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On "World Read Aloud Day," which is celebrated the first Wednesday of February, Westwood Elementary and Meadow Homes Elementary invited special guests to read books to their students. 

MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark read, "The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes: The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath," by Julia Finley Mosca, to a class of 3rd graders, and also to several 5th graders in the library at Westwood Elementary. He chose the book in recognition of February as Black and African American History Month. Dr. Clark encouraged students to read to find out about other interesting people and places. "You can go anywhere in the whole world through reading," he said. He also answered lots of questions from the students about the book, as well as about his job as Superintendent. 

Meadow Homes Elementary welcomed more than a dozen guest readers to its campus, including Enrollment Services Director Aurelia Buscemi, Board President Debra Mason, and Multilingual Education Dept. Assistant Director Chitra Bhardwaj.

Buscemi read "Never Follow a Dinosaur," by Alex Latimer, which she used to read to students when she was a Principal at Pleasant Hill Elementary, whose mascot is a dinosaur. Buscemi engaged the students with hand motions and asked them questions about the story. "It's a very interactive book," she said after the class. "Students use their literacy skills, such as predicting what is going to happen, and making sense of what they hear, by asking questions and going back and re-reading things that don't make sense."

Trustee Mason said she chose "The Black Stallion" because it was one of her daughter's favorite books when she was a girl. Mason said she enjoys reading to students because she loves reading and hopes to pass that onto them. "I've read 3,000 books since I graduated from high school," Mason said. "I try to read a book a week - and I did last year."

Bhardwaj said she chose "Always Anjali" because it was about a girl who was teased about her name being different, but then she learned to appreciate her identity. Bhardwaj said she wants our students to take pride in their diverse identities. She said the teacher planned to do a follow-up project with the students on this topic.

Thank you to everyone who helped share their love of reading with our students!

Click here to watch a reel highlighting the event.

 

The 7th Annual MDUSD Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Expo on Feb. 5 at Mt. Diablo High School attracted nearly 600 juniors and seniors from District high schools, who met with representatives from 21 HBCUs. Approximately $1.8 million in scholarships was offered to about 35 students, including some who received four-year scholarships and certified admittance awards.

The HBCU representatives provided guidance on college readiness and shared the unique qualities of their colleges and universities with students. Ja'Wan Wright, from Philander Smith University in Little Rock, Ark., said the caravan HBCU program is traveling to several schools in California. "This gives us the opportunity to connect with students and show them what we have to offer," he said.

Concord HS juniors Tatiana Razvalieaeff and Symone Rollins said they appreciated learning about different opportunities after graduation. "I'm here to experience my culture collectively with everyone and to see things I'm interested in," said Symone, who wants to study psychology. Tatiana, who wants to pursue arts and sports, added: "I'm here to see my options and see what scholarships I could get." 

This year’s event also spotlighted the Drumlines from Mt. Diablo High School and Northgate High School, said Linda Pete, Director of Strategic Supports and Interventions. "The drum beats were energizing, and both schools highlighted the diverse talent in our schools."

The event was successful thanks to the hard work and leadership of Instructional Program Specialist Dr. Diane Fitzpatrick and Mt. Diablo HS Career & College Advisor Erika Ramos, Pete added. Ramos said she enjoyed seeing smiles all around the event. "It warms my heart to know that students can see their potential options at an HBCU," Ramos said.

Click here to see a reel highlighting the event.

 

MDUSD is excited to have launched a new Teacher Residency program in partnership with St. Mary's College of California, which offers teachers in training the opportunity to work alongside a highly qualified teacher mentor in our District three days a week. This year, 12 teacher residents have been placed in Hidden Valley, Strandwood and Wren Avenue elementary schools; and at El Dorado and Riverview middle schools. They include residents pursuing multiple subject, single subject math, and special education credentials, who receive stipends of $31,400 per year and are given priority for substitute teaching positions while they are residents and for teaching positions after they earn their preliminary credentials at the end of this school year.

"I think it's going really well," said Christina Nelson, MDUSD's Teacher Residency Program Coordinator. "We're hoping to fill hard-to-fill positions and we are focused on diversifying the workforce." 

