• School Nurse

    February 27, 2021
    We need RAIN! While we actually do need rain here in the Bay Area and California, R.A.I.N.  is also an acronym for a mindfulness practice that we all need. Take a look at the link and practice on your own and with your family. Let me know what you think! Smile With Your Eyes! I am resharing face mask resources: one from our District and one from the CDC. It's really important that we're all consistent for health and safety reasons, and to build a culture of trust. 
    • Please note the types of masks that are NOT acceptable.
    • Make sure to wear a CLEAN mask every day.
    • Please wear your mask so that the top covers the bridge of your nose and the bottom goes under your chin. If you are constantly readjusting, it does not fit properly.
    Parents! Please report any COVID-related absences to the Attendance Recorder as soon as possible so I can do appropriate follow-up. Updated Medical Documentation Needed for Students in Hybrid 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. COVID District Protocol Available on AUHSD site and on my site. Free Yoga Class I want to share a wonderful resource with you that supports neuroregulation: Subtle® Yoga for Greater Nervous System Resilience and Brain Function Subtle Yoga is very accessible, and is beneficial for anyone and everyone. Enjoy! Stay healthy and be well, Dvora Citron, RN, MS Acalanes School Nurse Google Site dcitron@auhsdschools.org IG:  acalanesschoolnurse

  • Sports

    February 27, 2021

    This week’s can’t miss events:

    Boys Tennis

    • Wednesday, March 3 at Heritage HS.  Varsity 3:30 pm and JV 4:45 pm.
    • Thursday, March 4 Northgate HS at 3:30.  Varsity is home and JV is away.

    Boys & Girls Golf

    • Friday, March 5 Las Lomas HS and Northgate HS at Rossmoor GC 3:30 pm.

    Please remember, 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.

  • APC in Action

    February 20, 2021

    ICYMI: Here’s a replay of Friday’s Dons Dialogue with Principal Bell
    Topics included a PE update, Hybrid Instructional update, department news from Performing Arts and Career Tech, and news on student activities (approx 90 min).

    APC Spring 2021 Grants Proposals Are Open!
    Acalanes Parents Club is excited to announce its spring grant program is now accepting proposals to enhance the educational experience of AHS students during the current distance learning model and the anticipated return to in-person hybrid model. Teachers, students, staff and parents are welcome to submit a grant proposal. Contact APC Grants Coordinator Catherine Habas to receive the application submission guidelines or click here. Email completed applications to Catherine Habas at or drop in the APC box in the office. Grant applications are due by noon on Friday, March 12, 2021.  

  • Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

    February 20, 2021

    ACA Strong Shirts
    Missed buying a grey ACA Strong shirt at our drive through? You can purchase now via the Acalanes webstore for $10 and pick up from Acalanes after you receive your confirmation email. 

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

    Buy and Eat Local: Support Lafayette Businesses & Restaurants!
    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. Two local businesses have agreed to help our classes with dine out fundraising. Mark your calendar to support these businesses AND our Dons!

    • Class of 2023: Wednesday, Feb 24 for lunch and dinner at Pan Coast Pizza
    • Class of 2024: Tuesday, March 3 from 10a to 7p at Sideboard 

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

  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

    February 20, 2021

    Rising Assault Within AAPI Communities
    Our hearts are with families who have lost loved ones and continue to live with the trauma of rising anti-AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) sentiment this past year with the start of COVID. Explore this topic further in this article. Many AAPI organizations have organized a community foot patrol  to escort the elderly in Oakland Chinatown. If you would like to know ways to help support the AAPI communities, and for other resources please use this list.  

    • As we continue to do our part in diversity, equity and inclusion work as a community, we hold hope as people from different cultures and communities rise together to condemn hate. If you are unsure where to start on a journey of antiracism, try here.

    Black History Month 

    Tuesday Feb 23 from 6:30-7:30pm Private Virtual Speaker Event with Arshay Cooper, author of the novel “A Most Beautiful Thing” and co-star of the movie with the same name. This event is almost sold-out, so don’t wait to sign up! Purchase the book here, and watch the movie on Amazon Prime or Xfinity. 

    Thursday Feb 25 at 6pm Student Poetry Night
    Encourage your student to register their entry for the ACA BHM Poetry night here. Join via Zoom – all are welcome!

    Wednesday March 3, from 7-8:30pm Racial Equity Series, Session 5
    Join Dr. Lori Watson for a discussion on “Children and Race.” Zoom link will be sent out to all those registered prior to the meeting.

