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Calendar of Upcoming Events
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March Dates:
7-9
Performing Arts Musical - Cinderella
11
School Holiday - Staff Development Day
28 Parent Ed Event - Test & the Art of Thinking
29 Dons Dialogue
April Dates:
1-5
School Holiday - Spring Break
26 Dons Dialogue
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Associate Principals' Message
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This month's update is a follow up to February's Dons Dialogue led by the Acalanes Associate Principals. We had a great time! The meeting started with a brief report from the first annual AUHSD Black Student Union (BSU) Summit at Del Valle campus where our own Wellness Coordinator, Eryn Reeder, gave a wonderful address as the keynote speaker. BSU also hosted a recent movie night featuring the thought-provoking movie, "The Hate U Give" to an extremely receptive and appreciative crowd.
The APs also gave an overview of the "restorative practices" component of our discipline procedure. Restorative practices do not replace disciplinary consequences for a rule infraction, but rather act as one facet of a response to repair the harm caused by a situation or issue. We have found that these practices, in complement to more traditional consequences, to be an effective response to many challenging on-campus issues. We have challenged students to learn from their discipline experience, and grow as young people and as responsible citizens.
Finally, the AP team gave an update on our Academy program. We have spent the first semester improving attendance protocols and monitoring how students choose to use the session. We have noted and celebrated that our teachers are doing an exceptional job at serving our students' needs. However, we have also noticed that some of our students are not making the best choices on how to spend their academy period. (Understandable given they are teenagers!) Starting this month we will be running a pilot program within Academy called A.R.C. (Academy Resource Center), which will provide a level of "case-management" for students who need advice on how to use the Academy time more productively. We believe that this extra structure to students' Academy choices can be extremely beneficial to a student's success. The idea is to ultimately expand the program to where staff can refer students for involvement. We are excited by the on-campus support this idea has received and are hopeful for its success.
As always, we are proud to work at Acalanes High. Our engaged and enthusiastic students, our dedicated and dynamic staff and the generous and supportive community make being an Associate Principal here a dream job.
Have a great month and Go Dons!
Your Associate Principals,
Andrea Powers and Mike Plant
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Spring 2019 APC Grant Program Applications
Acalanes Parents Club will continue its APC Grant Program this spring, focusing on ideas that will enhance the educational and campus experience of AHS students in new and innovative ways. Please review the submission guidelines and submit your application by noon on Friday, March 29. Please contact Laura White if you have any questions.
Career Talks
Encourage your student to attend the Career Talks during Academy period starting this Friday, March 8 and continuing on Friday, March 15, 22 and April 12 & 19. These sessions provide valuable first-hand knowledge about potential careers from professionals who are in the field. Check out the College and Career section below to learn what sessions are offered and how your student can sign up. Note: We still need speakers in the financial field! Please contact Kristin Kisner if you can help out.
APC provides funding and volunteers for this valuable program. Thanks for your continued support!
AHS & Presidential Community Service Awards
Acalanes provides two opportunities to recognize students for their service to our community and others. The awards include:
Acalanes Volunteer Service Award
This award is given to all students who performed a certain number of community service hours.
President's Volunteer Service Award
This award is a highly coveted award that recognizes the contributions of students who have demonstrated outstanding volunteer service and civic participation over the course of a 12 month period. Recognition starts at 50 hours for students under 16 years and 100 hours for students 16 years and older. (If a student qualifies for this award, they do not receive the AHS award)
"DON" YOUR GARDENING GEAR THIS SATURDAY!
In anticipation of our new Acalanes electronic marquee installation, we are recruiting volunteers (parents and students!) to help weed the planting beds around the sign to get it ready for new beautiful landscaping. Saturday, March 9 from 9-12pm.
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Dons Legacy Wall
The Dons will soon be adding a new batch of legacy bricks to the walls of Acalanes High School and you can add yours to the mix!
See our
Dons Legacy Wall page
on the APC website for more information. Deadline is May 1.
