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School Nurse
Dear Acalanes Families,
Happy New Year! As we begin a new semester in January, it’s a great time to reflect on health and wellness as a family. The start of the year often inspires resolutions, and I encourage you to approach these with a focus on small, sustainable habits that promote long-term well-being.
Think about how you can integrate the “pillars” of a healthy lifestyle—nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, and connection—into daily life. This might look like preparing simple, balanced meals together, taking evening walks, setting consistent sleep schedules, or even creating a new family tradition of unplugged time to relax and reconnect.
The new year is also an opportunity to model intentional wellness for our children. By prioritizing self-care and balance, we show them the value of taking care of both body and mind. Remember, small, consistent efforts can lead to meaningful changes over time.
Let’s embrace this season of new beginnings as a chance to cultivate healthy habits, resilience, and joy as a community. Please reach out to me for any support your students or family might need. Here’s to a healthy and fulfilling start to 2025!
My office hours are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some* Thursdays
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 8am - 3:50pm
Wednesdays: 7:30am - 3:20pmAlways Your School Nurse,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurse, School Nurse Website -
Wellness Center
When making a new year’s resolution, the key to success is setting realistic goals. How many times have you or people around you made a resolution so extreme that it is out of the window by Jan 7? It happens often because people either make goals that are too broad or make goals that require a complete lifestyle overhaul. First, set an extremely specific goal. Note that there is a major difference between “exercise more” and “exercise 20 minutes each day.” By creating specific goals you are able to measure progress. Next, take baby steps. If you are someone that has not previously prioritized a major facet of your resolution, start by gradually increasing your goal. For example, if you currently spend 3 hours on your phone each day, creating a resolution to completely stop spending idle time on your phone is unrealistic. Maybe you can cut down your time spent by 30 minutes each week to reach your overall goal. Small changes to habits you wish to kick are changes nonetheless.
Finally, a great way to preserve mental health in terms of new year’s resolutions is to accept that changes take time and persistence. If you happen to fall off of your resolution there is no shame in picking back up. If your goal is valuable to you, getting back on track should be a sign of persistence as opposed to a sign of failure. Accepting setbacks is key in making positive changes since for any given goal someone had to start, and even restart, somewhere. Be gracious because nobody is perfect!
Happy New Year! -
LPIE
Pinstripes in Walnut Creek is OPEN and the LPIE Bowling Tournament is ON!
Kick-off Super Bowl weekend on Friday, Feb 7, 2025 at 6pm by joining us for some bowling fun! We will take over the 2nd floor of Pinstripes, enjoy an evening filled with bowling, drinks, a delicious buffet-style dinner from Pinstripes’ scratch kitchen, and vie for a chance to be the LPIE bowling champ! Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Dec 17 at 9am. Grab a friend and check out the new Pinstripes while raising money for our schools!
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Sports
SAVE THE DATE for fun night celebrating sports at Acalanes!
*The game schedule below reflects dates and times as of last Friday. Games may change for several reasons, including weather. If you have questions or comments, please contact Acalanes Sports Boosters.
This week’s can’t miss events:
Girls basketball
Wednesday, Jan 8 host Heritage HS. JV at 6m and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Friday, Jan 10 host Berean Christian HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Saturday, Jan 11 at St. Mary’s HS, Stockton. JV at 12:30pm and Varsity at 2pm.
Boys basketball
Wednesday, Jan 8 at Ygnacio Valley HS. JV at 6pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Wednesday, Jan 8 Frosh at Campolindo HS at 4:30pm.
Friday, Jan 10 at Berean Christian HS. JV at 6pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Boys soccer
Wednesday, Jan 8 host Mt. Diablo HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Thursday, Jan 9 Frosh at Emerald HS at 6pm.
Saturday, Jan 11 host University HS. JV at 2pm and Varsity at 4pm.
Saturday, Jan 11 Frosh at College Park HS at 11am.
Girls soccer
Thursday, Jan 9 at Clayton Valley Charter HS. JV at 5pm, Varsity at 7pm.
Saturday, Jan 11 at California HS. JV at 10am and Varsity at 12pm.
Saturday, Jan 11 Frosh-Soph at Las Lomas HS at 9am and at Piedmont HS at 2pm.
Wrestling
Friday, Jan 10 and Saturday, Jan 11 Girls in the Napa Valley Classic at Vintage HS.
Saturday, Jan 11 Varsity in the Mat Classic at Granada HS.
Saturday, Jan 11 JV in the Red Devil Classic at Mt. Diablo HS.
You may view the full 2024-2025 Athletic Schedule by clicking HERE. -
Finals Prep
Finals week is here! Tomorrow, Dec 16 is the regular class schedule and then the finals schedule begins on Tuesday, Dec 17 through Friday, Dec 20:
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS:- Teacher Office Hours: Tuesday, Dec 17 from 8:30-10:20am during 0 period final
- Peer Tutoring: Finals Week Hours
- Monday, Dec 16, regular hours (academy, lunch, 7th period and 1 hour after final school bell)
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (Dec 17-19) from 12:50-3pm
- Wellness Center: Finals Week Hours
- Monday, Dec 16, regular hours (8am-4pm)
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (Dec 17-19) from 8am-1pm
- Acalanes Library: Finals Week Hours
- Monday, Dec 16, regular hours (7:30am-5pm)
- Tuesday (Dec 17) and Thursday (Dec 19) from 7:30am-3pm
Wednesday (Dec 18) and Friday (Dec 20) from 7:30am-1pm
Check out our Finals Prep Webpage for more information and resources!