    Order by March 14! “Stand Together” DEI Lawn Sign
    $14 on the webstore.

    Lastly, we invite you to join our committee!
    If you have ideas or questions, or you want more information,     email us! Stay current by visiting our webpage, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

  • From the Activities Director

    February 20, 2021

    Applications Due Friday, Feb 26 for Student Government 2020-2021
    If your student is interested or might be interested in joining student government next year, applications will be available beginning Wednesday. All the information including the link will be sent out via Canvas. We know that student government operates best when it has a variety of voices and experiences! Opt in! There are various entry points. Check out an     overview of the various committees. 

    April 5 Acalanes Leadership Applications Available
    Is your 8th grader interested in joining student government at Acalanes? Applications will be available electronically beginning April 5th. If you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out to Katherine Walton.

    ACA Strong Shirts
    Missed buying a grey ACA Strong shirt at our drive through? You can purchase now via the Acalanes webstore for $10 and pick up from Acalanes after you receive your confirmation email. 

    Deadline Sunday, March 14 Acalanes Spirit Wear
    We have spirit wear available for the last time this school year! We added a couple new items including a tribute t-shirt to Mr. Huber & proceeds donated to the Parkinson’s Foundation in his name. Check out our spiritwear on the Acalanes webstore. Items can be either picked up at Acalanes or delivered beginning April 6. 

    April 18 Deadline To Order Frosh Spirit Packs!
    Know an 8th grader? Frosh spirit packs are a great promotion gift and kick off to a career at Acalanes! Each pack is $53 and features a hooded sweatshirt, car magnet & cinch backpack. Proceeds go to the Class of 2025. Order deadline is April 18 and packs will be delivered to your house beginning May 7. Order here.

    Adopt-a-Senior! Community Opt-In!
    We want to celebrate our Senior students and show them just how much they are loved. One way is through the Adopt-a-Senior program. We have 120 Seniors who are participating. Community members can opt-in to "adopt" a Senior. You can help our Seniors feel appreciated in such trying times through special acts, or even give gifts to show that they are loved. The program will run until the start of spring break. If you opt in, we are asking that you give your Senior one item a week and we will provide you with some ideas. We have designed the program so very little money is spent and instead it is focused on love, support & guidance! Interested? Fill out this google form to join the fun. 

    Black History Month Culminates This Week!
    There is a lot to celebrate, and a lot of dialogue in which to engage. Our challenge to the Acalanes community is to engage in at least one event and we encouraged students to do this in last week’s cohort. Check out the calendar of events here. Two community events this week-opt in:

    • Tuesday, Feb 23 at 6:30pm Arshay Cooper Dialogue - Join us in conversation with author Arshay Cooper. The dialogue will be facilitated by AHS parent Dan Meade, along with three AHS student panelists: Ava Freeman, Franny Daughters, and Miles Burger. Arshay will share more about his life, trauma, police brutality, film career, experience as a rower, and more. The novel and film chronicles the first African American high school rowing team in this country (made up of young men, many of whom were in rival gangs from the West Side of Chicago, coming together to row in the same boat). Please register in advance here. 
    • Thursday, Feb 25 at 6pm Student Poetry Night - Join us for a Zoom night of poetry and spoken word in celebration of Black History, Black heritage and Black excellence! Listen or virtually perform for your Lamorinda community. Recited works can be original or written by your favorite Black author. This event is free and inclusive for everyone. Zoom link
    • Friday, Feb 26 During Academy Acalanes Equity Council -Encourage your student to join the dialogue about equity at Acalanes. Staff, administration & students will dialogue about Women’s History Month, equity classes, curriculum and more. Zoom link will be sent via canvas.

    Share your kindness story to promote positivity and a community of kindness! We will be compiling them all together in the end to create our own book of kindness! 

    2020-2021 Clubs
    Club meetings continue. Check out our 49 clubs! Clubs continue to be one of the best ways for students to connect. We will be pushing out more information about clubs at the end of the week. Please encourage your student to check Canvas to learn more.

    Feb 23-25 Frosh Study Groups
    In an effort to support ninth graders, we will be hosting study sessions the last week of every month. These are general study sessions and will have upperclassmen present along with the teacher to support you. You do not need to have the teacher to sign up for that session. You are signing up for the subject matter. Sign-up here. BRING CHROMEBOOKS AND READING/CLASS MATERIALS. All study groups will follow safety protocols including a COVID screening (completed through phone), physically distanced desks, mask wearing, and cleaning protocols. 

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

    Katherine Walton, Student Activities Director