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Calendar of Upcoming Events
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March Dates:
28
Parent Ed Event - Test & the Art of Thinking
29 Dons Dialogue
April Dates:
1-5
School Holiday - Spring Break
10 Parent Ed Event - Dr Ben Bernstein, author of Stressed Out! for Parents
26 Dons Dialogue
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We are thankful to work with such a dedicated team of APC volunteers. Since so much of APC's work is done behind the scenes, we like to highlight the work of our volunteers from time to time. A big thank you to our communications team led by
Kristen Labrosse
who focuses on getting the word out regarding "all things Acalanes" to our parent community.
Sarah Ortman
recently transitioned successfully into the role of editor of eNews taking over the reins from
Jamie Cronk
who had faithfully put together the newsletter each week for the last two years. Jamie also does double duty running our Volunteer Service Awards Program (encourage your students to apply!). Our Parent Ed team led by
Kelly Daggs
and
Mary Kuhn
is finishing the school year strong with several engaging events over the next few months. Check out all the upcoming events in the Parent Ed section below. If you're a senior parent, you may want to consider signing up for one of the two workshops: one relates to helping your child make a big decision (such as choosing the right college) while the other will provide you with transition guidance if your senior is headed away for college. We are thankful for these volunteers and the many others that make up Team APC at Acalanes!
We encourage you to consider attending Cultural Night on March 21 at 6pm in the Acalanes Small Gym. There will be cultural booths representing various countries, presentations by AHS diversity clubs and performances throughout the night. It's a new event at Acalanes and is worth checking out.
Dawn Brightbill & Sarah Cusumano
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Spring 2019 APC Grant Program Applications
Acalanes Parents Club is continuing 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
Career Talks are still taking place during Academy period! Encourage your student to take advantage of the new series of talks coming up on
March 22, April 12, and April 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. Please contact
Kristin Kisner
if you can help out.
APC provides funding and volunteers for this valuable program. Thanks to our parents for your continued support!
AHS & Presidential Community Service Awards
At the end of the school year, Acalanes recognizes qualifying 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)
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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! Honor your graduating senior, your favorite coach or anyone who has contributed to your student's time at AHS. 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! (Complementary 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
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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!
Decide for Yourself (for Parents of Seniors), April 9, 7-8:30pm, Acalanes Library
With the looming May 1 College Decision Day, your students may be struggling with which school may be the best fit. Join a workshop let by
KeriAnne Hohener and Maria Carson Breber of Decide for Yourself return to give parents an inside look at their You Decide program. Their model is especially useful as teens and families make decisions about life after high school and the workshop will give you tips on helping your students with big decisions.
Event is free, but seating is limited. Register
here
. Encourage your senior to sign up for the student version of this workshop in Academy on April 10.
Senior Parent Meeting April 11, 7pm, Acalanes PAC
Don't miss
this information-packed evening that will focus on all senior events: Senior Prom, Senior Symposium, Time of Reflection, Senior Picnic, Memory Frames, Graduation Rehearsal and Breakfast, Graduation, Grad Night and more. Senior class officers will be present as well as those chairing each of the events. In addition, we will have samples of Memory Frames and Grad Night permission slips. If you have already printed and filled out your permission slips, please bring them to the meeting. We hope to see you there!
Coping with Family Transitions Workshop: When Your Child Leaves Home (for Parents of Seniors), April 30, 7-8:30pm, Acalanes Collaboration Center
Whether it's your first, middle or last child leaving, transition can be difficult for both you and your student. This interactive workshop will focus on the issues surrounding your child transitioning to the next phase of their life and how you can prepare them and your family for a successful transition. During this workshop, you will have an opportunity to learn, share, discuss, and prepare for this transition, which can include: loss of purpose, anxiety, sadness, and joy. Common questions we will be addressing together: What should I expect emotionally when my child leaves for college? How can I support my child through a transition that may include loneliness and homesickness ? How much communication is too much? These questions will be addressed and much more!
Joe Ianora has been an educational leader for more than 25 years. Joe has been deeply committed to helping educators, students and parents understand the transformational power of resiliency and balance in a student's life. Joe is a certified educational coach and a licensed marriage and family therapist. This event is free but seating is limited so please register to reserve seating.
Color Run
Buy your tickets for the 3
rd
annual AHS Color Run
here
. The run will take place the morning of 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
May 4
). Check out more information
here
.
College Tour Webinar
- If you want to get some tips for College Visits,
sign up
for this free webinar on March 19 from 5-6pm.
College Touring Tips
- Spring break is the optimal time to tour colleges. Here are a few tips to consider:
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Sign up ahead of time for a formal tour (get in the school's system to demonstrate interest).
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Email (from your student's account) the admissions rep before going to introduce yourself and ask a question that you can't easily find on a website. (What is a good place to have lunch after the tour? Is there somewhere on campus that is not part of the tour that you think we should check out?)
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Take notes. Let your student jot down initial thoughts before you give any input.
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If touring a lot of schools during the week, try to take pictures to keep track. (Snapchat geotags work great for this!)