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Senior, Junior, Sophomore, Freshman
Class Updates
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Senior-Junior-Sophomore-Freshman Class Updates
Just a Reminder: Dons Families can click on each
Class Heading
to link through to our Webpage to find lots of great information and useful contacts. Be sure to keep up to date as lots of fun things are on the horizon!
April 11
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Senior Parent Meeting, 7pm PAC
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May 4
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Junior & Senior Prom, Academy of Sciences
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| May 20 |
Senior Symposium and Picnic,
at Acalanes
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June 2
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Time of Reflection, 3pm Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church
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June 3 - 6
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Finals Week
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June 7
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Graduation Rehearsal, 9-11am Mandatory Attendance! (breakfast served)
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Graduation, 6pm
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Grad Night, 8pm busses leave for Umigo
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Grad Night Information
Acalanes High School parents have a proud tradition of offering a safe, alcohol and drug-free event for our graduating students.
Grad Night is held
Friday
, June 7
immediately following the Graduation Ceremony at Acalanes and includes transportation to and from
Umigo
, dinner, snacks, drinks, games, dancing and lots of entertainment options for grads to spend the last moments as Acalanes Dons together.
Please read the following
important information
:
Tickets
Now
:
Purchase your 2019 Grad Night Ticket on the
Webstore
.
May 10
: No refunds after this date.
May 24
: Webstore tickets closed. Payment via
check only.
Permission Slips
Two permission slips are required
to attend Grad Night. They can be found
here
and
here
. Return permission slips one of the following ways
:
-
Mail to Angela Ketcham, 7 Greene Place, Lafayette, CA 94549
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Drop off in the Grad Night basket in the Counseling Office, OR
-
Bring them to the Senior Parent Meeting on
April 11.
Note
: Grad night scholarships are available so
all
seniors can attend. School Counselors can provide information regarding scholarships.
Grad Night Fundraiser
Get wonderful Mother's Day, Father's Day and Graduation gifts while raising funds for the Class of 2019 Grad Night. Check out Boon Supply via this link
Acalanes High School - Grad Night
.
50% of the proceeds sold go to the Class of 2019 Grad Night
and everything is shipped directly to your home
.
Started by the founder of Serena & Lily, Boon Supply has amazing selection of practical and affordable home, tech, kitchen, lifestyle and outdoor items. Most items are under $25!
Memory Frames
Make sure to order your Senior Memory Frame for $10 by March 15! A Senior Memory Frame is a 12 x 18 photo collage highlighting your senior's life and is created by your student and/or you. The frames will be displayed on the fence, behind the bleachers on graduation day. Click here to order your memory frame. We will distribute the pre-ordered, blank frames at the April 11 Senior Parent Meeting. More details and samples will be at the April 11 meeting. Any questions: contact Julie Davidson.
Junior Class Bonding
Class Officers are planning a bonding event for all Junior students at
lunch on Wednesday,
March 6
. Stay tuned for more details!
Color Run
Buy your tickets for the 3
rd
annual AHS Color Run
here
. The run will take place on Sunday
April 28
and is $25 per participant (fee includes a t-shirt). This is a fun event for the whole family! Proceeds from the event benefit the classes of 2020 & 2021.
SAT/ACT Registration
Remember to register your student for the ACT (next test date
April 13
) or the SAT (next test date
March 9
). Check out more information
here
.
College Tours
Spring break is a great time to tour colleges; classes are in session and campuses are busy. Remember to sign up ahead of time on the college's website. If you are visiting a number of schools, take notes, take pictures (use Snapchat's tags to keep track of which school is which). Enjoy the experience!
Tori Heffelfinger
Kathy Hemmenway
Kat O'Donnell
Ellen Seiler
2019 Color Run
Looking for some good clean family fun?!? Register your family online at the Acalanes Webstore here for the 2019 Acalanes Color Run organized by the classes of 2020 and 2021. Cost is $25 per participant (fee includes a t-shirt). On April 28, hundreds of students will run through the halls of Acalanes High School, crossing the finish line covered in a rainbow of bright colors.Tons of fun!
