Counselor assignments are by student last name:
A-F Anne Schonauer
G-Ka Erika Vasquez
Ke-Re Marissa Meadows
Rh-Z Susan Martin
Frosh/Soph Parent Night is this Thursday, Jan 16 at 6:30pm in the library: Come hear Counselor Marissa Meadows and College and Career Advisor Debbie Levy speak about the Course Selection process coming up as well as things to be thinking about for college.
Happy New Year! Last week I encouraged you to think about the pillars of a healthy lifestyle. This week I encourage you to move forward and actually set some small, attainable goals in at least 2 of the healthy lifestyle pillars: nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management and connection.
In my Health Coach training and practice, one of the most powerful tools is the SMART goal framework, with goals:
An example might be: I am going to bring a piece of fresh fruit to school with me each day this week. Try to make sure the goal is as specific as possible – instead of “fresh fruit”, write “apple”. Note that this goal is not “eating” the apple, but rather “bringing” the apple. Build the structure to create success for the goal. Make sure the goal is one that is realistic (in this case, make sure there is an apple to take to school each day). Relevant relates to a goal of being healthier to support well-being. Time-bound refers to assigning a very specific time/timeline to the goal – in this case that might be: pack an apple for my lunch at 7:30am each day. I’d love to discuss this more with you if you want to be in touch – I look forward to connecting with you to help you cultivate healthy habits for your students and your family. I want to hear your goals!
Please reach out to me for any support your students or family might need. Here’s to a healthy and fulfilling start to 2025!
My office hours are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some* Thursdays
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 8am – 3:50pm
Wednesdays: 7:30am – 3:20pm
Always Your School Nurse,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurse, School Nurse Website
Are you or someone you know interested in quitting tobacco use? Kick It California is a free program that helps Californians kick smoking, vaping, and smokeless tobacco with the help of proven, science-based strategies. Clinically proven, culturally sensitive, and trusted, Kick It California, formerly the California Smokers’ Helpline, opened in 1992 as the first publicly funded statewide quitline. They now offer individual telephone counseling, a texting program, online chat, a smart phone app, Alexa Skill for quit smoking tips, and self-help materials. Take the first step toward quitting by visiting https://kickitca.org/. In Contra Costa County, you can also call 2-1-1 for a direct referral to Kick It California.
Lafayette Schools Choral Concert – Jan 23, 7pm at Stanley Middle School
The Acalanes Choir is excited to perform at the Lafayette Schools Choral Concert. Come enjoy vocal music performances by Lafayette students of all ages.
Project LPIE is back for a 12th year at Acalanes!
This week we are launching our annual Project LPIE competition. With 15 categories in a variety of disciplines, the contest is open to any AHS student. This is a great opportunity for students to showcase their talents and add to their resumes. For more details visit: https://www.lpie.org/project–lpie–acalanes.
SAVE THE DATE for fun night celebrating sports at Acalanes!
*The game schedule below reflects dates and times as of last Friday. Games may change for several reasons, including weather. If you have questions or comments, please contact Acalanes Sports Boosters.
This week’s can’t miss events:
Boys basketball
Monday, Jan 13 host Las Lomas HS. Frosh at 4:30pm, JV at 6pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Wednesday, Jan 15 host Northgate HS. Frosh at 4:30pm, JV at 6pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Saturday, Jan 18 Varsity v. Marin Catholic HS at San Marin HS at 6:30pm.
Girls basketball
Monday, Jan 13 At Las Lomas HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Wednesday, Jan 15 at Northgate HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, Jan 17 JV host San Marin HS at 7:30pm.
Girls soccer
Tuesday, Jan 14 host Benicia HS. JV at 5pm, Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, Jan 17 at Northgate HS. JV at 5pm, Varsity at 7pm.
Boys soccer
Tuesday, Jan 14 at Las Lomas HS. Frosh at 4pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:15pm.
Thursday, Jan 16 host Clayton Valley Charter HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Saturday, Jan 18 host Archie Williams HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Saturday, Jan 18 Frosh at Berkeley HS at 11am.
Wrestling
Thursday, Jan 16 host DAL Tri-meet at 5pm.
