• From the Activities Director

    November 6, 2020

    Spirit Week Recap
    Acalanes had such a great time connecting virtually using the GooseChase app. It was a nice way to connect with students & staff. See the ACAtober recap video via the leadership youtube page. 

    Save the Date: Equity Week Nov 16-20

    • Wednesday, Nov 18 at 7pm Lori Hayes “Be an Upstander, Not a Bystander” Equity speaker Lori Hayes will join us to dialogue about how we can address issues of equity on our campus and in our community. Register here!
    • Every day, our equity clubs will be holding lunchtime events that will allow students to engage in education and dialogue about various issues of equity. Stay tuned for the calendar of events!

    Save the Date: Tuesday, Nov 17 from 2:00 to 4:00p Senior “Friendsgiving”

    If you have a senior, make sure your student marks their calendar for this “not-to-be-missed” event on campus. Senior students can sign up here 

    Adopt-a-Family
    Acalanes Community Outreach is pleased to announce that we will be commencing our annual Adopt-a-Family program in partnership with Families First, a Concord-based organization. All are invited to sign up to adopt individuals and provide wishlist items to make their holiday’s special. You sign up to adopt an individual, shop for them based on their wishlist items and then drop the wrapped presents off at Acalanes on December 11. This is an amazing opportunity for the Acalanes community and an exciting philanthropic partnership. Sign up here

    2020-2021 Clubs
    Club meetings continue this week. Encourage your student to attend even if they missed the first meeting last week. Check out our 45 clubs!

    Save the Date: Wednesday, Dec 2 at 7pm - Women in Leadership #2 with Contra Costa County Deputy Attorney
    Mark your calendar!

    If I can ever do anything to help you or your student, don’t hesitate to reach out!

    Katherine Walton, Student Activities Director

  • Wellness Center

    November 6, 2020

    This last week was a lot, wasn’t it? We had daily open sessions at lunch time for students to visit and we used a “circles” process which comes from the field of restorative justice. It’s a beautiful trend in education that is based on Native American traditions. In this process, there are core values and guidelines and everyone who wants to share responds to a prompt. We all speak from our own experience and we focus on feelings--in the mind, heart, body. There’s no debate or responding, just listening to each other and meeting one another where we’re at. Students talked about being tired, anxious, and uneasy but as folks shared, the atmosphere lightened as it became more connected and everyone felt supported. It’s important to name these things. There’s an expression we love in Restorative Justice circles-- “Everything that is needed is right here”. And that was true this week! Students talked about the need for self-care during difficult times--how to turn off social media and anxious thoughts, how to move our bodies to relieve tension, and how to CONNECT with family and friends when you’re feeling alone or overwhelmed. Another of our favorite tips that several students shared: “When you feel like you don’t have control, make a list and get stuff done!” And last but not least, when you can, take a day off which we’ll all do on Wednesday! 

    Thursday, Nov 19 at 5:30p - “Caring for Oneself & Others”
    Brought to you by the Contra Costa Crisis Center, and CourAge Youth Health Coalition. Register     here to attend online. 

    Allen Choi, Wellness Coordinator
    Casey Sasner, Intake Specialist

    For updates, tips and advice, follow Wellness on Social Media: Instagram @acalaneswellness

  • College & Career

    November 6, 2020

    Saturday, Nov 14 from 9a-1p - Practice ACT Exam
    Live, online, proctored exam, cost: $10. Sign up here.

    Monday, Nov 16 at 5:50p - US Air Force Info Night
    Learn about scholarships, career and internship opportunities, admission requirements and the application process. Register here and check out this flyer for more details.

    Tuesday, Nov 17 from 7-8pm - Junior Parent Naviance Workshop
    Please log in to Wendy Reicher’s Zoom account using your student’s AUHSD Zoom account. Learn about the tools we use to guide your student through the college application process. CODE: 651 363 0875; Password: DONS2021.

    One-on-one Appointments
    Students can book an individual meeting with Ms. Reicher here. Please encourage your student to take advantage regardless of where they are in the process.