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APC in Action
Finals Fuel - We’re Almost There!
Thank you to all the families who have already contributed. We are close, but still need some more help to pull off this beloved Acalanes/APC tradition.
Help our students finish strong by providing snacks in between their finals. You can help refuel and recharge our Dons in several ways:- Purchase snacks now and deliver to a residence near AHS
- Purchase snacks from our Amazon wish list and items will be sent directly to a residence for transport to AHS
- Donate money and we’ll shop for you: Venmo @Stephanie-Asadorian (any amount is welcome and appreciated)
- Volunteer to hand out snacks on campus Wednesday, Dec 18 - Friday, Dec 20
Please click on the SignUpGenius and/or Amazon Wish List to help.
Contact Regan Scovic and Stephanie Asadorian with any questions. Thank you in advance for your support! -
Parents Club Pro-Tip
Here are some valuable pro-tips from seasoned student leaders that we want to share:
- Check in with your students about finals. Encourage them to take advantage of the many resources available to help study and de-stress. Visit the APC website for a reminder of resources available. You can even print the handy exam schedule here.
- Encourage your student to visit the RogerHub website to utilize their Final Grade Calculator. Some students find it helpful to calculate what score they need to achieve on their final exam in order to get the semester grade they desire in the class.
Let’s face it, finals can be a stressful time not only for our students, but also us parents, so hang in there!
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Campus Culture Committee
Important December Dates
- Dec 21 Winter Solstice
- Dec 25 Christmas
- Dec 25-Jan 2 Hanukkah
- Dec 26-Jan 8 Kwanzaa
The winter solstice, also called the hibernal solstice, occurs when either of earth's poles reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun. Since prehistory, the winter solstice has been a significant time of year in many cultures and has been marked by festivals and rites. This is because it is the point when the shortening of daylight hours is reversed and daytime begins to lengthen again. In parts of Europe it was seen as the symbolic death and rebirth of the sun. Some ancient monuments such as Newgrange, Stonehenge, Cahokia Woodhenge and Ahu Tongariki are aligned with the sunrise or sunset on the winter solstice.
Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa will all be celebrated during our winter break and we wish all who celebrate times full of joy and peace. To learn more about each celebration please click on the holiday above.
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with what the students are doing to celebrate all of these wonderful cultures and special dates. -
Student Activities
I am so proud of our students and our community - what an incredible first semester! There is a long (and I do mean long) list of why our community ROCKS and YOU are one of those reasons. Thank you for your support of so many things on our campus!
This semester has truly been wonderful and makes us all very excited to come back and kick off 2nd semester Jan 7, 2025. There are some pretty awesome things in store. For a small taste, see the list below and mark those calendars!
KEY 2ND SEMESTER DATES:
Jan 24: Senior Breakfast + All School Rally + Boys Basketball vs. Campo
Jan 29 @ lunch: Spring Club Day
Jan 30: Open House
March: 1st ever community rally (date TBD)
Mar 18: Talent Show
Ap 18: Special Olympics
Apr 19: Junior & Senior Prom
Apr 23-26: School Musical
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
Katherine Walton, Activities Director -
College & Career
Senior Scholarships
- Outstanding musician scholarship with a disability (deadline Jan 8)
- AAUW scholarship for a female senior with significant community service
- Tri Counties Bank scholarship for seniors with financial need or merit
Frosh/Sophomores: Parents, please join us for our 9th and 10th Grade Parent Night on Thursday, Jan 16 from 6:30-7:30pm in the library. We will cover essential information on course selection, graduation/4-year college requirements, and provide a brief overview of course offerings. We will also introduce our College and Career Center and highlight the resources available to support your student’s academic and career planning. Looking forward to seeing all of you.
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Counseling
Counselor assignments are by student last name:
A-F Anne Schonauer
G-Ka Erika Vasquez
Ke-Re Marissa Meadows
Rh-Z Susan MartinWishing everyone the best of luck with final exams! Here is the finals schedule.
Final semester grades will be available on Friday, Jan 10. Transcripts will be updated, and mid-year reports for Common Application schools will be sent for seniors’ college applications.
Juniors ONLY SAT in March - REGISTER NOW: The webstore link is now live/activated to pay for SAT fees for juniors only. The price per exam is $60 and is scheduled during the school day on Wednesday, Mar 5, 2025. The deadline to submit payment through the webstore is Monday, Jan 6, 2025. Your webstore receipt is your confirmation of your registration. If you have any questions, please contact our Testing Coordinator, Jamielle McDonald by email jmcdonald@auhsdschools.org. -
School Nurse
SUPPORTING YOUR STUDENTS DURING FINALS
Sometimes less is more, which doesn’t always feel intuitive. Support your students in taking breaks when studying. Go for a walk, have a healthy snack (keep those available), stay well hydrated and do a mindfulness practice (try the CALM app). Making sure to have family meals also gives your students a chance to connect with you while eating healthy food, have downtime from studying, and to “release”.
Also, this is a good time to think about making appointments for regular MD check-ups for the upcoming year. Fostering your student’s connection with their pediatrician cultivates their sense of support and commitment to health and well-being.
My office hours are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some* Thursdays
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 8am - 3:50pm
Wednesdays: 7:30am - 3:20pmAlways Your School Nurse,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurse, School Nurse Website
Social Media
