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Calendar of Upcoming Events
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September
October
14
No School - Staff Development Day
18 Dons Dialogue
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We are looking forward to the
APC Campus Clean-Up later today from 1-4pm.
Students and parents are still able to drop by for an hour or two to help our campus shine. Meet in the Acalanes Main Quad (bring work gloves & a refillable water bottle) for your volunteer assignment. We hope you all notice a difference on campus this week.
A shout out to our APC Teacher Appreciation team led by veteran volunteer
Emma Bishopp
&
Renee Kerns
for kicking off the school year with a fun welcome back lunch for teachers and staff. Special thanks to Acalanes parents Julie & Robert Pancoast for providing a tremendous discount on yummy pizza.
You may be hearing about the new
Dons Show Up
campaign on campus or from your students. To help explain this messaging, check out the General Announcements below. We plan to run a Dons Show Up section from time to time in our newsletter, focused on ways that students and parents can "show up" for one another on and off campus.
We had a TREMENDOUS turn-out at our first
APC Dons Dialogue
and our next one will be held this Friday,
September 20
, at 8:45am, in the Collaboration Center. Principal Bell and our associate principals will share information about key programs and activities on campus. Check out more details in the APC in Action section below. We hope you will join us!
Dawn Brightbill & Sarah Cusumano
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DONS SHOW UP
Perhaps you've seen the new hashtag #DonsShowUp around campus and wondered exactly what it is. This year, Acalenes is kicking off a new campaign asking students, parents, teachers, and staff to "show up" for each other to help build community. Showing up could be as simple as going to an event that a student might not usually attend; athletes showing up for plays, theater students going to concerts or someone from the orchestra attending a game. Showing up also means students reaching out and being there for another student; taking the extra step to ask a fellow student if they are OK, checking in on someone eating lunch alone or simply saying hi to another student whom they don't already know. The goal is for all students at Acalanes to be supported and seen.
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Today! APC Campus Clean-Up Work Party
Sunday,
September 15
, 1-4pm, Acalanes Main Quad
Calling all Students, Parents and Friends!!
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Stay an hour or the entire time!
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Get hours for the Acalanes Volunteer Service Award
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Clean-up with focus on landscaping projects & trash removal
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What to bring: Work gloves, garden trowels, rakes, kneeling pads, etc.
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Drinks & Snacks will be provided
Dons Dialogue
Friday, Sept 20, 8:45-10am
APC's second Dons Dialogue of the year is this Friday morning in the Collaboration Center. Following a quick approval of the APC Budget, Principal Travis Bell and Associate Principals Andrea Powers and Mike Plant have a full agenda, so you won't want to miss it! Dons Dialogue will include:
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Acalanes High School Safety Protocols
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Sandy Hook Promise Anonymous Reporting System
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Academy Update
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Recap of the Recent Mike Smith Student Assembly Presentation & Workshop
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ASB and Leadership Update
As always, parking will be reserved in the parking lot south of the Main Gym. Coffee and treats will be served. See you there!
Two weeks left! 2019-2020 APC Grant Program!
Acalanes Parents Club will continue its APC Grant Program this year with a focus on
ideas that will enhance the educational and campus experience of AHS students
in new and innovative ways. Teachers, students and parents are welcome to
submit a grant proposal. The application and grant criteria can be found on the APC web site. Email completed applications to Laura White or deliver to the APC box in the office. Grant applications are due by noon on Friday, September 27.
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APC Membership & Fundraising
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Thank you Dons Families for your APC donations! Did you know you can double your donation at no additional cost? Click here to find out if your company participates in a Corporate Matching Program.
A
ny questions regarding Corporate Matching and how to sign up, please contact
Katharine Wallace
.
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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!
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Grad Night 2020
Come aboard a Commodore Cruise to celebrate graduation!
Acalanes High School parents have a proud tradition of offering a safe, alcohol and drug-free event for our graduating seniors. This year's Grad Night is held Friday,
May 29, 2020
immediately following the Graduation Ceremony at Acalanes. The event includes transportation to and from the Commodore Cruise harbor in Alameda, dinner, snacks, security and fabulous entertainment.
Tickets are now $200 per student but the
price increases on November 30
. You may purchase a ticket on the
Web Store
. Not sure if you already have? Login, go to MyAccount, MySettings and see your purchase history.
Note: Grad night scholarships are available so
ALL
seniors can attend. Your School Counselor can provide information regarding scholarships.