    Helpful Links:

    Freshman College Planning
    Sophomore College Planning
    Junior College Planning
    Senior Checklist

    Keep up the good work! 
    Wendy Reicher/College and Career Advisor: wreicher@auhsdschools.org

  • Counseling

    November 6, 2020

    Seniors
    Many seniors have still not ordered official transcripts for college apps or updated their Naviance accounts. Students pay the $5 fee for official transcripts on the webstore. Mrs. Finn, the registrar, will process requests. Documents will be sent electronically through Naviance whenever possible. Please contact Mrs. Finn with questions. Students can review unofficial transcripts in Aeries.

    AP Exam Registration
    AP Registration ends on November 12th! Any student that may be interested in taking AP Exams must be registered in AP Classroom by November 12th - no exceptions. Students then pay on the webstore. Exams need to be paid for by March 10. Contact Hannah Welling hwelling@auhsdschools.org with questions about registration.

    Counselor Appointments
    We love talking to our students! Email is the best way to reach us. Counselors have appointment slots for students and will email them a link for signing up. We are trying to reserve the limited slots outside of class time for students. Parents can schedule a time when students are in class. 

    A- Ed      Anne Schonauer
    Ee-Kr  Christine Todd
    Ku-Ros  Marissa Meadows
    Rot-Z  Susan Martin

  • School Nurse

    November 6, 2020

    Chicken Pox???
    As of July 2019, two doses of varicella vaccine are required for California schools. Your student’s immunization record may need to be updated. Please check your records. If your student still needs the 2nd dose, this is a great time to get a FLU SHOT too! Flu vaccines are available at most medical practices and pharmacies. 

    (Fore)HEADS-UP!
    Part of our “new normal” needs to be checking our temperature each morning, especially if you are leaving your house to be in any public/social environment. That means if you don’t already have a thermometer, this is a good time to get one!

    Be Covid Proactive!
    See update on my google site. Stay healthy by keeping this symptom checklist in mind.

    Parents: Feeling Overwhelmed? Who isn’t???
    I found this     TedTalk with Elizabeth Gilbert validating and nourishing.

    Here’s a great one-pager on SLEEP to remind you why it’s so good for us.

    Is your student interested in joining the Acalanes Health & Medicine Student Club? They meet at lunch on the 2nd and 3rd Tuesdays. Check it out here.

    Please get in touch with me with any questions, concerns, and/or requests. I look forward to being in touch and connected!

    Dvora Citron, RN, MS
    Acalanes School Nurse Google Site
    dcitron@auhsdschools.org
    IG:  acalanesschoolnurse

  • APC in Action

    October 30, 2020

    Online Peer Tutoring
    Now is a great time to remind your student to take advantage of Peer Tutoring. Thanks to your APC donations, Peer Tutoring is FREE and available for all academic subjects. No appointment is necessary and it’s easy to participate. Click     here for the schedule. Students can access Peer Tutoring using the link emailed through Canvas every Monday morning. 

  • Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

    October 30, 2020

    AHS + Lafayette: Better Together
    Check out the signs in the city marquees in front of Safeway and Lafayette Park Hotel. It’s a great reminder of the growing partnership between our Dons community, the City of Lafayette and the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. 

    Last Chance to Donate - Ends Tomorrow! Canned Food Drive for the Contra Costa Food Bank
    Bins are at the flagpole and in front of Whole Foods. 

    ACA E-Thanks to Acalanes Teachers, Admin & Staff
    This effort kicked off last week and there is already tremendously positive feedback from the emails and thank you notes. The goal is for each AHS staff member to receive an email of thanks. It’s not too late to sign up here to express gratitude. These emails make a difference!

    Save the Date: ACA Days
    The first round of ACA Days was so successful that next month each class will have their own ACA Day! Make sure your students mark their calendars for these “not-to-be-missed” events on campus. More details to follow. 

      • Frosh/Soph: Monday, November 16 from 3-5p
      • Juniors: Wednesday, November 18 from 3-5p
      • Seniors: Tuesday, November 17 from 2:30-4:30p

    Tuesday, Nov 17 ACA Chat Live with Andrea Powers & Katherine Walton
    The first interactive chat was a hit! Parents won’t want to miss the next one.

