President's Message
Vote Yes on Measure A: The state's continuing financial crisis is forcing our
district to make severe budget cuts (see Explaining Our High School District's Budget Crisis for a clear and concise
explanation). Measure A, the
emergency mail-in ballot parcel tax, would raise $4M needed to avoid these cuts. Scroll down or visit www.AboutMeasureA.org for more information
~Astrida Lalor
President
Acalanes Parents Club
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Measure A
Measure A would raise
nearly $4M to avoid severe cuts at Acalanes High School
Emergency mail-in parcel
tax ballot, to arrive in early April, must be mailed by April 28th
Our award-winning high school
district has managed to remain #1 in the state despite three years of budget
cuts. The state's continuing financial crisis is forcing our district to make
even more significant changes.
Without passage of Measure A by a two-thirds majority, all students will
be impacted via:
· Severe loss of science, foreign language, English
social studies, arts and math classes
· Elimination of 50 teaching positions and associated
academic programs, including AP electives
· Reduction from a seven-period to six-period school
day for all students
· Curtailed counseling and college preparatory
resources
Everyone needs to do all
they can. Be sure to read Superintendent John Stockton's message
on how our teachers have contributed to cost-saving measures.
At $112 per parcel (less
than 31 cents per day), Measure A is
a temporary response to this immediate funding crisis. It will sunset in five years, and
offers an exemption for residents age 65 and older. 100% of Measure A funds
go directly to classrooms and the support kids get from librarians and
counselors.
For more information, contact
ewhittom@comcast.net.
For more information, go to www.AboutMeasureA.org
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Student Activities
It's that time of the month, Communications video/schedule this
Thursday. The video will inform students of the events going on around
campus like the Spring Dance is this Friday 7:30-10:30! The theme is
Wild Wild West and tickets will be sold for $5 throughout the week.
Remember that even if you have an ASB card, you still MUST pick up a
ticket at school. New to this year, we will be decorating the halls for
International Night! Anyone and everyone should come to the Acalanes
Senior Deck on Sunday 10am-4pm in order to help unify the school with
international decorations and spread cultural diversity. Come be a part
of an amazing new tradition!
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Community Service
Community Service hours are due Wednesday, April 14th.
Please check the AHS website for verification forms, guidelines
and plenty of service opportunities sponsored by the AHS Leadership class as
well as the Volunteer Center of Contra Costa County. Service Projects
range from the Special Olympics and the Pleasant Hill Library to Walnut
Creek Open Space and the Bay Area Rescue Mission. No late forms will be
accepted beyond the April 14th deadline. Please email ahscommunityservice@acalanes.k12.ca.us
with any questions.
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Music and Arts
The Acalanes DramaDons are celebrating Spring the old fashioned way...We're cleaning. We have tons of old stuff in our many closets and it's time for us to reorganize and consolidate. To that end, we're having a Rummage sale on Saturday, March 20th from 8am to 3pm in the Acalanes Drama Room. We are going to be selling all sorts of items that we no longer have space for. Costumes Furniture Books and Scripts Records Odds and Ends Knick Knacks All proceeds go to the Acalanes Drama Depatment. Come on out and support a good cause! Thank so much! ~Ed Meehan - Drama Teacher
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Counseling Notes
Progress
Reports:
The third quarter progress reports will be mailed home on Friday, March 12th.
Summer
School: Summer School registration information is
available on the district website ( www.acalanes.k12.ca.us/summerschool
). Summer School will be limited
to remediation this year. There
are not any classes offered for advancement.
Course
Selection: During the third quarter counselors are
meeting individually with juniors to review course choices for next year,
graduation status, and college plans. We are also reviewing freshman and sophomore course choices. Freshmen and sophomores may
request an appointment with their counselor to discuss their course selections
if they have questions. Final decisions on course requests must be made the
middle of March, prior to spring break.
Course
descriptions are in the catalog available on the district website http://www.acalanes.k12.ca.us/curriculum/distcoursecat/DistCourseCat.pdf
STAR
TESTING
All
ninth, tenth, and eleventh graders will take the STAR test the week of April 19th. More details will follow regarding the
exact days and times for STAR testing. ________________________________________________________________________________
Once again this year, the CSU system is encouraging high
school juniors who are considering attending a CSU school to take the Early
Assessment Program (EAP). The EAP consists of an essay that will be
administered on March 10th and an additional 15 multiple choice
questions to be answered at the end of the English and Math STAR tests in
April. (Note: if your student opts to take the essay portion, they will need to
take the additional multiple choice questions as well during STAR testing.)