LPIE donations still needed for LPIE Annual Party and Auction!
Our class has been asked to pull together a Whiskey Cellar gift that will be auctioned off at the this event on
March 16
. Click
here
to see what's still needed and to sign up, as we'd love to get all items accounted for as soon as possible.
As always, thanks for your support!
Jen Fish
Kristin McPhail
Judy Sandberg
Candy Stryker
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March Dates:
7-9
Cinderella, the Musical
7 Read Across America Day at Stege Elementary
13-15 Senior Dodgeball at lunch
14 Mentoring program at Stege Elementary
21 Cultural Night
27
Talent Show
Community Outreach Efforts
Sister School: Stege Elementary
Students have organized multiple visits to our sister school Stege Elementary in the second semester and we encourage students to opt in.
On
March 7
we will be visiting Stege for
"Read Across America Day"
and reading in TK, K, 1st and 2nd grade classrooms. Permission slips were due last Wednesday,
February 27
. There is a meeting this Monday
, March 4
at lunch.
On
March 14
we will be visiting Stege to roll out a
mentoring program
with their 5th and 6th graders. We are looking for 20-30 students who are willing to make a commitment to visit Stege in March, April and then have a Stege student shadow them at Acalanes in May. Interested students should pick up a contract in room 314 and attend a lunch meeting on
March 8
.
Powder Puff
There is an informational meeting at lunch on
March 8
in room 314.
World Week, March 18-22
Consider attending cultural night on
March 21
at 6 pm. Students can design a booth highlighting their own culture (the link to sign up is on School Loop). We will have student performances, equity clubs present along with summer cultural programs present.
Talent Show, March 27
at 7pm
.
Hosted by seniors, the talent show is a wonderful program highlighting the many student talents on campus. Students can apply to be a host or an act by picking up an application in room 314.
Leadership applications for incoming freshmen will be available beginning April 8.
Questions?
Email
Katherine Walton, the leadership teacher, Room 314.
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From the Acalanes Wellness Center
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In this week's blurb, we continue with a discussion on "labeling thoughts" as a mindfulness technique. As an introduction to the concept of mindful presence, we talk about the human tendency to have our thoughts pulled to the future and the past. This is a problem for everyone but especially for a student who's in class, trying to focus and learn. Learning happens in the here and now as does most of the things in life we truly enjoy-- the rest is really just imaginary! We encourage students to begin mindful practice by recognizing whether a particular thought is about the past or the future and whether it serves them in the present moment. Labeling and dismissing thoughts that don't serve them will come in handy not only in the classroom but when they're trying to fall asleep at night and during the limited time they have to enjoy socializing with friends and family. As a practice, standing back and observing how our mind works can become a new and very positive habit.
Eryn Reeder, Wellness Coordinator (ext. 7150)
Casey Sasner, Intake Specialist (ext. 7136)
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College and Career Center
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College Decisions
The time has come for many schools to send their decisions. Encourage your student to come in and add a marble to the jar for all acceptances. We also have a Bucket of Bad News for the negative decisions. Encourage your student to come write down the name of the school and add it to the bucket; not only is it cathartic, but it's helpful for students to see that they are not the only one receiving news they didn't want to hear!
Scholarships As students finish applications, they move on to looking for scholarships. I have a space in my room where these are posted. Send your student in to take a look. New scholarships added weekly. Look at the list in Naviance also. There are some great options that are giving to only Acalanes Students:AAUW, Acalanes Memorial Swim Scholarship, Joan Portello Minto Scholarship, Lafayette Water Polo Foundation Scholarship, Matt Lynn Memorial Scholarship, Richard C. Hansen Music Scholarship.
All Grades
Career Talks
(formerly known as Career Day) We are trying something new this year and rather than having a Career Day; we are spreading out the visits over 5 weeks during March and April. Students will be able to opt in during Academy on Fridays,
March 8, 15, 22 and April 12 & 19.
The lineup of speakers is posted on
the Acalanes Website under College & Career
.
