NHS Family News 23-24
Bronco Family Newsletter v.7
Springing Ahead!
It's official- final quarter of the year!
Good morning Bronco Families,
March madness has begun, and that has a lot of meanings on a school campus. The spring schedules are hectic and wonderful, and our Broncos are building up to the end of a great year.
Monday (tomorrow) is our annual Wellness Day. The altered bell schedule is below. Broncos will have their regular classes (bring your backpacks!) but will also be engaged in their choice of Wellness workshops, led by our staff and some specialists from the community. In the second half of the schedule, they will be with their choice of keynote speakers- Kevin Atlas, the first Division I NCAA basketball player to play with one arm, or Roadshow Remix, a champion female motorcycle racer - both bring messages of perseverance,
Wednesday is our last day before Spring Break, as student have off Thursday, Friday and the following week. The timing is lovely, with third quarter just having ended, and we hope everyone takes time to refresh and come back their strongest to finish the semester in a way that they can be proud. Third quarter report cards get mailed home, so be on the lookout for those in the coming week, but remember that only the semester grades are placed on the transcripts.
There are so many spring events on the calendar- see below for a snippet, and keep track of it all through our school calendar, which can be viewed on our website, on ParentSquare, or add to your own calendar through google
Some of the wonderful events we hope you didn't miss include:
- Dance production's annual showcase- our advanced dancers put on an outstanding showcase in the Little Theatre, with student choreographed works, and a tribute to our seniors, to name a few. Congrats to Ms Howerton and our dancers!
- Musical America, the longest running choir tradition on campus, just put on an outstanding show, with pieces curated and choreographed by our student leaders.
- Drama and Stagecraft endeavored into the land of radio show talents, learning the art of foley sound and stage effects with their radio play, 'Dead Men Don't Do Radio Plays'
- Ethnic Studies took a field trip to the Oakland Museum of California and the unique 'Cafe Ohlone', getting a deeper understanding for California history and the history of the indigenous population to the Bay Area, the Ohlone tribe.
- Jazz Band 1 and 2 just recently competed at the Santa Cruz Jazz Festival, where both earned unanimous superiors, earning a spot in the command performance round! They have a couple of festivals left to this season, and of course the annual appearance at the World Famous 'Yoshi's Jazz Club' in Oakland.
- Our Leadership program has been busy with student activities, from March Madness lunch activities, to an outstanding Junior Prom at Sequoyah Country Club, and our Multi-Cultural and Talent Assembly a couple of weeks ago.
- Spring sports seasons are underway, with new pool records already being set by our swimmers, and our boys lacrosse team off to a strong start with two athlete of the week nominations.
- Some of our students have made great news recently, including:
- Serafina Hwang has been chosen as one of four jurists in the country for the annual Berlin and Beyond Movie Festival, taking place in San Francisco. The student jurists watch submitted work and select the one student-produced film to be shown at the festival. This is the first time a Northgate student has served on this panel, and we are so proud! Congratulations, Serafina!
- Seniors Akash Abedin and Sophia Carcamo have earned National Merit Scholarship recognition as finalists!
In other news, you may remember we launched our legacy brick project. Families, alums, community members, and staff are all invited to put their "stamp" on Northgate's grounds by purchasing a legacy brick for our planned 'Legacy Lane.' This pathway will be installed from the stadium entrance all the way to our planned stadium bathrooms and concessions building that we hope to fundraise for with this project.
This is the last couple of weeks to get yours before it opens up to the general community and alumni groups. There will be limited availability on these bricks, with a finite space, and we have set a goal of 4,000 bricks. Details can be found further down in the newsletter, but bricks are available for purchase NOW in our webstore.
Read on for more! Our Broncos are remarkable, and you will not want to miss a thing.
Yours in partnership,
Kelly Cooper
Principal
Madcoro Men at the Musical America show
They are Kenough.
Ryan-Adele Heskett singing and playing
Bella Voce stuns the audience
Northgate presents, 'Wellness Day'
CAASPP Testing coming in April
In high school, the CAASPP and CAST tests are only administered to Juniors. There are five total tests, two in English Language Arts, two in Math, and one in science. These test scores are used by California colleges for Math and English placement, are used for the California Golden State Seal of Merit and the California State Biliteracy Award, and are a tool to measure school performance as well.
During the testing weeks, bell schedules are altered to block schedules, to allow for uninterrupted testing time. Juniors will test in their English and US History classes. Please see below for school schedules during these two weeks.
