Unique Opportunity for Parents to Engage with Staff and Administration!
We need 15 parent volunteers to participate in a focus group with Acalanes Staff on Friday, Oct 21 from 7:30-8:30am. Acalanes High School is currently in the process of renewing our accreditation with the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). As part of this important process, we are completing an extensive self-study of our school programs to identify strengths and areas for improvement. We are looking for 15 parents to join our 5 focus groups to provide feedback as we analyze the 5 WASC Criteria.
Please complete this survey if you’d like to participate on Oct 21.

Breaking Down the Walls is back!
This week, all 10th and 11th grade students will participate in Breaking Down the Walls (BDTW). The BDTW creates a safe environment for students to build empathy and understanding through a “play, trust, learn” model. By first helping students laugh together, they start to trust one another and eventually want to learn from those outside their regular friend group. The assembly, training, and workshops leave everyone with the realization we are truly BETTER TOGETHER!
 
Students will participate during one of the three days, assigned by the last name:

• Wednesday, Oct 12:  Last Names A-G
• Thursday, Oct 13:  Last Names H-Pa
• Friday, Oct 14:  Last Names Pe-Z

BDTW will begin at 8:30am in the Big Gym and run until the end of the school day. Lunch will be provided. All teachers know that our 10th and 11th grade students are participating in this vital school program and have modified their curriculum accordingly.
 
We are fortunate to bring this powerful programming to our students. Thank you, Acalanes Parents Club for your support in making this happen. Click here to read Principal Shawn’s10/3 email for more information.
 
AHS Garden Restoration Group
Acalanes staff, students, and community members have recently joined forces to clean up and revitalize the Acalanes gardens between the 400 and 500 wings. Plans include keeping the large garden space near the 503 area to grow food for students, staff, and the Food Bank. We have informally started calling this space “the farm.”

Click here to read more about the AHS Garden Restoration Group, their plans, and how you can help. Currently, they are in need of brown cardboard to act as weed suppression. If you have any, please bring them to room 201. There is also a Garden Wish List of items needed plus two clean up days already planned for November. All are welcome to join! Learn more here.