Weekly News & Announcements

Wellness Center

Whether it’s about academics, relationships, sports or extracurricular activities, even the most routine student conversations reveal the power and influence of the adolescent inner-critic. The voice that tells us we’re not good enough is destructive and inhibitory but it is possible to change its tone. Practicing self-compassion has so many evidence-based benefits from increasing your compassion for others and enhancing motivation, to reducing your output of the stress hormone, cortisol. How to practice self-compassion isn’t complicated: treat yourself the way you would treat a cherished friend. How self-compassionate are you? Remember that kids model themselves after us. This link to a self-compassion test from Dr. Kristin Neff will show you how you’re doing at being self-compassionate. You’ll find lots of resources on her site for learning more and beginning your practice.

Week of 11/17 Update

College 101
A reminder that many topics related to college planning are covered on the AHS website.  Check out this link!

Scholarship
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) advances gender equality for women and girls through research, education, and advocacy.  Application available online now: AAUW Scholarship

Academy Period Opportunities (20 student limit)
     Nov 20 all application help
     Nov 22 all application help
     Dec 4 Junior Check In
     Dec 6 Junior Check In

In addition, any Senior is encouraged to schedule an appointment with Wendy Reicher if you need more help.  Email Ms. Reicher, with subject line “make an appointment with you.”  Make sure your college list has been reviewed by Ms. Reicher because we are in tune with the admissions landscape and want to set you up for success!

Juniors
Thank you for joining us last week at College Planning night. A copy of the presentation can be found here, and has been sent via school loop to students and families. After the Thanksgiving break, academy periods for juniors will be available to learn how to research colleges and start personal assessments. 

Progress Reports

Progress reports  Teachers updated grades earlier this week.  Report cards have been mailed if a parent is not registered on School Loop.  This is the last progress report before the end of the semester.  

Counseling resource of the week: The Healthy Mind Platter from Dr. Dan Siegel.  It’s like the nutrition pyramid, but for mental health.  

Parent Ed Workshop

Master the Message: The Art of Face to Face Communication with Matt Crevin

November 18 from 7-8:30pm in the Acalanes Library 

Lamorinda native and 49ers Football Press Box Announcer Matt Crevin will join APC to discuss the essential life skill of face-to-face conversations. While teens excel in connecting with numerous social media platforms, many lack the ability to sustain confident, clear and coherent face-to-face conversations. As a former talk show host, youth coach, sports announcer and parent, Crevins will guide parents in learning how to help your teen add effective face-to-face communications to their growing repertoire of skills. This workshop is similar to those he gives through his company Talk Shop. You can find more details via Talk Shop’s video link. We hope to see you on the 18th. Please register here for this free event.

Rescheduled Event!! APC in Partnership with AUHSD Presents

Make Vaping History: Students and Parents Learn About Risks of Vaping and Tobacco Use

Wednesday, December 4, 7:00 to 8:30pm, Acalanes Performing Arts Center

Learn up-to-date information on e-cigarette/vape pen products, adolescent use rates, impact on young people, prevention strategies, how to support current users, and more.  Register for this free event here. 

School Nurse

Here’s what to do if your student has mononucleosis.

Dec 12, 2019 Winter Choral Concert

Please join us for the 2019 Winter Choral Concert, “Winter Around the World” on Dec 18 at 7pm in the PAC at Acalanes. Come hear the Choirs, a cappella groups, solo acts and special guests, The Nothing But Treble Choir. Seat reservation information will be added the first week in December. Don’t miss this great way to kick off the Holiday Season! 

The 27th Annual Forma Gym Turkey Trot

Thanksgiving Morning, Nov 28, in downtown Walnut Creek. Participate in this beloved East Bay tradition and Forma will donate $10 of your 5k/10k registration fee to LPIE when you use the code LPIE2019 at registration. Click here to register.

Dec 3 Save the Date for Giving Tuesday

Dine out and help raise money for Lafayette public schools. Participating restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds from the day to LPIE. Help support LPIE and local Lafayette businesses at the same time.

Double Your Donation

Your gift will go even further! Thanks to a generous family, your donation between now and Dec 13th will be matched, increasing the impact of your donation. Contributions at any level are appreciated because every dollar counts!

Rock the Yacht Power Party

Tickets go on sale Dec 10 for tables and Dec 11 for individual tickets. This event will sell out so don't miss out. Visit www.lpie.org for more information. Thank you to Martin Homes for being the Power Party Presenting Sponsor.

Co-Presidents’ Message

Our message this week is short and sweet. We hope your family has a chance to enjoy the long Veterans Day weekend. Our final APC Dons Dialogue of 2019 will be held this Friday. The forum lead by Principal Bell will focus on Finals Week Prep & Student Support (see details in APC in Action below). We are thrilled with how many parents are joining these informative exchanges and hope to see you on Friday. 

Dawn Brightbill & Sarah Cusumano

Dons Dialogue: Friday, Nov 15

8:45-10:00 am
Acalanes Collaboration Center

APC is hosting another can't miss Dons Dialogue this Friday. Agenda items will focus on Finals Week Prep & Student Support including: 

• Wellness Center
• School Nurse
• Finals Week Prep
• Peer Tutoring (including student tutors)

As always, parking will be reserved in the parking lot south of the Main Gym. Coffee and treats will be served. See you there!