A letter will be sent home with your student with
information about the test. If your student is considering attending a college
in the California State University system, they are encouraged to sign up to
take the essay portion of the test, which is on March 10th from 7:30
- 8:30 A.M. in the cafeteria (note that this is a late start morning, so
students will not miss class). Taking the test now is free. Should your student
not take the test now but decide to attend a CSU college, they will need to pay
for the test. If your Student is interested, please remind them to sign up
on the clipboard in the Counseling office. Deadline is March 4th.
If you have questions, please contact Terri Humann, Acalanes
Testing Technician.
Here is a link for the AP Registration information. http://acalanes.acalanes.k12.ca.us/bbcswebdav/courses/ahs_counseling/AP%20Information.pdf
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College and Career Center
The outreach coordinator from DVC will visit the C&CC on
Thursday, March 18 at 10:00 to present an overview of the steps to attending
DVC in the fall. The following
Tuesday, March 23, seniors can take the DVC assessment in math and English at
Acalanes at 3:00 in the computer lab.
Students must complete the online DVC application prior to taking the
assessment test at www.dvc.edu. Please sign
up for the March 18 meeting and the March 23 assessment in the C&CC.
Juniors who plan
to apply to four year colleges should register for the SAT or ACT with Writing at
the websites below this spring. The UC's also require two subject tests in
different areas as part of their admission requirements. Always check testing requirements of
all schools on your list.
Joan Karr
College and Career Advisor
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Class of 2011
We are continuing to request soda donations from Junior Parents for the
Junior Prom coming up in April. We are looking for cases of Coke, Diet
Coke, Sprite, Diet Sprite and Root Beer. please email Pais Barton at paisabar@gmail.com
to let her know what beverage you'd like to supply for the students.
We are keeping a list of the soda donations that will be collected
closer to the date of the Prom. Thanks for your support!! _______________________________________________________________________________ Questions? Contact your Class of 2011 Liaisons:
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Class of 2010
ATTENTION
SENIORS/PARENTS: We've changed the Grad Night authorization form in
two important ways so EVERYONE needs to sign a new one. Grad Night
runs till 4am (not the time initially listed) plus we've added great
games and activities, and our new form reflects these important
changes. Even if you've already completed the form, you MUST do it
again (really). No one can be admitted without the form on file,
signed by the student and both parents. Here's the form, ready to download. You can also find a copy in the main
office at school or on the parents club or grad night websites.
You
may return the signed form to the main office in the box marked "Grad
Night," or you may bring it with you to the All Senior Parent Meeting
for Grad Night on April 21st at 7pm in the Acalanes Cafeteria.
As an alternative you may mail it to: Lori Franzke 3972 S Peardale Dr Lafayette
______________________________________________________________________________
SENIOR PARENTS:
HOW ARE YOU HELPING WITH GRAD NIGHT?
Let's all work together to put on a safe and fun Grad Night for our seniors. ALL senior parents should plan to help out with Grad Night. We have lots of exciting and entertaining positions still available, including: --Help with photography team --Coordinate the memory slide show -- a real highlight of the night! --Lead outdoor games --Provide food and beverage service (no cooking required!) We have many shifts throughout the night, so volunteer early, because the 8:30pm time slots are filling up! Visit the Grad Night website at http://acalanesgrad10.weebly.com/volunteers.html to see a list of available positions, or contact Ardice Hartry-Covey at ardicehartry@yahoo.com or 925.962-9739 to volunteer now! Help make our Seniors' Grad Night Great!______________________________________________________________________________ Please make sure you have the following i mportant dates marked on your calendars: Senior Ball -- Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 7:00 -11:30 p.m. at the Bentley Reserve in San Francisco. Time of Reflection -- Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church Graduation -- Friday, June 11, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. at Acalanes Grad Night -- immediately following Graduation until early a.m. on Saturday, June 12, 2010 ______________________________________________________________________________ Questions? Contact your Class of 2010 Liaisons:
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LASF
What Can LASF Do Next Year? The Answer Depends on You!
As state funding shrinks, our schools become more reliant on
the fundraising and volunteer efforts of parent organizations and our education
foundation, LASF. Our success depends on you...your donations, of
course, but also your volunteer efforts. We are recruiting volunteers at
every school site for next year and we would love to have your help.
Would you be interested in being
a Donation Day representative or Phonathon caller? Do you have graphic
design, photography or writing skills that you can offer? We have all
sorts of volunteer jobs of varying size and requiring various skills. To
learn more, please contact our your LASF High School Representative
Chris McCann at cmccann@ci.danville.ca.us or LASF
Recruitment Chair, Mary Bakos mlbakos@yahoo.com
Are there any open spots on your social calendar?
