefighting pays well and provides a lot of camaraderie. "I love it," he said, adding that he enjoyed speaking to students about his career because a lot of people don't consider firefighting unless they have relatives in the field. College Park HS senior Dante Nishizawa, who tried on some firefighting gear, said he is interested in becoming a firefighter. "I think I'd enjoy it," he said. Meanwhile, Operating Engineers Local 3 Apprenticeship Coordinator Richie Dominguez was showing students how to operate the excavator and telling them the benefits of joining his field. The starting salary is $32.87 per hour and goes up based on years of experience. The job includes family medical coverage and a pension after retirement. He currently oversees 120 apprentices, including 13 women, he said proudly. "They are our future," he said, adding that the fair gives organizations like his the opportunity to recruit the next generation of equipment operators.

Anna Ramos, manager of youth development and support services, praised Bergum for continuing to spearhead the event she started several years ago. "It's been really beneficial to a lot of the students," Ramos said, adding that some of the most popular booths were PG&E, the U.S. Army, Pacific States Aviation, and Operating Engineers.

Each year, the organizers try to improve the fair, she said. This year, they included students from all the District's alternative high school programs and provided sign-up sheets to follow up with students who are interested in specific organizations. The District will offer a similar career fair to 8th-graders in January.

Click on the reel below to see more highlights from the event.

Career Education Fair

 

Career Education Fair

 

Read More about 7th Annual MDUSD Career Education Fair at Concord HS shows high school students variety of options after graduation
Friday Letter

This week's MDUSD Friday Letter highlights:

  • The District Career Education Fair held at Concord HS,
  • Student news including Concord High football star Jayden Reger has been featured by WestCoast Preps as the "comeback player of the year," Mt. Diablo High School’s Tennis Team Captain Samantha Bravo Ortega is in the spotlight, Mt. Diablo Adult Education students go on field trip to the Pleasant Hill Library, and a news story by Northgate HS journalist Caroline Donohoe,
  • School news including Pleasant Hill MS art students celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, and
  • School and Staff Social Media Highlights!

You can read it here.

Friday Letter

 

Read More about Friday Letter - October 18, 2024
College Fair flyer

The 12th Annual MDUSD College Fair will be held from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 at Ygnacio Valley HS, 755 Oak Grove Road in Concord.

It is open only to students and parents/guardians from MDUSD high schools or Adult programs.

Students must show a student ID or proof of attending a MDUSD Adult program to enter the fair.

Highlights:
● Meet more than 90 representatives from colleges and universities.
● Learn about other post-secondary options and gather resources.
● Get answers to questions and make an informed decision about the right fit.
● Ideal for HS juniors and seniors!

This event is run entirely by volunteers. To volunteer or ask questions, email mdusdcollegefair@gmail.com.

College Fair flyer

 

Spanish College Fair Flyer

College Fair flyer

Read More about 12th Annual MDUSD College Fair is Thursday, Oct. 24th at Ygnacio Valley HS in Concord
MDUSD 2024 CAASPP results

On Oct. 10th, MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark sent the following message to District parents and staff members:

Dear MDUSD Families,

I hope this letter finds you well during our first Fall Break. This letter contains important information about the results from the state testing our students participated in last spring under the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). Each spring, California public school students in grades 3-8 and 11 take state standardized tests in English Language Arts (ELA) and math to assess their progress in meeting grade-level standards.

This year, there are a few changes to how the results are categorized. The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium has updated the descriptions of performance levels:

  • "Exceeding standards" is now referred to as “Advanced grade level knowledge and skills.”

  • "Meeting standards" is now labeled as “Proficient in grade level knowledge and skills.”

  • "Standard nearly met" is now called “Foundational grade level knowledge and skills.”

  • "Standard not met" is now described as “Inconsistent grade level knowledge and skills.”

Despite these new descriptions, the state still groups “Advanced” and “Proficient” results as "meeting or exceeding standards" in their overall reports. Additionally, levels 2, 3, and 4 are referred to as "Grade level performance with increased levels of accuracy and complexity."

When looking at MDUSD's overall results, our students scored slightly below the statewide average in ELA but above the statewide average in math. However, the district did not show the same rate of improvement as the statewide averages in either subject area. Here are some highlights:

  • ELA: Statewide, students meeting or exceeding standards increased from 46.6% to 47.0% (+0.4), while MDUSD saw a slight decline from 45.99% to 45.52% (-0.47).

