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The 2026 graduation season has come to a close in MDUSD, after families, friends and District staff and community members celebrated the Northgate HS and College Park HS graduations last month, along with a celebration for graduates in the College Now program at Diablo Valley College. A recap of those graduation celebrations is here. MDUSD graduations finished up with the Bridge Program, Concord HS, Alternative Education programs, Olympic HS and Crossroads HS, Mt. Diablo HS, Ygnacio Valley HS and the Adult Education high school program.

The Bridge Program, which serves students 18-22 with disabilities who have completed four years of high school, held its graduation on May 29 at the Loma Vista Adult Education Center in Concord. At the event, which was not live-streamed, 13 thirteen graduates received high school diplomas after learning life and work skills that will help them transition to adulthood. MDUSD Board Member Linda Mayo accepted the class. "Proud parents, care givers, extended family and friends cheered the students as they accepted their credentials," Mayo said in a Facebook post. Principal Joel Miner, Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark and Dr. Wendi Aghily, Chief of Pupil Services and Special Education, "praised the students for their successes, and their genuine kindness to each other and the joy they shared with everyone they met."

The Concord HS graduation, which took place on May 29 at the Toyota Pavilion in Concord, can be viewed here. It included choir performances by "The Honey Tones" and "The Hopeless Chromatics," a vocal performance by Aislinn Mika Tsunoda - which prompted some students to get up dance, and a musical performance by the Jazz Band. An "Inclusive Student Welcome" in several different languages featured students Yesenia Rivera (English), Maria-Cristina Correa (Spanish), Angela Tuvshinbayar (Mongolian), Hamidullah Ahmadzai (Pashto), Samenta Phoumary (lao), Eiadnray Khinn (Burmese), and Abdul Barakzai (Dari). It also featured inspirational addresses from Principal Julene MacKinnon - who became principal when the graduating seniors were freshmen, graduate speakers Madalyn Flores,  Chanelle Champion and Asma Naimi; keynote speaker Sheila Bergum, who is the College & Career Advisor; and Dr. Clark, who recognized graduating Student Board Member Alan Barrera Orellana with a hug on stage. Board Member Tom McDougall accepted the graduates.

The Alternative Education graduation for Glenbrook Academy, Horizons Center for Independent Study, and Prospect HS can be viewed here. It included inspirational speeches from Dr. Clark, Principal Charles A. Harrington Jr., Glenbrook Academy Principal David Lewis-Muhammad, Board President Debra Mason, Horizons graduate Gabrielle Nemeth and Prospect graduate Delaney Wright. It also included the presentation of Mt. Diablo Council of PTAs scholarships to two students.

The Olympic HS and Crossroad HS graduation can be viewed here. It included inspirational remarks from Board Member Debra Mason; Olympic HS Principal Courtney Lyon and Crossroads Principal Coleen Martin; Dr. Clark; Crossroads HS speaker Ruth Alexandra Martinez Rodriguez and Olympic HS speaker Stephanie Erica Mae Pita; and teacher Marissa Prater, who was selected by students for the Hilde Spritzer Award.

The Mt. Diablo HS graduation can be viewed here. It included inspirational addresses by Principal Dr. Markell McCain - who became principal when the graduating seniors were freshmen; students Rahim Amiry, Gerardo Martinez, and Patrick Paul M. Gaan; Dr. Clark - who praised the school's BASES program, JROTC and recently resurrected band; and Board Member Linda Mayo, who received applause when she said, "AI is not superior to humanity. Humanity must always be the first consideration."

The Ygnacio Valley HS graduation can be viewed here. It began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by graduates Zinab Rahmati and Erika Sainbileg, and included inspirational remarks from Principal Amanda Loushin - who noted that graduating seniors were the first class that were "Wolves" for all four years of high school; student speakers Gabrille Love and Jhostin Carranza Serrano; Dr. Clark - who praised the International Baccalaureate Program, Project 212 Robotics team, basketball program, Wellness Center and One Day at a Time program; and Board President Debra Mason. The event also included recognition of student Ernest A. Wutzke and Golden Wolf award winners.

