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We will celebrate every child's birthday on their birthday when possible.  If a birthday falls on a weekend, we will celebrate their birthday on Monday or Friday.  Following are some general guidelines:

* Food-shared items should be tiny and individual.  Please do not send any food items that must be cut or prepared.

* Store bought food items are preferred.  Keep food ingredient label on.  Individual wrapped treats or foods in a sealed package work the best.  No foods containing nuts or seeds.

* A small party favor to pass out is optional.

* I request that party invitations be given to me privately a week before the occasion.
* I strongly discourage students from talking about parties at school.  This can cause many hurt feelings not being invited to a party at this age.

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Early Release Schedule                                             August   6th - 29th  

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Early Release Schedule                                             August   6th - 29th  

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Early Release Schedule:  Aug. 6th - August 29th

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Schedule:

TK day:  7:55 am - 11:45 am
Lunch:  11:00 am - 11:35 am

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Scientists have discovered a lot about how children learn!   Young brains learn differently than adult brains.  Adults learn by putting a "spotlight" on a specific subject area - children learn in an integrated manner, much like a lantern.  They make connections across numerous subject areas all at once.

In addition, scientists have found that to maximize children's learning; children must be engaging and meaningful in their lives.  Therefore, a play-based learning approach is best for young brains.

In TK, your child will participate in many types of play throughout the day.  The three types of the game are part of the play continuum.

* Adult-planned and directed play is when the teacher leads games or scenarios with specific rules and objectives.  The games target multiple subject areas in an integrated manner.

* Adult-child collaborative play is when children select where and how to play within an environment.  The teacher actively participates in the child's play by asking questions, making observations, and guiding the child to support development.

* Child self-determined play is when the child has complete control of how, when, and where to play.  The teacher is available to support but does not "plan" or "direct" play.

Giving children many choices requires them to participate respectfully and thoughtfully with their teacher and peers.  We will spend most of our time in August and September learning self-care, routines and focusing on social-emotional learning.  The only way to learn social-emotional skills is through a lot of practice!

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Routines, Hygiene, and Social-Emotional Learning

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Routines, Hygiene, and Social-Emotional Learning

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Routines:  Children will learn daily school schedules, safety procedures, and school rules.

Hygiene:  Children will learn proper bodily cleaning procedures to keep them safe and healthy.

Social-Emotional Learning is:

* Self-awareness

* Self-regulation

* Social and Emotional understanding

* Empathy and caring

* Initiative in learning (agency)

* Group participation

* Cooperation and responsibility

* Positive relationships with their family, teachers, caregivers, and friendships

These skills are a priority in TK, and The California Preschool Learning Foundations provide interactions and strategies that are developmentally appropriate.  Integrating social-emotional learning into everything we do is the best practice.  Learning these skills through play is essential in the early years.

Forgotten or broken rules, misunderstandings, and conflict are part of normal development and create teachable moments.  The primary goal is to work collaboratively with families, and I will notify you to work as partners when needed.

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There is a safe place in the classroom where a student can "cool down" and self-regulate.  This safe spot is not a punishment.  It is a place to engage in calm-down strategies until they are ready to work through a problem.

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All families are welcome to volunteer in the classroom at a time that is convenient for them! Please click on the link below to learn about the protocols and procedures to obtain clearance.

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All families are welcome to volunteer in the classroom at a time that is convenient for them! Please click on the link below to learn about the protocols and procedures to obtain clearance.

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Please click on the link below for information to volunteer.

https://www.mdusd.org/departments/human-resources/volunteers

PLEASE RETURN THE COMPLETED LIVESCAN FORM, VOLUNTEER REQUEST FORM, AND VALID TB CLEARANCE via email to personnelfrontdesk@mdusd.org. Completed forms can also be faxed to (925) 676-4092, sent by US Mail or delivered to our district office located at 1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord, CA 94519.

You will not be added to our master list of school volunteers until ALL required documents have been received at the district office, and your fingerprints have been cleared by the Department of Justice, which can take 1-30 days.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call (925) 682-8000 ext. 4153 or email personnelfrontdesk@mdusd.org.

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PLEASE RETURN THE COMPLETED LIVESCAN FORM, VOLUNTEER REQUEST FORM, AND VALID TB CLEARANCE via email to personnelfrontdesk@mdusd.org. Completed forms can also be faxed to (925) 676-4092, sent by US Mail or delivered to our district office located at 1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord, CA 94519.