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If schools are close together, you can tour 2 in one day
Tori Heffelfinger
Kathy Hemmenway
Kat O'Donnell
Ellen Seiler
2019 Color Run
Looking for some good clean family fun?!? 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! 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).
Lunchtime Carnival
Tell your students to mark their calendars for
Tuesday, April 16
, when the Freshman class will be hosting a fun, festive carnival over the lunch hour. More details coming soon!
As always, thanks for your support!
Jen Fish
Kristin McPhail
Judy Sandberg
Candy Stryker
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March Dates:
27
Talent Show
Special Olympics
The Special Olympics will be back at Acalanes on
April 23
. Beginning now, volunteer forms will be available for students. Encourage your student to volunteer & pick up a form in room 314.
World Week, March 18-22
Consider attending cultural night on
March 21 at 6pm. We have cultural booths representing various countries, our diversity clubs present and performances throughout the night.
Talent Show, March 27 at 7pm.
Hosted by seniors, the talent show is a wonderful program highlighting the many student talents on campus. Save the date!
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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March is a great time to increase our capacity for compassion as we see many students affected by the long stretch of bad weather, the flu and cold season, and general fatigue. We're hearing similar stories of students feeling the effects of friend group changes, school and extra-curricular demands, and a general feeling that they need a break. Fortunately, Spring break is around the corner but in the meantime, empathetic inquiry and unconditional support goes a long way. Your students will appreciate you simply listening and acknowledging that life can be tough! If you're not sure if they're looking for advice, just ask. They'll appreciate you for it.
Eryn Reeder, Wellness Coordinator (ext. 7150)
Casey Sasner, Intake Specialist (ext. 7136)
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College and Career Center
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Recent College Admissions Scandal -
It is hard not to comment on what has been in the news this week regarding college admissions. I have so many thoughts I couldn't begin to share them. I found
this article
that I think is a great read (doesn't get into the details of the crime, it takes a different approach). The meat of the article starts midway through at "College is a Feast". Check it out.
Where you Go is Not Who You'll Be
- This book by Frank Bruni may be a good book to pick up again or read for the first time. It's a great reminder that it's what your student does in college that counts, not where they go to school.
SENIOR INFORMATION
Updating Naviance
It is very important for students to update admissions decisions in Naviance (this is how Scattergrams gets updated). It is super easy; your student received an email with all the steps last week. Questions? Send your student in to see me.
Waitlists
This can be a very confusing time for seniors, and to add to the confusion, some colleges use waitlists. Here is a
great article about waitlists
.
Troubles Deciding on which college to choose?
You thought the hard work was over, but choosing which college to attend can be very daunting! On
April 10
during Academy, You Decide will be here to share their formula of how to tackle big decisions. Please have your student mark their calendar for this Academy event.
Scholarships
Here is an article sharing top websites for Scholarships.
DVC
If your student registered for DVC, they will need to go to DVC for a Placement session. Acalanes is scheduled for
March 21
at 1:30pm. I have the materials they need to bring with them and will deliver them to each student on the 21st.
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 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.
Upcoming College Fairs
April 6
Over 200 Colleges at the Santa Clara Convention Center
1:30-4:30pm. Register
here
.
April 24 Out of State College Fair, Acalanes Gym
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Out of State College Fair. Come meet with reps from many out of state colleges. Here a quick presentation from all reps as well as get information about each of the colleges. This is a great way to Demonstrate Interest.
May 4 Saint Mary's College Fair
Gnomon School Of Visual Effect
Game & Animation
Info Session
March 21
. Use
this link
to sign up and learn more about the event.
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
The camp is held May 4 & 5 at the 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 here.
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Welcoming the 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 of students and their families.
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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Tuesday, March 19 7:30-9pm, Acalanes Collaboration Center (located off the main quad between the Front Office and the College & Career Center).
Monthly District Parent Support Group
Acalanes and AUHSD District parents are welcome to attend this open, peer support group where parents gather to share common problems and experiences of parenting teens struggling with chronic stress, anxiety, depression and/or eating disorders. Our hope is to connect people with others coping with similar challenges to share empathy and understanding of what they're going through and to share firsthand experience insight. Contact Holly Nolan with questions.
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APC Presents: The Test and the Art of Thinking Documentary, Thursday, March 28
,
7:00-8:30pm, Acalanes Performing Arts Center
Parents, educators, students and college admissions professionals all intimately understand the financial, emotional and intellectual burden of the SAT/ACT-tests that are not only an integral part of the college admissions process. Even as adults, few of us forget our score, or how we felt about what it took to earn it. The Test & the Art of Thinking traces the history and evolution of the SAT/ACT as a major player on the pathway to higher education and documents its current power in our culture. Learn more about the documentary and view the trailer on the Test's website. Register here to reserve your seat.
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Directing Change, Monday,
March 25, 7-8:30pm, Rheem Theater, Moraga
Acalanes Union High School District is sponsoring a free 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.
-
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
Seating is limited so please register reserve seating.
