Acalanes Hosts In-Person Graduation for Outgoing Seniors
By Arlyne Noguera, Online Graphics Manager // After a school year filled with unique circumstances, distance learning, masks, and much more, the class of 2021 graduated on Friday, May 28, in an […]
Bluepers: Season 2 Episode 6
By Bluepers Staff // In the season finale of season 2 of Bluepers, host Keith Johnson interviews Acalanes High School TikTok star Onn Matalon and Director Zack Lara reviews 7-Eleven snacks. Enjoy!
Blueprint Writers Recognized for Journalistic Efforts
By Juliet Becker and Connor Faust, Online Feature Editor and Print Feature Editor // This year, Blueprint received 21 awards from the county-wide Dean S. Lesher Foundation, nationwide Quill and Scroll, and […]
The Azure: May 2021
What is The Azure? The Azure is Acalanes High School Blueprint’s literary magazine. We partner with Lafayette Partners in Education (LPIE) to publish the winners of Project LPIE, and we accept submissions […]
Acalanes Sends Off Seniors With Second Annual Car Rally
By Marisa Guerra Echeverria and Lyanne Wang, Print News Editor and Print Feature Editor // Festive homemade signs, floating balloons, and cheering family members greeted Acalanes High School seniors as they drove down […]
Acalanes Hosts Shaan Dasani for AAPI Heritage Month
By Brendan Connelly, Online News Editor // May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. In order to celebrate this month, Acalanes High School invited Shaan Dasani, a transgender South-Asian […]
Students Applaud Teachers’ Efforts Throughout the School Year
// In honor of National Teacher Appreciation Day and the amount of work Acalanes High School teachers have put in this school year, Blueprint asked students what they appreciate most about their […]
DramaDons Perform Macbeth and Midsummer Live on YouTube
By Juliet Becker, Online Feature Editor // In a typical, COVID-free setting, people would pack into the theater to watch the DramaDons perform together on stage. In what now feels like a completely […]
Students Celebrate Homecoming Week with Hallway Decorating
By Brendan Connelly, Online News Editor // While Homecoming week in April is virtually unheard of, Acalanes High School intends to maintain the hallway decorating tradition and give students the opportunity to […]
Letter to the Editor from Inclusive Lafayette
By the Board of Inclusive Lafayette // The Board of Inclusive Lafayette asked Blueprint to publicize their viewpoints on housing in Lafayette. There will be a City Council meeting on April 26 […]
Acalanes Holds Annual Senior Breakfast
// The Acalanes High School class of 2021 gathered on the football field on April 15 and April 16 for the annual Senior Breakfast. This year’s breakfast was Hawaiian themed, and seniors […]
AUHSD Governing Board Votes to Remain in Hybrid Learning Model
By Gabriella Gruber, Online Shadow Editor // The Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) Governing Board unanimously voted on April 14 to continue with the current hybrid model for the rest of […]
Acalanes Garden Club Expresses Concern Over Chicken Coop Break-Ins
By Brendan Connelly, Online News Editor // Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Acalanes High School’s Garden Club cared for the chickens at Acalanes. However, after the return to hybrid instruction, […]
We Must Protect Children From Targeted Advertisements
By Griffin Ruebner, Print Sports Editor // “Silly rabbit! Trix are for kids!” I can’t count the number of times I viewed this silly advertisement and others just like it during my cartoon-watching […]
Acalanes Students Speak on the Importance of Transgender Day of Visibility
By Emerson Brown, Print Editor-in-Chief // According to The Trevor Project, transgender youth are five times more likely than their cisgender peers to attempt suicide, and one in three transgender youth have […]
Acalanes Women’s Lacrosse Team Honors Alexa Despins
By Stella Heo and Griffin Ruebner, Online Editor-in-Chief and Print Sports Section Editor // The Acalanes High School varsity women’s lacrosse team held a memorial on March 25 to honor Alexa Despins […]
Acalanes Hosts COVID Cabaret as the Spring Musical
By Tom Bequette, Online Sports Editor // Instrumental Music Director Lauren Gibson, Director of Choral Activities Bruce Lengacher, and drama teacher Ed Meehan hosted the COVID Cabaret on March 25 where students […]
Aida Glimme Shares Life Experiences with Students
By Juliet Becker, Staff Writer // At the fifth meeting of Acalanes High School’s Women in Leadership series on March 18, Associate Superintendent of Educational Services Aida Glimme shared her experiences and […]
Acalanes Football Team Beats Monte Vista in First Game Back
By Noah Glosson, Head Print Section Editor // The wait is finally over. After 476 days since their last game, the Acalanes High School varsity football team returned to action on Saturday, […]
Bluepers: Season 2 Episode 5
By Bluepers Staff // In this episode, host Keith Johnson hosts a debate between two of our staff members. Enjoy!
District Updates Starting Date for Hybrid Reopening
By Marisa Guerra Echeverria, Staff Writer // After multiple projections, hours of careful planning in meetings, and the gathering of new COVID-19 data, a new projected date for hybrid reopening brings hope […]
Celebrating Black Excellence
By Kayli Harley, Stella Heo, Shrida Pandey, and Irene Meklin, Online Editors-in-Chief, Online News Editor, and Staff Writer // In honor of Black History Month, Blueprint profiled a few Black figures who […]
Arshay Cooper Talks with Acalanes Administration and Student Panelists
By Erin Hambidge, Staff Writer // Arshay Cooper’s documentary “A Most Beautiful Thing” follows the story of the first African-American high school rowing team in the nation and each member’s life growing […]
CIF Updates Guidelines for Return to Sports
By Tom Bequette, Online Sports Editor // The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) announced on Friday, Feb. 19 that high school sports may start as early as Feb. 26 in parts of California. […]
Lafayette Mayor Connects With Acalanes Students Through Open Dialogue
Erin Hambidge, Staff Writer // Acalanes High School Leadership provided students looking to enter into public service with the opportunity to learn more about what the profession entails and how they can […]
Elizabeth Brown Teaches Students About Issues in the Workforce
By Helen O’Neal and Anastasia Grits, Staff Writers // Elizabeth Brown, the director and case manager at the Housing Authority in Augusta, Ga., met with Acalanes High School students over Zoom on […]
AUHSD Projects Return to In-Person Learning in Early March
By Marisa Guerra Echeverria, Staff Writer // As schools approach nearly an entire year of Zoom meetings, asynchronous school work, and a lack of in-person instruction, recent Contra Costa County COVID-19 updates […]
Abby VanMuijen Shares Entrepreneur Experiences with Students
By Jacque Peacock, Staff Writer // Abby VanMuijen, a University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) alumna, spoke about their academic and professional experiences during the third installment of the Women in Leadership […]
In Memory of Chris Huber
After a long battle against Parkinson’s disease, Acalanes High School physical education teacher and coach Chris Huber passed away on Jan. 21. In honor of Huber and his impact on the Acalanes […]
College Board Updates Met with Mixed Reactions
By Stella Heo and Erin Hambidge, Online Editor-in-Chief and Staff Writer // For years, many students and parents disapproved of the College Board providing standardized tests that colleges used as measures of […]
Diversity Board Hosts Female Equity Meeting
By Erin Hambidge, Staff Writer // In alignment with their goal of creating an inclusive and welcoming campus environment, the Acalanes High School Diversity Board provided students with a place to discuss […]
Student-Athletes Protest for Return to Sports
In a previous publication of this story, Blueprint misquoted varsity basketball player Theo Stoll and incorrectly stated that Stoll is a junior varsity football player. Blueprint has since updated the story. By […]
CIF Updates Return to Sports Schedule
By Miller Smith, Staff Writer // California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) North Coast Commissioner of Athletics Pat Cruickshank released an update on Jan. 14 stating that high school sports could return as early […]
Good Ones: Episode Three
By Zack Lara, Staff Writer // In this episode of “Good Ones!”, host Zack Lara discusses the dangers of social media, political misinformation, and how to stay safe online. Enjoy!
Bluepers: Season 2 Episode 4
By Bluepers Staff // In this episode, host Keith Johnson talks with guests about moving into the new year. Enjoy!
Pro-Trump Mob Storms U.S. Capitol
By Liam McGlynn and Shrida Pandey, News Editor and Online News Editor // Democrat Joe Biden won the 2020 Presidential Election, unseating incumbent President Donald Trump. Trump refused to concede to Biden under […]
2020: A Year in Review
// A year ago, when the words “Happy New Year” reverberated worldwide, people celebrated the accomplishment of another finished year and cheered for luck and success in 2020. Yet, as the same […]
Drama Dons Present Their Holiday Special
By Marisa Guerra Echeverria and Helen O’Neal, Staff Writers // Acalanes High School’s Drama Dons performed several skits in the DramaDons Holiday Special on Tuesday, Dec. 22 on YouTube. Check out the […]
Cooking Corner: Madeleines
By Shrida Pandey, Online News Editor // Although they seem complicated, madeleines are quite simple with the right ingredients. Watch the video below and learn how to make these classic french cookies! […]
Acalanes Instrumental Students Perform in Virtual Winter Concert
By Emerson Brown and Connor Faust, Opinion Editor and Staff Writer // In previous years, many Acalanes High School instrumentalists never imagined seeing a recording of themselves on-screen while they watched alone […]
Acalanes Choir Concert Goes Virtual
By Keith Johnson, Head Videographer // The Acalanes High School choir shared a virtual concert over YouTube on Dec. 15. Check out the recap below!
AUHSD Governing Board Approves New Courses for 2021-2022 School Year
By Brendan Connelly and Griffin Ruebner, Staff Writers // In order to maintain an effective and thoughtful curriculum throughout the Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD), proposals for new classes may be […]
New Campolindo Assistant Principal’s Tire Slashed
By Stella Heo and Kayli Harley, Online Editors-in-Chief // Through racial equity education and community dialogues, the Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) worked to create an inclusive and supportive school environment. […]
Issue 4: The Return to In-Person Learning
Click the image below to access the fourth issue of the 2020-2021 school year!
QSA Partners with SAGA in LGBTQ+ Panel
By Brendan Connelly, Staff Writer // Throughout 2020, the Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) worked to create a more inclusive environment for members of the LGBTQ+ community. On a recent panel, […]
Election Collection: The New Faces of American Politics
By Shrida Pandey, Marisa Guerra Echeverria, and Lyanne Wang, Online News Editor and Staff Writers // The 2020 United States (U.S.) election cycle brought a historical amount of increased representation and diversity in […]
Bluepers: Season 2 Episode 3
By Bluepers Staff // In this episode of Bluepers, host Keith Johnson does a blind monologue, co-director Zack Lara reviews two burgers, and Keith makes a Thanksgiving tier list with special guest […]
Lori Hayes Educates Acalanes Students on Racial Equity
By Brendan Connelly, Staff Writer // Beginning with discussions about race and identity in Academy cohorts at the start of the semester, Acalanes High School students continue to have the opportunity to […]
Governing Board Approves New Hybrid Learning Model
By Stella Heo, Marisa Guerra Echeverria, and Erin Hambidge, Online Editor-in-Chief and Staff Writers // A sea of purple washed over 41 out of 58 California counties this week after a sudden […]
CIF Postpones High School Sports
By Tom Bequette, Online Sports Editor // The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) announced on Tuesday, Nov. 16 that Governor Gavin Newsom and Dr. Mark Ghaly from the California Department of Public Health […]
Issue 3: The Vote
Click the image below to access the third issue of the 2020-2021 school year!