Don't Miss: Parent Night - Internet and Social Media Safety
Parent Night- BARK- Internet and Media Safety
BARK internet safety company presents a Free Parent Information Night, Tuesday 7pm in our Little Theatre!
Tuesday, Apr 9, 2024, 07:00 PM
Senior Ryan Collins with the killer stuff
Ethnic Studies visits Cafe Ohlone at UC Berkeley
Boys Golf
Pop Up Market- Coming to Northgate!
ATTENTION WALNUT CREEK COMMUNITY! Do you or someone you know own a small business, create niche items, or have a service to offer? Well you're in luck! Northgate is hosting our annual Pop Up Market on Saturday, April 13, 2024 and we would love vendors like you to come participate! Interested? Scan the QR Code and fill out the Interest Form on the Flyer or click this link.
Easter Egg Drop Fundraiser!
Want to have an Easter egg hunt for your kiddos, but want to avoid the work? Let our leaders do it for you!
Big News from our Animation program!
This year Northgate was invited to participate in the Winton Art Film Festival at Carondelet High School. 8 of 10 of the students submitted an animation to the festival. Congrats to all 8 of the Intermediate Animation and Animation III students who were selected for the 2024 Winton Arts Film Festival!
Kegan Harmston Emma Neacsu
Brayden Legaspi Maxie Netzer
Dylan Mclaren Stella Noe
Abram Messiha. Kenzie Schloss
The students' animations were screened at this year's film festival that happened on March 1, 2024 from 6:30-8:30pm at Carondelet High School's Jean Hofmann Center for Innovation.
We had 2 of our students who were nominated in the Animation category:
Dylan McLaren
Kenzie Schloss
Congrats to Kenzie Schloss who was awarded the "Oakie" award for best animation at the Film Festival.
The Mitzvah Project comes back to Northgate
Roger Grunwald brought his incredible work to Northgate once more, a dramatic retelling of personal accounts of the Holocaust. Northgate students were able to experience this powerful play in the theatre, with questions and answers at the end.
Progress towards our Stadium Project Fundraising Goal!
'Legacy Lane' Brick Project Begins!
In honor of the coming 50th anniversary of Northgate High School, we are launching a fundraiser and sale of commemorative bricks for our planned 'Legacy Lane', running from the stadium entrance to the planned stadium bathrooms and concession building.
This fundraiser will raise money to build long-awaited stadium bathrooms, a concession stand, and will allow us to purchase a video scoreboard.
There are three sizes of bricks. The standard 6x8 brick ($500), a larger 8x8 brick ($1500), and the largest 12x12 brick ($5000, perfect for companies and graduating classes)
Space is finite, which means we can only sell so many bricks. Leave your 'trail' at Northgate, and purchase your family's brick today!
Important Update for Seniors
This year, we are joining the majority of schools in the Bay Area, and providing all transportation for both Junior Prom (held in Oakland at Sequoyah Country Club) and Senior Ball (held at the California Academy of Sciences!)
We have reserved Charter Buses to transport all students and their guests, and the cost of the buses will be included in the cost of the tickets. Pickup and drop off will be at Northgate HS, and students will be allowed to group together with their friends on buses. (Sign up lists will go out closer to the event)
The provided transportation is mandatory, and a move made in effort to reduce costs to families, reduce incidents of cancelled private transportation due to double bookings, and increase the overall safety for our students getting to and from the events.
Senior Ball is April 26, 2024. Students will be allowed to bring a guest, either from Northgate or from other schools. A guest contract will be required. Purchase tickets and find contracts online NOW.
Congrats to Athlete of the Week Nominee- Maxime Anum
In his team’s two victories — 11-3 over Foothill and 5-4 in double overtime over Miramonte — the senior goalie had 14 saves (66.7% save percentage) and two ground balls. Also caused a turnover as Northgate stretched its winning streak to four while improving to 7-1.
And another- Jack Richardson!
Contributed eight goals and five assists as Northgate defeated Dougherty Valley 15-1 and Acalanes 14-5. Shot 53.3% for the week (eight goals in 15 shots) and picked up 10 groundballs and caused nine turnovers as Northgate improved to 4-1.
Swim Records- Broken!
Freshman Tilly Chan broke the 5-year old pool record in JV 50 fly previously held by Jaley Croy.
Senior Lily Struempf broke the 5-year old pool record in Varsity 100 fly while also breaking the 1997 school record previously held by Coach Heidi!!
