General Announcements

Acalanes Teacher Wins Master Teacher Fellowship Appointment
Sydney Johnson was selected as one of twelve candidates internationally for the ABE (Amgen Biotechnology Experience) Master Teacher Fellowship.
 
This program will support Ms. Johnson in collaborating with experts from STEM fields, developing curriculum infusing research-based pedagogy, inclusive classroom practices, and cutting-edge biotech concepts and technologies.
 
This was a very selective process and a big honor! Ms. Johnson teaches Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Earth and Space Science at Acalanes.
 
Please join us in congratulating Sydney Johnson!
 
View full press release here.

We have your students covered as they prepare to finish the semester strong! Please be sure to visit our website for even more information on all events planned to support our students through Finals.
 
Tuesday, Dec 6 Frosh Finals Informational Meeting at Lunch in the Library
Come hear from teachers in English, Math, World History, Living Earth & World Language about best practices to prep for finals. They will not only share information on finals but best ways to study as well. Finals goodie bags will be given to the first 150 Frosh thanks to APC!
 
Wednesday, Dec 7 during Academy ‘Wellness in the Winter’ session
Our Wellness in the Winter session is a space to gather together and practice coping skills to thrive during finals and a long break with family. Sign up for this Academy.
 
Wednesday, Dec 7 Exam Jam from 3-5pm in the Library
Kick start your finals studying and preparation during exam jam. We will have teachers from each department along with peer tutors on hand to support and answer questions. It is a great opportunity to finish up study guides, begin to study while enjoying delicious snacks & a quiet environment. See you there!
And don’t forget to encourage your student to take advantage of these additional resources!

• Peer Tutoring this week, every Academy, Lunch, 7th Period, and every day 1 hour after the final school bell.
• Wellness Center this week, open for students to drop in Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 4:00pm (with teacher approval during class hours)
• Acalanes Library Open from 7:30am to 5:00pm daily

Check out our Finals Prep Webpage for more information and resources!

Acalanes Teacher Wins Master Teacher Fellowship Appointment
Sydney Johnson was selected as one of twelve candidates internationally for the ABE (Amgen Biotechnology Experience) Master Teacher Fellowship.
 
This program will support Ms. Johnson in collaborating with experts from STEM fields, developing curriculum infusing research-based pedagogy, inclusive classroom practices, and cutting-edge biotech concepts and technologies.
 
This was a very selective process and a big honor! Ms. Johnson teaches Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Earth and Space Science at Acalanes.
 
Please join us in congratulating Sydney Johnson!
 
View full press release here.

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.

On Friday, all students participated in the first of four ACA Equity Days planned for this school year. The theme for this first discussion was Mental Health and Self Care. If you would like to have a follow up conversation with your students please review the emailfrom 9/15 with suggested discussion topics.
 
AUHSD is hiring Instructional Assistants for the classrooms. The District is looking to parents for help in filling these important positions. Please review the Sept 8 email fromAmy McNamara, Assistant Superintendent, for more information on open positions, qualifications and the competitive pay and benefits.

AUHSD is hiring Instructional Assistants for the classrooms. The District is looking to parents for help in filling these important positions. Please review the Sept 8 email fromAmy McNamara, Assistant Superintendent, for more information on open positions, qualifications and the competitive pay and benefits.

There are a couple changes for the food services program this school year. Students are still eligible to receive two free meals a day, but please note important changes outlined below.

Fast Five for Food

1. ALL students must have their ID card when picking up food in the cafeteria.  Quick Tip: Students can have a picture of their ID card on their phone!
2. The cafeteria will have three choices for food options: breakfast, brunch and lunch.
3. Students will choose from two of the three food options a day – breakfast, brunch or lunch. For example, a student can pick up breakfast and brunch, but will then have to pay for lunch.
4. Students can purchase a third meal option or a la cart items by loading money on their ID cards through our Titan system. 
5. No cash accepted!

There are a couple changes for the food services program this school year. Students are still eligible to receive two free meals a day, but please note important changes outlined below.

Fast Five for Food

1. ALL students must have their ID card when picking up food in the cafeteria.  Quick Tip: Students can have a picture of their ID card on their phone!
2. The cafeteria will have three choices for food options: breakfast, brunch and lunch.
3. Students will choose from two of the three food options a day – breakfast, brunch or lunch. For example, a student can pick up breakfast and brunch, but will then have to pay for lunch.
4. Students can purchase a third meal option or a la cart items by loading money on their ID cards through our Titan system. 
5. No cash accepted!

ALL Chromebooks and textbooks need to be returned ASAP. If you missed last week’s opportunities, please bring any outstanding items to the Acalanes Main Office Tuesday, May 31 through Friday, June 3 between the hours of 9am to 3pm.

A few housekeeping items for the end of the year:

Finals Schedule
There was an error in our Student Planner with the Finals Week Schedule. Please access the current Finals Schedule by clicking here.
 
Books
Please turn in any remaining books.
 
Devices
Acalanes will collect all school-owned chromebooks, chargers, and other devices. The last chance to drop these items off is this week, from 12:30 to 1:30pm on the following days:

• 12th grade – Monday, May 23
• 11th grade – Tuesday, May 24
• 10th grade – Wednesday, May 25
• 9th grade – Thursday, May 26

On Friday, May 27 the library will be open from 8am to 4pm in case a student misses their assigned day for any reason.