Click here to see a reel highilghting the above graduation ceremonies.

The Adult Education High School graduation took place at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 7th at the Loma Vista Adult Center in Concord. It was not live-streamed.

This week's MDUSD Friday Letter spotlights:

• The graduating classes of The Bridge, Concord HS, Prospect HS, Horizons Center for Independent Study, Glenbrook Academy, Olympic HS, Crossroads HS, Mt. Diablo HS, and Ygnacio Valley HS;
• Mt. Diablo High School Culinary Arts 1 students' "Pop Up Restaurant" final;
• Northgate High School freshman featured in a National Public Radio report on how technology supports students with dyslexia;
• El Dorado Middle School's student Toro News team gives a behind-the-scenes look at the new kitchen being built in the multi-use room;
• Our Pride Flag raising;
• Superintendent's end-of-year message;
• School and Staff Social Media Highlights including 5th and 8th grade promotions, high school graduations, and a celebration of staff members retiring;
• And more!

Click to read it here. 

MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark sent the following message to District families on June 2, 2026:

Dear MDUSD Families,

What a year it has been.

As we close out the 25-26 school year, I want to take a moment to speak directly to the heart of everything we do in Mt. Diablo Unified: you, our families, and the 29,000 students you have entrusted to our care.

It is not something we take lightly. Every morning, you send us your most precious gift, and every day, our teachers, classified staff, and administrators show up committed to living up to those expectations. Across all 55 of our schools, from our youngest learners taking their first steps into a classroom to our seniors walking across the graduation stage, your children have been at the center of every decision we have made this year. With all transparency, at times we miss the mark and for that I apologize. That said, we strive to continually improve our services. 

This year, we expanded programs, strengthened supports, and worked hard to meet students exactly where they are. We focused on academic growth, on wellness, on safety, and on making sure every child in this District was held to high expectations and supported by the adults around them. Watching our students rise to the challenge, and watching your families cheer them on every step of the way, has been one of the great privileges of this work.

To our graduating seniors and their families, congratulations. You are ready. The experiences, skills, and character you have developed within MDUSD have prepared you well for college, career, and everything that comes next. We are proud of you, and we will always be in your corner.

To every family returning in the fall, we look forward to continuing this developmental journey together. The partnership between home and school is one of the most powerful forces in a child's life, and we are grateful for every way you have shown up for your students and for your District.

Please enjoy a safe, restful, and joyful summer. You have earned it, and so have our students.

Thank you,

Dr. Adam Clark 

MDUSD's graduation season began this week for the Class of 2026! Northgate HS kicked off the festivities with its Commencement on Tuesday, May 26, followed by the College Now program's Senior Celebration at Diablo Valley College (DVC) on Wednesday, May 27, and the College Park HS graduation on Thursday, May 28. 

Graduations continue tonight (Friday, May 29) with the Adult Education Bridge Program at the Loma Vista Adult Education Center and Concord HS at the Toyota Pavilion, followed by alternative high school graduations on May 30 and finishing up next week with Mt. Diablo HS on June 1, Ygnacio Valley HS on June 2, and the Adult Education program on June 6. All graduations at the Toyota Pavilion are being live streamed and recorded by the city of Concord here.

The Northgate HS graduation, held Tuesday at the Toyota Pavilion in Concord, can be viewed here. It included a performance by Northgate Choirs; inspirational speeches from Principal Kelly Cooper, Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark, Board Member Brian Lawrence - whose daughter was a graduate, students Zuhair Faruki and Airah Pozas, and teacher Meg Honey, who is a Northgate Class of 1997 alumna. Board Member Linda Mayo and Board President Debra Mason also attended, along with several District administrators. "378 Northgate HS Broncos walked the stage to accept their diplomas from their favorite staff member," Mayo posted on Facebook, adding that Honey's address wished graduates "lifelong joy, enthusiasm and courage."