Good Ones: Episode Two
By Zack Lara, Staff Writer // In this episode of “Good Ones!”, host Zack Lara talks with Acalanes High School students about the presidential election, young voters, and other political topics. Stream […]
Election Collection: Acalanes 2020 Election Simulation
By Shrida Pandey and Lyanne Wang, Online News Editor and Staff Writer // As citizens all around the country voted through mail-in ballots and at poll booths, students at Acalanes High School […]
Election Collection: Non-Partisan Voting Guide
By the Acalanes Democratic Club The Acalanes High School Democratic Club created a voting guide with tips to help voters before Election Day. Check it out below!
Acalanes Hosts Haunted Hallway
By Saylen Cardoni and Arlyne Noguera, Staff Writer and Photographer // Acalanes High School Leadership hosted a haunted hallway on Oct. 30 between 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. for Acalanes families to […]
Election Collection: Congressman Mark DeSaulnier Talks Politics with Acalanes Students
By Julia Poole and Sabrina Agazzi, Online Feature Editor and Copy Editor // Acalanes High School students met with Congressman Mark DeSaulnier via Zoom on Thursday, Oct. 29 to discuss current issues […]
Bluepers: Season 2 Episode 2
By Bluepers Staff // In this episode of Bluepers, host Keith Johnson talks with some of our staff members about Halloween, conspiracy theories, sports, and more. Enjoy!
Vandalism: A Frightening Image Steeped in History
By Ethan Wellerstein, Contributing Writer In light of the recent anti-Semitic hate crime in the Lamorinda community, Blueprint opted to repost this piece from 2017 by Acalanes High School alumnus Ethan Wellerstein, […]
Anti-Semitic Incident Impacts Lamorinda Community
By Shrida Pandey, Online News Editor // In a nation already divided as Election Day approaches, a vandal spreads hate and fear in Lamorinda. The unknown perpetrator vandalized homes and structures around the […]
Election Collection: Student Guide For Getting Involved in the Election
By Aisha Mohanty and Juliet Becker, Staff Writers // Although those under 18 may consider themselves useless during the election period, in reality, they are often the catalyst for major political change […]
Election Collection: Propositions and Candidates
By Shrida Pandey, Lyanne Wang, and Marisa Guerra Echeverria, Online News Editor and Staff Writers // In a time of multiple American crises, including a deadly pandemic and a national political divide, […]
PG&E Power Shutoff Affects Distance Learning
By Shrida Pandey, Online News Editor // As students rely on technology now more than ever due to distance learning, days consist of back-to-back Zooms, uploading work through Canvas, and partaking in […]
Kelly Galuska Shares Experiences From Inside the Film Industry
By Stella Heo and Sabrina Agazzi, Online Editor-in-Chief and Copy Editor // According to the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film at San Diego State University, in 2019, […]
Governing Board Approves Plan to Move to Hybrid Learning for Second Semester
By Shrida Pandey and Julia Poole, Online News Editor and Online Feature Editor // With schools now allowed to reopen in Contra Costa County, community members are divided about whether schools should continue […]
Acalanes Students Perform in Virtual Fall Instrumental Concert
By Aysha Craig, Copy Editor // The Acalanes High School Performing Arts Center, once filled with performers on stage and friends and family in the audience, is emptier than ever. Unable to […]
The League of Women Voters Talks with Students About Intersectional Women’s Suffrage
By Gabriella Gruber and Marisa Guerra Echeverria, Staff Writers // As the United States celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, Americans also remember the people who dedicated their lives to […]
Issue 2: Navigating Racial Consciousness
Click the image below to access the second issue of the 2020-2021 school year!
Good Ones: Episode One
By Zack Lara, Staff Writer // In the debut episode of the “Good Ones!” podcast, host Zach Lara talks with students, parents, teachers, and other dignified guests about how students can succeed […]
Motivational Speaker Keith Hawkins Brings Positivity to Acalanes
By Helen O’Neal, Staff Writer // Some people can find it difficult to stay connected to the community while being isolated in their homes during the pandemic. With Acalanes High School planning […]
Students Drive Through Campus for ACA-Day
By Lue Van Handel, Head Photographer // Many students drove through the Acalanes High School parking lot yesterday between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to collect spirit wear, write thank you notes, […]
Wellness Center Teaches Students About Suicide Prevention
By Shrida Pandey, Online News Editor // With depression and anxiety heightened during the pandemic, mental health awareness is important now more than ever. Acalanes High School teachers and administration found new ways […]
Bluepers: Season 2 Premiere
By Bluepers Staff // Welcome back to Bluepers! After a short hiatus because of COVID-19, Bluepers is finally back for season two with a brand new host. Enjoy!
Issue 1: Learning to Lie
Click the image below to access the first issue of the 2020-2021 school year!
Governing Board Revises Interdistrict Transfer Policy
By Shrida Pandey, Online News Editor // In 2018, the Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) Governing Board voted to deny most interdistrict transfers due to budgetary concerns. The decision, which went […]
Community Dialogue Seeks to Normalize Mental Health Discussion
By Lyanne Wang, Staff Writer // Following a series of grave incidents posted on social media, many individuals were forced to face something seldom talked about yet experienced by everyone: mental health. […]
Acalanes High School Student Helps Improve Campus
By Zach Snyder and Brendan Connelly, Staff Writers // The transition from a boy scout to an Eagle Scout requires hard work, dedication, and leadership. One Acalanes High School junior recently completed […]
Governing Board Approves Two Classes on Race
By Shrida Pandey, Online News Editor // During the 2020 protests for George Floyd, people nationwide recognized the inequalities that people of color face in American society. In the Lamorinda community, many […]
Letter from the Editors: Second Issue Cover Story
A note from Blueprint regarding our second print issue’s planned cover story on Race: One of our main goals as a paper this year is to elevate the voices of students of […]
Two Acalanes Lacrosse Players Raise Money to Help Those in Need
By Alexandra Ames, Staff Writer // While walking from the fridge to the sofa before watching something on Netflix has become normal exercise for many people during quarantine, two Acalanes High School students […]
Black Student Union and Bring Change to Mind Club Hold Dialogue on Racism
By Aysha Craig, Copy Editor // While protests fighting for justice and equality may have simmered down in the Lafayette community, two Acalanes High School clubs push to keep educating students on how […]
Acalanes Sophomores Take Part in Class Scavenger Hunt
By Anastasia Grits, Staff Writer // Acalanes High School sophomores partook in a scavenger hunt around downtown Lafayette on Aug. 23 and took pictures in front of five preselected locations to compete […]
Freshmen Bond Through Virtual Escape Room
By Connor Faust, Staff Writer // During a normal year, freshmen would begin their Acalanes High School experience in-person. However, with COVID-19 preventing students from meeting at school, Leadership hosted an online […]
Blueprinters Take on Distance Learning
By Keith Johnson, Head Videographer // Blueprint’s first years documented their first week of academic learning between Aug. 17 and Aug. 21. Watch the recap below!
Welcome-Back Rally Goes Virtual
By Aisha Mohanty and Mara Korzeniowska, Staff Writers // Attempting to replicate the experience of in-person rallies, Acalanes High School Leadership hosted a welcome-back rally on Friday, Aug. 21 via YouTube to […]
Acalanes Hosts Virtual Back to School Night
By Shrida Pandey and Griffin Ruebner, Online News Editor and Staff Writer // Many parents look forward to back to school night as a chance to connect with their students’ teachers and […]
Women’s Water Polo Wins SportsStars Magazine’s 2019-2020 Team of the Year
By Tom Bequette, Online Sports Editor // SportsStars Magazine selected the Acalanes women’s water polo team as their Northern California Team Of The Year on Aug. 17, for their undefeated season last […]
Acalanes Students Take on the Social Struggles of Distance Learning
By Julia Poole, Online Feature Editor // As the Acalanes High School community returns to roaming the “Zoom” halls, students must form connections with peers and new teachers through distance learning for […]
Acalanes Must Teach Black History
“Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” – Elie Wiesel By Amani Williams, Contributing Writer To Whom It May Concern: Over and over again, I’m told that “we have expanded to teach […]
Blueprinters Learn About Canvas and Race
By Keith Johnson, Head Videographer // During the first week of school, Acalanes High School students met in their Academy cohort groups everyday to learn about Canvas and race. Some Blueprinters documented […]
Acalanes Implements New Race and Equity Curriculum
By Shrida Pandey, Online News Editor // As demonstrations protesting the murder of George Floyd spread all throughout the nation, multiple videos of students from Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) using various […]
Athletic Department Holds Sports Camps During Suspension of Fall Sports
By Mason Archer, Sports Editor // With the 2020-2021 school year now underway, the California Interscholastic Federation suspended all sports until Dec. 14. Despite the suspension of fall sports, the Acalanes High […]
Acalanes Holds Socially Distanced Dons Days
By Keith Johnson, Head Videographer // At the beginning of every school year, Acalanes High School holds Dons Day, where students can go to school to get their class schedules, learn about […]
Community Members Protest at the District Office
By Zoe Edelman, Graphics Manager // Many community members rallied outside of the Acalanes Union High School District Office yesterday at 4 p.m. to demand for the reinstatement of inter-district transfers, a […]
CIF Allows Sports for 2020-2021 School Year with Revisions
By Tom Bequette, Online Sports Editor // After nearly four months of anticipation, high school sports are officially scheduled to return to Acalanes High School. The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) confirmed on […]
NFL Team Changes Controversial Name
By Miller Smith, Staff Writer Disclaimer: Blueprint is using the term “Redskin” to refer to the team’s name for accuracy. // After decades of protests, countless emails from the public, and criticism from […]
Governing Board’s Decision for 2020-2021 School Year Met with Mixed Reactions
By Stella Heo, Shrida Pandey, and Aisha Mohanty, Online Editor-in-Chief, Online News Editor, and Staff Writer // After watching the total number of cases of COVID-19 in the United States skyrocket in […]
AUHSD Governing Board Approves School Reopening Model
By Stella Heo and Shrida Pandey, Online Editor-in-Chief and Online News Editor // Instead of soaking up the summer sun, many Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) students, parents, and staff already look […]
Exclusive Blueprint Interview with Inclusive Lafayette Cofounders
Online News Editor Shrida Pandey conducted this Blueprint interview with Inclusive Lafayette cofounders Benjamin and Jeremy Levine. Pandey: Why did you start Inclusive Lafayette? Benjamin: We went to the Geroge Floyd protest, […]
Approve the Terraces of Lafayette
By John Kalil, Contributing Writer // In 1971, the social scientist John Rawls explained what he called the Original Position thought experiment. If we knew what societies looked like, but didn’t know what […]
Lafayette Planning Commission Approves Terraces of Lafayette Project
By Shrida Pandey, Online News Editor // What many teens use as a scenic Instagram photo opportunity has been a hub for conflict for nearly a decade. After several meetings and hours […]
Miramonte Guest Writer Editorial
Not White Like You By Ava Moran, Contributing Writer // Blueprint reporters reached out to Miramonte High School senior Ava Moran for comment after hearing her speak at the Lafayette Peaceful Protest […]
AUHSD is Not Doing Enough to Combat Racism
By Zoe Edelman, Graphics Manager // It is pathetic that the spread of a 38-second video of brazen, horrifying racist dialogue by Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) students was the catalyst […]
Governing Board Addresses Racism at AUHSD
By Liam McGlynn, News Editor // Since the death of George Floyd, organizations across the country have decided to use this moment of reckoning with racial inequity and systemic racism as a catalyst […]
Governing Board Discusses Plans For Reopening Schools For 2020-2021 School Year
By Stella Heo, Online Editor-in-Chief // With grocery store shelves filling, toilet paper hoarding declining, and community members reverting to their previous habits, many are beginning to question what the upcoming school year […]
Lamorinda Responds to Local and National Racism
By Jamie Lattin, Editor-in-Chief // At first glance, the murder of 46 year-old George Floyd appeared to be just another horrific instance of police brutality. But for a wounded nation, enough was […]
Exclusive Blueprint Interview with Principal Travis Bell
Editor-in-Chief Jamie Lattin conducted this Blueprint interview for the Antiracism in Lamorinda story. To view the story, click here. Lattin: How do you think our district can best support antiracist practices? Bell: […]
Local Protestors Take to the Streets for Justice
By Liam McGlynn and Arlyne Noguera, News Editor and Staff Photographer // In honor of George Floyd and other people of color who were killed by police, many Lafayette community members participated […]
Racist Video Spurs District Response
By Jamie Lattin, Editor-in-Chief // The blatancy of racism within our community and schools recently revealed itself in the form of a video that leaked on social media on June 4. In an […]
Blueprint Wins Local and National Awards
By Stella Heo and Kayli Harley, Online Editors-in-Chief // Whether it be fires within a mile radius of the school, a global pandemic, or the removal of a classic tale from the school’s […]
Class of 2020 Graduates Amidst a Pandemic
By Julia Poole, Online Feature Editor // Bleachers full of family and friends became small crowds of observers, chairs on the football field turned into a line of students in the hallway, […]
Letter From the Editors: Our Commitment to Anti-Racism
// We want to recognize the privilege of our platform as members of the free press. We are committed to amplifying Black voices and voices of people of color. We support our […]
The Importance of Asian Solidarity for the Black Community
By Stephanie Liu, Contributing Writer // George Floyd was killed on May 25, 2020, when police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on his neck for at least five minutes. Three other police officers stood […]
SAGE Benefit Concert Goes Digital
By Shrida Pandey, Online News Editor // With COVID-19 limiting in-person activities, students and administration turn to online outlets to reach out to the Acalanes High School community. This year, an annual Acalanes […]
Community Members Protest for George Floyd with Car Caravan
By Kayli Harley and Stella Heo, Online Editors-in-Chief // In Minneapolis, Los Angeles, London, Philadelphia, Miami, Washington D.C., Dallas, San Francisco, and countless other cities across the world, people are protesting for change. […]
Acalanes Holds Senior Awards on YouTube
By Stella Heo and Tom Bequette, Online Editor-in-Chief and Online Sports Editor // Cheering and applause turned into YouTube comments. Certificates of achievement transformed into video messages. Students and teachers in the stands […]
Seniors Celebrate the End of the Year With Car Rally
By Lue Van Handel, Head Photographer // The class of 2020 paraded around downtown Lafayette last Friday, May 29, at 4 p.m. during the senior car rally. Check out the photos below!
