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Guest column by Cara De Jong, Active transportation Program Manager, Street Smarts Contra Costa

May is National Bike Month—therefore a perfect time to share how Walk’N Roll has grown across MDUSD. What began as BikePHE at Pleasant Hill Elementary has evolved into a thriving, community-supported movement now reaching 17 schools across five cities, including 12 MDUSD elementary campuses in Pleasant Hill, Concord and Clayton. Since the District last highlighted the program—when BikePHE received the Best Community Advocacy Award from Bike East Bay—the momentum has only accelerated.

With support from Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and the Bay Area Air District, and alongside city leaders, school staff, and dedicated community volunteers, Walk’N Roll has grown into a coordinated regional effort while still maintaining the community involvement that makes the program accessible at each site. Our goal remains simple: encourage those who can walk, bike, roll, or carpool to do so—benefiting the entire community.

Each week, more than 1,700 students across MDUSD choose active or shared transportation—reducing congestion around school sites and helping students arrive more focused and ready to learn. On Walk’N Roll days, neighborhoods come alive as families and students travel together, building connections and turning the trip to school into a shared, positive experience that extends beyond the classroom.

This work is only possible because of our volunteer coordinators; shout out to Cat and Holly from Pleasant Hill Elementary; AnnaLaura and Julia from Strandwood; Josh from Ayers; Brittany and Yazmin from Cambridge; Amy, Jeff and Hailee from Fair Oaks; Rob and Christina from Valhalla; Sarah and Sam from Gregory Gardens; Shawn from Silverwood; Joanna from Mt. Diablo; Letty from Ygnacio Valley; Tova from Meadow Homes; and Nicole from Wren Avenue—without whom Walk’N Roll would not exist! Their consistency, creativity, and commitment are the backbone of Walk'N Roll.

We also recognize that not every family can walk or bike every day, which is why carpooling is encouraged. This flexibility allows more families to participate while still reducing traffic and strengthening community connections.

Looking ahead, we hope to see more schools launch Walk’N Roll in the 2026–27 school year. If you’re interested in bringing Walk’N Roll to your school, I encourage you to learn more and get involved—visit www.walknrolltoschool.org and follow Instagram at @walknrollcontracosta. Walk’N Roll is more than a program—it’s a movement, and it continues to grow stronger because of this community.

This week's MDUSD Friday Letter spotlights:

• The "Walk 'N Roll" program at 12 elementary schools;
• Presentation by Newcomer Student Leadership Council to the Board,
• Board recognizes our four Classified Employees of the Year,
• Sequoia Elementary 5th graders' International Baccalaureate (IB) Exhibition;
• El Dorado Middle School Math Team students lead teachers through a series of "Thinking Tasks" during a one-of-a-kind professional development session built around the Building Thinking Classrooms framework,
• Riverview Middle School students perform in the school's first-ever musical and the Riverview PFC hosts a "Paint and Sip (Boba) Night" in recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month;
• School and Staff Social Media Highlights;
• And more!

Read it here.

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District is pleased to announce the District's four 2026 Classified Employees of the Year, including one who was also selected as a County Classified Employees of the Year Finalist from among the District nominees throughout the county. The District Classified Employees of the Year are: Violeta Tria, Food & Nutrition Services; MaryAnne Brescia, Clerical and Administrative Services; Kim Montano, Paraprofessional Services; and Shannon Bottorff, Security Services. The MDUSD Governing Board will recognize the employees at its May 13th meeting. Tria was also selected as a Contra Costa County Classified Employee of the Year, and was recognized along with the finalists and nominees from all County Districts on April 29.

Tria, a Food & Nutrition Services Driver and Warehouse Attendant, was nominated by her Supervisor Chad Voss, for her 27 years of service in the District. "Violeta's positive attitude and dedication truly set her apart," Voss said in his nomination. "She approaches her responsibilities with enthusiasm, professionalism and genuine care for others." He added that she started off her career as a substitute food assistant and steadily expanded her skills, learning to drive a semi-truck and operate a forklift. She has significantly enhanced the Food and Nutrition Program at MDUSD "through her initiative, adaptability, and unwavering can-do attitude," Voss said. "Through her empathy, leadership, and dedication to teamwork, Violeta has earned the respect of the entire Food and Nutrition Department and continues to make a meaningful, positive impact on those she works with every day." She also has strong family connections to the District. Her daughter Justine Rea was an MDUSD special education assistant and her late father, Ernesto Rea, retired in 1988 at age 70 after working as a custodian, then continued working as a substitute custodian for five years at Mountain View Elementary.  

