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APC Membership & Fundraising
Buy a Brick, Leave a Legacy…
There’s no better way to honor a special Don than with a customized 2024 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 $300.
Questions?Contact Legacy Brick Coordinator, Leanne Zimmerman. -
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)
Important Dates
- April - Autism Awareness month
- Apr 22 Passover begins
DEI’s ‘24/25 planning is underway. Please share any thoughts or ideas you have with us here. This is a collaborative process; we encourage participation. It is important that a plethora of voices and ideas are heard.
We are also looking for members of our community that would like to get more involved. Do you have a student member of an equity club on campus? Would you like to help them be more successful? Consider joining the APC DEIB committee, as we are actively trying to promote our student groups on campus.
Please check out the new AUHSD DEIB website for many great resources and events! And follow us on Instagram and Facebook. -
Performing & Visual Arts
DRAMADONS PLAY FESTIVAL
Check out Rejected: The 2024 DramaDons’ 10-Minute Play Festival on Thursday, Apr 25 and Friday, Apr 26. at 7:00pm in the AHS Little Theatre. Admission is free!
The DramaDonsemble (Drama 2, Advance Drama, and Advanced Drama Honors) will present nine original short plays written and directed by: Marley Anderson, Vander Bowman, Steph Boustani, Cody Casey, Dakota Goyert, Lux Downing Griggs, Ben Schulz, Lily Thomas, & Elise Warren
UPCOMING ACALANES CONCERTS!
Mark your calendars to attend two exciting Acalanes concerts happening in the next few weeks:COLLAGE CONCERT
Featured Music Groups: Various Acalanes Chamber Music Ensembles
Date: Tuesday, Apr 30
Time: 6:30pm
Location: AHS Performing Arts Center
Admission: Free ($5 donation suggested)SPRING CONCERT
Featured Music Groups: Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Orchestra and Wind Ensemble. Special guest: Daichi Nannen, AHS All-State clarinet player
Date: Thursday, May 2
Time: 6:30pm
Location: AHS Performing Arts Center
Admission: Free ($5 donation suggested) -
Student Activities
April Calendar of Events:
- 10-12 and 15-19: Prom bus sign-ups during lunch
- 17: Cultural Fair at lunch
- 18: Talent show at 6:30pm
- 19: Special Olympics
- 21-26: Earth Week
- 27: Prom
We hope your student will plan to celebrate diversity and promote cross-cultural understanding at the Cultural Fair on Wednesday, Apr 17 during lunch! Students can showcase the richness of their heritage by signing up for a booth at the Cultural Fair. They will have the opportunity to represent a country and be responsible for bringing and serving food from their chosen country and educating others about the cultures and traditions of their country. This can be done by sharing interesting facts, displaying flags and objects of cultural importance, or creating a poster board filled with relevant information. The event will be held throughout campus and participants will receive an email regarding their booth location closer to the date. Students can sign up here.
The Acalanes Annual Talent Show is happening on Thursday, Apr 18 at 6:30pm and it is a FULL show hosted by a couple of incredible seniors and features acts of all kinds. We are raising money for the SAGE club & the Community Improvement club. Come on out!
The Special Olympics are on Friday, Apr 19 beginning at 10am. Is your student volunteering? If so, there is a mandatory meeting on Apr 10 and Apr 12 (during academy) to train volunteers. Volunteers will get a reminder slip.
The 2024 Junior & Senior Prom is Saturday, Apr 27 at the San Francisco Exploratorium. Prom tickets are on sale now through Apr 19 via Go Fan. Click HERE for the printable permission slips. In order to get a bus assignment, students need a ticket and a signed permission form. Bus sign ups happen during lunch from Apr 10-12 and Apr 15-19.
We still 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 Wednesday, May 1. All proceeds benefit the class of 2028.Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
Katherine Walton, Activities Director -
College & Career
CAREER ACADEMY & TRADE FAIR!
We are hosting a Trade Fair during lunch on Wednesday, Apr 24 and are looking for more organizations to be represented. Please email Debbie Levy with any suggestions for us and we will follow up.