Cooking Corner: French Toast Roll Ups
By Kayli Harley, Online Editor-in-Chief // Looking to satisfy your sweet tooth? Try these delicious French Toast Roll Ups! Here is a video for you to follow. Enjoy! Ingredients 1 or more […]
Drama Dons Take on Monologues
By Liam McGlynn, News Editor // The COVID-19 pandemic is a situation that most never could have planned for. But with each day followed by the next, many are becoming more adapted to […]
AUHSD Offers Free Meals to the Community
By Aysha Craig and Sabrina Agazzi, Copy Editors // Although many may feel helpless during this time of isolation because of the lack of functioning services worldwide, the Acalanes Union High School […]
Religion in a Time of Isolation
By Alex Ariker, Copy Editor // Religion has historically offered an escape for those suffering in times of uncertainty and dread. However, as social distancing mandates force religious buildings to temporarily close, local […]
Medical Students Teach Viewers About COVID-19
By Aysha Craig, Copy Editor // As COVID-19 panic continues to spread, unreliable sources plague the internet with fake news and false alarms; in a time of social isolation, the media is […]
End-of-Year Rally Goes Digital
By Keith Johnson, Head Videographer // Despite the school closure, Acalanes High School Leadership held the end-of-year rally on Friday, May 22 on YouTube to celebrate three retiring teachers, recognize all senior […]
Cooking Corner: Dalgona Matcha Latte
By Stella Heo, Online Editor-in-Chief // Cool off during a hot day in the spring or summer with a dalgona matcha latte! Here’s a video for you to follow. Enjoy! Ingredients 1 […]
Letter to the Editor: The Coronavirus Lockdown is Un-American
By Jamie Bishop, Contributing Writer This is an opposing piece in response to Julia Poole’s article, “The U.S. Government Has Failed to Act Under Pressure of Coronavirus.” As reported coronavirus (COVID-19) hospitalization […]
Annual Spring Concert Premieres on YouTube Live
By Emerson Brown, Opinion Editor // As lockdowns persist, schools teach online, and offices remain closed, everyone is faced with the continuing burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ensemble musicians are faced with a […]
Why Quarantine Isn’t the Easy Way Out to Getting a New Puppy
By Zack Lara, Staff Writer // The COVID-19 pandemic stimulated a quarantine culture complete with trends, memes, and activities fit for isolation. Puppy adoptions joined the lineup as families scrambled to keep […]
Acalanes Boosters Holds Ceremony for Future Collegiate Athletes
By Tom Bequette, Online Sports Editor // Although the 2019-2020 athletic year ended early due to COVID-19, athletic celebrations at Acalanes High School have not come to an end. Acalanes Boosters, parents, and […]
Bob Myers Gives Advice to Students Over Zoom
By Tom Bequette, Online Sports Editor // Not only did the COVID-19 pandemic change school as students knew it, but it also changed the world of professional sports. With team practices canceled, seasons […]
Acalanes Seniors Celebrate Time of Reflection Virtually
By Anne Thiselton-Dyer, Staff Writer // For high school seniors, the end of the school year is the last time they can celebrate their successes and hard work together before going their […]
Cooking Corner: Zoe Cate’s Pasta
By Zoe Cate, Staff Writer // Do you want to try making some homemade pasta? Try out this recipe! Here’s a video for you to follow. Enjoy! Ingredients 1 cup flour 2 […]
Acalanes Senior Class Featured on ABC7 News
By Sabrina Agazzi, Copy Editor // Amongst the COVID-19 updates, White House briefings, and political disputes that currently encompass the world of news, many Acalanes High School seniors found themselves in a […]
COVID-19 Will Not Solve the Climate Crisis
By Katrina Ortman, Contributing Writer // Fish swim in the eerily clear canals of Venice, Japanese sika deer wander into urban areas, and coyotes howl through San Franciscan streets. Reports of healthier […]
Seniors Pick Up Their Caps and Gowns
By Lue Van Handel, Head Photographer // Instead of hazmat suits and masks, seniors prepared to take on a modified graduation with their caps and gowns. In order to prevent gatherings and […]
Dons Celebrate Human Rights Week
By Aisha Mohanty, Staff Writer // As car horns become the new “happy birthday”, face-to-face conversations turn into online interactions, and school courses remain on digital platforms, COVID-19 continues to prompt Acalanes High […]
Maya Smith Inspires Senior Class Over Zoom
By John Kalil, Staff Writer // Despite the challenges of school cancellation and shelter-in-place orders, the show, more specifically the senior end-of-year traditions, must go on. The executive director of pop singer […]
Issue 8: The Freeman Files
Click the image below to access the final issue of the 2019-2020 school year!
The Azure
Click the image below to access the first edition of The Azure!
The Azure: Science and Engineering
Nelson Rogers: Grand Strategy in Catan This piece received first place in Project LPIE’s Science and Engineering category. Ariel Shehter: Soap This piece received second place in Project LPIE’s Science and Engineering […]
The Azure: Sustainable Lafayette
Sophie Krayna: Close the Door This piece received first place in Project LPIE’s Sustainable Lafayette category.
The Azure: Community Service
Owen Myall: Lamorinda Skate Park Project This piece received first place in Project LPIE’s Community Service category. Kayley Altbaum: Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center This piece received second place in Project LPIE’s Community […]
The Azure: 3-D Art-Applied Design
Zevin Acuna This piece received first place in Project LPIE’s 3-D Art-Applied Design category.
The Azure: Computer Programming
AJ Hesby: Discord My programming project for LPIE was a bot for the voice conferencing application “Discord.” The bot interfaced with the text chat through user commands (e.g. “$play [chosen_song]”). It used […]
The Azure: Acting
Blake Levinson: “‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore”This piece received first place in Project LPIE’s Acting category. Madison Payne: “Children of Virtue and Vengeance”This piece received second place in Project LPIE’s Acting category. […]
The Azure: Instrumental Music
Brahm Sasner: “Pure Imagination”This piece received first place in Project LPIE’s Instrumental Music category. Stella Heo: Rachmaninoff “Prelude in C Sharp Minor”This piece received second place in Project LPIE’s Instrumental Music category. […]
The Azure: Vocal Music
Blake Levinson: “She Used to be Mine”This piece received first place in Project LPIE’s Vocal Music category. Daisy Ohleyer: “There are Worse Things I Could Do”This piece received second place in Project […]
The Azure: Video Production
Jordan Pratt: The Changemakers of the Future This piece received first place in Project LPIE’s Video Production category. Oliver Lane: Live in the Moment This piece received second place in Project LPIE’s […]
Corona Chronicles: Episode Twenty
By Zoe Edelman, Graphics Manager // In the final episode of the Corona Chronicles, some of our senior staff say farewell and reminisce on their fondest memories in Blueprint. Enjoy!
Cooking Corner: Lemon Bars
By Sofia Olsson, Staff Writer // Try making these lemon bars while you’re stuck in quarantine! Here’s a video for you to follow. Enjoy! Video edited by Charlotte Glass, Staff Writer Click […]
Acalanes Talent Show Goes Digital
By Julia Poole, Online Feature Editor // Be it musicians, dancers, singers, or 3-D animation designers, Acalanes High School students displayed a multitude of talents at this year’s talent show. Students worked hard […]
Shelter-In-Place Stimulates Creativity Among Students
By Stephanie Liu, Staff Writer // As doctors and nurses put on their masks, politicians take to the media, and families close their doors, students pick up their guitars, grab their paintbrushes, […]
Corona Chronicles: Episode Nineteen
By Zoe Edelman, Graphics Manager // In today’s episode of the Corona Chronicles, some of our staff show us what they’re cooking. Enjoy!
