Juniors
See the note in the Juniors section about a presentation from counseling and College & Career Center next week, Oct 6 on Zoom.

Friday, Oct 9 – Last Day to Drop a Class
Students must email their counselor to do this. Students can drop a class if their remaining schedule will still have six classes. It is too late to add a new class. Email your counselor with any questions.

End of Quarter
October 9 is the end of the quarter grading period. Grades will be updated the following week. It’s gone by fast! Quarter grades are essentially progress reports at the halfway point in the semester. Grades and credits are updated on the transcript at the end of each semester. 

Transcripts
For Seniors ordering transcripts, have your list of colleges updated on Naviance and pay the $5 fee for official transcripts on the webstore. Mrs. Finn, the registrar, will process requests. Please contact Mrs. Finn with questions. Students can review unofficial transcripts in Aeries.

Counselor appointments
We love talking to our students! Email is the best way to reach us. Counselors have appointment slots for students and will email them a link for signing up. We are trying to reserve the limited slots outside of class time for students. Parents can schedule a time when students are in class. Counselor Assignments Student last names:

A- Ed  Anne Schonauer
Ee-Kr  Christine Todd
Ku-Ros  Marissa Meadows
Rot-Z  Susan Martin

Be Covid Proactive!
See update on my google site. Stay healthy by keeping this symptom checklist in mind.

School Immunization Requirements are still in place.
Please check in with your local pediatrician’s office, Primary Care Provider, or our County Health Department.

Flu Vaccine is available NOW!
Make sure to have everyone in your family get a Flu vaccine. We all want to stay as healthy as possible, individually and collectively as a community. Reduced illness from flu will also ease the burden of illness from Covid in our hospital facilities. Flu vaccine is available at most medical practices and pharmacies. Free CC County Flu Shot Clinics begin next week.

Medical Forms and Medications at School
Please turn in any relevant medical forms your student might need for the 2020-21 school year. Those forms should be dated no earlier than June 2020. You can access forms here.

Here’s a great article on How To Be Stronger Co-Parents During The Pandemic

Please get in touch with me with any questions, concerns, and/or requests. I look forward to being in touch and connected!

Is your student interested in joining the Acalanes Health & Medicine Student Club? Check it out here.

Dvora Citron, RN, MS
Acalanes School Nurse Google Site
dcitron@auhsdschools.org
IG:  acalanesschoolnurse

AHS Fight Song Rediscovered
Instrumental Music Director Lauren Gibson was thrilled when student Autumn Long recently passed along a recording of the original Acalanes fight song from 1956 and highlights of other school events that year. This year, our music students will record the fight song to ignite our Dons spirit. The fight song, written specifically for Acalanes, has not been performed in years and will now be played at upcoming football and other Acalanes sports games. A link to the 1956 recording, which includes a surprise visit by Marilyn Monroe (portrayed by an Acalanes student), is here. Enjoy!

Virtual Projects from Our Choral Music Students
Tune in for some exceptional online programming from our Dons students over the next two months: 

• National Parks History through Music Program – This program is put together by our recently retired AHS institution Larry Freeman, along with the Rangers at Hyde Street Pier National Maritime Park. They will provide a recording of a Sea Chantey entitled “Randy Dandio.”
• AHS Fight Song – As mentioned above, stay tuned as Instrumental, Vocal Music and Cheer bring our Fight Song back to life!
• November 16 High School Notes Program – Invited by the Diablo Regional Arts Association to participate in the High School Notes program, our Dons will sing in a virtual concert November 16. Acalanes, along with 11 other high schools, will collaborate with Deke Sharon, who arranged music for the Pitch Perfect movies and Sing Off. Our students will perform “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran and join other high schoolers in a group number to be determined.

Go Dons!

With so much attention on the presidential race, it might be possible to forget that there are other important items on the ballot. Several state propositions will directly affect our schools and students, so be sure to fill out your entire ballot!  

