Good afternoon Bronco Families,

It is Veteran's Day, and I want to start by thanking our families, staff and alumni who have served.

We hope our students and staff enjoy the three day weekend.

November is the time where the school year begins to accelerate, with a week-long break coming soon, and then Mock Congress for seniors, and final exams for all. 2nd Quarter progress reports will be released to families on Friday, and soon final exams will be upon us. Please check the final exam schedule below. Early finals are not allowed, and students missing the last days of the semester will need to make up exams upon their return.

This week marked the end of most of our Fall sports, and each had great highlights in their season. Follow our sports teams on Instagram @northgate.athletics and @northgatehs. Girls Waterpolo, Boys Waterpolo, Cross Country, Girls Golf, Girls Volleyball, and Girls Tennis all made NCS Playoffs, and many of our athletes were selected for DAL All-League honors. Check out past honors on the DAL website.

Our performing arts programs are in high gear this month: Production Workshop (drama 3) began their first stage production this week with 'The Drafts', with two final performances tonight at 7pm and Saturday at 7pm. See below for more information. Last night, our Jazz Bands participated in the district Jazz Festival at Diablo Valley College, with an outstanding set that bodes well for a wonderful concert series! December 5th and December 7th mark the winter concerts for all of our band programs. The District String Festival is next Thursday at DVC. Our dance department winter show is Thursday, November 16th. Choir will be putting on their winter show December 13th and 14th, and our guitar program hosts a show on December 6th. Something for everyone!

This month, we participate in the California Healthy Schools survey, a California Department of Education required feedback program which involves anonymous surveying of our stakeholders- students, parents, and staff. In order to comply and get the feedback needed for continuous school improvement, we need at least 70% of all groups to respond. Parents, if you have not yet taken the survey, please do so here.

Monday November 13th, we have our 8th grade preview night, a high school showcase for families coming from out of the area, or from private schools. This night will include information, performances, and tours led by our leadership students. 6pm in the gym!

Last week, we celebrated the opening of our on-campus Wellness Center. This space is facilitated and supported by Merritt Rollins, our full time social work specialist, and offers space and therapy services for our students. Click here for the district write up about this opening event.

Northgate is the first high school in the district to have hosted Fentanyl Education events for all students, welcoming alum and former parent, Kelly Perkins, who lost her son (NHS alum Carson Stack) to an accidental Fentanyl overdose. The assemblies were impactful and hopefully gave our students information and tools to remain safe as fentanyl death tolls rise. We are hosting our first parent information night this Wednesday, November 15th, in collaboration with MDUSD student services- see below for more information!

You can keep up on what is happening at Northgate through our school calendar, featured at the bottom of our website or linked below.

Have a great week, and as always, reach out with any concerns or questions.

Most importantly... GO BRONCOS!

Yours in partnership,

Kelly Cooper

Principal

A parent's worst nightmare comes true in Production Workshop's riveting performance of The Drafts.

Ominously, a young mother and father (Madeline Johnston and Matty Beiner) are so distraught over the disappearance of their 6-year-old daughter that they almost fail to notice the suspicions gathering around them in their cozy "safe" suburban community. An investigation unearths terrible family truths, gripping community paranoia, and suspicions unimaginable, then things in this nice, quiet community really get weird . . .

Prepare to be mesmerized by Production Workshop’s captivating production of The Drafts at Northgate High School’s Little Theatre. From November 8th to the 11th, our talented students led by Leo Netzer, Victoria Adriosola, and an all-star cast will bring this spine-tingling mystery to life on stage. This is a show cannot afford to miss!

The Drafts, directed by Mars Leto and Bryn Sullivan, is a thought-provoking masterpiece that delves into the depths of human emotions and challenges societal norms. It explores themes of love, loss, and identity in a way that will leave you questioning your own perceptions.

Moreover, this production showcases the exceptional talent of our students at Northgate High School. These young actors, designers, and stage managers have poured their hearts and souls into perfecting their performances, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

Not only will you be entertained by an incredible story and stellar acting, but your support will also contribute to the growth and development of our school's Performing Arts Programs. By attending this play, you are encouraging these aspiring artists to pursue their passion and continue creating exceptional productions in the future.

So mark your calendars for November 8th - 11th and join us at Northgate High School for an evening filled with laughter, tears, and powerful storytelling. Get ready to be captivated by The Drafts as it takes center stage!

• November 8th @ 4:30, $5 Cash
• November 9th @ 7pm, $8 Cash
• November 10th @ 7pm, $8 Cash
• November 11th @ 7pm, $8 Cash

Run Time: About 90 minutes with a 10 minute intermission.

The Performance does contain flashing lights and loud sounds. Some themes and content may not be suitable for all viewers.

