-
Student Activities
Welcome back—two weeks to go!
ADOPT-A-FAMILY: Thank you!
This year we are supporting 64 families in our community—thank you! If you are supporting an individual or a family, please plan to drop off your wrapped & labeled gifts on Friday between 7:30-8:15am in front of the small gym. We deliver all of the gifts after school on Friday.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Anna Motes at (annakmotes@gmail.com) and Katherine Walton at (kwalton@auhsdschools.org)!
Volunteer Opportunity: Dec 13 from 10:00am-2:30pm. Sign up through this Google formto help feed the needy in San Francisco at Glide Memorial Church. Log your hours onto Helper-Helper. See you there, Dons!
Shop joyfully while giving generously! We are back in the holiday season and this is a perfect time to raise funds for our beloved Acalanes! Minted is offering parents 20% off our purchases AND is giving 10% of the net sales back to our fabulous school! Please use promo code FUNDRAISEACALANES upon checkout to support the Dons!
This week we have lots of fun holiday programming:- Monday: Come make delicious smelling cinnamon envelopes in room 314 @ lunch
- Wednesday:
- Frosh Finals Info meeting @ lunch in the library
- Academy: Gingerbread making competition (Walton)
- Lunch: Movie & snacks in room 314 @ lunch
- 3:00-5:00pm: Exam Jam in the library
- Thursday:
- Lunch: Sophomore cookie decorating & JoyBound Dogs (Front Quad)
- 6:30pm: Instrumental Winter Concert
- Friday:
- 7:30-8:15am: Adopt-a-family gift drop-off
- Lunch: Cookie Decorating in room 314
-
College & Career
Upcoming Acalanes Student Alumni Panel:
The College and Career Center is organizing a recent Acalanes Student Alumni Panel during Academy (10:10-11:05am) on Wednesday, Jan 7, 2026. Do you know of a recent alumnus who will be in town on this day and would be willing to share what they wish they had known before college, what they are happy they did, and other tips for juniors and seniors? If so, please let Debbie Levy, dlevy@auhsdschools.org, know.
Districtwide Trades Fair
-
Counseling
Counselor assignments are by student last name:
A-F Anne Schonauer
G-Ka Erika Vasquez on campus MWTh
Ke-Re Marissa Meadows
Rh-Z Susan MartinThe Semester is Almost Over! This is the time to have your students check with their teachers—do they have any outstanding work they can still turn in for credit? Get missing assignments in ASAP!
Final Exam Week and Final Grades Finals take place Tuesday, Dec 16 through Friday, Dec 19, with Periods 0 & 4 on Tuesday, 1 & 2 on Wednesday, 3 & 7 on Thursday and 6 & 5 on Friday. Final semester grades will be available on Monday, Jan 12.
Mid-Year Reports for Colleges Counselors will send Mid-Year Reports to all Common Application schools once grades have been finalized and transcripts have been updated - most likely around Jan 15. -
Wellness Center
As we approach first semester finals, the Acalanes Wellness team is pleased to offer opportunities for students to relax and prepare themselves for both finals and winter break.
During Academy on Dec 10, Wellness will host one of our most well loved academies where we analyze movie clips for positive mental health traits. We are also expecting a visit from therapy dogs and their handlers from Joybound! On Dec 12, Wellness will host an academy discussing coping and study skills to lessen academic stress. If your student is interested in participating in either of these activities, encourage them to sign up for “Wellness Center” academy in the Teachmore app. If your student is unable to attend or looking for a quick and easy coping strategy they can use today, practice these skills with them!
Listen to Music- Put on your favorite song, but pretend you’re listening to it for the first time. Focus on the melody and lyrics (if there are any). Does the song give you chills or create any other physical sensations? Pay attention to the parts that stand out most to you.
Describe a Common Task- Think of an activity you do often or can do very well, such as making coffee, locking up your office, or tuning a guitar. Go through the process step-by-step, as if you’re giving someone else instructions on how to do it.
Deep breathing- Inhale slowly through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth. You can also try "square breathing," where you inhale for a count, hold for a count, exhale for a count, and hold for a count. -
Performing & Visual Arts
Instrumental Winter Concert
Please join us to support Acalanes Instrumental Music at our Winter Concert on Thursday, Dec 11, at 6:30pm in the Performing Arts Center. The concert will feature works by an illustrious lineup of composers including JS Bach, Verdi, Shimoda, Saint Saenz and more! Please join us to support our talented musicians!
We will be live streaming the event at: https://youtube.com/live/thCHZLDi5RE
SMC Choir Concert featuring the Acalanes Choir
The Acalanes Choir will also be performing at the Saint Mary’s College Choir’s “Making Spirits Bright” Concert on Saturday, Dec 6, at 4:00pm in the St Mary’s College Chapel, Moraga.
Social Media