Prop 15: California Schools and Local Communities Funding Act
This initiative would require commercial and industrial real estate property worth $3 million or more be taxed on current market value. This money would be allocated to schools (40%) and other local governments (60%). It is estimated to result in $11.5 billion in additional funding statewide, and between $1.9 million and $3.4 million for AUHSD. How Prop. 15 would increase K-12 districts’ funding. For an even-handed discussion of the pros and cons, see here: Quick Guide: Proposition 15, the proposed ’split-roll’ tax on commercial property 

Prop 16: Repeal Proposition 209 – Restore Affirmative Action
This constitutional amendment would permit the use of race, gender, and ethnic diversity as factors (but not decisive factors) in education including college admissions, government hiring, and government contracting. CSU Trustees endorse repeal of affirmative action ban

Prop 18: Primary Voting for 17-Year-Olds
This constitutional amendment allows 17-year-olds who will be 18 at the time of the next general election to vote in primary elections and special elections. 18 other states plus DC already allow this.

Your Donations at Work
Thanks to you, AHS is able to offer a broad visual arts curriculum including Studio Art, 3D Art, Photography, Digital Design, and Video Production. Funding from LPIE allows AHS staff to be at the forefront of contemporary practices using state of the art tools and equipment.

From visual arts teacher, Rob Porter:
“LPIE and the parents that form and support it are an invaluable asset to the Arts programs at Acalanes. LPIE funds 100% of the Art materials budget. With this generous support, students have access to excellent materials with which to explore the curricula (from introductory to AP) and express their unique vision and artistry. These materials include brushes, paper, drawing pencils, pens, watercolors, acrylics, and a multitude of other materials. Thank you LPIE and parents for providing students with materials that allow them to access rigorous curricula and to succeed at high levels.”

From digital design teacher, Chris Busse:
“Our Digital Design program would not be where it is today without the help of LPIE. I’m so grateful that we have been given up-to-date technology that mirrors the same industry standards as a professional design firm. Thank you so much LPIE for all that you do!”

Did you know that LPIE has a new podcast?
Subscribe now so you don’t miss one episode! Episode 2: The LPIE Podcast, hosted by Springhill parent Adam Welcome, features BVE Parent and LPIE Art Program Chair Kirsten Jensen-Horne. Kirsten talks about how art encourages your student’s unique style, helps with overall student wellness and so much more!  Help support your community volunteers by taking a few minutes to listen by clicking here.

Laura–Kate Rurka & Jennifer Palmer
Acalanes LPIE School Chairs

www.lpie.org

APC Student Directory
The directory is now available to APC Members (families who donate any amount to APC are members!) via Acalanes Parents Club website.  For privacy reasons, the directory is password protected. Members can look for an email with password information in their inbox later today. Not sure if you’re a member?  Go to the Web Store, log into your account and view your order history. Thank you for your support! A huge thank you to Sharon Hunt, Danielle Gallagher and Linda Choi for creating the directory and making it accessible to our members. 

Applications Due October 9: APC Grants, All Ideas Welcome!
Acalanes Parents Club will continue its APC Grant Program this year with a focus on creative solutions to enhance the educational experience of AHS students during distance learning, and with an eye toward ideas for when we gather again in-person. Teachers, students and parents are encouraged to submit a grant proposal by accessing the criteria and application form here. Email APC Grants Coordinator Catherine Habas with questions. To submit your completed proposal, email Catherine or deliver to the APC box in the office. 

2020-21 Acalanes & President’s Volunteer Service Awards Program
The 2020-21 program year continues to be challenging for identifying volunteer opportunities. It is very important that students looking for opportunities to volunteer in our local community follow safety guidelines in order to keep yourself, families and neighbors safe. This year we are reducing the volunteer service hour minimum to 20 hours and adding in flexibility to volunteer requirements. This reduction applies only to the Acalanes Volunteer Service Award. The President’s Volunteer Service award is a federal program and we cannot modify their program requirements. We encourage students to be creative with ideas that can turn into volunteer opportunities. Ideas to consider (verification of hours is still necessary):

• Grocery shopping or running errands for senior, disabled or at-risk neighbors
• AHS Stege Elementary pen-pal program
• AHS Clubs focused on service such as Key Club, Children’s Hospital, Equip for Equality, Environmental, Asian Student Union, SAGE, Protect Animals Worldwide

If you have a great idea about a way to be of service in your community and want to see if it qualifies under the AHS program, email us!