Wellness Center Holds Instagram Livestream with TikTok Star
By Keith Johnson, Head Videographer // Ever since it replaced the lip-syncing app musical.ly in 2018, TikTok has seen a rise in popularity, especially with many teenagers downloading the app in the […]
Shelter-In-Place Extended Through May 31
By Katrina Ortman, Online Arts and Opinion Editor // Uncertainty of the future is now a constant in the lives of Californians, especially as the COVID-19 curve flattens under the eyes of vigilant […]
Corona Chronicles: Episode Eighteen
By Zoe Edelman, Graphics Manager // In episode eighteen of the Corona Chronicles, we hear from some of our amazing Acalanes staff. Enjoy!
AUHSD Schools Support Local Food Bank in Canned Food Drive
By Shrida Pandey, Online News Editor // As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic progresses into April, the unemployment rate in the United States continues to skyrocket. With five percent of people now unemployed […]
Improv Hits the Small Screen: Acalanes Drama Class Goes Online
By Liam McGlynn, News Editor // “Once there was a penguin. And every day, he went for a walk…” And so it began, an improvised story in the first-ever Acalanes High School […]
The Best At-Home Workouts of Quarantine
By Zoe Cate, Staff Writer // While quarantine may seem like a perfect excuse to lay in bed all day and binge-watch Netflix, it is important to remember to get some form […]
Corona Chronicles: Episode Seventeen
By Zoe Edelman, Graphics Manager // In episode seventeen of the Corona Chronicles, we see some of our staff outside on Earth Day. Enjoy!
Meet Next Year’s ASB Representatives
By Aisha Mohanty, Staff Writer // As the current Associated Student Body (ASB) representatives hang their hats, several ambitious and spirited individuals take the reins as the student leaders of Acalanes High […]
Elections Reveal Class Officers for 2020-2021 School Year
By Catherine Lomond, Feature Editor // During the annual election week held at the end of each school year, class officer candidates typically hang colorful posters in the halls, shower students with […]
Easy DIY Crafts to Try During Quarantine
By Katrina Ortman and Aysha Craig, Online Arts and Opinion Editor and Copy Editor // Between Zoom sessions and mid-day naps, many Acalanes High School students find ample free time to explore […]
Volunteers Surprise Seniors with Congratulatory Signs
By Sam Bequette, Staff Writer // Instead of spending their final months of high school celebrating their accomplishments, Acalanes High School seniors find themselves isolated at home. With plans for events like senior […]
Corona Chronicles: Episode Sixteen
By Zoe Edelman, Graphics Manager
Corona Chronicles: Episode Fifteen
By Zoe Edelman, Graphics Manager // In episode fifteen of the Corona Chronicles, we meet the pets of some of our staff. Enjoy!
The View From the Middle: Pre-High School Perceptions of Acalanes
By Mason Archer and Liam McGlynn, Sports Editor and News Editor // Transitions are never easy. One of the most complicated life changes can be entering a new school. As eighth-graders progress […]
The Corona Chronicles: Episode Fourteen
By Zoe Edelman, Graphics Manager // In episode fourteen of the Corona Chronicles, we learn some facts about one of our staff members and how some of our staff are doing during […]
The Corona Chronicles: Episode Thirteen
By Zoe Edelman, Graphics Manager // In episode thirteen of the Corona Chronicles, we discover how some of our staff have been spending their time during the shelter-in-place policy. Enjoy!
Community Can’t Be Canceled: Let’s Paint This Town Blue
// Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Acalanes High School community and Lafayette residents rally together to support each other during these difficult times. To bring the community together, Leadership created the Community […]
AUHSD Extends School Closure Until End of School Year
By Zack Lara, Staff Writer // Students prepare for another month of YouTube tutorials, Zoom calls, and everything in-between as schools forfeit classroom learning in light of a new county instruction. Public […]
The Corona Chronicles: Episode Twelve
By Zoe Edelman, Graphics Manager // In episode twelve of the Corona Chronicles, we catch up with some of our staff and hear about their recent experiences with quarantine. Enjoy!
Ella’s 5 Step Guide To Expressing Your Political Opinion
By Ella Alpert, Arts Editor // Defined in the Oxford English Dictionary, an opinion is “a view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.” The first amendment […]
The Connection Between Politics and Music
By Emerson Brown and Katrina Ortman, Opinion Editor and Online Arts and Opinion Editor // “Tomorrow there’ll be more of us” echoed through the air as protestors united for the March for […]
AUHSD Parents Petition to Change Grading Policy
By Kayli Harley and Stella Heo, Online Editors-in-Chief // Amidst the various uncertainties about the status of the nation’s toilet paper supply and the questions arising about whether or not hygiene existed […]
The Corona Chronicles: Episode Eleven
By Zoe Edelman, Graphics Manager // In episode eleven of the Corona Chronicles, we hear about what some of our staff are doing to cope with quarantine. Enjoy!
Quote of the Month
By Kayli Harley, Online Editor-in-Chief // “Hope is the sun. It is light. It is passion. It is the fundamental force for life’s blossoming.” – Daisaku Ikeda Hope is the warmth that […]
Disney’s Hidden Gems: No Movie Left Behind
By Claire Mueller, Staff Writer // When thinking of Disney, a multitude of images come to mind: theme parks, two mice, or any one of the movies that they released over decades, […]
Lafayette Power Outage Impacts Acalanes Distance Learning
By Katrina Ortman, Online Arts and Opinion Editor // Acalanes students first scrambled to adjust to a new shelter-in-place lifestyle, one heavily dependent on the use of technology, when they transitioned to […]
The Corona Chronicles: Episode Ten
By Zoe Edelman, Graphics Manager // In episode ten of the Corona Chronicles, we celebrate Editor-in-Chief Charlotte Glass’ birthday and hear more about what life is like in quarantine from our staff. […]
This Is Not The Spring Break We Imagined
By Zoe Edelman, Head Videographer // It is currently April 2, 2020. At this point, the shelter in place has been active for over two weeks, causing everyone to stay in their […]
Why we Need to Stop Blaming Societal Flaws on Kids Entertainment
By Tom Bequette, Staff Writer // It’s 2020. By now, you are undoubtedly sick of hearing the ravings of misguided parents or talking heads, claiming that video-games are causing our countries downfall. […]
Noah’s Notion: Pro Sports Have Gone Too Far With Suspensions
By Noah Glosson, Sports Editor // This is getting out of hand. I am not sure how much more the sports world can take. As the Coronavirus continues to spread across […]
Sofia Olsson’s Iconic Lemon Bars
By Sofia Olsson, Copy Editor // Stuck in quarantine? Hey, me too! Since there’s not really anything else to do, here’s a recipe for some amazing lemon bars. It’s a super simple […]
The Corona Chronicles: Episode Nine
By Zoe Edelman, Head Videographer
The Unfortunate Shortcomings of Female Casted Movie Remakes
By Alex Ariker, Staff Writer // The Bechdel test, named after American cartoonist Allison Bechdel, was created as a simple way to gauge representation of women in a piece of media. For […]
The Corona Chronicles: Episode Eight
By Zoe Edelman, Head Videographer
AUHSD School Closure Extended through May 1
By Katrina Ortman, Staff Writer // As the number of local COVID-19 cases continues to increase, so does community pressure on schools to keep students safe, healthy, and learning. After serious deliberation, […]
The Corona Chronicles: Episode Seven
By Zoe Edelman, Head Videographer
Understanding QSA History at Acalanes
Stella Heo and Aisha Mohanty, Staff Writers // The history of the LGBTQ+ community represents a history of standing proud in the face of adversity. Although high schoolers throwing out “that’s so […]
The US Government Has Failed to Act Under Pressure of Coronavirus
By Julia Poole, Staff Writer // As the Coronavirus spreads across the world, governments scramble to provide enough support for patients and fearful public. With the virus invading a total of 196 […]
The Corona Chronicles: Episode Six
By Anna Yiannkos, Head Photographer // On this episode of Corona Chronicles, Blueprint’s artists display what they have been practicing during shelter-in-place.
AUHSD Switches to Credit / No Credit Grading System
By Katrina Ortman, Staff Writer // After over a week of public health warnings, school closures, and distance learning, it seemed like little more could be done to upend the course of […]
AP Exam Changes Cause Confusion Amongst Students and Teachers
By Liam McGlynn, Staff Writer // With an increasing number of cancellations in nearly all aspects of life, the Coronavirus (COVID – 19) claimed another victim as the College Board announced broad […]
The Corona Chronicles: Episode Five
By Zoe Edelman, Head Videographer
Acalanes Senior and Alumnus use Their Talent to Combat Xenophobia Resulting From Coronavirus Hysteria
Stephanie Liu and Lizzy Xie, Copy Editor and Online News Editor // “I am not a virus. I am human. We are all human.” Acalanes alumnus Abey Lin and senior Sabrina […]
Women’s Soccer Completes a Season for the Ages
By Liam McGlynn and Catherine Lomond, Staff Writers // Basketball legend Micheal Jordan once said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” For the women’s soccer team, their chemistry and […]
Acalanes Students Take a Trip to “Urinetown”
Keith Johnson and Zack Lara, Staff Writers // Acalanes musicals in the past few years included many classic and well-known titles, namely “Cinderella,” “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” and “Bye Bye Birdie.” […]
Blueprint’s Quarantine Watchlist
By Lizzy Xie, Online News Editor //It is only day four of shelter in place, and many are feeling the boredom hit. To help combat this boredom, here’s a list of shows […]
The Corona Chronicles: Episode Four
By Zoe Edelman, Head Videographer
Why America Failed Elizabeth Warren
Charlie Keohane, Contributing Writer // As a wide-eyed young voter, I eagerly followed the Democratic debates. I marveled at the unprecedented array of diverse candidates with a variety of ages, experiences, and […]
The Corona Chronicles: Episode Three
By Zoe Edelman, Head Videographer
The Corona Chronicles: Episode Two
By Zoe Edelman, Head Videographer
The Corona Chronicles: Episode One
By Zoe Edelman, Head Videographer // As the Coronavirus becomes increasingly more serious and the Bay Area shelter in place begins, Acalanes students are adjusting to a new routine and a new […]
Our Ethical Duty to Practice Social Distancing
By Nicole Prozan, Opinion Editor // Pictures of Acalanes students at the beach, in San Francisco, and generally out-and-about flood my Instagram feed with captions ranging from “Coronacation” to “3 weeks of […]
AUHSD Moves to Online Learning in Response to COVID-19
By Kayli Harley and Stella Heo, Staff Writers // What started with sending bottles of Purell hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to each classroom evolved into a district-wide school closure as the […]
Staff vs Student Basketball 2020
By Zack Lara and Keith Johnson, Staff Writer // Annual Staff vs Student Basketball took place in the Acalanes Big Gym Wednesday, Feb. 26 through Friday, Feb. 28. Watch the recap below!
