Weekly News & Announcements

APC in Action

APC Needs You!
Want to get more involved in doing something positive for our school and students? If so, there is no better way than joining our vast APC Board. From big roles to smaller event driven jobs, APC is looking for parents who want to make a difference and enhance our students' high school experience. Click here to learn more about all the APC roles and how you can possibly get involved next year.
 
Are you able to get involved NOW? APC is looking for a Website Coordinator for the 2023-24 school year who can start learning the ropes from our current coordinator. It’s a fantastic way to learn all things Acalanes. The position requires only 20-30 min a week to make regularly scheduled updates. No previous WordPress experience necessary. If you're interested in this, or any role, please reach out ASAP to Kristen Labrosse, APC Parliamentarian.
 
APC Spring Grant Application Window is Now Open!
We invite all AHS teachers, staff, students, and parents to submit a grant application for programming, materials or projects that enhance the educational experience for our school community; all ideas are welcome. Click here for criteria and application. Completed proposals and questions can be submitted to Nicole Sanders or delivered to the APC Box in the front office before the Friday, Mar 3 deadline.
 
Special Thank You to our APC Hospitality Chairs
Huge shout out to Audra Fraioli and Kari Trimble, APC Hospitality Co-Chairs, for their beautiful homemade snacks for Course Preview & Open House last week. The APC reception and Principal Shawn’s presentation was such a nice way to welcome our incoming Acalanes families.

Celebrate Our Schools

LPIE is excited to invite our entire Lafayette community to celebrate all we have done together to enrich our schools over the last 40 years, as well as the potential of what is to come!

Join us for a festive family night with games and activities for all ages.

Friday, February 10
4:30-7:30pm
Lafayette Park Plaza

Order dinner and drinks from nearby restaurants and food trucks. Enjoy performances by our local Lafayette students, live music from David Martin’s House Party, and hear from dedicated community advocates for our schools. We hope you and your family will join us for this special and significant event.
 
Entry is complimentary; purchase required for restaurants, food trucks, drinks.
 
RSVP here! Guests who register will automatically be entered into a drawing to receive a Valentine’s dinner for two! Must be present to win during the event this Friday, Feb 10.

Parent Education

What: Parents Presentation of Substance-Free Athletics
COMMUNITY NARCAN TRAINING
What: Narcan Training - Free & Open to the Public
When: Monday, Feb 6, 4-6pm
Where: Rainbow Community Center, 2380 Salvio St. Ste 301, Concord, CA 94520
See community flyer for more information.

LAMORINDA SUBSTANCE-FREE ATHLETICS PRESENTATION
What: Parents Presentation of Substance-Free Athletics
When: Tuesday, Feb 7, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Miramonte High School Library AND on Zoom
Register here: Note that you can attend in person or on zoom. Please register using the link no matter which format you plan to attend.
Description:  Substance-Free Athletics (SFA) is a nationally recognized youth prevention program that got its start in the Miramonte community several years ago.
 
AUHSD WELLNESS PARENT EDUCATION
Click here to review the full AUHSD Wellness Parent Education Series for 2023.
 
Recordings of past Wellness Parent Ed events can be viewed on the AUHSD website here. Topics include Depression & Anxiety, The Fentanyl Epidemic, Connecting with Your Teen and more.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

Beyond the Binary: Helping Parents Support Their Kids With Navigating Gender, Tuesday, Feb 7 from 6-7pm over Zoom
This event, brought to us by AUHSD Wellness, will be presented by Rainbow Community Center and you can register here. Watch party? If you are interested in gathering with a small, supportive group to view this webinar, please email us.
 
Black Excellence Month is underway. Student-organized events are taking place throughout the month and all students are welcome to join. For parents, we point you to a letter by Dr. Brent Stephens. It is a good read.
 
Stay in Touch: Click here to join the DEI mailing list, become a guest contributor or  share feedback.

Student Activities

Acalanes celebrates Black Excellence Month! We challenge all from the Acalanes community to get involved, learn something, celebrate and opt in. Students can check out the calendar of events here - encourage your student to attend an event or two!
 
Where will The Force be this week? We’ll be at women’s basketball on Tuesday and Thursday. The FORCE shirts will be for sale at the game along with Dons rally towels. Join us!
 
