Weekly News & Announcements

Legislative News

With so much attention on the presidential race, it might be possible to forget that there are other important items on the ballot. Several state propositions will directly affect our schools and students, so be sure to fill out your entire ballot!  

Prop 15: California Schools and Local Communities Funding Act
This initiative would require commercial and industrial real estate property worth $3 million or more be taxed on current market value. This money would be allocated to schools (40%) and other local governments (60%). It is estimated to result in $11.5 billion in additional funding statewide, and between $1.9 million and $3.4 million for AUHSD. How Prop. 15 would increase K-12 districts’ funding. For an even-handed discussion of the pros and cons, see here: Quick Guide: Proposition 15, the proposed ’split-roll’ tax on commercial property 

Prop 16: Repeal Proposition 209 – Restore Affirmative Action
This constitutional amendment would permit the use of race, gender, and ethnic diversity as factors (but not decisive factors) in education including college admissions, government hiring, and government contracting. CSU Trustees endorse repeal of affirmative action ban

Prop 18: Primary Voting for 17-Year-Olds
This constitutional amendment allows 17-year-olds who will be 18 at the time of the next general election to vote in primary elections and special elections. 18 other states plus DC already allow this.

LPIE

Your Donations at Work
Thanks to you, AHS is able to offer a broad visual arts curriculum including Studio Art, 3D Art, Photography, Digital Design, and Video Production. Funding from LPIE allows AHS staff to be at the forefront of contemporary practices using state of the art tools and equipment.

From visual arts teacher, Rob Porter:
"LPIE and the parents that form and support it are an invaluable asset to the Arts programs at Acalanes. LPIE funds 100% of the Art materials budget. With this generous support, students have access to excellent materials with which to explore the curricula (from introductory to AP) and express their unique vision and artistry. These materials include brushes, paper, drawing pencils, pens, watercolors, acrylics, and a multitude of other materials. Thank you LPIE and parents for providing students with materials that allow them to access rigorous curricula and to succeed at high levels."

From digital design teacher, Chris Busse:
"Our Digital Design program would not be where it is today without the help of LPIE. I’m so grateful that we have been given up-to-date technology that mirrors the same industry standards as a professional design firm. Thank you so much LPIE for all that you do!"

Did you know that LPIE has a new podcast?
Subscribe now so you don’t miss one episode! Episode 2: The LPIE Podcast, hosted by Springhill parent Adam Welcome, features BVE Parent and LPIE Art Program Chair Kirsten Jensen-Horne. Kirsten talks about how art encourages your student's unique style, helps with overall student wellness and so much more!  Help support your community volunteers by taking a few minutes to listen by clicking here.

Laura-Kate Rurka & Jennifer Palmer
Acalanes LPIE School Chairs

www.lpie.org

APC in Action

APC Student Directory
The directory is now available to APC Members (families who donate any amount to APC are members!) via Acalanes Parents Club website.  For privacy reasons, the directory is password protected. Members can look for an email with password information in their inbox later today. Not sure if you’re a member?  Go to the Web Store, log into your account and view your order history. Thank you for your support! A huge thank you to Sharon Hunt, Danielle Gallagher and Linda Choi for creating the directory and making it accessible to our members. 

Applications Due October 9: APC Grants, All Ideas Welcome!
Acalanes Parents Club will continue its APC Grant Program this year with a focus on creative solutions to enhance the educational experience of AHS students during distance learning, and with an eye toward ideas for when we gather again in-person. Teachers, students and parents are encouraged to submit a grant proposal by accessing the criteria and application form here. Email APC Grants Coordinator Catherine Habas with questions. To submit your completed proposal, email Catherine or deliver to the APC box in the office. 

2020-21 Acalanes & President's Volunteer Service Awards Program
The 2020-21 program year continues to be challenging for identifying volunteer opportunities. It is very important that students looking for opportunities to volunteer in our local community follow safety guidelines in order to keep yourself, families and neighbors safe. This year we are reducing the volunteer service hour minimum to 20 hours and adding in flexibility to volunteer requirements. This reduction applies only to the Acalanes Volunteer Service Award. The President's Volunteer Service award is a federal program and we cannot modify their program requirements. We encourage students to be creative with ideas that can turn into volunteer opportunities. Ideas to consider (verification of hours is still necessary):

• Grocery shopping or running errands for senior, disabled or at-risk neighbors
• AHS Stege Elementary pen-pal program
• AHS Clubs focused on service such as Key Club, Children's Hospital, Equip for Equality, Environmental, Asian Student Union, SAGE, Protect Animals Worldwide

If you have a great idea about a way to be of service in your community and want to see if it qualifies under the AHS program, email us!

