• Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

    January 28, 2024

    Upcoming Important Dates:

    • Black History/Excellence Month (February)
    • Feb 6 AUHSD Parent/Caregiver Workshop Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth
    • Feb 10-24 Lunar New Year
    • Feb 19 Day of Remembrance
    • Feb 23 BSU Dance at Miramonte

    Black History/Excellence Month is HERE and PARENTS we NEED your help. Please use this link to sign up to help us decorate a few doors around campus as we celebrate the achievements of Black Americans that have shaped our culture.
     
    Black History/Excellence Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. Also known as African American History Month, the event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history. You can learn so much more here.
     
    Do you have a recommendation or highlight to share about Black Excellence Month? Please chime in and we will do our best to share!
     
    On Tuesday, Feb 6 from 6-7:30pm in the AHS library, the Contra Costa Office of Education Wellness in Schools Program will share more on how to support the LGBTQ Youth in your family and community. Learn about being an adult ally and how to create a culture of acceptance. Stay informed about common terminology. Learn about gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation. Learn about the important role that families play in promoting well being for LGBTQ young people. Register here.

    And follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

  • Performing & Visual Arts

    January 28, 2024

    Acalanes Bands Participate in District Festivals!
    Come join the talented Acalanes musicians as they perform with instrumental bands from local elementary schools and Stanley Middle School! The upcoming concerts are all free:

    DISTRICT FESTIVAL II
    Monday, Jan 29 @ 7pm - Stanley Gym
    Burton Valley & Lafayette Elementary Bands
    Stanley Cadet Band & Symphonic Band
    Acalanes Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble
     
    DISTRICT FESTIVAL III
    Tuesday, Jan 30 @ 7pm - Stanley Gym
    Happy Valley & Springhill Elementary Bands
    Stanley Bronze Band & Silver Band
    Acalanes Wind Ensemble
     
    DISTRICT FESTIVAL IV
    Wednesday, Jan 31 @ 7pm - Stanley Gym
    Combined Elementary Strings
    Stanley Strings Intermezzo & String Orchestra
     
    We hope to see you there!

  • Student Activities

    January 28, 2024

    Students are hosting staff-student trivia at lunch on Wednesday in the big gym.Reminder your student to come see 10 teachers compete and let’s see who the winner will be!
     
    Student Government (leadership) 2024-2025
    Current Acalanes Students: Applications for the leadership program will be available beginning tomorrow. There is a place for everyone in leadership and the program drives student activities at Acalanes. Applications are due Tuesday, Feb 6.
    9th grade? Applications will be available Feb 1 and due Feb 22.
    Come see Leadership at Open House! Any questions, please contact Katherine Walton.
     
    Valentine's Grams are now available for purchase online for $4 on the Acalanes web store. You can also buy one in person at lunch on Feb 6, 7, 8, 9, and 12 in the frosh and sophomore quads. Anyone can purchase, including teachers and parents. Gram recipients will receive them in their 5th period class on Feb 14. The grams include candy, flower, eraser, and a note. Happy Valentine's Day!
     
    The Community Outreach and Improvement Program is hosting a drive for White Pony Express from through Feb 2! Please donate pantry/canned goods to the bins outside the front office and check out our website for more information and donation options! Thank you!
     
    There is a blanket making drive that is happening on Friday, Feb 9 during academy in room 314 and counts towards volunteer hourkets will be donated to the Bay Area Rescue Mission Emergency Shelter in Richmond. Sign up via Walton’s academy.
     
    February is Black Excellence Month! Stay tuned for the whole month of events. There is a district wide Mardi Gras dance on Friday, Feb 23 from 7-9 pm at Miramonte High School! Along with dancing and an awesome DJ, there will be food, a 360 open-air video booth, a place to hang out with friends, and an airbrush tattoo artist! Tickets will be $10 and available on your school's website/GoFan. We are excited to see your students there!
     
    Acalanes Spiritwear Available for Purchase!
    Looking for Acalanes gear? Our spring webstore is now open featuring new sweatshirts, shirts, sweatpants and a lanyard. The spring webstore closes on Monday, Feb 26 and items will be available for pick-up in late March. All proceeds benefit the classes of 2025, 2026 and 2027.
     
    We also have 2028 frosh spirit packs available for purchase. Spirit packs feature a limited edition 2028 hoodie, string backpack and lanyard. The last day to order these is Thursday, Apr 18 and items will be available for pick-up beginning May 1. All proceeds benefit the class of 2028.
     
    There is a Dress Drive happening from Jan 22 to Mar 1. Bring any kind/type of dress (all will be accepted) to AHS (outside the front office) or to the Lafayette Community Center. Donations will be going to the Princess Project in San Francisco.
     
    Is your student looking for a BLUE CREW shirt and didn’t get one? Have them stop by room 314 with $2 to get their shirt!