If so, we have a suggestion ....sign up parties! Don't miss the raucous fun of the
"Masquerade Madness" Halloween Party sponsored by several Acalanes
parents and featuring the rock band OPM (Other People's Money). How
about a night relaxing with "Moms, Mai Tais and Movies" or a
"May Fashion Lunch"? For kids there are swim parties, rocket
launches and a brass musicians' clinic. Sign up and buy tickets at
our website www.lasf.org Spaces are
limited so sign up with your friends now!
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Acalanes Sports
Spring sports action is gaining momentum. The boys
tennis team started DFAL action with a 6-3 victory over Dublin HS. The
boys lacrosse team split this week defeating Granite Bay HS and falling in
overtime to Piedmont HS. The girls lacrosse team dropped their game to
Foothill HS. The baseball team lost a close game to Northgate HS.
The swimming team split with San Ramon Valley HS, with the boys earning a
victory and the girls coming up short.
This
week the Spring competitive schedule increases. The swim team opens DFAL
competition at Dublin HS on Thursday at 3:45. The diving team hosts
Berkeley HS at Campolindo HS at 4:30. The baseball team plays at Antioch
HS on Wednesday at 3:30 before starting play in the Dougherty Valley Classic on
Saturday. The softball team hosts Berean Christian HS on Thursday at
4:00. The track & field team competes in the Dan Gabor Invitational
at Amador Valley HS on Friday and Saturday. The boys lacrosse team hosts
Redwood HS Friday, with jv at 5:00 and varsity at 7:00. The girls
lacrosse team plays at California HS Friday, with jv at 5:30 and varsity at
7:00. The boys volleyball team has their first match of the season at
Kennedy HS of Fremont Friday at 6:00. The boys golf team has matches
against Northgate HS at Rossmoor GC Wednesday at 3:30, and Dublin HS at San
Ramon GC Thursday at 3:00.
If
you still need to complete your athletic clearance go to www.logiforms.com/formdat/user_forms/18563_4921855/72765/,
complete the entire online process, and submit the necessary forms to Coach
Takahashi. Students may submit the forms in room 207 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,
and Friday from 7:30 to 7:50am, or Monday through Friday at brunch and lunch.
The Acalanes Booster Sports Bash will be Saturday, May 15th. All are
welcome. You do not need to be the parent of an Acalanes athlete to attend
and participate. This year promises to be as much fun if not more than
last year. Tickets are $65 per person. For tickets or more
information call Mike Bloom at 284-7625, or Susana Maron at 962-9566.
Randy Takahashi
Athletic Director |
From The School Nurse
Red Watch
Band Training - Spring 2010
The Red Watch Band movement
is designed to end alcohol overdose deaths by teaching students how to handle
alcohol emergencies and summon professional help.
The Spring
2010 Acalanes Red Watch Band Training will take place on Saturday, April 17,
2010 and Sunday, April 18, 2010.
This program will be taught by Dvora Citron, Acalanes
School Nurse, and Chris Clark, Acalanes Athletic Trainer and ROP Sports Medicine
Teacher. Students interested in participating in the Spring 2010
Red Watch Band Training, please sign up at the following LinkFor more information, please see the School Nurse Blackboard website below.
Dvora Citron
Acalanes School Nurse
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Parent Education
Eating Disorders: Prevention and Early Recognition.
"Is your daughter at risk for anorexia?"
Presented by Alta Bates Summit Medical Center Community Outreach and
Education
The event will be held in the Joaquin Moraga Library from 7-8:30 PM on March 10th.
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Challenge Success
Challenge Success Parent Coffee - Monday, 3/15
How's the stress level
in your home these days? Come and share your concerns, observations
and ideas at a parent coffee on Monday 3/15 from 8:30-10:30am at 3950
N. Peardale Drive. You do not have to come for the whole time -
drop-ins are always welcome. We only need an rsvp to determine the
right amount of coffee. To RSVP or for info contact either Denise
Murphy, ddmurphy@sbcglobal.net or Susan Schoenrock, ssarock@comcast.net. Hope to see you
there:-)
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Community Events
Wanted: Friendly Families interested in sharing their American lifestyle and learning about another culture.
CCI exchange students are:
Boys and girls, ages 15-18 years old
Here for 5 or 10 month programs or just a few weeks in the summer.