Student Government 2023-2024
Current 8th graders: Applications are now available and are posted on the Acalanes home page. They are due Monday, Feb 13. Questions? Reach out to Ms. Walton.
 
Looking for Acalanes spiritwear? Our spring spiritwear webstore is now open along with EXCLUSIVE frosh spirit packs for the Class of 2027. Check it all out here.
 
2022-2023 Clubs
We had an amazing spring club day and are so excited for the current 59 active clubs on campus! Encourage your student to check 1 or 2 out. You can view all clubs here.
 
Gratitude Grams
Want to show appreciation to friends, family and staff? Buy a gratitude gram on the webstore filled with fun toys and snacks. Embrace the attitude of gratitude!
 
Calendar of events:
Feb 6 - Feb 13: Valentine Grams on sale (class of 2026 fundraiser)
Feb 7: Class of 2024 Chipotle fundraiser from 4-9pm
Feb 10: Acalanes Community equity lesson in class during academy
Feb 10: Black Student Union, Queer Student Alliance & Feminist Club host a dialogue at lunch in room 507.
Feb 10: Class of 2026 Pizza My Heart fundraiser from 4-10pm
 
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

College & Career

SENIORS

DVC Registration: Please tell your senior to join us during Academy on Wednesday, Feb 15 in the library for a DVC admissions’ presentation and registration details.
 
Cash for College:  Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan invites AD16 residents to a Cash for College Webinar on Feb 9 from 5:30-6:30pm.
The California Student Aid Commission will talk about how and what you need to do apply; deadlines you need to be aware of; and where you can go, online or locally, for help. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.
 
Acalanes College and Career Center Scholarship links. Diablo Valley AssistanceLeague, Rossmoor Scholarship Foundation, and AAUW are also available- large scholarships for students with financial limitations.  Female identifying students, check this Blackhawk Women’s Scholarship.
 
FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is available. The state is asking all seniors to fill out the FAFSA or to opt-out.
 
JUNIORS
 
Interested in Business? Economics for Leaders (EFL) Program is a selective summer program that teaches student leaders how to integrate economics into the process of decision-making in an interactive learning environment.
 
Looking for volunteer hours this spring? Girls on the Run of the Bay Area is recruiting junior coaches for our spring season in Lamorinda!
 
A Healthier Approach to College Admissions: Event sponsored by Challenge Success on Thursday, Mar 9 from 4-5:15pm.
 
1:1 appointments: If you’d like your child to start exploring career interests and begin looking at Naviance, please have them schedule an appointment here.
 
SOPHOMORES/FROSH
 
Interested in Business? Economics for Leaders (EFL) Program is a selective summer program that teaches student leaders how to integrate economics into the process of decision-making in an interactive learning environment.
 
Volunteer Ideas: Have your student come by the CCC so I can learn about their interests. Check out this website for ideas too! It’s best to set a search filter for teens.
 
Please visit our College & Career Counseling website any time for additional information and support.  

Counseling

Counselor assignments are by last name:
A-Em Anne Schonauer  
En-Kr Christine Todd / Christina Castillo-Gallardo during Spring 2023
Ku-Rog Marissa Meadows 
Roh-Z Susan Martin
 
Late Sign Up for AP Exams: Late registration options are still available, but will incur a late fee. Please see here for more details.
 
The CSF application period is open! CSF (California Scholarship Federation) is an honor society and current 10th, 11th and 12th graders are encouraged to apply.  A complete CSF application has 2 parts- an application form and a payment via the webstore. The deadline is Tuesday, Feb 28!  Students who are members for at least 4 semesters, including during senior year, will get a special stole to wear at graduation.   Read the FAQ on the application form and talk to Ms. Schonauer for any clarification.
 
Course Selection Appointments: Last week, counselors met with all 11th and 9th grade students about selecting courses. This week, we will meet with all 10th grade students. Please have your student check their appointment time and come ready with questions and some ideas about classes. Please enter courses in Aeries as well. 

School Nurse

Feeding your family yummy nutritious meals helps support EVERYTHING about their health–mental, physical, emotional. So it will ALSO support their academic success! Some good recipes:

• Lemon herb tofu: Tofu is nutritious, versatile, cheap and easy to cook. This will also combine well with ginger orange broccoli noodles.
• Red lentil soup is great during these colder winter months!

Substance use prevention:

• Keep your home safe: Lock Your Meds
• Have family dinner
• Know where your kids are
• Spend regular time together

What else would you like to see on my website?

Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org
925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurse

Wellness Center

Resilience is defined by the Oxford dictionary as the ability to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties. Let’s be honest, this is one of the most valuable skills that one can have in life. While suffering in life is inevitable, resilience allows us to move past it, and even capitalize on it, by fostering personal growth. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are hoping to develop resilience within your AHS student or yourself:

Self Awareness - being in tune with oneself increases our ability to understand our emotions and act in accordance with what aligns with our values. Ultimately, this reduces inner conflict which reduces suffering.
Mindfulness - taking in the present moment for solely what it is creates a space in which we may feel more in control of ourselves. Instead of passing judgment, take a deep breath and consider what decisions can be made to achieve our desired outcome.
Self Care - if we are not taking care of ourselves (exercising, eating, recreating, etc.) suffering increases. Consider the fact that sleep is now viewed as one of the strongest health indicators.
Community - humans are extremely social creatures. Creating meaningful, healthy connections with others can help lessen the negative effects of suffering. Sharing personal experiences with people you trust can increase resilience.
Purpose - this point goes along with self-awareness. Finding purpose in what we do with our lives has the potential to be grounding  when times get tough.
 
Kiara Thomas-Wellness Intake Specialist

Performing Arts

Accolades for Acalanes Jazz Band Students
Huge congratulations to the Acalanes Jazz Ensemble and the Acalanes Jazz Combo for their award-winning performances at the 34th Annual Folsom Jazz Festival held on Saturday, Jan 28. This event is one of the largest jazz competitions in California with middle school and high school jazz bands, vocal jazz choirs, and jazz combos from all over Northern California participating.

The Acalanes Jazz Combo of Lucas Chow, Tommy Gallagher, Nathan Joseph, and Spencer Tantameng took top honors with 1st place in the Combos A Division.
Acalanes Jazz Ensemble received an impressive 4th place in the Band A Division, directed by Laura Gibson.

Congrats again to our amazing students!

LPIE

Tom Mulvaney Legacy Award: NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
 LPIE is proud to announce a call for nominations for the Tom Mulvaney Legacy Award to honor those individuals, families, or businesses who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the LPIE mission.
 
CRITERIA

1. Displays leadership skills that inspire others. Helps create a vision for the future and helps others understand their role in achieving that vision.
2. Models excellence in everything they do.
3. Embodies LPIE’s mission to support and enrich the education of every child in the Lafayette public schools.
4. Has demonstrated a continuing commitment of their time, treasure, or energy to further LPIE’s mission.

Nominations are due by Tuesday, Feb 14 at midnight. The winner will be announced Saturday, Mar 25 at LPIE's Masquerade Gala. Questions? Contact office@lpie.org or (925) 299-1644.

 
Project LPIE is back for a 10th year at Acalanes! Learn more here and encourage your students to register. Project LPIE is an annual event that highlights Acalanes High School students for their project-based learning in 13 categories both within and outside the classroom. This is a great way for AHS students to showcase their talents and a nice addition for college applications.
 
Questions? Please contact Andrea Hilsabeck or Michele Colaco
Follow us on Instagram or visit www.lpie.org

Sports

BOOSTER BASH Tickets on Sale Now!!!

Girls basketball
Tuesday, Feb 7 host Northgate HS. JV at 4pm and Varsity at 5:30pm.
Thursday, Feb 9 host Miramonte HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Saturday, Feb 11 host Campolindo HS. JV at 1:30pm and Varsity at 3pm.
 
Boys basketball
Tuesday, Feb 7 At Northgate HS. Frosh at 4:30pm, JV at 6pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Thursday, Feb 9 at Miramonte HS. Frosh at 4:30pm, JV at 6pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Saturday, Feb 11 at Campolindo HS. Frosh at 4pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
 
Girls soccer
Tuesday, Feb 7 host Clayton Valley Charter HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
 
Boys soccer
Tuesday, Feb 7 at Clayton Valley Charter HS. Frosh at 3:30pm, JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
 
Wrestling
Saturday, Feb 11 DAL Championship at Clayton Valley Charter HS.
 
The winter sport schedules will be found on the AHS website by clicking here.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Randy Takahashi at rtakahashi@auhsdschools.org or Haley Walsh at hwalsh@auhsdschools.org.