Weekly News & Announcements

APC Membership & Fundraising

Remember to keep ACA in mind for your holiday shopping! Every time you shop on Amazon, you could also be contributing to Acalanes - it’s never been so easy!
 
Click this link to shop smile.amazon.com and designate Acalanes Parents Club as your charity of choice!
 
And, since most of us also shop Amazon on our phones, don’t forget to add Smile to your Amazon app too. It’s super easy and you only have to do it once:

1. After you’ve clicked the link above and joined Amazon Smile via your desktop or laptop, open the Amazon app on your phone
2. Open settings within the app
3. Tap AmazonSmile
4. Tap the button for “turn on AmazonSmile”

Happy ACA shopping…and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

AHS Garden Restoration Update
Work is well underway to restore the AHS Garden. Many thanks to the students, staff and community members who have come out to help or donated cardboard, seeds and more to the effort. We have updated the wish list in case anyone has extra winter crop seeds or bulbs on the list you want to donate.
 
If you haven't had a chance, take a look at the farm - it is a completely different place with the mulch (and no cardboard showing). 
 
Read more about the AHS Garden Restoration Updates HERE
Lori Tewksbury (Living Earth and AP Biology Teacher)

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!

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

The month of December is a time set aside by many to celebrate a variety of traditionsand enjoy time with family, friends and community. We wish you peace and happiness throughout the holiday season.

Be well and we will see you in the new year!

Student Activities

Does your student want to start a club but didn't get the chance to in the fall? They can create one now! The work done within a club is so important and we want to support that. Please fill out this google form in its entirety by this Friday, Dec 16. Spring Club Day is Friday, Jan 13 at lunch.
 
Need a way to destress? Come to stress busters tomorrow at lunch in the front quad. There will be therapy dogs, snacks, stress ball making and resources provided by the wellness center. It will be a great way to take a break and recenter before finals!
 
Adopt-a-Family this Holiday Season!
Thank you for all of your support with adopt-a-family this year. We were able to support 62 families and dropped off the gifts this past Friday. Our community is incredible - thank you for all of the support!.
 
We wish you a restful, healthy and happy holiday break! See you back on Jan 4 for the new semester!
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

College & Career

SENIORS
 
Acalanes College and Career Center Scholarship link: https://www.acalanes.k12.ca.us/Page/2549
 
Diablo Valley Assistance League, Rossmoor Scholarship Foundation, and AAUW are also available- Large scholarships for students with financial limitations.
 
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.
 
Common App Support: Your student can click here to make an appointment to work on essays or get help with the entire process.
 
JUNIORS
 
ACT/SAT Practice Tests: Revolution Prep is offering a practice SAT and ACT: Practice ACT: Saturday, Jan 21, 9am-1pm
Practice SAT: Saturday, Jan 28, 9am-1pm
Live Online! Register here:  Acalanes HS partner landing page
 
1:1 appointments: If you’d like your child to start exploring career interests and begin looking at Naviance, please have them schedule an appointment here.
 
SOPHOMORES/FROSH
 
Volunteer Ideas: Have your student come by the CCC so I can learn about their interests. Check out this website for ideas too! It’s best to set a search filter for teens.
 
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 / Christina Castillo-Gallardo during Spring 2023
Ku-Rog Marissa Meadows 
Roh-Z Susan Martin
 
Late Sign Up for AP Exams: Late registration options are still available, but will incur a late fee. Please see here for more details.
 
Good Luck with Finals this week! Finish strong! Enjoy your well-deserved winter break!
 
Welcome to Christina Castillo-Gallardo, our Counselor Sub, standing in for Christine Todd while she is on maternity leave during the Spring of 2023. Christina can be reached at ccastillo-gallardo@auhsdschools.org.
 
Frosh/Soph Parent Meeting Thursday, Jan 12 at 6pm in the AHS Library
Come hear our Counselor Marissa Meadows, College and Career Advisor Debbie Levy, and Counselor Sub Christina Castillo-Gallardo talk about course selection and preliminary college planning for rising 10th and 11th grade students (current 9th and 10th grade students).