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Wellness Center
February is upon us. For many people, February is seen as a month of love but it's important to reflect on what “love” brings to mind. Romantic love is not the only type of love that should be celebrated this Valentine’s Day! Personally, I think the most powerful form of love is the one that we think of the least.
Self-love means a respect, positive regard for, and appreciation of ourselves. Self-love can affect every aspect of our lives and when self-love is nurtured, the possibilities for positivity in our lives flourish. Self-love lends itself to healthier interpersonal relationships, healthier ideas around self-image, healthier self-care habits, and an overall more positive outlook on life. With self-love, boundary setting becomes easier and low self-esteem and comparison to others becomes less frequent. This Valentine’s Day, discuss the power of self-love with your AHS student. Try out these self-love affirmations:- I am kind to myself
- I am worthy of good things
- Everything I need is within me
- I accept love from myself
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LPIE
Read-a-thon
The LPIE Read-a-thon ends TODAY! Our students have shown tremendous enthusiasm for reading and witnessing these avid readers in action is inspiring. Make sure your student finishes up that book they started, logs their final minutes, and collects at least one donation. We can’t wait to see who will win these amazing prizes!
Gala
We need your help! Violet & Aster is in need of extra hands in preparing and delivering florals for this year's LPIE Gala. If you love flowers, like to be around them, and want to support LPIE, please join us! Getting all of the florals done for this annual event could not be done without the hands and help of volunteers. Yummy snacks, beverages, good laughs and a bit of insight into floral arranging is promised. Click HERE to help out (Mar 3 - Mar 9 at various times) and have fun!Jocelyn Werner and Jaime Roder, Acalanes LPIE School Chairs
www.lpie.org, Follow us on Instagram -
Sports
This week’s can’t miss events:
Boys basketball
Monday, Feb 5 DAL Playoff First Round
Tuesday, Feb 6 DAL Quarterfinal
Thursday, Feb 8 DAL Semifinal
Saturday, Feb 10 DAL Championship
Girls basketball
Tuesday, Feb 6 DAL Quarterfinal
Thursday, Feb 8 DAL Semifinal
Saturday, Feb 10 DAL Championship
Girls soccer
Tuesday, Feb 6 host Northgate HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Thursday, Feb 8 Varsity at Mt. Diablo HS at 5pm.
Saturday, Feb 10 Frosh-Soph at Berkeley HS at 9am and host College Park HS at 2pm.
Boys soccer
Tuesday, Feb 6 at Northgate HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Thursday, Feb 8 host Mt. Diablo HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Wrestling
Saturday, Feb 10 DAL Championship at Clayton Valley Charter HS.You may view the 2023-2024 Athletic Update by clicking HERE.
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Acalanes Community Always (ACA)
PRINCESS PROJECT - DRESS DRIVE
The Leadership Team at Acalanes High School is excited to host a dress drive benefiting the Princess Project of San Francisco. The Princess Project is a non-profit whose mission is to "promote self-confidence and individual beauty by providing free prom dresses and accessories to high school teens who cannot otherwise afford them."
Acalanes HS is now collecting semi-formal and formal dresses that teens can wear to their high school prom, free of charge. We are hoping to collect as many dresses as possible through Friday, Mar 1. We ask that all dresses be clean and in good condition. There are two drop-off locations:
1. Acalanes High School in front of the Main Office
2. Lafayette Community Center at 500 St. Mary’s Road
To learn more about the Princess Project, and to obtain a tax deductible receipt for your donation, click here.
AHS GARDEN UPDATE
Big things have been happening in the Acalanes Garden! Please read the Full Garden Update Here to hear all about what Ms Tewskbury, the Garden Club and the dedicated crew of supporters and volunteers have accomplished in the Garden.
Don't miss their wish list included. And please join for the next Garden Work Day on Sunday, Feb 25 from 10am-2pm. All are welcome!
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Parent Education
SAVE THE DATE: Powerful Parent & Student Education Event
Robert Paylor “Paralyzed to Powerful”
Tuesday, Mar 19 at 7pm in the Acalanes Performing Arts Center (PAC)
Stay tuned for more information and link to RSVP
Robert’s story: “In the 2017 Collegiate Rugby National Championship, I broke my neck and my life changed in an instant. Immediately, I was told I would never walk or move my hands again. I didn’t accept that reality and willed myself to walk again, against all odds.”
