• General Administration Announcements

    January 28, 2024

    AP EXAM PROCTORS NEEDED - GREAT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
    Our AP students need YOUR help! We are searching for parents to help with proctoring  AP Exams during 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 28, 2024

    The 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.
     
    If you haven’t already, make sure to read Principal Shawn’s email regarding “Upcoming Course Selection Events at Acalanes”. Click here to read the email on Parent Square.
     

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

    • 5:30pm | Acalanes Parents Club Hosted Reception (in front of the PAC*)
    • 5:45pm | Incoming 9th Grade and New Family Meeting (in the PAC)
    • 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**

    * Performing Arts Center
    ** Any student considering taking 2+ Honors or AP classes must attend the mandatory session offered during Session 3 at the Course Preview & Open House or during Academy on Friday, Feb 2.
     

    >> Course Preview & Open House Program << 
    We encourage all families to review and print the linked program to help navigate the break-out sessions. 
     

    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.
     

    IN HOUSE COURSE PREVIEW
    We have completed our 9th, 10th and 11th grade In House Course Preview programs. During these programs, teachers shared the elective course options available to each grade level for next year.
     
    We encourage parents and students to refer to grade level slides (linked below) when discussing academic planning and choosing your courses for next year.

    • Presentation to current 9th graders ("rising sophs") - view slides
    • Presentation to current 10th graders ("rising juniors") - view slides
    • Presentation to current 11th graders ("rising seniors") - view slides

  • APC in Action

    January 28, 2024

    SPRING 2024 APC GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE!
    Calling all teachers, parents, students in the Acalanes community!  Acalanes Parents Club is looking to award grants that will enhance and enrich the educational experience of AHS students in new and innovative ways. Teachers, staff and students are encouraged to submit ideas for meaningful programs and educational equipment.
    Applications are due by Friday, Feb 15. Click here to read more and apply!
     
    ACALANES SERVICE AWARDS DEADLINE IS APR 19
    Thanks to APC, the Acalanes and Presidential Service Awards have gone digital. New this year, APC funded the Helper Helper app where students can find and record volunteer hours. Since then, over 200 students have created Helper Helper accounts and logged over 4,500 volunteer service hours - and we’re hoping that number will keep increasing! 
     
    Students who volunteer at least 30 hours by Friday, Apr 19 will get an Acalanes Service Award so please encourage your students to get those hours entered AND validated with the deadline quickly approaching!
     
    To learn more and/or join the Helper Helper app, check out the volunteer website.
     
    PEER TUTORING- KEEPING AHS STUDENTS ON TRACK
    In the fall semester, Peer Tutoring saw over 4,000 visits in Room 107. Students rely upon the program for a quiet, welcoming place to study and an effortless way to get academic support. Our tutors not only work with students who drop in to Room 107, but are now requested by faculty to provide auxiliary help in the classroom. Teachers have effectively used our tutors over 120 times for help with test prep, test review, essay editing and math support.
     
    This past semester, as with its previous 25+ year history, Peer Tutoring has proved to be an invaluable component to the success of Acalanes and its students. We thank APC for funding 100% of the Peer Tutoring program and you for your continued support.
     
    Please reach out to Angela Ketcham or Kristen Labrosse with any questions.

  • Parent Education

    January 28, 2024

    COLLEGE COUNSELING & COLLEGE ALTERNATIVES FOR STUDENTS WITH IEPs
    Wednesday, Feb 7 at 7pm in the Acalanes Library
    This parent workshop will be presented by Education Consultant, Melissa Masland, on post high school education options and the college application process for students receiving special education services.

  • 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