Because You Give!

In order to build a sense of cohesion and belonging amongst incoming ninth grade students, Miramonte teachers, counselors, and administration worked together to create the Ninth-Grade Brigade! 

Here’s how Ms. Cassi Porter describes what the Ninth-Grade Brigade has in store for the year: 

The goals of the Ninth-Grade Brigade are to create programming for the 9th-grade class that fosters connection to peers, Miramonte, and the community, while having some fun while we do it!  We have activities/events/programming planned every month for the rest of the year that focus on connection, team building, and experiencing all that Miramonte has to offer.  This month, we are hosting The VPA Experience which will allow each 9th grader to spend time in each VPA class offered at Miramonte and experience what the program is like.

So far we have increased the Link Crew Leader connection with their group of 9th graders through Academy activities and hosted a Family Style Potluck a few weeks back.  The potluck tied directly into the book all the 9th graders read in their English class, where students brought food that represented their culture and heritage to share with their Link Crew groups.  At the event, we had a Vietnamese dish prepared by the cafeteria for lunch, games and activities that correlated with the book, including a crab hunt!  The author of the book was able to attend and the students spent time asking him questions about the book and his culture. It was an incredible day!

When you give to ONE-Miramonte, the funds you contribute allow our teachers and administration the flexibility to find creative ways to improve the student experience at Miramonte. Donations to ONE-Miramonte support every student, every teacher, and every class. Because you give, our newest students have the opportunity to connect more deeply with peers and with their school, both of which are positively correlated with school engagement. Thank you, ONE-Miramonte donors!

Your donations help fund class field trips! Here are just a few outings that Miramonte students have gone on recently ...

Foods with Ms. Kate Cryan went to San Francisco to visit Dandelion Chocolate Factory, Tartine Manufactory, and BiRite Market. The kids tried samples and spoke with experts in their fields about their experiences working in the food industry. 

AP Physics with Ms. Riki Sorensen resurrected a long-standing Miramonte tradition and headed to The Exploratorium and interacted with so many physics principles and fellow Miramonte STEM superstars. 

Spanish 4 Honors with Sra. Frank & Sra. Green went Peña Pachamama in San Francisco to celebrate the students' hard work and dedication to language acquisition. The students enjoyed cultural dancing, music, and food at the event.  

3D Art with Mr. Gavin Kermode loaded up a bus with their ceramics and supplies and went to Muir Beach. There, they participated in a ceramic fire pit and experimented with many different organic supplies. During the firing, they BBQed hot dogs and hung out. A student favorite!

As you can see, field trips offer an opportunity to deepen learning through hands-on activities, celebrate learning, and build community at Miramonte. Because you give to ONE-Miramonte, our students enjoy these chances to extend their learning beyond the classroom and connect to the real world. 

Peer tutoring is among the many academic support programs your donations to ONE-Miramonte help fund. Peer tutors are nominated by their teachers to become tutors, and they volunteer to help fellow students during Academy periods. 

Mr. Sean Hennessy is the teacher in charge of the Peer Tutoring program. When asked why it’s a program worth funding at Miramonte he said, “I believe the Peer Tutoring program gives students another vehicle to help achieve academic success. For some students, having the ability to go over a single concept or get caught up in a particular class in a low stress environment can be exactly what the student needs.”

Here’s what some peer tutors have to say about why this is a worthwhile program at our school:

"The Miramonte peer tutoring program has myriad benefits for our school community. Not only does the program provide assistance for struggling students, but it also develops relationships between individuals across all grades and strengthens the interconnectedness of the Miramonte community." - David ‘25

“Teachers are the foundation of Miramonte, but they can't always cater to every student's individual needs. Peer tutoring allows students that need extra help in their courses to get a deeper lesson on the topic, but also gives the tutors themselves the chance to give back to the Miramonte community. As a peer tutor, I have a special connection with the students at Miramonte and that connection has encouraged me to pursue a career in teaching.” - Zoe ‘25

“Peer tutoring is a valuable resource for students seeking one-on-one help. This program not only fosters friendships among students but also provides those receiving tutoring valuable insights and tips from peers who have previously taken the class and are highly knowledgeable in the subject(s).” - Gabbi '24

Because you give to ONE-Miramonte, students are able to get extra support to understand course material they’re struggling with, go over problems they missed on a test, review verb conjugations they’re not quite getting, or get help clarifying their thesis for an essay. When our students get the support they need, they can gain confidence and achieve their potential. Peer tutoring is a valuable program at MHS both for supporting student learning and promoting community and connection. Thank you, ONE-Miramonte donors!