Celebrating our Dons!
Help us celebrate our Dons’ first quarter finish! Similar to our “Finals Fuel” tradition, we will be providing a celebratory treat for every student in early October. If you’d like to support our effort, please donate any amount you are comfortable giving. For your convenience, we have a Venmo account set up: @Treasurer-ParentsClub. Donation deadline is Saturday, October 3. Thanks for your support! Questions? Email our Final Fuel Team, Carey Starn and Nicole Carberry here.

Friday, Oct 9 Fall APC Grant Applications Due
Acalanes Parents Club will continue its APC Grant Program this year with a focus on creative solutions to enhance the educational experience of AHS students during distance learning, and with an eye toward ideas for when we gather again in-person. Teachers, students and parents are encouraged to submit a grant proposal by accessing the criteria and application form here. Email APC Grants Coordinator Catherine Habas with questions. To submit your completed proposal, email Catherine or deliver to the APC box in the office. 

Canvas Support for Parents
Visit the Acalanes School District Canvas Support website to help with login, setup and more.

High School Student Poll Worker Program
Is your student interested in working the polls this fall? Visit this link to learn more about the program, including how students can apply. Remember, this is a great way to add hours towards your student’s Acalanes Volunteer Service Award while also participating in the election process.

Join the fun and get in the ACA Fall spirit by participating in these events:

Saturday, October 3rd – ACA Campus Clean-Up
Kick off the month of October by helping us spruce up our campus so it looks great when students return. All are welcome – students, parents, and community members. Grab a few friends or pull your club or team to work together in socially-distanced zones. Sign up here!

WELCOME TO OUR FIRST ACA DAYS! And ACAtober! Thursday, October 8 Campus Drive-By (See class drive-by schedule below)

•    WAVE & Say hello to AWESOME Acalanes Teachers & Staff
•    CELEBRATE 1st Quarter End with “APC Finals Fuel” gift
•    GIVE BACK Pick up thank you cards for those you appreciate
•    RECEIVE Spirit sticker from your Class Officers & Liaisons
•    DONATE Acalanes Community Always – Fire Relief Fund
•    HELP YOURSELF Learn more about AHS Peer Tutoring
•    PICK UP Yearbooks, Class T-shirts & AHS Flags
•    SMILE You’re part of an amazing DONS School Community

First 50 students per grade get a SURPRISE piece of ACA Swag!  

3:00 – 3:30pm    SENIORS!!!!
3:30 – 4:00pm    JUNIORS!!!
4:00 – 4:30pm    SOPHOMORES!!
4:30 – 5:00pm    FROSH!

Acalanes Alumni Network
Team ACA is looking for local Acalanes Alums (you may have just graduated or be a “vintage” Alum) to help with some exciting projects. Email Dawn Brightbill and Sarah Cusumano to join the effort at aca@acalanesparentsclub.com. 

Lafayette Res Run
Creativity at the Lafayette Chamber is in high gear. Visit the Fundraising section to learn more about this fantastic community event and register to join the fun.

It’s week six in our challenge to build habits supporting racial equity. Join us in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month! 

For week six, listen to NPR episode “Latinx Monuments We’d Like to See”. Ivy Queen, Jean-Michel Basquiet and Maria from Sesame Street are just a few of the Latinx featured in this episode. (28 minutes)

Tuesday, Nov 10 from 7-8:30 – AUHSD Book Club Across that Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change by late Congressman John Lewis
Thanks to everyone who participated in the book club last Tuesday, discussing How to Be An Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. The next AUHSD DEI Book Club book is Across that Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change by late Congressman John Lewis. Sign up here.

Thursday, Oct 1 from 7-8:30pm – Parent Racial Equity Seminar Series – Session 1 (see the flyer here!)
This Acalanes parent-specific series led by Dr. Lori A. Watson allows parents to intimately explore issues of race and identity, and gives us the tools to speak with our children, friends, and community members about this often difficult, uncomfortable topic. Spaces are limited to the first 50 people who sign up. Participants are encouraged to sign up for at least four sessions. Click here for the Google form with more information and to sign up. Series dates are:

• Thursday, October 1
• Monday, November 16 
• Tuesday, January 19
• Tuesday, February 9  
• Wednesday, March 3 
• Thursday, May 6

Interested in joining our committee? Have questions? Email us.