SENIORS:
Water Polo Scholarship: The Lafayette Water Polo Foundation is accepting applications for seniors who play water polo.
The Matt Lynn Memorial Scholarship is now available. It will be awarded to college-bound seniors from Acalanes who have participated in a high school varsity sport(s) and who intend to continue playing a varsity or club sport in college.
Diablo Valley Assistance League is offering a $6000 need-based scholarship for students attending a 4 year university and $4000 for those going to community college.
JUNIORS, SOPHOMORES, FROSH:
SAT/ACT Free Practice Exams: Practice ACT and digital SAT exams are available with Revolution Prep. Click here to register. The ACT practice exam is on Saturday, Apr 20 from 9am - 1pm. The SAT practice exam is on Saturday, Apr 20 from 9am - 12pm.
Summer Ideas: DVC Career Academies:
St. Mary’s College of California
Summer Academy for High School Students: UC Berkeley
Summer Sessions:UC Berkeley
College of Environmental Design: Cal Poly
San Luis Obispo Summer Springboard:
Girls Who Code Summer Program
Please visit our College & Career Counseling website any time for additional information and support. -
Counseling
Counselor assignments are by last name:
A-Em Anne Schonauer
En-Kr Erika Vasquez
Ku-Rog Marissa Meadows
Roh-Z Susan MartinCourse Selection for 2024-2025 School Year
Students may still ask to change their course requests for next school year. Counselors are keeping a wish list of student requests and will fill these requests as we are able.
4th Quarter!
Counselors are monitoring seniors in danger of not graduating - letters from the Associate Principal will be sent home in late March. -
School Nurse
APRIL IS ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH!
Honestly, this is not a fun topic to discuss.Statistics Tell the Tale
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol is the most commonly abused addictive substance among American youth. Within the past month:
- 1 in 3 American high school students have drunk alcohol at least once
- Almost 1 in 5 have engaged in dangerous binge-drinking
- 8% consumed alcohol and then drove
- 20% accepted a ride from someone else who had been drinking
- 4300+ underage youths die each year due to excessive drinking
- There are 189,000+ ER visits by youths as a result of alcohol-related causes
Parents: You Make a Difference!
The longer youths delay drinking and drug use, the less chance they have of having problems of use, including addiction. TALK with your kids to discuss how to make smart decisions. Role model for them – your behavior sets the standard. 10% of US children live with alcoholic parents and those children are 4x as likely to become alcoholics.
Brain Development
Your student’s brain is still developing and will for years to come. Alcohol can have long-term effects on brain development that can last through adulthood.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 -
LPIE
Would you be willing to assist in planning next year's LPIE Gala? We truly can't do it without parent help!
The LPIE Gala stands as our most significant fundraising event of the year, and it's all made possible by our amazing parent volunteers. We're reaching out for help in putting together an extraordinary and enjoyable occasion that will generate much needed funds for our schools. Whether you have prior event planning experience or simply want to contribute to the success of this event, your involvement would be invaluable to us!
Please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you're interested in lending a hand. Your support means the world to us!
Warm Regards,
Samantha Carter, LPIE President, Jesse Abhyankar, LPIE Events Chair -
Sports
SPORTS BOOSTER BASH
We’re days away, Bash Tickets are almost sold out, and the silent auction is opening today!
This amazing event is happening on Saturday, Apr 20 and will feature a variety of competitive games, including a dunk tank, longest golf drive and best axe throw! Come join your friends for drinks, dinner, live auction, games, dancing and much, much more! Our silent auction is open and has amazing offerings for everyone!
Silent Auction (live now through Friday, Apr 19 at 6pm): OnlineBiddingPage
Booster Bash Ticket Sales: BuyHere
Remember, this is the biggest, and most fun, fundraising event for all of Acalanes sports! We can’t do it without your support!
*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 AcalanesSportsBoosters.
This weeks can't miss events
Softball
Monday, Apr 15 Piedmont HS at 4:30pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Tuesday, Apr 16 Campolindo HS at 4:30pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Thursday, Apr 18 Concord HS at 4:30pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Baseball
Monday, Apr 15 JV at Livermore HS at 4pm.
