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District Newsletter: Happy Cinco de Mayo!, 8-12 graders offered an opportunity to travel to China, RHS Senior Awarded Amazon Engineering Scholarship, Principal Listening Sessions and More

 

Hello WCCUSD community,

 

Happy Cinco de Mayo! I want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate the many students and staff members in our school district who observe this important day. It is always a joy to join our school community in the annual parade. Unfortunately, the parade was postponed due to the weather. However, we look forward to participating in the celebration in September. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, and has become a symbol of Mexican heritage and pride.

 

As we celebrate Cinco de Mayo, let’s also take this opportunity to deepen our understanding of its history and significance. By learning more about this day, we can better appreciate the cultures and traditions it represents. Let’s celebrate in a way that respects and includes everyone, fostering a sense of belonging and unity in our school community.

 

As we continue to celebrate our community’s diversity, we have several exciting events and recognitions lined up this month. I encourage you to stay updated by following our newsletters, social media platforms, and Board Meetings. Together, let’s highlight and celebrate the rich diversity that makes WCCUSD a vibrant and inclusive community.

 

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in creating a safe and welcoming environment for all students and staff members.

 

Sincerely,

 

Kenneth C. Hurst, Sr., Ed.D 
Superintendent

 

 
Amazon Fuels Tech Dreams: Richmond High School Student Awarded Scholarship to Pursue Computer Science, Engineering

Richmond High School senior Sara Hermosillo Canedo has been honored with the prestigious Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship for her exceptional dedication, hard work, and commitment to her studies and extracurricular activities. The scholarship, part of an initiative to provide STEM education to underrepresented and underserved communities, recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional computer science and coding skills. 

 

Sara was nominated by one of her teachers, Ms. Marilyn Ahuna, and was one of only 63 students in the state and 400 nationwide to receive the award this year. In addition to the scholarship, Sara has also been offered a paid internship at Amazon after her first year of college. 


To celebrate her achievement, Sara was joined by her mother and several members of the Richmond High School staff, including Mr. Luciano Del Rio, who served as her Robotics mentor; Ms. Krista Jann, the school counselor; and Mr. Jose De Leon, the Secondary Executive Director and former principal of RHS. Congratulations to Sara on this well-deserved honor!

 

WCCUSD to Host Community Listening Sessions for Pinole Valley High, Washington and Stege Elementary Schools

The West Contra Costa Unified School District is hosting a listening session for the Pinole Valley High School, Washington, and Stege Elementary School communities. The session aims to seek input from students, families, and staff to identify the most important qualifications required for their next principal. Please refer to the flyers for event details specific to each school.

 

Monday, May 6, 2024

5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
(In-person) PVHS Library
 
Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Join Zoom Meeting: 
Meeting ID: 944 4744 6248
Passcode: 557814
Dial-In: 669 444 9171

 

Thursday, May 9, 2024

5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
(In-person)
 


 
Science Field Days at Riverside Elementary for All Elementary Schoolers

Have fun exploring science on upcoming field days on Saturday, May 4th, Saturday, May 11, or both! This free program allows students to ask their own research questions, collect data and participate in investigative activities. Science mentors will guide the students through the scientific method, stimulating discovery and exploration. Click here to register. 


Enjoy exploring science on the upcoming field days - either on Saturday, May 4th, Saturday, May 11th, or both. This program is free of cost and enables students to ask their own research questions, collect data, and participate in investigative activities. Skilled science mentors will guide the students through the scientific method, encouraging discovery and exploration. . 


 
The 58th Annual WCCUSD Student Art Exhibit and Reception at Richmond Art Center

On Tuesday April 16th, the Richmond Art Center, in partnership with WCCUSD VAPA, hosted a special reception to celebrate the art of over 300 WCCUSD students from thirteen participating schools. Art from clay sculptures to visual media to pop art were displayed in the main gallery for families, friends, and the community to see. 10 students received an “Artistic Achievement Award”, which included a certificate, check and their art featured in the Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez ’s office. 10 more students were recognized and awarded as “Honorable Mentions”:

 

The Richmond Art Center, in collaboration with WCCUSD Visual and Performing Arts Department (VAPA), held its annual art exhibit and reception on Tuesday, April 16th, to showcase the artwork of more than 300 students from thirteen participating schools. The students’ artwork, ranging from clay sculptures to visual media to pop art, was displayed in the main gallery for families, friends, and community members to enjoy. During the event, ten students were presented with an Artistic Achievement Award, which included a certificate, a stipend, and their artwork featured in the office of Richmond Mayor Eduardo Martinez. Additionally, ten more students were recognized and awarded Honorable Mentions:

 

Artistic Achievement Awards Winners

  • Adrian Salmoran, Richmond High

  • Rose Yerian, Pinole Valley High

  • Valeria Rodriguez, John F. Kennedy High

  • Quin Savage, Pinole Valley High

  • Jose Guzman, De Anza High

  • Ira Quimora, De Anza High

  • Tyson WIlliams, El Cerrito High

  • Meghan Reisbord, El Cerrito High

  • Lourdes Mendoza Ramos, John F. Kennedy High

  • Caylee Patterson, Betty Reid Soskin Middle


Honorable Mentions

  • Jirah Jabla, Montalvin K-8

  • Suzie Rassinoux, Fred T. Korematsu

  • Ronard Abesamis, El Cerrito High

  • Raheru Allen, Hercules High

  • Dani Hermosillo, DeJean Middle School

  • Lydia Icabalceta, Vista High

  • Brian Perez, Helms Middle

  • Gorety Valdivia Gomez, El Cerrito High

  • Ashley Belen Torres, Pinole Valley High

  • Liana Soriano, Pinole Valley High


Congratulations to all of our WCCUSD students who participated in the exhibit and showcasing your creativity to the community. You still have time to visit and see the amazing artwork of our students from now until May 18th. You can also view student’s artwork here with the “

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Global Ambassador Program offers WCCUSD Students a Life-Changing Trip to China!

Calling all WCCUSD students from 8th grade to 12th grade! PCC Education’s Global Ambassador Program offers WCCUSD students the opportunity to take a 3-week trip to China. Students will visit cities and towns, from Beijing to Tianjin and Hebei. Within these cities and towns, students will have the opportunity to: 

  • Earn college credit!

  • Enhance global leadership skills

  • Immerse yourself in the food, culture, and language. 

The total cost of the trip is $1975 per person; however, scholarships are available. If you’re interested you can sign up using 

 


 
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.