Donations to ONE-Miramonte provide supplemental funding for EVERY class on campus, including visual and performing arts. 3D Art is among the most popular choices in the arts. Taught by Mr. Gavin Kermode, a Miramonte alumni himself, 3D art students create incredible pieces, some of which you can see on display in the library. 

From Mr. Kermode: 

The arts are important for every student's education, not because everyone should be an artist, but because the arts help develop creative thinking more than any other subject. 

The arts allow for the exploration of ideas and the development of new skills, whether through performing or creating with your hands and discovering passions one might carry through life. I've always enjoyed Einstein's quote, “Creativity is Intelligence having fun." I've always felt that 3D Art (Crafts) has been a special place that offers a world outside of the academics the students experience every day. It's a space for creative thinking and making. Some of the best parts of teaching are seeing the enthusiasm and engagement the students have in what they are making, as well as the random conversations that pop up throughout the day. 

There are three levels of 3D Art (Crafts), as well as an option for Honors when students reach 3D Art 3. In 3D Art 1, students learn new mediums and techniques with each project. In the first semester, they learn how to sand cast in brass, solder silver rings, lost wax casting in brass and silver (for small sculptures and jewelry), and then how to rivet. In the second semester, they dive into ceramics, learning how to throw on the pottery wheel, and then lead into large ceramic sculptures. Both 3D Art 2 and 3 develop into more of an independent studio; now that students have learned the basics they can pick and choose where they want to focus and ideas they would like to pursue. These tend to be my favorite classes because of the amount of different creative work that is being done and I know the students well. I continue to do demonstrations throughout the year for the students so they can see more sophisticated techniques in the various mediums. 

All the work we do in class is in the studio so there is no homework. This class is about creating, thinking, and making something with your hands. Every day I walk into the studio, I think of creative potential. It's a special place, with great students and amazing community support, I wouldn't want to teach anywhere else.

Miramonte senior Zennen H., adds: “3D Art has been one of the most awesome classes I have ever taken. The freedom to express yourself combined with excellent access to advice, community, and appliances creates an ideal environment. Through this class, I have developed a love for pottery, a skill which I intend to continue past high school. Also, Gavin is the best.”

Because you give to ONE-Miramonte, our students receive a rich, well-rounded education that includes the arts. Your gifts support creativity, self-expression, and exploration. Thank you for your generosity in making Miramonte an exceptional place for students.

Donations to ONE-Miramonte provide the funds that allow our school to offer 14 additional class sections, including STEM, AP, Honors, and arts classes. One of the most popular of these classes in recent years is AP Psychology!

AP Psychology was new to Miramonte in the 22-23 school year and was such a popular choice that extra sections were added this year so that more students could enroll. AP Psychology is taught by both Ms. Allie Tarantino and Ms. Giana Labarile.

What’s covered in AP Psychology? It’s a year-long course that spans different psychological concepts such as biology and consciousness, personality, memory, thinking, and learning. The purpose of the course is to provide tools to examine ourselves and the world around us through the lens of human behavior. Of course, students prepare to take the AP exam in May, which may allow them to receive course credit in college, but they also gain valuable insights about themselves and others.

In mid-January each year, you'll see students carrying flour sack babies around campus and wonder what is going on. Ms. Tarantino explains the project: 

The Flour Baby Project holds a crucial role in our Developmental Psychology unit, providing students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the parental role and apply developmental theories to their "flour baby." Through this project, students draw connections between prenatal development, newborn reflexes, stranger anxiety, attachment, parenting styles, theories from Erikson, Piaget, and Kohlberg, and various other aspects related to their flour baby. This hands-on approach brings the study of development to life, prompting students to reflect on their own childhood experiences and contemplate the future parenting of their potential children. Additionally, the project instills a sense of responsibility in students, emphasizing the significant effort required in caring for a baby. 