Follow your class on social media: Instagram
: @acalanes_2020
Class of 2020 Liaisons:
Tori Heffelfinger
Kathy Hemmenway
Kat O'Donnell
Ellen Seiler
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HELP HELP HELP! We still have quite a few afternoon slots to fill in the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival Ticket Booth next Saturday, September 21. (The Junior class receives $1,000 for staffing the booth!) Grab a couple of friends, enjoy the festival and then work a quick 2 hour shift to help our class! Sign up
here.
HOMECOMING HALLWAY DECORATING.
Just one week from today! Please please please encourage your Junior to attend one of these VERY IMPORTANT work parties! The Juniors would LOVE to win this contest! (All work parties are at Luke Watson's house at 3186 Kinglsey Place in Lafayette. Snacks, pizzas and drinks provided!)
Sunday,
Sept 15
(TODAY!):
1 - 5pm
Tuesday,
Sept 17
:
1:30 - 4:30pm
Thursday,
Sept 19
:
1:30 - 4:30pm
Saturday, Sept 21:10 AM - 5pm (our last push before setup!)
Also, we could still use your donations/loansfor the Junior Hallway. All items can be dropped off to the Caprios at 582 Silverado Drive in Lafayette. Please label anything you would like to have returned!
Items To Be LOANED and RETURNED TO OWNER
Surfboards
Boogie Boards
Straw Hats
String Lights
Items To Be DONATED
Old flip flops
Old Pool Noodles
Plastic Leis
Beach Balls
Newspaper
Cardboard
Plywood (large sheet)
Chicken Wire
Spray Paint
ADDITIONAL HOMECOMING HELP
We STILL have slots available for the following Homecoming Events. Again, parents, we would LOVE your help if you can spare the time!!!
Click on the date to sign up.
Sept 22
Homecoming Hallway Decorating Snacks
Sept 27 Homecoming Football Game Snack Shack
Follow your class on social media: Instagram
: @acalanes_2021
Mary Caprio
Sierra Higgins
Darci Olson
Millie Tooker
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It continues to be a busy time and we are still looking for quite a bit of parent help. Read on for more information!
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival
Our class is responsible for helping with this year's Art & Wine Festival and will receive a portion of the money raised. We need some help at the ticket booths THIS SATURDAY,
September 21
so please consider signing up
here
.
Homecoming Hallway Decorating
The students are working hard on plans for their skit as well as hallway decorations. Decorating will take place THIS COMING SUNDAY
, September 22
and we'd love to have some parent help so please sign up
here
if you're able to assist. Sophomores are also looking for some donations to help with their decorating plans: white holiday/Christmas tree lights and old CD's (that you don't want back). Please email the liaisons at the address below if you're able to contribute (we will return the lights).
Football Concessions
We are also responsible for helping out at these two games- both are busy and fun nights so please consider signing up!
Oct 18 Campolindo
Follow your class on social media: Instagram
: @acalanes_2022
Class of 2022 Liaisons:
Jen Fish
Kristin McPhail
Judy Sandberg
Candy Stryker
Questions? Email us: [email protected]
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Thanks to all the parents that
Showed Up for the Parent Social at Metro. It was a fabulous evening. We hope you found plenty of new faces and got to know one another better.
There's lots going on leading up to Homecoming! The Freshman theme is
The Beatles! Here's what you need to know:
Sept 22-28 Homecoming Week
Hallway Decorating - Sunday, Sept 22 from 10 - 3pm - This is where it all begins!
Please encourage your Freshman to help with the transformation of the 400 Wing into a Beatles extravaganza. Let's get them all owning their hallway and In It to Win It!
Of course, The Beatles cried for
HELP!
and so are we...We're looking for supplies for the work party this weekend and on the
22nd
. Please lend us a hand:
Check out the sign up
HERE.
Dress Up!
Hey 2023, show your spirit. Here's the Freshman dress code:
Monday, 9/23 -
Earth, Wind, Fire & Water:
Freshman wear Green (Earth)
Tuesday, 9/24 -
Country VS Rock
Wednesday, 9/25
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Hippie Day
Thursday, 9/26 -
Beatles theme:
Freshman wear 60s Fashion + Yellow
Friday, 9/27 -
Freshman Class Shirts
There will be lots of activities at night and at lunch. Check out the schedule in the Student Activities section
!
Other Important Dates
Football Concessions
We're still looking to fill some shifts - it's easy and FUN!
Click on the date to sign up!
Sept 27 Homecoming Game
Oct 18 Campolindo
Nov 1 Alhambra
Follow your class on social media:
Instagram
: @acalanes_2023
Looking forward to a great year!
Class of 2023 Liaisons:
Catherine Burns
Charlene Condy
Jen Dodge
Daniele Upp
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September
16-26 Canned Food Drive (class competition)
22-28 Homecoming (See daily event details below!)