You will not be added to our master list of school volunteers until ALL required documents have been received at the district office, and your fingerprints have been cleared by the Department of Justice, which can take 1-30 days.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call (925) 682-8000 ext. 4153 or email personnelfrontdesk@mdusd.org.
In order to be considered a volunteer, you must complete the following: Volunteer Request Form (English) Volunteer Request Form (Spanish) Completed Livescan Application Request (English)
Current Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance
Additional Information:
To view LIVESCAN Agencies, please click here or Livescan Locator.
Tuberculosis (TB) Information:
TB CLEARANCE: Contact your physician for a current tuberculosis (TB) clearance, required by law. If you do not have a physician, you can contact Concentra. (in Spanish). The Tuberculosis Risk Assessment form, a form from the California Department of Public Health, which may be an option in lieu of a skin test (your physician will determine). Please allow for the 48 hour reading requirementif askin test is necessary. Proof of TB clearance cannot be older than 60 days. Please note, TB clearance must be renewed every four years and is the volunteers responsibility to update.
MDUSD extends a huge thank you to all of our volunteers who give their time to support our students!

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Volunteers - Mt. Diablo Unified School District

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Volunteers - Mt. Diablo Unified School District

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Access to the principal, office manager, and secretary can be found on the school website.

Click on the link below:

https://riovista.mdusd.org/

Attendance

Regular attendance is vital for successful learning. Absences when a child is ill or is in danger of spreading any infectious condition are excused if parents notify the office within 72 hours. Parents should make every effort to develop good attendance habits. Tardies are also detrimental to learning. School starts at 7:55 AM.

Call:

School Hours:   925-458-6101

After Hours:    925-682-8000 ext 7958

You may also email the Secretary, Joanna Malpica, at malpicaj@mdusd.org to report an absence.

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Rio Vista Elementary School

Mt. Diablo Unified School District

While most District students were enjoying time off during the summer, about 62 MDUSD high school students worked in internships through the District's Career Pathways program and earned college credit as they learned life skills and career skills in partnership with 22 industry sector hosts including MDUSD, the Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association and the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce. Eight students from Mt. Diablo HS, College Park HS, Ygnacio Valley HS, and Prospect HS completed Young Healers Student Internships at John Muir Health.

This was the 8th year the District has offered summer internships, which include four days of work each week and one day of workshops or trips to places such as Diablo Valley College to learn about their education and career options after graduating from high school. The program held a celebration July 31, where interns and employers received certificates and some shared their experiences with the group.

MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark said the District's main goal is to prepare students for college and careers. He thanked the business partners for mentoring the students and thanked parents for allowing them to experience these special opportunities. Heather Fontanilla, MDUSD's Director of College and Career Readiness, said the internship hosts provide tremendous value to the students and noted that students learned skills that will help them no matter what careers they choose, such as how to work in teams.

Interns said they appreciated the opportunities and hosts said they were very impressed by the professionalism of the interns. More information about MDUSD's Career Pathways programs is here. To see some of the interns in action, click on the Career Pathways Instagram account here!

Read More about MDUSD HS students earn college credit, get work experience through Summer Internships

This week's MDUSD Friday Letter includes:

"Welcome Back!";

Spotlight on MDUSD's Career Pathways Summer Internships;

District news including new administrative appointments, an upcoming Board meeting and Parent Conference, HOPE becomes SOAR, CARES Expanded Learning Summer Program Highlights, & Register now for Fall Adult Education courses;

School news including Foothill MS is a named an "Ocean Guardian School" for its composting & conservation efforts, and Meadow Homes Elementary welcomes a diverse student population of Multilingual Learners;

School Social Media Highlights from elementary construction sites, Gregory Gardens, Valhalla and Sequoia elementary schools; and El Dorado, Riverview, Pine Hollow and Valley View middle schools;

Student Social Media Highlights from Mt. Diablo HS, and the MDUSD Summer HS Graduation including Olympic HS grads;

Staff Social Media Highlights from Valhalla, Monte Gardens & Mt. Diablo elementary schools & Pine Hollow MS;

and more!

You can read it here.

