Weekly News & Announcements

Student Activities

SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK

• Wednesday academy: Health Career Panel in room 314
• Wednesday lunch: BSU & MSU collab meeting in room 314
• Thursday lunch: Frosh carnival in the pumpkin patch
• Friday academy: Dr. Ty Douglas, Associate Athletic Director at CAL, in the library
• Friday lunch: Finance talk- How to Go From a Teacher’s Salary to a Millionaire with Mr. Buchel in room 316
• Friday 5pm: BSU potluck + Hidden Figures showing

UPCOMING:

• Elections: Feb 26-28
• Quad City district dance hosted by AUHSD BSU’s: Feb 28
• Color Run + Holi celebration: Mar 16 at 9am
• Prom ticket sales are open - prom is Apr 19
• Intramural girls flag football sign-ups

Got talent? Students can sign up to perform in OR be one of the senior hosts at Acalanes High School’s Talent Show on Mar 18!

Encourage your student to come to the Health Career Speaker Panel on Wednesday, Feb 19 during academy in room 314 to hear the experiences of 4 Acalanes community members who have worked in various health professions! This will be the first speaker panel of a monthly series, where each speaker will share their career journey, insights, and advice.
 
SEED High School Friendship Circle
Friendship buddies wanted to hang out and socialize with youth with special needs on Feb 20 from 5-6:30pm at LOPC. Students can email susan@lopc.org to volunteer.
 
The annual Acalanes Spring Blood Drive is on Tuesday, Feb 25! You and/or your student can make appointments through the Red Cross website (link here). You must create an account to sign up. If you have any questions please reach out to caroline.urick25@auhsdschools.org
 
The Enviro board is holding a prom dress drive this year through Mar 29. There will be two locations with bins where people can drop off prom dresses and accessories: the Lafayette Community Center and in front of the Acalanes attendance office. The dresses will go to the San Francisco Princess Project which distributes the prom dresses to people who need them
 
February is Black Excellence Month
As a community, we will celebrate Black Excellence throughout the month of February.



Potluck + Movie Night
In honor of Black Excellence Month, BSU will be hosting a potluck before a showing of Hidden Figures in the front quad. The potluck will be on Feb 21 at 5pm and the movie will start at 5:30pm. Please sign up to bring food. Another event to put in your calendar is the Quad City Dance on Feb 28 at 7:30pm at Las Lomas. It is a district wide dance open to all and is $10 on Go Fan.
 
2025-2026 Leadership for the Class of 2029
Leadership applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now available for incoming 9th graders and due Feb 20. There are 16 different committees and an interest for everyone. Find all the information here
 
Introducing the 2nd Annual Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition
Your student can win $2,000 to launch or grow their business! No idea is too small! This competition is a fun way to promote youth entrepreneurship among K-12 students in Contra Costa County. When young people succeed as entrepreneurs, they improve their own lives while also contributing to the economic development of their local communities. Visit www.contracostasharktank.org to learn more. Finalists will be selected by the Campolindo High School Entrepreneurship Club and winners selected by a panel of judges on May 1 at the Lafayette Library. Deadline to apply is Mar 15!
 
KEY 2ND SEMESTER DATES:
Mar 16: Color Run
Mar 18: Talent show
Apr 19: Junior & senior prom
Apr 25: Special Olympics
Apr 23-26: School musicalLooking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Activities Director

College & Career

Seniors

• If your student is interested in attending DVC, please sign up for Levy academy on Wednesday, Feb 19. A DVC college admissions representative will be visiting Acalanes to walk students through the admissions process.
• Please encourage your senior to update their admissions’ decisions on MaiaLearning. This is important!

Juniors: During the following academy sessions, juniors will be called into the library by last name to learn how to use our college planning tool, MaiaLearning. Feb 21(Rh-Z), Feb 26 (G-Ka), Feb 28 (Ke-Re), and Mar 7 (A-F).

Career Fair - Wednesday, Mar 12
Acalanes High School will host an exciting school-wide Career Fair during Academy on Wednesday, Mar 12.  In addition to inviting local businesses who are looking for student employees, we will have nonprofit agencies at tables promoting their volunteer opportunities. 

We are looking for 2-3 people per field to interact with students at various table stations. If you would like to support us or recommend someone, please email Bryce Birdsong at  bryce.birdsong26@auhsdschools.org and Debbie Levy at dlevy@auhsdschools.org. Please provide your name, job title, and phone number. We will follow up with all contacts. Thank you for helping our Acalanes students explore careers.