MDUSD and St. Mary's College are co-hosting a virtual information night from 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 for those who are interested in participating in the second year of the program in 2026-27 (RSVP here). The application deadline to St. Mary's is March 1 and candidates can apply to the MDUSD residency after they are accepted.

At Riverview MS, teacher resident Dre Walker said he feels blessed to have been accepted into the program and paired with Special Education teacher Mary Acebu, a 13-year veteran who teaches Special Day Class students in grades 7-8. "I have to step up my game this year, in terms of lesson planning and being able to group the students strategically," she said, explaining how she is adapting to having another educator in the classroom along with para-educator Kimberley Montano. The students shift from one class to the next because many are mainstreamed for part of the day. "I'm here to show him the ropes on IEPs (Individualized Education Programs), testing, using different technologies to reach the kids, district requirements, and getting him ready for next year, once he becomes a full-fledged special education teacher."

Both Walker and Acebu agree that it is rewarding to teach special education. "Kids light up in the classroom once they understand something - that's always the goal," Acebu said. "They'll say, 'Oh, you taught me that last week,' and it just clicks. Those 'aha' moments - I live for those. I love that the most - being with the kids. I know if I can change even one student's life, I think I've fulfilled my purpose."

Walker sees the strong relationships that Acebu has built with her current and former students and he is working to establish his own connections with students. "She has found the students' superpowers," he said. "Most of our students have a skillset they don't realize. We bring it to light, so they can see it and run with it. These kids need an opportunity to be with quality teachers who believe in them."

One student named Alex said she likes both Acebu and Walker. "She's fantastic," Alex said of Acebu. "She's the fun teacher. She's nice and she's kind. And Mr. Dre - he's kind and he likes my artwork and how I try my best when I'm doing my work." Walker and Alex get along so well that they have created their own handshake, which they excitedly demonstrated.

Both Acebu and Walker are on the same wavelength in terms of blending academic and social and emotional learning by making their classroom a positive place where students feel safe, respected, academically challenged, welcome and valued. "We teach them to love themselves and to love others," Walker said. "Our kids are not afraid to ask questions," Acebu added.

Relying on the Universal Design for Learning, they design lessons to meet students' individual needs. Acebu, who is one of the school's Technology Integration Leaders, uses multimedia, websites and creates her own virtual lessons taking students places they have never been, such as Japan. When they use videos, such as CNN 10 current events, Acebu and Walker stop the program often to talk about it and how it relates to students' lives, explaining vocabulary words that may be unfamiliar. Acebu tries to make lessons engaging by rephrasing questions, alternating between multiple choice, writing and oral lessons. When some students said they didn't know why they were getting Tuesday off, that sparked a discussion about Veterans Day and why it's important - and Acebu learned that some students have military family members.

"She's fluid," Walker observed. "She's constantly changing based on the surroundings and characteristics of her students." By listening to the students, Acebu said she is able to figure out what they are interested in and what they have questions about. She also gives them short breaks during lessons so they don't feel bombarded by too many questions in a row. And she encourages students to ask questions if they don't understand something, which helps them feel confident and prepares them for high school. 

Walker attends staff meetings and is included in Acebu's communications to other staff members and to parents, which include weekly reports about what students are learning. Acebu said teaching life skills is Walker's forte. He loves explaining things like Native American History and Digital Citizenship to students.

Both Acebu and Walker said they would highly recommend the Teacher Residency program to aspiring teachers, as well as to veteran teacher mentors. "It can seem overwhelming to work with another person in the class, but it takes skill, patience and leadership," Acebu said. "When you know what you're able to bring to the table to help someone be the best teacher they can be, this is the perfect program to help people who want to be teachers in the future."

Walker said Acebu welcomed him with open arms and treated him as an equal when he first arrived. "At age 57, I'm learning new things," Walker said. "She's amazing."

Note: This news item was originally published Nov. 15, 2025. It was updated Feb. 6, 2026 with details about the Feb. 10, 2026 information night.

Click here to register.

