-
Wellness Center
It seems as if the stressors of the world never stop coming. The pandemic and the fallout for the past two years have been at the forefront of our collective consciousness. Only three months into 2022 and we are now faced with issues arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Even though it's times like these in which we feel out of control, I am here to remind you that no challenge in this life is permanent, no matter how daunting it may seem. Here are a few simple changes you and your AHS student can make to support your sense of control when times get tough:
- Less screen time - while it is good to be informed of what is going on in the world, it is not healthy to be constantly connected to information. Consider the fact that you, personally, are not responsible for the woes of the world. Take a break from your screen and do something fun instead.
- Spend more time outdoors - sometimes the best way to ground yourself is with a shift in perspective.Tap into the times in which you are able to get in touch with your natural state by moving your body, breathing fresh air and basking in the beautiful landscape the world provides us naturally.
- Take things one step at a time - by breaking challenges into smaller pieces they become a bit more manageable. Whether it is day by day or moment by moment, being present allows us the opportunity to face what is directly in front of us opposed to seeing things from an intimidating, larger scale.
-
Performing Arts
Lafayette District Band Festival Monday, Mar 21 through Wednesday, Mar 23 at 7pm in the Stanley Middle School Gym. Free admission.
Come listen to the amazing Acalanes Instrumental Bands and Orchestra as they play beautiful arrangements alongside the talented musicians from Stanley Middle School. It is an excellent celebration of music through the grades!- Monday, Mar 21 at 7pm Acalanes Concert Band, Acalanes Symphonic Band
- Tuesday, Mar 22 at 7pm Acalanes Wind Ensemble
- Wednesday, Mar 23 at 7pm Acalanes Orchestra
-
LPIE
Please join us for a special presentation Wednesday, Mar 30 at 5pm with Karen Hyun, Ph.D., Chief of Staff at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Register here for the Zoom presentation.
Prior to joining NOAA in January 2021, Dr. Hyun spent four years at the National Audubon Society where she served as the Vice President for Coastal Conservation, as well as Director of Water and Coastal Policy. She has championed conservation issues across the Executive Branch, including the Fish, Wildlife, and Parks at the Department of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Natural Resources Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Jennifer Palmer and Michele Colaco, Acalanes LPIE School Chairs
www.lpie.org, Follow us on Instagram -
Sports
An Aca Leader is a role model that shows leadership and plays a big role throughout our school community. Each week, one student who stands out is chosen to be our week's Aca Leader. This week we are proud to have chosen Liam Hill, a junior on the Boys Volleyball team. Our Aca Leader has made such an impact on their team and represents what an Aca Leader is!
This week’s can’t miss events:
Boys golf
Monday, Mar 21 Miramonte HS at Contra Costa CC 3:30 pm.
Wednesday, Mar 23 Clayton Valley Charter HS at Rossmoor GC at 3:30 pm.
Thursday, Mar 24 Alameda HS at Corica Park GC at 3:30 pm.
Track & field
Tuesday, Mar 22 at Northgate HS 3:30 pm.
Saturday, Mar 26 Dublin Distance Fiesta.
Boys tennis
Tuesday, Mar 22 Campolindo HS at 3:30 pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Thursday, Mar 24 Miramonte HS at 3:30 pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Boys volleyball
Tuesday, Mar 22 at Northgate HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 6pm.
Baseball
Tuesday, Mar 22 Northgate HS at 4pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Thursday, Mar 24 Northgate HS at 4pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Saturday, Mar 26 at Monte Vista HS at 2pm.
Boys lacrosse
Tuesday, Mar 22 at Monte Vista HS. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, Mar 25 at Northgate HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Girls lacrosse
Wednesday, Mar 23 host Monte Vista HS. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, Mar 25 host Head Royce HS at 7pm.
Softball
Thursday, Mar 24 host Deer Valley HS at 4:30 pm.
Saturday, Mar 26 at Campolindo HS at 11am.
Competitive sport cheer
Thursday, Mar 24 Ygnacio Valley HS at 5:30 pm and Las Lomas HS at 6:30 pm at Las Lomas HS. -
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
Last week, Stanley Middle School shared with its community that racist speech was shouted by a group of approximately 10 to 12 students along the streets bordering the school. While painful to process, we need to use this moment to take pause and come together as a community in our commitment to being definitely and explicitly anti-racist in our actions. We need to support each other, stand up and be heard to ensure everyone should feel like they belong in our community, regardless of their sexual orientation, race, religion or ability.
