The Return to School Survey Deadline is extended until 8 p.m. on Friday, January 15

The West Contra Costa Unified School District needs feedback from your family on a possible return to school. Please take a few moments to complete the Return to School Survey and share your thoughts about a possible return to school for your student/s. Share your thoughts and rate the thoughts of others. The survey is available in English and Spanish and is available at bit.ly/wccusdreturn2schoolsurvey and closes at 8 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15.

Consider American Sign Language to meet the High School Graduation Requirement

Written in Part by:
Kimberly Aguilar, PVHS Alumni

American Sign Language (ASL) counts as a foreign language graduation requirement. Sign language is "any means of communication through bodily movements, especially of the hands and arms, used when spoken communication is impossible or not desirable" (Britannica). It is a language used by individuals who can not communicate verbally due to being deaf or hard of hearing. In sign language, body movements, gestures, and facial expressions are used, which show the way you feel and help communicate certain feelings/emotions or thoughts to those who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

In the WCCUSD, Pinole Valley High School offers American Sign Language as a foreign language. Pinole Valley High School, which is the school I attended is the only high school that gives students the chance to take ASL classes. Mr. Kleiman, Principal of PVHS also stated that "Pinole Valley High is the only school in West Contra Costa County that offers four ASL levels, enabling students who complete their fourth year to receive a state "seal of biliteracy" (Oakland Magazine). However, all of this wouldn't be possible without Michele Lamons Raiford, who is the only teacher in the district that teaches ASL. She is a WCCUSD instructor who teaches four levels of ASL beginning, with ASL 1 and going up to ASL 4. These sign language classes are year-round, meaning that you are in ASL one the whole year and then move up to ASL two the following school year and so on. It is surprising to see that only one school offers ASL and that the only teacher who teaches ASL classes to high school students is Michele Lamons Raiford.

If you are interested in your child taking ASL, talk with your school site and ask how this can be offered. For high school students, check out Pinole Valley High School.

Resources for sign language:

How to Sign in BASL (Black American Sign Language)
Signing Black in American DVD
Full article and video links

Join the AASAT Executive Board 

Are you interested in running for an executive board position on the AASAT? If so, please check www.wccusd.net/oaasa for information on the opening for the treasurer position.

Chevron Black Employee Network Scholarship Due January 18 

Calling WCCUSD high school seniors who will graduate in June. Chevron’s Black Employee Network has a  scholarship opportunity for you. 

Link to the application can be found here. REMINDER: The applications due January 18, 2021.  This is open to all WCCUSD seniors on track to graduate in 2021. Please ensure to complete the application on time to be considered. For more information email: RichmondCE@chevron.com

West County Mandarin School Transfer Enrollment begins February 1  

Families, do you want your child to have the opportunity to be bilingual? Does your student already know two languages and you want them to have the chance to learn a third? Do you want your child to learn Mandarin? If so, then the WCCUSD has the opportunity for you.

West County Mandarin School (WCMS) will be accepting transfer applications starting February 1st for the 2021-22 school year. WCMS is a K-8 public school that is part of our District that serves a very diverse student population. The school provides the highly acclaimed International Baccalaureate program and a dual language program in Mandarin and English. The mission of WCMS is to educate the whole child with the 21st Century skills to thrive in a globally connected world. WCMS will be enrolling new students for next school year in grades K-4. No prior knowledge of Mandarin is necessary to enroll. WCMS is committed to equity in education. It has an active African American Parent Advisory Council/Team, a Race and Equity teacher lead, and the WCMS community actively embraces the cultural and racial diversity of our community and world. Parents/guardians can learn more about the WCMS program and watch a brief information video about the school at wcmspta.org. 

According to the article “Why Learn Mandarin Chinese?” on www.thoughtco.com, The number one reason to learn Mandarin is that Mandarin Chinese is the most widely-spoken language in the world. Learn to speak Mandarin and you can speak with millions of people around the world. More reasons:

• Business - Business people who speak Mandarin have a huge advantage in tapping into the Chinese market. It is much easier to develop all-important relationships if you can speak Mandarin.

• Travel - China and Taiwan offer exciting travel opportunities. Getting around is much easier if you can speak Mandarin.

• Culture - With thousands of years of history, Chinese culture is endlessly fascinating. Whether your interests are in history, architecture, music, or cuisine, a knowledge of Mandarin will enrich your understanding of Chinese culture.

Parents/guardians can learn more about the WCMS program and watch a brief information video about the school at wcmspta.org. Parents/guardians are also invited to attend our upcoming enrollment information sessions, the details of which can be found on this flyer. Interested families can also contact Dr. Eric Peterson, Principal of WCMS, directly at 510-307-4523 or epeterson@wccusd.net for more information.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Scholarship Opportunity for High School Seniors

The Xi Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will  award scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 to outstanding African American high school seniors. The scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and financial need. Last year the chapter was able to award 21 scholarships to deserving high school scholars, several of whom attended schools in WCCUSD.

Founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, DC in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-trained women. The mission of the Xi Gamma Omega Chapter is to enhance the quality of life in the Bay Area community through our service programs.

We invite eligible high school seniors to submit applications, which are due on January 29, 2021. The application is available on the Xi Gamma Omega website at www.xigammaomega.com, or please contact the high school counselors at your school. If you have questions or need information, please feel free to contact Xi Gamma Omega Scholarship Committee Co-chairs Ora Anderson at 510.507.5503 or Tonya Jones Allred at 510.734.7875.

We look forward to a robust group of applicants from WCCUSD!