Adopt a Family
Thank you to our incredible community for opting in to adopt 54 families this holiday season! We have a few individuals left on our Sign–Up Genius (you would adopt just 1 person, not an entire family). If you opted in, please shop & wrap your presents before December 10th. All gifts will be dropped off on the morning of Dec 10, and we will communicate details through e-mail. We are so grateful for our community’s support!

Sock & Heavy Coat Drive
Key Club & Leadership are running a sock and heavy coat (new or gently used) drive tomorrow through Dec 10 for a homeless encampment in Martinez. Donation bins will be at the flagpole in the morning and in the attendance office throughout the day. We are working in conjunction with the Stanley Leadership program to make this a community effort. Thank you in advance for your donations!
 
Acalanes Spirit Wear
If you ordered spiritwear, check your email! Pick-up will be Dec 9 in the afternoon and Dec 10 in the morning. We have a few more items available for purchase via the webstorel. Check them out!
 
This Week At a Glance:

• Monday before school – Junior hot cocoa bonding
• Tuesday ALL DAY – Pizza My Heart fundraiser for the Class of 2025
• Wednesday Academy – Social media documentary and discussion in room 314
• Wednesday @ Lunch
  • 9th/10th finals informational session covering Math, Science, and World Language in room 314
  • Junior gingerbread cookie decorating
• Thursday @ Lunch – Finals informational session covering English and History in room 314
• Friday at Lunch – Junior Dreidel tournament and Friendly Faces activity

A Peek At The Week Ahead:
Winter week is next week with dress up days and winter-themed events!

• Monday, Dec 6 – Pajama Day & movie showing in the big gym during lunch & Open Mic Night @ 6 PM at Sideboard.
• Tuesday, Dec 7 – Lumberjack Day & snowball stressbusters during lunch
• Wednesday, Dec 8 – Ugly Sweater Day, Holiday Educational Kahoot in 314 during lunch and Winter Around the World Potluck at 6 PM followed by the winter instrumental concert at 7 PM.
• Thursday, Dec 9 – Penguin Party
• Friday, Dec 10 – Frozen Friday! Hot cocoa in the quad before school, adopt-a-family wrapping party during academy, and snow globe making for Children’s Hospital in 314 during lunch.

Wednesday Dec 8 from 3:15-5:30pm in the Library ExamJam: All Students
Students can drop in to get questions answered by teachers on hand from each subject. Peer tutors will also be available for guidance. It is a great two hour block of time to jump into final exam preparation.
 
As always, I am here to support you and your students. If there is anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to reach out via e-mail.
 
Katherine Walton, Student Activities Director

In recent years you may have noticed a boom in the usage of the term “self care, the umbrella term for anything an individual does to maintain their physical, emotional and spiritual health.” It may seem as if this term is a new and trendy buzzword and that taking care of yourself is pretty rudimentary and self explanatory. Unfortunately, taking care of ourselves is extremely difficult when considering some of the challenges that we face on a day to day basis. Some barriers to self care may include:

• the mindlessness of daily routines in which we are driven by autopilot
• yielding to others needs before our own
• avoiding specific tasks that lead to the rationalization of why you just don’t have the time

Your student may be facing some of these barriers as well. This week, I challenge you to consider the benefit of self care not only for your personal wellbeing but for the wellbeing of your AHS student. “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” If your physical, emotional and spiritual health are depleted, are you really showing up for life to the best of your ability? By prioritizing effective health and wellness behaviors, your student will see that you are making it a point to take care of yourself and are more likely to follow suit. Talk to your student about self-care, start that mindfulness practice, dance around the house to your favorite music and find what feels nourishing to your soul.
 
Kiara Thomas, Wellness Intake Specialist

SENIORS

• Scholarship Opportunity: Check out this site for many scholarships!
• American Association of University Women (AAUW) offers three, $2,000 Scholarships to a graduating young woman from Acalanes, Campolindo and Miramonte who demonstrates a sustained commitment to community service as well as a grade point average of at least 3.0. If you know someone who meets these criteria, please share.
• Nov. 30 DVC will host a panel of course instructors and program coordinators will discuss their various fields. Attendees will learn about course offerings and career pathways. Featured areas include: Culinary Arts, Dental Hygiene, Industrial Design/Engineering, Pre-Apprenticeship and Music. Register here!
• Academy – We will continue working on Cal State Applications, Common App, Coalition App, and UC apps this week! Students can share essays on Google Docs with me too!

JUNIORS

• University of California TIPS! Check out this to learn the Comprehensive Review criteria for which the UC’s follow to evaluate students for admission.
• Nov. 30 DVC will host a panel of course instructors and program coordinators will discuss their various fields. Attendees will learn about course offerings and career pathways. Featured areas include: Culinary Arts, Dental Hygiene, Industrial Design/Engineering, Pre-Apprenticeship and Music. Register here!