Everyone is paralyzed by something, whether it be physical, mental, or emotional. Robert’s story and the tools that he continues to use to overcome his challenges helps others to both identify and conquer that which paralyzes them. His message stirs others to cultivate purpose in their lives, fully access their inner resilience, develop a reflexive sense of gratitude, and maintain positivity through even the most daunting challenges.
Save the date and plan to join us for the powerful discussion!
COLLEGE COUNSELING & COLLEGE ALTERNATIVES FOR STUDENTS WITH IEPs
Wednesday, Feb 7 at 7pm in the Acalanes Library
This parent workshop will be presented by Education Consultant, Melissa Masland, on post high school education options and the college application process for students receiving special education services. -
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)
Upcoming Important Dates:
- Black History/Excellence Month (February)
- Feb 6 AUHSD Parent/Caregiver Workshop Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
- Feb 10-24 Lunar New Year
- Feb 19 Day of Remembrance
- Feb 23 BSU Dance at Miramonte
Miramonte’s BSU and leadership group are hosting a district-wide Mardi Gras dance for all students on Friday, Feb 23 from 7-9pm! Along with dancing and an awesome DJ, there will be food, a 360 open-air video booth, a place to hang out with friends, and an airbrush tattoo artist! Tickets will be $10 and can be purchased on GoFan here.
Do you have a recommendation or highlight to share about Black Excellence Month? Please chime in and we will do our best to share!
On Tuesday, Feb 6 from 6-7:30pm in the AHS library, the Contra Costa Office of Education Wellness in Schools Program will share more on how to support the LGBTQ Youth in your family and community. Learn about being an adult ally and how to create a culture of acceptance. Stay informed about common terminology. Learn about gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. Learn about the important role that families play in promoting well being for LGBTQ young people. Register here.
Please check out the new AUHSD DEIB website for many great resources and events! And follow us on Instagram and Facebook. -
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 during the first two weeks of May. Exam dates are May 6-10 and May 13-17
AP 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 need to start at 7:15am and for afternoon exams 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 are NOT allowed to proctor an exam that their own child is taking.
If you are interested in learning more about proctoring exams, please contact the Acalanes Testing Coordinator, Nicole Singleterry at nsingleterry@auhsdschools.org. -
Helpful Resources for Course Selection
The selections for the 2024-2025 school year are due the week of Feb 5! Acalanes has a wealth of resources available to assist you and your students with this process.
If you haven’t already, make sure to read Principal Shawn’s email regarding “Upcoming Course Selection Events at Acalanes”. Click here to read the email on Parent Square.
COURSE PREVIEW & OPEN HOUSE
for students and parents on Thursday, Feb 1 from 5:30-8pm- 5:30pm | Acalanes Parents Club Hosted Reception (in front of the PAC*)
- 5:45pm | Incoming 9th Grade and New Family Meeting (in the PAC)
- 6:15 - 8pm | Drop-In Opportunities
- 6:30 - 7pm | Break-Out Session 1
- 7:05 - 7pm | Break-Out Session 2
- 7:35 - 8pm | Break-Out Session 3**
* Performing Arts Center
** Any student considering taking 2+ Honors or AP classes must attend the mandatory session offered during Session 3 at the Course Preview & Open House or during Academy on Friday, Feb 2.
>> Course Preview & Open House Program <<
We encourage all families to review and print the linked program to help navigate the break-out sessions.
This night is a valuable resource for current frosh, sophomores and juniors who are mapping out their future courses, as well as an excellent way for incoming 9th grade students to experience all that Acalanes has to offer. It's also a great way to connect with fellow Acalanes parents.
IN HOUSE COURSE PREVIEW
We have completed our 9th, 10th and 11th grade In House Course Preview programs. During these programs, teachers shared the elective course options available to each grade level for next year.
We encourage parents and students to refer to grade level slides (linked below) when discussing academic planning and choosing your courses for next year. -
APC in Action
SPRING 2024 APC GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE!
Calling all teachers, parents, 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 Friday, Feb 15. Click here to read more and apply!
ACALANES SERVICE AWARDS DEADLINE IS 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. Since then, over 200 students have created Helper Helper accounts and logged over 4,500 volunteer service hours - and we’re hoping that number will keep increasing!
Students who volunteer at least 30 hours by Friday, Apr 19 will get an Acalanes Service Award so please encourage your students to get those hours entered AND validated with the deadline quickly approaching!
To learn more and/or join the Helper Helper app, check out the volunteer website.
