• Legislative News

    February 5, 2021

    For many years, there have been complaints that the Local Control Funding Formula, which provides as much as 40% additional funding to schools with more low-income students, has a loophole which allows schools to use “leftover” money from each year for general purposes rather than for the direct benefit of the children in need. Governor Newsom has finally proposed a solution to this problem, but there are concerns that even the revised rules can be circumvented. Please see article here: Gov. Newsom calls for closing big ‘loophole’ in school funding for high-needs students. It could take years to determine whether the revisions are effective. 

    Questions? Email our APC Legislative Representative.

  • School Nurse

    February 5, 2021
    Parents! Please report any COVID-related absences to the Attendance Recorder as soon as possible so I can do appropriate follow-up. Is  your student coming back to school in Hybrid? Medical Documentation for Students We still need updated medical documentation for your student, especially if they will be participating in the Hybrid Model. Does your student need medication available at school? Does your student have updated medical issues/health issues? Do they have a new immunization record? Parents, please make sure you turn in any pertinent medical forms for your students for this school year, especially if your students will be in the Hybrid Model. See this page on my website and let me know if you have any questions. Team Vaccine! Interested in Volunteering with Contra Costa Health Services Covid Vaccine Administration? Here are the requirements to volunteer:   
    • Current license: RN, LVN, EMT, or DDS, PharmD, or MD. 
    • Completed background check and TB Test (provided by Contra Costa County)
    • Completed online mandatory trainings Covid-19 Vaccine Training (ca.gov)
    • Ability to volunteer 24 hours a week from Sunday through Saturday. Hours vary depending on assignment.
    • Candidates must be able to work at all Contra Costa sites and have reliable transportation. 
    • If you can meet the minimum requirements, please complete the Volunteer Information Form and send to: COVID19Volunteers@cchealth.org.  
    COVID District Protocol Available on AUHSD site and on my site. February is Heart Health Month We think a lot about what we can do as adults to promote heart health, and I want to put in a BIG PLUG for Lifestyle Medicine  These same strategies are important to promote good health in our kids/students and hopefully prevent/reduce in their development of cardiovascular disease (it doesn’t just appear in adulthood - it takes years to develop). Anyone can learn Hands-Only CPR Another site I really like is from AHA: GO RED Stay healthy and be well, Dvora Citron, RN, MS Acalanes School Nurse Google Site dcitron@auhsdschools.org IG:  acalanesschoolnurse

  • Sports

    February 5, 2021

    Sports Season Begins! Monday, February 1 marked the beginning of the high school athletic season. Cross country, track and field, swimming and diving, boys tennis and boys and girls golf are beginning. It is an exciting time to see our student-athletes enjoying this opportunity. The projected start of baseball, softball and girls lacrosse is Monday, March 1.

    The beginning of each sport may come quickly. Do not wait to complete your athletic clearance. Get it done now. You may access detailed instructions to complete the athletic clearance on Sportsnet here.

    The sport camps will continue. The programs are set and may not add participants at this time. The next sport camp session will begin Monday, March 1. Football, boys and girls volleyball, boys lacrosse and wrestling are expected to conduct camps. You may contact the coach for more information here.

  • General Announcements

    January 30, 2021

    AHS Course Preview & Open House
    As students begin to consider academic schedules for next year, there are several upcoming events to support our Dons:

    • Week of Feb 1-5 during Academy: Course Preview Presentations Current Frosh, Sophomore and Junior students join AHS Counselors to learn more about classes available to each grade next fall. Zoom information is emailed directly to students. Encourage your Don to join in!
    • Thursday, Feb 11 at 6pm Incoming Frosh Course Preview & Open House Webinar - Incoming 9th graders and their families and students new to Acalanes are invited to join Principal Bell for a live webinar outlining the course selection process and various ways for the family to get connected to the Acalanes Community. Register to attend this event here. 
    • Thursday, Feb 11 at 6pm AHS Course Preview & Open House - AHS students and parents are welcome to tune in to a series of pre-recorded videos from AHS teachers on both elective and required courses. Visit the AHS website to view.

    Valentine Grams
    Support the class of 2024 with your purchase of a Valentine Gram! All Acalanes families can participate, whether or not you have a 9th grader! More details in the Class of 2024 section below. 

    Reminder: Friday, Feb 12 Regular Instruction Day
    Please remember that Friday, February 12 is now a regular instructional day, not a school holiday for students. Monday, February 15 remains a school holiday. Refer to the district     calendar for details.

  • APC in Action

    January 29, 2021

    2020-21 Acalanes & President's Volunteer Service Awards Program
    Spring is the time for students to submit their volunteer service applications and now is the time to start getting organized! Given the limited volunteer opportunities, we reduced the service hour minimum to 20 hours to help more students qualify for the Acalanes Award. The President's Volunteer Service award is a federal program and we cannot modify their minimum number of hours/program requirements. 

    We encourage students to be creative with ideas that can turn into volunteer opportunities while following guidelines to keep yourself, families and neighbors safe.  Ideas to consider (verification of hours is still necessary):

    • Grocery shopping or running errands for senior, disabled or at-risk neighbors
    • Tutoring or Homework help (unpaid) for younger students in your neighborhood (non-family members)
    • 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!  In the meantime, download the service award application forms here. Then submit completed, scanned applications between March 25 and April 10, 2021 to communityservice@acalanesparentsclub.com.

  • Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

    January 29, 2021

    Every Thursday-Sunday between now and Feb 14 ACA STRONG Campus Light Display 5:30-9:00pm
    The kick-off night that included Acalanes students DJing a local radio station while families drove through the campus light display was a huge hit! It’s not too late to check it out. Students, parents, siblings & community members are invited to drive through campus to enjoy the ACA STRONG light display and engage in some fun community spirit! 

    When you come to campus, please consider bringing peanut butter and/or boxes of cereal to donate to the Monument Crisis Center. Donations can be placed in collection bins located by the flagpole.

    February “We’ve Got Heart” Throughout Our Lafayette Community

    • ACA STRONG Blue Heart Displays - Show your ACA Spirit by showing how much “heart” you have for Acalanes and our Lafayette community. Beginning tomorrow, chalk your driveway with a BIG BLUE heart, hang blue hearts in your windows & look out for blue hearts & ACA STRONG posters throughout Lafayette. Check out @ahs_dons on instagram to see pictures & to submit yours! 

    • Local Gifts, Outdoor Dining & Take-Out in Lafayette - Local businesses and restaurants need our support more than ever! Restaurants are welcoming outside dining again and would appreciate patronage by Acalanes families in their outdoor seating areas or via take-out. Valentine’s Day is around the corner and local boutiques have some creative gift ideas. Check them out here. Let our local businesses know how much our ACA family supports them!

    Questions, comments, or feedback, email aca@acalanesparentsclub.com.

  • LPIE

    January 29, 2021

    LPIE'S State of the Foundation: What's at Risk?
    The 2020-21 school year looks completely different with most school traditions and experiences reimagined. It’s been hard on everyone and because of this, donations to LPIE are significantly down. 

    So far, we’ve raised $2.5M towards our $4.3M goal.

    Please take five minutes to hear six important points about the significance of LPIE funding and what's at risk next year. Click here.

    Laura-Kate Rurka & Jennifer Palmer
    Acalanes LPIE School Chairs

    www.lpie.org