Because you give to ONE-Miramonte, 100% of our students are able to have more choices when they enroll in classes. They have the opportunity to take AP Psychology, a course that will teach valuable information they will carry forward into life as they gain an understanding about motivation, learning, development, and human behavior.

The Wellness Center provides valuable support to all Miramonte students. The Wellness staff, led by Wellness Coordinator Mr. Sal Avila, provides our students with a wide range of services. Students can come in for short cool-down breaks, or those who are experiencing more persistent mental health struggles can have short-term, weekly counseling sessions with one of the staff. The Wellness Center also provides education to all students about healthy relationships and boundaries, managing stress, and mindfulness. And the therapy dogs that visit during various times of the year are always a big hit with the students!

Ms. Ellen Zapalac, the Wellness Intake Specialist, also oversees the Student Union, where 200 students a day spend time before and after school and during lunch — relaxing with friends, playing games, and simply hanging out. The Student Union is a very popular spot during Academy periods as well, where students have a quiet place to work. 

Because you give to ONE-Miramonte, Miramonte can provide talented mental health professionals dedicated to our students' well-being. Our students have the support they need to manage the challenges of high school and being a teenager. 

The Miramonte Parents’ Club was able to purchase new furniture with funds saved in reserves from the last three years. Alissa Lillie, a talented designer in addition to serving on the Parents’ Club Board as VP of Services, worked with staff and administration to thoughtfully refresh these spaces and make them more up-to-date for all Miramonte students and staff.

Library

The library had furniture that did not adequately meet the needs of our students, who use the space every day. It is a popular spot during Academy hours, and the new furniture, as well as the way it is configured, reflects the way the students both study independently and collaborate with their peers during this time. The new space is more inviting for students to gather, connect, and socialize, and we hope it will contribute to a more vibrant campus life.

Staff Lounge

We’re thrilled to revitalize this hub for our staff, creating a more dynamic space that fosters collaboration, relaxation, and inspiration. The staff lounge had worn-out tables and chairs that needed to be updated and had no soft seating. Our staff now have a comfortable spot on campus for brunch, lunch, and collaboration time. We’ve heard nothing but praise from Miramonte staff for the refreshed space. 

Student Union

The Student Union, located in the heart of campus, was established in September 2018 with the vision of providing a comfortable space on campus for students, study groups, or clubs to meet, study, or relax. The popular space needed more seating to accommodate the many students who use the space before and after school, during breaks between classes, or during Academy periods. We doubled the amount of seating for students, including innovative modular soft seating, chairs with laptop arms, high-top desks and chairs for group work, and traditional desk seating for independent work. Many college campuses would be envious of our amazing student space!

The furniture has been well received by students! Here's what some of them had to say:

• The new furniture has made a comfortable environment for kids to relax or do work. It makes it easy to collaborate. ~ Derek Y., '26
• I really like it...it's kind of cool...I like that there's more places to sit. The different heights are great! ~ Lilia M., '25
• It's 'fun' iture! ~ Madison R., '25
• I love the new furniture! It makes me very, very happy. ~ Julia M., ‘26
• The tables are great for card games. And the new seating is great for conversations.

Because you give to ONE-Miramonte, we can make some modest and thoughtful updates that improve the campus experience for all Miramonte students, such as the hydration stations, new furniture, and iPad pilot project. Your donations to ONE-Miramonte make our school a better place for students and staff to learn, explore, and grow!

Miramonte’s College & Career Center is the best in the area! Even though many students at Miramonte work with private college counselors, they do not need to have successful college applications with the support of Ms. Stephanie Brady, Ms. Shannon Freeborn, Ms. Ariel Taylor, and Ms. Jennifer Mosher, our esteemed college counseling team. Even students with outside counselors use Miramonte’s College & Career Center services to make sure they’ve left no stone unturned when making their post-secondary plans. ONE-Miramonte provides supplemental funding to the College & Career Center to pay for additional staff hours. 

