Principal's Message
Dear Acalanes High School Community,
It is hard to believe that the end of 2009 is quickly approaching and we find ourselves days away from the winter break. Our students and staff are looking forward to a wonderful break and enjoying two weeks with their family and friends.
I would like to thank all of you for your support and dedication to making Acalanes such a great school. As we look back on the first few months of the school year, there is much to be proud of. Our students continue to perform academically at exceptionally high levels. Acalanes performing arts; drama, vocal and instrumental music have put on wonderful performances for the school and the community. Our fall athletes have had a great season, with the water polo boys taking the DFAL league title and placing 2nd in the NCS. Our girls cross country has placed 10th in the state. The winter sports athletes have had a highly successful start and we hope you come and support them as they begin their league competitions. We have had several winners in the county visual art competitions and our school has recently been awarded a Silver Medal by the US News and World Report. Despite the challenging economic reality, Acalanes students and staff continue to give us reasons to be very proud of our school and its accomplishments.
Currently the Leadership class has involved the school in the "Adopt a Family" program. Students throughout the school have been participating in the program where they have an opportunity to give to the less fortunate. It has been wonderful to see so many students and teachers involved with this activity.
As we look to the new year, unfortunately we are facing a gloomy economic state. The district office has presented the first interim budget report with predicted $2.6 million dollar shortfall in 2010-2011 school year. The district and the schools will be faced with difficult decisions where to make these reductions. AUHSD district website now offers a link with the current budget and negotiations updates. All community members are encouraged to visit the link and stay informed on the current budgetary news.
We will be holding our Friday Forum on Friday, Jan. 8th where I will share the current progress on our school goals. We will also hear from the counseling department. This is a great opportunity to obtain answers to any questions you may have with regards to the current budget state. We hope to see many of you there.
Thank you again for your continuous support. Please enjoy your time off with your family and friends while relaxing and rejuvenating your spirits.
Happy Holidays!
Aida Glimme |
| President's Message
Wasn't it just yesterday that we were talking about Dons Days and complaining about the heat? Here we are a few days from winter break already! I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and healthy holiday season. Thank you for all that you have done to support our Acalanes family. Best wishes for a very happy 2010!
Now for the somber news...We are looking at a $2.6 million decrease in funding from the State for 2010-2011 (another $2.6 million loss for 2011-2012). As mandated by law, the District has completed it's First Interim Budget Report. The District is projecting the loss of 16 teachers, nine non-classroom positions, and six support staff positions.
Beginning the week of January 18th AUHSD will begin a series of budget meetings which will be open to the public. I would encourage each of you to attend and hear what is in store for us and how we can help. With that in mind, I would like to solicit your thoughts, ideas and opinions on our budget situation. Our first Friday Forum for 2010 will be on Jan. 8th at 8:30am. We would welcome your input during this time.
Please be sure to read the article below submitted by Bonny Griebstein. You will find some very useful and informative links there.
Warmest regards,
Astrida Lalor
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| Legislative News
AUHSD Budget/ Legislative Team Update
The AUHSD has projected $2.6 million in reductions for the 2010-2011 school year, due to reduced state funding. Click here for the Superintendent's Budget Report projecting the number of staff positions which could be reduced.
The District is legally required to balance their budget. That can be done by either making cuts or increasing revenue. For the chart of "Comparative Funding of High Performing Districts", ($ per student of 9 Districts including AUHSD) click here.
Lastly, there will be public information sessions regarding budget priorities during the week of Jan. 18th-21st. The District will have more information at that time from the Governor's Proposed Budget expected during early January. Stay tuned for updates from the District at http://www.acalanes.k12.ca.us/supnews/updates/ .
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| Student Activities
Winter Week has come to Acalanes. There is a slight chance of snow, but a high probability of fun! Wednesday at lunch there will be ornament decorating and students can write letters to Saint Nick himself. Thursday, Santa is coming! Pictures with Santa will be in the front and back quads, and don't forget to get some ugly sweaters out, Thursday is ugly sweater day. Also, remember to bring money for Adopt-a-family, an organization that chooses families with low income to provide necessary gifts and holiday cheer. Third period classes will be collecting money and purchasing gifts throughout the week, help support a great effort. Finally on Friday there will be a school-wide wrapping party to wrap all of the presents.