APC in Action

Celebrating our Dons!
Help us celebrate our Dons’ first quarter finish! Similar to our “Finals Fuel” tradition, we will be providing a celebratory treat for every student in early October. If you’d like to support our effort, please donate any amount you are comfortable giving. For your convenience, we have a Venmo account set up: @Treasurer-ParentsClub. Donation deadline is Saturday, October 3. Thanks for your support! Questions? Email our Final Fuel Team, Carey Starn and Nicole Carberry here.

Friday, Oct 9 Fall APC Grant Applications Due
Acalanes Parents Club will continue its APC Grant Program this year with a focus on creative solutions to enhance the educational experience of AHS students during distance learning, and with an eye toward ideas for when we gather again in-person. Teachers, students and parents are encouraged to submit a grant proposal by accessing the criteria and application form here. Email APC Grants Coordinator Catherine Habas with questions. To submit your completed proposal, email Catherine or deliver to the APC box in the office. 

General Announcements

Canvas Support for Parents
Visit the Acalanes School District Canvas Support website to help with login, setup and more.

High School Student Poll Worker Program
Is your student interested in working the polls this fall? Visit this link to learn more about the program, including how students can apply. Remember, this is a great way to add hours towards your student’s Acalanes Volunteer Service Award while also participating in the election process.

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

Join the fun and get in the ACA Fall spirit by participating in these events:

Saturday, October 3rd - ACA Campus Clean-Up
Kick off the month of October by helping us spruce up our campus so it looks great when students return. All are welcome - students, parents, and community members. Grab a few friends or pull your club or team to work together in socially-distanced zones. Sign up here!

WELCOME TO OUR FIRST ACA DAYS! And ACAtober! Thursday, October 8 Campus Drive-By (See class drive-by schedule below)

•    WAVE & Say hello to AWESOME Acalanes Teachers & Staff
•    CELEBRATE 1st Quarter End with “APC Finals Fuel” gift
•    GIVE BACK Pick up thank you cards for those you appreciate
•    RECEIVE Spirit sticker from your Class Officers & Liaisons
•    DONATE Acalanes Community Always - Fire Relief Fund
•    HELP YOURSELF Learn more about AHS Peer Tutoring
•    PICK UP Yearbooks, Class T-shirts & AHS Flags
•    SMILE You’re part of an amazing DONS School Community

First 50 students per grade get a SURPRISE piece of ACA Swag!  

3:00 - 3:30pm    SENIORS!!!!
3:30 - 4:00pm    JUNIORS!!!
4:00 - 4:30pm    SOPHOMORES!!
4:30 - 5:00pm    FROSH!

Acalanes Alumni Network
Team ACA is looking for local Acalanes Alums (you may have just graduated or be a “vintage” Alum) to help with some exciting projects. Email Dawn Brightbill and Sarah Cusumano to join the effort at aca@acalanesparentsclub.com. 

Lafayette Res Run
Creativity at the Lafayette Chamber is in high gear. Visit the Fundraising section to learn more about this fantastic community event and register to join the fun.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

It’s week six in our challenge to build habits supporting racial equity. Join us in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month! 

For week six, listen to NPR episode “Latinx Monuments We’d Like to See”. Ivy Queen, Jean-Michel Basquiet and Maria from Sesame Street are just a few of the Latinx featured in this episode. (28 minutes)

Tuesday, Nov 10 from 7-8:30 - AUHSD Book Club Across that Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change by late Congressman John Lewis
Thanks to everyone who participated in the book club last Tuesday, discussing How to Be An Antiracist by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi. The next AUHSD DEI Book Club book is Across that Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change by late Congressman John Lewis. Sign up here.

Thursday, Oct 1 from 7-8:30pm - Parent Racial Equity Seminar Series - Session 1 (see the flyer here!)
This Acalanes parent-specific series led by Dr. Lori A. Watson allows parents to intimately explore issues of race and identity, and gives us the tools to speak with our children, friends, and community members about this often difficult, uncomfortable topic. Spaces are limited to the first 50 people who sign up. Participants are encouraged to sign up for at least four sessions. Click here for the Google form with more information and to sign up. Series dates are:

• Thursday, October 1
• Monday, November 16 
• Tuesday, January 19
• Tuesday, February 9  
• Wednesday, March 3 
• Thursday, May 6

Interested in joining our committee? Have questions? Email us.

Membership & Fundraising

October 16-31 - Virtual Lafayette Res Run For Education
The Lafayette Chamber and the City of Lafayette co-sponsor the Lafayette Res Run for Education, traditionally held on an October Sunday. Due to COVID-19, the legendary race will be a virtual one this year, held from October 16-31, 2020. Join us for one of four races: 5k, 10k, 2 mile walk/run, or the 2.7 mile reservoir run/walk. Registration for all races is $25; reference Acalanes when you register and a portion of your fees go straight to our school. Race packets include the must-have traditional long sleeve t-shirt and race bib. Zoonies, the newest ASB Spirit Card partner, has a gift for the first 100 sign-ups from Acalanes (thank you, Zoonies!) Support Acalanes and sign up now. Go Dons!