The application deadline is coming up on 11/11/23 There is a flyer attached or for more details on the criteria, visit: https://www.svpride.com/scholarship

The scholarship was created in order to honor the memory of Silicon Valley PRIDE's late Chief Executive Officer, Thaddeus Orlando Campbell. His amazing life and ability to bring the Silicon Valley community together to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride each year was an amazing feat. With his charismatic character and his "can do" attitude, Thaddeus transformed Silicon Valley PRIDE into the amazing celebration it is today. We hope that this scholarship will continue to empower students in their growth and development as they become future leaders, giving back to the communities they serve.

I am Holly Tillman, and I currently serve as a Director on the Mt Diablo Education Foundation (MDEDF) Board. We are a group of community leaders, educators, and parents who are dedicated to ensuring access to quality STEAM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Art, and Math) & career tech education for all students in our district. If you would like to learn more about MDEDF, I encourage you to visit our website that can be accessed here.

By centering student voices, MDEDF hopes to empower students to play a critical role in the foundation’s decision-making efforts. By actively encouraging involvement from MDUSD high school students, the foundation is looking to constantly integrate student opinion into our programming efforts. The Mt. Diablo Education Foundation Student Engagement Committee (MDEDF SEC) works to aggregate student input for MDEDF from across the district. Each high school is permitted two representatives.

We need your help in actively recruiting applicants from your high school site to join MDEDF SEC. We are not only looking for students who are passionate about making a difference within MDUSD, but also those who represent the diversity and unique experiences that are a cornerstone of our district.

1. The application can be accessed here, and is due on November 15, 2023.

I’m excited to announce that the application period is NOW OPEN for the Tri Counties Bank Community Scholarship Program!

We would greatly appreciate any promotion you can give to your high school seniors for this amazing sponsorship opportunity. I have attached our sponsorship flyer, which you are welcome to print out and distribute at your school. Students can access the applications (both Merit and Income) at https://www.tcbk.com/about/scholarship-assistance.

In partnership with the Community Foundation of the North State, Tri Counties Bank awards scholarships totaling $110,000 to students attending community colleges, trade schools, and/or four-year colleges/universities.

Tri Counties Bank offers (2) types of community scholarships:

• Income-based – Sixty (60) $1,500 scholarships are awarded to students with a Student Aid Index (SAI) of 0 or less, and a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Merit-based – Twenty (20) $1,000 scholarships are offered to students with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Applications are due by March 13, 2024.

Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors – especially, though not exclusively, to those who are economically disadvantaged – who demonstrate interest in public service, community engagement and business entrepreneurship.

Scholarships are available for the following 27 counties: Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Kern, Lake, Madera, Mendocino, Merced, Nevada, Placer, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Mateo, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Yolo, and Yuba.

If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact CommunityScholarships@tcbk.com.

Introducing the first Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition! Win $1,000 to launch or grow your business. No idea is too small! The competition is a fun way to promote youth entrepreneurship among K-12 students in Contra Costa County. When young people succeed as entrepreneurs, they improve their own lives while also contributing to the economic development of their local communities. Visit www.contracostasharktank.org to learn more and apply. Finalists will be selected by the Campolindo High School Entrepreneurship Club, and winners selected by a panel of judges on February 6, 2024, at the Lafayette Library. The deadline to apply is November 15th!

We took our largest ever team to Mt SAC bringing 45 students and fielded 7 teams. It was the first time in Northgate history we had a freshman girl team and they set the first team time which we hope to build on for future years. We raced D1 teams from all around the State and earned eight individual medals across both varsity and the JV girls’ teams. We also earned team medals for all seven varsity girls who came in 3rd place and seven JV girls who were our highest placing team, coming in 2nd in their division and bringing our total medal count to 22.

In hot weather and dusty harsh conditions there were not many times on our record list but our top runners placed well with Nicholas Knisley and Robert Benard taking first and second in their varsity boys race and Ella Kopper securing second place for the varsity girls, showing our training ground of Hanna Grove was excellent preparation for the Switchbacks, Poop Out Hill and Reservoir Hill.

Here is an interview on Mile Split with race Director Tim O’Rourke interviewing Nick and Robert

https://www.runnerspace.com/eprofile.php?event_id=422&do=videos&video_id=367451

If you are interested in buying insurance coverage for the loaned chromebook for your student, it must be re-purchased annually. It is a solid investment, given it is only $23 for coverage, but $250 to replace a broken chromebook.

See below for information!

The performing arts have always held a special place in the hearts of students and educators alike. They provide a platform for creativity, self-expression, and personal growth. Northgate High School recognizes the importance of fostering these talents in our district and has recently announced its plans to tour the classic play "Little Women" with it’s Drama II program starting in January for middle and elementary school while also holding in-class and after school performances for Northgate students, teachers, and community members to enjoy.

"Little Women," written by Louisa May Alcott, is a beloved literary masterpiece that has captivated audiences for generations. It tells the story of four sisters coming of age during a war-torn nation, highlighting themes of love, family, and girl-boss empowerment. By bringing this timeless tale to life on stage, Northgate High School aims to engage both students and community members in an immersive theatrical experience.