Happy Holidays! |
Chorus and Band News
2010 Contra Costa All-County Honor Band
Congratulations to the following nine Acalanes High School musicians
for being selected to the 2010 Contra Costa All-County Honor Band. The
Honor Band will be performing at the Campolindo High School Performing
Arts Center on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 at 7:30pm. The Guest Conductor
this year is Dr. Frank Tracz of Kansas State University. The Honor Band
this year numbers 85 musicians representing 16 county high school
instrumental music programs.
Esther Hsu - Flute
John Kirkland - Clarinet
Brenden Buller - Bass Clarinet
Aaron Pressman - Trumpet
Angela Falk - Trombone
Paul Strong - Euphonium
Ben Zucker - Euphonium
Scotty McCormick - Tuba
James Prinzi - Percussion
Choral Winter Concert
Please join the choirs of Acalanes High School for their 2009 Winter Concert, "Starry Nights" on Dec. 17th at 7:30pm in the PAC. We will be presenting a concert programmed around the themes of Stars, the Moon, and Night. The concert will feature a new piece commissioned for Bella Voce and Chamber Singers entitled, "Awake" by Eric Barnum. You will also have the opportunity to hear the premiere performances of three new groups in our choral program; Contemporary A Cappella Project (formerly Vocal Jazz), ManChoir (formerly Barbershop Chorus) and the Innuendos, a student run all male decatet. The House will open both nights at 7pm for General Admission seating. Suggested donations are: $5 for adults, $3 for seniors 60 and older and $3 for ACBI donors for up to four adult admissions. Don't miss this opportunity to kick off the Holiday Season.
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College and Career Center
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA, may be completed as early as January 1, 2010. To apply go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and follow their guidelines. Check each school's financial aid requirements for deadlines and additional forms, such as the Financial Aid Profile, that may be needed.
The District Financial Aid Night is January 20, 2010 at the Las Lomas Theater at 7:00. The speaker, Stanford financial aid officer, Mary Morrison, will provide an overview on the FAFSA.
I am available in the C&CC for students who want help with the Common App or private school applications. On Dec. 17th College Week Live is presenting a live "chat" on the Common App from 4:00-5:00 our time. Go to www.collegeweeklive.com .
Register for SAT's online at www.collegeboard.com or for ACT at www.actstudent.org
Happy Holidays!
College and Career Advisor
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| Fundraising
We are sure you have familiarized yourselves with the budget shortfalls we are facing again for the next two years.
Thank you to everyone who has donated so far this year as well as all the Corporate Matching gifts. Remember to think EScrip, One Cause, AHS Spirit Wear, Wall of Bricks, Susan Foord etc. and find any way to give back to the Acalanes Parents Club during this holiday season. If you haven't ordered your holiday cards, don't forget that Shutterfly will give 10% back to Acalanes. Anything you can do to be creative is greatly appreciated by our students and staff.
We need you now more than ever!
Anne Bone and Ann Baer
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Class of 2013
A Holiday Greeting to the Families of the Class of 2013,
Wishing you a beautiful holiday season and a happy new year of peace and happiness. Enjoy the break!
Your Freshman Class Liaisons
P.S. - The Freshman class will be responsible for concessions at an upcoming basketball game in January 2010 and will also be working on ideas for a fundraiser in the spring. If you have any great ideas, please contact any one of us. _______________________________________________________________________________
Questions? Contact your Class of 2013 Liaisons:
Kim Greer kvgreer@yahoo.com
Amy Goodheart heart39@comcast.net
Bonnie Cornell bonnie_cornell@comcast.net
Patty Gonser bpgonser@comcast.net
Link to class of 2013...
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Class of 2012
_____________________________________________________________________________
Questions? Contact your Class of 2012 Liaisons:
Dawn Lynn Lanier dllanier@comcast.net
Kim Figone kimfigone@ebsan.com
Meg McNiece mmcniece@gmail.com
Richard Whitmore richard.whitmore@gmail.com
Link to Class of 2012... |
Class of 2011
Oh, the Juniors at home are stressful,
But we feel very blessful,
Let it slow, let it slow, let it slow.
It doesn't show signs of stopping,
But we've got some time for flopping,
The days we can rest you know,
Let it slow, let it slow, let it slow.