SOPHOMORES/FRESHMEN

• Internship Opportunity! Recycle Smart is offering an internship program for student leaders striving for zero waste.
• Volunteer  Here are some volunteer options to get you started. Check out the newforms for tracking volunteer service hours for recognized service awards.

RESOURCES

• CCC Website

Counselor assignments are by last name.
A – Dr  Anne Schonauer
Du-Kr  Christine Todd
Ku-Rog  Marissa Meadows
Roh-Z  Susan Martin

Tuesday, Dec 14 through Friday, Dec 17 Final Exams 2nd Quarter is going by fast!  There are less than four weeks of school before finals week! Here is the finals week schedule: 



Counselor Appointments Counselors are checking in with all 9th and 10th graders during November and December. We want to start getting to know them and help them as best we can! We are always seeing any student for drop-in appointments.

Progress Reports The third grading period of the semester ended on Friday, Nov 5. Grades were delayed due to technical issues, but updated grades can be viewed in Aeries and Canvas now. 

I know it’s November but I forgot to remind you about BREAST HEALTH in October!  Check out the Daisy Wheel app to teach your daughters about SBE. I also have laminated paper Daisy Wheels in my office – come by to get one!

COVID VACCINE:  I continue to encourage you to get your students and your families vaccinated. Please contact me for support if needed.

Proof of vaccination: Try this site:  https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/

Got Masks? Many students are arriving at school without a mask. Please make sure to have a generous supply of clean masks in your car/your student’s car. ALSO in your student’s backpacks and lockers…  Everyone wears a mask indoors (outdoors optional with social distancing) and all are encouraged to practice good hand hygiene. 

Any student that has illness symptoms should stay home until they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours. If your student has NOT been vaccinated for COVID-19 and/or has had a fever, please provide a negative COVID-19 test result before returning to school.

If there are any updates to your student’s vaccination record, please send me a copy. If your student is missing any required immunizations, they may not be able to be at school until those are complete. Please get in touch with me as soon as possible.

PLEASE EAT MORE PLANTS to keep your student and your family healthier and smarter. Try these yummy but healthy lemon oat pancakes with your family over Thanksgiving break!

Quick Links

• AUHSD Safety Plan
• COVID-19 Vaccination Record Submission Form

Please be in touch with me to discuss any medical, health, or wellness concerns.
Stay healthy and be well,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org
925-280-2970 x7128
Acalanes School Nurse Google Site
IG:  acalanesschoolnurse

Friday, Nov 19 8:45 to 10am Dons Dialogue with Principal Shawn
The meeting will take place both in the Collaboration Center and over Zoom. We will hear updates from Principal Shawn about happenings on campus, learn about Acalanes’ Finals Week and end of semester plans, welcome LPIE and AUHSD Superintendent Dr. John Nickerson as they speak about school budgets and funding, and receive our monthly report from Student Leadership!

Look for an email later this week with more details and a Zoom link.

Parent VOLUNTEER Opportunities:

• Calling all Bakers!  Friday, Dec 10 Staff Appreciation Cookie Exchange – The tradition is back and after 2 years we are excited to give our much deserving Staff a Holiday Cookie Exchange; we provide the treats for our staff to enjoy! Please sign up here if you are able to help out.
• Finals Fuel Monday Dec 6 through Friday, Dec 17 – Donate snacks, cash or volunteer to hand-out goodies to our students during Finals. Sign up here
• Hot Lunch Help – Monday through Friday 12:45-1:15 pm. Sign up here

November is National Native American HeritageMonth, and we continue to honor our Native American population. One of their many contributions to American society today is through food. Many popular dishes, like this delicious cornbread, have been adapted from traditional Native American recipes. Cornbread was a staple of the Native American diet for many years before Europeans arrived on the continent. Maize (corn), beans, and squash are often referred to as “The Three Sisters” as the Native Americans planted them to grow among each other, gaining strength from the other plants as they grew.

As we approach Thanksgiving, it might be interesting to think about the fact that the actual history of what happened in 1621 bears little resemblance to what most of us were taught in school, according to historians. There was likely no turkey served, for example, or feathered headdresses worn. And, initially, there was no effort by the Pilgrims to invite the Wampanoags to the feast they’d made possible. Read more in this article.

Tuesday, Nov 16 is “International Day for Tolerance” instituted by the United Nations.

Thursday, Nov 18 at 6pm  – In support of Lamorinda Cities’ “United Against Hate” Week, Nov 15 through 19, the Lafayette Community DEIB Committee invites everyone to participate in a guided conversation led by staff and students from the Acalanes Unified School District. Be part of the bridge building that connects our students and schools with our parents and neighbors in the community. Sign up here.

Children don’t just need to be loved; they need to know that nothing they do will change the fact that they are loved.
Alfie Kohn

Lots of talks to have on your radar if you have the time, energy, and inclination (all online):

Monday, Nov. 15 at 7pm Navigating School District Services For Children with Special Needs – Talk Hosted by The Center for Children and Youth
Join this talk to learn about the Individual with Disabilities Education Act, 504 educational plans, and IEP’s(Individualized Education Program), and how the schools can support your child’s specific learning needs. Cost is $45.

