Greetings Bronco Families!

I hope that your family has taken this spring break to refresh, get away, energize your spaces, and celebrate- and that our Broncos are ready to come back and absolutely crush these last 8 weeks of school. That is right- 8 weeks. Less than 40 school days left.

Our community may be celebrating a variety of events this spring- Ramadan Mubarak, Happy Easter, and Chag Sameach to all of our families - may your holidays be filled with love, peace reflection, and hope.

Recently, we went through a WASC review with a visiting educational team that spent three days on campus reviewing our programs, visiting classrooms, talking with students, teachers, staff and parents, and writing a report and recommendation to the accreditation council. While we do not have the final report or findings yet, the overall tone of the visit was very positive, and the final review shared with staff was also positive. I will be hosting a couple of parent/community meetings to share out these findings with a Coffee with Coop, details available below!

I do have some sad news to share. William Hansen, Northgate's first principal who has also served as principal the longest so far at 14 years, recently passed away at age 95. He was a beloved principal who is remembered for his school spirit, his dedicated leadership, and his support for the student body. One of the things that makes Northgate special is our community, and the fact that many of our current parents and staff are also Northgate alumni. If you would like to attend, a celebration of life for Mr. Hansen will occur at the Shadelands Museum on Saturday April 15th from 1-3pm. We share our condelences with the Hansen family in their loss, and reflect on so many wonderful memories of this great educator.

As we look ahead to this spring, we are coming upon end of year testing season. Our English Learners have been engaging in ELPAC testing, with many successfully on their way to becoming reclassified as bilingual and fluent in English. I want to congratulate and truly acknolwedge the immense difficulty in engaging in all core academic subjects (taught in English) while trying to learn the English language. Our emerging bilingual students learn language, culture and academics at a breakneck pace, and their successful reclassification as fluent bilingual is no small feat. We have a relatively high reclassification rate of roughly 25% each year, and that is due to strong family support, great support in the classroom, and the work and advocacy of our English Language program leaders Frau Nancy and Monica Jofre, with coordination by VP Tucker Farrar. Good luck to this year's students testing in the ELPAC.

Next our Juniors and Seniors will be taking the CAASPP and CAST tests, the state mandated proficiency tests in English Language Arts, Math and Science. This is the required test for state monitoring of school programs, and for student achievement with the seal of Biliteracy as well as the California Golden State Seal of Merit. This test requires an altered bell schedule, so beginning April 17th through April 27 we will be on a block schedule. See below for details. Our start and release times remain the same. Juniors will be taking all three exams, and Seniors will be taking the CAST (science) test only. Tests will be taken during English and History/Econ classes.

In the beginning of May, we embark on AP testing. Student who are taking an AP test will be notified about the location and time of testing- all are listed in our master calendar as well. Most AP tests are taken at the Willow Creek Center. This year, we will be hosting the AP European history examination in our gym on May 5th. Students taking the AP tests will have excused absences during their testing session, but will be expected to attend classes when not testing.

Planning is underway for end of year events, while also planning for the 23-24 school year! For seniors, be on the lookout for a senior family newsletter coming shortly, with your guide to all things as we rapidly approach graduation. Similarly, all families with incoming students for next year (class of 2027!), an 8th grade update will be coming very soon as well.

Read on for a recap of some excellent highlights from our past month, as well as calendars looking ahead- and enjoy your last day of spring break.

As always, there is way more happening on campus than we can accurately report here. Keep up by following Northgate High School on Twitter - @northgatehs

Have an excellent week, and GO BRONCOS!

Boys Volleyball

The Broncos are 12-4 after taking second at the Livermore Roundup Tournament and defeating Acalanes last week. At the tournament, they won four games against Granada, Alhambra, Freedom, and De La Salle, and sadly lost in the finals against Castro Valley High in the third set.

Here are some pictures from the season https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1neCwgu9tmsIB4s_FCU5smoAsMoguQWxW

This week they host two games at home: Tuesday against College Park and Thursday against Campolindo!

Swimming

At the halfway point, NHS Swim is off to a great start!

At the opening Royal Pentathlon with De La Salle and Carondelet, two of our varsity swimmers finished second overall and were named Prince (Jacob Mohrland) and Princess (Vlada Chekurova) of the meet.

In our first dual meet, both Varsity Squads beat Miramonte. It was our Varsity Girls' first ever win against the Matadors. The boys' 200 Free Relay (Scott McMillan, Mason Wendler, Kyle Kengla, and Andrew Hallett) as well as the 400 Free Relay (Scott McMillan, Mason Wendler, Jacob Mohrland, Andrew Hallett).

