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District Newsletter: Parents as Partners Conference is Back!; Submit Feedback on the Draft Strategic Plan; WCCUSD Student Art Exhibit Opens April 10; and More

 

Hello WCCUSD Community,

As Women's History Month comes to a close, we thank everyone who joined us in celebrating the remarkable women in our community. To honor their contributions, let's continue to share our highlights on social media and in ParentSquare.

With spring break now underway, I want to wish everyone a relaxing and enjoyable break this week. School will reconvene on Monday, April 8, 2024. I encourage all students and staff to take this time to rest, refresh, and return ready to finish the school year strong.

Before you go, please take a moment to review the  that we will present to the Board this month. Throughout this process, my team and I have been fully committed to actively engaging with the community to ensure that every voice is heard in the development of our inclusive plan.

This  helps us ensure we take advantage of every opportunity to hear from you. The plan is available on our website, and we are also sharing the link to the strategic plan survey on our social media channels.

Please review the plan and share your feedback to help us improve our goal of creating the optimal learning environment for our students to become the bold, brave leaders they can be to achieve their dreams.

Let's continue to embrace positivity, wellness, and communication within our WCCUSD community. Safety and security remain paramount, and we will continue to work together to maintain a healthy environment for all —physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I wish you all a wonderful and safe Spring Break.

In Community,
Dr. Kenneth Chris Hurst
Superintendent
 

WCCUSD's Parents as Partners & Leaders Conference is Back!

WCCUSD parents, guardians and families are cordially invited to the Parents as Partners and Leaders Conference at DeJean Middle School on Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 9 AM to 12:30 PM! This conference is returning for the first time after the COVID-19 pandemic, and includes interactive, engaging workshops that will help parents and guardians support their child’s academic achievement. 


This is a fantastic and enriching opportunity for families to learn more about a variety of areas, topics, and resources in the district. Workshops will include opportunities to learn about Preschool, Attendance, Technology, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), and more.


Parents will gain valuable insights on how to get more involved in their child's success, and the conference serves as a one-stop shop for resources that can support your child's academic journey. 


Please see the flyer for more details. 

 


We Want to Hear from You: Draft 2024-27 Strategic Plan Feedback

After gaining feedback from our community sessions from 2021-2023, we present the draft of the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan (). We need your help reviewing and providing  on the draft plan, which will be presented to the School Board. Highlights in the draft include our Vision, Mission, Anti-Racism Statement, Graduate Profile, Caring Adult Profile, and Goals.


Scan the QR code or  to share your thoughts on our existing Strategic Plan. All voices in our WCCUSD community are essential to our revisions and updates. Please share the link with other staff, families, students, and community members. 

 
 
 
WCCUSD's 4th Annual All District Dance Festival Recap!

On February 29, 2024, El Cerrito High School was the vibrant hub of creativity as it hosted the 4th Annual All District Dance Festival. The event showcased the diverse choreography and unique dance styles of student dancers from El Cerrito, De Anza, and Hercules High Schools, along with Hercules and Korematsu Middle Schools.


The festival celebrated the exceptional contributions of dedicated dance directors Jessy Kronenberg, Jennifer Smith, Stephanie Oliver, Emerald Levitt, and Heather Barrett, who have not only delivered outstanding performances but have also built remarkable dance programs. 

 

Helms Middle School Hosts CinnamonGirl Workshop for Students of Color

In celebration of International Women’s Month, Helms Middle School welcomed three inspiring young women from the CinnamonGirl Program on Wednesday, March 13, in the school’s library to provide an opportunity for students to engage and foster discussions on leadership, pursuing one’s dreams, and overcoming obstacles.


Founded in 2003,  initially aimed to foster friendships with high-achieving female mentors. Over the years, the program has evolved and expanded its reach, now offering programs tailored to girls’ individual interests and talents. This enables girls of color from all over the world to benefit from signature master classes, mentorship, coaching, and the opportunity to build lasting connections within a community of accomplished women and girls.


During the event, the Cinnamon Girls shared their personal journeys, highlighting their roles as authors, book club hosts, mentors, world travelers, and entrepreneurs. Helms students actively participated by sharing their aspirations and recounting the challenges they have already conquered on their paths to success.

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
58th Annual WCCUSD Student Art Show Opens April 10

The community is invited to the 58th Annual Art Show, which will be featured at the Richmond Art Center (RAC). The show will kick off on April 10 and continue until May 28. Our art show’s Reception and Student Awards will also be held at RAC on April 16 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Awards will be presented starting at 5:45 p.m.


This event will showcase the diverse artistic talent within our WCCUSD Secondary Schools, with over 300 students from 13 district schools participating.


“This exhibition, curated by dedicated classroom art teachers and the Richmond Art Center staff, highlights students’ artistic abilities and demonstrates the effectiveness of our district’s arts curriculum,” said Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Coordinator Chris Read. “I hope the WCCUSD Student Art Show at the Richmond Art Center inspires our students, future students, and all community members to continue pursuing their creative passions.” 


Our participating schools are as follows: Betty Reid Soskin Middle School, De Anza High School, DeJean Middle School, El Cerrito High School, Fred T. Korematsu Middle School, Helms Middle School, Hercules High School, John F. Kennedy High School, Mira Vista School, Montalvin School, Pinole Valley High School, Richmond High School, Vista High School (Learn more via the )


EdFund Scholarship

This year, the Ed Fund is proud to offer six scholarship opportunities to the WCCUSD graduating Class of 2024! Click  to be taken directly to the scholarship application.


All scholarship applicants must: 1) Demonstrate financial need; 2) Complete the FAFSA/CADA application by April 2, 2024; 3) Plan to attend a 2 or 4-year College or University immediately after graduation; 4) Graduate from a WCCUSD high school (ECHS, PVHS, DAHS, RHS, KHS, HHS, MCHS, Vista, or Greenwood Academy)



If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Sarah Camacho at . 

 

 
Share Your Feedback on Richmond & Kennedy High School Building Projects

The design processes are underway for the Kennedy and Richmond High Schools modernization projects. We need your input on the design character for the new buildings. Please complete the survey to provide input on these exciting projects' building styles and exterior materials.

Richmond English - 

Richmond Spanish - 

Kennedy English - 

Kennedy Spanish - 

 

 
Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee Seeks Members

The West Contra Costa Unified School District Board of Education is soliciting applications from community members to serve on the Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC). 


The CBOC oversees school construction using funding from the current WCCUSD bond measures. To learn more about the CBOC’s role and the responsibilities of its members, please visit the . Prospective members must  and submit supporting documents to apply.


Appointments to the CBOC are made by the Board of Education.