Weekly News & Announcements

Sports

This week’s can’t miss events:

Boys golf
Monday, Apr 18 Las Lomas HS at Contra Costa CC 3:30 pm.
Wednesday, Apr 20 Clayton Valley Charter HS at Oakhurst CC at 3:30 pm.
 
Softball
Monday, Apr 18 Varsity and JV at Albany HS at 4pm.
Tuesday, Apr 19 host Mt. Diablo HS at 4:30 pm.
 
Baseball
Tuesday, Apr 19 Miramonte HS at 4pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Thursday, Apr 21 Miramonte HS at 4pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
 
Boys tennis
Tuesday, Apr 19 Las Lomas HS at 4pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Thursday, Apr 21 Campolindo HS at 4pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
 
Boys volleyball
Tuesday, Apr 19 at Las Lomas HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 6pm.
 
Boys lacrosse
Tuesday, Apr 19 host Piedmont HS at 7:30 pm.
Friday, Apr 22 at Miramonte HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
 
Girls lacrosse
Tuesday, Apr 19 at Piedmont HS. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, Apr 22 host Miramonte HS. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7pm.
 
Track & field
Wednesday, Apr 20 host Campolindo HS 3:30 pm.
 
Competitive sport cheer
Thursday, Apr 21 host Clayton Valley Charter HS at 5:30 pm and Mt. Diablo HS at 7:30 pm.
 
Swimming
Friday, Apr 22 Northgate HS & Ygnacio Valley HS at Northgate HS at 4pm.

APC in Action

Campus Clean Up Saturday, Apr 16 from 11am to 2pm
It’s time for the Acalanes Spring Campus Clean Up! This is a great opportunity to get some last minute hours for the Acalanes Volunteer Service Award before the April 18 deadline, all while beautifying our campus! Everyone is welcome - students, parents, teachers, staff, and community members. Click here  to sign up. Email Denise Cain with questions or for more information.

Log Volunteer Service Hours for Award Applications due Monday, Apr 18
It’s not too late to encourage your student to volunteer and get service hours towards the Acalanes Volunteer Service Award (20 hours). Applications for the award are due by Monday, Apr 18. You can find more details about the Award Instructions and qualifications here and the application/verification forms here. For questions or more information, email here.
 
APC Spring Grants Have Been Awarded 
Thank you to the parents and staff who submitted proposals for an APC Grant. APC Grants are funded through parent donations. We are pleased to announce three grants have been awarded.

• The Physical Education department will receive funds to improve the weight room’s experience with the addition of large banners promoting the Acalanes Community Always motto, and the addition of signage that is representative of every sport at Acalanes. The weight room is a community space open and available to all Acalanes students. All Freshmen PE students utilize the weight room their first year at Acalanes. 
• Acalanes Leadership students will receive funds to purchase a Cricut Machine, a needed addition to their classroom that will allow for the creation of customized materials to better promote the Acalanes spirit and promote school-wide events.
• Supports the purchase of artificial greenery for campus enhancement during special events throughout the year. A sustainable choice, the artificial greenery will be used year to year during Graduations, Dons Days, Parent nights, dances, awards nights, and more.

Thank you to the 2022 Nominating Committee for your hard work and dedication to filling our APC Executive Board positions. We are proud to announce our slate of nominees for the 2022-2023 school year. The formal vote by the general Parents Club membership will take place at the May 13^th Dons Dialogue and APC General Meeting.  Thank you!
 
2022-2023 Parents Club Executive Board Nominees
President: Veronique Kuhner
VP Communications: Michele Colaco
VP Community Partners: Natasha Acuna
VP Fundraising: Lori MacLeod
VP Services: Raina Foster
VP Special Projects: Kelly Daggs
Co-Head Liaison & ACA Liaisons: Jen Dodge and Heidi Hambidge
Secretary: Nicole Long
Treasurer: Katharine Wallace
Assistant Treasurer: Eng Young
Auditor: Nina Ruebner
Past President/Parliamentarian: Kristen Labrosse

APC Membership & Fundraising

Buy a Brick, Leave a Legacy! There’s no better way to honor a Don than with a customized 2022 Legacy Brick on our Dons Legacy Wall. Prominently displayed in the Main Quad, our Dons Legacy Wall provides families a lasting way to recognize their special student, teacher, coach, team, performance group, club, and more. Purchase your brick through the Acalanes Web Store for $250. Contact Legacy Brick Coordinator Leanne Zimmerman with any questions.

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

Acalanes is expanding its student recognition program with the introduction of two new awards that will be integrated into the campus culture.
 
The Acalanes Silver A Award, which replaces the former underclass department awards, will be based on teacher nominations each semester. The principal’s ACA Blue Heart Award, will allow students, teachers, and staff members to nominate deserving students. An awards oversight committee, made up of a cross-section of teachers, staff members and students, will oversee the selection process. Award recipients will be notified in May.
 
Nominations are now open for the principal’s ACA Blue Heart Award! Students are invited to use this easy form to nominate their friends and peers who exhibit: 

• Engagement: Show up for peers
• Spirit: Foster spirit on campus
• Inclusion: Connect with peers on campus
• Care: Show care for peers, teachers, staff, & our campus

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

Did you know there is a moon sighting committee that determines the start of the holy month of Ramadan? This Muslim holy month begins in April when the moon is spotted, which can sometimes be tricky because it’s hard to see and only lasts about 20 minutes! Ramadan is a time for praying, reflecting, and fasting. At the end of the daily fast Muslims share meals with family and friends.