This week's MDUSD Friday Letter spotlights: 

• The 7th Annual MDUSD HBCU Fair at Mt. Diablo High School,
• Career Pathways across our District,
• Mt. Diablo High School’s Patient Care Pathway students,
• Silverwood Elementary students recognized at the PTA District level for their creativity and excellence in the PTA Reflections program;
• The Foundry Career Pathway in its inaugural year at Olympic HS;
• World Read Aloud Day visits and special readings at Westwood and Meadow Homes Elementary Schools;
• College Park HS Mock Trial team finishes its second year of competition;
• School and Staff Social Media Highlights including recognitions for National School Counseling Week;
• And more!

You can read it here.

 

MDUSD's College Now program at Diablo Valley College (DVC), enables 11th and 12th-graders to begin their college journeys while they are still in high school. College Now is recruiting students who will be high school juniors and seniors in 2026-27 for the program, which gives students the opportunity to take 3–4 high school classes each day, taught by MDUSD teachers, while also enrolling in DVC courses that meet high school graduation requirements, all on the DVC campus. The program is hosting Family Information Nights at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4 at Willow Creek Center (and virtually), and at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10 at Mt. Diablo HS (see flyers). Applications are due Feb. 12.

"This program is a great fit for motivated, self-directed students who are excited to explore their future and experience learning in a real college setting, with the guidance and support they need to succeed," said Program Administrator Susan Hartwig. Students in the alternative high school program also have the opportunity to explore possible career interests. The goal of the program is for all College Now graduates to finish high school with at least one year of college completed.

This head start on college saves both time and money when students go on to complete college. Since 2016-17, College Now has provided academic rigor in a supportive community of teachers, counselors and tutors, to help students navigate college. It is seeking 60 11th graders and about 10 12th graders to fill spots available. Students currently in the program highly recommend it, saying it gives them independence, flexible schedules, and the ability take college classes in subjects that interest them.

Seniors Fernando Solis and Zahra Almukter, who both previously attended Concord HS, said they were seeking something different from a traditional high school experience. They like the small class sizes with three teachers and a counselor who value their opinions and want to help them achieve their goals. "They're very attentive and they care," Zahara said, adding that Counselor Rima Boujaoude has helped her with both school and personal issues. "She has a great place in my heart." They also both said their class conversations are thoughtful and deep. Almukter referenced a discussion analyzing race in America in her Psychology class. Fernando added: "In my Sociology class, we talk about sensitive topics and have discussions about race and gender and how we perceive ourselves."

Juniors Tristan Moffett, Akieam Owens, Brisa Torres and Madison Barrett also praised the program. They appreciate learning alongside other students who are focused on going to college or military academies. Like the seniors, they value the close-knit community and one-in-one attention they receive. College Now students are still connected to their "home" schools and can participate in sports and other activities on those campuses, as well as part-time jobs. Madison is on the College Park HS Girls Wrestling team, Akieam is planning to participate in track at Mt. Diablo HS and Brisa participated in Cheer at Mt. Diablo HS. All three said the College Now teachers were very supportive of students who juggle extracurricular activities or jobs with school and noted that they can take classes as early as 6 a.m. or as late as 8 p.m. to fit their schedules. They also said they appreciate the AVID classes at College Now, which help them to develop skills such as study habits, time management and self advocacy that are needed in college. They recommend the program, but said students who join it must be prepared to work hard, with help. "It's a super fast pace," Brisa said. "You have to realize these are college classes. There's no slacking off. You need to make sure you're ready." Madison agreed, saying, "They want you to do your best, but they expect a lot of you and there's definitely a lot of support." Tristan added: "They know that you're here to succeed and in order to get you there, they have to push you, but the workload is up to you." They also said they take advantage of college resources such as study halls, student centers and the modern library. 