Tuesday, Apr 16 College Park HS at 4pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Thursday, Apr 18 College Park HS at 4pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Saturday, Apr 20 Freshmen at Las Lomas HS doubleheader at 10am and 12pm.
Boys Golf
Monday, Apr 15 Varsity v. Miramonte HS at Orinda CC at 3:30pm.
Tuesday, Apr 16 Varsity v. Northgate HS at Boundary Oak GC at 3:30pm.
Wednesday, Apr 17 Varsity v. Campolindo HS at Moraga CC at 3:30pm.
Friday, Apr 19 JV v. Campolindo HS at Rossmoor GC at 3:30pm.
Boys Tennis
Tuesday, Apr 16 Miramonte HS at 3:30pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Thursday, Apr 18 Las Lomas HS at 3:30pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Boys Volleyball
Tuesday, Apr 16 at Northgate HS. JV at 5pm and varsity at 6:30pm.
Thursday, Apr 18 host Campolindo HS. JV at 5pm and varsity at 6:30pm.
Saturday, Apr 20 Granite Bay JV Invitational.
Girls Lacrosse
Tuesday, Apr 16 Host Berkeley HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, Apr 19 at Campolindo HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Boys Lacrosse
Wednesday, Apr 17 host Piedmont HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, April 19 host Las Lomas HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Swimming
Tuesday, Apr 16 at Las Lomas HS at 4pm.
Saturday, Apr 20 DAL JV Championship Meet at Miramonte HS.
Track & Field
Wednesday, Apr 17 host Campolindo HS at 3:30pm.
Saturday, Apr 20 DAL Frosh-Soph Meet at Campolindo HS.
Beach Volleyball
Thursday, April 18 Carondelet HS at Heather Farms at 4:00 pm.
Competitive Sport Cheer
Friday, Apr 19 Alhambra HS at 6:30pm and College Park HS at 7:30pm at College Park HS.
Diving
Saturday, April 20 NCS Qualifying Meet at 10am.You may view the full 2023-2024 Athletic Schedule by clicking HERE.
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College & Career
CAREER ACADEMY & TRADE FAIR!
The Acalanes College and Career Center will host a Creative Arts and Design Career academy on Wednesday, Apr 10 at 10am. One of our committed speakers is Joel Flory, the co-founder of VSCO. We would like to invite other interested parents, alumni, and community members to share their career
experiences/pathways in graphic design, film/screenwriting, animation, sculpture, painting, fashion, photography, graphic design, etc. with our students. If you would like to be a presenter or know someone who would be a good fit, please email Debbie Levy and provide your name, industry, and phone number. We will follow up with all contacts.
In addition, we are hosting a Trade Fair during lunch on Wednesday, Apr 24 and are looking for more organizations to be represented. Please email Debbie Levy with any suggestions for us and we will follow up.
SENIORS:
Water Polo Scholarship: The Lafayette Water Polo Foundation is accepting applications for seniors who play water polo.
The Matt Lynn Memorial Scholarship is now available. It will be awarded to college-bound seniors from Acalanes who have participated in a high school varsity sport(s) and who intend to continue playing a varsity or club sport in college.
Diablo Valley Assistance League is offering a $6000 need-based scholarship for students attending a 4 year university and $4000 for those going to community college.
JUNIORS, SOPHOMORES, FROSH:
SAT/ACT Free Practice Exams: Practice ACT and digital SAT exams are available with Revolution Prep. Click here to register. The ACT practice exam is on Saturday, Apr 20 from 9am - 1pm. The SAT practice exam is on Saturday, Apr 20 from 9am - 12pm.
Summer Ideas: DVC Career Academies: St. Mary’s College of California Summer Academy for High School Students: UC Berkeley Summer Sessions:UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Summer Springboard:
Girls Who Code Summer Program
Please visit our College & Career Counseling website any time for additional information and support. -
General Administration Announcements
AP EXAM PROCTORS NEEDED - Great Volunteer Opportunity
Our AP Students need YOUR help! We are searching for parents to help with proctoring AP Exams the first two weeks of May 2024. Exam dates are May 6-10 and May 13-17.
