• Wellness Center

    March 20, 2022

    It seems as if the stressors of the world never stop coming. The pandemic and the fallout for the past two years have been at the forefront of our collective consciousness. Only three months into 2022 and we are now faced with issues arising from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Even though it's times like these in which we feel out of control, I am here to remind you that no challenge in this life is permanent, no matter how daunting it may seem. Here are a few simple changes you and your AHS student can make to support your sense of control when times get tough:

    • Less screen time - while it is good to be informed of what is going on in the world, it is not healthy to be constantly connected to information. Consider the fact that you, personally, are not responsible for the woes of the world. Take  a break from your screen and do something fun instead.
    • Spend more time outdoors - sometimes the best way to ground yourself is with a shift in perspective.Tap into the times in which you are able to get in touch with your natural state by moving your body, breathing fresh air and basking in the beautiful landscape the world provides us naturally.
    • Take things one step at a time - by breaking challenges into smaller pieces they become a bit more manageable. Whether it is day by day or moment by moment, being present allows us the opportunity to face what is directly in front of us opposed to seeing things from an intimidating, larger scale.

  • Performing Arts

    March 20, 2022

    Lafayette District Band Festival Monday, Mar 21 through Wednesday, Mar 23 at 7pm in the Stanley Middle School Gym. Free admission. 
    Come listen to the amazing Acalanes Instrumental Bands and Orchestra as they play beautiful arrangements alongside the talented musicians from Stanley Middle School. It is an excellent celebration of music through the grades!

    • Monday, Mar 21 at 7pm Acalanes Concert Band, Acalanes Symphonic Band
    • Tuesday, Mar 22 at 7pm Acalanes Wind Ensemble
    • Wednesday, Mar 23 at 7pm Acalanes Orchestra

  • LPIE

    March 20, 2022

    Please join us for a special presentation Wednesday, Mar 30 at 5pm with Karen Hyun, Ph.D., Chief of Staff at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Register here for the Zoom presentation.
     
    Prior to joining NOAA in January 2021, Dr. Hyun spent four years at the National Audubon Society where she served as the Vice President for Coastal Conservation, as well as Director of Water and Coastal Policy. She has championed conservation issues across the Executive Branch, including the Fish, Wildlife, and Parks at the Department of the Interior, the Secretary of Commerce, and the Natural Resources Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    Jennifer Palmer and Michele Colaco, Acalanes LPIE School Chairs
    www.lpie.org, Follow us on Instagram

  • Sports

    March 20, 2022

    An Aca Leader is a role model that shows leadership and plays a big role throughout our school community. Each week, one student who stands out is chosen to be our week's Aca Leader. This week we are proud to have chosen Liam Hill, a junior on the Boys Volleyball team. Our Aca Leader has made such an impact on their team and represents what an Aca Leader is!
     
    This week’s can’t miss events:

    Boys golf
    Monday, Mar 21 Miramonte HS at Contra Costa CC 3:30 pm.
    Wednesday, Mar 23 Clayton Valley Charter HS at Rossmoor GC at 3:30 pm.
    Thursday, Mar 24 Alameda HS at Corica Park GC at 3:30 pm.
     
    Track & field
    Tuesday, Mar 22 at Northgate HS 3:30 pm.
    Saturday, Mar 26 Dublin Distance Fiesta.
     
    Boys tennis
    Tuesday, Mar 22 Campolindo HS at 3:30 pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
    Thursday, Mar 24 Miramonte HS at 3:30 pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
     
    Boys volleyball
    Tuesday, Mar 22 at Northgate HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 6pm.
     
    Baseball
    Tuesday, Mar 22 Northgate HS at 4pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
    Thursday, Mar 24 Northgate HS at 4pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
    Saturday, Mar 26 at Monte Vista HS at 2pm.
     
    Boys lacrosse
    Tuesday, Mar 22 at Monte Vista HS. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7pm.
    Friday, Mar 25 at Northgate HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
     
    Girls lacrosse
    Wednesday, Mar 23 host Monte Vista HS. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7pm.
    Friday, Mar 25 host Head Royce HS at 7pm.
     
    Softball
    Thursday, Mar 24 host Deer Valley HS at 4:30 pm.
    Saturday, Mar 26 at Campolindo HS at 11am.
     
    Competitive sport cheer
    Thursday, Mar 24 Ygnacio Valley HS at 5:30 pm and Las Lomas HS at 6:30 pm at Las Lomas HS.

