We were planning to focus on the Eight Sources of a Meaningful Life but are postponing in light of the need to talk about sleep– officially a public health crisis per the Centers for Disease Control. No aspect of wellbeing can be achieved without adequate sleep. We’ve all heard the requirement for adolescent sleep (not “time spent in bed”) is 9-10 hours. We have yet to meet a student who reflects they are achieving the low end of that range. For more information on this subject, search Cal professor and sleep expert, Dr. Matthew Walker. He provides immediately actionable steps for reducing “time spent trying to fall asleep.” We’re already implementing some of these with our own families. And when you notice your student is dis-regulated, flip the script: before trying to problem-solve, ask how much sleep they got and encourage curiosity about how they feel physically, emotionally and cognitively when they don’t get enough sleep.
Week of 2/3 Update
Wednesday, Feb 5 at 8am, and Friday, Feb 7 at 8:30am: Parent Naviance Workshops for Juniors
Sign up today using the links below. There is a 20 person limit for each event.
- Feb. 5 sign up (location: Collaboration Center)
- Feb. 7 sign up (location: College and Career Counseling Office (CCC))
Sunday, Feb 23 Gap Year Fair from 1-4p at Athenian High School Register here.
Thursday, Feb 27 Out of State College Fair at 6:30p, Miramonte HS No sign up needed.
Saturday, Feb 29 SAT Mock Exam at 9am in CCC Cost is $35.00. Sign up here.
Scholarship Opportunity Scholarships are posted on the board in the CCC so stop by and check for new information. Students with a minimum of a 3.3 GPA and maximum EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) of $20,000 can apply for the Rossmoor Scholarship, a $3,000 award. Applications due by Feb 4. Info available on the Rossmoor Scholarship Foundation Home Page.
Seniors Please update Naviance as you continue to hear results from your college applications. Stop by the CCC to share your successes and add a marble to the jar for each accepted application. When you have committed to your school, you can also make a flag for our board!
Juniors Sign up for academy to learn how to research colleges and start personal assessments. You must attend one academy before setting up a 1:1 appointment. Please stop by the CCC with any questions.
College & Career
The spring application period for CSF started yesterday, Feb 1. Students in grades 10-12 should apply. Seniors who have been members in the past need to apply this time! CSF rules state that one of the qualifying semesters has to be grades earned in senior year. More info here.
School Nurse
February is American Heart Month.
Wednesday, Feb 5 at 3:15pm
Please join Dvora Citron, RN MS, Acalanes School Nurse in the Acalanes Collaboration Center for A Dialogue on Moving Towards Plant-Based Eating for Heart Health. This is appropriate for anyone with a heart – students, staff and parents! Please respond here to attend.
Two New VAPA Courses
There are two new options in the course catalogue for the 2020-2021 school year:
- Voice Experimental Lab For those that want to discover their voices. Students learn healthy vocal technique, then choose the songs they want to learn in a masterclass format.
- Survey of Popular Music Students learn about the roots of American popular music and how it evolved from the late 19th century to today. It covers how Pop music influenced and responded to society and the ever changing aesthetics of our culture.
Both classes are open to grades 9 through 12. FAQ’s sheets are available in the Counseling office or you can email Mr. Lengacher.
Visitors on Campus
In our continuing effort to tighten up our campus security, all visitors arriving to Acalanes need to come directly to the attendance office to sign into our visitor’s log and pick up a white visitors sticker. This includes all frequent visitors as well as parents with or without an appointment. If you are visiting any of the following offices: counseling office, principal’s office, college and career center, classrooms, and parents who are attending IEP or 504 meetings, our staff will be looking for your white badges to indicate you’ve checked in.
APC Spring Grant Program Applications Now Open!
Acalanes is pleased to continue its Acalanes Parents Club (APC) Grant Program this semester with a focus on ideas that will enhance the educational and campus experience of AHS students in new and innovative ways. Teachers, students and parents are welcome to submit a grant proposal, utilizing the application form. Guidelines for grant submissions are also available. Email completed applications to Laura White or deliver to the APC box in the office. Grant applications are due by noon on Friday, Feb 21.
Week of 1/27 Update
Tuesday, Jan 28 “How to Pay for College” Presentation from 6:30-7:30pm in the AHS Library
Come hear Tim Lenahan, CPA, discuss affording college including 529 Plans, loans, grants and scholarships. This event is currently FULL with a waitlist.
Thursday, Jan 30 Open House from 6-8pm in the College & Career Counseling Office
Please stop by to meet College and Career Advisor Wendy Reicher and see all of the great resources offered for students here at Acalanes.
Beginning Tuesday, Feb 4 SAT Prep Course at Acalanes
Six week course beginning Feb 4 and continuing on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5p. A total of 24 hours of instruction for $699. Offered by Tried and True Tutoring with a portion donated to AHS. Sign up here no later than Wednesday Jan 29.
Wednesday, Feb 5 at 8am, and Friday, Feb 7 at 8:30am: Parent Naviance Workshops for Juniors
Sign up today using the links below. There is a 20 person limit for each event.
Feb. 5 sign up (location: Collaboration Center)
Feb. 7 sign up (location: College and Career Counseling Office (CCC))
Sunday, Feb 23 Gap Year Fair from 1-4p at Athenian High School
Register here.
Thursday, Feb 27 Out of State College Fair at 6:30p, Miramonte HS
No sign up needed.
Saturday, Feb 29 SAT Mock Exam at 9am in CCC Cost is $35.00.
Sign up here.
Scholarship Opportunity
Scholarships are posted on the board in the CCC so stop by and check for new information. Students with a minimum of a 3.3 GPA and maximum EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) of $20,000 can apply for the Rossmoor Scholarship, a $3,000 award. Applications due by Feb 4. Info available on the Rossmoor Scholarship Foundation Home Page.
Seniors
Please update Naviance as you continue to hear results from your college applications. Stop by the CCC to share your successes and add a marble to the jar for each accepted application. When you have committed to your school, you can also make a flag for our board!
Juniors
Sign up for academy to learn how to research colleges and start personal assessments. You must attend one academy before setting up a 1:1 appointment. Please stop by the CCC with any questions.
