-
Acalanes Community Always (ACA)
A very special Acalanes community event will take place on Saturday, Dec 10 at 6:30pm in the main gym. For those families fortunate enough to have had Chris Huber as their PE teacher and/or coach, the time has finally come to properly honor our treasured Don. The dedication ceremony of the Chris Huber Memorial Gym will take place during the Chris Huber Annual Memorial Basketball Tournament that evening. APC has been honored to support the efforts of renaming the gym and this special dedication. We hope you will join us. -
Parent Education
Be sure to bookmark the AUHSD Parent Education website for all the information you need for AUHSD Parent Education events. And, great news! There are recordings of the past events in case you missed them!
Next event:
Parent Presentation by Contra Costa Crisis Center
Suicide Awareness
Tuesday, Dec 6 from 6-7pm
Register on Zoom here
Click here for more information on Wellness Parent Ed events. -
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)
As we conclude a week of gratitude, we would like to pay respect to the Bay Miwok and Muwekma Ohlone elders, both past and present, who have been living along Lamorinda creeks for thousands of years.
Are you looking for a book to read over the winter break? Check out Quiet Quail Books’ curated lists featuring indigenous authors, or Contra Costa County Library’s digital book club pick, A Snake Falls to Earth.
We appreciate the work of our student journalists. Check out this article in which Blueprintstaff writers highlight student-led activities: CARE Week Lunchtime Dialogues PromptImportant Discussions – ACALANES BLUEPRINT
Upcoming community event:
The Road to Democracy Runs through the Classroom
Wednesday, Dec 7, 5-7pm, Lafayette Library
Dr. Carol Anderson will discuss the importance of civic and history education for students today. For more information on this event, click here.
Questions, suggestions or feedback? Click here. -
Student Activities
Adopt-a-Family this Holiday Season!
Thank you for all of your support with adopt--a-family. We were able to support 45 families this year. If you adopted an individual or family, please check your email and plan to drop gifts off at Acalanes on Friday, Dec 9 either from 7:30-8:30am or 10-11am in front of the small gym. Questions? Email Katherine Walton.
SAVE THE DATE - Chris Huber Memorial Gymnasium Dedication
This will be held on Saturday, Dec 10 at 6:30pm at the school. Chris Huber was a beloved educator and basketball coach at Acalanes and our gym will be named for him. There will be a reception to follow and we hope you’ll join us!
The Week of Dec 5
Students have a full week planned from Dec 5-9 with winter week, finals preparation meetings/exam cram and two winter concerts. Full details will be available in next week’s newsletter along with the daily bulletin.
Buy Gratitude Grams now! These are a great way for students to appreciate classmates, friends, staff members and teachers by sending them a little goodie bag filled with love and appreciation. Each gram is $5 and they are available for purchase on the webstore.
As always, if there is anything we can do for you or your student, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you and go Dons!
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher -
College & Career
SENIORS
Scholarships: Please send your student to the CCC this week. There are several significant scholarships available through the Diablo Valley Assistance League, RossmoorScholarship Foundation, and AAUW and they can come by to learn more!
California State Applications: Every day during the month of November (we only have a few more days left!), the CCC is open to help with the Cal State application. It takes less than an hour.
UC Applications: UC applications are due on Wednesday, Nov 30. We are here to help!
FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is available. The state is asking all seniors to fill out the FAFSA or to opt-out.
UC/Common App Support: Your student can click here to make an appointment to work on essays or get help with the entire process.
JUNIORS
Camp Counselor Opportunity: Does your child like kids? If so, maybe they’d like to consider becoming a 5th grade camp counselor Apr 10-14 or Apr 17-21 at Exploring New Horizons. It’s a wonderful volunteer leadership opportunity.
Out of State College Fair: Sign up here to meet college admission counselors from more than 20 colleges in the Acalanes library on Wednesday, Nov 30 from 6:30-8:30pm. Learn about the benefits of out of state schools, scholarship opportunities, financial aid and costs, and how to find your “match” school.
SOPHOMORES/FROSH
Out of State College Fair: Sign up here to start learning a bit about colleges early! Meet college admission counselors from more than 20 colleges in the Acalanes library on Wednesday, Nov 30 from 6:30-8:30pm. Get excited about the benefits of out of state schools, scholarship opportunities, financial aid and costs, and how to find your “match” school.
Camp Counselor Opportunity: Does your child like kids? If so, maybe they’d like to consider becoming a 5th grade camp counselor Apr 10-14 or Apr 17-21 at Exploring New Horizons. It’s a wonderful volunteer leadership opportunity.
Please visit our College & Career Counseling website any time for additional information and support. -
Counseling
Counselor assignments are by last name.
A-Em Anne Schonauer
En-Kr Christine Todd
Ku-Rog Marissa Meadows
Roh-Z Susan Martin
Frosh Appointments - Now that the big push to get letters of recommendation done for seniors is over, counselors will begin to check-in individually with their frosh students - their first final exams are only THREE school weeks away!
Late Sign Up for AP Exams - Late registration options are still available but will incur a late fee. Please see here for more details. -
School Nurse
Welcome Back to School!
I hope everyone had a nourishing and restful Thanksgiving week. Please test for Covid before returning to school tomorrow. If your student is Covid+ or has another illness, please keep them home and inform the attendance office on the absence recorder (x7973).
