Weekly News & Announcements

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

Important September Dates

Important Dates

• Sep 15-Oct 15 National Hispanic Heritage Month
• Sep 30 Black Student Union (BSU) Summit
• LGBTQ History Month
• Filipino American History Month
• Oct 2-4 Rosh Hashanah
• Oct 10 World Mental Health Day
• Oct 11-12 Yom Kippur
• Oct 14 Indigenous Peoples’ Day
• Oct 31 Diwali

Latinos Unidos has a few more fun activities for students for the remainder of Hispanic Heritage month. Please check out our IG and the Daily Don to find dates and times.

Black Student Union Summit is tomorrow at St Mary’s College.

Rosh Hashanah is the New Year in Judaism. Rosh Hashanah begins ten days of penitence culminating in Yom Kippur, as well as beginning the cycle of autumnal religious festivals. You can learn more here.

If you would like to get involved please email us at diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com. All are welcome.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Student Activities

If you ordered spiritwear from the Gryco webstore and haven’t picked it up, please email Katherine Walton and she can leave it in the attendance office for you.
 
2024-2025 Clubs
Looking to connect your student to a passion? Here are our 77 unique clubs on campus, from Archery Club to the Red Cross Club.
 

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

College & Career

Seniors: Please come by the College and Career Center during 6th, 7th, academy, lunch and/or brunch to work on your common application and UC application. Tips and strategies provided during all sessions. MaiaLearning tutorials are also provided at each visit. Great tips here!
 
Senior Scholarships: Digital Marketing Scholarship due 12/1 and Stand up to Distracted Driving Scholarship due 11/13

Counseling

Counselor assignments are by student last name:
A-F Anne Schonauer  
G-Ka Erika Vasquez
Ke-Re Marissa Meadows 
Rh-Z Susan Martin

MONDAY IS THE LAST DAY FOR CSF! CSF (California Scholarship Federation) is an honor society. Current 11th and 12th graders are encouraged to apply. A complete CSF application has 2 parts - an application form and a payment on the webstore. Turn in forms to the counseling office. The deadline is Sept. 30 for both the form and the payment! Students use the grades they earned in spring 2024 to fill out the form this month. Students who are members for at least 4 semesters, including during senior year, will get a special stole to wear at graduation. Read the FAQ on the application form and contact Ms. Schonauer for any clarification.
 
CLASS SCHEDULES Students can now only drop a class, they can’t add any new classes. Students can drop a first or last class of the day for an Off Campus, or they can drop a class and add a TA that period. The deadline to drop a class is the end of the first quarter, Friday, Oct 11. After this date, any class dropped will receive an automatic F grade. 
 
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION Counselors are finishing up seeing seniors individually to discuss post high-school plans. October is the month we spend writing letters for Early Decision/Action deadlines - each counselor has over 30 letters to write during October! Please have your student see us right away if they need a letter of rec!
 
GRADES AND ELIGIBILITY The next grading period will be in two weeks at the end of first quarter - Oct 11. Continued athletic eligibility will be determined from these grades for fall sports - students must have a 2.0 GPA and be passing five classes.

School Nurse

Here I go talking about healthy food again…
There are two things I want to highlight:

1.  What is true about almost all the students that come into my office not feeling well is that they haven’t eaten breakfast.  Most kids say they don’t have time and/or are not hungry in the morning.  I always start out by asking them what they’d be WILLING to eat.  Our students really need to start their day with “fuel in their tank” for optimal learning (and to feel well).  Could you have that conversation with your student and help take action steps to empower them for academic and health success by EATING BREAKFAST?
2. This past weekend I attended a nutritional conference.  One of the greatest presentations was from an ophthalmologist speaking how important optimal nutrition is for visual health. How can you support optimal nutrition for your kids?  To begin with, provide an abundance of green leafy vegetables, other vegetables and fruits at meals and for snacks.  That’s a good starting point. THis doctor also said evidence shows that kids who play outside for 2 hours a day have a lower incidence of vision issues.  Makes sense but now here’s your reason!

