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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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The countdown to Spring Break is not slowing down the schedule of events at Acalanes! Check out the APC Parent Ed screening of the documentary
Test and the Art of Thinking
on Thursday night. The film is timely given the the college admissions scandal and gives a closer look at standardized testing and the forces that shape them. On March 27, the
Acalanes Talent Show
will be held in the PAC - it's one of the more entertaining events of the year so plan on attending! And we wrap up our busy month with Dons Dialogue this Friday in the Collaboration Center. You don't want to miss any of these great events!
Spring Break can provide a break from academics and extracurriculars to allow students the opportunity to unwind but it also can provide students who stay in town time to give back to their communities - the perfect opportunity for students to have their volunteer time recognized for an Acalanes Volunteer Service Award! Check out the details in the APC in Action section below and encourage your student to apply. Applications are due the week after break.
We hope to have a major campus enhancement surprise for Acalanes installed during Spring Break. Check out the Stanley Blvd. entrance to campus when you return on Monday, April 8. This is our last eNews before break so we wish your families a wonderful relaxing Spring Break!
Dawn Brightbill & Sarah Cusumano
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Parent Ed Event: Test and The Art of Thinking
Don't miss this Thursday's (3/28) screening of the documentary Test and the Art of Thinking. If there's one good thing to come out of the recent college cheating scandal, it's that it's forcing the public to take a closer look at college admissions, standardized testing, and the (flawed) forces that shape those systems. That discussion is at the heart of the documentary APC's Parent Education is showing for students and parents at 7pm in Acalanes' Performing Arts Center. The film is free, but learn how to register for a seat in the Parent Education section below.
Dons Dialogue
We have another great Dons Dialogue scheduled for this Friday, March 29 in the Collaboration Center. Come listen to Principal Travis Bell talk about the athletic physical education requirements as well as give updates on what's happening around campus. Dons Dialogue is held the last Friday of each month in the Collaboration Center at 8:45am. Parking will be set aside in the lot by the Main Gym. Coffee and treats are provided. We only have two more Dons Dialogues left - so don't miss out!
Last Call for 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. Anyone can submit an application - teachers, students, and parents too. 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
Only two Fridays left to attend Career Talks! Encourage your student to attend the remaining sessions on
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 have questions.
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
Don't miss your chance to add a legacy brick to the walls of Acalanes High School! 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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Junior/Senior Prom Saturday, May 4
We need volunteers to help make this special night a success. Take a look at the following sign-ups and consider volunteering!
Prom Bus Sign-ups
Come at lunch to help collect tickets and organize bus sign-ups (1-hour shifts)
Prom Help Needed
Pre-prom bus check-in (1-hour shifts) & night-of event help at Academy of Sciences
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 upcoming 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.
Junior/Senior Prom
May 4
is the Acalanes Junior/Senior Prom at Academy of Sciences. We are looking for volunteers to help with this BIG event! Sign up for a 1-hour shift at lunch to organize bus sign-ups
here
. Sign up for a 1-hour shift on
May 4
to help with bus check-in and/or for volunteering at the actual event
here
.
3rd Annual AHS 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
. Tickets are $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
Register your student NOW for the ACT (next test date
April 13
) or the SAT (next test date
May 4
). More information on both exams
here
.
College Touring
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
The 3rd Annual Acalanes Color Run Is Coming!
Do NOT miss out on good clean family fun,
April 28
, at Acalanes High School. Hundreds of kids, parents, teams and clubs will run 1.5 miles through the halls and fields of Acalanes High School, crossing the finish line covered in a rainbow of bright colors. Register online at the Acalanes Webstore
here
! Organized by the classes of 2020 and 2021, the cost
is $25 per participant (fee includes a CLEAN WHITE t-shirt!)
Class Fundraiser @ ROAM Burger
Mark your calendar for
April 16
when ROAM Burger will donate a portion of all sales to the Class of 2021. More reminders to come!
Carnival! Thursday, April 16
The Freshman class will be hosting a
carnival over lunch
with lots of great games and fun snacks. Make sure your student knows, as it will be a good time for all to hang out!
We will also be having a
Chipotle Dine Out Day
on the 16th from 4-8pm. Please try and plan to dine in or pick up food at the Lafayette location that day, as a percentage of all money spent by Acalanes families will come back to the Freshman class. Make sure you mention Acalanes when you place your order!
Grad Night Chairs Needed
Hard to believe, but we already need to start planning for our class Grad Night in May 2022 and are looking for two chairs to help plan this important and fun event. Please email us at [email protected] if you might be interested and we can provide you with more information.
Jen Fish
Kristin McPhail
Judy Sandberg
Candy Stryker
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March Dates:
27
Talent Show
29 Special Olympics Volunteer Forms Due
Special Olympics
The Special Olympics will be back at Acalanes on April 23. Volunteer forms are available now for students and due March 29. Encourage your student to volunteer & pick up a form in room 314.
Talent Show, March 27 at 7pm in the PAC
Hosted by 3 seniors, and complete with 11 acts, the talent show is a wonderful program highlighting the many student talents on campus. Please plan to attend!
New Homework Policy Dialogue
The governing board recently passed a revised homework policy. Students & teachers will gather on Monday, March 25 @ lunch in room 314 to discuss the changes, ask questions and dialogue about homework.
Film Festival: Seeking Submissions
The Acalanes Tech Board is rolling out its annual film festival. The film festival will include all four high schools and we would love for any and all students to submit. Any and all films are accepted as long as they are school appropriate and do not exceed 15 minutes. Submit by completing this link. Remember, the more videos the more fun!
