News – Page 4 – Acalanes Parents Club

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

April 7, 2024

Important Dates

Apr 2 World Autism Awareness Day – all of April is Autism Awareness month
Apr 9 Eid-Al-Fitr
Apr 22 Passover begins

April is Autism Awareness Month, honoring and recognizing our fellow community members on the autism spectrum and their families. Have you heard people talk about neurodiversity? Harvard Health explains the origin of the term and application here.

Eid –Al –Fitr is celebrated by Muslims worldwide because it marks the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. People greet each other with “Eid Mubarak,” meaning “Blessed Eid”, and with formal embraces. Sweet dishes are prepared at home and gifts are given to children and to those in need. In addition, Muslims are encouraged to forgive and seek forgiveness. Practices vary from country to country.

Please check out the new AUHSD DEIB website for many great resources and events! And follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Performing & Visual Arts

April 7, 2024

TOP AWARDS FOR ACALANES HS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC ENSEMBLES!
At the recent California Music Educators Association (CMEA) Festival held on Mar 23, Acalanes High School Instrumental Music ensembles received the highest possible Unanimous Superior rating for all three music groups—Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and String Orchestra! This means that each group received top scores from all three stage judges and the one sight-reading judge.

Acalanes Symphonic Band

Acalanes Wind Ensemble

Acalanes String Orchestra

Huge congratulations on this incredible achievement for our students and our wonderful band director, Edwin Cordoba, in his first year teaching at Acalanes, and for positioning Acalanes as one of the premier high school music programs in Contra Costa County!

Student Activities

April 7, 2024

April Calendar of Events:

10-12 and 15-19: Prom bus sign-ups during lunch
17: Cultural Fair at lunch
18: Talent show at 6:30pm
19: Special Olympics
21-26: Earth Week
27: Prom

We hope your student will plan to celebrate diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding at the Cultural Fair on Wednesday, Apr 17 during lunch! Students can showcase the richness of their heritage by signing up for a booth at the Cultural Fair. They will have the opportunity to represent a country and be responsible for bringing and serving food from their chosen country and educating others about the cultures and traditions of their country. This can be done by sharing interesting facts, displaying flags and objects of cultural importance, or creating a poster board filled with relevant information. The event will be held throughout campus and participants will receive an email regarding their booth location closer to the date. Students can sign up here.

The Acalanes Annual Talent Show is happening on Thursday, Apr 18 at 6:30pm and it is a FULL show hosted by a couple of incredible seniors and features acts of all kinds. We are raising money for the SAGE club & the Community Improvement club. Come on out!

The Special Olympics are on Friday, Apr 19 beginning at 10am. Is your student volunteering? If so, there is a mandatory meeting on Apr 10 and Apr 12 (during academy) to train volunteers. Volunteers will get a reminder slip.

The 2024 Junior & Senior Prom is Saturday, Apr 27 at the San Francisco Exploratorium. Prom tickets are on sale now through Apr 19 via Go Fan . Click HERE for the printable permission slips. In order to get a bus assignment, students need a ticket and a signed permission form. Bus sign ups happen during lunch from Apr 10-12 and Apr 15-19.

We still have 2028 frosh spirit packs available for purchase. Spirit packs feature a limited edition 2028 hoodie, string backpack and lanyard. The last day to order these is Thursday, Apr 18 and items will be available for pick-up beginning Wednesday, May 1. All proceeds benefit the class of 2028.

Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.

Katherine Walton, Activities Director

School Nurse

April 7, 2024

KEEP AN EYE ON SLEEP!

Based on recent feedback I’ve received from parents, I encourage you to talk with your child about sleep. They may not know how important it is and how much they need. You may be able to discuss together how to optimize their schedule so that they can get more of the sleep they need. Good quality and amount of sleep = academic success!

Acalanes students need SLEEP to:

Excel in the classroom by maximizing attention, memory and learning abilities
Perform better in sports by being faster, stronger and more accurate
Feel positive and have a more optimistic attitude toward life
Look their best and maintain a healthy weight
Have fun and enjoy life by making better decisions and staying safe

Teens need between 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Working backwards, if your student can get to school on time if they sleep until 7am, they should be considering going to bed as early as 9pm but not later than 11pm. Parents can assist their students in prioritizing their sleep environment and sleep windows.

To optimize sleep quality, parents can help by:

Keeping digital devices out of the room
Leaving 3 hours between eating and going to sleep
Having a wind-down time before bed
Being prepared for the next day before going to bed (including having breakfast and snacks ready/available)

When you go visit prospective colleges, think about visiting the Student Health Center. They are expertly equipped to address a variety of health and wellness issues for 18-25 year olds, whose bodies and brains are still growing and developing

See my website for more information.

