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Calendar of Upcoming Events
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September
2 No School - Labor Day
20 Dons Dialogue
22-28 Homecoming Week
October
14
No School - Staff Development Day
18 Dons Dialogue
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We hope the first few weeks of school have gone well for your students and they have adjusted back to the school calendar schedule. Most students (and parents) are likely looking forward to the long Labor Day weekend!
Parent feedback from Back to School Night was tremendously positive. The classroom visits with teachers are always a highlight and we appreciate the shout-out many teachers gave to Acalanes Parents Club and LPIE for our support. We are always looking for ways to improve upon BTSN and the parent meetings that follow the classroom visits. Please reach out to us if you have any input you'd like to share.
Thank you Acalanes parents for helping APC meet its 2019-20 Fundraising Campaign goal! We could not provide the services and programs that we do without your support. A special thank you to our VP of Fundraising Veronique Kuhner for overseeing our fundraising.
We hope you'll consider joining us at the upcoming
APC Volunteer Campus Clean-Up Work Party
on Sunday,
September 14
. We are excited about some clean-up projects that we hope will be completed that day if we can rally enough volunteers.
Enjoy the long weekend!
Dawn Brightbill & Sarah Cusumano
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APC Campus Clean-Up Work Party
Sunday,
September 14
, 1-4pm, Acalanes Main Quad
Join us for a community clean-up at Acalanes! This is a great way for parents, students and community members to help make Acalanes shine and connect with others who care about our campus. It's also a perfect way for your student to earn volunteer hours for the Acalanes Volunteer Service Awards Program. Come for an hour or stay the entire time. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Please RSVP to
[email protected].
2019-2020 APC Grant Program Applications are Open!
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. Contact APC Grants Coordinator Laura White to receive the application submission guidelines. 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.
2019-2020 Parent Handbook & Student Directory
APC donors! If you weren't able to make it to Back to School Night or have donated to APC since then (thank you!) - your Handbook/Directory is available for pickup in the Registrar's Office!
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APC Membership & Fundraising
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Double your APC donation at no additional cost to you!
Click here to find out if
your company participates in a Corporate Matching Program.
Many national and Bay Area based companies have employee programs which will match educational institution donations. Applying is typically very simple and just takes a few minutes. Please use the link above to see if this is available through your company.
If you have any questions, 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!
DONS SHOW UP!
Here are upcoming opportunities to support your fellow Dons!
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Sept 5
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Calling All Dons
! Now's your chance to
Show Up
for the Freshman!
Come cheer the football team at their FIRST home game & enjoy sweet and savory treats at their
Fundraiser
!
Organic Coup
&
Hawaiian Ice to Go
will be between the gyms from 3pm - 3rd Quarter. So bring your spirit and your appetite and of course...
GO DONS!
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Sept 10
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Dine out at Chipotle! Mention that you're an AHS Don, and a portion of the night's proceeds will go back to the Sophomore class so. Enjoy dinner out while supporting your fellow Dons!
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Mark your calendars with these important Senior only events. More dates and details will come closer to each event:
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Sept 2 today!
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Labor Day. No school today! We hope you all enjoy this holiday. Learn more about the history here.
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| Sept 5 |
Senior Parent Night. Come to the PAC at 7pm this Thursday. AHS School Counselor Anne Schonauer and AHS College & Career counselor Wendy Reicher will present information about college applications, timelines, letters of rec and much more. There will be a preview of all upcoming Senior only events this year. And you will have an opportunity to purchase tickets for Grad Night too. You don't want to miss this!
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| Sept 6 |
Senior Panoramic Picture. Senior students will be taking an all class panoramic picture this Friday. You may purchase a copy of this commemorative photo here.
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| May 29 2020 |
Graduation |
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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Wishing everyone a great 3-day weekend! We are still in need of help for both the Homecoming football game as well as our home game against Campolindo. Please consider volunteering with us in the Snack Shack!
The Lafayette Art & Wine Festival provides the Class of 2021 a chance to earn $1000! Grab some friends, work a 2 hour shift selling event tickets and then enjoy the Art & Wine Festival on Saturday, September 21. Sign up here.
College Rep Visits
A reminder for your Juniors: the following colleges will have Reps on campus and interested students should sign up on Naviance.