Please join us in our work. Drop us an email and be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @acalanesdei. -
Parent Education
How to love a big kid - Smile when they walk into a room. Ask their opinion before giving yours. Tell them you believe they can overcome challenges. Apologize when you are wrong. Learn to communicate on their terms too, even if it’s SnapChat. Always keep their favorite snacks on hand. Take any hug you can get. You both need it.
#ParentingTeensandTweens
Wednesday, Mar 23 at 6:30 pm in the Miramonte High School Theater Miramonte Parent Ed will host Start Smart, an interactive safe driving class for teens. Attending students will receive a certificate from CHP (California Highway Patrol) to present to their insurance company. Details and registration here.
Thursday, Mar 24 from 6:30 to 7:30pm in the Acalanes Library, Acalanes Parent Ed will host Cynthia Muchnick, M.A., author, speaker, educational consultant, and parent on Alternatives to College and College Prep. As a former Assistant Director of Admissions for the Illinois Institute of Technology and the University of Chicago, she has extensive experience screening and reviewing thousands of college applications. Most recently, she has authored several books including The Parent Compass: Navigating your Teens Wellness and Academic Journey in Today’s Competitive World and countless articles including Alternatives to College: Exploring Other Routes.Cindy will be speaking in person and available to sign purchased books afterwards.
Finally, if your teen is struggling with academics or feeling down or frustrated about school, don’t forget to connect with our Counselors, our Nurse, and our WellnessCenter. Feel free to reach out and connect with us with ideas for future topics, shareable resources, or thoughts at parented@acalanesparentsclub.com. -
Student Activities
Peek at the week:
Tuesday, Mar 15 at lunch - Sophomore bonding-March Madness
Wednesday, Mar 16 at 3:15pm - Mandatory powder puff practice for anyone participating and bake sale after school benefiting Stege Elementary
Thursday, Mar 17 at lunch in room 314 - Friendly Faces St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Friday, Mar 18 No school for students
Sunday, Mar 27 at 9am is the 3rd annual Color Run Fundraiser to support 2023 and 2024 classes. Run 1.5 miles through the Acalanes campus with white t-shirts to wear through five color stations where participants will emerge in a rainbow of colors by the end of the run. Open to ALL students in the community. Click here for tickets.Register today as there are limited spots available!
Tree Planting Event
Next month, Acalanes will be hosting a sapling planting event as part of Earth Week. We are working with Tree-Plenish, which is a non-profit organization that works with high schools to help offset the amount of paper used during the school year by planting saplings. Buy your own sapling here for the low price of $10 before Wednesday, March 23. There are a variety of trees to choose from and contributions go towards helping plant more trees to make communities greener.
Acalanes Spiritwear
Looking for Acalanes gear or a welcome gift for the Class of 2026? Two options:- We have created a spirit pack geared for the Class of 2026. which includes a hooded black sweatshirt, car magnet, cinch pack and flag to fly at your house for $68.00. Proceeds generated from the spirit packs will benefit the Class of 2026. Last day to order is Monday, Apr 11 and pick-up will be Wednesday, May 4.
- Spiritwear is available for purchase on the Acalanes webstore. You can purchase here and once purchased, you will receive an email with directions for pick-up.
Saturday, Apr 30 Junior & Senior Prom at Lake Chalet in Oakland
- Tickets are live on the webstore
- This week students will receive their invitations in their English classes.
- Wednesday, Mar 30 at lunch - Bus Assignments begin. In order to get a bus assignment, students need to show their webstore receipt & permission form. Permission forms can be found on the webstore and on the door of room 314.
- Tickets are $85 for current 11th and 12th graders; $125 for outside guests and current 9th/10th.
- Ticket price includes transportation to/from the event, buffet dinner, dancing, karaoke, silent disco, games & photo booth.
As we end the 3rd Quarter, we want to say thank you for your enthusiasm & support for student activities. Katherine Walton, the Student Activities Director, is headed out on maternity leave. For any student activity questions, please contact Kat Bautista.
-
College & Career
Seniors
- DVC Virtual Enrollment Support Click here for help. This process takes some time. Start now!
- Lafayette Water Polo Scholarship available for seniors. Due Thursday, Mar 31.