Ask your kids: what do DJ Khaled, Shaquille O'Neal, and Dave Chappelle have in common? Aside from being famous for their music, basketball, and comedy, they are just a small number of Americans who practice the Muslim faith. Curious about who else does?

Facts corner: According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people live with some form of disability around the world. This includes about 10% of Americans who have an invisible disability including vision and hearing loss, or learning differences. Sadly mostpeople with unseen chronic medical conditions experience stigma and discrimination as a result of their disability.

Student Activities

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
• 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 graders.
• Ticket price includes transportation to/from the event, buffet dinner, dancing, karaoke, silent disco, games & photo booth.

Nico O’Rourke and Benji Brausntein were recently chosen to be Aca Leaders. An Aca Leader is a role model that shows leadership and plays a big role throughout our school community. They have made such a big impact on the varsity baseball team and represent what an Aca Leader is. Congratulations for being our newest Aca Leaders!
 
Thank you for your enthusiasm & support for student activities. Katherine Walton, the Student Activities Director, is 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!
• Recycle Smart Scholarship available for seniors. Due April 18.
• Acalanes Performing Arts Booster Scholarship will award one $1,000 scholarship to a Senior who participates in either Choral Music, Drama or Instrumental Music with an intent to major or minor in performing arts at a two or four-year college, university, or performing arts school. Applications are available now and must be submitted by May 1. Click here for the scholarship instructions and application.

Juniors

• Practice ACT and SAT exams - Click here to register for online practice tests on Saturday, Apr 23 and Saturday, Apr 30 with Revolution Prep
• Community College Summer Classes Open: Enrollment for summer courses at California Community Colleges has begun. You can likely take them asynchronously at many schools.If you’d like to explore a subject you are passionate about, click here.  

Sophomores/Freshmen

• StemPower Volunteer Jobs: Looking for volunteer work within the STEM field?

Resources:

• CCC Website

Counseling

Counselor assignments are by last name.
A-Dr Anne Schonauer  
Du-Kr Christine Todd  
Ku-Rog Marissa Meadows 
Roh-Z Susan Martin
 
Summer School Applications Available
If your student has D or F grades currently or from past semesters and they want to make them up, they can enroll in our SummerSchool program. 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.
 
Junior Meetings
Starting late-March, counselors will be meeting individually with all juniors to review graduation requirements and talk about post-high school options. Students interested in 4-year college are encouraged to also make an appointment with Debbie Levy, the College and Career Advisor.

School Nurse

COVID-19 Information:

• COVID Tests were distributed to each student to be used before returning to school tomorrow. If your student tests positive, please keep them at home and inform us (Dvora Citron, School Nurse and Attendance).
• New Masking Mandate - As of Saturday, Mar 12, the state masking mandate has transitioned from “required” to “strongly recommended”. While masks will no longer be required,  “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. Students who return after Day 5 of Covid infection must mask through Day 10.
• Remain Alert to COVID symptoms, continue to report COVID+ cases to us (especially Attendance) and keep your students home when they are ill.
• 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). Please see Principal Shawn’s COVID FAQ’s for more details. We continue to update policy based on the County Health Department guidance.

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. 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).

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 Si

Performing Arts

Here are some exciting results from our fabulous Acalanes instrumental groups from their recent participation in local events.

• The Acalanes Wind Ensemble performed at the Sonoma Invitational Festival on March 11, where the band received high praise from their post-performance clinician Dr. Caslor from Arizona State.
• The Acalanes Jazz Ensemble performed at Santa Cruz Jazz Festival on March 19, receiving well-deserved perfect(!!) scores from all the adjudicators. 
• A big congratulations to our students who made Contra Costa County Honor Band: Riley Bonner, Nathan Joseph, Cole Rubener, Spencer Tantameng, Aya Watanabe, Koto Watanabe, Naoto Watanabe
• A big congratulations to our students who made Contra Costa County Honor Jazz Band: Riley Bonner, Tommy Gallagher, Spencer Tantameng

The Acalanes Jazz Ensemble at the Santa Cruz Jazz Festival

Acalanes Performing Arts Booster Scholarship

LPIE

Get ready to bid on exciting vacations, special experiences, autographed items, golf rounds, spa services, sports tickets, and a whole lot more. All incredible, all unique, and all available for bidding in support of our students! Click here to start bidding today!
 
Save the Date for the Project LPIE Awards Ceremony on Thursday, Apr 21 at 3:30pm at Acalanes.

Jennifer Palmer and Michele Colaco, Acalanes LPIE School Chairs
www.lpie.org, Follow us on Instagram

APC in Action

Log Volunteer Service Hours over Spring Break - It’s not too late to encourage your student to volunteer over Spring Break and get service hours towards the Acalanes Volunteer Service Award! Applications for the award are due by Monday, Apr 18 (deadline has been extended from Apr 15). You can find more details on the College and Career Center website here. For questions or more information, email here.
 
Don’t miss a new volunteer/leadership opportunity in the month of April for students to help the Lafayette School District as camp counselors in the great outdoors to earn 100 hours! See details below in the College & Career section.