Weekly News & Announcements

School Nurse

Make 2023 an AWEsome year!
 
Book I am reading:  AWE: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life. I follow Dacher Keltner of The Greater Good and went this week to hear Michael Pollan interview Dacher about the book and the emotion (yes!) of Awe.
 
Why do I share recipes?  Because feeding your family yummy nutritious meals helps support EVERYTHING about their health–mental, physical, emotional. So it will ALSO support their academic success!
Recipes of the week:  Lemon herb tofu Tofu is nutritious, versatile, cheap and easy to cook. Will combine well with ginger orange broccoli noodles.
I tried another red lentil soup last week which I loved (even though I forgot to add the broth!).
 
Substance use prevention:

• Keep your home safe: Lock Your Meds
• Have family dinner
• Know where your kids are
• Spend regular time together

What else would you like to see on my website?

Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org
925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurse

Wellness Center

Resilience is defined by the Oxford dictionary as the ability to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties. Let’s be honest, this is one of the most valuable skills that one can have in life. While suffering in life is inevitable, resilience allows us to move past it, and even capitalize on it, by fostering personal growth. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are hoping to develop resilience within your AHS student or yourself:

Self Awareness - being in tune with oneself increases our ability to understand our emotions and act in accordance with what aligns with our values. Ultimately, this reduces inner conflict which reduces suffering.

Mindfulness - taking in the present moment for solely what it is creates a space in which we may feel more in control of ourselves. Instead of passing judgment, take a deep breath and consider what decisions can be made to achieve our desired outcome.

Self Care - if we are not taking care of ourselves (exercising, eating, recreating, etc.) suffering increases. Consider the fact that sleep is now viewed as one of the strongest health indicators.

Community - humans are extremely social creatures. Creating meaningful, healthy connections with others can help lessen the negative effects of suffering. Sharing personal experiences with people you trust can increase resilience.

Purpose - this point goes along with self-awareness. Finding purpose in what we do with our lives has the potential to be grounding  when times get tough.
 
Kiara Thomas-Wellness Intake Specialist

Performing Arts

For an excellent overview of all VAPA classes, listen to the Dons Dialogue recording from Friday, Jan 20 (see here)!

CONGRATULATIONS ACALANES JAZZ!
The Acalanes Jazz Ensemble performed at the 34th Annual Folsom Jazz Festival, Saturday, January 28, one of the largest jazz competitions in California, and it was an exciting day of entertainment! Middle school and high school jazz bands, vocal jazz choirs, and jazz combos from all over Northern California competed.  

The Acalanes Jazz Combo of Lucas Chow, Tommy Gallagher, Nathan Joseph, and Spencer Tantameng received 1st place in the Combos A Division and the Acalanes Jazz Ensemble received 4th place in the Band A Division. Directed by Lauren Gibson. 

BAND MEMBER RECOGNITION
We are very proud to recognize and honor our talented Acalanes musicians who were accepted into these distinguished ensembles this year!

• CONTRA COSTA COUNTY HONOR BAND
  Serina Eun, Melina Galacatos, Miles Garcia, Zach Garcia, Zero Hill, Nathan Joseph, Monique Khouw, Sabrina Koo, Daichi Nannen, Cole Ruebner, Aya Watanabe, Koto Watanabe, and Adelina Zheng.  The CCC Honor Band concert is Saturday, Feb 4, 7 pm at Alhambra High School in Martinez. 
  
  
• CALIFORNIA ALL-STATE JAZZ ENSEMBLE
  Spencer Tantameng
  
  

LPIE

Tom Mulvaney Legacy Award: NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
LPIE is proud to announce a call for nominations for the Tom Mulvaney Legacy Award to honor those individuals, families, or businesses who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the LPIE mission.

1. Displays leadership skills that inspire others. Helps create a vision for the future and helps others understand their role in achieving that vision.
2. Models excellence in everything they do.
3. Embodies LPIE’s mission to support and enrich the education of every child in the Lafayette public schools.
4. Has demonstrated a continuing commitment of their time, treasure, or energy to further LPIE’s mission.

Nominations are due by Tuesday, Feb 14 at midnight. The winner will be announced Saturday, Mar 25 at LPIE's Masquerade Gala. Questions? Contact office@lpie.org or (925) 299-1644.

Submit a Nomination for the Tom Mulvaney Legacy Award
  

Sports

This week’s can’t miss events:
 
Boys soccer
Tuesday, Jan 30 host Campolindo HS. Frosh at 3:30pm, JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Thursday, Feb 2 host Las Lomas HS. Frosh at 3:30pm, JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Saturday, Feb 4 at San Ramon Valley HS at 4pm.
 
Girls soccer
Tuesday, Jan 30 at Campolindo HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Thursday, Feb 2 at Las Lomas HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
 
Boys basketball
Thursday, Feb 2 host Clayton Valley Charter HS. Frosh at 4:30pm, JV at 6pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Saturday, Feb 4 at Las Lomas HS. Frosh at 4pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
 
Girls basketball
Thursday, Feb 2 at Clayton Valley Charter HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Saturday, Feb 4 host Las Lomas HS. JV at 1:30pm and Varsity at 3pm.
 
Wrestling
Wednesday, Feb 1 host Miramonte HS at 6pm.
 
The winter sport schedules will be found on the AHS website by clicking here.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Randy Takahashi at rtakahashi@auhsdschools.org or Haley Walsh at hwalsh@auhsdschools.org.

General Administration Announcements

Be sure to read Principal Shawn’s email regarding “Upcoming Course Selection Events at Acalanes”. Click here to read the email on Parent Square.
 
Policies & Procedures Reminder
As we move further along into our second semester, we want to share a few friendly reminders regarding the day to day policies and procedures outlined in our StudentHandbook.

1. Students must have a hall pass when leaving class at any time. 
   • Students repeatedly in the hallways without a pass will be followed up with.
   • Students are not to be leaving class and roaming campus, the pass should be used respectfully.
2. The parking lot is off limits to students during the school day. This includes eating lunch in their cars. Only cars with AHS parking permits are allowed to park in  student designated parking spots.
3. Acalanes is not an open campus, which means students are not allowed to leave during brunch, lunch, or Academy.
4. Please review the AUHSD Attendance Policies  as outlined in the StudentHandbook.