Snowballs or Avalanches: Which ones are more dangerous?
Dr. Yanni Rho, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Parent and Member of the Contra Costa County Suicide Prevention Coalition
The answer: Both can be! Avalanches are obvious; you see a sign while driving through the hills and are aware that there is danger and that your car could be covered in seconds.
Snowballs individually may not be a problem. But if you are thrown snowball after snowball after snowball, your car may be covered, maybe not in seconds, but it could be if the conditions are just right. And sometimes, what you think is a snowball can feel like an avalanche to your child/teen.
As parents and guardians, it’s important to watch for both avalanches and snowballs for ourselves as well in our teens’ lives as certain times in their lives may be more risky. Transitions or significant life events/traumas are a known factor that plays into depression and increases suicide risk for children and teens. Some examples are breakups, losing friend groups, family transitions, being bullied, etc.
Other things to notice that can increase risk are drug and alcohol use, depression and anxiety, poor sleep and eating habits, etc.
Make sure to touch base with your teens, and remember to respect their space and not be intrusive as well. This is easier said than done, but something that you can say (when your child/teen wants to be left alone) is “I just want to check in with you because I love you and want you to know that you can come to me when you are ready to talk. If you can’t talk to me, please make sure you are talking with someone who will support you.” And if they are willing to talk, validate their feelings and try not to minimize (eg. “Everything will be okay” or “it’s not a big deal”). Empathic and active listening can help open doors to deeper conversations.
Remember that even if they look or seem happy, they may be struggling inside, so watch for signs such as talking about suicide or death, feeling hopeless or guilty, pulling away from friends and family, losing desire to do their favorite activities, changes in personality, etc.
Fortunately, we have access to mental health/well-being resources, such as the Wellness centers at school, counselors, nurses, community providers such as pediatricians and therapists, psychiatrists, etc. Some of us may also have access to traditional healers, religious or spiritual leaders, and other communities of support. But we also have access to 988 Lifeline (text or call), the California Parent and Youth helpline (text, chat, or call), or Youthline peer support line in Oregon (open to all teens- call, text, chat, email). So feel free to utilize and share with others and your children. If you have questions or would like more support, feel free to reach out to parented@acalanesparentsclub.com.
Parents Club Pro-Tip
Does your student love to travel? Are they interested in traveling with peers? Erin Field and Tina Gullberg take students in Lamorinda on international trips every summer. This year we are going to Italy, Austria, and the Czech Republic! I know that many of you travel frequently, but trips like this allow students to become more independent and make lasting memories with their friends.
Any student at Acalanes (or any of the other schools in our district) is invited to join us! They do not need to be in my class or have ever had Ms. Field as a teacher. All are welcome on this trip!
And here is the link to view the trip itinerary and cost:
https://acis.com/tripsite-trip-overview/?key=MjAyN3wxNjA1NA==
Sign ups are happening now, so if your student is interested, please register ASAP.
You can also check out our Instagram page to see past trips: @ACIS_Lafayette Travel Club
**This is not a school-sponsored trip.
Summer Spanish Language Immersion Trip
This summer Spanish teachers from our district are again offering an incredible opportunity to travel abroad for a Spanish language immersion trip. This has been such a fabulous experience for our students and they have built memories and lasting friendships, along with greatly improving their communicative skills in Spanish. The link below has more information and you can contact the company ECI directly. We will also hold an information session meeting on Tuesday, October 20th at 5:30pm in Room 408. Hope to see you there. https://educulture.com/programs/southern-spain-group-immersion2027/
Community Service - Helper Helper
If students would like to set up a Helper Helper account to log their service hours, please email from their personal email account to communityservice@acalanesparentsclub.comand include their personal email, name, birthdate, and graduation year.
Volunteer Opportunities
Recurring volunteer roles require the new District process for volunteer validation (e.g. driving for field trips, sporting events, etc). Standalone volunteer opportunities (e.g. Football, Snack Shack) on campus do not require the new/latest rigorous training required by the district this year.
Click HERE to access the AUHSD volunteer portal.
Click HERE to explore volunteer opportunities.
Order School Photos - If you would like to order your student’s school photos, you can contact Studio1. There is also a QR code on the back of your student’s school ID card to support ordering.
Parents Club Pro-Tip
Does your student love to travel? Are they interested in traveling with peers? Erin Field and Tina Gullberg take students in Lamorinda on international trips every summer. This year we are going to Italy, Austria, and the Czech Republic! I know that many of you travel frequently, but trips like this allow students to become more independent and make lasting memories with their friends.
Any student at Acalanes (or any of the other schools in our district) is invited to join us! They do not need to be in my class or have ever had Ms. Field as a teacher. All are welcome on this trip!
And here is the link to view the trip itinerary and cost:
https://acis.com/tripsite-trip-overview/?key=MjAyN3wxNjA1NA==
Sign ups are happening now, so if your student is interested, please register ASAP.
You can also check out our Instagram page to see past trips: @ACIS_Lafayette Travel Club
Thank you!
**This is not a school-sponsored trip.
Community Service - Helper Helper
If students would like to set up a Helper Helper account to log their service hours, please email from their personal email account to communityservice@acalanesparentsclub.comand include their personal email, name, birthdate, and graduation year.
Volunteer Opportunities
Recurring volunteer roles require the new District process for volunteer validation (e.g. driving for field trips, sporting events, etc). Standalone volunteer opportunities (e.g. Football, Snack Shack) on campus do not require the new/latest rigorous training required by the district this year.