Thoroughly screened and proficient in English
Eager to experience life in America and share their culture
Individually matched to your family's interests
Prepared to assume responsibilities of daily life
A CCI host family provides:
A separate bed and a quiet place to study
Daily meals with the family
Local transportation
Open communication, encouragement and sound advice
Treatment as a member of the family (including chores, rules, privileges)
CCI provides:
· 25 years experience as a non-profit international exchange organization
· Local representative to assist you the entire length of the stay
· Full insurance coverage
· Dedication to the promotion of cultural understanding, environmental consciousness, and world peace.
Contact: www.cci-exchange.org or your local CCI Area representatives at: diabloexchangestudents@yahoo.com
____________________________________________________________
Fundraiser for Haiti Relief
E-Waste Recycle
Where: Bentley High School 1000 Upper Happy Valley Rd Lafayette, CA
When: Saturday, March 27th 9:00AM to 2:00PM
ELECTRONIC ITEMS ACCEPTED
Televisions Monitors Computers Computer Components
Fax Machines Printers Toner Cartridges Telephone Equipment
VCR's & DVD's Cell Phones Microwaves Video Game Systems
Audio/Vis. Equip. & More!
Please keep these items out of our landfill!!
PLEASE - NO Household Appliances, Furniture, Fluorescent Bulbs, or Paint.
For More Info:
WWW.NOEWASTE.COM
Toll Free: (866) 335-3373
______________________________________________________________________________
Sweet Thursday at the Lafayette Library
The Friends of the Lafayette
Library "Sweet Thursday" series welcomes Christine Carter, author of
RAISING HAPPINESS: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents.
Carter, the Executive Director of UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center,
draws on psychology, sociology and neuroscience, as well as her own experiences
as a parent, to show that happiness (as in confident, kind, mindful and
creative) is a learned behavior and that it's never too late to help our kids,
not to mention ourselves, be happy. Thursday March 11 at 7:30 pm in the
Community Hall at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. For more
information, http://www.lafayettelib.com.___________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Earnest is coming! Thursday, February 25, marks the first preview of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest at
Town Hall Theatre Company. Director Susannah Martin has taken this
brilliant Victorian comedy and spiced it up with a splash of 1920's
charm and flare. The Importance of Being Earnest runs February 25 to
March 27. Teen Actors Guild shadow cast will perform on March 14 and
March 21 at 7pm. For tickets, contact the Town Hall Theatre Box Office
at 925.283.1557 or purchase online at www.townhalltheatre.com
_______________________________________________________________________________
EVENTS at the Lafayette Library
CALIFORNIA ARTS & CRAFTS MOVEMENT Explore the evolution of this 20th Century art form with Associate Curator Julie Muniz. Wednesday Mar. 17th 7:30-9:00 PM Location: Community Hall at LLLC Teens, Adults - No fee Sponsored by Oakland Museum
consortium@lafayettelib.com
Friends of the Lafayette Library Bookmark
Contest
Artists Wanted!
Enter the Friends of the
Library Bookmark Contest beginning March 1st ending March 24th. Forms are available at the Lafayette Library or your school
library. Please submit your entry form to your school library or the Lafayette Library. Winners will be notified
Monday, March 29th and an Award Ceremony will take place on Tuesday,
April 13th at 6:30pm. _______________________________________________________________________________
TEEN
ADVENTURE
Sea Scout
Seafarer's
Regatta
Saturday
March 27th
Teens!
Get ready to rock at the 30th Annual Seafarer's Regatta in Martinez.
Hundreds of Sea Scouts will be cruising in & driving in
from all over the Bay Area to compete in various physical and intellectual
events such as rope climb, breeches buoy, heaving line, compass, knots, sailing
recognition, engineering quiz, ring buoy, bosun's chair, scuttlebutt,
marlinspike, dinghy race, radio communications and more.
Event will be held Saturday March 27th at the Sea Scout Base in Martinez,
225 North Court St. in Waterfront Park. Daytime events take
place 8-4pm to be followed by a formal dance w/ DJ at
7pm. Visitors may come anytime to watch the exciting
competitive events. Visiting teens are welcome to attend the evening dance
if in dressy attire (jacket/ tie or skirt/dress). Bring a friend and
have fun! Questions? Contact Communications
Officer Rolf Lindenhayn at lindenhayn@sbcglobal.net or
917-0573. Advance registration
required. _____________________________________________________________________________ The Orinda Art Council's 7th Annual High School Visual Arts Competition is
currently underway at the Orinda Library Art Gallery with over 200
entries from students and high schools in Lamorinda! Exhibit runs
through the end of March. Winners will be announced at the Artists'
Reception tonight, March 10, 4:30-6pm at
the Orinda Library. Light refreshments will be served. There will also
be a "Best in Show" award as voted by the attendees at the reception,
so please come and support your favorite student artist!
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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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