ASB Card Parents, it is not too late to purchase ASB (Associated Student Body) Card for your student. By purchasing an ASB Card, you are funding all student activities on the Acalanes campus and your student gets free entrance to any sporting event (non NCS) plus discounts on dances. Buy it today!
Canned Food Drive We are holding the canned food drive in conjunction with Homecoming. It is a class competition worth 600 points (skit is 800; halls are 800). Please consider donating cans at the flag pole each morning or cash donations at lunch. All proceeds go directly to the Contra Costa Food Bank. Goal: 10,000 cans (7 cans per student & staff member).
Have you heard?!? The Homecoming 2019 theme is Battle of the Bands! Homecoming takes place
September 22-28. Subthemes are:
Freshmen: Beatles
Sophomores: AC/DC
Juniors: Beach Boys
Seniors: Queen
Sunday, the 22nd @ 10 am
Hallway Decorating
Monday, the 23rd
Dress-up: Earth, Wind & Fire
Lunch: Unified Soccer & tailgate
Tuesday, the 24th
Dress-up: Country vs Rock
Lunch: Tie Dye
Wednesday, the 25th
Dress-up: 70's (hippie)
Lunch: Student vs. Staff Dodgeball
7 pm: Student vs. Student Dodgeball (class vs. class)
Thursday, the 26th
Dress-up: Subthemes
Lunch: Karaoke
Last DAY of canned food drive
Friday, the 27th
Dress-up: Class Shirts or Class Color (12: black, 11: grey, 10: blue, 9: white)
Academy: Homecoming Rally (Students only)
Lunch: Carnival
5:30 pm: Pre Game Tailgate for the Lafayette Community
7 pm: Homecoming Game (Wear Blue!)
Saturday, the 28th at 7 pm
Homecoming Dance
Tickets are now on sale via the
Web Store
or starting at lunch on
Sept 16.
Ticket prices are:
$15 with ASB
$30 without ASB
$45 for guests*
Prices increase by $5 at the door.
*Want to bring a guest? Fill out the guest contract (found in room 314) and submit to the main office by
September 25th
.
2019 Homecoming Shirt
For $5 Dons can purchase a limited edition Homecoming Shirt, Bleed Blue. Shirt can be purchased on the
Web Store
and at lunch. Purchase by
Sept 17
so you can wear it to the
Homecoming
Game on Sept 27
.
Dance Chaperones
We are in need of 20 parents (currently have 8) for the Homecoming dance. We really need to ensure student safety and thus the importance of adults throughout the dance. Please consider chaperoning. We would be so grateful. Email
Katherine Walton.
Spirit Wear
is still available via the Acalanes
Web Store
. All spirit wear orders benefit the Class of 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023! Spirit wear will be delivered to your students 5th period class.
6th Man Jersey Order a personalized 6th man jersey to wear to any athletic event including basketball! Jerseys can be customized with last name and graduation year on the back. Orders need to be placed by October 8 as they take 4 weeks to be produced and shipped (just in time for basketball season!).
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College and Career Center
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Lots of opportunities to work on college apps at brunch, lunch and academy. Make sure to have your student sign up for academy, space is limited to 20 students.
Oct 19
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PSAT - register on the Web Store. Open to Juniors and interested Sophomores.
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SAT/ACT Info Night @AHS 6:30-7:30p
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College Rep Visits this Week! The following schools will be on campus:
Macalester College
Pacific Lutheran University
Boston University
Hamilton College - NY
University of Massachusetts, Lowell
Northwestern
University of Toronto
Gonzaga
University of Rochester
Bryant University
University of Oregon
Whitman College
Check Naviance for date//times to sign up...
Important Reminder
! S
tudents need to get
permission from their teacher
the Monday before the visit AND pick up a
pass
in College & Career the morning of. Students
may not miss a test
for a rep visit.
We have many students working at local businesses and we want to celebrate that! The College & Career Center is creating a "Dons in the Workforce" bulletin board. Please have your student bring me a picture of them at work!
As always, email me with any questions!
Wendy Reicher
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Cyber High
is starting tomorrow,
September 16
. Students who need to take a class for credit recovery need to talk to a counselor to get signed up. Cyber High is only for credit recovery in required courses for juniors and seniors. A teacher is available for supervision and assistance after school.
CSF applications
due
September 30
. CSF is an honor society. Students who are members at least 4 semesters in grades 10-12 get a notation on their final transcript and get a stole to wear with graduation robes. At least one of the semesters must be based on grades earned in senior year. Students must turn in a completed application and pay dues on the Web Store to be a member. See the Web Store or look
here
for more info.