Read More about Friday Letter - August 9, 2024

This post was updated Aug. 9, 2024.
MDUSD is pleased to announce the following new administrative appointments for the 2024-25 school year. Administrators whose names are highlighted have been appointed by the School Board. Those whose names are not highlighted have been appointed by Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark, to be ratified at the next School Board meeting on August 14th. More information about Board-approved administrators is available by clicking on their names below.
District Administrators

Chief of Educational Services: Samantha Allen

Executive Director of Fiscal Services: Gustavo Aguilera

Executive Director of Human Resources and Risk Management: Ryan Sheehy

Director of College and Career Readiness: Heather Fontanilla

Director of Elementary Support: Erin DeMartini

Director of Multilingual Education: Kathryn Fireman

Director of Secondary Support: Ruth Steele

Director of Student Services: Marji Calbeck

Assistant Director of Multilingual Education: Chitra Bhardwaj

Assistant Director of Partnerships and Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports: Celeste Kitts

Elementary School Support Administrator: Lauren Ashton

Family Involvement and Community Engagement Program Coordinator, African American Student Achievement: Lamont Francies

Instructional Program Specialist, Differentiated Support: Diane Fitzpatrick

Program Administrator, SEEC: Carrie Buchek

Program Specialist, Counseling & Restorative Practices: Pedro Arroyo

Social Work Specialist: Vanessa Castillo

School Administrators

Principal at College Park High School: Levirt Griffin

Principal at Ygnacio Valley High School: Peter Crutchfield

Principal at Ayers Elementary School: Olivia Wong

Principal at Bancroft Elementary: Linda Flynn

Principal at Delta View Elementary: Joseph Bruno

Principal at Fair Oaks Elementary: Amy Monaghan

Principal at Shore Acres Elementary: Lisamarie Gascot Reyes*

Principal at Walnut Acres Elementary School: Martha Thomas

Principal at Wren Avenue Elementary School: Tiffany Jones**

Vice Principal, Loma Vista Adult Education: Andrew Foerder

Vice Principals at College Park High School: Stephanie Marple and Neal Finch

Vice Principal at Concord High School: Kevin Honey

Vice Principal at Prospect High School: Charles Harrington

Vice Principals at Ygnacio Valley High School: Rimy Dhillon and Carissa Weintraub

Vice Principals at Oak Grove Middle School: Hsaio-Fen Leopold and Megan O'Malley

Vice Principals at Riverview Middle School: Herbert Gomez and Ronald Richardson

Vice Principals at Sequoia Middle School: Carolyn Hull and Ifeyinwa Obi

Vice Principal at Valley View Middle School: Daniel Buhler

Vice Principal and Program Specialist for Site-based Categorical Programs at Bel Air Elementary School: Edmund Perryman

Vice Principal at Meadow Homes Elementary: Ruby Ortega

Vice Principal at Mt. Diablo Elementary School: Miranda Romo

Vice Principal at Shore Acres Elementary School: Angelica Zanipatin

Program Specialist at Oak Grove Middle School: Sheilan Kazzaz

In addition, the Board extended the contracts of Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark and Chief Business Officer Adrian Vargas through June 30, 2027. The Board also granted Superintendent Clark the authority to make additional administrative appointments before the next Board meeting on August 14th.

We will update this list as new appointments are made before the 2024-25 school year begins.
*Lisamarie Gascot Reyes was originally appointed Principal for 2024-25 at Wren Avenue Elementary on June 26, but was reassigned to Shore Acres after Principal Miguel Rodriguez resigned in July. **Tiffany Jones was originally appointed Vice Principal for 2024-25 at Shore Acres Elementary in April, but was reassigned as Principal at Wren Avenue Elementary effective July 29.
Read More about MDUSD announces new District and school administrators for 2024-25

The following message was sent by MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark to all District parents, guardians and staff members after the first day of school on Aug. 8:
Dear MDUSD Parents and Guardians,

I am incredibly excited to welcome you all to the 2024-2025 academic year! Today marked the first day of what will be an outstanding year for our students-from our enthusiastic Transitional Kindergarteners stepping into school for the very first time to our high school seniors beginning their final year before graduation.

The enthusiasm in our classrooms was through the roof, with students across every grade level eager to reconnect with friends, meet their new teachers, and start new learning experiences. Our committed teachers and staff have gone above and beyond to create a welcoming environment.