Always Your School Nurse,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron @auhsdschools .org, 925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurse, School Nurse Website

Sports

April 7, 2024

This week’s can’t miss events:

Boys Golf
Monday, Apr 8 Varsity v. Northgate HS at Contra Costa CC at 3:30pm.

Boys Volleyball
Tuesday, Apr 9 host Berean Christian HS. JV at 5pm and varsity at 6:30pm.
Thursday, Apr 11 host Las Lomas HS. JV at 5pm and varsity at 6:30pm.
Saturday, Apr 13 Granite Bay Varsity Invitational.

Softball
Tuesday, Apr 9 Varsity host Mt. Diablo HS at 4:30pm.
Thursday, Apr 11 Las Lomas HS at 4:30pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Saturday, Apr 13 Vanden HS at 11am. Varsity is away and JV is home.

Baseball
Tuesday, Apr 9 Northgate HS at 4pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Thursday, Apr 11 Northgate HS at 4pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Saturday, Apr 13 Frosh at James Logan HS doubleheader at 11am and 1pm.

Boys Tennis
Tuesday, Apr 9 College Park HS at 3:30pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Thursday, Apr 11 Campolindo HS at 3:30pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.

Boys Lacrosse
Tuesday, Apr 9 at Washington HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Thursday, Apr 11 host Alhambra HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.

Girls Lacrosse
Tuesday, Apr 9 at University HS. Varsity at 3:30pm and JV at 5pm.
Friday, Apr 12 at Northgate HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Saturday, Apr 13 Frosh-soph at Miramonte HS at 9am.

Swimming
Thursday, Apr 11 host Clayton Valley Charter HS at 4pm.

Track & Field
Friday, Apr 12 and Saturday, Apr 13 host Bob Warren Relays.

Competitive Sport Cheer
Friday, Apr 12 Las Lomas HS at 5:30pm and Clayton Valley Charter HS at 6:30pm at Las Lomas HS.

Diving
Friday, Apr 12 host AUHSD meet at 4pm.

You may view the full 2023-2024 Athletic Schedule by clicking HERE.

APC in Action

March 25, 2024

DONS DIALOGUE – Listen to the Recording!
Don’t miss the video or slides from our most recent Dons Dialogue on Friday, Mar 22.
The agenda included a great discussion of the following;

Special Education Highlight with Claire and Erin*
Special Olympics review from Walton
English and Social Science Department Highlights from Barth and Schottland
ASB Student Report with Zoya

*In case you missed it, please visit here to enjoy the recent National News Clip that highlights some of the amazing work happening in our SPED classrooms! Congratulations to Ms Hall and Mason!

SPRING CAMPUS CLEAN UP: Sunday, Apr 14, 11am – 2pm
Help us make our campus shine! Earn volunteer service hours, connect with your Acalanes community, and share in our Dons pride! All are welcome. Students can sign up on the Helper Helper app (click HERE for instructions) and adults can volunteer through the Sign Up Genius. Thanks for your help and GO DONS!

DONS SHOWED UP FOR ROBERT PAYLOR
Our Lamorinda community really showed up last week for the inspirational talk with Robert Paylor. See below for some important takeaways from the talk.

If you were unable to attend and hear Robert’s story, “Paralyzed to Powerful”, we encourage you to read more about his story here.

APC is proud to bring important events like this to our Acalanes Community. Thank you to everyone who contributes to APC. Your support enables events like this.

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

March 25, 2024

ACABOTS IS LOOKING FOR SPONSORS!
Acabots, the Acalanes High School Robotics team, engages students in engineering and robotics, aiming for victory in FRC California competitions. We rely on sponsorships to fund new parts, equipment, registration fee, and create wonderful experiences. Our club welcomes all students, covering diverse tasks from design to programming. We’re seeking business and personal sponsors to support our endeavors. If you are interested in supporting us, please contact lucas .ulbrich 25@auhsdschools .org or dongjoo.ahn24@auhsdschools.org. Visit our website to learn more and share our sponsorship infographic!!
Go Dons!

SEED HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE: Where our special needs high schoolers hang out with their typical peers.
Upcoming regular meeting dates:

Thursday, Apr 18: 5-6:30pm
Thursday, May 16: 5-6:30pm

Volunteers and participants should RSVP here (volunteers get 2-hour community service validation per session).
To receive SEED High School updates, sign up to the High School newsletter here.