Lily and Coach Heidi- record holders past and present!
Upcoming Events
- Tuesday March 26- Boys tennis v Acalanes; Boys golf v Miramonte; Softball vs Miramonte; Boys VB @ Las Lomas; Area Orchestra Festival at Northgate HS 7pm
- Wednesday March 27- Track @ CVCHS; Middle School Leadership Exchange; Swim vs Benicia; Softball @ Alhambra
-Thursday March 28- NO SCHOOL- Spring Break Begins!
Don't miss an event! Add the Master Calendar to your own-
Senior Corner
Senior Ball
Friday, Apr 26, 2024, 05:00 PM
California Academy of Sciences, Music Concourse Drive, San Francisco, CA, USA
Senior Activities from our PFC
PFC (Parent Faculty Club) Senior Activities
SAVE THE DATE > Grad Night > Thursday, May 30th @ 7pm > Boat Cruise on the Bay > more information to follow.
Parent Volunteers Needed > Join the Grad Night Committee or help the night of sign up here > Sign up Genius
Class of 2024 Northgate Yard Signs > Purchase yours - $25 (includes delivery). Limited Availability. Purchase today at this link >> Yard Sign Order Form
Graduation Lei Fundraiser> See flyer attached and order form here >> Lei Orders
Don't Miss out on Grad Night! (you only get one!)
Grad Night - May 30, 2024
Grad Night is the night after graduation, May 30th. What is it? A last hurrah for the Senior Class together. The event is organized and hosted by parent volunteers. Grads enjoy a boat cruise leaving from Alameda (buses provided) and cruising around the Bay with dinner, a DJ, Silent Disco and more. Get your tickets and spread the word! Questions? Email nggradnight@gmail.com
Grad Rehearsal (Mandatory- all participating seniors)
Wednesday, May 29, 2024, 09:00 AM
Concord Pavilion, Kirker Pass Road, Concord, CA, USA
Graduation
Wednesday, May 29, 2024, 07:00 PM
Concord Pavilion, Kirker Pass Road, Concord, CA, USA
New Staff Spotlight: Lauren Mercado
Lauren Mercado- School Counselor
Lauren joins our counseling team after serving as a counselor in the private school setting. She brings with her 13 years of experience in education.
How would you describe your high school self? What makes you proud, and what makes you shake your head?
In high school I was an honors student, athlete, and elected to various student government positions, including Student Representative on the district board and ASB Treasurer. I competed on the swim team in Butterfly and IM. I was a bit immature in 9th grade, but turned this around and graduated as a valedictorian.
Where have you worked before Northgate?
Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School, Aspire Golden State College Preparatory School
Why are you excited to be a Bronco?
I'm excited to join a school with a great reputation for academics and athletics, in a beautiful location and neighborhood.
Where did you grow up?
San Jose, CA
Who inspires you in work and in life?
My dad is a huge personal and professional inspiration for me. I get my work ethnic from him, in addition to my values of integrity and strength.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I don't know that I'm very talented, but I enjoy being crafty in many different ways. I've made things like handmade cards and earrings.
Northgate PFC Ed Fund
We need you! Our Northgate Parent Faculty Club Education Fund helps our students and staff in so many ways, including through funding of a full-time site technician, partial funding for our social work specialist and wellness center, and special projects throughout the years.
New School Calendar for 2024-25 School Year
New Calendar approved by School Board
Of note is a new Fall Break in October, a week long break after the 1st quarter ends.
Chromebook Insurance
If you are interested in buying insurance coverage for the loaned chromebook for your student, it must be re-purchased annually. It is a solid investment, given it is only $23 for coverage, but $250 to replace a broken chromebook.
See below for information!
2023-24 COVID Guidelines
If students experience COVID symptoms, they should test as soon as possible. Take-home tests are available in the main office. Students should not attend school while they have symptoms.
If a COVID test is positive, students must quarantine for a minimum of five days from the first day of symptoms or positive test.
Students may return as long as they have been fever free for 24 hours, and symptoms are mild.
Returning students with lingering symptoms should wear a tight fitting mask to school to protect others from exposure.
Please contact the school if your student is ill by emailing nhsattendance@mdusd.org or calling extension 3505.
US News & World Report National Award- 8th Year in a Row!
Northgate High School
Email: cooperk@mdusd.org
Website: northgatehighschool.org
Location: 425 Castle Rock Rd, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
Phone: 925 938-0900
Instagram: @northgatehs