Juniors
- Out-of-State College Fair on Campus Wednesday, March 23, 6:30 to 8:30 pm at Campolindo Library. RACC (Regional Admission Counselors of CA) will be holding an Out-of-State College Fair. Any grade is welcome, especially Juniors. The event is free and you can sign up here. Partial list of colleges attending: Baylor, Clarkson, DePaul, Drexel, Elon, Franklin Univ. Switzerland, High Point, Hult International Business School, Indiana Univ. Bloomington, Loyola Univ. New Orleans, Purdue, Salve Regina, TCU, Ohio State, Univ. of Arizona, Univ. of Iowa, Univ. of Pittsburgh, Univ. of Roehampton London, Univ. of Utah, Washington State.
- Practice ACT and SAT exams - Click here to register for online practice tests on Saturday, April 23 and Saturday, April 30
- Revolution Prep - We are coordinating with this company to offer free virtual practice tests for 6 AP subjects: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP US History, AP Physics 1-Algebra-Based. The practice AP tests are live online, proctored by professional tutors, and will be offered on upcoming Saturdays through April 9. Students will receive a score report immediately following the practice exam, just like our other practice tests. Your students can register for one or more of thepractice tests here.
Sophomores/Freshmen
- StemPower Volunteer Jobs: Looking for volunteer work within the STEM field?
- Girls interested in Firefighting - Local firefighters are working to empower girls and generate interest in firefighting careers on Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27. Sign up here.
Resources:
-
Counseling
Counselor assignments are by last name.
A-Dr Anne Schonauer
Du-Kr Christine Todd
Ku-Rog Marissa Meadows
Roh-Z Susan Martin
Academic Eligibility for Spring Sports
Students playing AHS sports in the spring session need a 2.0+ GPA to stay eligible to participate. The 3rd quarter grades will be used to determine eligibility and will be checked at the end of the week of March 14.
Summer School Applications Available
If your student has D or F grades from past semesters and they want to make them up, they can enroll in our Summer Schoolprogram. F grades in required classes need to be made up, D grades can be made up to stay 4-year college eligible. Please have your student see their counselor to sign up.
Geometry for Advancement - Summer School
If your 9th grader is doing well in Algebra 1 and wants to advance in math, we offer a summer Geometry class that enables students to enroll at the Algebra 2 level in 10th grade. Please contact your counselor for more information. -
School Nurse
Concussions
If there is any possibility that your student has had a head injury/concussion, please make sure that your student is evaluated as soon as possible by a physician experienced in evaluating and treating concussion. Typically, that is your student’s primary care doctor/pediatrician. At Kaiser, concussions are typically treated through the Minor Injury Clinic. Here is the concussion packet families need if their student has a concussion, and here are some very informative podcasts from Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF).
COVID-19 Information:- New Masking Mandate - As of Saturday, Mar 12, the state masking mandate will transition from “required” to “strongly recommended”. While masks will no longer be required (with some exceptions), “masks remain one of the most effective and simplest safety mitigation layers to prevent transmission of COVID-19 infections” (CDPH). Masks will still be available to those who need or want one. We hope that all Acalanes community members will be respectful and non-judgemental of each person’s decision and comfort level regarding masking. (students who return after Day 5 of Covid infection must mask through Day 10)
- Please remain alert to COVID symptoms, continue to report COVID+ cases to us (especially Attendance) and keep your students home when they are ill. Most students are now eligible to get Vaccine boosters and a high vaccination rate helps keep students in school learning. Please submit your students’ COVID vaccine records.
- COVID Isolation, Quarantines and Test Kits - The current guidelines for return to school after COVID illness require a negative COVID test (if returning before 10 days). If your student is testing in the School Nurse Office, please make sure they register with Primary Health. School sites do NOT have more test kits to distribute. Please see Principal Shawn’s COVID FAQ’s for more details. We continue to update policy based on the County Health Department guidance.
- Make sure you always have your proof of vaccination! Try this site- https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/ iPhone users- you can now put your vaccination record in your Apple Health app (and Apple Wallet).
Saturday, March 19 from 5pm to 6pm EST
Does your teen have allergies? Calling all teens ages 11 to 22 with food allergies! Join FARE’s March Teen Talk. Share tips and tricks for managing food allergies as a teenager, make friends who “get it,” and have fun!
Tuesday, Apr 12 from 7pm ET to 8:30pm ET
Mindfulness and Media Webinar to learn the steps you can take to help teens navigate technology in a savvy and healthy way.