I'm pleased to share our major renovation projects at Meadow Homes, Mt. Diablo Elementary, and Rio Vista are nearing completion. Despite the ongoing work, the remarkable staff at these schools have worked tirelessly to make sure everything was ready for the first day. Their dedication to our students' education and well-being is inspiring. Hats off to all of them.

On this first day, our dedicated cafeteria teams served healthy meals to students, our custodial staff made sure that every corner of our schools was pristine, and our office staff worked hard to implement systems for a smooth and effective school year. Every member of our MDUSD team has played an essential role in making this first day a success, and I am deeply appreciative of their efforts.

I also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our parents and families. Your support and trust in us to educate your wonderful children means the world. We are honored to partner with you, and we look forward to a year filled with positive experiences for all.

Here's to an outstanding school year ahead!

Thank you,

Dr. Adam Clark
Superintendent
Mt. Diablo Unified School District

Read More about Message from Superintendent: Great First Day!

As we prepare to welcome back students and staff on Thursday, August 8th, we are taking a look back on the incredible achievements highlighted in our Friday Letters throughout the 2023-24 school year.

The highlights are included in four sections:

student successes,

school and District program spotlights,

staff and community recognitions and spotlights, and

special events and outreach.

You can read it here.

Watch for the first Friday Letter of the 2024-25 school year on Friday, August 9th!

Read More about MDUSD 2023-24 School Year in Review: Highlights from the Friday Letter

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is pleased to announce that the Governing Board has extended Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark's employment contract for three more years after he received a positive evaluation.

The Board unanimously approved the new contract on June 26th. It extends from July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2027 and includes a 7% salary increase instead of the 9% raise that District employees are receiving on July 1st.

Board President Erin McFerrin announced that the Board gave Dr. Clark a positive evaluation during its Closed Session. "We commend Dr. Clark on his excellent leadership, focus on students, commitment to systems-level lasting improvements and unifying our educators and staff to take action around our equity goals," McFerrin said. "Dr Clark, we're very grateful to have you here and for your leadership." Board Member Cherise Khaund thanked Dr. Clark for his leadership and added, "we're excited to have you continue on with us."

Dr. Clark was originally appointed Superintendent of MDUSD effective July 12, 2020 for a three-year term. In 2021, the Board extended his contract through June 30, 2024. Then in 2022, the Board extended it through June 30, 2025. His new contract adds two years to his previous extension.

"I'm honored to serve the students and staff and community of Mt. Diablo Unified," Dr. Clark said. "I believe that it's been a successful four years so far and I look forward to the years to come."

Dr. Clark was named as a "2022 Superintendent to Watch" by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) and is currently President of the California Association of African American Administrators and Superintendents Association (CAAASA).

He began his education career in 1994 as an elementary teacher in the West Contra Costa Unified school district. From there, he transitioned to school leadership in Contra Costa County, serving as a middle school vice principal, elementary school principal, middle school principal, and high school principal. He then moved into district office roles, serving as the Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Student Services in the Liberty Union High School District and as the Associate Superintendent of Educational Services in Antioch Unified. Before being appointed to lead Mt. Diablo Unified in 2020, Dr. Clark served as superintendent for three years in the Vallejo City Unified School District.

Read More about MDUSD Board extends Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark's contract after a positive evaluation

MDUSD is pleased to share our 2023-2024 Career Pathways Work Based Learning End of Year Impact Report here.

The report shows that the District's Career Pathways team provided more than 200 meaningful work based learning experiences to our students. These experiences ranged from guest speakers to informational interviews to summer internships.

The Mt. Diablo Business Education Alliance (MDBEA) will review this data as well as the District's career pathways "completer" data at its first meeting of the 2024-25 school year on September 16th.

Read More about MDUSD 2023-2024 Career Pathways Work Based Learning End of Year Impact Report

By Theresa Harrington Brandt, MDUSD Public Information Officer

Northgate HS student Mark Burenko's "If I could change the world" project was so successful when he was a sophomore that he continued it last summer and during his junior year in 2023-24 - and is now recruiting teens to start it up again on July 1st, with a goal of ending in mid-August. However, those interested can also sign up after July 1st and participate on a rolling basis. The project connects local teens to others in Ukraine via Zoom, helping Ukrainian students learn to speak in English and giving American students the chance to socialize with their counterparts in a war-torn country, while talking about things they have in common, as well as their differences.