Tuesday, Nov 16th at 7pm Colin Seale – The Question is the Answer: Practical Strategies to Unleash Critical Thinking At Home
MVLA Parent Speaker Series hosts Mr. Seale, an educator, attorney, and author of Thinking Like a Lawyer. He will share powerful, yet practical tools to equip parents to foster and engage critical thinking in their children. Registration link for this free event is here.

Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 4pm Challenge Success, a non-profit organization that focuses on the well-being of the student, will be hosting a Healthier Approach to College Admissions talk, helping parents to support their students’ well-being during the college admission process and beyond. Registration link is here with a recording sent afterwards for those who cannot attend the live event. Cost is $10.

Finally, if your teen is struggling with academics or feeling down or frustrated about school, don’t forget to connect with our Counselors, our Nurse, and our Wellness Center.

Feel free to reach out and connect with us with ideas for future topics, shareable resources, or thoughts at parented@acalanesparentsclub.com.

Adopt a Family
With the holiday season approaching, it’s time for Acalanes’ annual Adopt-a-Family event to give to those in need! We work with Families First, a non-profit in Concord. Please sign up to make a difference in our community. Sign up to adopt one individual via this Sign–Up Genius. We are so grateful for community support!

Sock & Heavy Coat Drive
Key Club & Leadership are running a sock and heavy coat drive November 29 through December 10th for a homeless encampment in Martinez. Donation bins will be at the flagpole in the morning and in the attendance office throughout the day. We are working in conjunction with the Stanley Leadership program to make this a community effort.
 
Acalanes Spirit Wear
As we approach the holidays, we wanted to design and offer five new Acalanes items for purchase. All are designed by our students and all proceeds benefit the classes of ’23, ’24 and ’25. You can order through Wednesday, November 17and items will be available for pick-up December 9 and 10 after school. Check them out!
 
Deadline to Apply Friday Nov 19 Last call for CARE Leaders- Applications Now Available
Is your student interested in encouraging equity on campus and continuing the dialogue? They can sign up to be a CARE Leader! The application was sent via Canvas and is also in the daily bulletin and the deadline to apply is Friday, November 19. Each year, Acalanes puts on what is called CARE week (Compassion, Acceptance, Respect, and Equality). CARE leaders will lead a CARE Workshop during Academy time in order to continue our education around issues of equity. Students will be trained on the content of the workshop along with facilitation tips and techniques.
 
Week at a glance

• Monday at lunch Junior/Frosh bonding-obstacle course
• Tuesday through Thursday at lunch Senior Dodgeball in the big gym
• Tuesday at 7pm Jazz Band Concert
• Wednesday at Academy Student Equity Council: Myths and half-truths about Thanksgiving
• Friday at Academy Friendly Faces (SPED) Thanksgiving party
• Friday at Lunch Senior Friendsgiving

A Peek Ahead: Wednesday, Dec 1 Social Media documentary and discussion in Room 314
Encourage your student to come to Walton’s Academy to watch Project Socialize, a documentary about social media and its effects on teenagers.

RECAP

Custodial Appreciation
Last week, our community and the students spent some time appreciating our custodial staff through written notes, goodies (including a nice basket from APC) and a video. We appreciate each and everything that they do for our campus.

Fall Sports Highlight Video
Enjoy this quick highlight video featuring fall athletes + highlight footage. Congratulations to all of our fall athletes!

2021-2022 Clubs
We are just kicking off the 2nd quarter and it is never too late to start attending club meetings. Clubs are continuing to meet and it is one of the BEST ways for students to get connected at Acalanes. Club meeting times and contact information are in the spreadsheet.
 
As always, I am here to support you and your students. If there is anything I can do, please don’t hesitate to reach out via e-mail.
 
Katherine Walton, Student Activities Director

In recent years you may have noticed a boom in the usage of the term “self-care, the umbrella term for anything an individual does to maintain their physical, emotional and spiritual health.” It may seem as if this term is a new and trendy buzzword and that taking care of yourself is rudimentary and self-explanatory. Unfortunately, taking care of ourselves is extremely difficult when considering some of the challenges that we face on a day-to-day basis. Some barriers to self care may include:

• the mindlessness of daily routines in which we are driven by autopilot
• yielding to others needs before our own
• avoiding specific tasks that lead to the rationalization of why you just don’t have the time

Your student may be facing some of these barriers as well. This week, I challenge you to consider the benefit of self-care not only for your personal wellbeing but for the wellbeing of your AHS student. “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” If your physical, emotional, and spiritual health are depleted, are you really showing up for life to the best of your ability? By prioritizing effective health and wellness behaviors, your student will see that you are making it a point to take care of yourself and are more likely to follow suit. Talk to your student about self-care, start that mindfulness practice, dance around the house to your favorite music and find what feels nourishing to your soul.
 
Kiara Thomas, Wellness Intake Specialist