We had a meet cancelled at Las Lomas due to weather, but at the De La Salle Invitational, we had dozens of seasonal best times and the Varsity Boys walked away with the meet title.

This past Friday, on Senior Day, we celebrated 26 seniors! Our Boys Medley (Scott, Marcus Manuel, Jacob, Andrew) broke the pool record by two seconds.

Though we were missing over a dozen swimmers to illness and injury, we performed better against Campolindo than we ever have. The Varsity Boys were in a close meet going into the 400 free relay. We needed 1st and 3rd, but with so many ailing, the B relay was not likely to get 3rd. Kyle Kengla switched from the A to the B relay to anchor it. When he dove in, our A relay was well ahead, but the B relay was behind both of Campo's A and B relays. Kyle passed their B quickly and, for good measure, he touched out their A. His lifetime best split propelled the boys to a 9 point win.

Upcoming - April 27- DAL Varsity Time Trials at Campolindo HS

Softball

The Broncos are an impressive 6-1 with signature early season league wins over Acalanes and Concord. Second year Captain Makenna Choi leads the way with an incredible .739 batting average and 17 hits so far this season. Katelyn Takahashi and Captain Marina Johnsen are also doing damage with 9 and 10 RBI's respectively. The Freshman class has been outstanding which includes leadoff hitter Taelyn Jriyasetapong and Ashley Herman who is holding down a 1.00 ERA over 21 innings. The Broncos were featured on WestCoastPreps.com as the game of the week and beat Berean at home 9-3 in that contest. The Broncos are currently ranked #14 in the North Coast Section and #4 in NCS Division II.

Recently, our Broncos Softball team broke into the Bay Area top 20 with Mercury News!

Catch the softball team this week Tuesday @ Alhambra and Wednesday @ Miramonte.

Boys Tennis

Boys team is doing great. They are 3-2 and two tiebreakers away from being undefeated.

Won De La Salle 8-1

Won Bishop O'Dowd 5-4

Won Colllege Park 9-0

Lost Miramonte 4-5

Lost Campolindo 4-5

Ioanne Timokhin, Jon Lee, and Trey Schultz are all undefeated in singles.

Next up- Thursday @ College Park

Track and Field

The weather has indeed been challenging especially for areas like jumps as every time it rains heavily our Long Jump pit floods and is unuseable for several days, so many of the jumpers are only getting to practice at meets where school have better designed pits that don’t flood. We have our first home meet tomorrow against Clayton Valley and the weather is predicted to be very stormy so we have moved field events to today and will do them virtually and then exchange marks and only contest running events tomorrow.

Our two prior DAL Meets against Las Lomas and Acalanes were losses for our large but very young team, but with some exciting performances from individual athletes such as Bo Molinelli in the 100m, newcomer Reagan Thomas in the sprints and mid distance races, Finn Carlson in hurdles, Emma Cairns and Spencer Johnson in vault. As you saw Megan Malloy committed to Chico State for track and cross country and we also have a new school record in 10k, which was set by Sophia Carcamo two weeks ago at Occidental College’s Distance Carnival running unattached.

There is a new event on the championship schedule, a 4 X 800m relay and we are currently developing this team for both girls and boys, with the girls hoping to set a new school record in this event either at Bob Warren in April or at the DAL Championships.

Next up- hosting Miramonte Wednesday April 12th

Boys Lacrosse

The boys lacrosse team has used balanced scoring and a tough defense to start the season 8-1. Goalies Sebastian Scott and Isaac Ternes, along with defensemen Max Anum, Jake Berger and Luke Foster lead a strong defensive unit that has helped the Broncos outscore opponents 94-54 through 9 games. The Broncos showed great teamwork, passion and poise in tight wins over Campolindo (16-14), Livermore (11-10), Amador Valley (10-9) and Berkeley (6-4). The offense has 6 players with 10 points (goals plus assists) or more, and having multiple scoring options has made the Broncos a tough team to defend. After Spring Break, the Broncos finish the regular season with one home game and three away games. Senior Night against Las Lomas is Tuesday, April 18 at 7 pm. Come out and support the team, and follow us on Instagram for updates and game results: @ngboyslacrosse.