Sept 3
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University of the Pacific
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Sept 3
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Savannah College of Art & Design
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Sept 4
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Vanderbilt
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Sept 6
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University of Pittsburgh
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Sept 6
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Johns Hopkins
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Important Dates: For anyone who missed them at our BTSN Junior Class Meeting here they are:
Follow your class on social media: Instagram: @acalanes_2021
Class of 2021 Liaisons:
Mary Caprio
Sierra Higgins
Darci Olson
Millie Tooker
Questions? Email us:
[email protected]
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There is a lot going on in the coming weeks, with many opportunities to get involved, especially as we get closer to Homecoming. Speaking of which,
if you haven't already heard, this year's
Homecoming
theme is
Battle of the Bands
and the class of 2022 has
AC/DC
. The kids are working hard on plans for their skit as well as hallway decorations. Decorating will take place on Sunday
, September 22
. We'd love to have some parent help at this so please sign up
here
if you're able to assist.
We're also working football concessions during the following games - click on the date to sign up if you're able to help:
Our class is also responsible for helping with this year's Art & Wine Festival. We will receive a portion of the money raised. We need some help at the ticket booths on Saturday,
September 21
so please consider signing up
here
.
Lastly, please make sure you've marked your calendar for our September 10 Dine Out with Chipotle. All proceeds from this will come back to our class.
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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Hope you're all enjoying the long weekend! We have lots of opportunities for you to get involved in the coming weeks, so please check out the below. And a few words about:
Clubs
We had lots of questions about this topic at BTSN. Please know that there are no active clubs running at this time. Every club restarts at the beginning of each school year. Applications are due
September 4
and approved clubs will be notified shortly after. Club Day will be
September 13
during Academy.
School Loop
Teachers and staff often use School Loop to communicate vital information to parents, so if you haven't registered yet, please do so
here
!
Football Concessions As we mentioned at BTSN, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved and help out the Freshman class. Your time and effort will pay big dividends as these are all fundraisers that contribute toward important events down the road. Shifts are easy and FUN!
Important Dates:
Sept 5
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Food Trucks: No concession sign ups but check out the info above and come support your class!
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Sept 27
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Homecoming Football Game Concessions: sign up here |
Oct 18
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Home Football Game vs. Campolindo: sign up here
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Nov 1
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Home Football Game vs. Alhambra: sign up here
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Sept 10
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Freshman Parent Social at Metro (6:30-8pm). Sign up on the Web Store.
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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
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Club Applications Due
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Mike Smith at Acalanes
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6
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Senior Panoramic Picture (brunch)
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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
If students are interested in participating in the class skit, please reach out to the class officers or stop by room 314. The schedule for Homecoming will be posted soon but save the date for:
Sept 22
is Hallway Decorating from 10-3
Sept 28
is the Homecoming dance from 7-10
Tickets will be sold on the Web Store and at lunch. If students want to bring a guest, contracts will be in room 314 beginning Tuesday. Want to chaperone the dance? We would be so grateful. Email
Katherine Walton.
If your student is interested in starting or renewing a
club
, make sure they fill out and submit a club application by this Wednesday,
September 4
. Applications can be found in room 314.
Students can pick up their
class shirts
on Wednesday,
September 4
at lunch in the respective quads. If a student doesn't pick it up, we will deliver it to their 3rd period class.
On
September 4,
Acalanes welcomes
Mike Smith
back to campus to speak to students. Mike came 2 years ago and received rave reviews from students. He talks to students about finding their passion, holding themselves accountable to what they say they will do, and believes in students being leaders who make an impact on their campus and in their life. Mike will speak to all 10th and 11th graders during academy and then do a break out session with a select group of students, staff & community members. If your student was invited to attend the break out session, please encourage them to opt in. Thanks to APC for helping fund Mike Smith!
Our fall blood drive is
September 12
. There is a massive blood shortage across the US. Consider donating by filling out this
google form
.
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.
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While it may not be the first stress-reducing strategy to come to mind, connecting with others is easily one of the most effective and available. This is one of the reasons why students set their devices aside when they're in the center and believe it or not, they're happy they did. Time and time again, we see students who are overwhelmed connect with us and then turn around and connect with a peer in need. It feels good to talk it out; to learn that many of our experiences are universal; and to both give and receive words of compassion. Next time you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, do a scan of your emotions and notice where you feel them in your body. After you connect with a compassionate listener who you can count on to be supportive, scan again with close attention to your experience. If you can identify the feeling of a lowered stress response, share that with your kids and see if together, you can create a new habit!
