• Legislative News

    November 13, 2020

    In case you missed it in the flood of election news, here are the latest results on the three propositions which had a connection to education issues: Live election results for Propositions 15, 16 and 18.

  • School Nurse

    November 13, 2020

    Is your student interested in a health science career? Tell them to come to the Acalanes Health & Medicine Student Club meeting next week at lunch on Tuesday, when they’ll hear from a Bay Area Doctor in Residency.

    (Fore)HEADS-UP! Part of our “new normal” needs to be checking our temperature each morning, especially if you are leaving your house to be in any public/social environment. That means if you don’t already have a thermometer, this is a good time to get one!

    Be Covid Proactive! See update on my google site. Stay healthy by keeping this symptom checklist in mind.

    Here’s a great one-pager on SLEEP to remind you why it’s so good for us.

    Dvora Citron    , RN, MS
    Acalanes School Nurse Google Site
    dcitron@auhsdschools.org
    IG:  acalanesschoolnurse

  • Performing Arts

    November 13, 2020

    Tuesday, Dec 8 at 7pm - AHS Instrumental Virtual Winter Concert
    Enjoy the amazing musical talents of the Acalanes Instrumental Bands. Instrumental Music Director Ms. Lauren Gibson will be showcasing performances by each ensemble (Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Orchestra) as well as chamber music. Best of all, you can hear all this beautiful music safely from the comfort of your home via Zoom video conference. Look for the Zoom link at http://acalanesinstrumentalmusic.com or http://ahsperformingarts.org.

     

  • General Announcements

    November 6, 2020

    Reminder: School Schedule Changes
    Since Wednesday is a school holiday (Veteran’s Day), student schedules will shift accordingly:

    • Monday: Wednesday block schedule starting with Academy at 9am, ending with 6th period at 1:30pm (with zero period at 2:55pm); no cohort on Monday.
    • Tuesday: Regular Tuesday block schedule
    • Wednesday (no school)
    • Thursday/Friday: Regular Distance Learning schedule

    Sound of Music On Campus
    Hear from AHS alum and ABC Reporter Matt Boone as he covers a group of Acalanes Choir students returning to campus to make music together, safely and socially distanced. Enjoy!

  • APC in Action

    November 6, 2020

    Friday, Nov 20 from 10-11:30am Dons Dialogue with Principal Bell
    Join Principal Bell online and find out what’s happening on campus. Hear from select speakers and get your questions answered. Mark your calendar and stay tuned for details! 

    APC 2020-2021 Fall Grants
    As a result of your generous donations this school year, the Acalanes Parents Club is pleased to fund the following grants, totaling $10,000:

    • Air purifiers and filters to complement district’s upgrade of campus-wide HVAC; additional small purifiers to be used in more confined, high-use areas
    • Outdoor game and social equipment to encourage on-campus student engagement during Fall 2020; long-term use opportunities by AHS Leadership
    • Community-themed T-shirts for staff to welcome students back to campus, designed by Acalanes Diversity Board 
    • Virtual screening of DEI themed documentary “A Most Beautiful Thing” and live conversation following the screening with lead documentary participant, Arshay Cooper 
    • New nurse’s office equipment to safely secure medications and student files; replacement of cloth chairs

  • Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

    November 6, 2020

    Tuesday, Nov 17 at 10am ACA Chat Live with Andrea Powers & Katherine Walton (& Coffee Social @ Sideboard)
    The first interactive chat was a hit! Parents won’t want to miss the next one. There will be a socially distanced “coffee social” at Sideboard at 9am for any parents who would like to join prior to ACA Chat Live. More details to come.

    ACA E-Thanks to Acalanes Teachers, Admin & Staff
    There continues to be  heart-warming positive feedback from the emails and thank you notes sent already. The goal is for each AHS staff member to receive an email of thanks. It’s not too late to sign up here to express gratitude. These emails make a difference!

    2nd Annual ACA Day has been postponed from November to December
    The previously scheduled ACA Days (Nov 16-18) will now be held in December. 

    AHS + Lafayette: Better Together
    Check out the signs in the city marquees in front of Safeway and Lafayette Park Hotel. It’s a great reminder of the growing partnership between our Dons community, the City of Lafayette and the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. 

    Questions, comments or feedback, email aca@acalanesparentsclub.com.

  • Legislative News

    November 6, 2020

    In case you missed it in the flood of election news, here are the latest results on the three propositions which had a connection to education issues: Live election results for Propositions 15, 16 and 18.

    As always, Edsource.org remains a good source for education-related news. For a look at the issue of school reopenings around the state (including a map, in case you haven’t had enough of those!), see:

  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

    November 6, 2020

    Week TWELVE in the Challenge to Build Habits Supporting Racial Equity
    Who was the woman behind the famous quote “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired”? Learn more here about voting rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer. 

    November is Native American Heritage Month, and this Wednesday, November 11, is Veteran’s Day.
    Enjoy this selection of PBS     films documenting often untold stories about Native Americans serving in the U.S. Military.

    Saturday, Nov 14 is the day Indian Americans celebrate Diwali.
    Diwali is the five-day festival of lights, celebrated by millions of people across the world. It is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil, and light over darkness.

    Pronouns in Zoom and Canvas
    Please encourage your student to add their pronouns into Zoom and Canvas. It allows our community to be more inclusive, less alienating to trans & non-binary people, and to lessen the binary nature of society. 

    Deadline Nov 29 to Order Acalanes DEI Yard Signs
    Now available at     shop.acalanesdons.com. Order yours today! Signs will be available for pick-up Dec 17 and 18.