Samira Kilicheva, a junior who transferred into the program from Mt. Diablo HS, where she started out as an English Learner as an immigrant from Uzbekistan, is thriving in the College Now program. She expects to be "reclassified" as Fluent English Proficient when she takes the required exam in the Spring, and no longer needs to take English Language Development (ELD) courses. But when she sometimes doesn't understand a word or concept, she said the College Now teachers are patient and help to explain the meaning using different words. "I really like it," she said. "The teachers really love their jobs and they put their passion into teaching and it makes me love this place even more." She appreciates that History Teacher Mrs. Shaw doesn't tell her the answers. "She leads me to the answer so I can get it myself," Samira said, adding that she recommends the program highly. "This place is perfect for people who know what they want, or if you don’t know, there are so many people here who help you understand, and it motivates you to become better each day and it gives you a lot of opportunities. This place leads you step by step into the real world."

 

This week's MDUSD Friday Letter spotlights:

• The College Now program at Diablo Valley College (DVC),
• The Great Kindness Challenge, which took place at many of our schools,
• The Ygnacio Valley High School Education Academy, 
• A beautiful new "Stars" mural at Delta View Elementary School, made possible through the support of the Mt. Diablo Education Foundation;
• A recent driver safety lesson held for immigrant boys from Afghanistan at Ygnacio Valley High School in collaboration with the Family Justice Center;
• School and Staff Social Media Highlights celebrating school events, staff shout-outs, and more from around the District.

You can read it here.

 

MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark sent the following message to District families and staff on Jan. 27, 2026:

Dear MDUSD Community,

Many have reached out and expressed concerns regarding recent reports of increased federal immigration enforcement activity across the country. I want to take this opportunity to reassure all of our students, families and staff that the safety and well-being of everyone in our schools remains our top priority.

Mt. Diablo Unified School District has clear policies in place to protect our students and their information. We do not release any student or their personal information to anyone other than their parent or legal guardian. In the situation of federal immigration agents, such as ICE, we will only respond if agents present a valid judicial warrant signed by a judge. Without such a warrant, no access to our campuses or student information will be granted.

All of our school administrators and front office staff are trained and aware of these procedures. Additionally, if there is any sign of unsafe activity near or around our campuses, we will immediately enact our school safety plans, which may include lockdown protocols and modified dismissal procedures to ensure student safety.

We are also aware that some federal agencies may not follow standard operating procedures in the field, which is why we proceed with extreme caution in any such circumstance. Our approach remains rooted in protecting the rights of our students and staff, and in maintaining safe, welcoming campuses for all.

We understand the fear and uncertainty many students and families are feeling. Our schools are safe, and we are committed to ensuring that every student feels supported and protected. We will continue to monitor developments closely and provide additional guidance as needed.

Thank you for your partnership and trust as we work together to keep our community safe.

Sincerely,

Dr. Adam Clark
Superintendent
Mt. Diablo Unified School District

The SOAR Program hosted its 3rd Annual Winter Resource Fair on Thursday, January 23, at the Willow Creek Center. SOAR families received essential items including blankets, toys, socks, shoes, hats, gloves, umbrellas, grocery items, free haircuts, and a hot meal. In addition, more than 40 bicycles and an assortment of gift cards were raffled off to families.

The SOAR (Support Office for Access and Resources) Program extends its sincere thanks to the MDUSD community for the incredible support that made this event possible, including financial contributions, donations of bicycles and other essential items, and the many hours volunteered by staff and community members, said Program Specialist Rosie Reid.

While donations are accepted year-round, the annual donation drive—which enables staff to purchase needed items and support families in accessing these and other critical resources—will continue through January 30, 2026.

Any MDUSD family in need of clothing, shoes, winter apparel, school supplies, hygiene products, or assistance with referrals to community agencies or public benefits is encouraged to contact or visit the SOAR Office.

SOAR Office
1026 Mohr Lane
Concord, CA 94518
Hours: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., school days

 

This week's Friday Letter highlights:

• The 3rd Annual Winter Resource Fair, hosted by our SOAR program;
• MDUSD ACSA Region 6 Administrator of the Year nominees;
• Student Advisory Committee Board presentation;
• Northgate High School’s Debate Club recently participated in the Harvard Model Congress, where Umaiza Youna earned an Honorable Mention Award in the media category;
• Ygnacio Valley High School senior Boys Basketball Player Jestus Akudinobi highlighted by Bay Area News Group;
• College Park High School students, along with school leaders from CPHS and Sequoia Middle School, led an Anti-Racism Assembly at Sequoia MS in honor of the Martin Luther King Jr. observance;
• Ygnacio Valley HS Project 212 Robotics Team newsletter highlights competition preparations;
• Staff and school social media highlights, including Superintendent's visit to Gregory Gardens Elementary;
• And more!