Breaking the Mold of the Stereotypical Asian
By Stella Heo, Staff Writer // God help the Asian kid who announces that he or she wants to be an actor. Asian parents generally prefer that their children pursue “stable” STEM […]
Artistic Senior Caps to Fly Once Again
By Ella Alpert, Staff Writer // The sunny spring day erupts into accolades as a wave of uniformly blue caps fly into the air and return to the hands of elated high […]
Flawed Logic Used to Judge Intelligence
By Nicole Prozan, Opinion Editor // Bright-eyed, curious, and diligent, ten-year-old me looked around the 3rd-grade classroom and caught sight of the most notable sign: “no blurting.” In our elementary classrooms, ‘blurting’ […]
The Depth of the Water: Sexism at Acalanes
By Anne Thiselton-Dyer, Arts Editor // We swim in the deep water of sexism. Engulfed in it, we acclimatize to a culture that makes it easier for some individuals to stay afloat […]
Women’s Soccer Comes Up Short in NorCal Semifinals
By Noah Glosson, Sports Editor // The women’s soccer team watched their historic season come to an end in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Northern California semifinals against Burlingame 1-0 on Thursday, […]
Taking Stock of the Mock Election
By John Kalil, Chief Political Correspondent // When former California Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill in 2017 to move up the Golden State’s 2020 presidential primaries to Super Tuesday, he had […]
Acalanes Hosts Primary Election Simulation
By Emerson Brown, Staff Writer // Teachers distribute ballots, students pencil in bubbles, and Bernie, Biden, and Buttigieg accumulate their votes. This is not the California primary, though, this is Acalanes’ simulated […]
Urinetown Musical Preview
By Keith Johnson, Staff Writer // The Acalanes production of Urinetown comes to the Performing Arts Center Thursday, March 5 through Saturday, March 7 at 7 PM. Tickets can be purchased on […]
Women’s Soccer NCS Final Winning Shot
// On Saturday, Feb. 29, the number two-seeded Acalanes women’s soccer team won the North Coast Section (NCS) final against the number one-seeded Branson High School. The Dons prevailed in penalty kicks […]
Bluepers: Episode Three
By Zack Lara and Keith Johnson, Staff Writers // Episode three of Bluepers is finally here! Demetri sits down with senior Daniel Wellerstein to discuss his semester abroad, senior Matt Hess, to […]
Acalanes Celebrates Black History Month
By Katrina Ortman, Staff Writer // “Black History Month” flashes in vibrant blue and pink letters in the hallways. Doors brighten up classes with art depicting famous African American figures. Podcasts and […]
Men’s Soccer Comes Up Short In NCS Semi-Final
By Mason Archer, Staff Writer // Despite winning their first two North Coast Section (NCS) playoff games, the men’s soccer team was unable to outlast Albany in the semi-final game on Feb. […]
Women’s Soccer Dominates NCS Semi-Final Match
By John Kalil, Managing Editor // After a 13-5-3 regular season and two postseason shut-out wins, the women’s soccer team stepped on to the pitch last night with a chance to clinch […]
Men’s Lacrosse Blows Out Las Lomas in Honor of Collin Jeffries
By Tom Bequette, Staff Writer // The men’s lacrosse team opened up their season with a thorough drubbing of Las Lomas 14-3 on Friday night, which the two teams played in honor […]
Women’s Basketball Season Comes to an End in NCS Playoffs
By Ryan Owens, Online Sports Editor // The women’s basketball team fought to the bitter end Friday night, but could not outlast visiting Redwood in the second round of the North Coast […]
Random Acts of Kindness Week 2020
// Random Acts of Kindness Week took place at Acalanes from Tuesday, Feb. 18 through Saturday, Feb. 22. The week emphasized the importance of kindness of campus through various activities and exercises. […]
Students Learn the Ins and Outs of Running for Office From AUHSD Governing Board Member Bob Hockett
By Stella Heo, Staff Writer // Posters, flyers, and signs litter the streets of Lafayette, each publicizing different political candidates and measures. Even in front of Acalanes High School, pedestrians, commuters, parents, […]
Order Restored With New Hall Passes
// Without the new hall pass system recently implemented by the administration, Acalanes would be in absolute chaos and utter disarray. Although many students wish to laugh at the newly distributed set […]
Recognizing the contributions of Black Americans for more than just one month
By Jaedyn Boynton, Contributing Columnist // From Michael Jordan and Maya Angelou, to music and the civil rights movement, American history isn’t history without recognizing the role that Black people have played […]
Girl’s Basketball Destroys Las Lomas on Senior Night
By Shrida Pandey, Staff Writer The women’s basketball team crushed Las Lomas 75-38 last Friday night to capture their second consecutive undefeated Diablo Athletic League (DAL) championship. Before tipoff, seniors Kaylee Pond, Lauren […]
Lindsay Wildlife Museum Begins Fund in Honor of Gary Bogue
By Sabrina Agazzi, Staff Writer // Since Gary Bogue founded it in 1955, the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek has provided countless animals the chance to survive and thrive in a […]
Home Invasions: Lamorinda Worried about Wave of Violent Crimes
By Catherine Lomond and Liam McGlynn, Staff Writers // Lafayette maintains the reputation of a safe, family-friendly city. Families from all over the state and nation move to Lafayette to live the […]
The False Alarms Continue: Shelter in Place Alarm Mistakenly Triggered
By Kayli Harley, Staff Writer // Acalanes students and teachers are accustomed to false fire alarms blaring at random on campus, but when a monotone voice came over the loudspeaker on Monday […]
College Counselors: Another Piece To The Admissions Mystery Puzzle
By Charlotte Glass and Sofia Olsson, Editor-in-Chief and Copy Editor // The drastic changes in the college application process over the last 30 years are nothing short of revolutionary. What was once […]
Flour Babies 2020
// From Monday, Feb. 3 to Friday, Feb. 7, senior psychology students were responsible for taking care of flour babies. Learn about their experience below!
Leadership Hosts Voter Registration Drive for Acalanes Seniors
By Emerson Brown, Staff Writer // Since data became available, youth voters have consistently voted the least. Regardless of whether the election is a midterm, primary, or general election, 18 to 29-year-olds […]
Basketball Fights Valiantly, Falls to Campo on Senior Night
By Tom Bequette, Staff Writer // Men’s varsity basketball (15-8, 3-6 DFAL) stayed with an explosive Campolindo team, but were ultimately edged out 65-58 in front of a large home crowd Wednesday […]
APC Hosts Oscar After-Party With NYU Professor
By Shrida Pandey, Staff Writer // 2019 has been the year of advances in movies, with improved plots, action, and characters. From classic remakes to entirely new storylines, the film industry is […]
First Annual Acalanes VAPA Showcase
By Stella Heo, Staff Writer // A shutter clicks as a camera takes a photo, capturing the essence of the moment. A mice clacks as a student makes edits to a design. […]
Breaking Down the Walls Returns to Acalanes
By Katrina Ortman, Staff Writer // Walking into school, many students expected to attend a program designed to encourage citizenship and community. What they did not expect were the jump roping, the […]
Basketball Storms Back, Triumphs Over College Park
By Tom Bequette, Staff Writer // The Acalanes Varsity men’s basketball team (13-6,1-4 DFAL) came back from a twelve-point deficit to stun College Park 69-62 in front of a raucous home crowd […]
Blueprint Staff Writer Kayli Harley Published on The Lily
By Emerson Brown, Staff Writer // “No matter how many times you hit the floor when you simply could not find the strength to stand, you rose each time, finding the worth […]
Second Semester Club Day 2020
By Stella Heo, Staff Writer // On Friday, Jan. 17, club day took place in the big gym. Watch the recap below!
AUHSD Shakespeare Festival 2020
By Keith Johnson, Staff Writer // The annual Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) Shakespeare Festival took place at Acalanes on Wednesday, Jan. 15. Watch the recap below!
Bluepers: Episode 2
By Zack Lara and Keith Johnson, Staff Writers // On this episode of Bluepers, Demetri discusses movies, music, and sits down with digital design teacher Chris Busse. Enjoy episode two!
Women’s Soccer Loses to Rival Campolindo
By Natalie Means and Shrida Pandey, Staff Writers // The Acalanes women’s soccer team (7-2-1) fell to the Campolindo Cougars (6-1-1) 2-0 in their rivalry game last Friday night. The Acalanes stands […]
Student Nicotine Addiction: Counselors, administrators, and lawmakers scramble to counteract the spread of vaping
By John Kalil and Demetri Leones, Managing Editor and Liaison Editor // As a result of years of successful youth education and societal attitude shifts, a 2017 report by the Center for […]
TED Talk Brings Awareness to Mental Health on Campus
By Kayli Harley, Staff Writer // There are “madmen” in the room. They sit the same as the others in the space, but a barrier of shame and ignorance isolates them. They […]
Holiday Choral Concert 2019
By Keith Johnson, Staff Writer // On Thursday, Dec. 12, the annual Holiday Choral Concert took place in the Acalanes Preforming Arts Center. Watch the recap below!
Holiday Wind Ensemble and Orchestra Concert
By Zack Lara, Staff Writer // On Thursday, Dec. 5, the wind ensemble and orchestra performed numerous holiday tunes in the second part of their two part winter concert series. Watch the […]
AUHSD’s Removal of Huck Finn Met With Mixed Reactions
By Stella Heo and Shrida Pandey, Staff Writers // Students gather in a classroom to read and analyze their class text. White students, Asian students, African American students are of equal rank […]
Environmental Month Brings Awareness to Issue of Food Waste on Campus
By Allie Marcu and Shrida Pandey, Staff Writers // Every year in the United States, 40 percent of the food is left untouched. The world wastes 1.3 billion tons of food every […]
Winter Instrumental Music Concert
By Keith Johnson, Staff Writer // The annual winter Instrumental Music Concert took place in the Acalanes Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Watch the recap below!
Winter Sports Preview
By Mason Archer and Liam McGlynn, Staff Writers // As Acalanes fall sports teams finish up their seasons with North Coast Section (NCS) and state playoff runs, winter sports teams gear up […]
Football Comes Up Short of NCS Title Game Berth
By Ryan Owens, Online Sports Editor The game of football has continued to evolve in of favor spectacular offensive displays and ridiculous passing numbers. Yet nothing close to an offensive explosion transpired […]
Women’s Water Polo Takes Home Norcal Title
By Noah Glosson, Sports Editor // What started as a mere possibility two years ago has blossomed into reality. The Women’s Water Polo team is the 2019 California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Northern […]
Double NPR Episode 3: Impeachment
By Nicole Prozan, Opinion Editor // In this episode of Double NPR, Nicole Prozan and Nelson Rogers have a conversation about the current impeachment trials. Enjoy!
Acalanes students get Interviewed by KTVU Regarding Anti-Vape Bill
By Daniel Adri and Mason Archer, Staff Writers // A simple extra credit opportunity for Acalanes teacher Kristen Anderson’s government class, escalated quickly into an interview on live television with KTVU. On […]
Senior Dodgeball 2019
By Zoe Edelman, Head Videographer // Senior Dodgeball took place in the Acalanes big gym from Monday, Nov. 18 through Wednesday Nov. 20. Watch the recap below!
Open Mic Night 2019
By Zoe Edelman, Head Videographer // Acalanes students got to show off their talents at the annual Open Mic Night this Wednesday, Nov. 20. Watch the recap below!