Counselors visited seniors in their government classes last week to talk about post-high school planning and next steps on college apps. We will be meeting with seniors individually throughout the month of September and early October. Students who need a letter of recommendation or school report from their counselor should make sure to have an appointment at least a month in advance of the deadline.
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Coming Soon: The Acalanes Community Education Speaker Series!
Acalanes Parents Club is excited to offer speakers, film screenings, and workshops for
community members during the academic year. Past topics have included: risky behaviors; vaping, tobacco, and marijuana awareness; balance for teens; reducing stress; improving decision-making.
We'd love to hear from you! The Parent Ed Team welcomes ideas, recommendations, and learning about your interests.
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I wanted to share some upcoming events online that I think are pertinent for many students and families:
If you partake in either of these programs, please let me know what you think!
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
Acalanes School Nurse
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Friday mornings
925.280.3970 x7128
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Performing and Visual Arts
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Calling All Dons!
Beginning this year, all students are welcome to participate in the school musical! There will be an informational meeting in the Drama Room during Academy on
October 18
. Information about auditions sign ups as well as rehearsal information will be communicated at this meeting.
Auditions will be
November 4 and 5
from 3:30-5:30p in the PAC with Call Backs during Academy on
November 6 and 8
in the PAC.
Acalanes Pep Band
The next Pep Band performance will be
September 27
(Friday) when the Acalanes football team plays against Oakland. Come show your school spirit!
Acalanes Fall Pops Concert - The Dons go to the Movies!
Acalanes High School's award winning Instumental Music Department is excited to present its first concert at the Acalanes Performing Arts Center on October 10 at 7pm. Come listen to the Symphonic Band, Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Orchestra perform favorite soundtracks and classic music from popular movies!
United States Marine Band Performance at Acalanes
The Acalanes Instrumental Music Program is honored to host an open concert on Wednesday,
October 16 at 7:30pm
in the gym, featuring The United States Marine Band.
The last time this band toured in California was ten years ago.Their appearance in Lafayette is the ONLY performance in the immediate Bay Area. This is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in our Lamorinda community! The United States Marine band is the country's oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Established in 1798, this band made its White House debut over 200 years ago. It performs at state dinners, White House and other events of national significance.
Tickets are free, with a four-ticket limit per request. Tickets will be available starting September 18. Click on the following link for the ticketing site
here
.
Please note, no bags or backpacks will be allowed in the gym at the performance.
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The Public Art Committee of Lafayette is pleased to present
LPIE in the Sky: Spotlight on LPIE Art Instructors
, a first-ever exhibition featuring the work of five Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE) artist-instructors:
Susan Fuller, Valyrie Gillum, Tim Hancock, Kristen Jensen-Horne,
and
Lisa Larsen
. This exhibit seeks to honor the contributions of these artists to the cultural enrichment of the community. Lafayette is fortunate to have these talented artists and passionate educators inspiring its students. The exhibit is
on now through September 30
, and the opening reception is scheduled for
September 23
, from 6-7pm, at the Library's Art Gallery. Check it out!
LPIE still needs volunteers to staff the ticket booth at the Lafayette Art, Wine & Music Festival on
Sept. 21 & 22
. It's a fun experience ...
and
LPIE is the largest beneficiary, receiving $10,000 from the event last year which in turn benefited our schools. The Chamber counts on our volunteer support. Take a shift and enjoy the festival before or after!
Volunteer to sign up
here
.
With gratitude,
Laura-Kate Rurka & Rachel Berkowitz
Acalanes LPIE School Chairs
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This week's can't miss events
Girls golf
Tuesday,
Sept 17
Las Lomas HS at Boundary Oak CC at 3:30pm.
Wednesday,
Sept 18
Miramonte HS at Rossmoor GC at 3:30pm.
Friday,
Sept 20
Las Lomas HS at Rossmoor GC at 3:30pm.
Boys water polo
Wednesday,
Sept 18
host Piedmont HS. Varsity at 6:00pm and JV at 7:00pm.
Girls water polo
Wednesday,
Sept 18
host Monte Vista HS. Varsity at 4:00pm and JV at 5:00pm.
Friday,
Sept 20
Saturday,
Sept 21
Amanda McDonald Invitational at Menlo School HS.
Football
Friday,
Sept 20
at El Cerrito HS. JV at 4:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Girls volleyball
Saturday,
Sept 21
East County Invitational.
Cross country
Saturday,
Sept 21
De La Salle & Carondelet Nike Invitational at Newhall Park at 8:45am.
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