Freshman Leadership
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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On behalf of the APC Team, we'd like to extend the most heartfelt thank you to Casey and Eryn for all of the important work they do for our students here at Acalanes. Their dedication and devotion to our students' well-being and mental health makes us all breath a little easier as our kids walk out the door every morning. Thank you!
Eryn Reeder, Wellness Coordinator (ext. 7150)
Casey Sasner, Intake Specialist (ext. 7136)
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College and Career Center
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SENIOR INFORMATION
Updating Naviance
It is crucial 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. Send your student in to see me if they have questions.
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 it.
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.
ALL GRADES
Career Talks
(formerly known as Career Day)
Final two weeks of Career Talks during Academy on the Fridays after Spring Break, April 12 and April 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.
Practice ACT at Campo, April 27 from 9-1pm
The cost is $20 via the Campo webstore - register here. Questions? Email Cassie Brown or phone (415) 994-7614.
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
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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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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.
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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
Seating is limited so please register reserve seating.
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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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Ban on Flavored Tobacco
The Lafayette City Council voted unanimously last week to support a proposed ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products in the city. The next step is for city staff to draft an ordinance to present at the council's April 8 meeting. You can read the East Bay Times article here.
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Springtime Resolutions: Go Green and Eat Dinner Together
I ask students a lot about what they eat, when they eat and who they eat with.
Research continually shows that Family Dinners contribute to improved health and wellness, decreased stress and better learning and grades. Even with busy schedules, try to find at least a few nights a week where your family can sit down to eat dinner together. Oh, and it increases
family connection!
Can you make those meals
greener?
Check out
this site.
With spring, we can look forward to a greater variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Consider a field trip to your local Farmer's Market with your kids - maybe I'll run into you there!
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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Acalanes Instrumental Music Program Highlights
The
Acalanes Wind Ensemble
performed at the Chabot Wind Band Festival on March 1, where the band received high praise from their post-performance clinician, Dr. Ed Harris. The adjudicating panel also included Frank Ticheli, Professor of Composition at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music.
In addition, the Acalanes Jazz Ensemble performed at Santa Cruz Jazz Festival on March 16, receiving a Unanimous Superior rating and Command Performance from the adjudicators. Outstanding Musician Soloist awards were received by James Cain (vibes), Maverick Fabela (piano), Thomas Judson (trombone), Henry Plumb (drums), George Rogers (Alto Sax), and Marcello Severo (piano). Thomas Judson was also awarded and individual scholarship for his performance. Congratulations to all!
Acalanes Performing Arts Booster Scholarship Available!
The Acalanes Performing Arts Boosters are proud to announce its $1,000 scholarship 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 available for nowand 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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Advocacy Day 2019
!
Advocacy Day for Education, a yearly advocacy and parent education event, will take place on Friday, April 12, from 9-2pm at the San Ramon Community Center. The focus this year is on School Climate, Student Well-Being and the Role of Parents. There will be various speakers on this topic as well as a panel of local school superintendents discussing top concerns for school districts. Everyone is welcome!
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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. It's not too late to register projects. 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 details
.
Important Project LPIE Dates
LPIE Power Party
A huge thank you to all of those involved in making the LPIE Power Party "An Evening on the Green" a fun and successful event! We are so grateful for the generous support of our event sponsors: Title Sponsor
Martin Homes
, Platinum Business Partners
Cobain Orthodontics,
Julie Del Santo with Dudum Real Estate Group,
and
Tina Frechman with Dudum Real Estate Group
, and Gold Business Partners
Lewis Asset Management, Dana Green, Lafayette Chamber of Commerce,
and
Koopah & Koopah Dentistry
.
Our sincere thanks to all of our attendees, our event donors and to the lucky auction bidders and winners! This event would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, event chairs
Jen Bielawski
and
Mary Carvotta-Trexler,
and school liaisons.
The Power Party may be over, but the fun doesn't have to stop there! Pay to Play parties and last chance auction items are still available here.
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Only 1 Day left to get your Blue-ster Bash Ticket at discounted price of $75!
Blue-ster Bash ticket prices increase from $75 to $100 tomorrow, Monday March 25 at midnight. Be sure to buy them before the price increases. Last day to buy tickets is April 20. No tickets will be sold at the door. Don't miss this great event at Moraga Country Club on April 27 to support all of our athletes and sports programs at Acalanes. Events at the Bash include Silent Auction, Live Auction, Grab-n-Win, Wine-Toss, lots of great food, music and more! Buy tickets here.
This week's can't miss events
Boys volleyball
Tuesday,
March 26
hosts Las Lomas HS. JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 6:00pm.
Baseball
Tuesday,
March 26
Northgate HS 4:00pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Thursday,
March 28
Northgate HS 4:00pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Boys tennis
Tuesday,
March 26
Campolindo HS at 3:30pm. Varsity is home and jv is away.
Thursday,
March 28
Miramonte HS at 3:30pm. Varsity is away and jv is home.
Boys lacrosse
Tuesday,
March 26
at Monte Vista HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Friday,
March 29
hosts Clayton Valley Charter HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Girls lacrosse
Tuesday,
March 26
hosts Piedmont HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Friday,
March 29
at Clayton Valley Charter HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Softball
Wednesday,
March 2
7 Varsity & JV at Pinole Valley HS at 4:00pm.
Track & field
Wednesday,
March 27
host Campolindo HS at 3:30pm.
Swimming
Wednesday,
March 27
host Benicia HS at 3:45pm.
Competitive sport cheer
Thursday,
March 28
host Clayton Valley Charter HS at 5:00pm and Alhambra HS at 7:00pm.
Diving
Saturday,
March 30
Amador Valley Invitational.
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