    Questions, comments or feedback, email aca@acalanesparentsclub.com.

  • Legislative News

    October 30, 2020

    Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd - have you voted yet? 
    Whether you are mailing in your ballot (make sure it's postmarked by Tuesday) or voting at the polls, this is your opportunity to voice your opinion. Not sure where to deliver the ballot? Go to:     Find Your Vote Center and Dropbox Locations. Voting is a right and a privilege, so don't miss out!  And be sure to fill out your entire ballot, because in addition to the presidential election, there are several critical state propositions and local elections which will directly affect our schools and students. 

    You can find impartial analysis of all the propositions at https://votersedge.org/ca. And if you've ever wondered why California has a proposition system (perhaps while you're wading through your ballot trying to decipher the various propositions), here's a quick illustrated explanation.  Majority Rules: California’s Proposition Process Explained - The Lowdown.

  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

    October 30, 2020

    Week ELEVEN in the Challenge to Build Habits Supporting Racial Equity
    Antisemitism is on the rise, 75 years after the end of the Holocaust and Second World War. This week in Lafayette we experienced the ugliness of anti-semitism shown through the defacing of one family’s property, and of public property. In continuing to educate ourselves, we suggest you read about the increasing growth in anti-semitism around the world, and in this country. 

    BIRT - What is it?
    As you know, (Bias Incident Reporting Tool) is a part of AUHSD’s effort to promote a safe environment. It is a reporting system (not a policing tool) for incidents of bias, discrimination, micro-aggressions, racism, and sexism on/off campus, and/or during campus-related activities. It is a way to empower our students, faculty, and parents to speak up about incidents that may directly affect them or others. Click here to learn more. 

    Upcoming Dates:

    • Tuesday, Nov 10 from 7-8:30pm AUHSD DEI Book Club - Sign up here to join the book club discussion.
    • Monday, Nov 16 from 7-8:30pm Racial Equity Series with Dr. Watson - Sign up here to join the seminar series. 
    • Wednesday, Nov 18, 7pm “Be an Upstander, Not a Bystander” with Lori Hayes - Parents are invited to listen to this conversation. Register here. 

    More information or questions? Email us or visit our webpage.

    We are social! Come join us @acalanesdei on Facebook and be sure to follow us @acalanesdei on Instagram too!

  • From the Activities Director

    October 30, 2020

    ACA Spirit Week: Wicked Week November 2-6
    Students have a very fun spirit week planned and there are multiple ways to get involved and engaged. The week will be a competition in cohorts. Cohorts will compete in daily challenges including GooseChase (scavenger hunt), dress up days, and two lunchtime activities. 


    MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2

    • Cohort GooseChase Competition Begins - Encourage your student to opt in to the scavenger hunt via GooseChase. Students & their cohort teacher will compete against other cohorts for points to crown the winner at the end of the week. It is a great opportunity to connect with students & staff and have a little bit of fun. Every day new challenges are released through the goosechase app.


    TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3

    • Cohort GooseChase Continues (check your app for details)
    • Lunch - Staff-student Shark Tank. Students will compete along with staff members to pitch their best invention to the judges (aka admin team). Encourage your student to opt in.


    THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4

    • Cohort GooseChase Continues (check your app for details)
    • All day - Our first dress-up day of the week is Wacky Wednesday. Consider making it a household dress-up day!

    Wednesday, Nov 4 at Lunch - Dialogue on Gratitude & Anxiety
    Encourage your student to join us! It will be a meaningful discussion about anxiety and ways to cope with it especially during the month of gratitude!  Link will be sent out via Canvas.

    Ends Tomorrow! Canned Food Drive for the Contra Costa Food Bank
    Bins are at the flagpole and in front of Whole Foods. Thanks for all your support!

    2020-2021 Clubs
    Club meetings continue this week. Encourage your student to attend even if they missed the first meeting last week. Check out our 45 clubs!