Brescia, the Highlands Elementary School Secretary, was nominated by Principal Dr. Carrie Nerheim and teacher Amy Bilson. "As a new site administrator to Mt. Diablo Unified, I rely heavily on her institutional knowledge, steady judgment, and collaborative spirit," Nerheim said. "Her impact on student success is measurable. Through consistent outreach to families and careful monitoring of attendance and independent studies, she played a central role in reducing Highlands’ chronic absenteeism rate from 10.1% in January of last school year to 5.25% this year. Families trust her because she communicates with genuine care and follows through. Students seek her out when they need reassurance or support, and she helps them feel calm and ready to return to class." Bilson added: "Ms. MaryAnne’s impact on the Highlands Elementary school community and the surrounding neighborhood is difficult to fully capture in words. She has been an integral part of Highlands for many years and serves as a steady, trusted presence for students, families, and staff. She knows students, parents, grandparents, and caregivers by name, and that personal connection allows her to anticipate needs and respond with genuine care...As the first point of contact in the office, she sets the tone for a welcoming and inclusive school environment."

Montano, a Special Education Assistant I at Riverview MS for 26 years, was nominated by Special Education Teacher Mary Acebu, who has been named a 2026-27 MDUSD Teacher of the Year. "Our collaboration has become well-known on campus, and we are often referred to as the 'Dynamic Duo,'" Acebu said. "Kim brings a level of knowledge and competence that cannot be taught overnight. She deeply understands students, systems, and school expectations, which allows her to respond effectively to challenges as they arise. Kim takes initiative in ways that many others do not, always keeping student safety, learning, and dignity at the forefront."  Montano is often sought out by colleagues for guidance and support because she is knowledgeable, approachable, and honest, Acebu continued. "Supervisors respect her experience and judgment, and students respond positively to her calm presence and clear expectations."

Bottorff, Lead Campus Supervisor, at Northgate HS, has worked at the school for 29 years. She was nominated by Principal Kelly Cooper for consistently demonstrating excellence through unwavering reliability, deep institutional knowledge, and an extraordinary commitment to student and staff safety. "Her initiative and problem-solving skills are exceptional; she has an unmatched ability to anticipate areas of vulnerability and take proactive action to protect the campus," Cooper said. "Equally powerful is her ability to build and sustain relationships. Students feel seen and respected by Shannon, staff feel supported, and families recognize her as a steady, caring presence on campus. Her deep knowledge of the school’s history, traditions, and people allows her to serve as a bridge between past and present, helping the campus maintain its identity while continuing to grow. Shannon’s resilience, adaptability, and willingness to do whatever is needed—without recognition or complaint—set her apart. She does not simply show up to work; she shows up for people. Her love for her role is evident in every interaction, and her commitment elevates the entire campus...Simply put, her consistent excellence, dedication, and quiet leadership make her indispensable to our school community and a true model of what an Employee of the Year represents."

The following negotiations announcement was sent to MDEA members and Adult Education staff on May 11, 2026:

MDUSD & MDEA REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT FOR ADULT EDUCATION CERTIFICATED EMPLOYEES
 

30% Salary Increase for 2025-2026
100% Health Benefits for Eligible Employees

MAY 11, 2026

The Mt. Diablo Unified School District (MDUSD) is pleased to announce that a tentative three-year agreement (2025-2026 through 2027-2028) has been reached with the Mt. Diablo Education Association (MDEA) on a new contract article to incorporate Adult Education certificated employees into the existing MDEA bargaining unit.

After nine (9) negotiation sessions, the parties reached a tentative agreement that provides employees with a thirty (30%) percent salary increase retroactive to July 1, 2025, along with 100% medical benefits for eligible employees. The agreement also ties future salary increases for the 2026 2027 and 2027-2028 school years to the already agreed-upon collective bargaining agreement between MDEA and the District. This will continue with subsequent agreements between MDEA and the District.

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT FOR ADULT EDUCATION CERTIFICATED INSTRUCTORS

TENTATIVE AGREEMENT FOR ADULT EDUCATION CERTIFICATED COORDINATORS

We want to thank both bargaining teams from MDUSD and MDEA for the hard work put into these negotiations. The tentative agreement will now go before MDEA members for ratification and then to the MDUSD Governing Board for approval. Both sides have agreed to recommend ratification and adoption of the full agreement.