Here’s how Mrs. Brady describes what they do in the College & Career Center at Miramonte: The College & Career Center has the unique opportunity to meet with all students each year of high school. It begins in the first year with the launch of our Creating Your Community program, introducing ninth graders to how they can connect to their new home. As sophomores, we meet and provide them with the Getting to Know Yourself Workbook. The focus is on identifying values and using them as a foundational piece to making decisions in life—classes to take, extracurricular activities, and ways to expand their impact while taking initiative. In January of junior year, we start to bring it all together as we talk about post-secondary planning. This is where the process becomes individualized with 1:1 meetings, tailored college lists, targeted Academy sessions, and a summer essay workshop. It all culminates in the fall of Senior Year with a very individualized approach to post-secondary planning. Our team works with students on essay writing, filling out applications, scholarship applications, weekly timelines, mock interviews, and much more. We meet them where they are in the process and guide them from start to finish.

Just how impactful to students are the services the College & Career Center provides? 

The College & Career Center has provided tremendous support and guidance to me throughout the college application process. Their passion and knowledge helped me and many other students successfully navigate college. - Luke, ‘23

The Miramonte College & Career Center has been crucial in allowing me, and everyone, to execute successful college applications that show our true selves. The College & Career Center made college apps manageable and less stressful through constant essay help, Q&A sessions, and checklists that allowed everyone to remain organized and submit their apps on time. - Ricky, ‘23

Because you give to ONE-Miramonte, our students get first-rate support planning for life after high school. The College & Career Center supports every student every day and is only able to do so thanks to ONE-Miramonte donors. 

Miramonte’s renowned Public Speaking program is one of the most popular classes and programs supported by funding from ONE-Miramonte. 

Public Speaking has been helping students find their voices since 1979 and is led by veteran award-winning teacher, and Miramonte alum, Ms. Kristen Plant. Public speaking offers students a chance not only to hone their public speaking skills but also to think critically about important issues, truly learn all sides of an argument, and engage deeply in skills that are so important to civic life. The tradition of excellence enjoyed by our Public Speaking program would not be possible without the generous support of parent donations to ONE-Miramonte.

So why should you give to ONE-Miramonte and support programs like Public Speaking? We couldn’t say it better than this Miramonte parent and generous supporter of ONE-Miramonte, whose student has been active in Public Speaking for the last four years.

“We believe access to a high-quality public education is critical to creating a just and vibrant society; that is why we support our local schools. We also believe debate and public speaking support an engaged and functioning democracy. That’s why we actively engage with the debate program at Miramonte.”

Choral music is one of the many programs supported by your donations to ONE-Miramonte. Ms. Meredith Hawkins teaches a dedicated group of students who love to sing! Without support from ONE-Miramonte, choral music at Miramonte would be drastically limited. We all know how important it is for students to have the opportunity to explore their interests and engage deeply with their passions during their high school years. Your support of ONE-Miramonte makes that possible. 

Just how important is choral music to Miramonte students? Here’s what one student had to say:

Looking back on my high school career, my highlights were: soccer, lacrosse, but the best was my time in Choir. Getting to be a part of a group that quickly became friends was such a great way to feel connected and involved. I got to meet people outside of my regular sports friends and work on a skill that has helped me land my dream job today - editing sound for movies at Skywalker Sound.

Joining a group in high school is one of the best ways to branch out and really learn who you are and what defines you. If you’re still reading this far and still curious, give it a go - what do you have to lose?! Plus everyone loves someone who can sing! - Jordan, ‘10

Musical Theater is one of my favorite things to do, both in and out of school, and having the available class where I can commit to rehearsing and showing up for a show during school hours and for a grade is so convenient. I think some people don't understand that theater is like a sport in that getting the opportunity to do it at school with great people and a big team is super rewarding, and I'm so thankful the class still exists. It makes me so happy to do this with other people that are passionate about the same things, and I hope that everyone at Miramonte supports our program this year whether that's auditioning for our show Grease or watching it during opening weekend. - Lauren, ‘24 

Because you give to ONE-Miramonte, choral music students have a home at Miramonte. A well-rounded high school education includes the arts, and that’s made possible at Miramonte by donors like you.

Gifts to ONE-Miramonte help fund all academic classes and programs at Miramonte, including the English Department. From English 1 to senior year, Miramonte is able to offer a wide range of engaging English classes that support student expression.