Thank you for your support!

Counseling

Counselor assignments are by student last name:
A-F Anne Schonauer  
G-Ka Erika Vasquez
Ke-Re Marissa Meadows 
Rh-Z Susan Martin

CSF Applications are OPEN! The CSF application period is open! CSF (California Scholarship Federation) is an honor society. Current 10th, 11th and 12th  graders are encouraged to apply. A complete CSF application has 2 parts- an application form and a payment on the webstore. Turn in forms in the counseling office. The deadline is Feb 28 for both the form and the payment! Students who are members for at least 4 semesters, including during senior year, will get special stole to wear at graduation. Read the FAQ on the application form and contact Ms. Schonauer for any clarification.

School Nurse

What to eat when you have the flu (or a stomach illness): If your student has nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, remember the BRAT (bananas, (white) rice, applesauce and toast) diet. You normally see me encouraging a focus on whole foods that are naturally high in fiber (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts & seeds) but with an upset stomach, we tolerate bland foods with less fiber. I, myself, have been afflicted this week. I found that saltines, cheerios, bananas, applesauce and tea + honey have been helpful. Make sure to keep those poor kids well-hydrated!

Do your students take asthma medications? Many of those medications put them at higher risk for dental problems. Make sure your student is getting regular dental hygiene and exams, and that their own dental hygiene is excellent. I just learned that it’s recommended to rinse and spit each time you use your inhaler!

Please reach out to me for any support your students or family might need.

My office hours are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some* Thursdays
Tuesdays & Thursdays:  8am - 3:50pm
Wednesdays:  7:30am - 3:20pm

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

Sports

*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:
 
Boys basketball
Tuesday, Feb 18 NCS Playoff First Round at 7pm.
Friday, Feb 21 NCS Quarterfinal at 7pm.
 
Girls basketball
Thursday, Feb 20 NCS Quarterfinal at 7pm.
 
Boys soccer
Tuesday, Feb 18 NCS Playoff First Round.
Friday, Feb 21 NCS Quarterfinal.
 
Girls soccer
Tuesday, Feb 18 NCS Playoff First Round.
Friday, Feb 21 NCS Quarterfinal.
 
Wrestling
Friday, Feb 21 and Saturday, Feb 22 NCS Boys Championship at James Logan HS.
Friday, Feb 21 and Saturday, Feb 22 NCS Girls Championship at Albany HS.
 
Track & Field
Saturday, Feb 22 Acalanes Time Trials.

You may view the full 2024-2025 Athletic Schedule by clicking HERE.

General Administration Announcements

Emergency Alarms Check: On Monday February 10 we will be testing the different emergency alarms systems at Acalanes from 3:45pm-4:45pm. Please know the alarms going off at this time are not indicating an emergency. We will be reviewing our emergency procedures, updating staff, and drilling with students the first week of March.
 
Reminder: Monday, Feb 10 is a Friday Block Schedule.

APC in Action

Please reach out to Angela Ketcham or Bill Powers with any questions.
Follow Acalanes Parents Club on Instagram. Please reach out to APC here with any questions.

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

Acalanes Gives Back
Acalanes is collecting shampoo, soap, and conditioner starting Monday, Feb 3 through Thursday, Feb 13 in front of the main office. Your donations will support local families in need, including newly arrived refugees and unhoused individuals.

Maya Smith, a Lafayette resident and community leader, has relaunched the Lamorinda Care Collective (LCC), a local resource providing essential items free of charge. All donations stay within our community, directly helping those in need. Please consider contributing and making a difference!

Campus Culture Committee

Upcoming Important Dates

• February: Black Excellence Month
• Jan29 - Feb 16: Lunar New Year
• Feb 28 - Mar 29: Ramadan

ALL ARE WELCOME HERE T-shirts have arrived! For just $20 you can support the Campus Culture Committee of APC while wearing a stylish black t-shirt that lets everyone know what the Dons are all about. Reach out here for payment information and how to get your shirt. Available in M and L only at this time.

Black Excellence Month continues with BSU student meetings each Wednesday of February. Please show support by encouraging your students to attend the club’s events, including the Movie Night + Potluck on Feb 21 and the Quad City Dance on Feb 28.

The San Francisco Chinese New Year parade is the largest of its kind outside of Asia. Celebrated this year on Saturday, Feb 15, it is one of the few remaining night illuminated parades in North America.

