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Grade reform proposal
The San Ramon Valley Unified School District is seeking community input on proposed changes to its grading practices for grades six through 12 that were previously introduced at the Oct. 14 board meeting.
The proposal was produced by a grade reform sub-committee that was established in 2019, with discussions, revisions, and potential adoption set for the current academic year.
According to the district, the proposed changes are aimed at ensuring impartiality and consistency of student assessment across its secondary schools, and “to encourage time, choice, and feedback for students.”
Some of the proposed changes include grading based only on academic performance rather than work habits and student behavior – which would be reported separately – the removal of plus and minus grades, and “emphasis on timely, descriptive feedback and multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate mastery.”
The district held its first virtual forum on the topic Thursday, with two additional forums set for Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. More information is available here.
Diablo Women’s Chorale concert
The Diablo Women’s Chorale is gearing up for its fall concert “Over the River and Into the Woods,” described by the group as “a joyful and nostalgic musical experience celebrating the wonders of nature, devotion, and true love.”
The chorale – now in its 83rd year, having been established during World War II – is set to perform Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church at 49 Knox Drive in Lafayette. Tickets and more information are available here.
Danville Mayor’s Installation
The Town of Danville has announced details of this year’s annual Mayor’s Installation and Community Awards ceremony, which is set for Dec. 4 from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. at the Village Theatre. More information is available here.
Business Pitch competition
Ten students from across the Contra Costa Community College District who were named finalists in the district’s Business Pitch Competition are set to gather at Diablo Valley College this week for the final stage of the competition.
“The 4CD Business Pitch Competition gives students the opportunity to develop, refine, and present their business ideas to a panel of judges and a live audience,” district officials said in an announcement Wednesday.
The finalists are set to pitch their ideas and compete for cash prizes – $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place – from noon to
The event is set for 9 a.m. to noon at 321 Golf Club Road in Pleasant Hill.
Sentinels of Freedom donation
The San Ramon-based non-profit Sentinels of Freedom awarded $5,000 to the Veterans Resource Center at Los Medanos College to support math education.
“Many veterans return to college after years away from the classroom, often facing challenges in subjects like mathematics as they transition back into academic life,” said Rikki Hall, LMC director of Admissions and Records in an announcement from the college. “This grant provides essential, targeted support to help them build confidence, strengthen foundational skills, and ultimately succeed in achieving their educational goals.”
In particular, the grant is set to support in-person math tutoring for the 168 student veterans enrolled in the current semester.
“I’m here to tell you, people in this community want to see you succeed,” said Sentinels of Freedom founder Mike Conklin, who also led a workshop on budgeting and financial planning during his visit to Los Medanos on Nov. 6.
DSRSD award
The Water Environment Federation and other national partners recently named the Dublin San Ramon Services District a 2025 Utility of the Future Today, a national recognition that celebrates innovation in water reuse and sustainability.
According to DSRSD, the water and sewer district has been a leader in recycling water for three decades. DSRSD’s recycled water program currently supplies up to 25% of “total water used within its service area, providing a reliable and sustainable local source”.
“This award recognizes decades of collaboration and innovation,” DSRSD General Manager Jan Lee said in a press release. “DSRSD’s recycled water program is a model of how local partnerships can strengthen water reliability and sustainability for the entire region.”