APC Presents: Dr. Ben Bernstein, Ph.D., April 10, 7-8:30pm, Acalanes PAC
Dr. Bernstein is an educator and performance psychologist. Dr. Bernstein is a highly praised keynote speaker and workshop leader and is returning to Acalanes to discuss his recent book, Stressed Out! for Parents. Dr. B teaches how to be calm, confident and focused.
Join us for this
free event. Seating is limited so please
register here to reserve seating.
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Do we still need to still worry about the FLU?
We are still seeing a spike in illness and absences at school.
Please review the guidelines for keeping your student home
here
.
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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Bella Voce Brings Home the Hardware!
On
March 8, the young women of Bella Voce competed in the NorCal Women's Choir Choral Competition at Church of the Valley in San Ramon. As an added bonus, the day was also International Women's Day! Bella Voce placed 5th, earning them a spot in next year's competition. There were 900 total points possible (300 each from three judges) and only 7 points separated the 2nd through 5th place choirs! Bella Voces accomplishment earns them a spot in next year's competition. This is the fourth consecutive year they have placed in the top 5! Brava Tutti!
Cinderella
We presented three performances of Cinderella
March 7-9 to sold out houses and many youngsters decked out in princess gear. This Performing Arts Department collaboration is a 9 week project that provides students and staff the opportunity to experience what it is like to become a production company, design and build sets, act, sing and play as a department. A huge thank you to Shimmy Cotter, Lauren Gibson, and Ed Meehan for all of their work in making this quality opportunity available for our students!
Acalanes Performing Arts Booster Scholarship Available!
The Acalanes Performing Arts Boosters are proud to announce that a $1,000 scholarship is available to a graduating senior who has demonstrated passion and commitment to the Performing Arts at AHS and who intends to pursue a major or minor college degree in the performing arts.
Applications are now available must be submitted by
April 12. The winner will be announced at Senior Award Night. Applications including requirements for consideration and submission deadlines are available to download from the
Acalanes Performing Arts Booster website.
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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 - WHAT'S YOUR THING?
Are you into art, design, video, writing, performing, science, computers, business, or volunteering? With 17 categories, Project LPIE has something for everyone. With less than one weeks to register, what are you waiting for? You don't need to know the details of your project when you register. Please
register your project by Friday March 22
. Projects are due April 15. Project LPIE is a project-based competition that showcases the work of Acalanes students both within and outside the classroom.
Please click here for more details
.
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
Interested in instructing at the elementary level? We have a position open teaching social studies to 4th grade students. Teaching experience and an interest in history are a must. Please email [email protected] if you are interested in learning more.
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Reserve your Don's Table at the Blue-ster Bash!
Have a seat and enjoy the Blue-ster Bash. Reserve a Don's table for 8 for $1,000. Tables are limited. It includes reserved seating for 8 guests of your choice, 2 bottles of wine and signage of personal names or company. (You can go in on a table with friends, or your company can buy one.) Tickets to bash are
not
included. Go to the Blue-ster Bash
website
and reserve your table today!
This week's can't miss events
Boys golf
Monday,
March 18
Alhambra HS at Franklin Canyon GC at 3:30 pm.
Thursday,
March 21
Campolindo HS at Moraga CC at 3:30 pm.
Friday,
March 22
Alhambra HS at Rossmoor GC at 3:30 pm.
Boys lacrosse
Tuesday,
March 19
hosts Piedmont HS. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7:00 pm.
Friday,
March 22
at College Park HS. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7:00 pm.
Girls lacrosse
Tuesday,
March 19
at Dougherty Valley HS. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7:00 pm.
Friday,
March 22
hosts Ygnacio Valley HS. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7:00 pm.
Boys volleyball
Tuesday,
March 19
at College Park HS. JV at 5:00 pm and Varsity at 6:00 pm.
Thursday,
March 21
host Northgate HS. JV at 5:00 pm and Varsity at 6:00 pm.
Saturday,
March 23
East County Invitational at Pittsburg HS.
Boys tennis
Tuesday,
March 19
College Park HS at 3:30 pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Thursday,
March 21
Las Lomas HS at 3:30 pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Baseball
Tuesday,
March 19
College Park HS 4:00 pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Thursday,
March 21
College Park HS 4:00 pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Softball
Wednesday,
March 20
Mt. Eden HS at 4:00 pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Friday,
March 22
Bishop O'Dowd HS at Lake Chabot Field at 4:00 pm.
Track & field
Wednesday,
March 20
at Clayton Valley Charter HS at 3:30 pm.
Saturday,
March 23
Stapleton Hurd Relays in Antioch.
Swimming
Wednesday,
March 20
at Campolindo HS at 3:45 pm.
Friday,
March 22
and Saturday,
March 23
Mission Viejo Invitational in Southern California.
Competitive sport cheer
Friday,
March 22
host Las Lomas HS at 5:00 pm and Concord HS at 7:00 pm.
Saturday,
March 23
Concord Invitational.
Diving
Saturday,
March 23
Dougherty Valley Invitational.
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