We asked Ms. Elizabeth Aracic, the Chair of the English Department at Miramonte, what support from ONE-Miramonte means to the English department. Here’s what she had to say: 

Support from ONE-Miramonte has been and continues to be vital to maintaining high-quality programs and activities in the English department. One of the most important things about the English department is that this support affects every single student every single year, because English is the only required class at all four grade levels. 

Giving students 'voice and choice' is central to the English department's mission and purpose. The most important thing ONE-Miramonte support does for all English students is allows us to give students more options at the Junior and Senior levels by reducing the class sizes necessary to offer sections. This means that we now have three options at Junior level (English 3, English 3 Honors, and AP Language) and five options at Senior level (English 4; English 4 AP; English 4 WISE; Deconstructing Race; and Literature, Film, and Media). ONE-Miramonte has been able to support reducing class sizes at the 9th- and 10th-grade levels as well (English 1 and 2). 

English 4 WISE, for example, has connected students with internship and volunteer opportunities for the past 19 years. Second semester, students do not come to class on campus for English class; instead, they go to their 'third spaces,' pursuing an interest of their choice and writing and reading about it. In just the last few years, we have had students volunteer at Chez Panisse, the Marine Mammal Center in Marin, local vineyards, elementary school art and nature programs at Del Rey and Wagner Ranch, UCSF for pediatric heart surgery technology, CRISPR, veterinary clinics, ARF and other local animal rescue organizations, and marketing, film-making, woodworking, metal forging, accounting, property management, youth ministry, and many other things. If you can think of it, we've probably done it! 

We stay in touch with our WISE alumni, and many continue to work in fields related to their original WISE topics! In May, a 2008 graduate, Bon Appetit Senior Food Editor Andy Baraghani, returned to Chez Panisse for a special meal and book signing, going back to where he once started when he volunteered there during the WISE program. Many students consistently list WISE as the most influential class they took in high school, because it allowed them to explore their interests and passions while still fulfilling district and state ELA standards, and gave them experience with time management, self-advocacy, getting 'out of their comfort zones,' and preparing them for the complexities of their college and career lives. We thank ONE-Miramonte for their continued support of this special program.

Finally, we can offer students more enrichment opportunities such as field trips, guest speakers, offering teachers specialized professional development opportunities, and English-specific supplies. Our classes work closely with our Teacher Librarian, Susan Williams, and with library materials, so library support is also vital to offering a high-quality education in English. 

Because of the centrality of the English department in student schedules, ONE-Miramonte support affects all Miramonte students, meaning your support has a direct effect on every single student immediately and throughout each year. Thank you for this support!

Latin is a flagship program at Miramonte! Not many public high schools offer Latin, but Miramonte is able to offer Latin 1 through Latin 5, including AP Latin. Magister Mr. Matt Davis and Magistra Ms. Jennifer Mullowney teach Latin at Miramonte and run the popular Latin Club. Latin students learn vocabulary and grammar, of course, but they also study ancient mythology and read the works of Ovid, Ulysses, Cicero, and Caesar, among others. The students also publish “The Consul”, the Latin Club newsletter.

When asked what support from ONE-Miramonte means to the Latin Club, 2022-23 Co-Consuls Megan and Jessica said: Salvete Parentes! Latin Club sent over 160 students and 28 chaperones to the regional Latin convention, Ludi, at St. Ignatius thanks to your donations! To prepare, students were required to attend one study session on one of four topics- mythology, vocab, daily life, and grammar. In addition, students learned spirit cheers during class and taught them to other schools. Outside of Ludi, students are donating food to the local food bank! Gratias tibi ago for your donations!! 

Here’s what Class of 2021 graduate and former Co-Consul of the Latin Club Xander had to say about his time studying Latin at Miramonte: Latin was far and away the best class I took in high school all 4 years I took it. It's such an interesting subject because there is no better way to understand how the languages we have today work. The community surrounding Latin is one of the most vibrant there is, and if you immerse yourself in it, it makes learning Latin just that much more fun.

Miramonte Latin is one of the MANY engaging programs supported by your donations to ONE-Miramonte. Becasue you give, our students’ academic experiences are enriched by participating in one of the largest and most active Latin programs in the entire state.

