News & Announcements

Wednesday Dec 8 from 3:15-5pm 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.
 
Adopt-a-Family Thank you to our incredible community for opting in to adopt 72 families this holiday season (it is the most EVER)! If you opted in to adopt-a-family we are asking that you drop your wrapped gifts off December 10 between 7:30 to 8:30 am in front of the small gym. See your email for more specifics. 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 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 Thursday, Dec 9 from 3 to 4 pm and Friday, Dec 10 from 7:30 to 8:30 am. We have a few more items available for purchase via the web store. Check them out!
 
A Peek At The Week Ahead: Winter week is here with dress up days and winter-themed events!

• Monday, Dec 6 Pajama Day and movie showing in 314 during lunch & Open Mic Night at 6 pm at Sideboard. Open Mic Night is a traditional favorite-come grab dinner & listen to student entertainment
• Tuesday, Dec 7 Lumberjack Day & snowball stressbusters during lunch & winter instrumental concert at 7 pm.
• 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 (wear white or black)
• 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.

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

The countdown to first semester finals is on! These are sure to be highly stressful times for most students. In addition to the standard stressors such as jobs, extracurriculars and homework, the changes in weather as well as the desire to perform well on finals have the potential to throw students for a loop. To help your student perform at their best, help them beat stress by utilizing “Four A’s”:

• Avoid unnecessary stress- Teach your students the importance of boundaries and prioritization. It is okay for them to say no to people and activities that might might add extra stress during finals preparation
• Alter the situation- Encourage your students to talk about their stress instead of keeping it in. This is also a great opportunity to reinforce the value of self care activities that might help them decompress instead of overloading on academics.
• Adapt to the stressor- Take the time to help your students shift their behaviors toward things that will benefit them during this time. Scientists recognize that teens need 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Unfortunately, most teens sleep only 7 hours each night and during finals, they may be tempted to sleep even less. Sleeping, and even eating, regularly not only decreases stress but powers your students bodies to perform their best mentally.
• Accept things you can’t change- Finals aren’t going away. By accepting this reality, students have greater control over the things they can change in relation to finals. Study time, gratitude, personal time and self care are in your students’ control. Each of these things can work toward positively influencing their finals experience.

Finally, encourage your students to participate in the fun activities offered during the school day! There are a ton of school-wide activities taking place this week (Dec. 6-10) that can help your student chill out and de-stress including Winter Week dress up days, movie showings and gift wrapping. The Wellness Center is also offering easy, stress relieving crafts during lunch time each day including origami, slime making and more!
Happy All-idays to you and your loved ones from your Wellness Center team!
 
(Source: Keep Calm During finals by Lisa Brickert, MSW, LCSW)
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.
• Academy The priority deadline for Cal State Application for many campuses has been extended to December 15. We will continue working on any application support. Students can share essays on Google Docs with me too!

Juniors

• Parent Night-Mark your calendar! Susan Martin, our counselor, and Debbie Levy will host a Junior Parent night to learn more about the college application timeline and career opportunities on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 in the PAC at 6:30pm. The event will be recorded and posted.
• PSAT review Please set up a 1:1 appointment to go over your child’s PSAT scores and take a deeper look at your students’ strengths and areas for growth.
• University of California TIPS! Check out this to learn the Comprehensive Review criteria for which the UC’s follow to evaluate students for admission.

Sophomores/Freshmen

• PSAT review Please set up an appointment to go over your student’s PSAT scores if taken.
• Jobs! There are many job opportunities once your child turns 16. Please send them to the CCC to learn more.
• 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 almost over!  This is the last week before final exams – students should be doing a lot of review in classes this week. Here is the finals week schedule:



Counselor Appointments Counselors are finishing up checking in with all 10th graders during December. We are always seeing any student for drop-in appointments.

Semester Grades  First semester grades will be available by Friday, January 7th.  Report cards will be mailed home to all students.

Second Semester Class Changes Counselors will be changing some student schedules during the first 10 days of second semester only. There are limited options, as our classes are year-long by design. Have your student see their counselor if they wish to discuss a class change.

It’s December and time to get ready for FINALS!  How can you support your students? 

•  Keep lots of healthy food available, especially fresh vegetables and fruits. Do the work for them- buy, clean, peel, cut, chop, etc. Put it into easy containers, put it out for them during study breaks with hummus, guacamole, and salsa. Here’s a yummy and healthy lasagna recipe I made this past week when I had a houseful of adult kids visiting. Lasagna is always great for a cold, cozy night (make enough for leftovers). I used a variety of vegetable layers, and I often like to add some pureed butternut squash (even if it’s from a can) and cannellini beans (canned, whole or blended) for added flavor and nutrition. I use these lasagna noodles so it’s also GF if you need it to be. Tell me how you like it!
• Help them with their calendar over the next two weeks. Try to reduce their busy schedule. Schedule study times and times for restorative exercise (walks).
• Support sleep. You can create “quiet hours” in your house (9 pm to 7 am) most of your kids need at least 9 hours of sleep for optimal health (and good grades!).

COVID VACCINE: I continue to encourage you to get your students and your families vaccinated. Please contact me for support if needed. Don’t forget to get your FLU shot too! Please turn your student’s COVID vaccine record in to me if you haven’t.