This agreement continues our commitment to adult learning and achievement, fiscal responsibility, positive labor relations, and long-term stability, while striving to offer competitive compensation and a positive working environment for all employees. 

We look forward to continuing our work together with MDEA to provide the best possible educational experience for every student in Mt. Diablo Unified School District.

Sincerely, 

The District Negotiations Team

Ryan Sheehy, Chief, Human Resources
Samantha Allen, Chief, Education Services
Adrian Vargas, Chief Business Officer
Leanee Medina Estrada, Executive Director, Human Resources & Risk Management
Gustavo Aguilera, Executive Director, Fiscal Services
Kesha Emmendorfer, Director, Human Resources
Elaine Alvite, Director, College, Career, and Adult Education 
Gregory J. Dannis, Legal Counsel

This week's MDUSD Friday Letter spotlights:

• Our four MDUSD Classified Employees of the Year, Violeta Tria, FNS Driver and Warehouse Attendant in Food and Nutrition Services, who was also honored as a Contra Costa County Classified Employee of the Year; MaryAnne Brescia, Secretary at Highlands Elementary School; Kim Montano, Special Education Assistant at Riverview Middle School; and Shannon Bortorff, Lead Campus Supervisor at Northgate High School;
• The Willie Mims Excellence Awards;
• Northgate High School senior Denise Castillo-Perez distributed menstrual products to Oak Grove Middle School 6th-8th grade girls and presented an educational slideshow as part of her senior project;
• Ygnacio Valley High School junior Joseph Pongia was recognized by the Concord Police Department and Marathon Petroleum Corporation for his resilience and academic growth;
• Concord High School is proud to publish the fourth edition of GLYPH, its student literary and art magazine featuring student art, photography, poems, stories, essays, and myths;
• Northgate High School earned an Honorable Mention in the State Civic Learning Awards;
• Northgate High School Animation students get a behind-the-scenes experience at The Art and Science of Lucasfilm;
• School and Staff Social Media Highlights;
• And more!

Read it here.

The MDUSD District Office (Dent Center) has joined the Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system, along with 10 other District sites (see flyers).

To reach VoIP sites, call 925-682-8000. All phone extensions at Dent are now 5 digits. Please verify new extensions before calling. You can NO LONGER reach schools that have not yet transitioned to VoIP by calling 925-682-8000.

To reach sites that have not yet transitioned to VoIP, call their local number, which can be found on their school website.

Students from all five MDUSD comprehensive high schools participated in the 2026 MDUSD "Campus to Commerce" Career Pathways Showcase on April 30 at John Muir Health in Concord, displaying photos, equipment and samples of their work and speaking to visitors about what they are learning. During the event, three students participated in a panel discussion about the value of the District's career pathways programs along with three internship providers from local businesses.

The participating Career Pathways programs included: Art and Digital Media, and Biomedical Science at College Park HS; Art & Digital Media, Photography, Construction and Engineering, and Transportation at Concord HS; Art & Digital Media, Engineering, Patient Care, and a Culinary pathway at Mt. Diablo HS; Art & Digital Media including animation and photography at Northgate HS; and Education, Engineering, and Health Care at Ygnacio Valley HS. 

The student panelists were MDHS Patient Care Pathway student Armando Soto, Northgate HS Animation student Yuna Ko and YVHS Engineering student Althea Vivar. Armando, a sophomore, said he has appreciated the internship and training opportunities he has received, which have strengthened his interest in healthcare. He has worked as a paid intern for MDHS teacher Dr. David Pintado's East Bay CPR organization, and has provided sports medicine care to MDHS athletes at games. Althea, a junior, said business partners such as Bishop-Wisecarver and Marathon help make the pathways more "real" by showing students engineering in action and providing resources to students, as well as providing role models for career options. Yuna, a sophomore, said her animation class taught her skills that helped her to earn national recognition at the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, receiving both a National Gold Medal and the prestigious Best-in-Grade Award/Scholarship for her comic book, Daltokki ex Machina. She said the animation pathway provides computer technology, technical certifications and real world experience that helped her to understand the workflow of an animator. 