When we finally enjoy the time,
How we'll hate for it to end,
But if we really hold them tight,
Our kids may begin to mend.
The time is really flying,
And, my friends, it's a bit trying,
But as long as we love them so,
They will grow, they will grow, they will grow.
Enjoy your two weeks off!
Class of 2011 Liaisons
_________________________________________________________________________ Questions? Contact your Class of 2011 Liaisons:
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Class of 2010
_________________________________________________________________
Questions? Contact your Class of 2010 Liaisons:
Rhonda Andronico at rhondaandronico@yahoo.com
Kim Fowler at torch40@aol.com
Al Maggio at albert.maggio@kp.org
Ellen Whittom at ewhittom@comcast.net
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| LASF
LASF and the Library
Back in the planning stages of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, we had reserved space to move our LASF offices into the new building. At the time this decision was made, our requirements for office space were small. In the intervening years since that decision, our LASF operations have grown and the space we had reserved at the Library turned out to be too small for our needs. In late October as we began preparations to make the move, we realized that no amount of "closet cleaning and de-cluttering" would get our office size reduced enough to fit into the Library space. With real disappointment, the LASF board voted NOT to move as the change might impede day to day operations and limit our growth. So we will stay in our office just a few short blocks away from the Library. Our two organizations will continue to be good neighbors and good partners in community service.
Reserve Saturday, January 30th on Your New 2010 Calendars
On Saturday, Jan. 30th, LASF is hosting our major fundraising party for the year with the theme a "Starry, Starry Night". Tickets are $75 per person and include a hosted bar, souvenir drink glass and appetizers. We are planning a relaxed, casual and fun event at the Veterans Memorial Building where you can join your friends to celebrate our schools, community and children.
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| Acalanes Sports
Last week, the soccer teams opened DFAL play. The girls defeated Dublin HS and Las Lomas HS to run their overall record to 5-0 and 2-0 in the DFAL. The boys split defeating Las Lomas HS, but falling to Dublin HS raising their record to 5-1. The wrestling team also opened DFAL action, but was defeated by Campolindo HS. The boys basketball team opened the week with a victory over San Rafael HS, then suffered three defeats to Deer Valley HS, St. Patrick's HS, and James Logan HS at the Chris Vontoure Memorial Classic at De La Salle HS. The girls basketball team dropped a close game to San Marin HS.
This week, the boys soccer team plays Wednesday at Berkeley HS, with JV at 4:30 and varsity at 6:00, and host Campolindo HS on Friday, with JV at 4:15 and varsity at 6:15. The girls soccer team plays at Amador Valley HS on Wednesday, with JV at 4:00 and varsity at 6:00, and at Campolindo on Friday, with JV at 4:15 and varsity at 6:15. The boys basketball team will feast on home cooking this week. Thursday, they host San Ramon Valley HS, with JV at 5:30 and varsity at 7:00. Saturday, they host Kennedy of Richmond, with JV at 5:00 and varsity at 6:30. The girls basketball team plays at Hayward HS, with JV at 12:00 and varsity at 1:30. The wrestling team continues DFAL action on Thursday hosting Las Lomas HS at 6:00.
Spring sports begin Monday, Feb. 8th. It is never too early to complete your athletic clearance. Go to www.logiforms.com/formdata/user_forms/18563_4921855/72765/ to complete the athletic clearance. Have your student submit all forms to me in room 207 at the following times: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:30 to 7:50, and Monday through Friday at brunch and lunch.
Save Saturday, May 15th to attend the 2010 Booster Bash.
Randy Takahashi
Athletic Director |
| From The School Nurse
Thank you to all the Acalanes Lafayette Reservoir Runners! Acalanes earned 10% of the runners' entrance fees who checked the AHS box, totaling a $874 profit! Thank you also to all the Acalanes students and parents who were volunteer workers at the event.
H1N1 Flu Vaccine Priority Groups Have Been Expanded
More than 130,000 doses of H1N1 flu vaccine have been delivered to providers (including Kaiser, hospitals, Public Health, community clinics, pediatricians, ob/gyns and family practice doctors) throughout Contra Costa. Everyone is encouraged to check first with their health care providers to get H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine. Vaccine is being distributed by the state directly to providers who have ordered the vaccine. Certain priority groups will be eligible to receive H1N1 vaccine at our Community Flu clinics. We will continue to receive regular shipments of vaccine, and it is expected that there will eventually be enough for everyone who wants to receive it. We appreciate your patience as we undertake this effort and will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available.
