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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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Associate Principals' Message
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Hello Dons!
If we have not yet had an opportunity to personally welcome you to the school year, we hope that it has been a wonderful start for both you and your students. It is hard to believe that we are finishing our fourth week of school and moving our way into September. We are beyond thrilled to be back at the Home of the Dons for another school year and to work with our outstanding students, staff, and community.
The year has been off to an amazing start from a successful Dons Day, Back to School Rally, and Back to School Night. We have also implemented a new vision for our school year with the phrase Dons Show Up. Our goal for the year is to encourage our staff, students, and community to show up for one another. We hosted motivational speaker and entrepreneur Mike Smith this past week and his message helped us to clearly define what we want to model for our students, "Leaders celebrate others, influencers celebrate themselves". We want to thank APC for showing up and helping financially support this vision become a reality on our campus.
We wish all of you a wonderful first quarter and look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events at Acalanes!
Your Associate Principals,
Andrea Powers and Mike Plant
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Mike Smith Student Assembly & Workshop Recap
Life shows up, Dons Show up! Acalanes is actively working towards a culture that demonstrates a community that will show up for each other. Show up to promote a more inclusive campus, show up when a classmate is having a great day, show up when a classmate is having a tough day!
Mike Smith, an incredible motivational speaker who helps youth across the world, spent the day with students at Acalanes last Wednesday, September 4. The entrepreneur shared his socially conscious message to our sophomore and junior classes, and separately to various faculty, coaches, administration, parents, and students. Mike focused on celebrating other people's success; taking the time to make an impact; demonstrating how to be a catalyst for change in our community.
Acalanes Parents Club is proud to have provided the funding to bring Mike Smith on campus for the assembly and student workshop. To learn more about Mike Smith, visit his
website
.
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
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. 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!
#DonsShowUp!
Here are upcoming opportunities to support your fellow Dons!
This Tuesday, Sept 10 from 5-9pm
Dine out at Chipotle!
Mention that you're an AHS Don, and a portion of the night's proceeds will go back to the Freshman, Sophomore and Junior classes.
Enjoy dinner out while supporting your fellow Dons!
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Cap & Gown and Graduation Orders.
Now is the time to order your Senior's cap & gown and graduation items. It is important that your student places their graduation order at this time. You can order graduation items in two ways:
If your senior received a graduation packet, they can place an order on campus on the date corresponding to their last name during brunch and lunch in front of the Attendance Office.
Mon
day,
Sept 9
-
Last Names A-M
Tues
day,
Sept 10 -
Last Names N-Z
Or you can go online and complete your order at:
www.jostens.com
. If the cost of cap and gown purchase is an issue, please see Jill Perlman in the Attendance Office.
Senior Parent Night info
Did you miss Thursday's presentation at Senior Parent Night? Here are the
College & Career Center and Counselors' slides
about colleges, the application process, Naviance and all things related to "Life after Acalanes!"
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! Lafayette Art & Wine Festival Ticket Booth Sales
The Junior class receives $1,000 for staffing the Art & Wine Festival ticket booths on Saturday,
September 21
. We need parent volunteers desperately! Grab a couple of friends, enjoy the festival and then work a quick 2 hour shift to help our class! Sign up
here
.
Homecoming is Almost Here...
And We Need Your Decorating Donations! This year's theme is Battle of the Bands and the Junior Class has chosen The Beach Boys as their hallway decorating and skit theme. We could REALLY use a number of donations that we are hoping you have lying around your house. We'd love to take the items listed below off of your hands! All items can be delivered to the Caprios' house ASAP at 582 Silverado Drive.
Items To Be LOANED and RETURNED TO OWNER
Tiki Bar
Surfboards
Boogie Boards
Straw Hats
Beach Umbrellas
Beach Chairs
String Lights
Items To Be DONATED
Old flip flops
Tiki Bar
Old Pool Noodles
Plastic Leis
Beach Balls
Newspaper
Cardboard
Plywood (large sheet)
Chicken Wire
Spray Paint (you know those partial cans you have sitting on your garage shelves...we will take them!)
ADDITIONAL HOMECOMING HELP
And our last requests for our wonderful Junior parents is to consider:
Provide snacks to our students during Homecoming Hallway Decorating on Sunday,
September 22
. Just a few spots left and you can sign up
here.
Sign up here to work in the Snack Shack during the Homecoming Football Game, Friday, September 27.
Lastly, please make sure you've marked your calendar for our Tuesday, Sept 10
Dine Out
with Chipotle, from 5pm to 9pm. Mention that you're with Acalanes High School and a portion of all proceeds will come back to our class.
Thanks
so much for all of your support!
Follow your class on social media: Instagram
: @acalanes_2021
Mary Caprio
Sierra Higgins
Darci Olson
Millie Tooker
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Hope September has started off well for everyone! We've got a lot of great opportunities coming up for parents to get involved and would love any and all support as we move through this very busy month!
Football Concessions: Our class is responsible for working concessions during the following games and are especially in need of help during this Friday's game:
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival:
Our class is also 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 on Saturday,
September 21
so please consider signing up
here
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Homecoming Hallway Decorating
: The kids are working hard on plans for their skit as well as hallway decorations. Decorating will take place on Sunday
, September 22
and we'd love to have some parent help so please sign up
here
if you're able to assist. The kids are also looking for some donations to help with their decorating plans: white holiday/Christmas tree lights, a disco ball and old CD's (that you don't want back). Please email us at the address below if you're able to contribute any of these items (we will return the lights and disco ball).