Mischief-making faeries took the stage in October ‘22 in Miramonte’s production of Midsummer Night’s Dream. Led by veteran Miramonte teacher Ms. Heather Cousins, students made the sets, props, and costumes for the play in Stagecraft class and honed their acting skills in Drama class. Later in the year, Drama students will have the opportunity to write, cast, and direct their own plays and will produce the musical Grease.

We asked Miramonte Class of '23 Ella what participation in Miramonte Drama has meant to her, and here’s what she had to say: I have been involved in drama for my entire time at Miramonte, and even during online learning, it has been a bright light in my life. Not only did drama give me a community full of friends in both the cast and crew, but it gave me an opportunity to figure out what I want to pursue in life. My favorite part of drama is watching a production take shape, whether I act in it, write it, or direct it. It’s incredible to be in a class where everyone has a collective goal: To create a piece of art together. The Drama and Theatre Department at Miramonte has been my home for the past four years, and I don’t know who I would be without it.

Through drama class, students can find a means of creative self-expression, gain self-confidence, and build a community. While these experiences are important throughout life, they are so important during the teen years. Drama is one of the many programs Miramonte offers for students to find their passions and build connections with like-minded people that make the high school experience meaningful.

Gifts to ONE-Miramonte provides the funding necessary to offer a vibrant drama and theater program. Because you give, Miramonte students have the opportunity to create artistic theatrical works together. A well-rounded education includes the arts, and donations to ONE-Miramonte make that possible. 

Model UN has been greatly affected by covid restrictions; the current seniors haven’t been able to participate in an in-person conference since freshman year. They made up for that this past weekend with a trip to Boston to attend the Harvard Model UN (HMUN) conference! The Miramonte Parents’ Club paid entry fees for the students to compete.

Miramonte teacher Mr. Xavier Frippiat served as advisor and flew with eight students and Miramonte parent Ms. Sandi Balonick to Boston, where the students had the opportunity to compete at HMUN, an international convention with student delegates from all over the world.

We asked 2022-23 Model UN Club Presidents Michelle and Mia why Model UN is important and what was impactful about their attendance at HMUN, and they had this to say: We believe that MUN is very important because it increases people's confidence and communication skills (both in a public speaking speech setting and in collaborating with others). MUN is also instrumental in broadening one's worldview as the issues are inherently global and the activity encompasses students from around the world. During our time in Boston, Mia and I collaborated with people from Venezuela, Tunisia, India, and more to discuss ways to tackle global poverty and economic development. This was a once in a lifetime experience to see such a range of perspectives in a diverse collaborative environment.

Because you give to ONE-Miramonte, students are able to have extraordinary experiences, like attending HMUN, where they can grow as learners and as individuals. 

Miramonte is lucky to have a dedicated and talented science faculty, led by department chair Ms. Jyllian Smith. 

When you make a gift to ONE-Miramonte, you are supporting the robust science curriculum at our school. Your donations ensure that our Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Science, Environmental Science, and Physics classes have the supplies they need to run lab experiments, Anatomy and Physiology classes can perform dissections, and Introduction to Engineering has the CAD programs they need to create their designs. The money raised by ONE-Miramonte buys necessary materials for all science classes and provides many opportunities for experiential learning in our science classrooms. These hands-on experiences foster active engagement with the curriculum, allow students to apply scientific concepts to real-world situations, help students develop critical thinking skills, and encourage collaboration and communication skills.

Because you give to ONE-Miramonte, Miramonte science students have the materials and supplies they need to develop a framework for understanding the world around them, from the smallest particles to the largest systems, and a deeper understanding of the natural world and their place in it.

The Mirador, Miramonte’s student newspaper, is one of the many programs on campus that receives supplemental funding from your donations to ONE-Miramonte. In addition to a publishing newspaper, The Mirador publishes a magazine and podcasts that you can check out here.

Why is The Mirador important at Miramonte? 

We believe student journalism is important because it gives students a voice to write about issues that they care about and it adds to a culture of inquiry and involvement on campus. The Mirador has taught us so many life skills and is such a fun environment to meet new people from all grade levels.-  Grace and Reagan, 2022-23 Editors-in-Chief of The Mirador

Because you give to ONE-Miramonte, students get an opportunity to write about important issues on campus and the world.