PEER TUTORING- KEEPING AHS STUDENTS ON TRACK
In the fall semester, Peer Tutoring saw over 4,000 visits in Room 107. Students rely upon the program for a quiet, welcoming place to study and an effortless way to get academic support. Our tutors not only work with students who drop in to Room 107, but are now requested by faculty to provide auxiliary help in the classroom. Teachers have effectively used our tutors over 120 times for help with test prep, test review, essay editing and math support.
This past semester, as with its previous 25+ year history, Peer Tutoring has proved to be an invaluable component to the success of Acalanes and its students. We thank APC for funding 100% of the Peer Tutoring program and you for your continued support.
Please reach out to Angela Ketcham or Kristen Labrosse with any questions. -
Parent Education
COLLEGE COUNSELING & COLLEGE ALTERNATIVES FOR STUDENTS WITH IEPs
Wednesday, Feb 7 at 7pm in the Acalanes Library
This parent workshop will be presented by Education Consultant, Melissa Masland, on post high school education options and the college application process for students receiving special education services.
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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)
Upcoming Important Dates:
- Black History/Excellence Month (February)
- Feb 6 AUHSD Parent/Caregiver Workshop Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
- Feb 10-24 Lunar New Year
- Feb 19 Day of Remembrance
- Feb 23 BSU Dance at Miramonte
Black History/Excellence Month is HERE and PARENTS we NEED your help. Please use this link to sign up to help us decorate a few doors around campus as we celebrate the achievements of Black Americans that have shaped our culture.
Black History/Excellence Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history. You can learn so much more here.
Do you have a recommendation or highlight to share about Black Excellence Month? Please chime in and we will do our best to share!
On Tuesday, Feb 6 from 6-7:30pm in the AHS library, the Contra Costa Office of Education Wellness in Schools Program will share more on how to support the LGBTQ Youth in your family and community. Learn about being an adult ally and how to create a culture of acceptance. Stay informed about common terminology. Learn about gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. Learn about the important role that families play in promoting well being for LGBTQ young people. Register here. -
Performing & Visual Arts
Acalanes Bands Participate in District Festivals!
Come join the talented Acalanes musicians as they perform with instrumental bands from local elementary schools and Stanley Middle School! The upcoming concerts are all free:
DISTRICT FESTIVAL II
Monday, Jan 29 @ 7pm - Stanley Gym
Burton Valley & Lafayette Elementary Bands
Stanley Cadet Band & Symphonic Band
Acalanes Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble
DISTRICT FESTIVAL III
Tuesday, Jan 30 @ 7pm - Stanley Gym
Happy Valley & Springhill Elementary Bands
Stanley Bronze Band & Silver Band
Acalanes Wind Ensemble
DISTRICT FESTIVAL IV
Wednesday, Jan 31 @ 7pm - Stanley Gym
Combined Elementary Strings
Stanley Strings Intermezzo & String Orchestra
We hope to see you there! -
Student Activities
Students are hosting staff-student trivia at lunch on Wednesday in the big gym.Reminder your student to come see 10 teachers compete and let’s see who the winner will be!
Student Government (leadership) 2024-2025
Current Acalanes Students: 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. Applications are due Tuesday, Feb 6.
9th grade? Applications will be available Feb 1 and due Feb 22.
Come see Leadership at Open House! Any questions, please contact Katherine Walton.
Valentine's Grams are now available for purchase online for $4 on the Acalanes web store. You can also buy one in person at lunch on Feb 6, 7, 8, 9, and 12 in the frosh and sophomore quads. Anyone can purchase, including teachers and parents. Gram recipients will receive them in their 5th period class on Feb 14. The grams include candy, flower, eraser, and a note. Happy Valentine's Day!
The Community Outreach and Improvement Program is hosting a drive for White Pony Express from through 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!
There is a blanket making drive that is happening on Friday, Feb 9 during academy in room 314 and counts towards volunteer hourkets will be donated to the Bay Area Rescue Mission Emergency Shelter in Richmond. Sign up via Walton’s academy.
February is Black Excellence Month! Stay tuned for the whole month of events. There is a district wide Mardi Gras dance on Friday, Feb 23 from 7-9 pm at Miramonte High School! Along with dancing and an awesome DJ, there will be food, a 360 open-air video booth, a place to hang out with friends, and an airbrush tattoo artist! Tickets will be $10 and available on your school's website/GoFan. We are excited to see your students there!
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.
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!
Social Media