If you’d like to help with any celebrations or join in our cultural discussions, please contact the Campus Culture Committee here and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with what the students are doing to celebrate all of these wonderful cultures and special dates.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with what the students are doing to celebrate all of these wonderful cultures and special dates.

Student Activities

SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK

• Monday @ lunch: Mandatory election meeting
• Wednesday @ academy: ACA Buddies Valentine Dance
• Wednesday @ lunch: Black Excellence BSU + Public Health club meeting
• Thursday @ lunch: Bouquet making to celebrate Galentine’s Day  + End of regular season for winter sports & the start of playoffs!

UPCOMING:

• Elections: Feb 26-28
• Quad City district dance, hosted by AUHSD BSU’s: Feb 28
• Talent show act + host sign-ups (Talent Show is Mar 18 at 7pm)
• Color Run + Holi celebration: Mar 16 at 9am
• Prom ticket sales are open - prom is Apr 19
• Intramural girls flag football sign-ups

Valentine’s Grams Sales are now LIVE! You can now purchase a bag of goodies with a personalized message for your student and their friends that will get delivered during their 3rd period class on February 13. Anyone can purchase, including teachers and parents. Order single Valentine’s Day Grams here OR, new this year, purchase here if you’d like to treat an entire class period! This is a beloved tradition and a great way to send your student into the 4-day weekend on a fun note! Last day to order is February 12 so don't miss out.  Students can also buy one in person during lunch at the leadership tables set up in the student quads. Happy Valentine's Day!
 
Acalanes Gives Back - last week to donate!
Acalanes is collecting shampoo, soap, and conditioner through this Thursday, Feb 13 in front of the main office. Your donations will support local families in need, including newly arrived refugees and unhoused individuals.
 
Maya Smith, a Lafayette resident and community leader, has relaunched the Lamorinda Care Collective (LCC), a local resource providing essential items free of charge. All donations stay within our community, directly helping those in need. Please consider contributing and making a difference!
 
Club Update
Encourage your student to check out the 90+ clubs on campus, including 20 new clubs this spring! Joining a club or just attending a meeting is a great way for them to explore their interests and make new connections on campus! The spreadsheet (link above) includes meeting information.
 
The annual Acalanes Fall Blood Drive is on Tuesday, Feb 25! You and/or your student can make appointments through the Red Cross website (link here). You must create an account to sign up. If you have any questions please reach out to @caroline.urick25@auhsdschools.org
 
Encourage your student to come to the Health Career Speaker Panel on Wednesday, Feb 19 during academy in room 314 to hear the experiences of 4 Acalanes community members who have worked in various health professions! This will be the first speaker panel of a monthly series, where each speaker will share their career journey, insights, and advice.
 
The Enviro board is holding a prom dress drive this year from Feb 10 through Mar 29. There will be two locations with bins where people can drop off prom dresses and accessories: the Lafayette Community Center and in front of the Acalanes attendance office. The dresses will go to the San Francisco Princess Project which distributes the prom dresses to people who need them
 
February is Black Excellence Month
As a community, we will celebrate Black Excellence throughout the month of February.


Potluck + Movie Night
In honor of Black Excellence Month, BSU will be hosting a potluck before a showing of Hidden Figures in the front quad. The potluck will be on Feb 21 at 5pm and the movie will start at 5:30pm. Please sign up to bring food. Another event to put in your calendar is the Quad City Dance on Feb 28 at 7:30pm at Las Lomas. It is a district wide dance open to all and is $10 on Go Fan.
 
2025-2026 Leadership for the Class of 2029
Leadership applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now available for incoming 9th graders and due Feb 20. There are 16 different committees and an interest for everyone. Find all the information here
 
Introducing the 2nd Annual Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition
Your student can win $2,000 to launch or grow their business! No idea is too small! This competition is a fun way to promote youth entrepreneurship among K-12 students in Contra Costa County. When young people succeed as entrepreneurs, they improve their own lives while also contributing to the economic development of their local communities. Visit www.contracostasharktank.org to learn more. Finalists will be selected by the Campolindo High School Entrepreneurship Club and winners selected by a panel of judges on May 1 at the Lafayette Library. Deadline to apply is Mar 15!
 
KEY 2ND SEMESTER DATES:
Mar 16: Color Run
Mar 18: Talent show
Apr 18: Special Olympics
Apr 19: Junior & senior prom
Apr 23-26: School musical

Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Activities Director