Allen Choi, Wellness Coordinator (ext. 7150)
Casey Sasner, Intake Specialist (ext. 7136)
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College and Career Center
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Academies have started with a bang and the students had a fun kick off with a Chick Fil A and Naviance workshop. Make sure to have your student sign up in advance, space is limited to 20 students. A big thank you to Acalanes Parents Club for making it possible to create these wonderful opportunities for our students.
COMING UP!
Oct 19 PSAT
- register on the Web Store. Open to Juniors
and interested Sophomores.
Seniors and Juniors please sign up in Naviance for College Rep Visits:
Sept. 3
University of Pacific 12:25p
Sept. 3
Savannah College of Art and Design 1:35p
Sept. 4
Lynn University 11:25p
Sept. 4
Vanderbilt 12:25p
Just a reminder, students need to pick up a pass in College & Career the morning of a college rep visit.
Be sure they get permission from their teacher
the Monday before the visit. Students may not miss a test for a rep visit.
Performing Arts students can find their college fit at the
San Francisco Bay Area Performing and Visual Arts Fair
on
September 19
, at the Santa Clara Convention Center. Visit the official San Francisco Performing and Visual Arts Fair
site
for more details. Students meet face-to-face with representatives from hundreds of colleges-all in one place-and get their questions answered about majors, degree programs, auditions, campus visits, internships, scholarships, financial aid, and much more.
One last thing! The the College & Career Center is creating a "Dons in the Workforce" bulletin board. Please bring me a picture of you (or your student!) at work!
As always, email me with any questions!
Wendy Reicher
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Cyber High
is starting
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,
Counselors will be visiting seniors in their government classes the week of September 9 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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I wanted to share a few resources on upcoming programs online that I think are pertinent for many students and families:
If you go to these programs, please let me know what you think!
Last week I included a link to a Time Management Grid which should now be accessible.
Dvora Citron, R.N., M.S.
Acalanes School Nurse
Tuesdays & Wednesdays 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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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.
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What's a major fuel source that keeps our school community humming?
Volunteering!
LPIE has some great ways for you to get involved to help our school and our Lafayette community:
The
Lafayette Art, Wine & Music Festival
will take place
September 21 & 22
. Now in its 24th year, this beloved festival is one of the largest annual festivals in Contra Costa County, welcoming over 85,000 attendees last year. It is a wonderful event for all ages, with 300+ art and craft booths, wineries and microbreweries, food from local restaurants, multiple music stages and kid zones-right here in downtown Lafayette. LPIE needs volunteers to staff the ticket booth-it's a fun shift and you'll have time to enjoy the Festival before or after.
Did you know
...
that LPIE is the
largest beneficiary
of the annual Art, Wine & Music Festival? Last year LPIE received
$10,000
from the event which in turn benefitted
Acalanes High School
. The Chamber counts on our volunteer support each year to make the event a success.
You can sign up to volunteer here.
With gratitude,
Laura-Kate Rurka & Rachel Berkowitz
Acalanes LPIE School Chairs
LPIE Writing Tutor at Acalanes: We are hiring tutors to provide written feedback on Social Studies and English essays and meet one-on-one with students during the school day. Tutors must be available Tuesday-Friday, 8am-3:05pm, September-May. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in humanities, discipline, and preferably professional writing and/or teaching experience. Please email program coordinator
Christina Engelbrecht
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This week's can't miss events
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Girls volleyball
Wednesday,
Sept 4
at Branson HS. JV at 4:00pm and varsity at 5:00pm.
Girls golf
Wednesday,
Sept 4
Northgate HS at Rossmoor GC at 3:30pm.
Thursday,
Sept 5
Miramonte HS at Orinda CC at 3:15pm.
Girls tennis
Friday,
Sept 6
and Saturday,
Sept 7
Golden State Classic at Stanford.
Girls water polo
Wednesday,
Sept 4
at Tamalpais HS. Varsity at 6:00pm and JV at 7:00pm.
Friday,
Sept 6
and Saturday,
Sept 7
Acalanes Invitational.
Boys water polo
Wednesday,
Sept 4
at Tamalpais HS. JV at 4:00pm and Varsity at 5:00pm.
Friday,
Sept 6
and Saturday,
Sept 7
Roche Invitational at Menlo School.
Football
Friday,
Sept 6
at Vintage HS. JV at 5:15pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Cross country
Saturday,
Sept 7
in the Lowell Invitational at Golden Gate Park at 9:00am.
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