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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
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!
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