• Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

    January 21, 2024

    AHS GARDEN UPDATE
    Please refer to the email sent Friday, Jan 19 for more details on what’s going on in the garden! A quick glance at the updated workday schedule:
     
    Sunday Jan 18 10am - 2pm

    • add gravel to the meditation garden
    • install the rest of the hardware cloth into the beds in the farm
    • replace soil back into the beds after the hardware cloth is installed
    • weed

    Sunday Feb 25 10am - 2pm

    • add new soil to the refurbished/taller beds (there will be a lot of soil)
    • weed
    •  

    If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out to LTewksbury@auhsdschools.org.

  • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

    January 21, 2024

    Upcoming Important Dates:

    • Jan 25: Mahayana New Year
    • Jan 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day

    Mahayana New Year is celebrated this year on Thursday, Jan 25 by Buddhists around the world. The term Mahayana encompasses Buddhist ideologies and philosophies. Mahayana is one of the two main branches of Buddhism and is mostly practiced in Northeast Asia — China, Japan, Tibet, Taiwan, Mongolia, and Korea. Each region has its own customs and traditions for practicing Mahayana Buddhism. You can learn more about it here.
     
    The International Holocaust Remembrance Day, or the International Day in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust, is on Saturday, Jan 27 and commemorates the victims of the Holocaust, which resulted in the genocide of one third of the Jewish people, along with countless members of other minorities, by Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945. Jan 27 was chosen to commemorate the date when the Auschwitz concentration camp wasliberated by the Red Army in 1945. Many countries have instituted their own Holocaustmemorial days on the same day, while others, such as Israel's Yom HaShoah, are observed at other times of the year. There is more information available here.
     
    As we approach February, we are supporting our students in celebrating Black Excellence month. They have requested parent assistance in decorating and informing Acalanes students and families about the many contributions of Black Americans in our world. If you would like to help please reach out to us at diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com.

    And follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

  • Parent Education

    January 21, 2024


    GOVERNMENT BENEFITS FOR 18+ STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
    Parent Ed presented by Public Benefits Consultant, Jim Huyck
    Learn about SSI, SSDI, IHSS, SLS, MediCal, MediCare, Regional Center Benefits
    Tuesday, Jan 30 at 7pm in the Acalanes Library

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

    • Thursday, Jan 18: 5-6:30pm
    • Thursday, Feb 15: 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.

  • Performing & Visual Arts

    January 21, 2024

    The Acalanes Choir will be performing at the Lafayette Schools Concert with all of the elementary schools and Stanley on Thursday, Jan 25 at Stanley Middle School at 7pm. We're really looking forward to singing with all of the kids. It's always a very special and sweet performance. We hope to see you there!

  • Student Activities

    January 21, 2024

    Lunchtime Rally on Friday, Jan 26 in the Chris Huber Gym!
    YOU (our community!) are invited to attend a lunchtime rally celebrating our very successful fall sports teams who went into playoffs and won (flag football, cross country, football) and to also welcome our winter sports athletes. The rally will feature sideline cheer, along with our jazz band. Want to feel the positive energy of Acalanes High School? See you at the lunchtime rally!
     
    Student Government (leadership) 2024-2025
    Applications for the leadership program will be available beginning tomorrow. There is a place for everyone in leadership and the program drives student activities at Acalanes. There will be an informational meeting during lunch on Thursday, Jan 25 in room 314. If your student is even slightly interested, please encourage them to attend. Applications are due Tuesday, Feb 6. Any questions, please contact Katherine Walton.
     
    Acalanes Spiritwear Available for Purchase!
    Looking for Acalanes gear? Our spring webstore is now open featuring new sweatshirts, shirts, sweatpants and a lanyard. The spring webstore closes on Monday, Feb 26 and items will be available for pick-up in late March. All proceeds benefit the classes of 2025, 2026 and 2027.
     
    We also 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 May 1. All proceeds benefit the class of 2028.
     
    The Community Outreach and Improvement Program is hosting a drive for White Pony Express from Jan 22 - Feb 2! Please donate pantry/canned goods to the bins outside the front office and check out our website for more information and donation options! Thank you!
     
    Environmental Council: Household Plastics discussion on Wednesday Jan 24 during academy in room 314 with guest speaker Laura Wehrley. We will be talking about the history of plastics, why they are dangerous for the environment, and ways to reduce your usage of plastics. There will be snacks.
     
    There is a Dress Drive happening from Jan 22 to Mar 1. Bring any kind/type of dress (all will be accepted) to AHS (outside the front office) or to the Lafayette Community Center. Donations will be going to the Princess Project in San Francisco.
     
    Is your student looking for a BLUE CREW shirt and didn’t get one? Have them stop by room 314 with $2 to get their shirt!

    Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
     
    Katherine Walton, Activities Director

  • College & Career

    January 21, 2024

    Seniors:

    • Community College Support: Send your student to discuss community college opportunities and majors. DVC will be visiting on Wednesday, Feb 7 for an admissions presentation during academy in the library.
    • Scholarship: Calling senior women with a 3.5+ GPA interested in a local community service scholarship through AAUW - the American Association of University Women. Deadline for application is Wednesday, Feb 14.
    • Blackhawk Scholarship Fund: Senior women can apply here for a scholarship.

    Frosh, Sophomores, Juniors:
     
    Military Academy: Interested in learning more about the 4 military branches? Have your student sign up for Levy or Takahashi academy on Wednesday, Feb 21 in Mr. Takahashi’s classroom. Representatives from all the branches will be on campus to discuss opportunities to serve our country.

    Please visit our College & Career Counseling website any time for additional information and support.