  • College & Career

    January 28, 2024

    Seniors:

    • Community College Support: Send your student to discuss community college opportunities and majors. DVC will be visiting on Wednesday, Feb 7 for an admissions presentation during academy in the library.
    • Scholarship: Calling senior women with a 3.5+ GPA interested in a local community service scholarship through AAUW - the American Association of University Women. Deadline for application is Wednesday, Feb 14.
    • Blackhawk Scholarship Fund: Senior women can apply here for a scholarship.

    Frosh, Sophomores, Juniors:
     
    Military Academy: Interested in learning more about the 4 military branches? Have your student sign up for Levy or Takahashi academy on Wednesday, Feb 21 in Mr. Takahashi’s classroom. Representatives from all the branches will be on campus to discuss opportunities to serve our country.
     
    Leadership Opportunity for Girls: Apply for the free annual Young Women’s Leadership Summit (YWLS) held at Stanford University on Mar 2 from 9:30am - 4:00pm.  T​he theme is “Preparing to be a Disruptor in Business,” with key pillars​ in Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Personal Growth. ​The application deadline for priority consideration is​ Jan 31 and the regular deadline is​ Feb 11.
     
    Please visit our College & Career Counseling website any time for additional information and support.

  • Counseling

    January 28, 2024

    Counselor assignments are by last name:
    A-Em Anne Schonauer  
    En-Kr Erika Vasquez
    Ku-Rog Marissa Meadows 
    Roh-Z Susan Martin

    Course selection for the 2024-2025 school year is happening! Counselors visited 11th and 9th grade classes last week and will be visiting 10th grade classes this week to go over the course selection process and to hand out forms:

    • 10th grade English classes will be visited on Tuesday, Jan 30 and Wednesday, Jan 31

    Course Preview Open House Night is Thursday, Feb 1. Please come with your students to see what they are doing in their current classes and check out potential classes for next year!

    Individual counseling appointments with all 9th, 10th and 11th graders to discuss and collect their course requests will happen the week of Feb 5 - 9. 

     

  • School Nurse

    January 28, 2024

    The Water Bottle Craze
    There’s something great about the fact that water bottles are the current craze. Health conscious teens want to make sure they are drinking enough water, but also want to quench their thirst in style! Many of them are carrying their entire day’s worth of water with them.
    Why is it important to stay hydrated? “Water regulates our body temperature, keeps our joints lubricated, helps prevent infections and delivers nutrients to our cells” writes Lisa Drayer, R.D.

    How much water should teens drink? In general, most teens should aim for 6-8 8 oz. glasses of water. This does not include juice and soda (not the best nutritional choices regardless of their fluid status).

    I applaud the goal of hydrating regularly and using vessels that are more ecofriendly than plastic disposable bottles. I do think it’s important to be aware of the fact that carrying a water bottle such as a full 40 oz. Stanley Quencher adds almost 4 pounds to what that student is carrying. No doubt that most parents know that students typically carry very heavy backpacks that may impact their spinal and musculoskeletal health. Please pay attention to the implications of adding more weight to these already heavy loads.

    Consider that your student can carry a smaller water bottle and refill it during the day.  We are fortunate to have multiple “hydration stations” on campus where anyone can fill up their bottles, and our EBMUD tap water is reliable and safe to drink.
    Another way to stay hydrated is to consume multiple servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, which have a high percentage of water. 


    Let me know your thoughts!

    See my website for more information.

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

  • LPIE

    January 28, 2024

    Read-a-thon
    Join the more than 700 students who have already registered for LPIE’s 4th Annual Read-a-thon! Students who read 40 minutes or more per day from Jan 22 through Feb 4, and collect at least one donation, will be entered for a chance to win incredible prizes, including a pair of Apple AirPods, an electric scooter, a slick drone with a camera, and more. LPIE helps fund enhanced AP classes (including AP Environmental Science, AP US History, AP Mandarin, AP Spanish, AP French) and OH so much more. Pick up a book and start reading for your school today!
     
    Corporate Matching
    Did you know that over 26 MILLION individuals work for companies with matching gift programs? This means that your personal donation to LPIE could be matched dollar for dollar by your employer. Please reach out to your company's Human Resources department to ask about their corporate matching policy today! Thank you for taking the time to Double your Donation!

    Jocelyn Werner and Jaime Roder, Acalanes LPIE School Chairs
    www.lpie.org, Follow us on Instagram

     

  • Sports

    January 28, 2024

    This week’s can’t miss events:

    Boys basketball
    Monday, Jan 29 host College Park HS. Frosh at 4:30pm, JV at 6pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
    Wednesday, Jan 31 at Northgate HS. Frosh at 4:30pm, JV at 6pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
    Friday, Feb 2 Varsity host Mt. Diablo HS at 7:30pm.
    Friday, Feb 2 Fros host California HS at 6pm.
     
    Girls basketball
    Monday, Jan 29 at College Park HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
    Wednesday, Jan 31 host Northgate HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
    Friday, Feb 2 at Mt. Diablo HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
     
    Boys soccer
    Tuesday, Jan 30 host Miramonte HS. Frosh at 4pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:15pm.
    Thursday, Feb 1 host Ygnacio Valley HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
     
    Girls soccer
    Tuesday, Jan 30 at Miramonte HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7 pm.
    Thursday, Feb 1 at Ygnacio Valley HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
    Saturday, Feb 3 host Redwood HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
     
    Wrestling
    Tuesday, Jan 30 host Miramonte HS at 6pm.