By combining both touring productions and in-class performances, Northgate High School is creating a comprehensive performing arts program that nurtures talent while promoting inclusivity. These initiatives not only benefit the participating students but also enrich the entire school community by celebrating creativity and inspiring future generations of performers.

Little Women will begin in-class and after school performances from

November 28th - December 2nd @ 7pm in the Northgate Little Theatre

All evening performances are $5

SIZING & ORDER INFORMATION FOR THE NORTHGATE LETTER JACKET:

STEP #1 – Design your custom Northgate Letter Jacket here: NORTHGATE LETTER JACKET BUILDER

Step #2- Contact Jostens if you need sizing information - martin.oliveira@jostens.com

STEP #3 – Place your Northgate Letter Jacket order back at this link: NORTHGATE LETTER JACKET BUILDER

• ALLOW 7-8 WEEKS FOR DELIVERY TO YOUR HOME. CONTACT BRIAN OLIVEIRA WITH ANY SIZING, DESIGN OR ORDER QUESTIONS @ (925) 838-1835.

For seniors in their applications- we have received many questions asking about academic school awards- while the Senior Circle in May will honor final awards for seniors, here is a resource for the past four years.

As a reminder, graduation ceremonies are held at Concord Pavilion. Every year, the pavilion gives the district a range of dates and sites are allowed to schedule from there. We do not get our dates until around late January.

For our families trying to plan, please plan on staying in town until the end of the school year at the very least. June 4. We will update as soon as we know.

Ms Kramer is a co-department chair for special education, and a resource specialist.

How would you describe your high school self?

I was a driven social butterfly athlete. I was chosen by my peers & teaching staff to give the speech at graduation. My biggest high school regret was not taking my Spanish courses seriously.

Where have you taught before Northgate?

Fremont High School in OUSD, South Side of Chicago (Avalon Park Elementary School) in Chicago Public Schools.

Why are you excited to be a Bronco?

I’m excited to be teaching at a school in the community where I live! My husband is a Physical Therapist and treats many of the students and parents from Northgate & always has extremely positive things to say.

Where did you grow up?

San Ramon, CA

Who inspires you in work and in life?

My mom inspired me to be a teacher, she’s been a 1st grade teacher since I was in middle school & has taught me a lot about consistently learning as the educational system is ever changing.

What is your favorite life hack/work hack you have discovered recently?

Not necessarily a hack, but I’ve found out how much exercise & being active outside can help with mental health!

Do you have any hidden talents?

I have a love for crafting - I crochet dish clothes and amigurumi stuffies for all of my friends’ children. I also scrapbook. I guess my hidden talent is that I am a certified wedding planner.

Which historical figure would you like to meet?

the historical figure I’d most like to meet would be Toni Morrison. She was the reason I fell in love with reading and one of the most moving writers.

I am so excited to be here and can’t wait to work with everyone. I'm the biggest team player and can’t wait to support everyone!

We need you! Our Northgate Parent Faculty Club Education Fund helps our students and staff in so many ways, including through funding of a full-time site technician, partial funding for our social work specialist and wellness center, and special projects throughout the years.

Donate to the Ed Fund today!

• Monday November 13- 8th Grade Preview Night
• Wednesday November 15th- Katie Wunder, Leanne O'Neil birthdays; Fentanyl Education Night for parents; Bronco Madness Event 3:30-4:30; Girls Basketball vs Doughterty Valley HS; Athletic Booster Meeting
• Thursday November 16th- MDUSD String Festival; Dance Department Show 6pm; PFC Meeting 7pm
• Friday November 17th - Sam Kasdin Birthday
• Saturday November 18th- Girls Soccer vs CVCHS; Girls Basketball vs Mt Diablo; N=Dance Gala @ The Greenery
• Sunday November 19th- Christine Reimer's Bday
• Monday November 20th-Sunday November 26th- Thanksgiving Break
• Tuesday November 21st- Boys BB vs Foothill; Boys Soccer @ Heritage

Follow our events on our school calendar HERE.

If students experience COVID symptoms, they should test as soon as possible. Take-home tests are available in the main office. Students should not attend school while they have symptoms.

If a COVID test is positive, students must quarantine for a minimum of five days from the first day of symptoms or positive test.

After five days, students may return as long as they have been symptom free for 24 hours.

Students who are still showing a positive test, but are symptom free after five days, may return to school, but should wear a tight fitting mask to school to protect others from exposure.

Please contact the school if your student is ill by emailing nhsattendance@mdusd.org or calling extension 3505.

Email: cooperk@mdusd.org
Website: northgatehighschool.org
Location: 425 Castle Rock Rd, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
Phone: 925 938-0900
Instagram: @northgatehs