"We refer to it as a 'speaking club,'" Mark said. He began the project with the idea that he would try to help Ukrainian students get better access to education, after moving to Walnut Creek four years ago from Ukraine at the beginning of the pandemic, when he was finishing up 7th grade. Mark was already in the United States when Russia started the war in Ukraine, but he visited last summer and experienced what it was like to go into a basement during an air raid, while visiting one of his childhood friends.

"I started the project because there is in fact a lot of trouble with access to education in Ukraine right now," Mark said. "The war destroyed a lot of schools, and even in the schools that are still there, students either have to work online because they don't have a bomb shelter or have to frequently interrupt classes to hide during air raid warnings. In general, learning English is very important for Ukrainians right now, since that is what's used to communicate internationally."

Although life for his peers in Ukraine is stressful, Mark said they enjoy talking about music, movies or books, which helps reduce their stress and relax them. He compares life in Ukraine to being stuck inside during the pandemic. "Everything feels very small and you don't feel like there's a lot of people outside your tiny place," he said. "But you get to speak to people somewhere else and know what the weather is like in California while you're in a village in Ukraine and it makes them feel the world is big and there's a lot of interesting things in it."

Since Mark still has family and friends in Ukraine, he initially contacted his old school and spoke to his former English teacher, who helped to put him in touch with some students he could speak to so they could practice their English. "It was really nice to see how excited they were to have something like this," Mark said. During the second semester of his sophomore year, more students from his class got involved and he reached out to a tutoring center director, who helped coordinate students in Ukraine to speak to the Northgate students. The woman who helped coordinate the talks advised the Northgate students not to speak about the war at first, but by the end of the second semester, some Ukrainian students became more comfortable talking about it, Mark said. For the "I could change the world" fair at the end of the second semester, Mark and other Northgate students who participated painted Ukrainian flags on their cheeks and made a Ukrainian wreath to bring attention to their project.

To continue the project last summer, Mark contacted the coordinator of the Junior Academy of Sciences in Ukraine and she helped to sign up 780 Ukrainian students interested in speaking with American students. Of those, about 500 showed up regularly for Zoom chats with about 20 local teens that Mark recruited to speak with them from July 16-August 28, 2023. Each local teen spoke to a group of 10-20 Ukrainian students, with Zoom meetings happening two to three times a day, Mark said.

This year, Mark rekindled the project from January 13-March 23. And now, he's recruiting again for students interested in participating in his project this summer. He encourages those who are interested to download the Remind app and enter the code @spclua. Those who join via Remind will receive a message with details about participating. He invites anyone with questions to contact him at mburenko@yahoo.com.

Read More about Northgate HS student from Ukraine continues his "If I Could Change the World" project this summer linking local teens to those in his native country

A year after graduating from Mt. Diablo HS with a prestigious Gates Scholarship and heading to their dream school USC to study math with a goal of becoming a teacher, Solaris Umaña Almaráz is still charting their own path and continuing to advocate for themself and other students who come from low-income, Latinx backgrounds and Title I schools. Known as "Tori" when they attended Mt. Diablo HS, Solaris (who goes by the pronouns "they" and them") changed their name at the beginning of their Freshman year. "I changed my name because I no longer want to be associated with my birth name as I am transgender," Solaris said. "I started going by Solaris/Sol when I started going to USC and told my parents officially at the end of the fall semester."

After speaking at their own graduation from Mt. Diablo HS in 2023, Solaris said they were very impressed when they attended this year's graduation and heard the Class of 2024 speakers, including their former classmate Josemit Rodriguez, who earned a Gates Scholarship this year and is headed to UC Berkeley. Solaris hopes to meet up with Josemit during the Gates Scholar Conference in Arizona at the end of June, where they will be a "squad leader" for the new Gates Scholars such as Josemit.

Like Josemit, Solaris encourages other MDUSD students to consider applying for the Gates Scholarship as well as other scholarship opportunities and to not wait until the last minute to submit college applications. Solaris applied to 19 colleges and universities, including "reach" schools, but narrowed down their list by researching and visiting campuses, then weighing their pros and cons based on their own personal preferences and goals. Solaris also highly recommends talking to high school counselors and college and career advisors to ask questions about the application process, scholarship options and ask them to read application essays and give feedback. In addition, Solaris recommends taking AP or dual enrollment classes to earn college credits while in high school, and exploring career pathway options to help figure out what interests you and what you're good at. "The more college credit you get now, the less actual college you have to do, so there's less debt," they said. Solaris is happy that the Gates Scholarship pays for tuition and room and board, but said other expenses must be reimbursed, which means they have to pay out of pocket for some things such as transportation. Time management is a skill Solaris is still working on, but says it really starts in high school. Once you get into college, nobody reminds you about assignment deadlines or test dates. "Now, you're free, but that means you have to start taking care of yourself more," they said, adding that this is especially true if you move away from home because you can't rely on your parents as much as you do when you live with them.