  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

    March 13, 2022

    Last week, Stanley Middle School shared with its community that racist speech was shouted by a group of approximately 10 to 12 students along the streets bordering the school. While painful to process, we need to use this moment to take pause and come together as a community in our commitment to being definitely and explicitly anti-racist in our actions. We need to support each other, stand up and be heard to ensure everyone should feel like they belong in our community, regardless of their sexual orientation, race, religion or ability.
    Please join us in our work. Drop us an email and be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @acalanesdei.

  • Parent Education

    March 13, 2022

    How to love a big kid - Smile when they walk into a room. Ask their opinion before giving yours. Tell them you believe they can overcome challenges. Apologize when you are wrong. Learn to communicate on their terms too, even if it’s SnapChat. Always keep their favorite snacks on hand. Take any hug you can get. You both need it.
    #ParentingTeensandTweens
     
    Wednesday, Mar 23 at 6:30 pm in the Miramonte High School Theater Miramonte Parent Ed will host Start Smart, an interactive safe driving class for teens. Attending students will receive a certificate from CHP (California Highway Patrol) to present to their insurance company. Details and registration here.
     
    Thursday, Mar 24 from 6:30 to 7:30pm in the Acalanes Library, Acalanes Parent Ed will host Cynthia Muchnick, M.A., author, speaker, educational consultant, and parent on Alternatives to College and College Prep. As a former Assistant Director of Admissions for the Illinois Institute of Technology and the University of Chicago, she has extensive experience screening and reviewing thousands of college applications. Most recently, she has authored several books including The Parent Compass: Navigating your Teens Wellness and Academic Journey in Today’s Competitive World and countless articles including Alternatives to College: Exploring Other Routes.Cindy will be speaking in person and available to sign purchased books afterwards.
     
    Finally, if your teen is struggling with academics or feeling down or frustrated about school, don’t forget to connect with our Counselors, our Nurse, and our WellnessCenter. Feel free to reach out and connect with us with ideas for future topics, shareable resources, or thoughts at parented@acalanesparentsclub.com.

  • Student Activities

    March 13, 2022

    Peek at the week:
    Tuesday, Mar 15 at lunch - Sophomore bonding-March Madness
    Wednesday, Mar 16 at 3:15pm - Mandatory powder puff practice for anyone participating and bake sale after school benefiting Stege Elementary
    Thursday, Mar 17 at lunch in room 314 - Friendly Faces St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Friday, Mar 18 No school for students
     
    Sunday, Mar 27 at 9am is the 3rd annual Color Run Fundraiser to support 2023 and 2024 classes. Run 1.5 miles through the Acalanes campus with white t-shirts to wear through five color stations where participants will emerge in a rainbow of colors by the end of the run. Open to ALL students in the community. Click here for tickets.Register today as there are limited spots available!
     
    Tree Planting Event
    Next month, Acalanes will be hosting a sapling planting event as part of Earth Week. We are working with Tree-Plenish, which is a non-profit organization that works with high schools to help offset the amount of paper used during the school year by planting saplings. Buy your own sapling here for the low price of $10 before Wednesday, March 23. There are a variety of trees to choose from and contributions go towards helping plant more trees to make communities greener.
     
    Acalanes Spiritwear
    Looking for Acalanes gear or a welcome gift for the Class of 2026? Two options:

    • We have created a spirit pack geared for the Class of 2026. which includes a hooded black sweatshirt, car magnet, cinch pack and flag to fly at your house for $68.00. Proceeds generated from the spirit packs will benefit the Class of 2026. Last  day to order is Monday, Apr 11 and pick-up will be Wednesday, May 4.
    • Spiritwear is available for purchase on the Acalanes webstore. You can purchase here and once purchased, you will receive an email with directions for pick-up.

    Saturday, Apr 30 Junior & Senior Prom at Lake Chalet in Oakland

    • Tickets are live on the webstore
    • This week students will receive their invitations in their English classes.
    • Wednesday, Mar 30 at lunch - Bus Assignments begin. In order to get a bus assignment, students need to show their webstore receipt & permission form. Permission forms can be found on the webstore and on the door of room 314.
    • Tickets are $85 for current 11th and 12th graders; $125 for outside guests and current 9th/10th.
    • Ticket price includes transportation to/from the event, buffet dinner, dancing, karaoke, silent disco, games & photo booth.

    As we end the 3rd Quarter, we want to say thank you for your enthusiasm & support for student activities. Katherine Walton, the Student Activities Director, is headed out on maternity leave. For any student activity questions, please contact Kat Bautista.