Staff Notes
December 13, 2019
Successes and Celebrations!
- Congrats and kudos to our social studies department for coordinating and executing an outstanding Mock Congress. A student who last year was part of a bigger complaint last year noted how students handled themselves with maturity and exhibited respect for others- she was proud to have participated. Many parents have already expressed their excitement and were so impressed with the level of preparation and diligence of the students.
- Thanks and appreciation to ALL staff for supporting this effort, for adjusting as needed, giving up class time and class rooms, and for expertly preparing students within your own curriculum for big endeavors like this!
- Congrats to Greg Brown and our music programs for their outstanding Winter Concert Series! There are a couple of opportunities to see these great programs at work at the end of this week!
- Kudos and congrats to Geoff Carter and our choir programs for an amazing Winter concert and some community outreach with his advanced programs- the choirs perform at Farmer's Markets, tree lightings, and other community events!
- Congrats to our coach Mike Wenzell and our Wrestling team, who took the championship at the Freedom Duals this past weekend!
- Huge thanks and kudos to Cori Starr, Shirley McLelland, and Pete Ceresa in their work with our mentors this and each year! They have raised funds and spent time and energy to recognize the mentors and assure their hard work does not go unrecognized!
- Kudos to Cori Starr and the Project Reach program, who successfully gathered cans to feed 153 families!
URGENT! Feedback requested
We did present this idea to department chairs at curriculum council, and want to get a solid plan on the calendar with your input. Please click below and let us know what you think. This is for February 20th.
Additionally, we are looking at combining AP Info Night with 10-12th grade scheduling info night, with a revamped format from last year to allow better flow to department representatives and information. This event is scheduled for Feb 4th.
Incomplete Contracts- note from the Counselors
If your student will be absent for the final exam, please advise him or her to see their academic counselor to pick up an incomplete-grade contract form. The student needs to complete the form and you will need to sign, date and fill out the completion deadline (student will return to counselor). See example below:
Example: If the above work is not completed by (date) January 31st , a grade of C will be submitted to the registrar's office. If no report is received by the registrar's office, the grade will be changed automatically to an "F".
Technically the student has 6 weeks to compete the exam after returning from break (February 18th) but it will be up to you and the student to decide upon a makeup date. As Sally mentioned in our staff meeting, if your student is a senior, you might want to consider submitting a grade and doing a grade change later if the student is applying to four year colleges. Once the student completes the remaining work for your class, please see Sally for a grade change form.
Let us know if you have any further questions. Thank you!
Finals Week
Staff Holiday Party
Tuesday, Dec 17, 2019, 04:00 PM
The Clubhouse at Boundary Oak, Valley Vista Road, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
Upcoming Important Dates!
- Thurs Dec 12- Boys Soccer vs Campo/ Choir Concert
- Fri Dec 13- Winter Concert
- Tues Dec 17- A period Finals
- Wed Dec 18- Period 1 and 2 Finals
- Thurs Dec 19 - Period 3 and 4 Finals
- Fri Dec 20 - Period 5 and 6 Finals
December, as always, is packed with events. Please check out the school calendar for details!
Honoring our Mentors
NHS Wrestling wins Freedom!
Winter activities at NHS
WASC Check In
Here is a link to the survey- please complete it soon, so that we have a starting point for the work to be done towards our WASC visit - we appreciate it!
Adult Ed offering CPR and First Aid to Employees
Upcoming Staff Development Day
- 8 to 11:30 AT VVMS for ELA, ELD, Math, Science, Social Studies
- After Lunch = site time (w/o SpED, no VAPA, Counselors- they have all day training elsewhere)
Monday, Feb 10, 2020, 08:00 AM
Northgate High School, Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
Did you know it was Computer Science Week?
Happy Computer Science Week: December 9-15 is a week focused on introducing students (and teachers!) to Computer Science. The Hour of Code is a great tool that teachers can use to introduce the concept of coding and computer science. Teachers don't need to know how to code to do this! There are many resources available, all broken down by grade level. Check out the links below!
Short Intro Video to inspire students
Hour of Code Resources from code.org
More Easy-to-Use Resources for Teachers
If you have questions or need support, please contact Megan Gerdts gerdtsm@mdusd.org.
PD Available- STEAM
Marathon Symposium --- February 22, 2020 --- Registration now open!
The 2020 Marathon Symposium registration is now open. This one-day, "Bring Your Own Device" event will be held on February 22 at Valley View Middle School in Pleasant Hill. A $25 deposit, collected at registration, will be refunded when you check in to the event on that day. The link for registration and information can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/77653693287 This one day event was designed with several purposes:
· To build collaboration and communication between staff members in MDUSD and its neighboring schools/school districts in the areas of innovative, student-centered learning, including a focus on integrating STEAM into all curricular areas.
· To introduce and share resources from and between educators and other professionals who are using them now.
· To provide professional development that is fun and engaging, with hands-on and integrated activities that apply to various grade levels and areas of curriculum.
WASC Check In
Syllabus Submission
Sign ups for 2nd Semester Sat School and Detention - Extra Pay!
Facility/Repair Requests
2019-20 Academic Calendar
Northgate High School
Email: cooperk@mdusd.org
Website: http://northgatehighschool.org
Location: 425 Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
Phone: 925-938-0900
Twitter: @northgatehs