    Save the Date: ACA Days + next Women in Leadership Event

    • ACA Days - will run over multiple days as we program in-person, socially  distanced opportunities. Stay tuned for details & how to sign-up.
      • Frosh/Soph: Monday, November 16th from 3-5p
      • Juniors: Wednesday, November 18th from 3-5p
      • Seniors: Tuesday, November 17th from 2:30-4:30p
    • Wednesday, Dec 2 at 7pm Women in Leadership # 2 - Mark your calendar!


    Save the Date: Equity Week Nov 16-20

    • Wednesday, Nov 18 at 7pm Lori Hayes “Be an Upstander, Not a Bystander” Equity speaker Lori Hayes will join us to dialogue about how we can address issues of equity on our campus and in our community. Register here!
    • Every day, our equity clubs will be holding lunchtime events that will allow students to engage in education and dialogue about various issues of equity. Stay tuned for the calendar of events!

    If I can ever do anything to help you or your student, don’t hesitate to reach out!

    Katherine Walton    , Student Activities Director

  • Wellness Center

    October 30, 2020

    When you read this, we will be on day three of our “7 Days/7 Hacks” Whole Health Challenge. With pandemic fatigue settling in for many of us and the tension created by conflicts and divides that can cause us to feel more separated than connected, it’s perfect timing to make a self-care related change. We can’t eliminate our stress but we can chip away at it by investigating and adopting new (small and incremental) habits. We’re focusing on seven areas of quality of life and we’re providing tips, links to valuable learning sources, and a challenge to the community to try out one per day. You can learn more at our instagram account and we’ll be sharing more broadly as well. And speaking of self-care, please REGISTER HERE for a parent ed. event, “Caring for Oneself & Others” on November 19th at 5:30pm. This is a joint event from the Contra Costa County Office of Education, the Contra Costa Crisis Center, and CourAge Youth Health Coalition.

    Allen Choi, Wellness Coordinator
    Casey Sasner, Intake Specialist

    For updates, tips and advice, follow Wellness on Social Media: Instagram @acalaneswellness

  • College & Career

    October 30, 2020

    Practice ACT Exam, Nov. 14, 9am-1pm
    Live, online, proctored exam, cost: $10.  Sign up here.

    One-on-one Appointments
    Students can book an individual meeting with Ms. Reicher here. Please encourage your student to take advantage regardless of where they are in the process.

    Tomorrow, Nov 2 Admissions Virtual Reps Visits for Junior and Senior students via Naviance.
    Have your student sign up! Here are some of the schools this week: URichmond, Texas Tech, Tufts and more!

    Tuesday, Nov 17 at 7pm Parent Naviance Workshop for Juniors
    Zoom ID: 651 363 0875 Password: DONS2021. Log in using your students AUHSD Zoom account.

    Helpful Links:

    Freshman College Planning
    Sophomore College Planning
    Junior College Planning
    Senior Checklist

    Keep up the good work! 
    Wendy Reicher/College and Career Advisor: wreicher@auhsdschools.org

  • Counseling

    October 30, 2020

    Seniors
    Many seniors have still not ordered official transcripts for college apps or updated their Naviance accounts. Students pay the $5 fee for official transcripts on the webstore. Mrs. Finn, the registrar, will process requests. Documents will be sent electronically through Naviance whenever possible. Please contact Mrs. Finn with questions. Students can review unofficial transcripts in Aeries.

    AP Exam Registration
    AP Registration ends on November 12th! Any student that may be interested in taking AP Exams must be registered in AP Classroom by November 12th - no exceptions. Students then pay on the webstore starting Nov. 1. Exams need to be paid for by March 10. Contact Hannah Welling hwelling@auhsdschools.org with questions about registration.

    Counselor appointments
    We love talking to our students! Email is the best way to reach us. Counselors have appointment slots for students and will email them a link for signing up. We are trying to reserve the limited slots outside of class time for students. Parents can schedule a time when students are in class. 

    A- Ed  Anne Schonauer
    Ee-Kr  Christine Todd
    Ku-Ros  Marissa Meadows
    Rot-Z  Susan Martin