Although Solaris has not left the state, they said Southern California still feels far away and they enjoyed becoming more independent, while also having opportunities to come home during breaks, or to invite their parents to visit during Family Weekend. So far, Solaris said they are sticking to their goal of becoming a math teacher, but they are also open to exploring other options, which they said is like being open to trying new things in life, such as foods. "I'd rather do something I'm good at, but not amazing at, but that I love, than to do something I'm amazing at but I hate," Solaris said, adding that it's important to prioritize yourself. Solaris said they are good at math and want to be a teacher to help others who fear it, but they also sometimes struggle and have found that studying with other students and sharing ideas and challenges can help to overcome obstacles.

Persevering through challenges was also a theme at the Mt. Diablo HS graduation, Solaris said, noting that many speakers said that no matter where you come from, you can succeed. Solaris said they were proud of all the graduates, especially since Solaris has experienced negative bias that some people have toward Title I schools such as Mt. Diablo HS. One person, Solaris said, expressed surprise that a Mt. Diablo HS graduate was attending USC, and Solaris said they knew some students in high school who thought they didn't have to try very hard because of low expectations from other people and themselves. "Even if it's not explicit, racism and classism is still very much a thing," Solaris said. "It's very clear to see why people don't want to talk about these issues because it makes them uncomfortable, but you need to talk about it." The Gates Scholarship has brought Solaris together with other students from similar schools who have overcome barriers and are now forging new paths at top universities around the country. Like Josemit, Solaris hopes that more Mt. Diablo HS students will apply for and earn Gates or other scholarships, showing the Mt. Diablo HS community and students who come after them that they can achieve their dreams.

Read More about Gates Scholarship winner from Mt. Diablo HS in 2023 offers advice after first year at USC

MDUSD is proud of the comprehensive supports we offer to students in grades TK-12 to help them overcome challenges in school, as well as in their lives, so they can succeed academically and grow socially and emotionally as they progress through our schools. To highlight these supports and the staff members who provide them, MDUSD hosted its First Annual End of the Year Counseling and Support Team Showcase on Wednesday June 5th, featuring counselors, college and career advisors and social work specialists from every high school feeder pattern in the District, said Stephanie Roberts, Director of the District's " Multi-Tiered System of Support," or "MTSS." The showcase also included special programs for students districtwide including wellness centers, expanded learning programs, work-based learning, support for students who are newcomers from other countries, homeless and foster youth, and Youth Empowerment Services ( YES) for those who have not graduated from high school after four years.

It included display boards featuring one-page descriptions of the work counselors, social work specialists and college and career advisors are doing at each of their school sites. One-page mid-year reports for each school program can be found here. The staff members who created the displays talked informally with District Board Members, Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark, and administrators including school principals about their goals and achievements throughout the 2023-24 school year. They also explained how they work together to help students transition from elementary to middle school, and middle school to high school - as well as how they support students who are not able to graduate with their senior class in June because they have not yet met all of the course requirements.

MDUSD offers three tiers of supports to students, as needed. The first tier includes strong foundational academic, behavior, and social emotional support for all students. The second tier includes a "Coordinated Care Team" of staff members who work together to provide intervention supports for students who are struggling in any of the three focus areas. The third tier includes a "Student Success Team" of staff members who assess students and work with outside agencies to provide supports for more intensive needs. To help strengthen the District's support systems, the Board on Wednesday appointed current Wren Avenue Elementary Principal Celeste Kitts the new assistant director for partnerships and MTSS for the 2024-25 school year.

Northgate HS counselors Lauren Mercado and Leanne Owen said three seniors at the school were not able to graduate this June. Two will attend summer school to make up needed credits with the goal of graduating in August along with other summer school participants, and one will enroll in the Adult Education High School Diploma program. Next year, they said they will work to ensure that all students graduate on time. College Park HS counselor Morgan Gillette and Gregory Gardens Elementary counselor Carolyn Vasicek said high school counselors meet regularly with middle school counselors and middle school counselors meet regularly with elementary school counselors to ensure smooth transitions, especially for students who may need extra support. High school counselors and college and career advisors also inform 8th graders of the options they will have in high school, including career pathways and dual enrollment courses for which they can earn college credit.

