Gratitude is defined by Webster as readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. Research has shown that gratitude can enhance our moods, decrease stress, and drastically improve our overall level of health and wellbeing. Practicing daily gratitude gives us a deeper connection to ourselves and the world around us. The powers of gratitude have the ability to shift us from focusing on the negative to appreciating what is positive in our lives. This being said, I encourage all students and staff, and their families, to practice daily gratitude this month, and every month, and just maybe we will all find peace and happiness as we begin this holiday season.

On October 21st the Martinez Community celebrated AHS Homecoming. AHS students participated in a Spirit Week, culminating on Friday afternoon with a rally, parade, float competition and both JV and Varsity Football games. It is truly amazing how the community comes alive to support our students and staff on this festive occasion. A special thank you to the AHS ASB Leadership Team for asking me to be the Grand Marshall of the Parade. It was truly an awesome experience.

CalKIDS is a California state program that helps children save for college or career training after high school. Children born in California starting on July 1, 2022, and eligible low-income public school students are awarded a CalKIDS college savings account with an initial deposit in it. Enrollment is automatic and families are not required to contribute.

CalKIDS is administered by the ScholarShare Investment Board, an instrumentality of the State of California, chaired by the State Treasurer.

Click Here for More Information

It is with great sadness that I inform the MUSD Community that Mr. Brett Remy, AHS English teacher, has passed away. Mr. Remy taught thousands of students at Alhambra High over the past 19 years in all grade levels. Staff, students and families were informed of his passing yesterday morning upon their arrival to school. A huge thank you to the AHS admin and district counseling staff for providing support. An esteemed colleague of staff and favorite teacher of many students, he will be missed tremendously.

Please congratulate the Marching Band and Color Guard members for their AH-MAZING performance at the 51st Annual Santa Cruz Band Review. Their hard work and effort have paid off tremendously! The entire Marching Band placed 6th out of 16 overall, and the Color Guard placed 3rd.

Under AB 469, the MUSD is required to confirm that all high school seniors complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) this year. Students may alternatively complete an opt-out form, which is collected and retained by the high school Counseling Department at both AHS and VMHS/Briones. The window for these applications is currently open and the applications can be found on the California Student Aid Commision Website. Use the menu on left to open Financial Aid Programs to access each application. Assistance is available by contacting your student's counselor or the College and Career Center located at AHS.

If there are plans to travel and your child will be missing 3 or more days of school, please be sure to make arrangements for Independent Study through the school's main office. This should be done at least a week or two ahead of time in order to give teachers enough time to put together lessons and work. When the work is turned in, upon your child's return, they will receive both academic and attendance credit.

Eighty four English Learners, grade 1 through 12, were reclassified as Fluent English Proficient between last year and this year. Last Thursday a celebration was held in honor of their accomplishments with a special performance by the Latino Unido Ballet Folklorico from Pittsburg High. Thank you to the many families and staff members that attended the ceremony, supporting our students.

Officer Fred Ferrer will be returning to Martinez a couple of days per week starting today. Many of you may remember the work he did with schools and students as a veteran Martinez Police Officer before he retired in 2020, and we are thrilled that he is returning to continue in his role as MPD School Liaison Officer. Officer Ferrer will assist the district with home visits, truancy cases, bike and street safety, and other such student matters, and will work primarily with our secondary schools. Welcome back!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Sincerely,

Helen Rossi

**If you would like to see a specific topic covered in the monthly newsletter, please email me at hrossi@martinez.k12.ca.us.