Boys Golf

Boys Golf has not cancelled any practice or match due to rain/cold. If the course is closed then we move practice indoors into our practice room (which has been amazing for us). The boys beat Las Lomas and Berean but lost against very tough opponents Campolindo/Miramonte/Alameda. those are 3 of the top high schools in the the Bay Area and the North Coast Section. Our squad is not made up of country club kids but instead players who love the game and give their best effort each practice and match. These are quality young men and a bit crazy for always wanting to play in the rain. Our biggest highlight is our senior Captain Alex Titterton obtained his first ever Hole in One at Boundary Oak on the second hole vs Campolindo. Very impressive feat. We are almost halfway done with season and hoping we can improve on our season record of 2-5 to make it to NCS.

Baseball

Baseball has had quite a few games and practices thwarted by weather, but was able to host a wonderful alumni game this weekend, with a strong returning Bronco squad coached by Jon Campopiano- current Northgate parent, and former NHS Baseball coach. The team is working to fundraise to replace pads in the batting cages (destroyed by recent weather), backstop padding, and more. You can help at this link!

Because of the crazy amount of rain and injuries to some key players, it's been an inconsistent start to the season for the Broncos. With lots of adversity to overcome, the Broncos have battled their way to a 4-4- start, with big wins coming against tough opponents in San Ramon Valley, Casa Grande, and Maria Carrillo. With guys stepping up and more sunshine in the future forecast, the Broncos are looking to finish the season strong and make a deep run in the NCS playoffs.

Next up- Tuesday @ CVCHS and Thursday vs CVCHS

Girls Lacrosse

Missing- Girls Lacrosse- stay tuned for some highlights from our new coaches!

Some highlights include Kelsey Shaffer and her 100th career goal scored!

Upcoming games: Monday vs SRVHS, Tuesday vs College Park, and Friday vs YVHS

Monday April 10- Girls Lacrosse vs SRVHS

Tuesday April 11- Ms Honey and Mr Garcia-Leiva's bday! Site Council 3:45; JV Baseball vs CVCHS; JV Softball vs Alhambra; Boys VB vs College Park; Girls Lacrosse vs College Park

Wednesday April 12- Boys Golf vs Acalanes (Boundary Oaks); Track vs Miramonte

Thursday April 13- Baseball vs CVCHS; Boys Volleyball vs Campolindo

Friday April 14- Girls Lacrosse vs YVHS

Our theatre department continues to churn out incredible work! Recently, Drama 2 completed production of 'Alice in Wonderland' with some outstanding audience support and standout performances. Prior to this, Drama I staged 'MmmBeth', and our video production program put on their first ever 'Northgate Film Festival'. Huge kudos to our student artists, and our tireless theatre director, John Litten.

Coming soon: 'Shakespeare in Love' by Production Workshop May 10th-13th @ 7pm

Also- '65 to Nowhere' by Drama I May 16th 7pm

Dance

Our dancers have been preparing for the upcoming Dance Production show, which includes student choreography, whole group performances, solos and much more!

Coming soon: Dance Production Spring Show April 19-22 7pm

Instrumental Music

Recently, our Jazz Bands I and II competed in the Santa Cruz Jazz Festival where they both were awarded unanimous superior ratings, and performed in the command performance!

Northgate also hosted the MDUSD Area Music Festivals, with Orchestra and Band and hundreds of musicians from our feeder elementary and middle schools.

Coming Soon: Jazz I competes at the CSUEB Jazz Festival April 15th

Stage Band Jazz II performs with Rossmoor's Generations in Jazz Concert April 19th

Choir

Our vocal music program recently put on a very successful 'Musical America' run, with performances ranging from awesome to extraordinary!

In addition, our vocalists participated in the MDUSD Area Choral Festival with our other MDUSD high schools, a beautiful concert hosted at College Park High School.

Coming Soon: Spring concert series May 17 and 18

Guitar Spring Concert on May 8th

Art Department

The ceramics, animation, digital, 2D and 3D art programs put on a beautiful showcase for our recent Open House.

New photography pieces are featured in our main office, and our digital art program will once again create our graduation program and next year's student planner cover.

Coming Soon: 2nd Annual MDUSD Art Display at Sunvalley Mall

Ribbon Cutting Monday April 17th 6pm

Display active April 17-30th

• Wonderland, the 2023 Pride Prom for MDUSD juniors and seniors on Apr 22 8-11 PM at Concord High
• Professional DJ and entertainer, dancing, food, gifts
• Tickets $50 at www.pflagclaycord.org

Apply here.

My name is Anahi Nava Flores, current Student Board Member of the MDUSD District. I have dedicated my term to advocacy, accountability, and transparency with the school board. I speak up about student needs and concerns, highlight student achievements, and promote educational opportunities throughout our community.

Ben Forer- 11th grade- Member of the US National Junior Waterpolo Team- assisted this weekend to bringing home a gold medal for Team USA at the Pan-American games!