Estrella Estrada is the District's newcomer social work specialist. She helps newcomer students from other countries get signed up for county resources, which can include heath care and housing assistance, as well as English learner assistance, and sometimes special education services within MDUSD. She and Homeless and Foster Youth counselor Kim Hendrick said there is often a lot of overlap between the students they serve. Isaiah Harper, a YES Program Case Manager and Work-based Learning and Career Pathways coordinator, helps motivate students who are behind in credits to take on internships or learn about careers that may interest them so they will finish up school and be ready to explore careers, college or other options. "My goal is to help them get through," he said. "Then I start working with new students who need help."

Mt. Diablo HS counselors and College and Career advisor Erika Ramos said they hope to start up senior "graduation walks" at elementary schools in Bay Point and Pittsburg next year to help strengthen the AVID college-going theme that schools such as Shore Acres Elementary are stressing with their students. This year, seniors at Northgate, College Park and Ygnacio Valley high schools visited their former elementary schools in their graduation caps and gowns, cheered on by current elementary students who are looking forward to following in their footsteps when they graduate from high school themselves.

Click on these Social Media posts to see showcase highlights from Monte Gardens Elementary, Walnut Acres Elementary and Northgate HS.

Read More about 1st Annual End of the Year Counseling and Support Team Showcase highlights student supports

Read More about Walk thru's 2024/2025

Read More about First Day of School

Read More about Back to School Night

Rio Vista Elementary School

Mt. Diablo Unified School District

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* Make sure you are signed up for PARENT SQUARE.  Click on the link below to sign up or sign in.
* Please read emails from the Rio Vista office sent to you through Parent Square.
* Parent Square:   https://www.parentsquare.com/signin
* Please contact the office if you need further assistance with setting up an account.

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* Please park your vehicle on the street and use the designated crosswalks to accompany your child to the gate.
* The bus circle is for school buses only.  We need to keep the area clear for incoming school buses.

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Parent/Teacher Conferences: September 16th - 25th.

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The Rio Vista Elementary School 's TK Mission is the development of lifelong learners. An intentionally designed play and evidence-based learning environment facilitate learning lifelong foundational skills. A curriculum that strategically fosters positive reciprocal relationships between teachers, children, and families and invites children of all abilities and family cultures to participate in the school community cultivates lifelong learners.

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A child's development is based on observing them through play, interviews with the child, and documentation.  Each child will have an individualized portfolio that will go home at the end of the year.  The California Preschool Foundations provides the guidelines for typical development.

Pictures are taken throughout the school year to document growth.  Pictures tell a story in an instant about about what your child is doing and learning at school.  Pictures will be placed around the room to show the children their growth throughout the year.  Pictures might be included in a class newsletter and yearbook too.

As a MDUSD educator, I occasionally use photos or videos to exemplify best teaching practices.  Ideas or photos are ONLY used to show best teaching practices with fellow TK teachers and educators.  Learning scenarios always include children in a positive light.

Please click on photo release form, print out, sign, and return to me.

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Your child should arrive at school each day with the following.

* Backpack (large enough to carry all the below items).

* snack or lunch (in a lunch box or bag)

* reusable water bottle

* jacket, coat, sweater, or necessary outwear.

* extra set of clothes in a ziploc bag.

All items should be labeled with your child's name.  Please let me know if you need assistance with getting these items.

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* Provide your child with healthy snacks each day. There will be two snack times at 9:30 am and 1:45 pm. Your child will be hungry during the long day. Please pack accordingly to insure your child has plenty of energy.

* Include a spoon or fork, if necessary.

* All drinking containers MUST be in a drip-free container.  Please use reusable water bottles.  This gives your child the ability to refill when needed.

* Write your child's name on all containers, lunch boxes, water bottles, jackets, and backpacks.

* NO GLASS containers.

* Do not send foods containing nuts until we can verify nut allergies.

* Please no candy, soda, energy drinks, colored chips, or hot & spicy chips(such as Flaming Hot Cheetos or Taki's).  This is a school rule.  Items will be taken away from the child and given back to them at the end of the school day.