Women’s Water Polo Storms Through First Round of NorCal Playoffs
By Noah Glosson, Sports Editor //Just four days ago, the women’s water polo team earned its 51st straight victory and repeated as North Coast Section (NCS) Open Division Champions. Due to the […]
Football Shuts Out Newark Memorial in NCS Playoff Opener
By Sam Bequette, Staff Writer // The Acalanes Varsity football team showed up Friday night, taking down Newark Memorial 42-0 in the first round of the North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs. The […]
Caffeine Dependency: The Nonstop Cycle of Energy
By Jamie Lattin and Binti Sohn, News Editor and Copy Editor The most popular psychoactive drug at Acalanes High School isn’t marijuana or ecstasy. It isn’t shrooms, cocaine, LSD, or any of […]
A Season in Review-JV Women’s Water Polo
By Tom Bequette, Staff Writer // It’s no secret that the Acalanes Varsity Girls Water Polo team is one of the best programs in all of California, but the junior varsity (JV) […]
Men’s Water Polo Wins First NCS Title Since 2010
By Noah Glosson, Sports Editor // In 2018, the men’s water polo team failed to qualify for the North Coast Section (NCS) playoffs. After an eventful 2019 campaign, Acalanes captured the ultimate […]
Women’s Water Polo Repeats As Undefeated Section Champions
John Kalil, Managing Editor // A sunset which covered the sky with pinkish red clouds gave way to night as Mother Nature placed Heaston Aquatic Center at the center of a perfect […]
Lafayette Fire Hits Close to Home for Firefighter
By Kayli Harley, Staff writer // The school hallways he once walked through were vacant and still as sirens blared just up the street, breaking the silence of the once normal day. […]
Acalanes Government Class Volunteers at Food Bank for Civic Action Project
By Stella Heo, Staff Writer // Kiwis covered the floor. Cardboard boxes and bags were ready to be filled. Student volunteers and their teacher stood ready to organize. As an opportunity for […]
A Season In Review-JV Women’s Volleyball
By Daniel Adri, Staff Writer // With the season at its end, the junior varsity (JV) Women’s Volleyball team (10-4) has many things to look back on and be proud of. The […]
Bluepers: Episode 1
By Keith Johnson and Zack Lara, Staff Writers // Welcome to Blueprint online’s first ever talkshow: Bluepers! Blueprint’s very own Demetri Leones sits down to discuss current events, pop culture and all […]
Women’s Water Polo Wins Fiftieth Straight Game, Advances To NCS Final
By John Kalil, Managing Editor // Two years and five days ago, the women’s varsity water polo team lost a game. In triple overtime, the Lady Dons fell to Monte Vista 9-8 […]
A Season In Review-JV Football
By Shrida Pandey, Staff Writer // Using phenomenal performances from a core group of players, the Acalanes junior varsity (JV) football team finished their season with a perfect 9-0 record. The team […]
A Season In Review-JV Men’s Water Polo
By Mason Archer, Staff Writer // With another solid season under their belt, the junior varsity (JV) men’s water polo team (10-9 overall, 3-5 league) gained some much needed experience as they […]
CARE Week Addresses White Privilege, Diversity and Equity at Acalanes
By Stephanie Liu, Copy Editor In an increasingly globalized world, and an especially diverse Bay Area community, Acalanes students will interact with many people of different races, ethnicities, religions, sexualities, and genders […]
Men’s Water Polo Survives Redwood, Advances to Semifinals
By Noah Glosson, Sports Editor // One Down, two to go. The men’s water polo team are now one step closer to attaining a North Coast Section (NCS) Championship. Despite a sluggish […]
Women’s Water Polo Dominates First Round of Playoffs
John Kalil, Managing Editor In just under 1600 words the First Book of Samuel chronicles the greatest underdog story ever told. The tale of David overcoming long odds to best Goliath inspired […]
Acalanes in the Dark: Damaged Power Line Causes School Cancellation
By Ella Alpert, Staff Writer // Waking up and running to your window, just in time to see the first snow of the season fall. School is cancelled, and you can spend […]
Football Wins on Senior Night, Earns Share of League Title
By Ryan Owens, Online Sports Editor // The football team picked up an easy victory Friday night over Alhambra 56-7 on a night that was all about the Class of 2020. The […]
Acalanes BioTech Teacher Loses Thousands Due to Power Outage
By Shrida Pandey, Staff Writer // Acalanes BioTech teacher Sydney Johnson sat down with Blueprint to discuss the devastating affects of the Acalanes power outage on her classroom.
Ruinous Fire Turns Lafayette Tennis Clubhouse to Ash
By Kayli Harley, Staff writer// One second tennis players are mindlessly hitting the ball across the net. Two seconds and there is an explosion. Three seconds and the flames spark. Four seconds and […]
Women’s Water Polo Wins NorCal Invitational
By Tom Bequette, Staff Writer // The women’s water polo team showed yet again why they are an elite program by becoming the NorCal invitational champions for the second year in a […]
Lafayette Fire and Acalanes Power Outage Disrupt Student School Day
By Zoe Edelman, Head Videographer // On Sunday Oct. 27, a brush fire broke out in Lafayette burning both sides of Highway 24. Subsequently, power lines were damaged, resulting in a power […]
Football Survives Against Miramonte
By Noah Glosson, Sports Editor // After a slow first half, the football team stormed back against Diablo Athletic League (DAL) rival Miramonte and completely shut down the Matador offense in the […]
Weekly LGBT Support Group Begins in Wellness Center
By Stephanie Liu, Staff Writer // In a world that can be cruel to LGBT youth, Acalanes strives to make its queer students feel safe and represented. Queer Straight Alliance (QSA), Peer […]
The Laramie Project Play Preview
By Anna Yiannikos and Zoe Edelman, Head Photographer and Head Videographer // The Laramie Project comes to the Acalanes small theatre Wednesday Oct. 23 through Saturday Oct. 26. Tickets can be purchased […]
Students Explore the Realm of Online Dating
By Nicole Prozan and Zoe Cate, Opinion Editor and Online Editor-in-Chief //“You have a new match!” Gone are the days of love letters, candlelit dinners, and formal courtship. Now, the new […]
Mental Health Days: Solution to Stress or Anxiety Amplifier?
By Natalie Means, Staff Writer // For some students, high school serves as an exciting and memorable chapter of their lives. However, others feel that high school is predominantly a source of […]
The Laramie Project: A Production Posed to Create Conversation
Anne Thiselton-Dyer, Arts Editor // “That kind of thing doesn’t happen here.” This line is echoed by multiple Laramie residents and actors within the play, “The Laramie Project.” This line references the […]
Global Climate Strike Hits the Streets of San Francisco
Sofia Olsson and Charlotte Glass, Copy Editor and Print Editor-In-Chief // August 20, 2018 – A fifteen-year-old girl skips her Friday classes and stands alone on the steps of the Swedish parliament […]
Students Embrace Insta Stories as a New Medium of Activism
Lizzy Xie, Stephanie Liu, Catherine Lomond, Online News Editor, Staff Writers // The last of the blue Instagram profile photos for the Sudan massacre have disappeared. The outraged posts about restricting abortion […]
Cougs Do Lose: Football Dominates Campolindo
By Ryan Owens, Online Sports Editor A sea of blue and pink engulfed the south side of the Acalanes football field Friday night as the sweet sound of an “ACA-LAN-ES” chant was […]
Football Faces Biggest Test Yet Against Campolindo
By Ryan Owens, Online Sports Editor // The football team has played at a high level for most of the season, suffering only two losses on the road against tough Vintage and […]
Stress Busters 2019
By Sabrina Agazzi and Keith Johnson, Staff Writers // The Acalanes front quad buzzed as students played with animals, enjoyed free treats and practiced yoga. On Friday, Oct. 11 The Acalanes Student […]
Fall Instrumental Pops Concert 2019
By Anna Yiannkos, Head Photographer // The first annual fall instrumental Pops concert took place in the Acalanes Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Oct. 10. Watch the recap below!
Flooding in Classrooms Disrupts Student Learning
By Zoe Edelman, Head Videographer // On Friday, Oct. 11, classrooms in the 400 wing were flooded. Watch the video below to find out how the flood occurred and how it will impact […]
The Aftermath of the PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff
Emerson Brown, Stella Heo, Katrina Ortman, Staff Writers // The seconds ticked by as residents waited for the power to go out. Five minutes passed. Ten minutes passed. Nothing. The lights were […]
Moraga Fire and Evacuation Shocks Community
Stephanie Liu, Copy Editor // While wildfires from previous years such as the Paradise fire in 2018 and the Santa Rosa fire in 2017 were disastrous, they were relatively far removed from the […]
PG&E Shutdown Impacts AUHSD
By Emerson Brown, Katrina Ortman, Stella Heo, Staff Writers // At the infamous Acalanes gas station, a line of cars inches into the small Shell gas station in preparation for the upcoming […]
Women’s Water Polo Tournament Closure Results in District-Wide Change
By Noah Glosson, Sports Editor // The women’s water polo team hosted its annual Acalanes Invitational Tournament during the weekend of Sept. 6-8. After winning the tournament championship in 2018, the team […]
Fall Instrumental POPS Concert Preview
By Emerson Brown, Staff Writer // Through the cracks of the band room door, students can be heard chanting “ooga chaka ooga ooga ooga chaka.” This is a stark contrast to the usual […]
Honorary Captains Shine in the Spotlight During Homecoming Week
By Sophia Cooper, Staff Writer // Typically, the Acalanes homecoming week is centered around the football team and the competition between the grades, but this year the spotlight shifted elsewhere. Three […]
LPIE Helps Blueprint Revolutionize Product
By Stella Heo and Kayli Harley, Staff writers // What started as a mere vision in the minds of the Editors-in-Chief of Blueprint to create a revamped publication has blossomed into a reality. […]
AUHSD Adopts Sandy Hook Promise to Combat Gun Violence
By Julia Poole, Staff Writer // School comes with daily stressors such as test anxiety, loads of homework and navigating the ins and outs of relationships. In addition to these mundane issues, […]
Backstage With The Delivery Men
By Keith Johnson, Staff Writer // Blueprint sat down with the Acalanes band, the Delivery Men to learn about their members and how they came together. Watch the video below to learn more!
Homecoming Week 2019
By Oliver Lane, Contributing Videographer // Acalanes homecoming week consisted of various lunchtime activities, class competitions, a rally, a football game, and a dance. Watch the recap of this week’s events below!
Football Wins Fourth Straight Homecoming Game over Oakland
By Ryan Owens, Online Sports Editor // The Acalanes football team shook off a slow start to down Oakland 41-7 in front of an electric homecoming atmosphere Friday, Sept. 27. The […]
Unexpected Blackout Ends Homecoming Football Game Prematurely
By Emerson Brown, Staff Writer // Without a flicker, the Acalanes stadium suddenly plunged into darkness during the 2019 homecoming football game on Friday, Sept. 27. Immediately, students and parents pulled out […]
A Spark of Hope: Pelosi Announces Official Inquiry for Impeachment
Zoe Edelman, Head Videographer // The whirlwind politics of the last few days confused, angered, and saddened me. After attempting to digest it all, I am left with one overarching question: What kind […]
Homecoming Week 2019: Tie Dye
By Oliver Lane, Contributing Videographer // For Tuesday’s homecoming lunchtime activity, dons gathered in the freshmen quad to tie-dye shirts. Watch the recap below!
Homecoming Week 2019: Unified Soccer
By Oliver Lane, Contributing Videographer // On Monday, Sep. 23, Acalanes students gathered on the field to support the special education students in a game of unified soccer. Watch the recap below!
