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

You may view the full 2023-2024 Athletic Schedule by clicking HERE.

*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:
 
Softball
Monday, Apr Monte Vista HS at 4:30pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Thursday, Apr 25 Northgate HS at 4:30pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
 
Baseball
Monday, Apr 22 JV at Foothill HS at 4pm.
Tuesday, Apr 23 Benicia HS at 4pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Thursday, Apr 25 Northgate HS at 4pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Saturday, Apr 27 Frosh hosts Miramonte HS doubleheader at 10am and 12pm.
 
Boys Golf
Monday, Apr 22 Transbay Invitational at Rossmoor GC.
 
Girls Lacrosse
Monday, Apr 22 at Carondelet HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, Apr 26 hosts Miramonte HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Saturday, Apr 27 Frosh-soph hosts Oakland HS at 9am.
 
Boys Lacrosse
Tuesday, Apr 23 hosts College Park HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, Apr 26 at Miramonte HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
 
Boys Tennis
Tuesday, Apr 23 Northgate HS at 3:30pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Wednesday, Apr 24 DAL First round playoffs at Northgate HS.
Thursday, Apr 25 DAL Semifinals at Acalanes HS.
Friday, Apr 26 DAL Championships at Acalanes HS.
 
Boys Volleyball
Tuesday, Apr 23 at College Park HS. JV at 5pm and varsity at 6:30pm.
Thursday, Apr 25 at Berean Christian HS. JV at 5pm and varsity at 6:30pm.
 
Beach Volleyball
Wednesday, Apr 24 Varsity v. Las Lomas HS at Heather Farms at 4pm.
Thursday, Apr 25 JV v. Las Lomas HS at Heather Farms at 4pm.
 
Swimming
Thursday, Apr 25 DAL Trials at Campolindo HS.
Saturday, Apr 27 DAL Finals at Campolindo HS.
 
Diving
Saturday, Apr 27 DAL Championships at Campolindo HS.
 
Track & Field
Saturday, Apr 27 DAL Trials at Campolindo HS.
 
You may view the full 2023-2024 Athletic Schedule by clicking HERE.

General Administration Announcements

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Acalanes is very excited to host Special Olympics this Friday. There will be buses and many visitors coming to campus so we expect parking may be challenging. Please encourage your students to carpool on Friday!

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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

ACALANES SERVICE AWARD DEADLINE: This FRIDAY!
Students who volunteer at least 30 hours by Apr 19, will get an Acalanes Service Award so please encourage your students to get those hours entered as that deadline is this Friday!

To qualify, all hours must be entered online into the Helper Helper app AND validated by the student’s supervisor by Apr 19 so please encourage your students to get their hours entered now!! To learn more and/or join the Helper Helper app, check out the volunteer website.

2024-2025 ACALANES PARENTS CLUB BOARD SLATE
We are proud to announce our slate of nominees for the 2024-25 APC Board of Directors. A big thank you to this year’s Nominating Committee for their time and dedication in placing these amazing volunteers. The APC general membership will vote to approve the slate at the spring general meeting, immediately preceding Dons Dialogue on Friday morning, May 17. If you have any questions, please contact APC Parliamentarian, Veronique Kuhner.
 
2024-2025 Parents Club Board Nominees
Co-Presidents: Andrea Hilsabeck & Michele Colaco
VP Special Projects: Raina Foster
VP Communications: Kendra Uffelman
VP Community Partners: Nicole Long
VP Fundraising: Carrie Daughters
VP Services: Ali Krick
Co-Head Liaisons: Sarah Cusumano & Heidi Keely
Secretary: Kim Hamill
Treasurer: Lee Huskins
Assistant Treasurer: Jocelyn Birrell
Auditor: Sierra Culbertson
Past President/Parliamentarian: Sarah Cusumano

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

LIGHT THE NIGHT
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 (you can also check with your company to see if there might be a matching gift to potentially double your impact!).
 
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.
 
Feel free to check out our website for more information! And please plan to come to the Acalanes Talent Show on Apr 18 at 7pm - there will be a bake sale and proceeds will benefit Light the Night (bring cash)!

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.

Parent Education

INSIDE THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Parents (and students!) of all grade levels are welcome to join an evening with Dr. John Durante, an educator who has interviewed over 200 college admissions representatives for his acclaimed “The College Admissions Process Podcast”. This event will take place on Wednesday, Apr 17 at 6pm* in the Acalanes library.
(*arrive early as we plan to start at 6pm sharp, as Dr. Durante will be joining us from New York City)

This event will be moderated by Debbie Levy, Acalanes College & Career Counseling Advisor. The podcast and other resources are available at www.collegeadmissionstalk.com.
 

SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS AND ESTATE PLANNING FOR SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS
Please join us for a workshop presented by special needs planning attorney, Jonathan Thompson*, on estate planning for children with special needs.

Special needs planning is a specialized area of the law that focuses on protecting public benefits for people with special needs, while at the same time facilitating a higher quality of life. Jonathan Thompson will provide information on special needs plans that can provide a framework for proper  medical care and management of assets, as well as protect assets from creditors and predators. He will discuss the essential characteristics of special needs trusts, how they work and how to set one up.

To receive SEED High School updates, sign up for the high school newsletter here.
 * Jonathan is an attorney with the Thompson Law Offices in Walnut Creek.

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 Martin

Course 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.