* Please talk to your child about not sharing food at school.

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* Self-care is a big priority in TK!  Here is some information about toileting and bathroom use.

* We will explicitly teach your child how to use bathrooms at school and schedule bathroom breaks often throughout our day.

* Please teach your child how to wipe after using the bathroom.  We will not be assisting children with this step in toileting.

* Please teach your child how to put on and remove their clothes independently.  We will be happy to help with challenging snaps or buttons.

* Should your child have a urine accident, we will assist them from outside the bathroom door when changing their clothes by handing them clean clothes and gathering wet clothes.

* Please provide a change of clothes in a zip lock bag with the name written on the bag.  They will keep this bag in their backpacks.  Without extra clothes you will be called to bring extra clothes for your child.

* Should your child have a bowel movement accident, we will call home to have you come and assist your child.

* Diapers and pull-ups are not recommended for TK. Teachers cannot change diapers or pull-ups for your child. Your child must be potty trained for TK.

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* Rio Vista Elementary requires all students to wear uniforms to school.

* Uniform colors are navy blue, light blue, white, or tan only.

* Uniforms consist of pants, leggings, dresses, shorts, skirts, shirts, sweaters, and jackets.

* Uniforms can be purchased through Rio Vista's front office, Walmart, or Target.

*  Clothing should allow children to run, climb, jump, swing, and hang upside down without restrictions.

* Clothing should allow children to paint, run in the dirt,  play with chalk, and get wet without restrictions or worry.  Please save the party and dress clothes for home.

* Athletic shoes are best to prevent injuries and limit physical restrictions.

* No flip-flops, shoes without a back or with a heel.

* A jacket, coat, or sweater should be provided in your child's backpack when the weather requires it.

* Families should write either names or initials on the tag of all clothing.

Urine accidents happen on occasion in TK.  Please provide a change of clothes in a zip lock bag with the name of the child written on the bag.  They will keep this bag in their backpacks.  Extra clothes must included clean underwear, shirt, socks, pants, or skirt. Extra clothes can be uniform colors or random clothes. Soiled clothes will be returned to you to be cleaned. New extra clothes will need to be packed as needed.

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*  Please be on time to pick up your child.

*  Parents are to wait outside the gate until dismissal bell rings.

* A staff member will unlock the kindergarten gate when the dismissal bell rings. Family members or caregivers walk to class to pick up their child.

*  Children wait for the teacher to call them before walking  to their family members or caregivers.

*  Children not pick up after 20 minutes from the dismissal time will be taken to the office.  A staff member will call home to alert a family member or caregiver their child needs to be picked up.

*  Late family members or caregivers will pick up their child from the front office.

*  Any person picking up a child must be listed on the child's contact information.  There is no exception to this.

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*  Children should arrive at school no earlier than five minutes before class time.
*  An adult must remain with a child outside the kindergarten gate until a teacher opens the gate.
*   When a staff member opens the gate, children will go directly into the classroom.  Adults must remain outside the classroom unless instructed by staff.

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TK Weekly Schedule

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Schedule:

TK Day:  7:55 am - 2:25 pm
Lunch:  11:00 am - 11:35 am

Wednesday Schedule:

TK Day:  7:55 am - 1:30 pm
Lunch:  11:00 am - 11:35 am

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I have worked in the MDUSD as a substitute teacher and teacher for the last eight years.  This is my third year as a Transitional Kindergarten teacher at Rio Vista Elementary.

A passion for early childhood education inspired me to earn my bachelor's degree in child development from California State University East Bay.  I furthered my early child education through courses taken at DVC and LMC over the past few years.  I will continue to advance my education to benefit my students.

I have lived in California for 45 years.  I am a Mt. Diablo Unified School District graduate.  I played competitive softball through out those years.  I currently live with my husband and daughter in the area.  My daughter is a senior at Clayton Valley Charter High School.

I love reading, swimming, traveling, going to to concerts, and watching football.

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I am always willing to meet with families at an arranged time.  During class hours, my primary focus will always be on the children.

I usually return emails within 48 hours.  Please feel free to reach out to me via email.

Email address:  culpr@mdusd.org

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Please keep all toys, make-up, watches, and any personal items at home. They are not needed at school. These items tend to break, disappear or get misplaced.

The teachers and school staff are not responsible for lost or broken items.