You can read it here.

 

Northgate HS Ethnic Studies teacher Meg Honey and Saint Mary’s College of California Professor Dr. Mary Raygoza are both passionate about helping their students understand the importance of diversity in children’s literature. 

Honey helped found the Rise Up Against Racism nonprofit that installs “Little Free Antiracist Libraries” in the community, including at El Dorado MS and in her own classroom. Filled with books that have been banned elsewhere, the library is a resource for Honey’s students, who are delving into issues including justice and identity, as well as book bans, censorship, and activism.

“Ethnic studies students explore themes of joy and resilience, inclusion, equity, and belonging,” Honey said. “And children’s literature really helps us make sense of those important topics in a way that provides great access and connection, while also giving us the opportunity to discuss big topics in really simple form.” 

Raygoza is teaching a course this month called, “J is for Justice: Early Childhood Books for a More Just World,” which is exploring similar themes. So, Honey invited Raygoza and her college students to collaborate with the Northgate Ethnic Studies students in a joint discussion on Tuesday about how children’s literature impacts children and families. The students broke into groups to read and discuss some of the books, after the teachers noted that children’s books can be viewed as “mirrors,” “windows,” or “sliding glass doors.”

Reflecting on this, Northgate student Emma Arruda said, "books serve as a mirror that can reflect your own lived experiences, a sliding glass door that allows you to put yourself into another person's reality, and a window that allows you to take a deeper look into another person's life/culture." Emma said her group "also talked about how some of these books might be put on banned or censored book lists as a way to suppress people's chosen identities that don't fit the mold of social norms."

The students used a rubric called "Considerations in Selecting Books for Young Children that Build Equity and Inclusion," as they discussed the characters, stories, themes, settings and illustrations in the books. Honey noted that historically some groups of people have been virtually "left out" of literature, while other people have been "over-represented in books and media." Her students sometimes analyze children's books while referencing high school level books such as "An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States," to see how the same themes are discussed at different grade levels.

After reading the book, "Cornrows," by Camille Yarbrough, Northgate senior Ismael Opeyany said: "The book provided us a window to look into a different culture, showing the importance of braids. Coming from somebody outside this culture, I understand their culture better now.”

Saint Mary's student Kate Plachy complimented an insight shared by a Northgate junior Brooke Rooney, who said that the reason people ban books is because they know the messaging works in helping people to better understand each other. Honey agreed, adding: "People who are implementing book bans know that these books create more inclusive and welcoming societies."

For Honey and Raygoza, as well as their students, the time spent together was inspiring and motivated them to want to collaborate with each other again in the future. 

"Our convening affirmed that social justice and community-centered learning can take place across education levels," Raygoza said. "SMC undergraduates learned from and with high school students as they read and analyzed early childhood books together. What was most powerful was watching my college students learn directly from high school students who are already thinking critically about representation, power, and whose stories get told. Meg Honey’s high school students are engaged in sophisticated, justice-centered literary analysis."

Raygoza also praised Honey's teaching and relationship to her students. "Meg Honey’s classroom is a space where joy, critical inquiry, and community come through not only her curriculum but the uplifting and affirming ways in which she engages with all students."  

Honey was also incredibly impressed with Raygoza's accomplishments and the work she is continuing to do at Saint Mary's College. They are both Northgate HS alumni — Honey graduated in 1997 and Raygoza graduated in 2005, with Honey as her swim coach.

"Returning to Northgate as an alum was deeply personal," Raygoza said after the class. "My path into educational research and teacher education began here with my senior project focused on the topic of educational inequity in the era of No Child Left Behind. Pursuing my passion was possible because of my humanizing, empowering teachers at Woodside Elementary, Oak Grove MS, and Northgate."