  • Math: Statewide, students meeting or exceeding standards rose from 34.6% to 35.6% (+1.0), while MDUSD increased from 36.38% to 37.34% (+0.96).

We have also broken down the data for key student groups:

  • White students in MDUSD scored slightly higher than those statewide in both ELA and math. Both state and district students saw slight declines in ELA but improvements in math.

    • ELA: CA white students declined from 60.72% to 60.24% (-0.48), while MDUSD white students declined from 62.23% to 61.72% (-0.51).

    • Math: CA white students improved from 49.02% to 49.57% (+0.55), and MDUSD white students rose from 52.93% to 54.55% (+1.62).

  • Black/African American students in MDUSD scored slightly below the statewide average in ELA but slightly above the state average in math. MDUSD students saw more improvement in ELA than the state average but slightly less improvement in math.

    • ELA: CA students rose from 29.9% to 30.3% (+0.5), while MDUSD students increased from 27.71% to 28.75% (+1.04).

    • Math: CA students increased from 14.2% to 15.0% (+0.8), and MDUSD students rose from 18.16% to 18.47% (+0.31).

  • Hispanic/Latino students in MDUSD performed below statewide averages in both ELA and math, with lower improvement rates in both subjects.

    • ELA: CA students increased from 36.1% to 36.8% (+0.7), while MDUSD students declined from 29.42% to 28.04% (-1.38).

    • Math: CA students increased from 18.9% to 19.6% (+0.7), while MDUSD students rose slightly from 18.82% to 19.05% (+0.27).

  • Socioeconomically disadvantaged students in MDUSD scored below statewide averages in both subjects, and the rate of improvement was slower than state averages.

    • ELA: CA students increased from 35.3% to 36.8% (+1.5), while MDUSD students rose from 25.89% to 26.93% (+1.04).

    • Math: CA students increased from 22.9% to 25% (+2.1), while MDUSD students rose from 16.44% to 17.89% (+1.45).

  • Foster youth in MDUSD saw a significant decline in both ELA and math performance, in contrast to slight improvements statewide.

    • ELA: CA students rose from 19.43% to 19.92% (+0.49), while MDUSD students dropped from 41.67% to 7.14% (-34.53).

    • Math: CA students increased from 10.47% to 11.15% (+0.68), while MDUSD students declined from 15.38% to 0% (-15.38).

We recognize the importance of addressing these disparities and are committed to providing additional resources and support to help all students succeed. We will continue working diligently to close achievement gaps and ensure that every student in our district has the opportunity to thrive.

For more detailed information on MDUSD’s CAASPP results, please visit the following links: MDUSD Standardized Test Scores 2024 and MDUSD State Test Results 

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting our students. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s principal and teacher.

Sincerely,


Dr. Adam Clark
Superintendent

Read More about California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) Data 2024
Intradistrict transfers flyer

From October 10 - November 10, 2024 Intradistrict Transfer Applications are available for all schools, grades 1-12 and for Sequoia and Monte Gardens elementary schools' Kindergarten. 

Currently enrolled students can complete the application using their Aeries Homelink Portal. Students that are not currently enrolled can use a link available on the District website.

The Intradistrict Transfer Application window for Kindergarteners (except Sequoia and Monte Gardens elementary schools) will continue to take place in the Spring (February - March, 2025).

All families with students eligible to apply for an Intradistrict Transfer during the October-November timeframe were sent a Parent Square notice as a reminder prior to October 10th.

Intradistrict transfers flyer

 

Read More about Intradistrict Transfer Changes: Most transfer applications for 2025-26 are now available through Nov. 10
CHS student on KTVU

To help bring attention to "Farm-to-School Month" in October, MDUSD has teamed up with the Center for Ecoliteracy to highlight the fresh fruits and vegetables that are now being served in local schools. Concord High senior Kevin O'Connor, who works in the school cafeteria, was featured on Oct. 4 as part of this promotion on KTVU's "Mornings on 2" program with Alexa Norstad, Executive Director of the Center for Ecoliteracy. 