Parent Education

March 25, 2024

TRANSITION IEPs, PLANS AND GOALS — HOW TO BUILD THEM
Please join us on Wednesday, Mar 27 at 7pm for an informative workshop presented by Sarah Fairchild of the Tollner Law Firm on transition IEPs, plans and goals and how to build them. We will look at students’ legal rights and entitlements as well as practical strategies for creating effective transition plans and evidence-based best practices in transition planning. This event will take place in the Acalanes library.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

March 25, 2024

Upcoming Important Dates:

Women’s History Month (March)
Disability Awareness Month (March)
Gender Equality Month (March)
Mar 25 Holi celebrated
Mar 31 Easter and Trans Day of Visibility

Holi has immense religious significance for Hindus and is one of the most popular Hindu festivals celebrated with much enthusiasm and fanfare across India. Also known as The Festival of Color, in West Bengal, Assam and Tripura, it is also known as the ‘Dol jatra’ or ‘Basanta Utsav’. Traditionally celebrated in late February or early March in the Gregorian calendar, Holi marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter, coinciding with the full moon or Purnima on the evening of the Hindu month of Phalguna. It’s a time for people to come together, put aside their differences and celebrate life’s brighter moments.

Easter, also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary c. 30 AD.

International Transgender Day of Visibility (often referred to as TDOV or Trans Day of Visibility) is an annual event occurring on Mar 31 dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society. Joe Biden officially proclaimed Mar 31, 2021 as a Transgender Day of Visibility, saying in part, “I call upon all Americans to join in the fight for full equality for all transgender people.” Biden was the first American president to issue a formal presidential proclamation recognizing the event. Biden issued a similar proclamation a year later, welcoming Jeopardy! contestant and local transgender woman Amy Schneider to the White House and announcing a set of measures intended to support transgender rights.

Please check out the new AUHSD DEIB website for many great resources and events! And follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Student Activities

March 25, 2024

The first annual Sophomore Field Day is this Wednesday, Mar 27 during lunch and period 6! We’re going big for our sophomores with this day-o-fun that includes lunch, games, a raffle and music. Look for a parent waiver for the bungee course that students will be getting from Chemistry class: Parent help is needed to make this event a success and you can sign up here.

The Acalanes Annual Talent Show is happening on Thursday, Apr 18 and hosts and acts are needed! If your student is interested in being a senior host or performing at the event, please encourage them to fill out the following forms below by Wednesday, Mar 27:

Acts: https ://forms .gle /62 tZWkLhE 5 tYQDAKA
Senior hosts: https ://forms .gle /5 M 6 A 3 cvysTWDynEG 7

Sophomores and juniors can apply for the 2024-2025 New Crew Leader program! New Crew leaders are essential to mentoring our incoming class and building relationships with them. It is a great leadership opportunity at Acalanes and the deadline to apply is Mar 29. Students can access the application here.

The Special Olympics is just around the corner. Acalanes is hosting this all day event on Friday, Apr 19 and we are still in need of volunteers to make this happen. Please encourage your student to grab a permission form in room 314 and sign up for a spot. The forms need to be completed and turned in this week, before we go on spring break. Adults are also welcome to help as parking monitors and you can sign up here if you’re interested.

The 2024 Junior & Senior Prom is Saturday, Apr 27 at the San Francisco Exploratorium. Prom tickets are on sale now through Apr 19 via Go Fan .

Ticket prices increase by $20 as of this Saturday, Mar 30 so your student should consider buying one this week!
Tier 1 pricing: Mar 11-29 – $95
Tier 2 pricing: Mar 30-Apr 19 – $115
Guests/Other Grades: $140
Click HERE for the printable permission slips!

We hope your student will plan to celebrate diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding at the Cultural Fair on Wednesday, Apr 17 during lunch! Students can showcase the richness of their heritage by signing up for a booth at the Cultural Fair. They will have the opportunity to represent a country and be responsible for bringing and serving food from their chosen country and educating others about the cultures and traditions of their country. This can be done by sharing interesting facts, displaying flags and objects of cultural importance, or creating a poster board filled with relevant information. The event will be held throughout campus and participants will receive an email regarding their booth location closer to the date. Students can sign up here.
We still have 2028 frosh spirit packs available for purchase. Spirit packs feature a limited edition 2028 hoodie, string backpack and lanyard. The last day to order these is Thursday, Apr 18 and items will be available for pick-up beginning Wednesday, May 1. All proceeds benefit the class of 2028.

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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

Performing & Visual Arts

Student Activities

School Nurse

Sports

APC in Action

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

Student Activities

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