Senior Megan Malloy has been offered a scholarship to run cross country and track with Chico State University! Megan currently holds our school 5K record, and has captained the Bronco Cross Country team for two years!

Senior Emilio Pucci has accepted an offer to play Football and attend Chapman University! Emilio played varsity 3 years, and was a 2 time all league player, as well as the defensive league MVP last year. He led the team in touchdowns and yards for the past two seasons!

The California State Library provides free online tutoring for California K-12 students, available through public libraries. Through HelpNow, live real-time homework assistance is available 24 hours a day by laptop, tablet, or phone from qualified tutors using state curriculum and standards. 24/7 assistance is available in English and Spanish for Language Arts and Mathematics.

Every day between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm, assistance is available in core K-12 subjects in the following languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog. Link to program website.

• Free tutoring for Afghan students on Saturdays! classes and workshops for our Afghan community that take place at the Noor Islamic & Cultural Community Center- see the flier here!

Design your Northgate Letter Jacket here: NORTHGATE LETTER JACKET BUILDER

FOR LETTER JACKET DESIGN & QUESTIONS, PLEASE CONTACT JOSTENS AT:

Brian Oliveira/Jostens

Phone: (925) 838-1835

Email: martin.oliveira@jostens.com

$15 if purchased before 2/28; $20 after 2/28 until supplies run out.

Pick up at no extra cost, or $5 delivery fee.

Signs will be available for pick up or delivery around May 1st.

Email ngseniorsigns2023@gmail.com to order!

Attention Senior Families -

Tickets for Grad Night on the Bay 2023 are now available! It is occurring on Wednesday May 31st, the day after graduation, from 5:00-12:00. The registration and payment link, with all the details, is here: https://forms.gle/htGjC2phK476n1es7

It is sure to be a fun and festive (yet safe and sober) event!! Prices go up soon, so get your early bird pricing while it’s available.

Any questions can be directed to:

• Registration Questions - Betty Huang - nggradnightreg@gmail.com
• Other Questions - Amy Sanchez or Kathy Lawrence - nggradnight@gmail.com

Looking forward to a great evening and a time for our graduates to celebrate their accomplishments! Go Broncos!

Senior Circle/Summit Awards- May 15- Northgate Stadium- This is an event for senior families and award recipients- invitations will be sent at the end of April.All seniors are welcome to attend as well.

Movin On Up Rally- Friday May 19th- Northgate Stadium- Event for students, family audience is welcome.

Senior Projects- Wednesday and Thursday May 24 and 25th- Seniors will be presenting their senior projects, and community panel members invited.

Senior Breakfast- TBD- Friday May 26th in the gym - Last day of school for seniors!

Graduation Rehearsal- Tuesday May 30th- 9am- Mandatory for all senior graduates- Concord Pavilion

Graduation- Tuesday May 30th- 7pm - Concord Pavilion

Grad Night- Wednesday May 31st- Details coming

National Park Service Seeking Applicants for 2023 Youth Conservation Corps

MARTINEZ, Calif. – John Muir National Historic Site is seeking applicants for the 2023 Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) summer program to work and learn alongside National Park Service (NPS) rangers. YCC is a paid outdoor work program that provides a safe, educational, and meaningful experience for young adults of all backgrounds and interests.

The purpose of the program is to provide local youth, ages 15-18, an opportunity to gain work experience and skills, learn about their local environment and explore careers in environmental science, conservation, parks, and recreation. YCC members will assist with a variety of work projects to help restore and protect the natural and cultural heritage at John Muir NHS and several other NPS sites in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. This experience also includes several educational field trips.

The work program is eight weeks long, from June 12th – August 4th, 2023. Work hours are 7:00am – 3:30pm, Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week. YCC members are paid the California State Minimum Wage, $15.50 per hour. Applicants must be able to commit to the entire eight weeks and attend a mandatory orientation on Saturday, June 3rd, 2023, from 10:00am – 11:00pm.

To learn more: https://www.nps.gov/jomu/learn/management/youth-conservation-corps.htm

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Youth Conservation Corps - John Muir National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)

www.nps.gov

Send all application materials to:

John Muir National Historic Site

YCC Program Manager

4202 Alhambra Ave, Martinez, CA 94553 (open 7 days a week, 10am to 5pm)

Or by email at: kristen_merino@nps.gov

Applications are due by Friday, April 14th, 2023. For questions about the program, contact Tori Seher at victoria_seher@nps.gov

Applicants must be 16- be sure to indicate "Walnut Creek Sports Medicine Center" on the application!