Vaccinations will be available in Lafayette at the OLD library:
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Mondays, Dec. 14, 21 and 28 - noon to 4pm
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Tuesdays, Dec. 15, 22 and 29 - 9am to 4pm
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Wednesdays, Dec. 16, 23 and 30 - 9am to 4pm
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Thursday, Dec. 17 - 9am to 4pm
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Friday, Dec. 18 - 9am to 4pm
7th Annual Get Real Academy
7th Annual Get Real Academy, presented by Soroptimist International, is a life-skills conference for 12th grade girls focusing on life after high school. Seminars throughout the day will include such topics as money management, women's health, domestic and workplace violence issues, insurance, legal advice, and job search tips. Sign-ups are now being taken and responses are needed immediately to secure spots in this program.
Date and location: March 1, 8:00am - 2:00 p.m.; Boundary Oak Golf Club, Walnut Creek
See School Nurse Dvora Citron for more information.
To sign-up, go to:
My best wishes to the entire Acalanes community for a very healthy and happy holiday season. Please check out my Blackboard website for lots of health resources to help nourish your health and the health of your loved ones. Looking forward to seeing everyone in 2010!
Dvora Citron
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Community Events
Contra Costa Library Hours Shortened During Winter Break
Due to County budget cuts and holidays, all Contra Costa County Library locations will be closed from Wednesday, Dec. 23rd through Sunday, Dec. 27th and from Thursday, Dec. 31st through Sunday, Jan. 3rd.
Due dates for all items will be extended so that no materials will need to be returned between Saturday, Dec. 19th and Monday, Jan. 4th. During the closure, all book drops will be closed.
The Contra Costa County Library website ( ccclib.org) will remain open during the closures so that customers can continue to access online services such as downloadable audiobooks, eBooks, and electronic articles and will be able to place holds. All locations will reopen with regular hours on Monday, Jan. 4th. Due to the extended closure, longer periods of processing time are anticipated that may affect the length of time it takes to check items in and to fill holds. Consult the library locations and hours page for further information about your local community library. _________________________________________________________
Friends Corner Book Shop
Searching for the perfect gift for your favorite teachers and aides this holiday season? Did you know the Friends of the Lafayette Library (FLL) receives thousands of books each month to sell in their book shop? Did you know gently used children and adult titles at the Friends Corner Book Shop sell for a fraction of book store prices? A gift certificate purchased for your favorite teacher or aide will allow them to stock their classroom bookshelves or pick up great reads to enjoy over the holiday break. Gift certificates are available at the Lafayette FRIENDS Corner Book Shop at First Street and Golden Gate Way. For more information, see our website at friendscornerbookshop.com and consider giving a gift certificate this year! ____________________________________________________
Lafayette Boy Scout Troop 224 Christmas Tree Lot
For over 25 years Lamorinda has supported Lafayette's Boy Scout Troop 224 by purchasing their Christmas tree from the Troop. This year the Troop opened their Christmas Tree Lot on November 27th. The Tree Lot is located at Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Risa Road. (Next to the Veteran's Building).
LOT HOURS ARE 9AM - 9PM DAILY
The Troop receives several shipments throughout the Holiday season directly from a tree farm in Oregon, thus providing the freshest trees available. All the profits support the operations of Troop 224.
Thank you for your continued support, and we hope to see you at the tree lot.
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| Classified Ads
Tutors, college advisors, carpoolers, sellers and renters advertise with APC The classified page of the Acalanes Parents Club website is a great way to advertise not only for business but for personal use too. You can advertise to sell an item, rent a timeshare or cabin, look for carpools, kid sitters, pet sitters, etc. Please contact Lucie Paladino at luciepaladino@sbcglobal.net to place your ad. The cost is 50 cents per word per month and all proceeds go to the Acalanes High School Parents Club. Thank you for your support.
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Quick Links
email: ahspc@hotmail.com
web: http://www.acalanesparents.org
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