NHS Family Newsletter
July 3, 2020
Summer Update
Re-Opening Plan
As for what the start of school might look like, we are preparing for all three possibilities- 1) Fully in Person, 2) Full Distance Learning and 3) A hybrid. Given the recent move to re-opening Phase 2 in California, and the subsequent rise in Covid cases, it is hard to predict where the state might be when August comes. Additionally, if an outbreak occurs, whether within the NHS community or large enough to spark a county response in the area, then we may look at the need for temporary closures, and want to be prepared for it all.
Full distance learning we have all now experienced, but this go-round would include more accountability in attendance and grading, more direct instruction, and more support for our at-risk students. Additionally, we are hoping for some additional tech and teaching delivery options for our staff, and are working through exploring some of those resources.
A Hybrid Model would likely be two days a week in person, three days at home for our students, with one of those days being a prep and site cleaning focus for our staff. The prep and cleaning day will likely be Wednesday. Additionally, conversation is around whether students will come in cohorts 2 days in a row (group 1 Monday and Tuesday, for example, group 2 Thursday and Friday) or to have students come every other day.
Back to school would be full time in-person learning, with added precautions, more intense cleaning, and additional protocols if a case or exposure were reported to exist at school.
We do know that school will start August 13th, and that walk-through registration will likely be August 5-7th, with scheduled appointments for students.
District Re-Opening Plan
District Task Force Teams
CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION TEAM
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Classroom Management
Team Building and Collaboration
Interventions and Supports
Grading
Homework
Late Work
Assessments and Testing
Equity
CULTURE AND COMMUNITY TEAM
Transitioning to New Era
Mental Health
School Spirit
Student Rewards and Honors
Communication
Equity and Current Events
LOGISTICS AND OPERATIONS TEAM
Health and Safety
Staff Conventions
Staff Expectations
Staff Protocols
Student Equity
Student Expectations
Schoolwide Procedures and Guidelines
Walk-Through Registration (TBD)
Wednesday, Aug 5, 2020, 08:00 AM
Northgate High School, Castle Rock Road, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
Principal Update
We are hopeful that a new Principal will be announced at the board meeting on Monday July 13th.
Need an Elective?
Sign up now for one of these two performing arts courses- meets the A-G requirement for art, serves as an excellent stress reliever, and can be practiced at home!
- Beginning Guitars
- Concert Choir (beginning choir)
To sign up for one of these classes, go to the course request form and request it!
Class Schedules and Requests
If your student is requesting a change, please fill out this form.
Actual schedules with teachers and periods will be available in August.
Freshman Orientation
We have a wonderful transition program, with the work of our Link Crew, and their efforts include Freshman Orientation every year.
This year, given large gathering restrictions, the orientation is being planned virtually. This will still include small group sessions, and opportunities for our incoming students to meet with their Link Crew Leaders, making connections to help ease their transition to a new school.
More information will be shared soon!
Athletics
Now is the time to start the registration process for athletics, especially for fall sports.
If you are interested in more information about a particular Fall Sport, please contact the coach.
Football - Coach Ben Ballard
Boys Water Polo- Coach Taylor Herman
Girls Water Polo- Coach Eric Mein
Girls Volleyball- Coach Grace Lau
Cross Country- Coach Ruth Seabrook
Spirit- Coach Kourtnie Howerton
Girls Tennis- Coach Calvin Thompson
Girls Golf- Coach Ron Otero
New Broncos to Welcome
- Girls Water Polo- Coach Eric Mein - Eric Mein played water polo for Acalanes High School, then the University of Southern California. He has coached at Acalanes and Carondelet, leading Carondelet to NCS Finals and State Championships Finals.
- Boys Basketball- Coach Mike Shaughnessy - Mike Shaughnessy comes to us from New Jersey, where he played high school basketball, then served as captain and was a 4 year starter for Kean University. He has coached at Kean University, Northfield Community School, and Mainland Regional High School. He has also trained players around the world, and began his own training business in 2013.
- Boys Soccer- Coach Edgar Rivera- Edgar Rivera has played club soccer for much of his youth, then went on to play for Cal State Fullerton and Notre Dame de Namur University, as well as the NPSL team for San Diego United. He has served as the tournament and clinic director for Walnut Creek Soccer Club (now Walnut Creek Surf) and for the Heritage Wolves. Most recently he led a new 06 team for the Wolves to an NPL title.
- Boys Lacrosse- Coach Greg Brandt- Coach Brandt has been coaching Lacrosse for Northgate for the last two years, and has coached with the Bronx Bombers and Walnut Creek Warriors as well. Last year, he served as the assistant coach for Varsity, and ran the defense for the team.
Yearbook Update
Actual books should be shipped in the middle of July, and we will contact families regarding pick up/distribution. See Flyer below for app information.
District Announces Superintendent Finalist!
District Communications
Some important news and information recently released from MDUSD:
- Roadmap to Reopen This website will be updated frequently with the latest district-wide announcements regarding re-opening our schools.
- Family Survey Please complete this survey if you have not already, about your student's intention for the fall. This information is vital to informed planning!
- Most recent Board Presentation regarding re-open.
New Bell Schedule (when students return full time)
Updates include:
- No SSR period
- Strategic Support is longer, and two times a week instead of three
- School days on M,W,F end at 2:25 pm
- Tues/Thurs school ends at 3:15 pm
- Passing periods were extended from 5 minutes to 7 minutes.
Other Quick Notes
- The main office will be closed for the month of July. However, we will use our school website, email newsletters, and social media platforms to continue to communicate with families over the summer.
- Yearbooks will be delivered mid/late July and will be available for pick up during walk-through appointments.
- Incoming 9th Graders will need to provide proof of residency. Please click here to understand this process and prepare your materials. Window for verification will open August 4th. More information will be sent to 9th grade families soon.
- MDUSD is providing free meals over the summer. View the days, times and locations here.
- If you still need to turn in textbooks or a Chromebook,, or need a textbook for AP and Honors summer homework, please come to the main office from 9:00-2:00pm before June 30th.
Work Permits
2020-21 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