Students showcasing their programs at display booths were also enthusiastic about the in-depth career education they are receiving. College Park HS Graphic Design Pathway student Amir Jones-Bey said he has created a portfolio in his Advanced Art class that includes post cards, stickers, music posters and coffee shop marketing materials. The portfolio can be used in college applications and job interviews and the skills he learned will benefit him if he pursues art as a career or a hobby, he said. Teacher Zach Sesar said students earn Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator certifications, which are helpful in project management careers. Concord HS Graphic Design teacher David Hevel said pathway students also earn college credits through a partnership with Diablo Valley College (DVC), which inspires them to continue onto college after graduation. Mt. Diablo HS culinary students Christian Para-Torrres, Xavier Navarro and Josue Morales said they are enjoying learning more about cooking, which will benefit them in life, as well as in restaurant careers if they choose to pursue them. MDHS Engineering students Jacob Aba and Carlos Wence said their courses are preparing them for careers as engineers or architects, and they enjoy the hands-on experience they are getting using a land surveyor tool, as well as other technical tools. 

Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark and industry partners said MDUSD and internship mentors are working to teach students technical skills needed to pursue careers, as well as "soft skills," such as showing up on time, being able to work with diverse people, and critical problem-solving. Partnering with MDUSD and the local Workforce Development Board gives employers an opportunity to help shape the future workforce, while giving students valuable exposure to real life careers. "This really shows what is possible when a school district, health system, community college system, chamber of commerce and workforce development agency work together," Dr. Clark said.

Click to watch a reel highlighting the event.

This week's Friday Letter spotlights:

• Campus to Commerce Career Pathways Student Showcase at John Muir Health in Concord;
• Seal of Biliteracy Celebration at Ygnacio Valley High School;
• Northgate High School freshman Anulika Mishra performs National Anthem on violin at Little League event in Walnut Creek;
• Northgate High School 10th grade World History students hear from Holocaust survivor in recognition of Holocaust Remembrance Day;
• Shore Acres Elementary celebrates Dia del Niño, Children's Day;
• Diablo View MS and Pleasant Hill MS received their CA Distinguished School Awards;
• Concord HS Thrift Pop-Up Shop and Mental Health Month activities;
• Earth Day Celebration at the Rio Vista Elementary Garden in partnership with Growing Healthy Kids;
• School and Staff Social Media Highlights;
• And more!

Read it online.

MDUSD is proud that four of our schools participate in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme, which stresses an international education focused on developing inquiry skills, critical thinking skills, confidence building, communication skills, global mindfulness, risk-taking and caring among student learners. Students and staff members from Monte Gardens and Sequoia elementary schools, Oak Grove Middle School and Ygnacio Valley HS presented an update on their programs to the District Governing Board on Wednesday, April 22. 

Monte Gardens Elementary student Isabella (pictured fifth from right below) told the Board she was inspired to enter the Concord Mayor's Art contest because her school's IB Learner Profile Attributes include being "risk-takers." She ended up winning the Elementary Grade Level Award. 

Sequoia Elementary students spoke about their UN Sustainable Development “lines of inquiry” exploring issues affecting the world including clean energy, ending hunger, and resource consumption. Their teacher Kim Ovadia invited the Board and community to the Sequoia Elementary 5th Grade IB Exhibition at 9 a.m. Friday, May 15 (see flyer).

Oak Grove MS students presented the animal shelter display board (pictured below) that they created for their Community Project, explaining that the local shelter is struggling due to limited resources. They said the project helped them to develop teamwork skills, as they shared in the responsibilities, as well as IB traits including communication, and being open-minded, knowledgable and caring. 

Ygnacio Valley HS students said they enjoyed connecting with high school students in Marietta, Georgia through an IB "exchange" program, which they found to be reassuring, as well as inspiring. They also connect with Oak Grove MS students by tutoring them in math to help build their problem-solving skills. And they were proud to announce that their program is growing, with a 75% increase in students who are IB Diploma candidates this year, including some who have been accepted to UC Berkeley, Cal Poly, University of Oregon, and Saint Louis University in Madrid, Spain.

Superintendent Dr. Adam Clark praised the students, saying the inquiry and project-based IB program provides them with excellent skills that will benefit them as adults. Board President Debra Mason also complimented the group, saying she looks forward to attending the IB Gala at Ygnacio Valley HS every year.

MDUSD International Baccalaureate (IB) program students and staff from Monte Gardens and Sequoia elementary schools, Oak Grove MS and Ygnacio Valley HS stand with Superintendent Dr. Clark and Board Members after their presentations on April 22, 2026.