Kevin showed how to make panzanella salad with lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, fresh-made croutons and parmesan cheese. He also talked about yogurt parfaits served for breakfast, made with homemade granola, locally-sourced yogurt and fresh fruit. You can watch Kevin's interview here.

On Wednesday, MDUSD's Food and Nutrition Services Director Alexandra Emmott appeared on KRON TV to discuss the District's commitment to locally-sourced, nutritious foods. You can see her interview here.

"Serving fresh produce supports student health and the local economy," Emmott says. "We pride ourselves on supporting a variety of small organic farmers and producers. Yogurt parfaits, made with Sierra Nevada Creamery Greek yogurt, is a fixture on our menus and panzanella salad is a seasonal treat that features fresh Durst Farm tomatoes."

CHS student on KTVU

Concord HS student Kevin O'Connor appears on KTVU (above). MDUSD Food and Nutrition Services Director Alexandra Emmott appears on KRON (below).

MDUSD school meals

 

Read More about Concord HS student and MDUSD Food & Nutrition Services Director highlight fruits and vegetables in MDUSD school meals on local TV stations
Young Athletes event

Robert Shearer Preschool students, parents and staff members joined 5th-grade "buddies" at Gregory Gardens Elementary on the playground on Friday for the 3rd Special Olympics Young Athletes program, which helps the youngsters - who are all in special education classes - to learn about sports while also helping to build relationships and a sense of community with the older kids. The preschool students are in a variety of special needs programs, such as for deaf, hard of hearing, autism and other disabilities. Currently, 80 students are enrolled in the school, but site administrator Jessica Phillips said the school adds new students throughout the year. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing program serves students ages 18 months to 3 and the preschool serves 3 and 4-year-olds before they enter Transitional Kindergarten. 

Sheri Roberti, the Special Olympics Schools Partnership Program coordinator for the Contra Costa County Office of Education, said the goal of the program is to introduce young children to the world of sports so they will feel comfortable participating in other Special Olympics sports events as they get older, such as soccer, bowling, swimming, basketball and track. The Young Athletes event included about 10 different activity stations such as basketball, a bean bag toss, walking a balance beam, playing with a giant parachute, soccer, crawling through a tunnel, bowling, and more.

Brooke and Trevor Tank's 4-year-old son Lucas jumped up and down excitedly after he tossed basketballs into hoops with the aid of cheering Gregory Gardens buddies, as his parents watched. "I think this is really cool," Brooke said. "He loves basketball." Trevor added: "It's nice that the older kids are helping out." Fifth-grader Cassidy Willforn said he enjoyed working with the younger kids, as he and two other boys shouted encouragement, such as "You've got this! You can do it!" 

Francy Soriano, whose 3-year-old son Valentino is autistic, said he enjoyed playing basketball, bowling, and playing with the parachute with his older buddies, before getting help on the balance beam from his Dad. "Playing with balls is his favorite thing to do," Francy said. "I'm glad they have this for kids with special needs. The older kids are very friendly. I like how they cheer him up and they have a lot of patience with him." 

Gregory Gardens buddies Neila Geagan and Ana Paixo said they were excited to be able to interact with the younger kids playing bean bag toss. "Little or big, it doesn't matter, as long as you're having fun together," Ana said. The girls have even learned a little sign language so they can communicate more easily with those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. "They look up to us and we try to be a good role model," Neila said. Fifth-grader Damien Meija proudly wore his Special Olympics "Unified Sports" ribbon after helping out the younger kids during the morning session. "Just seeing the kids happy and laughing, with a smile on their face - it makes my heart feel very warm," he said. "It makes me happy to see kids with special needs happy."

Phillips coordinated with Gregory Gardens Principal Katie Koontz to launch the program on their joint campus two years ago. "One of our goals is to try to plan activities where we can have parents involved," Phillips said, adding that the preschool is the parents' first experience with school, so it is important to build community and create a safe space where educators and parents can work together for the benefit of students. The event also served as an introduction to a yearlong "buddies" program where interested 5th-graders continue working with the preschoolers, forming special bonds of friendship, both school administrators said.

Click here to see a video reel showing highlights from the day.

Young Athletes event

 

Read More about Young Athletes program at Robert Shearer Preschool and Gregory Gardens Elementary builds inclusive student relationships

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