• Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

    August 21, 2023

    What is ACA You Ask?

    Not only is “ACA” short for “Acalanes,” it is also the overarching, unifying theme that we at Acalanes High School represent on and off campus. Simply put, ACA (Acalanes Community Always) represents:

    • Connectivity between Acalanes students, teachers, staff members, alumni and the greater Lafayette community
    • Spirit and unity

    These are characteristics that we all share as part of the Acalanes family, both during our time at Acalanes, and beyond as alumni. Our ACA spirit is on display daily in and outside of the classroom, and within our athletics, performing arts, student government, clubs, and Acalanes support organizations. We look forward to supporting ongoing programming that continues to build school spirit and supports our community and each other!

    ACA Student Discounts!
    As part of your student’s ASB card purchase, your student can get discounts or freebies at some favorite local business, such as

    • Diablo Foods
    • Johnny’s Donuts
    • Local Kitchens
    • Sideboard
    • And more!

    Your student just needs to show their ASB card at checkout. See the full list of discounts here! There is still time to purchase the ASB card in the Acalanes Webstore, this money drives student activities at Acalanes.

    Important Dates!

    • Saturday and Sunday, Sept 23-24 is the annual Lafayette Art & Wine Festival. We look forward to seeing many of you there!
    • Sunday, Oct 22 is the Annual Reservoir Run. Sign up now and support our local schools.

  • Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

    August 21, 2023

    Look for an upcoming DEI parent gathering in a future newsletter. In the meantime, check out a wonderful event supporting students in our district.

    Miramonte students Jarret Zundel and Nicole Guo founded a nonprofit organization called Stories from Our Roots that strives to promote Lamorinda Asian-owned businesses and their stories through filmmaking and community organization. They will showcase three of their award-winning films featuring the Asian-owned businesses Kibi’s Cafe, Hodo Foods, and Joan’s Chinese painting studio at Orinda Theater on Thursday, Sept 7 at 7:30pm. There will be a panel discussion with youth filmmakers and business owners who can provide insight into their journeys and experiences in order to promote intergenerational and intercultural dialogue. 

  • Student Activities

    August 21, 2023

    Week 1 ✔️It was a great week on campus! We’re cruising into a big week 2 for student activities.
     
    New and Returning Club Applications: Anyone can start a club at Acalanes and we encourage students to do so. Club applications will be available for any new or returning club beginning tomorrow and can be found in the Daily Don and are due on Thursday, Aug 31. There is a mandatory meeting at lunch on Wednesday, Aug 23 in room 314 for anyone interested in starting or renewing a club.
     
    Welcome Back Dance: Our Welcome Back Dance is THIS Friday, Aug 25 from 7-9pm. Held in the big gym, it is a great night of connection, activities and dancing. It is free for students with ASB and $10 without ASB. We are REALLY in need of adult chaperones and donations of snacks. If willing, please check out the sign up genius.
     
    ASB Stickers: Thank you to all who have purchased the ASB Sticker via the webstore! There is still time to purchase and this money drives student activities at Acalanes. ASB costs $100 and the sticker gets printed on the ID Card. Students will receive their ID card this week. Perks include:

    Information:
    If you ordered spiritwear via the Gryco webstore, it will be here mid September and you will receive an email from me with pick-up information.
     
    If you ordered a class shirt, we will hand them out on Wednesday, Sept 13 at lunch.
     
    If you purchased ASB and didn’t receive your white spirit shirt, please send your student to room 314.
     
    My goal is that every student at Acalanes is connected to one activity outside of class. I am always happy to meet with students and/or parents about on campus programming and opportunities. If I can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
     
    Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
     
    Katherine Walton, Activities Director

  • College & Career

    August 21, 2023
    Seniors
    • Senior Parent Night: Thursday, Sept 7 in the Library from 6-7pm. Join Debbie Levy and the senior class liaisons to learn about the upcoming year and college & career planning.
    • College Application Academy Support: Remind your student to come to Academy sessions in the CCC. You can also schedule an appointment here.
    • Friday, Sept 1: Common App - Everything you need to know!
    • Wednesday, Sept 6: Common App - Everything you need to know!
    • Wednesday, Sept 13 & Friday, Sept 15: Essay Workshops
    • Monday, Sept 20 - UC App 101
    • Essay Help The College Essay Guy also offers quick, informative free workshops to inspire your students for UCs, the Common App, and more.
    Juniors
    • Digital Practice PSAT and ACT Exams: Click here to register your student for free online practice tests on Saturday, Sept 9, Sept 16, and Sept 23 from 9am-1pm with Revolution Prep.
    Sophomores/Frosh
    • Have your student explore their personality traits with this free assessment.
    Please visit our College & Career Counseling website any time for additional information and support.



  • Counseling

    August 21, 2023
    Counselor assignments are by last name:
    A-Em Anne Schonauer  
    En-Kr Erika Vasquez
    Ku-Rog Marissa Meadows 
    Roh-Z Susan Martin
     
    New Counselor: We welcome Erika Vasquez to our team this year! Erika previously worked for 11 years as a counselor at Miramonte High School. She will take over the En-Kr alpha.
     
    Schedule Changes: Counselors will continue making schedule changes through the first ten days of school (ending on Monday, Aug 28). Please understand that all changes are subject to availability. Students must use this google form to request a schedule change. 
     
    Schedule Change Process:
    1. If your schedule is changed, the student’s name will be on a list posted on the counseling office window. The list will be updated at brunch, lunch and after school for the next few days.  
    2. If the student’s name is on the list, the student should go inside the office to pick up a print-out of their new schedule.
    3. Students continue going to their old schedule until they get a new schedule.
    4. The last day to request a schedule change is Friday, Aug 25.
    Schedule changes are not guaranteed. 
     
    Class Visits: Counselors will make grade level class visits beginning the end of August. More information coming soon.

     

  • School Nurse

    August 21, 2023
    Welcome to a new school year!
    Does your student need medication at school?
    Do you need to communicate with me about your student’s health/medical issue?

    Please use the QR code below to access the appropriate medical form you may need.


    Help your child manage stress:

    1. Provide breakfast. Even if they say they’re not hungry, ask them what they would be WILLING to eat and have that readily available to eat before school or take with them.
    2. Make sure they have access to healthy food and snacks throughout the day.
    3. Make sure they stay hydrated - have them bring a water bottle that they can refill throughout the day. Those are also available at the Cafeteria.  Food can be hydrating too - especially fresh vegetables and fruit!

    Try this GRATITUDE PRACTICE.
     
    NOTE NEW SCHOOL NURSE HOURS:
    Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some* Thursdays
    Tuesdays & Thursdays:  8:00 am - 3:50 pm
    Wednesdays:  7:30 am - 3:20 pm

    Always Your School Nurse,
    Dvora Citron, RN, MS
    dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128
    IG: acalanesschoolnurse, ​School Nurse Website