November 2026 Newsletter

Welcome to the November edition of the Northgate School Counseling Newsletter! As we head into November, we’re reminded of the importance of slowing down, appreciating the little things, and finding moments of gratitude in our everyday lives. We encourage families to take time to connect, celebrate the positives, and remind our students that even small moments can make a big difference in their well-being. For our seniors, November is an especially important month as the November 30 UC and CSU application deadline approaches and students put the finishing touches on their college applications. This month, we’ll share wellness resources, college application reminders, opportunities to earn college credit, career exploration resources, and upcoming events for students and families. As always, our counseling team is here to support our students every step of the way!

Resources

November is National Gratitude Month!

Practicing gratitude is one of the easiest and most effective ways to boost our mental health, lower stress, and build resilience. This month, the counseling department is challenging all students to find one small thing they are thankful for each day.

Counselor Tip for Families: Try creating a "Gratitude Jar" at the dinner table. Every evening, have each family member write down one positive moment from their day on a slip of paper. Reading them at the end of the month is a great way to bond and focus on the positives!

30 Gratitude Activities for Kids and Teens

College Updates from your School Counselors

SENIORS:

Virtual UC Night Wednesday, November 4, 4:00-5:15 PM

Students will have the opportunity to learn about the University of California (UC) system, gain a better understanding of the UC application process, and hear from representatives at participating UC campuses.

Seniors - November 30 - Application deadline for UC and CSU applications

UC Application Guide - please reference this as you are working through your UC application
CSU Application Guide

CSU Campus Admission Highlights (one-page)

Upcoming College Deadlines:

Please don’t wait to submit your application as you wait on your recommenders to submit. You MUST meet your college deadlines.
Students that need letters of recommendation for December & January deadlines need to ask counselors by December 1st. Counselors will not be submitting any college documents over winter break.

ALL STUDENTS:

Recording of Early College Credit Parent Night 2026 and more information on Early College Credit webpage

BUS 294 – Business Law: This course will officially be offered online asynchronously for Spring 2027 and will be open to all students districtwide.
KINES 234 – Introduction to Sports Medicine and Athletic Training: Only available for Advanced Sports Medicine students

Concurrent Enrollment - High School Friendly Classes at DVC

Wellness Center News/Updates

5 Things I Learned from Making an AI Friend - One Love Foundation

Upcoming Events

November 4 (4:00PM-5:15PM PT): UC Virtual Night

Students will have the opportunity to learn about the University of California system, gain a better understanding of the UC application process, and hear from representatives at participating UC campuses. Register here (flyer)

November 4: Building Trades Parent Night at Concord High School. (5:30 pm to 7:30 pm: Dinner 5:30, program 6:30, interactive stations 5:30 to 7:30)

This is a great opportunity for students and families to learn about the different Building Trades, apprenticeship opportunities, and career options available after high school. There will also be hands-on demonstrations throughout the evening! RSVP to this even by scanning the QR code on the flyer.

November 5: CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT: A HEAD START ON COLLEGE (6:00-7:00p.m.)

Students can earn college credit while still in high school. California high school students pay no tuition - only student union fees and the cost of class materials. To get started, students submit a Special Admissions Recommendation Form each term, signed by a parent and a school principal or school counselor. Join our upcoming webinar to walk through the process: Register for the Concurrent Enrollment Webinar

November 11: NO SCHOOL - Veteran's Day

November 16th & 19th: Sophomore Presentations in Classrooms

November 23-27 - NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break

December 3 - Underclassmen Parent Night - 6:00pm-7:00pm in the Little Theater

Come learn about what supports we offer at Northgate, Post-Secondary and CTE options, Graduation and College Admissions requirements, and the course request process