Grizzly Community Update

Hello Grizzlies,

I apologize for the delay in my communication. I will keep it short as it was a busy and challenging end of the week.

I hate that I had to send out my previous message Friday about the vandalism that took place on our campus. I am highly impressed with how our students and families showed pride and resilience to conduct a fantastic homecoming parade, then we proceeded to have a dominating performance from our varsity football team and a fun homecoming dance! We also welcomed a strong alumni contingent as we celebrated Cal High's 50th year.

Two new programs are detailed below that are specific to helping support our students and their social-emotional well-being: Restorative Justice Week and Safe Schools Ambassadors. Both programs will help grow student leaders who will be able to respond to instances of harm by supporting individuals and the community.

Thank you for taking the time to read this week's update.

Respectfully,

Mr. Ball

*(New) - New information since the last community update

*(Update) - Updated information that was originally in a previous update.

Restorative Justice Week (New)

During tutorial this week, October 2-6, our Restorative Justice Coalition (RJC) will lead a school-wide Restorative Justice Week. Each day during tutorial staff and students will learn about Restorative Justice through content produced by our student-led club.

Each tutorial day will have different content that will focus on how individuals and a community heal following being harmed. Here is what we will be learning.

Monday - Microaggressions

Tuesday - What is Restorative Justice?

Thursday - Who is the Cal RJC?

Friday - Review a section of the RJC text-set on "The N-word"

Safe School Ambassadors (New)

The Safe School Ambassadors® Program (SSA) is an evidence-based program that harnesses the power of students to prevent and stop bullying and mistreatment. It is considered a social-emotional learning program (SEL) and has been approved by many school districts as meeting their required SEL criteria. The SSA Program is a student-centered model that educates diverse student social leaders with the skills to prevent and reduce bullying. It is the nation’s most effective student-led bullying prevention program.

We invited approximately 50 students for a 2-day training, October 12 & 13, for the program. Teachers, coaches, and staff have identified those students as emerging leaders on our campus, and those participating will meet in small groups throughout the remainder of the school year.

FBI Safe Online Surfing (SOS) Internet Challenge (New)

The FBI Safe Online Surfing (SOS) Internet Challenge is a free, educational program for children in grades 3-8 that teaches cyber safety and digital citizenship in a fun and engaging way. The program covers cyberbullying, passwords, malware, how to be safe on social media, and more. The website is available in both English and Spanish: sos.fbi.gov.

SRVEF Run For Education

The San Ramon Valley Education Run For Education is one of the staple events in our community, organized by parents and community members who want to provide some fantastic enrichment opportunities to our students and support our district educators. A portion of the funds raised when you register as a Cal High community member will return directly to our school. I'll be running the 10K this year, and I hope to see you out there on October 8!

https://srvef.org/the-run/

Save the Date: Advocacy Day | October 27, 2023

Register today for Advocacy Day 2023! Our goal is to help our families and schools come together so we can all help our children thrive. Because after all...it's about the kids. Hear from California State Superintendent Tony Thurmond and a Superintendent's panel, including Dr. John Malloy. Students, parents and community members are all welcome to register and attend.

Innovation Tri-Valley’s 13th Annual DreamMakers and RiskTakers Award Nominations

The event will take place on November 7th, 2023. The application is now open and will close on Friday, October 6, at 5:00 p.m. Students can self-nominate, or parents/educators can nominate a student. Please review all details in the nomination portal.

Learning Labs

Learning Labs are now up and running!

The Learning Labs are an opportunity during our Tutorial period for students to be matched up with a tutor and get support with a specific skill. Students are identified by their teachers for this opportunity. Students can also sign themselves up. Interested students should speak to their teacher about the self-sign-up process.

We currently have Learning Labs in the following areas: Math, Science, World Languages, and a combined English/Social Studies lab. Labs are not subject specific, rather they are a place to host tutors and their assigned students.

Thank you to our Academic Boosters for their support with this wonderful opportunity!