​AHS School Nurse Calendar
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

Wellness Center

Join us on Tuesday, Oct 8 for a districtwide parent education event regarding the fentanyl crisis and its impact on teens. There will be a screening of a documentary from the nonprofit organization Song for Charlie followed by a question and answer panel. Panelists will include Outreach Coordinator from Song for Charlie Laura Didier, LLHS Principal Heather Thorner, LLHS Wellness Coordinator Amelia Whalen, and other community experts. The event will take place on from 6:30-8pm in the Las Lomas High School Theater. All parents within AUHSD and parents from partner districts are welcome to attend.
 
Please use this link if you are interested in attending. RSVP is not required but is helpful for our planning.

Performing & Visual Arts

Legislative News

AUHSD Governing Board - Candidate Forum
Las Trampas Creek Council of PTA's is co-sponsoring the candidate forum for the Acalanes Union High School Districts.
Thursday, Oct 17
6:30-9pm
Walnut Creek Library - Oak View room

Sports

*The game schedule below reflects dates and times as of last Friday. Games may change for several reasons, including weather. If you have questions or comments, please contact Acalanes Sports Boosters.

This week’s can’t miss events:

Girls golf
Monday, September 30 Campolindo HS at Contra Costa CC at 3:30 pm.
 
Girls volleyball
Tuesday, October 1 at Berean Christian HS.  Freshman at 4:30 PM, JV at 5:30 PM, Varsity at 6:30 PM.
Thursday, October 3 host College Park HS.  Freshman at 4:30 PM, JV at 5:30 PM, Varsity at 6:30 PM.
Saturday, October 5 Acalanes JV Tournament.
 
Girls tennis
Tuesday, October 1 College Park HS at 4:00 pm.  Varsity is away and JV is home.
 
Boys water polo
Wednesday, October 2 host Las Lomas HS.  JV at 4:00 pm and Varsity at 5:00 pm.
Thursday, October 3 Varsity at Alhambra HS at 6:00.
Friday, October 4 and Saturday October 5 Crusher JV Tournament at Vintage HS.
 
Girls water polo
Wednesday, October 2 host Las Lomas HS.  Varsity at 6:00 pm and JV at 7:00 pm.
Friday, October 4 and Saturday October 5 Las Lomas JV Tournament.
 
Flag football
Wednesday, October 2 host Campolindo HS at 5:30 pm, Benicia HS at 8:00 pm.
 
Football
Thursday, October 3 Freshmen host Benicia HS at 5:00 pm.
Friday, October 4 at Benicia HS.  JV at 4:30 pm, Varsity at 7:00 PM.

You may view the full 2024-2025 Athletic Schedule by clicking HERE.

APC in Action

APC FALL GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE FRIDAY!
Calling all teachers, parents and students in the Acalanes community! Acalanes Parents Club is looking to award grants that will enhance and enrich the educational experience of AHS students in new and innovative ways. Teachers, staff, and students are encouraged to submit ideas for meaningful programs and educational equipment.
Applications are due by THIS Friday, Sep 27. Click here to read more!

SEPTEMBER APC DONS DIALOGUE - Video and Slides!
Thank you to all who attended our September Dons Dialogue on Friday, we had a packed room. We kicked off the meeting with a brief General APC meeting with approval of the 2024-25 budget.This Dons Dialogue topics included an overview of our Aca Serves program, Academy with purpose and a student activities report. If you were not able to attend, here are the slides from the discussion. You can watch the video recording here. 

Thank you again to our APC Hospitality Co-Chairs, Mia Heglie and Monica Stassi, for providing the welcoming coffee and treats! The next Dons Dialogue will be on Friday, Oct 18.  Click here for the full schedule of upcoming Dons Dialogues.

Parents Club Pro-Tip

MEET OUR OFFICE ATTENDANCE TEAM!
 