Homecoming Week 2019: Hallway Decorating
By Oliver Lane, Contributing Videographer // Homecoming week has officially begun! To kick off the week students from all grades got together on Sunday, Sep. 22, to decorate their hallway in accordance with […]
Women’s Water Polo Wins Third Consecutive Amanda McDonald Tournament
By Noah Glosson, Sports Editor // Thirty-six wins and counting. The Lady Dons proved once again why they are number one in Northern California with another illustrious tournament victory. Led by a […]
Football Starts Fast, Blows out El Cerrito
By Ryan Owens, Online Sports Editor // Revenge is always best served cold. The Acalanes football team showed they had not forgotten last year’s brutal loss to El Cerrito by racing […]
San Francisco Climate Strike March
By Zoe Cate, Online Editor-in-Chief // Nearly 40,000 people flooded the streets of San Francisco on Sep. 20 to call attention to the ever-pressing issue of climate change. This march was youth-led and […]
No More Coal, No More Oil: The San Fransico Climate Strike Through the Eyes of Two Acalanes Students
By Emerson Brown and Katrina Ortman, Staff Writers // Walking down Market Street, we chanted, “No more coal, no more oil, keep your carbon in the soil,” our voices echoing through the […]
Campus Beautification Project at Acalanes
Lizzy Xie, Online News Editor // Members of the Acalanes Parents Club (APC) and Acalanes students gathered on Sunday, Sep. 15, to beautify the Acalanes campus. Sixty-one parent and student volunteers showed […]
Club Day 2019
By Keith Johnson, Videographer // Acalanes hosted ‘Club Day’ on Sept. 13 during academy, an annual tradition to grow and learn about club involvement. Watch the recap below!
AUHSD Makes Considerable Strides to end Vaping Epidemic
By Zoe Cate, Online Editor-in-Chief // The school district has applied for a $1 million grant to combat student vaping by hiring nicotine addiction specialists and installing vape detectors and surveillance cameras. Vaping […]
Football Lights Up Scoreboard vs. Berkeley
By Aaron Vaserman & Mason Archer, Staff Writers // The Acalanes faithful packed the stadium to watch the Dons defeat visiting Berkeley 57-28 on Friday, Sept. 13. Acalanes received the opening kickoff, […]
Remembering 9/11: Acalanes Staff and Students Reflect on the Tragedy and What it Means to Them
By Zoe Edelman, Head Videographer // On the 18th anniversary of 9/11, Acalanes students and staff reflect on the importance of the day and what it means to them.
The Survival Guide to Freshmen Year: From one Acalanes Student to Another
By Allie Marcu, Staff Writer We all live or have lived the freshmen experience. Freshmen don’t understand why upperclassmen hate them until they aren’t one anymore. Once they become a sophomore, they then […]
Double NPR Episode 2: Electoral College
By Nicole Prozan, Opinion Editor // On this weeks episode of Double NPR, our editors discuss the electoral college. Enjoy!
Motivational Speaker Mike Smith Brings new Ideas to Acalanes
By Ella Alpert, Staff Writer // Curious Acalanes students quickly fell silent as a young man, with hair past his shoulders and a sleeve of tattoos made his way across the gym. This […]
Bathroom Renovations Create an Unusual Situation for one Acalanes Teacher
By Tom Bequette, Staff Writer // For many students and staff, using the Acalanes bathrooms is the last thing on their mind as they go about their day. But for Abigail Smith, Acalanes’ […]
Summer Jobs and Internships Taken on by Students at Acalanes
By Aysha Craig, Staff Writer // Whether the goal is to take on a large responsibility or to try something new, jobs and internships are a popular way Acalanes students spend their time […]
Double NPR Episode 1: Affirmative Action
By Zoe Cate, Online Editor-in-Chief // The long-awaited first episode of Double NPR is here. In this new segment, two editors, Nicole Prozan and Nelson Rogers, from opposite ends of the political […]
Football Pulls Away From Sacred Heart Cathedral
By Ryan Owens, Online Sports Editor // The greatest teams in sports are always resilient. The Acalanes football team showed plenty of resiliency Friday night as they defeated Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep […]
Football Triumphs in Season Opener
By Daniel Adri, Staff Writer // The energy followed the Acalanes football team as they sprinted out onto the field. The crowd was buzzing with excitement as the Dons kicked off their season […]
Aquadons Swim From Alcatraz Island to Chrissy Field
By Lizzy Xie, Online News Editor // While the majority of the Acalanes High School staff and students slept in on Saturday, August 25, a group of teachers jumpstarted their weekend with an […]
Cooking With Charlie Season One Finale: Nice Cream
By Zoe Cate, Online Editor-in-Chief // With the end of summer, comes the end of season one of Cooking With Charlie. Beat the heat with Charlie’s flavorful and guilt-free nice cream!
Cooking With Charlie: Popcorn Three Ways
By Zoe Cate, Online Editor-in-Chief // Cooking With Charlie is back! This time chef Charlie teaches us how to make popcorn three ways: sweet, salty, and spicy. Watch the video below to learn […]
Future Artist Recognition 2019
By Zoe Edelman, Head Videographer // An awards ceremony was held at Acalanes on May 30 to celebrate the seniors who are pursuing the arts in college. Watch the recap below!
Summer Spirit Week 2019
By Anna Yiannikos, Head Photographer // Summer spirit week took place at Acalanes May 27-31. The activities consisted of a belly flop contest, intertube water polo, and a rally. Watch the recap below!
Senior Week 2019
// As the school year comes to an end, so does the class of 2019’s time at Acalanes. Senior week was held May 20- 24 at Acalanes as a way for the […]
Senior Ditch Day 2019
By Stephanie Liu, Staff Writer // It’s 8:30 on a Friday morning and classrooms feel weirdly empty. Around two-thirds of students are missing, and the rest of the class checks their social media […]
The Nuances of Separating the Art From the Artist
By Anne Thiselton-Dyer, Arts Editor // It seems every day that another celebrity turns out to be a horrible person; Johnny Depp, Kevin Spacey, and R. Kelly are just a few of many […]
Students Jump Over Hurdles to Make it to Prom on Time
By Stephanie Liu, Staff Writer // Track star Mila Mathias paced around her room, willing the polish on her nails to dry faster. Her prom dress and heels laid in a bag by […]
Pick Your Poison: Study Stimulant or Party Prescription
By Zoe Cate and Sofia Olsson, Online Editor-in-Chief and Copy Editor // Welcome to Generation Adderall: a generation of students struggling with a dependence on a tiny blue pill as a “study buddy” […]
Daniel Appel Wins 2019 Teacher of the Year Award
By Sydney Lauer and Leda Abkenari, Feature Editors // Each year, the Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) distributes “Teacher Of The Year Awards” to recognize outstanding staff members for their hard work […]
Exploring the Unique Experiences of Immigrant Students
By Lizzy Xie, Online News Editor // Among the vast majority of American-born high schoolers at Acalanes, a small portion of students possess backgrounds far unlike those of their peers. These individuals have […]
2019 Recruited Athletes
By Noah Glosson, Sports Editor // Acalanes Boosters honored 13 student-athletes during lunchtime at the Big Gym on Thursday, May 23. These athletes have either signed or committed to play their sports […]
POPs Concert 2019
By Anna Yiannkos, Head Photographer // Acalanes hosted the annual POPs concert on Thursday, May 23. Watch the recap below!
Former Speechwriter for George W. Bush and Blueprinter Visits Acalanes
By Anna Yiannkos, Head Photographer // Former speechwriter for President George W. Bush and Blueprint Editor-in-Chief came back to Acalanes to speak about his journey from Blueprint to the White House and all the lessons he […]
Blueprint Wins Big in Local and National Competitions
By Lizzy Xie, Online News Editor // Acalanes’ student-run newspaper, Blueprint, won first place for Overall Excellence in the county-wide Lesher Journalism Awards contest for the second year in a row in a […]
Cooking With Charlie: Garlic Knots
By Zoe Cate, Online Editor-in-Chief // On this episode of Cooking With Charlie, Charlie Keohane teaches us how to make garlic knots. Watch the video below to learn how to make these delicious […]
Cooking with Charlie: Chocolate Oat Bars
By Zoe Cate, Online Editor-in-Chief // Welcome to the first episode of Cooking with Charlie. This is a new segment on Blueprint Online, where we sit down with Charlie Keohane as she experiments […]
Campus Parking Lot: Lots of Accidents and Few Spots
By Coco Cornish, Sofia Olson, and Ryann Drue, Staff Writers and Videographer // It’s 7:58 a.m. and you have two minutes until the bell for class rings. You see the last spot available and drive towards […]
Men’s Volleyball Wins All In Close Call Against Campolindo High School
By Sarah Westergren, Staff Writer // Tensions ran high as the Dons battled for first in the league against rival Campolindo High School on Thursday, April 25 at home. Competition picked up […]
Baseball Rolls Over Rival Campolindo to Remain Undefeated In League Play
By Ryan Owens, Online Sports Editor // The warmer weather might have had something to do with the smoking hot bats of the Acalanes Dons Tuesday, April 23. The Dons scored […]
Special Olympics 2019
By Zoe Cate, Online Editor-in-Chief // The annual Special Olympics was hosted at Acalanes High School on April 23. Watch the recap below!
Spring Play 2019
By Zoe Cate, Online Editor-in-Chief // Baskerville comes to the Acalanes small theatre Wednesday, April 24 through Saturday, April 27 at 7 PM. Tickets can be purchased on the webstore. Support the DramaDons!