Recipe of the week-I tried this Banana Teff* Bread and I really liked it! It’s gluten-free if you need and uses teff* flour (teff flour is used for Ethiopian Injera bread) which is high in protein and fiber. I substituted chopped dates instead of raisins.
Please be in touch with me to discuss any medical, health, or wellness concerns.
Stay healthy and be well,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org
925-280-2970 x7128
Acalanes School Nurse Google Site
IG: acalanesschoolnurse -
Sports
This week’s can’t miss events:
Softball
Monday, Mar 14 host Bishop O’Dowd HS at 4pm.
Wednesday, Mar 16 at Mt. Eden HS at 4pm.
Boys golf
Monday, Mar 14 Wildcat Invitational at Meadow Club CC.
Wednesday, Mar 16 Northgate HS at Boundary Oak CC at 3:30pm.
Friday, Mar 18 Alameda HS at Rossmoor GC at 3:30pm.
Girls lacrosse
Monday, Mar 14 at Bishop O’Dowd HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, Mar 18 host Clayton Valley Charter HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Boys lacrosse
Tuesday, Mar 15 host Serra HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, Mar 18 at Clayton Valley Charter HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Baseball
Tuesday, Mar 15 College Park HS at 4pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Thursday, Mar 17 College Park HS at 4pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Boys tennis
Tuesday, Mar 15 College Park HS at 3:30 pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Tuesday, Mar 15 Las Lomas HS at 3:30 pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Boys volleyball
Tuesday, Mar 15 host Campolindo HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 6pm.
Track & field
Wednesday, Mar 16 at Las Lomas HS 3:30 pm.
Swimming
Thursday, Mar 17 host Campolindo HS 4pm.
Competitive sport cheer
Thursday, Mar 17 host Clayton Valley Charter HS at 5:30 pm and Mt. Diablo HS at 6:30 pm.
Click here for the full Winter Sports Schedule (subject to change)
Luck of the Dons 2022 Booster Bash!
Saturday, Mar 19, 6pm
Contra Costa Country Club (801 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill)
The 2022 Luck of the Dons Booster Bash at Contra Costa Country Club is this Saturday, March 19! Our online auction is now OPEN…hit this link and do some shopping! You will find lots of cool stuff donated by the Acalanes community and some AWESOME pay to play parties as well! The Silent Auction closes Saturday, March 19th at 5pm.
Feeling lucky? Seelenbacher Jewelers has generously donated a stunning 14K white gold diamond halo pendant (set with one brilliant cut diamond weighing .75 carats and surrounded by 14 round brilliant cut diamonds with a total weight of .32) on an 18” cable style neck chain. Valued at $5,200, only 100 raffle tickets will be sold for $100 each. Please click here to purchase a ticket! Need not be present to win!
What does Boosters fund? Visit the site to read about all of the ways that Boosters supports our Acalanes athletes. Join the Daily Sports Report email list, and follow us on Twitter @AcalanesBooster! -
APC in Action
We continue to support our cafeteria staff every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during lunch. We have a small core of parent volunteers who have been “regulars” and we cannot thank them enough. Much gratitude goes to Jessica Langevin, Trisha Sanyal, David Melfi & Maria Nicolacakis for stepping up and helping out! We can always use more hands so sign up here if you can spare a lunchtime or two.
Deadline Extended! APC Spring Grant Applications will now be accepted through Friday, March 11. All ideas are welcome. We encourage AHS teachers, staff, students, and parents to submit a short grant application to support programming, materials or projects that enhance the educational experience for our school community. Click here for criteria and application. Completed proposals and questions can be submitted to CatherineHabas or delivered to the APC Box in the front office. -
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
Let's celebrate Women's History Month!
How did Ketanji Brown Jackson get to be the firstBlack woman nominated to the Supreme Court? It all started in high school, where she honed her skills on the debate team. “That was an experience that I can say without hesitation was the one activity that best prepared me for future success in law and in life,” Judge Jackson said.
Professor, computer engineer, and Forbes 30 under 30 recipient Dina Ayman recently received a Presidential Award for her DEI work. “Your diverse background is your superpower,” Ayman tells her students, as she explains that companies promoting an inclusive culture are twice as likely to meet or exceed financial goals.
Facts corner: Architectural wonder Hatshepsut Temple was commissioned by the Egyptianqueen who ruled as king in the 15th century. One of Egypt’s first female pharaohs, she ruled for over two decades and has recently been rediscovered by archeologists, after her successor, King Thutmose III, tried to erase her legacy.
Social Media