Tina Gullberg, Attendance & Health Clerk
Tina joined the Acalanes office team six years ago. She moved to the Bay Area from Utah nine years ago with her husband, Trig, their son, Ethan, and daughter, Eliza. Ethan graduated from Acalanes in 2021 and Eliza is now a senior at Acalanes.
 
Anisa Stanton, Attendance Clerk
Anisa is new to Acalanes and just joined the team this summer. She’s lived in the Bay Area her whole life and started dancing at the age of 3! She did many productions, including the Nutcracker, and loved seeing the joy in her community! She started working in the school district in January 2020 with transition students at Del Valle as an instructional aide. She worked at Miramonte briefly in the Wellness Center and at Campolindo for the last 3 years in the Special Education program. She’s greatly enjoyed working with students and focusing on getting her BA in psychology as well. Be sure to stop by and give Anisa a warm Acalanes welcome!
 
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES Q&A
 
How do I report absences or late arrivals?
Parents/Guardians need to report absences, late arrivals or early dismissals to the 24-hour attendance line (925-980-3973) or send an email to ahsattendance@auhsdschools.org. Absences not excused after 24 hours will become cuts.
 
How do I excuse my student for an appointment or early release during the day?
Please report any early releases as soon as possible so the office can have your student's pass ready to go. Call the 24-hour attendance line and leave a message or send an email. The messages are checked frequently. But if your student needs to leave right away, please call the office directly at 925-280-3970 ext. 7126. If your student does not know about the appointment please let us know so we can make arrangements to have the student sent to the office.
 
How does my student sign out once I have called the attendance line/sent an email?
Your student needs to come to the attendance office before the class they are leaving early from to pick up an off-campus pass. This is their ticket to get out of class. Once they have their pass they can leave class at the designated time, come back to the attendance office to scan the QR code and sign out. If they return the same day, they will return to the attendance office to sign in and pick up a re-admit slip. Signing in/out from the office is mandatory for safety reasons.
 
Can tardies be excused? Yes, with a medical or dental note and a student sign in. Otherwise, parents cannot excuse tardiness.
 
For more detailed information, visit the District website attendance reporting.

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

JOIN THE ACALANES SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL
Acalanes High School Seeks Parent Reps for School Advisory Council
Acalanes is searching for 4-5 parents to join the Acalanes School Advisory Council. This year we hope to have representation from all four grade levels, and parents of students from a variety of interests and backgrounds. The School Advisory Council meets five times a year to provide a forum for staff, students, and parents to discuss progress and provide feedback on the school site plans like the AHS Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA), the school safety plan, and progress on issues of equity and access. Please click here and fill out the form to indicate your interest in participating in the Acalanes School Advisory Council.

SUMMER JAPAN TRIP - Sign Students up Now!
Acalanes staff are taking students on a trip to Japan this summer. Students from any grade and any of the four high schools can attend! The only requirement is an interest in travel! This trip has a little bit of everything -- ancient/historical sites, awe-inspiring locations, amazing food, and a once-in-a-lifetime bonding experience with your Lamorinda peers. Send your student on the trip of a lifetime where they become a global citizen who values travel and exploration. 

For anyone interested in going on the trip to Japan this summer, please follow this link to preview the trip and to register:  June 2025 - Japan.
And check out our Instagram page to see photos from the last two summers! acalanes_travels

If you have any questions please reach out to Erin Barth or Tina Gullberg. This is not a school-sponsored trip.

Parent Education

SEED High School Presents: Understanding and Supporting Teen Behavior with Peter J. Alter: A Guide for Parents. Tuesday, Sep 24 at 7pm in the Acalanes High School Library. This workshop provides an in-depth exploration of behavioral challenges faced by teenagers with disabilities, utilizing the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Tailored for parents and caregivers, the session focuses on practical strategies for understanding, assessing, and addressing various behavioral issues within this demographic. Click here to register!