She went onto earn Bachelors and Masters degrees and a Ph.D., and teaches in the Teacher Education program at St. Mary's. But the "J is for Justice" course is open to students with any major and focuses on children's books that uplift characters of marginalized identities. "The culminating assignment of the course is for students to author their own children’s book, selecting a theme based on something they would have loved to read as a child themself," Raygoza said.

Honey said she was glad her students got to learn how Raygoza started out as a Northgate student and followed her passion to make a difference in education through her work. 

Both the Northgate and SMC students said they appreciated the joint learning experience, as well as the educators.

• SMC junior Anna Clara Rocha ('27), said: "We got to sit down and meet with the students in Ms. Honey’s social justice class and I can say that as a college student from Saint Mary’s College I was thoroughly impressed with what I witnessed. The students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, spoke eloquently about such important social issues and were very well informed. You could feel the energy in the classroom, these kids are the future of social justice and Ms. Honey has created an amazingly safe environment to teach this curriculum!"

• Northgate senior Ciaria Ireland said: "Working with SMC students was a fun and new experience for me. I would love to do something like this in the future, maybe even just reading books about topics related to Ethnic studies, and then dissecting and studying the book. This visit really brought out something I didn't even know was inside of me."

• Northgate freshman Charlotte King said: "I really enjoyed listening to everything the SMC students had to say. They all had very valuable insights, and the sharing space felt very comfortable. I think it was also super fun to be able to understand the perspectives of people older and more educated on certain topics."

• Northgate junior Brooke Rooney said: "I would love the opportunity to collaborate with SMC students once again because it gives us high schoolers the belief in our own capabilities of contribution, even if we have not yet reached the collegiate level of education. I believe true learning is held in experiences and reaching beyond the walls of a single institution. In order to move forward as a flourishing society we need to have the courage to expand the reach of our knowledge."

• Northgate sophomore Livia Stroh said: "We talked about representation shown in the children's books that we read and how the books were able to show that in a way that would be easy for young children to understand. Each book has a different way of showing the representation that aligns with the themes and topics in Ethnic Studies, and they each show the representation in a clear and respectful way that is easy for children to learn from and understand."

• SMC student Olivia Burke (NHS '23, SMC '27), said: "Mrs. Honey’s classroom is filled with joy and passion, and I am grateful that I got to experience it! It is clear that she has a heart for her students and the material she teaches, and is making a real impact through her work. I am so glad to know that Northgate students have such a wonderful teacher and role model who is highlighting the value of social justice, activism, and representation."

In a followup survey at Northgate, many students said they would like more opportunities to engage with SMC students. "I truly hope to continue working with Mary (Raygoza) and create more moments like Tuesday," Honey said, adding that she is also excited about MDUSD's teacher residency partnership with Saint Mary's. "There are so many powerful understandings and experiences that happen when K-12 schools connect with our higher education institution partners."

Social Justice Storytime with Saint Mary's College Students on Jan. 17th at Pleasant Hill Library 

Dr. Raygoza and her "J is for Justice" students will present a special Social Justice Storytime in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership in the Civil Rights Movement at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Pleasant Hill Library.

The students will read a selection of children's books that focus on themes of empathy, inclusivity, solidarity and mindfulness. The program is best suited for ages 2-8 with a caregiver. No registration required.

Gregory Gardens Elementary Principal Katie Koontz is promoting this event to her school community because it ties in with the school's emphasis on the social justice curriculum standards of identity, diversity, justice and action — which are part of the school's Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) program.

"Our social justice work is really about giving students the tools and language to talk about who they are, how they relate to others, and how to handle big feelings and real-world topics in a safe, supported way," Koontz said. "Each standard has age-appropriate lessons and book selections that help spark conversation, build empathy, and teach students how to listen, reflect, and respond respectfully." 

Raygoza said the event information has been shared with MDUSD principals and is expected to draw over 100 families. "We're so excited," she said. "Children's books and literacy — including book bans and debates on the science of reading — are hot news topics right now. The work of educators, librarians, and children's book authors to inspire hope, awareness, solidarity, and change through books and early reading is so important. Children's books offer high school and college students alike opportunities to engage in critical analysis and hope."