If you attended Back-to-School Night or dropped your student off at Mats Day, you no doubt saw the Miramonte Link Crew students in their Home Depot-inspired shirts there to help out. Link Crew is among the many clubs and student organizations on campus that receive financial support from donations to ONE-Miramonte.

So what is Link Crew? Ms. Ellen Conners and Ms. Katie Watson are the staff advisors for Link Crew and explain what Link Crew is all about: What makes Link Crew really special is that our program is built on the philosophy that "students can help other students." We are by students and for students, and our main objective is that students have a positive transition to Miramonte, whether they are coming in as 9th graders or as upper class students. The students who participate really want to be there and deeply care about the experience of their peers.

Why do Miramonte students want to be part of Link Crew?

I’ve been the new kid before, and I remember hoping to find a friendly face in the crowd who might help me. Now, as a Link Crew Commissioner, I enjoy being that face for our new students. Our awesome Link Crew team assists new students in learning about our school community and helps them feel like their high school transition is less overwhelming. - Ryan ‘24, Link Crew Commissioner

Link Crew is important because one of our main roles is to welcome the first years into a new environment and really make sure they feel welcome and that they have a place at Miramonte. I love being on Link Crew because it gives me a chance to connect with younger students who I might not otherwise be able to meet. - Sophie ‘24, Link Crew Commissioner

Because you give to ONE-Miramonte, you help support important clubs and organizations that allow students to learn leadership skills, explore their interests, and, in the case of Link Crew especially, build community at Miramonte. Being part of an organization such as Link Crew makes for a more meaningful and engaging high school experience, both for Link Crew members and the students they support. Donations help make student clubs and organizations possible at Miramonte.  

Because you give, students in the very popular Foods classes at Miramonte have the food and supplies they need to learn essential life skills and create culinary masterpieces!

What are the Foods students up to? Ms. Katharine Cryan, our extraordinary Foods teacher, explains what's going on in the Foods Program: 

We currently offer two courses in the Foods Program: Foods 1 and Advanced Baking. The students in Foods 1 begin the year by completing a Food Handler Safety Course and Certification. We then learn knife skills and other basic cooking skills through cooking labs in class, as well as nutrition and sustainability in the foods system. My goal is to give the students a well-rounded foundation, whether they want to cook at home or professionally. The students are gearing up for their final, which will be to create a four-course meal and restaurant experience for four of the teachers on campus. The students are so creative, and it is awesome to see how far their skills have come over the course of the year. 

Our Advanced Baking course is open to sophomores through seniors and digs deeper into baking. We just finished our unit on cakes and will be ending the year with laminated doughs and plated desserts. Many of these students work in the restaurant industry already, and a few are considering careers in the field. These students work so hard, often coming in before and after class to complete projects.

What do Miramonte students get out of Foods class?

Foods class really helped me to learn about food safety and why it is so important, as well as teaching important ways to prepare food and how it differs around the world. Overall, it was a really fun and educational class that can help many people learn different cuisines and skills. - Emerson, '25

Taking a food class at school not only teaches you essential life skills but also allows you to enjoy the process of cooking and exploring new flavors. I highly recommend this class to anyone who wants to have fun while learning how to make delicious meals that will impress their friends and family. - Camilia, '26

Because you give, Miramonte students can relax in the sun and enjoy a revitalized garden!

On a Saturday in April '23, volunteers came to Miramonte for a campus beautification day. They worked hard to pull weeds, pick up trash, and make Miramonte a nicer place to be. Miramonte parent Dana Wentworth spearheaded the effort to improve a former garden site that had become overgrown with weeds and fallen into a state of disrepair. Working with the Miramonte Botanicals Club, Dana and the students planted various varieties of tomatoes, basil, cilantro, zucchini, squash, and cucumbers and will tend to the garden over the summer and harvest their crops. Miramonte Leadership helped in the garden along with Boys Team Charity. 

Because you give to ONE-Miramonte, we can fund campus improvements such as these. Thanks to Dana and all the volunteers who gave up a few hours of their Saturday morning to make Miramonte better!