    You may view the 2023-2024 Athletic Update by clicking HERE.

  • General Administration Announcements

    January 21, 2024

    Be sure to read Principal Shawn’s email regarding “Upcoming Course Selection Events at Acalanes.” Click here to read the email on Parent Square.
     
    AP EXAM PROCTORS NEEDED - GREAT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
    Our AP students need YOUR help! We are searching for parents to help with proctoring  AP Exams the first two weeks of May. Exam dates are May 6-10 and May 13-17

    AP Exams start everyday at either 8am or 12pm. Students know to show up 30 minutes prior to start time for check in. Proctors for morning exams need to start at 7:15am and for afternoon exams at 11:15am. Exams can range from 2-4 hours and we ask that you please plan to stay for the longest amount of time possible.
    Restrictions: Parents are NOT allowed to proctor an exam that their own child is taking.

    If you are interested in learning more about proctoring exams, please contact the Acalanes Testing Coordinator, Nicole Singleterry at nsingleterry@auhsdschools.org.

  • Helpful Resources for Course Selection

    January 21, 2024

    Course selections for the 2024-2025 school year are due the week of Feb 5! Acalanes has a wealth of resources available to assist you and your students with this process.

    IN-HOUSE COURSE PREVIEW
    This month, we will inform all of our rising 9th, 10th and 11th grade students of the courses and choices they have to make to register for classes for the next school year at our In-House Course Preview Program. 9th through 11th graders will be required to attend one academy program in the PAC. During the program, teachers will share the elective course options available to that grade level for next year:

    • Wednesday, Jan 17 - All current 9th graders ("rising sophs")
    • Friday, Jan 19 - all current 10th graders ("rising juniors")
    • Wednesday, Jan 24 - all current 11th graders ("rising seniors")

    Students will attend regular academy when their grade is not participating in their In-House Course Preview presentation.
    We encourage parents and students to refer to the slideshows for this program by clicking here when discussing academic planning and choosing your courses for next year.

    COURSE PREVIEW & OPEN HOUSE - for students and parents on Thursday, Feb 1 from 5:30-8pm:

    • 5:30pm | Acalanes Parents Club Hosted Reception
    • 5:45pm | Incoming 9th Grade Family Meeting
    • 6:15 - 8pm | Drop-In Opportunities
    • 6:30 - 7pm | Break-Out Session 1
    • 7:05 - 7pm | Break-Out Session 2
    • 7:35 - 8pm | Break-Out Session 3*
    • * Any student considering taking 2+ Honors or AP classes must attend the mandatory session offered during Session 3 at Course Preview & Open House or during Academy on Friday, Feb 2.

    This night is a valuable resource for current frosh, sophomores and juniors who are mapping out their future courses, as well as an excellent way for incoming 9th grade students to experience all that Acalanes has to offer. It's also a great way to connect with fellow Acalanes parents.

  • APC in Action

    January 21, 2024

    WANT TO GET MORE INVOLVED?
    APC is looking for parents/guardians who want to make a difference and enhance our students' high school experience. There is no better way than joining the APC Board. From big roles to smaller event driven jobs, the 2024-25 APC Board slate is opening soon. Click here to learn more about all the APC roles and how you can help AHS next year. If interested, please email past-president and Parliamentarian, Veronique Kuhner.
     
    DONS DIALOGUE - Listen to the Recording!
    Don’t miss the recording or slides from our most recent Dons Dialogue on Friday, Jan 19. It was standing room only for the parents who were lucky to hear an valuable overview of:

    • Course Registration Timeline and Process (Martin)
    • HSD/Ethnic Studies (Walton)
    • AP African American Studies (Munoz & Morlan)
    • AP Psychology (Jazayeri)
    • Data Science & Statistics (Gilson)
    • Instrumental Music & Beginning Band (Cordoba)
    • Student Report (Acuña)

    Be sure to listen to the recording here or view the slides here! We promise that you will be happy you did!
    The next Dons Dialogue will be Friday, Feb 23 at 8:45am.

    Follow Acalanes Parents Club on Instagram. Please reach out to APC here with any questions.

  • Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

    January 21, 2024

    AHS GARDEN UPDATE
    Please refer to the email sent Friday, Jan 19 for more details on what’s going on in the garden! A quick glance at the updated workday schedule:
     
    Sunday Jan 18 10am - 2pm

    • add gravel to the meditation garden
    • install the rest of the hardware cloth into the beds in the farm
    • replace soil back into the beds after the hardware cloth is installed
    • weed

    Sunday Feb 25 10am - 2pm

    • add new soil to the refurbished/taller beds (there will be a lot of soil)
    • weed
    •  

    If you have any questions please don't hesitate to reach out to LTewksbury@auhsdschools.org.