Weekly News & Announcements

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!
 
AUHSD Wellness Parent Education Series
Counseling Opportunities & Parent Education (COPE) presents:
Connecting with Your Teen
Tuesday, Nov 15 from 6-7pm
Register on Zoom here
 
Parent Presentation by Contra Costa Crisis Center
Suicide Awarness
Tuesday, Dec 6 from 6-7pm
Register on Zoom here
 
Click here for more information on Wellness Parent Ed events.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

You Are Influential to Your Children and Your Community - Stand Up to Hate

In addition to producing events that help us connect, learn and grow, the DEI committee is also here to support parents. As we head into United Against Hate Week across Lamorinda, we feel it is important for all of us to make time to talk about discrimination and acts of hate this week. An easy way to open up a conversation might be to simply ask if your student knows that the City of Lafayette observes a United Against Hate Week. You don’t need to supply all the content - it isn’t a lecture, just start the discussion. You Are Influential to Your Children and Your Community - Stand Up to Hate.

Please visit our DEI Committee Page here for our full message and valuable tips for talking with your family about these important topics.

Another DEI event occurring this week in Lafayette - 
Community Conversation #6: See Us, Hear Us - The Renter’s Narrative of Life in Lafayette - Wednesday, Nov 16 from 7-8:30pm at the Lafayette Library, Don Tatzin Community Hall. Open to all. Hosted by the Lafayette Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee. For more information, click here.

Questions, suggestions or feedback? Click here.

Student Activities

As Thanksgiving approaches, we want to wish you a happy holiday week with family and friends. We are really grateful for all of your support thus far this school year!
 
Thank you, also, for all of your coat and sock donations! They will be dropped off this week thanks to a local community member.
 
Adopt-a-Family this Holiday Season!
With the holiday season approaching, it's time for Acalanes’ annual Adopt-a-Familyevent!! Adopt-a-Family’s mission is to give to those in need during the holiday season. If you have the desire to make a difference in the community, we encourage you to sign up to help! We will connect you with families or individuals, along with their wish lists of gifts. All gifts need to be dropped off on Friday, Dec 9 and then will be brought to Uplift Family Services and Pacific Clinics in Concord, an organization Acalanes has been working with for the past 10+ years to support local families during the holidays. If you would like to adopt a family, please fill out our Google Form. If you are interested in adopting one person, sign up on our Sign-Up Genius. We would love for you to participate!
 
SAVE THE DATE - Chris Huber Memorial Gymnasium Dedication
This will be held on Saturday, Dec 10 at 6:30pm at Acalanes High School. Chris Huber was a beloved educator and basketball coach at our school and our gym will be named for him. There will be a reception to follow and we hope you’ll join us!
 
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, 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? 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? 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

One Shot in Each Arm! Protect your student against illness and missing school (and protect your community as well)! Make their appointments to get both the flu shot and their next Covid booster (now giving the new bivalent version effective against variants). Many pediatrician’s offices and most pharmacies have them available.
 
What I’m Reading: Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence and I’m listening to Hooked on Audible. They have very connected themes.
 
Recipe: I made THESE MUFFINS recently (I used a can of pureed pumpkin instead of the applesauce and water). Great to have on hand for your kids to grab for breakfast when they’re heading out of the house in the morning.
Fall fruit to try: Persimmons! They are sweet and delicious!
 
Please see my website for more information on medications, health issues, forms, etc.  Does your child have an EPIPEN? Hopefully you have let me know. HERE is some interesting information about Benadryl vs. Epinephrine.

Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org
925-280-2970 x7128
IG:  acalanesschoolnurse

Wellness Center

As we approach the Thanksgiving break, the Wellness Center will offer a couple of workshops for students interested in expanding their coping and self-regulation skills. If you think that your student might be interested in participating, they can use this link to sign up (must be accessed from your student’s school email address). We will reach out to all students regarding interest and workshop details no later than Tuesday, Nov 15.
 
AUHSD Wellness has put together a fantastic Parent Education series covering multiple mental health and wellness topics. The next webinar takes place on Tuesday, Nov 15 from 6-7pm via Zoom. Hosted by Counseling Options & Parent Education (COPE), the presentation focuses on Recognizing Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Yourself and Your Child. While these education opportunities are free to attend, we do ask that you register here prior to the webinar.
 
Finally, if you missed any of our 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

The musical festivities continue in November with the Fall Jazz Concert! Director Lauren Gibson and her amazing Acalanes Jazz Ensemble will be joined by special guests, the talented Stanley Messengers (Todd Minson, Director). Join us for a night of wonderful music!
 
Date: Thursday, Nov 17
Time: 7pm
Location: AHS Performing Arts Center
Music Groups: Acalanes Jazz Ensemble and Stanley Messengers
Admission Price: Free ($5 donation suggested for adults)

LPIE

LPIE Read-a-thon: Log ALL Pledges by Nov 17
The LPIE Read-a-thon has been off to a great start. We are so excited to see so many of our students participating in the Read-a-thon and sharing their love of reading while simultaneously supporting LPIE. The Read-a-thon ends on Tuesday, Nov 15 and all pledges need to be logged by Thursday, Nov 17.

Students who read 40 minutes or more per day during the Read-a-thon and log their minutes on Pledgestar by Nov 17 with at least one donation, will be entered into a raffle to win fun prizes! And the top readers in each grade win gift cards!

Questions? Please contact Andrea Hilsabeck or Michele Colaco
www.lpie.org, Follow us on Instagram 

Sports

This week’s can’t miss events!
 
Girls Water Polo
Tuesday, Nov 15 CIF NorCal quarterfinal
Thursday, Nov 17 CIF NorCal semifinal
Saturday, Nov 19 CIF NorCal championship
 
Football
Friday, Nov 18 or Saturday, Nov 19 NCS Semifinal at 7pm

The fall 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 entree, but are looking for help with sides and desserts. If you are able to contribute, please sign up here.

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:

• Purchasing snacks and deliver directly to school Dec 5-7 to the College & Career Center.
• Purchasing from our Amazon Wish List and ship directly to Acalanes: College & Career Center.
• Donate money and we’ll shop for you.
• Volunteer: shop with us at Costco and/or hand out snacks on December 14, 15 &16.

 Please click on the Sign-up Genius and Amazon Wishlist for more information.

Thank you in advance for your support!

November Dons Dialogue - Friday, Nov 18 
Please join us for our November Dons Dialogue on Friday, Nov 18 at 8:45am in the Collaboration Center. This is the best way to stay in the know about what’s happening on campus. Plus, it’s always a fun way to connect with new and old friends…and we have coffee!

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 18immediately following our November Dons Dialogue.
 
A handful of experienced Acalanes parents will be on hand to help answer your questions. This will be your opportunity to connect with other transfer families, get answers to questions 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)

THANK YOU to all the Acalanes students, parents and community members for coming out for our Campus Cleanup on Saturday. We had a great turnout with lots of ACALANES SPIRIT!

Parent Education

AUHSD Wellness Parent Education Series
Counseling Opportunities & Parent Education (COPE) presents:
Connecting with Your Teen
Tuesday, Nov 15 from 6-7pm
Register on Zoom here
 
Click here for more information on Wellness Parent Ed events.