Starting to think about holiday gifts? How about things that make being healthy fun!- Fun water bottles to stay hydrated through the school day
- Beanies to stay warm through cold weather
- Workout clothes and equipment to encourage physical activity
- Journals to encourage mindful time and thought
- Board games to encourage fun and connection
No time for breakfast?
Ask your student what kind of portable healthy food you can make available for them to grab on their way to school:- Green smoothie
- Fruit (fresh and dried)
- Nuts
- PB&J
- Healthy muffins
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org
925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurse -
Wellness Center
AUHSD Wellness has planned a fantastic Parent Education series covering multiple mental health and wellness topics. The next webinar takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 6 from 6-7pm via Zoom. Hosted by Contra Costa Crisis Center, the presentation focuses on Suicide Prevention. While these education opportunities are free to attend, we do ask that you register here prior to the webinar.
If you missed the previous Parent Education webinars, they have been recorded and placed on this website for easy access. You can find future webinars outlined there as well. -
Performing Arts
Winter Choral Concert
Please join the Acalanes Choir & Friends to ring in the season at our Winter Concert on Thursday, Dec 1 at 7 pm! Enjoy renditions of classics like "Sleigh Ride", "Holly, Jolly Christmas" and more!
Date: Thursday, Dec 1
Time: 7pm
Location: AHS Performing Arts Center
Music Groups: Acalanes Choir & Friends
Admission Price: Free
Visit the APAB website for more information on Winter Choral and Instrumental Concerts. -
Legislative News
Give Input on the Lafayette Local Roadway Safety Plan
Lafayette is hosting a virtual public workshop on Thursday, Dec 1 at 6pm which will include a public discussion of traffic safety as part of the city’s Local Roadway Safety Plan development. Please plan on attending and providing your input on roadway safety across Lafayette! The meeting can be accessed here.
For more information regarding the plan, the Dec 1 workshop, or to take our online survey, please visit the project webpage at www.lovelafayette.org/roadsafetyplan or contact Patrick Golier at PGolier@ci.lafayette.ca.us. -
Sports
This week’s can’t miss events!
Boys Soccer
Monday, Nov 28 host Richmond HS scrimmage. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Wednesday, Nov 30 host Winter Classic
Saturday, Dec 3 host Winter ClassicGirls Soccer
Wednesday, Nov 30 at Hayward HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.Girls Basketball
Thursday, Dec 1 - Saturday, Dec 3 Varsity Marin Catholic InvitationalFootball
Friday, Dec 2 or Saturday, Dec 3 CIF RegionalWrestling
Saturday, Dec 3 Dons’ Duals at Amador Valley HS and Overfelt Lady Royals TournamentThe fall and winter sport schedules are available on the AHS website. Click here..
If you have any questions, please contact Randy Takahashi at rtakahashi@auhsdschools.org or Haley Walsh at hwalsh@auhsdschools.org.
-
APC in Action
Staff Appreciation Fall Luncheon - Nov 16
APC is planning to treat our teachers and staff to a fall potluck lunch to show them how much we appreciate all that they do! The fall luncheon will take place on Wednesday, Nov 16. We will provide the entrees, but are looking for help with sides and desserts. If you are able to contribute, please sign up here. Many thanks! We are grateful for your help spoiling our amazing ACA teachers and staff!
Finals Fuel - for Exam Week
Finals are just around the corner…and that means FINALS FUEL is back! During finals week, we provide snacks for the students during the brunch period.
You can help refuel and recharge our Dons in several ways:- Purchase snacks and deliver directly to the College and Career Center between Dec 5 - Dec 7.
- Purchase from our Amazon Wish List and items will be shipped directly to the Acalanes College and Career Center.
- Donate money and we’ll shop for you.
- Volunteer to shop with us at Costco and/or hand out snacks on Dec 14 - Dec 16.
Please click on the Sign-up Genius and Amazon Wish List to sign up. Thank you in advance for your support!
November Dons Dialogue - Friday, Nov 18, 8:45 am in the Collaboration Center
We hope to see you for our November Dons Dialogue this Friday. Join us to hear what is happening on campus, plus hear from the Wellness team, our trainer, PE teacher and coach, Chris Clark, and our student Leadership team. Coffee and treats will be served - hope to see you there!
If you’ve missed the past events, please click here for slides and recordings.
Meet and Greet for Transfer Parents
We've heard the feedback and requests for an opportunity for transfer parents to meet and connect. We hope you will join us for a casual Meet and Greet on Friday, Nov 18 immediately following our November Dons Dialogue.
A handful of experienced Acalanes parents will be on hand to help answer your questions. This will also be your opportunity to connect with other transfer families and hopefully meet some new friends. So please plan to bring your questions and appetite for a little nibble and some coffee!
When: Friday, Nov 18 after Dons Dialogue (approx. 10am)
Where: Collaboration Center in the front quad (next to the Main Office)
RSVP: Here on Evite -
Acalanes Community Always (ACA)
A very special Acalanes community event will take place on Saturday, Dec 10 at 6:30pm in the main gym. For those families fortunate enough to have had Chris Huber as their PE teacher and/or coach, the time has finally come to properly honor our treasured Don. The dedication ceremony of the Chris Huber Memorial Gym will take place during the Chris Huber Annual Memorial Basketball Tournament that evening. APC has been honored to support the efforts of renaming the gym and this special dedication. We hope you will join us.
Social Media