The College Now Celebration was held at Diablo Valley College (DVC) and was not live streamed. The 55 graduating seniors in the dual enrollment program at DVC came from District high schools and are officially graduating and receiving their diplomas along with their classmates from the schools where they took freshman and sophomore courses before entering College Now as juniors. College Now, which is based on the DVC campus, allows students to take both community college courses taught by DVC staff and high school courses taught by MDUSD staff. Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark said he was happy to see the expansion of the program, resulting in the largest graduating class of seniors since it began nine years ago. "This is a program that I think is very, very special," he said, praising the "bravery" of students who leave their traditional high school campuses to take on the challenge of college work. Student speaker Nathan Torres said he and his classmates have changed over the two years in the program, learning how to think critically, speak with confidence, overcome struggles and build their own futures. And student Zahra Asfour told fellow graduates that they have built connections, improved skills and found a sense of purpose. She also thanked the program staff, adding: "Thanks to their support, we had the freedom to be ourselves."

The College Park HS graduation can be viewed here. It included performances by the College Park HS Jazz Ensemble, and Choir Seniors; inspirational remarks from Principal Dr. Ronald Richardson; students Kianna Caudle, Kaytie Lopez and Gawhar Bahawi; Superintendent Dr. Clark; Board Member Keisha Nzewi - whose daughter was a graduate; and teacher Frank Vasgerdsian, a College Park Class of 2016 alumnus who urged graduates to try to make positive changes in the world. Board President Debra Mason also attended, along with several District administrators. Graduates received diplomas from teachers of their choice.

Click here to see a reel featuring the Northgate, College Now and College Park HS graduation celebrations.

See next week's Friday Letter for recaps of the remaining graduations.

This week's MDUSD Friday Letter spotlights:

• Northgate HS and College Park HS graduations, and College Now Senior Celebration;
• Last day of school is Tuesday, June 2;
• Free Summer Community Meals;
• Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center awards to College Park HS senior Naomi Clement, Foothill MS student Zoya Desai, and Pleasant Hill MS student Annie Tsubota, and Honorable Mentions for CPHS student Tulay Kabadaya and Pleasant Hill MS student Charlotte Proctor;
• Westwood Elementary celebrated Multilingual Language Learners who advanced at least one level on the ELPAC, and welcomed Concord Police K9 officers for a fun chat with kindergartners;
• Wren Avenue Elementary celebrated Mental Health Awareness Month and hosted HS Junior Achievement students, who taught financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness to 2nd through 5th-graders;
• Concord HS continued Mental Health Awareness Month activities;
• Dr. Clark's participation in a Mental Health Awareness podcast panel discussion;
• MDUSD Teachers of the Year Dr. Mary Acebu and April Saldivar featured in Contra Costa County Office of Education videos and social media;
• In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we congratulate MDUSD staff member, parent, and Mt. Diablo HS alumn Olin Caban, who performed as part of the Polynesian Drum Ensemble on the soundtrack for the upcoming Disney Moana live action film;
• School Social Media Highlights;
• And more!

Click to read it.

MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark sent the following message to District families and staff on May 28, 2026:

Mt. Diablo Unified School District And CST, AFSCME Local One Reach Tentative Agreement For Contract Reopeners Which Includes Continued Health Benefits And Pay Increases.

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) and the Clerical, Secretarial, and Technical Unit (CST), AFSCME Local One, have reached a tentative agreement on contract reopeners for the 2026–2027 school year. The tentative agreement includes salary adjustments and the continuation of employee health benefits at current levels, reflecting the District’s ongoing commitment to supporting employees and maintaining competitive compensation and benefits.

The District appreciates the collaborative efforts and professionalism demonstrated by CST leadership throughout this process. Both parties worked to reach an agreement that supports employees represented by CST while continuing to prioritize the needs of students and the District community.

This tentative agreement reflects MDUSD’s continued commitment to attracting and retaining high-quality employees by providing competitive wages and comprehensive benefits. The District recognizes the important contributions CST members make each day in supporting school operations and student success across the District.

Upon ratification by CST membership and approval by the Mt. Diablo Unified School District Board of Education, this tentative agreement will conclude negotiations with CST through the expiration of the agreement on June 30, 2027.

Fantastic teamwork from everyone involved. Thank you for collaborating so seamlessly on this agreement. 