Lastly, please make sure you've marked your calendar for our
this Tuesday's (September 10)
Dine Out
with Chipotle, from 5pm to 9pm. Just mention that you're with Acalanes High School and a portion of all proceeds will come back to our class.
Thanks so much for all of your support!
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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Thank you for the show of support at the Freshman Fundraiser/Football game! It's great to see all the class spirit and we hope you enjoyed the fare!
Sept 22-28
Homecoming
Mark your calendars! Homecoming is near. The theme is Battle of the Bands and Freshman theme is The Beatles. There are lots of activities and ways to get involved starting with Hallway Decorating on Sept 22 from 10-3pm. ALL Freshman are invited to join in and make their hallway shine like diamonds. Sign ups to come!
Important Dates:
Sept 10
Freshman Parent Social
at Metro (6:30-8pm).
It's around the corner...Gather for a drink & Metro Tacos. Don't miss out!
Sept 10
Before you head to Metro, get the family Chipotle!
Our Dine out at Chipotle
night is from 5pm to 9pm. Just mention that you're with Acalanes High School and a portion of all proceeds will come back to our class.
Football Concessions
More thanks to all those that have jumped in to help with concession sign ups. There are still plenty of opportunities - shifts are easy and FUN! Click on the date to sign up!
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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| 9 |
Club Presidents meeting at lunch in Room 314
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| 10 |
Chipotle Fundraiser benefiting Class of 2021, 2022 and 2023
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12
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Blood Drive
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| 12 |
Home Freshmen Football Game
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| 13 |
Academy: Club Day
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| 13 |
Home JV & Varsity Football Game (Wear Black!)
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| 22-28 |
Homecoming
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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!
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
2019 Homecoming Shirt
For $5 Dons can purchase a limited edition Homecoming Shirt, Bleed Blue. It will be on the Web Store and on sale at lunch. Purchase by
Sept 17
so you can wear it to the
Homecoming
Game on Sept 27
.
Homecoming Dance
Tickets will be sold on the Web Store and at lunch for the following prices:
$15 with ASB Card
$30 without ASB Card
$45 for guests*
Tickets increase by $5 at the door.
* If students want to bring a guest, contracts are in room 314 and due
Sept 25
Dance Chaperones
We are in need of 20 parents for the Homecoming dance. PLease consider chaperoning. We would be so grateful. Email
Katherine Walton.
Class Shirts
If your student missed picking up their class shirt, it will be delivered to their 3rd period class this week.
Blood Drive
!
Our fall blood drive is
September 12 and we are still looking for donors
. There is a massive blood shortage across the US. Consider donating by filling out this
google form
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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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Whether they've come to the Wellness Center before school, at lunch, or during the school day for counseling appointments, students who are stressed are talking about insufficient (and inefficient) sleep. Getting more sleep is the FIRST intervention we suggest and we emphasize how a good sleep routine strategy requires determination and intention-setting. Some of the most effective strategies you can enforce with your kids include: limit caffeine; get daily exercise; wind down before bed; and power down devices. As adults, we need to be compassionate about how hard it is to go to bed earlier than our bodies are telling us to-- we appreciate that it's not that simple. But it is essential to stress recovery and resilience-building. We're also fond of reinforcing good nap hygiene. 10-20 minute naps are extremely effective.
Allen Choi, Wellness Coordinator (ext. 7150)
Casey Sasner, Intake Specialist (ext. 7136)
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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.
| Sept 10 |
Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) Fair @ Deer Valley HS 9a-12p. For more information click here. Register at www.gotocollegefairs.com
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Oct 19
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PSAT - register on the Web Store. Open to Juniors and interested Sophomores.
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| Oct 23 |
SAT/ACT Info Night @AHS 6:30-7:30p
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We have 23 College Rep Visits this Week!
Have your student check Naviance and School Loop for times and details.
Important Reminder! Students need to get
permission from their teacher the Monday before the visit as well as pick up a
pass in College & Career the morning of. Students
may not miss a test for a rep visit.
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
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 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 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 Acalanes Pep Band is back this fall to support the Dons in upcoming sporting events! The first Pep Band performance will be
Sept. 13 (Friday) when Acalanes plays against Berkeley. 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!
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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 benefited
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
Are you in search of a part-time job? Check out this part-time job available at the LPIE office:
LPIE Fundraising Assistant: Clerical and data entry position 15-18 hours a week, 3 days a week. Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), attention to detail, and a positive attitude needed. Experience with a database is helpful although not required.
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This week's can't miss events
Boys water polo
Wednesday,
Sept 11
host College Park HS. JV at 6:00 pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Saturday,
Sept 14
host Menlo Atherton HS. JV at 11:00am and Varsity at 12:00pm.
Girls golf
Thursday,
Sept 12
Campolindo HS at Moraga CC at 3:30 pm.
Football
Friday,
Sept 13
host Berkeley HS. JV at 4:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Girls volleyball
Saturday, Sept
14
Sonoma Valley Invitational at Sonoma Valley HS.
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