Click HERE to access the AUHSD volunteer portal.
Click HERE to explore volunteer opportunities.
Order School Photos - If you would like to order your student’s school photos, you can contact Studio1. There is also a QR code on the back of your student’s school ID card to support ordering.
Parent Pit Stop - A Guide to Getting Your Teen Behind the Wheel
We know the process of teaching your teen how to drive and earn their license can feel daunting. That’s why we are excited to offer an informative presentation by driving experts and Greenlight Driver Training founders Jason Zimmerman and Josh Hurley. They will lay out the steps to acquiring a license and provide some foundational tips on how to approach behind-the-wheel driver training with your teen. See the attached flyer for more information.
What: Parent Pit Stop - A Guide to Getting Your Teen Behind the Wheel
When: Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 6:30-7:30pm
Where: Library
We hope you can join us, space is limited so please be sure to RSVP here..
Send any questions my way!
Go Dons!
Parents Club Pro-Tip
Does your student love to travel? Are they interested in traveling with peers? Erin Field and Tina Gullberg take students in Lamorinda on international trips every summer. This year we are going to Italy, Austria, and the Czech Republic! I know that many of you travel frequently, but trips like this allow students to become more independent and make lasting memories with their friends.
Any student at Acalanes (or any of the other schools in our district) is invited to join us! They do not need to be in my class or have ever had Ms. Field as a teacher. All are welcome on this trip!
We will have an informational meeting on Wednesday, September 16th from 7-7:45 on the lawn at Sideboard. Please RSVP here:
https://webapp.acis.com/trips/recruiting-meeting/MjAyN3wxNjA1NHw4MTY=
And here is the link to view the trip itinerary and cost:
https://acis.com/tripsite-trip-overview/?key=MjAyN3wxNjA1NA==
Sign ups are happening now, so if your student is interested, please register ASAP.
You can also check out our Instagram page to see past trips: @ACIS_Lafayette Travel Club
Thank you!
**This is not a school-sponsored trip.
Community Service - Helper Helper
If students would like to set up a Helper Helper account to log their service hours, please email from their personal email account to communityservice@acalanesparentsclub.comand include their personal email, name, birthdate and graduation year.
Volunteer Opportunities
Recurring volunteer roles require the new District process for volunteer validation (e.g. driving for field trips, sporting events, etc). Standalone volunteer opportunities (e.g. Football, Snack Shack) on campus do not require the new/latest rigorous training required by the district this year.
Click HERE to access the AUHSD volunteer portal.
Click HERE to explore volunteer opportunities.
Order School Photos - If you would like to order your student’s school photos, you can contact Studio1. There is also a QR code on the back of your student’s school ID card to support ordering.
Parents Club Pro-Tip
Community Service - Helper Helper
If students would like to set up a Helper Helper account to log their service hours, please email from their personal email account to communityservice@acalanesparentsclub.comand include their personal email, name, birthdate and graduation year.
Volunteer Opportunities
Recurring volunteer roles require the new District process for volunteer validation (e.g. driving for field trips, sporting events, etc). Standalone volunteer opportunities (e.g. Football, Snack Shack) on campus do not require the new/latest rigorous training required by the district this year.
Click HERE to access the AUHSD volunteer portal.
Click HERE to explore volunteer opportunities.
Order School Photos - If you would like to order your student’s school photos, you can contact Studio1. There is also a QR code on the back of your student’s school ID card to support ordering.
Parents Club Pro-Tip
Community Service - Helper Helper
If students would like to set up a Helper Helper account to log their service hours, please email from their personal email account to communityservice@acalanesparentsclub.comand include their personal email, name, birthdate and graduation year.
Volunteer Opportunities
Recurring volunteer roles require the new District process for volunteer validation (e.g. driving for field trips, sporting events, etc). Standalone volunteer opportunities (e.g. Football, Snack Shack) on campus do not require the new/latest rigorous training required by the district this year.
Click HERE to access the AUHSD volunteer portal.
Click HERE to explore volunteer opportunities.
Order School Photos - If you would like to order your student’s school photos, you can contact Studio1. There is also a QR code on the back of your student’s school ID card to support ordering.
Parents Club Pro-Tip
Volunteer Opportunities
Recurring volunteer roles require the new District process for volunteer validation (e.g. driving for field trips, sporting events, etc). Standalone volunteer opportunities (e.g. Football, Snack Shack) on campus do not require the new/latest rigorous training required by the district this year.
Click HERE to access the AUHSD volunteer portal.
Click HERE to explore volunteer opportunities.
Order School Photos - If you would like to order your student’s school photos, you can contact Studio1. There is also a QR code on the back of your student’s school ID card to support ordering.
Parents Club Pro-Tip
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Order School Photos - If you would like to order your student’s school photos, you can contact Studio1. There is also a QR code on the back of your student’s school ID card to support ordering. |
Parents Club Pro-Tip
|
Order School Photos - If you would like to order your student’s school photos, you can contact Studio1. There is also a QR code on the back of your student’s school ID card to support ordering. |
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.
- 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!
Parents Club Pro-Tip
STUDENTS SHOULD CHECK OUT THE CAFETERIA!
Did you know that Acalanes offers free breakfast, brunch and lunch for all students? Our amazing cafeteria staff prepares a variety of tasty baked goods and meals from scratch every day, making it easy for our students to stay fueled for success. As a reminder, Acalanes is a closed campus, so students are not allowed to leave during lunch. Encourage your students to take full advantage of the free meals on campus - or take a few extra minutes to pack a lunch in the morning.
