Weekly News & Announcements

Parents Club Pro-Tip

This Pro-Tip comes from AHS student leaders. Parents may want to 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.

Parent Education

The Las Lomas PTSA invites you to attend a Parent Education series presentation on Dec 18 lead by by therapists Daniele Svingos and Annie Wright
 
"The Hidden Signs of Teen Suicide: A Therapist-Led Workshop"
Monday, Dec 18 at 7pm via Zoom
 
Parents and students who attend will learn:

• The state of adolescent mental health as a national crisis
• The discomfort we may have as parents talking about it, but the criticality of doing so
• The difference between active suicidality and suicidal ideation
• The risk factors that can lead to suicidal ideation in adolescents
• The "more obvious" warning signs of suicidal ideation
• The "less obvious" warning signs
• Steps we can take as parents to create a firm foundation for resilient mental health in our adolescent children
• Q&A

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

Upcoming Important Dates:

• Dec 25: Christmas
• Dec 26- Jan 8: Kwanzaa

December is a time set aside by many to celebrate a variety of traditions and enjoy time with family, friends and community. The APC DEI committee wishes you all a winter break filled with peace, love and yummy traditions.
 
Christmas, a Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus, has evolved into a worldwide religious and secular celebration, incorporating many pre-Christian and pagan traditions into the festivities. You can learn more about it here.
 
Created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, Kwanzaa is an African American and Pan-African holiday that celebrates history, values, family, community and culture. The ideas and concepts of Kwanzaa are expressed in the Swahili language, one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa. There is much more to discover here.
 
If you’d like to be a part of the upcoming celebrations in 2024, such as Black Excellence Month and Lunar New Year, please contact the DEIB committee here. And follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Student Activities

Our community is so generous - thank you for all of your support for Adopt-a-Family! We dropped off a full U-Haul this past Friday supporting over 70 families in our local community. THANK YOU Acalanes!
 
Class Fundraiser @ Minted
Looking to buy holiday cards or holiday gifts? Consider purchasing from Minted! You will receive 20% off and Acalanes classes of ‘24, ‘25, ‘26 and ‘27 will receive 15% back. Use the code FUNDRAISEACALANES
 
Preview of January programming:

• Jan 19: Spring Club Day at lunch
• Jan 22: Leadership applications available for ‘24-’25 school year
• Jan 22 & 24: Class Cup Trivia at lunch
• Jan 26: Senior Breakfast (7:30am), Senior Speaker Series (academy) and a lunchtime rally for students and community (lunch)
• Jan 31: Staff/student trivia
• A whole lot more!

It has been an incredible first semester at Acalanes! So many moments of joy and memories made for our students. Thank you for all of your support of student activities!

College & Career

Seniors

• Community College Support: Send your student to discuss community college opportunities and majors. Mark your calendars: DVC will be visiting on Wednesday, Feb 7 for an admissions presentation during academy in the library.
• FAFSA webinar: On Thursday, Jan 11 @ 6:30pm PT, CAP will host a FAFSA presentation. Click to register. During the webinar, financial aid experts will discuss:
  • 2024 FAFSA changes and how they'll impact your family
  • How (and who!) to login/access the FAFSA
  • How to complete and submit the FAFSA
  • Who requires the FAFSA and when they are due
  • How the FAFSA changes impact your application process
  • Why everyone should complete the FAFSA
  • What business owners & split household families need to know
• Assistance League of Diablo Valley Scholarships: If your family has financial limitations, there are several local scholarships available. Apply here by Wednesday, Mar 20, 2024.

Please visit our College & Career Counseling website any time for additional information and support.
 
Juniors
 
Boys and Girls State: The application is now available for The American Legion Boys and Girls State programthis summer. It is sponsored by our local American Legion.
 
Sophomores/Frosh-  Have children interested in Data Science? Check out this National Data Science Contest.

School Nurse

During the winter months and holiday season, consider what self-care activities you can model and do with your students. For holiday gifts, get creative and choose fun items that also support their health and wellness.

Holiday and Vacation Time “should” be fun and relaxing…but extra time with family and changes in routines can sometimes be stressful.
Here are a few reminders:

• PACE your holiday schedule, whether you are at home or traveling. Schedule in downtime and rest breaks – otherwise they won’t happen.
• Adjust your expectations- remember that we all experience a range of emotions and moods, even in the best of times, and make emotional and physical space for that.
• Schedule in healthy activities to balance the “indulgences” of the season.
• Ask your kids to help out with a holiday meal activity:
  • Sandwich Bar with different fresh breads and rolls, healthy proteins, different spreads, and colorful tasty veggies. Have a few salads on the side.
  • Oatmeal/hot cereal bar -  a steaming pot of hot cereal with a selection of various toppings (chopped fresh fruits, dried fruits, nuts, etc.).
  • Gratitude Tea Party - take even just 30 minutes where you set up “tea” with a different selection of teas, nice cups/mugs, and a combination of healthy treats. Gather in a cozy area, maybe by the fireplace. Choose a guiding question as the topic of conversation and go around sharing your answers. Agree to keep it positive!
  • Charcuterie platter - try it plant-based (healthy-ish) - hummus and pita chips, olives, vegetable crudite, guacamole, salsa and chips, nuts, dried fruit, cheese (or substitute), whole grain/seed crackers.
  • Fruit and Vegetable Platters in a fun holiday design!

See my website for more information.