If you have any questions, please contact VP Fundraising Kelly Daggs.

From the Activities Director

Student Activities Update for the Week (video)

2020-2021 Clubs
Club meetings continue this week. Encourage your student to attend even if they missed the first meeting last week. Check out our 44 clubs!

Through Monday, Oct 5 - School Supplies Drive for Stege
Acalanes is holding a supplies drive for Stege Elementary School, our sister school since 2013. Each year we make personal bags for every student at Stege and work with their administration to hand them out. This year we are collecting pencils, erasers, crayons and colored pencils between now and October 5. There are bins at the flagpole. From 4-5 pm on Friday, Oct 2 and Monday, Oct 5, we will collect money as well as physical supplies. Soon, we will accept donations via the Acalanes Web Store. Thank you for your support.

If I can ever do anything to help you or your student, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Katherine Walton, Student Activities Director

Wellness Center

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness
In tomorrow’s Cohort Academy, students will be exploring this topic, and you will receive more information from Principal Bell about it. 

Suicide can be a scary topic for parents to think about and discuss. You have our compassionate understanding on that! As mental health support professionals, we also know that it’s essential to talk about the reality of mental health challenges and suicidal ideation in adolescence. And it’s critical to know the signs and how to help. Being open about suicide does NOT cause a person to contemplate it more seriously. That’s one of the many myths surrounding suicide, and mental health challenges that we can all play a role in dispelling. 

The Wellness Team will provide the content and resources for Monday’s discussion, and you can ask your student to share with you what they learned. To help you with the conversation, visit this resource from a wonderful organization called Each Mind Matters. If your student misses Cohort Academy, the entire presentation will be available to them in Canvas--you can suggest that you watch it with them. And as always, if you’re concerned about your student’s mental health, fill out a wellness referral HERE

Allen Choi, Wellness Coordinator
Casey Sasner, Intake Specialist

For updates, tips and advice, follow Wellness on Social Media: Instagram @acalaneswellness

College & Career

All senior students should set up at least one appointment to discuss post AHS plans. Students can book an individual meeting with Ms. Reicher here. 

Tuesday, Sept 29 at 7pm - Financial Aid Night
Join Tim Lenahan for an online presentation about college costs. The meeting link is here, and you can review this helpful handout for details. Learn more about presenter Tim Lenahan.

Mark your calendars for Senior events:

• Wednesdays and Fridays Senior Academy - Academy is available on Wednesdays and Fridays for all Seniors working on college applications. The Zoom link is in Naviance. Please have students check their AUHSD gmail accounts for all communications from Ms. Reicher. 
• Tuesday, Oct 13 at 7pm FAFSA Night - The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form allows students to request federal grants, work-study, and loans all in one application. Join us online to learn more. 

For Juniors: Tuesday, Oct 6 at 7pm - Class of 2022 Parent/Student Presentation
Lots of great college planning information. Hear from your Class Liaisons, as well as Wendy Reicher and Counselor Susan Martin. Watch your email for the Zoom link!

Check out the Fall CCC Newsletter for updates!

ICYMI
If you weren’t able to attend our webinar on “Navigating the College Admissions & Testing Landscape”, watch the replay here.

Freshman College Planning
Sophomore College Planning
Junior College Planning
Senior Checklist

• CCC Website 
• Follow us on Instagram: @acalanesccc
• Facebook Page for Students Have your senior or junior join the College and Career Student FB page 

Wendy Reicher/College and Career Advisor: wreicher@auhsdschools.org

Wendy Reicher

Counseling

Progress Reports
Grades were updated in Canvas this past week. Parents should make sure they have observer status to see updates. Please encourage your students to use Peer Tutoring and use Academy time to check in with a teacher or counselor. 

Transcripts
For Seniors ordering transcripts, have your list of colleges updated on Naviance and pay the $5 fee for official transcripts on the webstore. Mrs. Finn, the registrar, will process requests. Please contact Mrs. Finn with questions. Students can review unofficial transcripts in Aeries.

Deadline Wednesday, Sept 30 - CSF Applications Due
California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is an honor society. The application period this semester will be Sept 15-30. Payment of $7 must be made on the webstore. All grades of “CR” last semester will count toward eligibility for the September application period. The application form is online. Students need to be logged in with their school account to fill out the form. 

Counselor appointments
We love talking to our students! Email is the best way to reach us. Counselors have appointment slots for students and will email them a link for signing up. We are trying to reserve the limited slots outside of class time for students. Parents can schedule a time when students are in class. 

Counselor Assignments Student last names:
A- Ed  Anne Schonauer
Ee-Kr  Christine Todd
Ku-Ros  Marissa Meadows
Rot-Z  Susan Martin