Dr. Adam Clark

MDUSD is pleased to announce the following Elementary Principal assignments for 2026-27:

• El Monte Elementary - Sara Nowinski
• Pleasant Hill Elementary -  Adria Ibarra
• Sequoia Elementary - Stacy Campbell
• Ygnacio Valley Elementary - Nicole Kitchen

Nowinski, Ibarra and Kitchen were recently appointed by the MDUSD Board as Elementary Principals for 2026-27, with sites to be determined.

Campbell is currently Principal at Mountain View Elementary in Concord, where she has served since 2023-24. 

Congratulations on your new leadership roles in MDUSD!

At Northgate HS, all sophomore World History students participate in "If I Could Change the World" projects, which culminate in a Showcase of their work. This year's showcase, held May 19, included 44 groups from the more than 350 students taking the course taught be three teachers at the school. 

During first semester, students individually research community or world issues that interest them and report to the class. In the second semester, students break into groups and choose which projects they would like to delve into further, including interviews and community service. In the showcase, students present displays explaining their research and provide interactive games or activities that help visitors better understand their topics and proposed solutions. They are also required to document their work and turn in written reflections about what they learned.

Topics included reducing screen time and getting outdoors, helping hospitalized children, advocating for inclusive government representation, proper nutrition and healthy eating, mental health issues, helping people in Gaza, and more. 

One group was concerned about the amount of time children and teens spend viewing phone and video screens. They volunteered at Sienna Ranch in Lafayette, which offers programs including archery, working with animals and getting outdoors. "We helped with weeding and taking care of animals and learned the value of staying connected with nature," said Joseph Haubrich. Shams Hazrat, who offered visitors a chance to try archery, said he really liked the project and enjoyed volunteering to do something good for the community,

Teacher Brian Corbett said the project gives students the opportunity to learn about modern conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and current local and national issues such as food insecurity, which are not often taught in world history. It also gives them a chance to interact with their community through civic engagement, as they learn how to advocate for a cause and exercise their role as citizens in a different way than they have done before, he added.

This is the eighth year the school has required the projects, which give students hands-on experience working in complex groups, calling organizations, doing community service, and interacting with adults in ways that may be outside their comfort zones, including public speaking at the showcase, Corbett said. Through these projects, students learned how to help make positive changes in the community and in the world.

Click to watch a reel highlighting the showcase.

This week's MDUSD Friday Letter spotlights:

• "If I Could Change the World" projects at Northgate High School,
• Focal Scholar I Shine Awards Event;
• El Dorado MS, Concord HS, and Northgate HS musicians perform at Yoshi's Jazz Club;
• Former Sunrise Elementary student returns for a Grad Walk as a Concord HS senior;
• Advanced Culinary Arts students at Mt. Diablo HS complete a "Mystery Basket Challenge" for final exam;
• Foothill MS featured by Common Sense Media for its Tech Habit Challenge;
• Ygnacio Valley HS students show their appreciation for Concord Police School Resource Officer Espino;
• Dr. Clark's recent SmartSocial podcast on teaching students appropriate uses of A.I., and his appearance on an upcoming podcast panel discussion on Mental Health;
• National Public Radio's visit to Dr. Mary Acebu's special education classroom at Riverview MS, where she is using A.I. to streamline paperwork;
• School and Staff Social Media Highlights;
• And more!

Read it here. 

The following message was sent by MDUSD Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark to District staff and families on May 19, 2026:

Dear MDUSD Community,

We have great news! The Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) and Teamsters Local 856 have reached a tentative agreement following negotiations for a new contract for 2026-2029. This agreement includes salary adjustments, language updates, and continuing employee benefits at their current levels, reinforcing the District’s commitment to supporting its workforce and maintaining competitive compensation.

This agreement reflects the District’s dedication to providing competitive wages and comprehensive benefits for its valued employees. By investing in the workforce, MDUSD aims to enhance employee retention, job recruitment, and student achievement across the District.

Upon ratification by Teamsters and approval by the Mt. Diablo Unified School District Board of Education, this tentative agreement will conclude negotiations with Teamsters through the expiration of the agreement on June 30, 2029.

Sincerely,

Dr. Adam Clark