    Is Your Student Passionate About Equity Issues?
    Sign up for these newsletters: 

    Upcoming Dates: 

    • Tuesday, Nov 10 from 7-8:30pm AUHSD DEI Book Club - Sign up here to join the book club discussion
    • Monday, Nov 16 from 7-8:30pm - Sign up here to join the racial equity seminar series. 
    • Wednesday, Nov 18, 7pm “Be an Upstander, Not a Bystander” with Lori Hayes -Parents are invited to join their students to listen to this conversation. Register here.

    More information or questions? Email us or visit our webpage.

    We are social! Come join us @acalanesdei on Facebook and be sure to follow us @acalanesdei on Instagram too!

  • From the Activities Director

    November 6, 2020

    Spirit Week Recap
    Acalanes had such a great time connecting virtually using the GooseChase app. It was a nice way to connect with students & staff. See the ACAtober recap video via the leadership youtube page. 

    Save the Date: Equity Week Nov 16-20

    • Wednesday, Nov 18 at 7pm Lori Hayes “Be an Upstander, Not a Bystander” Equity speaker Lori Hayes will join us to dialogue about how we can address issues of equity on our campus and in our community. Register here!
    • Every day, our equity clubs will be holding lunchtime events that will allow students to engage in education and dialogue about various issues of equity. Stay tuned for the calendar of events!

    Save the Date: Tuesday, Nov 17 from 2:00 to 4:00p Senior “Friendsgiving”

    If you have a senior, make sure your student marks their calendar for this “not-to-be-missed” event on campus. Senior students can sign up here 

    Adopt-a-Family
    Acalanes Community Outreach is pleased to announce that we will be commencing our annual Adopt-a-Family program in partnership with Families First, a Concord-based organization. All are invited to sign up to adopt individuals and provide wishlist items to make their holiday’s special. You sign up to adopt an individual, shop for them based on their wishlist items and then drop the wrapped presents off at Acalanes on December 11. This is an amazing opportunity for the Acalanes community and an exciting philanthropic partnership. Sign up here

    2020-2021 Clubs
    Club meetings continue this week. Encourage your student to attend even if they missed the first meeting last week. Check out our 45 clubs!

    Save the Date: Wednesday, Dec 2 at 7pm - Women in Leadership #2 with Contra Costa County Deputy Attorney
    Mark your calendar!

    If I can ever do anything to help you or your student, don’t hesitate to reach out!

    Katherine Walton, Student Activities Director

  • Wellness Center

    November 6, 2020

    This last week was a lot, wasn’t it? We had daily open sessions at lunch time for students to visit and we used a “circles” process which comes from the field of restorative justice. It’s a beautiful trend in education that is based on Native American traditions. In this process, there are core values and guidelines and everyone who wants to share responds to a prompt. We all speak from our own experience and we focus on feelings--in the mind, heart, body. There’s no debate or responding, just listening to each other and meeting one another where we’re at. Students talked about being tired, anxious, and uneasy but as folks shared, the atmosphere lightened as it became more connected and everyone felt supported. It’s important to name these things. There’s an expression we love in Restorative Justice circles-- “Everything that is needed is right here”. And that was true this week! Students talked about the need for self-care during difficult times--how to turn off social media and anxious thoughts, how to move our bodies to relieve tension, and how to CONNECT with family and friends when you’re feeling alone or overwhelmed. Another of our favorite tips that several students shared: “When you feel like you don’t have control, make a list and get stuff done!” And last but not least, when you can, take a day off which we’ll all do on Wednesday! 

    Thursday, Nov 19 at 5:30p - “Caring for Oneself & Others”
    Brought to you by the Contra Costa Crisis Center, and CourAge Youth Health Coalition. Register     here to attend online. 

    Allen Choi, Wellness Coordinator
    Casey Sasner, Intake Specialist

    For updates, tips and advice, follow Wellness on Social Media: Instagram @acalaneswellness

  • College & Career

    November 6, 2020

    Saturday, Nov 14 from 9a-1p - Practice ACT Exam
    Live, online, proctored exam, cost: $10. Sign up here.

    Monday, Nov 16 at 5:50p - US Air Force Info Night
    Learn about scholarships, career and internship opportunities, admission requirements and the application process. Register here and check out this flyer for more details.

    Tuesday, Nov 17 from 7-8pm - Junior Parent Naviance Workshop
    Please log in to Wendy Reicher’s Zoom account using your student’s AUHSD Zoom account. Learn about the tools we use to guide your student through the college application process. CODE: 651 363 0875; Password: DONS2021.

    One-on-one Appointments
    Students can book an individual meeting with Ms. Reicher here. Please encourage your student to take advantage regardless of where they are in the process.

    Helpful Links:

    Freshman College Planning
    Sophomore College Planning
    Junior College Planning
    Senior Checklist

    Keep up the good work! 
    Wendy Reicher/College and Career Advisor: wreicher@auhsdschools.org

  • Counseling

    November 6, 2020

    Seniors
    Many seniors have still not ordered official transcripts for college apps or updated their Naviance accounts. Students pay the $5 fee for official transcripts on the webstore. Mrs. Finn, the registrar, will process requests. Documents will be sent electronically through Naviance whenever possible. Please contact Mrs. Finn with questions. Students can review unofficial transcripts in Aeries.

    AP Exam Registration
    AP Registration ends on November 12th! Any student that may be interested in taking AP Exams must be registered in AP Classroom by November 12th - no exceptions. Students then pay on the webstore. Exams need to be paid for by March 10. Contact Hannah Welling hwelling@auhsdschools.org with questions about registration.

    Counselor Appointments
    We love talking to our students! Email is the best way to reach us. Counselors have appointment slots for students and will email them a link for signing up. We are trying to reserve the limited slots outside of class time for students. Parents can schedule a time when students are in class. 

    A- Ed      Anne Schonauer
    Ee-Kr  Christine Todd
    Ku-Ros  Marissa Meadows
    Rot-Z  Susan Martin