Students sign up in Teach More. Search for the Career Visits Tab.
Free STEAM enrichment program for High School Girls
Sunday,
March 10
1:30-4:00 at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Presenting will be an Economist, sustainable farmer, professional dancer who became a doctor, a blacksmith, an automotive expert, a BART director, an archaeologist and more. RSVP through
Eventbrite
.
Summer Programs
Many programs are coming my way. I have a bin in my room with all of the information I have received. Use these links to read about
CAL's many programs
or learn about USC's summer
Engineering Program
.
NorCal First Alarm Girls Fire Camp May 4 & 5 Santa Clara Fire Training Center. Taught by female firefighters. Hands on training, basic first Aid/Earn 2-year AHA CPR Card, learn about public safety career options. Learn more at www.norcalfirstalarmgirlsfirecamp.com.
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Progress Reports
: Progress reports happened this week. All grades were updated in School Loop this past week. Report cards will only be mailed if no parent is registered on School Loop. Students and parents can also check the official progress report in
Aeries Pass
. Progress reports do not go on transcripts. The end of the quarter is March 29.
Welcoming class of 2023
The counseling office will be extra-busy in the month of March as we meet with current 8th graders and their parents. Counselors have meetings scheduled throughout the month, mostly at the beginning and end of the school day. We look forward to meeting the incoming class.
Summer School
Summer school for remediation
is happening at Las Lomas this year. Counselors have more information and will be distributing sign-up forms. For more information check
here
.
AP Tests Registration for the AP tests will be available on the webstore March 4-25. AP tests are $110 each. For more information and the test schedule check here.
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This free event on
March 25
from 7-8:30 will screen short student-produced films about suicide prevention and mental health and feature a Q&A panel to hear from suicide prevention experts, youth filmmakers and the Directing Change Program.
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Learn about the role youth, parents and schools can play in suicide prevention
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Be part of changing conversations about suicide and mental health in your school and community
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Learn about the Directing Change Program and how to implement it at your school
Event Details:
Event is free, but seating is limited so please
register
reserve seating.
Rheem Theatre, 350 Park Street, Moraga
Free Parking.
Parent Ed Recap: Earn the Right to Be Heard
On Wednesday, February 20, about 25 parents gathered in the Acalanes Library to hear Linda Turnbull, Director of Teen Esteem, on the topic Earn the Right to be Heard. Here are the key takeaways from that event:
Communication naturally changes as kids become teens. For the teen, it's a time of exploring boundaries and developing greater independence and resilience. Yet, despite the eye rolls, your teen needs you as much as ever! Open communication remains important, yet the opportunities change and may be less frequent.
Suggestions for earning the right to be heard with your child include:
-
Demonstrate unconditional love. Love your child for who they are. What excites them? What do they dread? What are your teen's dreams and/or goals? Listen, observe, and ask open-ended questions to learn the answers and reinforce trust. Most important, believe in your child, even when they fail.
-
Listen reflectively; validate your child.
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Have "non-agenda" time, which means time to listen and talk about anything for that purpose alone. Learn the "best" time to talk, possibly in the car, on a walk, doing something where you are not facing one another.
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Regarding teen challenges, addiction to smart phones/social media/games, encourage children to set their own limits. Mutually establish family rules, and don't forget to put your own phone down.
As individuals growing into adulthood, all teens are different. Don't give up. With the persistent and consistent demonstration of unconditional love, the moments to bond and talk will open up, and so will your teen.
Learn more at teenesteem.org
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Do you use your inhaler properly?
This video
shows you how! And don't forget to
turn in
this form
if your student carries an inhaler.
Reframing Anxiety I've come across an article that I think is valuable for any of us that either have teens or work with them. How to Help Teenage Girls Reframe Anxiety and Strengthen Resilience talks about how stress is not only normal but essential for human growth. The article references girls in particular, but the information is applicable to all students.
Best wishes,
Dvora Citron, R.N., M.S.