Saturday, Jan 18 Varsity in the San Ramon Valley Invitational.
Saturday, Jan 18 Lady Grizzly Classic at San Lorenzo HS.
Saturday, Jan 18 JV in the Livermore Barnburner.
You may view the full 2024-2025 Athletic Schedule by clicking HERE.
December APC Dons Dialogue
Thank you to all who attended our Dons Dialogue on Friday, Dec 20. This month’s topics included learning about elective courses for 2025-26 and highlighted some of the engineering and STEM electives offered at Acalanes. If you were not able to attend, slides from the discussion are available here.
Thank you to our APC Hospitality Co-Chairs, Mia Heglie and Monica Stassi, for providing the welcoming coffee and treats! The next Dons Dialogue will be on Friday, Jan 17. Click here for the full schedule of upcoming Dons Dialogues.
Thank You for Making Finals Fuel a Success!
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in Finals Fuel last month and made it a huge success! Whether it was donating snacks, funds or volunteering your time to hand things out, we could not have done without all of you! Thank you for putting smiles on a lot of students’ faces during finals week. We also want to give a shout out to our amazing APC Co-Chairs Regan Scovic and Stephanie Asadorian for organizing and leading such a special Acalanes tradition! Finals Fuel will be back in the spring!
Follow Acalanes Parents Club on Instagram. Please reach out to APC here with any questions.
Contact Regan Scovic and Stephanie Asadorian with any questions. Thank you in advance for your support!
Important January Dates
The APC Campus Culture Committee hopes everyone had a wonderful break and is excited to learn more about one another in the new year! Please reach out if you have any suggestions for upcoming newsletter updates.
Korean American Day is on Jan 13 and commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903. The day also honors the Korean American’s immense contributions to every aspect of society.
If you’d like to be a part of the upcoming 2025 celebrations, such as Black Excellence Month and Lunar New Year, please contact the DEIB committee here.
Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with what the students are doing to celebrate all of these wonderful cultures and special dates.
It’s 2025! Welcome back to 2nd semester. Let’s make it a great one!
January brings the start of league for our winter sports, spring club day, an all school rally and the 2nd round of class cup. Encourage your student to opt in and get connected (or reconnected) – and please let me know if I can be of any help.
BIG 10 in January
Students have designed the BIG 10 as a way for our community to SHOW UP & SHOW OUT to these 10 events that take place across campus. Here is the schedule for January:
Wednesday, Jan 8 at 7pm: Girls basketball vs. Heritage
Monday, Jan 13 at 7:30pm: Boys basketball vs. Las Lomas
Thursday, Jan 16 at 5pm: Wrestling vs. Campo
Thursday, Jan 23 at 7pm: Girls soccer vs. Miramonte
Friday, Jan 24 at 7:30pm: Boys basketball vs. Campo
Wednesday, Jan 29 at 7pm: Girls basketball vs. Clayton Valley
New Clubs and Spring Club Day
Club applications for any students looking to start a new club will be available this week in the Daily Don and due Jan 21. We have our spring club day at lunch on Wednesday, Jan 29. It is a great opportunity to connect with our clubs and the leadership teams.
Class Cup: Family Feud
Classes will come together to compete in Family Feud – Acalanes style. Encourage your student to come watch Jan 13, 15 and 22 at lunch in the big gym.
KEY 2ND SEMESTER DATES:
Jan 24: Senior Breakfast + All School Rally + Boys basketball vs. Campo
Jan 29 @ lunch: Spring Club Day
Jan 30: Open House
March: 1st ever community rally (date TBD)
Mar 18: Talent Show
Ap 18: Special Olympics
Apr 19: Junior & Senior Prom
Apr 23-26: School Musical
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
Katherine Walton, Activities Director
Senior Scholarships
Frosh/Sophomores: Parents, please join us for our 9th and 10th Grade Parent Night on Thursday, Jan 16 from 6:30-7:30pm in the library. We will cover essential information on course selection, graduation/4-year college requirements, and provide a brief overview of course offerings. We will also introduce our College and Career Center and highlight the resources available to support your student’s academic and career planning. Looking forward to seeing all of you.