Exams start everyday at either 8am or 12pm. Students know to show up 30 minutes prior to start time for check in. Proctors for morning exams would be needed starting at 7:15am and afternoon exams starting at 11:15am. Exams can range from 2-4 hours and we ask that you please plan to stay for the longest amount of time possible. Restrictions: Parents, you are NOT allowed to proctor an exam that your own child is taking.
If you are interested in learning more about proctoring AP exams, please contact the Acalanes Testing Coordinator, Nicole Singleterry at nsingleterry@auhsdschools.org -
APC in Action
APC GRANTS AWARDED FOR SPRING 2024
Thank you to the teachers, students and staff who submitted proposals for an APC spring grant. We had a large number of requests representing many different interests! APC grants are funded through parents annual donations - so THANK YOU parents! We are pleased to announce that five grants have been awarded this spring:- Math clubs will receive a grant to help fund participation in AMC math competition and various other online competitions.
- Special Education classrooms will receive grant funds for classroom sensory items, including fidgets and calming tangibles, as well as plants for students to care for.
- The Social Science Department will receive a grant to fund student and school fees to attend the UC Davis Model UN Conference.
- A Math Department classroom will get enhancements to create a “Building Thinking Classroom" program for Algebra I.
- A Special Education classroom will receive funds to purchase 6 Hokki stools to provide “active seating”, allowing for subtle movement, but also helping students sit comfortably and focus on learning.
SPRING CAMPUS CLEAN UP: Sunday, Apr 14, 11am - 2pm
Help us make our campus shine! Earn volunteer service hours, connect with your Acalanes community, and share in our Dons pride! All are welcome! Students can sign up on the Helper Helper app (click HERE for instructions) and adults can volunteer through the Sign Up Genius. Thanks for your help and GO DONS!
ACALANES SERVICE AWARD DEADLINE: Friday, Apr 19!
Thanks to APC, the Acalanes and Presidential Service Awards have gone digital. New this year, APC funded the Helper Helper app where students can find and record volunteer hours and earn a community service award. To qualify, all hours must be entered AND validated by the student’s supervisor by April 19, 2024 so please encourage your students to get their hours entered now!!
Since April, over 250 students have created Helper Helper accounts and logged over 6,900 volunteer service hours and we’re hoping that number will keep increasing!
Students who volunteer at least 30 hours by April 19, 2024, will get an Acalanes Service Award so please encourage your students to get those hours entered as that deadline is quickly approaching!To learn more and/or join the Helper Helper app, check out the volunteer website.
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Acalanes Community Always (ACA)
ACALANES COMMUNITY OUTREACH & IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FUNDRAISER
The Acalanes Community Outreach and Improvement Program is hosting a fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (Light the Night) from Apr 8-26.
Please donate as any and every donation makes a difference! Please check and see if your company does matching gifts when donating to double your impact! Feel free to check out our website for more information. Thank you!
The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, and myeloma, as well as improve the quality of life of patients and their families. They also fund research to advance lifesaving treatments, provide patients, survivors, caregivers, families, and healthcare professionals with hope, guidance, education and support, and drive advocacy for policies that protect patient access to lifesaving treatment.
ACA GARDEN SPRING UPDATE
We are getting ready to plant our summer crops!! The garden club started tomato and pepper seeds in January and we are currently starting to harden them off in anticipation of planting them in April. The Moraga Garden Farms also donated zucchini, Swiss chard, lettuce and kale starts with promises of herbs, tomatoes and peppers when we get back from spring break.
Read our full Acalanes Garden Spring Update here!
Next Garden Workday: Sunday, Apr 21 from 10am-2pm - we will finish our planting and weed the farm (weeds grow so fast….).
Updated Wish List: It’s not long, but has some items we could definitely use - please click here if you’re interested in donating.
Please reach out to Ms. Tewksbury’s (LTewksbury@auhsdschools.org) in room 201, if you have any questions.
SEED HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE: Where our special needs high schoolers hang out with their typical peers.
Upcoming regular meeting dates:- Thursday, Apr 18: 5-6:30pm
- Thursday, May 16: 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.
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