PVHS Sophomore Named RYSE Center's First Youth Poet Laureate in Richmond

Congratulations to Pinole Valley High School sophomore Sheila McKinney, who had an incredible audition for the Youth Poet Laureate position with the RYSE Center of Richmond, CA.

The judges were truly blown away by everything that she brought to the audition and said she had a captivating performance, strong written skills, answered questions confidently and portrayed strong initiative. Sheila was offered the position becoming the very first Youth Poet Laureate of Richmond, CA! 

By accepting the position, Sheila will receive a $2,000 stipend for her participation, work, and mentorship of other poets.

Congratulations on this amazing opportunity! We look forward to seeing more great things from Sheila McKinney.

Submitted by: PVHS Principal Kibby Kleiman
Edited by: Cici Jervae

Attend the Annual African American Students of Honor Virtual Celebration, May 25

The District's Office of African American Student Achievement will host the 8th Annual African American Students of Honor celebration at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 25 via Facebook live and Zoom to recognize all African American Students in WCCUSD.

The ceremony customarily recognizes students who have maintained a 3.3 GPA or higher and/or exceed District assessment test scores. This year, more than 4300 African American Students within 54 schools in the District will be recognized for their hard work and dedication to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The virtual celebration will include student performances, recognition from community and district leaders, and a special message from rapper and record producer IAMSU!  Students, staff and families can join the virtual celebration via Facebook live and Zoom using the details below:

Facebook Live @westcontracostaschools
Zoom Meeting Link: https://wccusd.zoom.us/j/98571864700
Or One tap mobile :
    US: +16699006833,,98571864700#  

Preventing Summer Slide One Moment at a Time

Summer is upon us! This is the time where teachers shut down classrooms, and students get the opportunity to run wild. While the summers may be for resting, rejuvenating and fun, it is important to find fun ways to keep your brain activity going. Your brain is like a muscle, and if you don't exercise it consistently, you run the risk of learning loss.

Check out this article for tips that families can use to keep kids engaged during the summer.

Apply for the 100 Black Men Scholarship

The mission of the 100 Black Men of the Bay Area is to improve the quality of life within the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond by advancing the social, economic, health and educational progress of African Americans. 

The scholarship application cycle is currently open and the deadline is May 31, 2021. 

Here is the link to more information and the scholarship application: https://smr.to/p73100

The Way I Like to Learn if I am a Visual Learner 

If you are a visual learner, you learn by reading or seeing pictures. You understand and remember things by sight. You can picture what you are learning in your head, and you learn best by using methods that are primarily visual. You like to see what you are learning.

As a visual learner, you are usually neat and clean. You often close your eyes to visualize or remember something, and you will find something to watch if you become bored. You may have difficulty with spoken directions and may be easily distracted by sounds. You are attracted to color and to spoken language (like stories) that is rich in imagery.

Here are some things that visual learners like you can do to learn better:

• Sit near the front of the classroom. (It won't mean you're the teacher's pet!)

• Have your eyesight checked on a regular basis.

• Use flashcards to learn new words.

• Try to visualize things that you hear or things that are read to you.

• Write down key words, ideas, or instructions.

• Draw pictures to help explain new concepts and then explain the pictures.

• Color code things.

• Avoid distractions during study times.

Remember that you need to see things, not just hear things, to learn well.

Dual Language Immersion

In efforts to support student excellence West Contra Costa Unified School District has embraced dual language immersion programs. Dual language immersion programs (DLI) bring children from two different language groups together. DLI programs do not replace the learning of English, but provide students with an opportunity to acquire a second language.

Currently the district has in place 3 different DLI programs. The first type is the One Way DLI Program, which is for any student who wants to learn Mandarin and English simultaneously. The One Way model is currently being implemented at West County Mandarin K-6. The second type is the two way DLI program, which is for any student who wants to learn Spanish and English simultaneously. The Two Way model is currently being implemented at Downer K-6, Stewart K-8, Washington K-6, and Korematsu 7-8. Finally the third type of DLI program is the Developmental Model, which is Spanish speaking English language learners maintaining and strengthening Spanish, while learning Spanish. The development model is currently being implemented at Chavez K-6, Coronado K-6, Dover K-6, Ford K-6, Grant Tk-6, Lake K-6, Lincoln K-6. 

As the DLI programs continue to develop OAASA wants to solidify the partnership between parents and WCCUSD to ensure these programs support African American students. In light of this we are preparing for a parent listening session which will take place in May. 

There will be more information to come regarding the listen session.