Preview of Powder Puff 2019
By John Kalil, Managing Editor-in-Chief // Back for its second year on campus after a long hiatus, Powder Puff women’s football will take place Wednesday, April 16 and Thursday, April 17 on the field […]
Acalanes Men’s Lacrosse Honors Former Lacrosse Coach Matt Lynn
By John Kalil, Managing Editor-in-Chief // It was a beautiful spring evening to celebrate the life of a cherished member of the Acalanes community. This past Friday, April 14, students, parents, and community […]
QSA Day of Silence Calls Attention to Prevalent LGBTQ Issues
By Jamie Lattin, Staff Writer // A congregation of students donning red and wearing stickers gathered in the front quad on a bright, crisp spring morning, prepared for a silent protest that […]
2019 Annual Talent Show Recap
By Zoe Edelman, Videographer // Students showcased their gifts through the annual talent show on Wednesday, March 27 in the PAC from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Hosts included seniors Ed Collinson, […]
10 Things To Do This Spring Break
By Binti Sohn, Staff Writer // Spring break can either seem like the slowest week of the year, or it can pass by in a second. Learning how to spend it right […]
Student Profile: Meeting Next Year’s ASB Officers
By Nicole Prozan, Staff Writer // Each year, new students are elected to head the Associated Student Body (ASB). ASB has many responsibilities including overseeing leadership, planning events, and being liaisons for […]
Daughter Margalit Ir Speaks of Her Parents’ Holocaust Experience in Academy Seminar
By Jamie Lattin, Staff Writer // When presented in an academic setting, history can often appear to be an impersonal slew of facts and statistics. The stories that are passed down from […]
Competition Strikes Between Staff and Students in New Senior-Only Dodgeball
By Ryann Drue, Videographer // In the first event of its kind, the Acalanes Leadership Associated Student Body (ASB) officers put together a senior-only dodgeball event, more formally known as “Dodge or […]
Annual Psychology Project Reminds Students of Teenage Parenting Obligations
By Ryann Drue, Videographer // Psychology students discovered what it meant to be a teenage parent through the yearly flour baby project, spanning from March 4 to March 8. Students were required […]
Q&A: Getting to Know the Characters of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
By Stephanie Liu, Staff Writer // Acalanes Performing Arts presents a production of everyone’s favorite classic fairytale, Cinderella. Disney fans should prepare for different vibes, different songs, and different personalities than the Disney […]
Improvadons Club Offers Theatrical Entertainment
By Binti Sohn, Staff Writer // To all students dreaming of becoming an actor or actress, becoming an Improvadon might just be the right course of action. The student-led club focuses on […]
College Board: The Non-Profit Dominating College Admissions
By Kiara Kunnes and Charlie Keohane, Print Editor-in-Chief and News Editor // One recruited athlete who received a full-ride scholarship has taken the SAT. One academically oriented student who has consistently taken Advanced Placement […]
A Continuum of Silence: Part II of Exploring Sexual Assault
By Karen Rosenberg and Lisi Burciaga, Print Editors-in-Chief // Dear Readers, Before you read this story, we warn you that it is a very dark, heavy hitting, and sometimes stomach-turning piece. If matters […]
Brenden Wins All in Staff and Student March Madness Basketball Tournament
By Ryann Drue, Videographer // Staff and students kicked off March with the first annual March Madness Week from Feb. 25 to March 1. ASB hosted a faculty and student tournament at […]
Black Student Union Raises Awareness of Black History Month on Campus
By Zoe Edelman and Lizzy Xie, Staff Writers // February is Black History Month; Acalanes’ Black Student Union (BSU) teamed up with the Acalanes Leadership Diversity board to put on a week […]
Sophomore Max Simas Plays for All-State Band in Fresno Convention
By Binti Sohn, Staff Writer // While most students’ biggest achievements include grades or the starting lineup, sophomore Max Simas’ accomplishment stands apart; he played the drums as part of the esteemed All-State […]
Women’s Basketball Falls Short in Overtime of NCS Quarterfinals
By Noah Glosson, Staff Writer // The four-seeded women’s basketball team fell in heartbreaking fashion to the five-seed Redwood Giants of Larkspur by a score of 65-57 in the North Coast Section […]
Valentine’s Day Singing Grams Make a Comeback at Acalanes
By Nicole Prozan, Staff Writer // Valentine’s day singing grams are a coveted tradition at Acalanes. After a lapse in this tradition last year, singing grams are being re-instituted this Valentine’s day with […]
Women’s Basketball Powers Past Northgate in First Round of NCS
By John Kalil, Sports Editor // It was a dry day in Lafayette, but last night the women’s basketball team poured in 62 points to soak Northgate in the first round of […]
Men’s Basketball Upsets College Park in First League Win of the Season
By Noah Glosson, Staff Writer // The men’s basketball team picked up its signature win of the season over Diablo Athletic League (DAL) powerhouse College Park 85-76 on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at […]
Blueprint Creative Submissions
How Different Writing Creative Submissions Winner, Anonymous “If you had a box of crayons,” Ms. Florine starts slowly, “would you want them to all be the same color?” She sweeps her shoulder length […]
Breaking the Silence: Revealing the Hidden Imprints of Sexual Assault
Dear Readers, Before you read this story, we warn you that it is a very dark, heavy hitting, and sometimes stomach-turning piece. If matters of great sensitivity, such as sexual assault, will […]
Breaking Down The Walls Breaks Standard for Anti-Bullying Campaigns
By Leda Abkenari, Jamie Lattin, Stephanie Liu, and Zoe Edelman, Staff Writers and Videographer // Kindness is in our DNA. Despite the overall accepting atmosphere at Acalanes, the community is not immune to […]
Athlete In the Moment: Girls Soccer Against Campolindo 01/28
By Aliye Wingate, Staff Writer // Whenever a team from Acalanes plays Campolindo High School, there will always be some sort of anticipation; after all, we are rivals. As part of the […]
Men’s Basketball Defeated by Rival Campolindo High School
By Noah Glosson, Staff Writer // The men’s basketball team endured a tough loss to rival high school Campolindo 43-66 in front of a sellout crowd on Thursday, Jan. 24, bringing their […]
Why Anti-Semitism Led Me to Stay Home From the Women’s March
By Nicole Prozan, Staff Writer // The two most important aspects of my identity are feminism and Judaism. Feminism is a main pillar of my everyday life which dictates my actions. My strong […]
Reflecting on the Fall 2018 College Application Experience
By Sarah Westergren, Online Editor-in-Chief // As the final Common Application deadline comes to a close, Acalanes students took a moment to reflect on the process and offer their best advice for […]
Student Profile: Didgeridoo Player John Stancik
By Ryann Drue, Videographer // In an exclusive Blueprint interview, Online Associate Editor Zoe Cate sat down with sophomore John Stancik to talk all things didgeridoo; a unique wind instrument he recently […]
Discovery of Mold Prompts School to Close Weight Room
By Noah Glosson, Staff Writer // Acalanes has closed the school weight room due to a recent discovery of mold on Tuesday, Jan. 9 in one of its corners. The weight room […]
Finals Week Advice for Freshmen
By Shreekar Pandey and Zoe Cate, Feature Editor and Online Associate Editor // Finals week is taking place at Acalanes Monday, Jan. 14 through Jan. 17. For freshmen, this will be their […]
Men’s Basketball Falls in Final Seconds of Chris Huber Classic Championship
By Noah Glosson, Staff Writer // In an intense Chris Huber Classic championship game, Acalanes fell in heartbreaking fashion as Tamalpais scored the go-ahead basket with 1.1 seconds remaining, handing Acalanes its […]
Men’s Basketball Advances to Third Straight Chris Huber Classic Championship
By Noah Glosson, Staff Writer // The Acalanes men’s basketball team held off a physically talented De Anza squad 57-51 on Friday, Dec. 28, earning themselves a spot in the Chris Huber […]
Men’s Basketball Shines in First Round of Chris Huber Classic
By Noah Glosson, Staff Writer // In honor of longtime assistant basketball coach and Physical Education teacher Chris Huber, the men’s basketball team hosted the first day of its annual Chris Huber […]
10 Things To Do This Winter Break
By Anna Yiannikos, Natalie Seiler, and Sydney Rohrbough, Staff Photographers // Stuck at home for the holidays? Have no fear—here are 10 things to keep you busy this winter season. Make your […]
Acalanes Celebrates Another Successful Year of “Adopt-a-Family”
By Zoe Edelman, Videographer // Acalanes staff and students participated in the annual “Adopt-a-Family” celebration on Wednesday, Dec. 18 during Academy, hosted by the Community Outreach Leadership board. This year, 25 classes […]
Acalanes Performing Arts “Sing All Together” Winter Performance
// The Acalanes Performing Arts Department presented their 2018 winter concerts entitled “Sing All Together” on Dec. 18 and 20. The first performance included special guest Las Lomas Chorale, with the second […]
10 Tips for Freshmen Heading Into First-Semester Finals
By Noah Glosson, Staff Writer // Finals week is a daunting time for most students. Unlike previous years, teachers will only have one week to review with their students before they hand […]
The Best and Worst of Netflix Holiday Films, Ranked
By Claire Mueller, Staff Writer // It’s the perfect time of year to bundle up under a warm blanket, drink hot cocoa, and watch a seasonal movie with close friends and family. […]
Acalanes Showcases Students’ Musical Talent In Instrumental Winter Concert
By Ryann Drue, Videographer // Acalanes hosted its annual Instrumental Winter Concert on Tuesday, Dec. 18 through Thursday, Dec. 20. The Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Freshman Band performed that Tuesday, with […]
An Alternative Attitude Towards Jewish Holidays
By Nicole Prozan, Staff Writer // Bright twinkling lights throughout the streets, holiday commercials, and the coveted return of the red Starbucks cup stir up feelings of cheer, excitement, and happiness among […]
Question and Answer with Water Polo Head Coach Misha Buchel
By John Kalil, Sports Editor // Sports Editor John Kalil interviewed women’s water polo head coach Misha Buchel on another successful season after their NCS Championship win on Saturday, Dec. 1. Kalil: […]
The Art Room Exhibit Showcases Student Artwork
By Sarah Westergren, Online Editor-in-Chief // A subtle melody. Soft, warm hues. Walls, covered in art. It was the perfect ambiance at Lafayette’s Art Room last Friday night. “I wanted to showcase a […]
Loss of Another AUHSD Student Results in Community Devastation
By Zoe Cate, Ari Goodman and Sarah Westergren, Online Associate Editor, Staff Writer, and Online Editor-in-Chief // The Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) suffered yet another loss last week with the […]
Bejing Teachers-In-Training Visit Acalanes to Learn About American School System
By Stephanie Liu and Lizzy Xie, staff writers // Although the Chinese education system is known for producing competitive, smart and capable students, there is always room to grow. For Chinese teachers, […]
District Wears Green in Light of Miramonte High School Tragedy
By Noah Glosson, Staff Writer // Students and staff across the Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) wore green for Miramonte Support Day on Friday, Nov. 30. Throughout the week, Leadership posted […]
Women’s Water Polo Wins Second North Coast Section Title in Three Years
By Noah Glosson, Staff Writer // The dream season is now complete. The Lady Dons are the 2018 North Coast Section (NCS) Women’s Water Polo Open Division Champions. In front of a […]
Women’s Volleyball Wins First Round of North Coast Sections
By John Kalil, Sports Editor // The Acalanes women’s varsity volleyball team gave new meaning to the term “road warriors” this past Tuesday, Oct. 23. The Lady Dons made the six hour […]
Play Preview 2018: ‘12 Angry Jurors’
By Lizzy Xie, Staff Writer // Blueprint sat down with lead actors Anna Sominsky, Blake Levinson, Alex Gold and Joel Braunstein to get the latest scoop on everything “12 Angry Jurors”, a […]
Orchestra and Wind Ensemble Boast Yet Another Successful Fall Instrumental Concert
By Sydney Lauer, Staff Writer // The Acalanes String Orchestra and Wind Ensemble wowed audiences during its annual Fall Instrumental Concert. Taking place Thursday, Oct. 18 in the Performing Arts Center, the […]
Football Falls to Rival Campolindo High School
By Ryan Owens, Staff Writer // The Acalanes football team endured a tough loss to rival school Campolindo this past Friday, Oct. 12. The Dons committed three turnovers and failed to […]
Acalanes Choirs Perform at Annual District Concert
// Acalanes’ Women’s Ensemble and Bella Voce choirs, along with Campolindo’s and Miramonte’s choirs, performed at the Women’s Fall Choral Classic (FCC) on Oct. 11 at the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church. The […]
‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’ Pleases Teenage Audiences
By Claire Mueller, Staff Writer // With an astounding rating of 96 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” is not your typical Netflix romantic comedy. It introduces […]
Homecoming Week: Tuesday
By Ryann Drue, Videographer // Students partook in Tuesday’s cardstacking challenge, modeled after the juniors’ subtheme, Alice In Wonderland. Juniors took first, with sophomores following behind and seniors lagging in third place. The senior […]
“Senior Sunrise” Tradition Makes Its Way to Acalanes
By Coco Cornish, Copy Editor // As the sun rises over senior year, so does a new found tradition at Acalanes High School. Coming together on Friday, Aug. 24, 75 seniors gathered […]
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