Acalanes School Nurse
Tuesdays & Wednedays 7:30-3:20, Fridays 7:30-11:30
925.280.3970 x7128
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Performing and Visual Arts
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Musical
Cinderella
is this coming week! The students of the Choral Music, Drama and Instrumental Music have been working diligently to make sure the slipper fits this year's musical,
Cinderella.
Performances will be presented on
March 7
and March
9
at 7pm and on
March 8
at 7:30pm in the PAC. The later curtain on the 8th is because Bella Voce will be competing in the NorCal Women's Golden State Choir Competition, defending their 2018 2nd place finish!
Tickets for Cinderella can be reserved here. We traditionally sell out, so you'll want to choose your seats sooner rather than later.
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Save the Date for Advocacy Day 2019!
This year's Advocacy Day for Education will take place on Friday, April 12 from 9-2p at the San Ramon Community Center. The focus will be on emotional health and well-being of students. Everyone is welcome - more information on topics, speakers, and registration will follow.
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Project LPIE - With 17 project categories, Project LPIE highlights the diverse interests and talents of Acalanes students. Please register your project by March 22. You don't need to know the details of your project when you register. Projects are due April 15. Please click the webpage for details. WHAT'S YOUR THING?
Important Project LPIE Dates
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March 22 - Project Registration Due
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April 15 - Projects Due
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April 22-26 - Auditions for Performing Arts
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May 10 - Project LPIE Awards and Recognition Event
Shopping Party at Sports Basement!
Sports Basement Walnut Creek is inviting friends of LPIE to enjoy 20% off your entire purchase from March 1-14. Time to get your gear for baseball, volleyball, camping and all of your other spring endeavors. Thanks for supporting the businesses that support LPIE!!
LPIE Raffle Tickets on Sale Now!
Try your luck by purchasing a raffle ticket for these exceptional prizes: a trip of your dreams from Inspirato with options of vacation villas and resorts around the globe, a whiskey cellar trio featuring Russell's, Redbreast, and Auchentoshan, or $100 towards a little Celtic sparkle from Heller Jewelers. $100 purchase and only 100 tickets sold. 100% of the proceeds go to support our students' education. Contact your LPIE school rep or the LPIE office at 925-299-1644 or
[email protected]
to purchase.
Donate to LPIE's "Evening on the Green Fundraiser" We need your help with our Acalanes contribution to the LPIE's annual fundraising event. Please donate a gift card to our "Year of Date Nights". Here is the Signup Genius link to see what you can do.
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Sponsor a Coach at the Blue-ster Bash!
Our coaches put in tireless hours to help train and support our athletes, sometimes with little to no pay! What better way to show our appreciation than to Sponsor a Coach to attend the Blue-ster Bash! We could not run our programs without them. This is our opportunity to thank them and celebrate with them. Help defray the cost of having our coaches attend the event. Click on this link to choose the coach you would like to sponsor. It's as easy as that!
This week's can't miss events
Softball
Monday,
March 4
Kennedy, Fremont HS at 4:00pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Tuesday,
March 5
Encinal HS at 3:30pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Thursday,
March 7
Northgate HS at 4:00pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Baseball
Tuesday,
March 5
Irvington HS 3:30pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Saturday,
March 9
Foothill HS. Varsity is home at 2:00pm, JV is home at 11:00am and Freshmen are away at 11:00am.
Boys lacrosse
Tuesday,
March 5
hosts Petaluma HS. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Friday,
March 1
hosts Marin Catholic HS. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Girls lacrosse
Tuesday,
March 5
at Monte Vista HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Friday,
March 1
at Northgate HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Boys volleyball
Tuesday,
March 5
at College Prep HS at 6:00pm.
Saturday,
March 9
in Charger Classic at Leland HS.
Boys tennis
Wednesday,
March 6
University HS at Golden Gate Park at 3:30pm.
Track & field
Thursday,
March 7
hosts Las Lomas HS at 3:30pm.
Saturday,
March 9
Marsh Creek Invitational.
Friday,
March 8
Northgate HS at Rossmoor GC at 3:30pm.
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