Always Your School Nurse,
DvoraCitron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128,
IG: acalanesschoolnurse, ​SchoolNurseWebsite

Wellness Center

Please encourage your AHS student to stop by the Wellness Center during lunch time tomorrow, Monday Dec 18, to visit with therapy dogs before finals officially begin.
 
We will also be open for students needing support during finals week with a modified schedule:
Monday- regular hours
Tuesday- Friday, 8am-1pm
 
While winter break is a great time for self care and connection, this time of year can also be difficult for many. Thankfully, the CCCOE Wellness In Schools Program (WISP) has done the heavy lifting in compiling a list of easyto access local and national resources should you find your AHS student in need while away from school. As always, dialing 211 will connect you with a database of community resources, including Contra Costa Crisis Center, and dialing 988 will connect you to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 
 
The Acalanes Wellness Center wishes you a happy holiday season!

LPIE

Project LPIE 2024 is here! Open to all Acalanes High School students, this competition is an annual event that showcases students for their project-based learning. With 15 categories in a variety of disciplines, the contest is open to any AHS student. Awards will be given in every category and announced at our in-person awards ceremony in February. The timeline:

• Tuesday, Jan 23 - Projects due
• Friday, Feb 23 - Winners announced & reception at the Lafayette Library

Please refer to the Project LPIE Webpage for more specific information
 
Honey Bear Christmas Tree Fundraiser
Embrace the holiday spirit while raising money for LPIE by purchasing your Christmas tree and holiday wreath from Honey Bear Christmas Trees (across the street from Acalanes)! If you mention this flier at the time of purchase, Honey Bear will donate 20% of your purchase to LPIE. Help give the gift of an incredible education by shopping at Honey Bear Christmas Trees this year!


LPIE Pay-to-Plays
Tickets for LPIE's Pay-to-Play Parties are on sale NOW! Don’t miss your chance to go to a Toga Party, a Family Friendly Fiesta, or a school based Light Up Fitness class. These parties are hosted by generous Lafayette families and enable you to support our schools while having fun! Click HERE to buy your tickets today!

Sports

This week’s can’t miss events:
 
Taking the week off to focus on finals.
 
Girls basketball
Friday, Dec 22 host Concord HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
 
Boys basketball
Friday, Dec 22 at Concord HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
 
Girls soccer
Friday, Dec 22 host Las Lomas HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
 
Boys soccer
Friday, Dec 22 at Las Lomas HS. Frosh at 4pm, JV at 5:15pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
 
Wrestling
Saturday, Dec 23 Albany Girls Invitational.
 
You may view the 2023-2024 Athletic Update by clicking HERE.

Finals Prep

We have your students covered as they prepare to finish the semester strong! Please be sure to visit our APC website for even more information on all events planned to support our students through finals.

EXAM JAM
Wednesday, Dec 13 from 3-5pm in the Library
Kick start your finals studying and preparation during Exam Jam. We will have teachers from each department along with peer tutors on hand to support and answer questions. It is a great opportunity to finish up study guides and begin studying while enjoying delicious snacks and a quiet environment. Exam Jam is open to all students. See you there!

FROSH FINALS INFORMATIONAL MEETING
Thursday, Dec 14 during lunch in the Library
Come hear from teachers in English, Math, World History, Living Earth & World Language about best practices to prepare for finals. They will not only share information on finals but best ways to study as well. Finals goodie bags will be given to the first 200 Frosh thanks to APC! 
*The Frosh will also all participate in a special Frosh Connect session in PE classes on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. The topic is all about final exams and tips to prepare from juniors and seniors.

WELLNESS WINTER WORKSHOP
Friday, Dec 15 during Academy
Our Wellness in the Winter session is a space to gather together and practice coping skills to thrive during finals and a long break with family. Sign up for this academy.

CANINE STRESS BUSTERS
Friday, Dec 15 during lunch in the Front Quad
Come hug it out with your favorite four-legged friends. Therapy dogs will be on campus to provide smiles and tail wags to help reduce stress and provide a general sense of connection to our students. In addition, there will be tables with various stress free activities!
 
And don’t forget to encourage your student to take advantage of these additional resources:

• Peer Tutoring during every academy, lunch, 7th period, and every day for 1 hour after the final school bell.
• Wellness Center is open for students to drop in Monday through Friday from 8am - 4pm (with teacher approval during class hours).
• Acalanes Library is open from 7:30am to 5pm daily.

Check out our Finals Prep Webpage for more information and resources!

General Administration Announcements

Please see the finals schedule below for Tuesday, Dec 19 through Friday, Dec 22.

Please review all the Finals Prep resources available to your students as described above and encourage your students to participate!

APC in Action

FINALS FUEL -  A much loved Acalanes APC Tradition!
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.You can help refuel and recharge our Dons in several ways:

• Purchase snacks prior to finals week 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 Tuesday, Dec 19 - Friday, Dec 22

We need more help, please sign up!

Follow Acalanes Parents Club on Instagram. Please reach out to APC here with any questions.

Perfect Holiday Gift for Students & Staff

Starting to think about holiday gift ideas? Look no further than the Acalanes Legacy Wall! This wall is a memorial of bricks honoring the legacy of people who have made Acalanes the school it is today. Why not celebrate your Acalanes student with an everlasting brick on the memorial wall? Or let your favorite teacher or administrator know how much you truly appreciate them with a brick in their honor. There is no better way to show your love than the eternal gift of an Acalanes memorial brick!  Buy a Legacy Wall Brick here! For more information about the Acalanes Legacy Wall, please reach out to Leanne Zimmerman, leanne.zimm@gmail.com.