Proof of vaccination: Try this site:  https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/  iPhone users: you can now put your vaccination record in your Apple Health app (and Apple Wallet)

Need ideas for holiday gifts? Refresh your student’s mask supply with some fun new designs!

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.

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

Winter Concerts 2021
Join Music Director Lauren Gibson as she leads her talented musical groups in performing beautiful melodies in two fabulous Winter Concerts this month!

Tuesday, Dec 7 at 7 pm in AHS Performing Arts Center (masks required)
Performing bands- Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Octet
Free admission

Wednesday, Dec 8 at 7 pm in AHS Performing Arts Center (masks required)
Performing bands- Chorus, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble
Free admission

This week’s can’t miss events:

Boys soccer
Monday, Dec 6 host Mt. Eden HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Wednesday, Dec 8 at University HS in San Francisco at 3:15pm.
Saturday, Dec 11 v. East Union HS at the Las Lomas Showcase at 3pm.

Girls soccer
Tuesday, Dec 7 at Mt. Diablo HS at 7pm.
Friday, Dec 10 at Petaluma HS at 7pm.
Saturday, Dec 11 hosts West County HS at 12pm.

Girls basketball
Tuesday, Dec 7 JV host Jesse Bethel HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, Nov 10 host Carondelet HS at 6pm.

Boys basketball
Thursday, Dec 9 v. Urban HS in Red Brown Invitational at Archie Williams HS at 3pm.
Friday, Dec 10 in Red Brown Invitational at Archie Williams HS.
Saturday, Dec 11 in Red Brown Invitational at Archie Williams HS.

Click here for the full Winter Sports Schedule (subject to change)

We have your student covered as they prepare to finish the semester strong! This week’s options are listed below, and make sure to visit our website for even more information!
 
Tuesday, Nov 30 from 2:45 to 3:45pm Wellness Winter Workshop (#1)
Our Wellness Winter Workshop (session 1 of 2) is a space to gather together and practice coping skills to thrive during finals and a long break with family. We will have an afternoon snack of Boba with good company. Space is limited and registration is required. Sign–up here.
 
Wednesday, Dec 1 and Thursday, Dec 2 at lunch in Room 314 Finals Informational for Frosh & Sophomores
An informational meeting for our underclasses on all things finals. Encourage your 9th and 10th graders to join in and hear from current students on best ways to prepare, how to prioritize AND hear from a teacher in each discipline about how to best prepare for a final in Math, English, Science, History & World Language.
 
Wednesday, Dec 1 – Math/Science/World Language
Thursday, Dec 2 – English/History
 
Thursdays before finals from 3:30 to 5pm in Room 105/106 MATHursdays with Mr. Plant
Current Associate Principal and forever Math teacher, Mr. Plant, is providing valuable math support for students every Thursday. Appointments are not required, but students should come prepared with specific material (study guides, homework) to work on. This is not an open tutorial. 
 
And don’t forget to encourage your student to take advantage of these additional resources!

• Peer Tutoring – This week, Monday through Friday every Academy, Lunch, 7th Period, and after school until 4pm
• Wellness Center – This week, open for students to drop in Monday through Friday from 7:30am – 3:30pm (with teacher approval during class hours)
• Acalanes Library – Open from 7:30am to 5:30pm daily

Parent VOLUNTEER Opportunities:

• Staff Appreciation Holiday Cookie Exchange. We need lots of volunteers to pull this off and give our Teachers & Staff a much-deserved treat.  Please sign up here if you are able to bake and/or purchase holiday goodies.
• Finals Fuel.  This is a wonderful way to get on campus and make a difference! Help our students finish strong by providing snacks in between their finals.  Please sign up here if you are able to donate snacks and/or work a shift.
• Hot Lunch Help Monday through Friday 12:45-1:15 pm. Sign up here.

Giving Tuesday
November 30th is Giving Tuesday across the country. Here in Lafayette, a group of generous LPIE families will be matching all donations up to $150,000 from now until the end of 2021. Every dollar counts double, so now is the time to make a difference!  Click here to join your friends and neighbors who have already donated. Thank you for continuing the legacy of giving in Lafayette to support our children’s education.
 
Time to Get Social
LPIE families are sponsoring three pay-to-play parties in the new year. Tickets go on sale this Friday, December 3 at 9am. Check out our website for more information and a link to ticket sales.

• Crab Feed: Saturday, February 5 at 5 pm – The LPIE Crab Feed is making a comeback! Join us in a covered, heated outdoor barn for live music, beer & wine, and all the crab you can eat.
• Family Fiesta: Friday, May 6 at 5:30 pm – Join us for a Family Fiesta Friday, May 6th! Hosted at the Wilson home, we’ll serve up authentic Mexican food, margaritas and treats. Kids will be entertained with bouncy houses and activities.
• 90’s House Party – Yo! Yo! Yo!: Friday, May 13 at 6 pm – Don’t miss out on this totally 90’s throwback house party. We will have plenty of good street eats, drinks will be flowin’ and we will be playing all of your favorite 90’s jams on the turntables.

Jennifer Palmer and Michele Colaco, Acalanes LPIE School Chairs
www.lpie.org, Follow us on Instagram