• College & Career

    October 9, 2022

    SENIORS
    California State Applications: Every day during the month of October and November, the CCC is open to help with the Cal State application. It takes less than 1 hour.

    FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opened Oct 1. The state is asking all seniors to fill out the FAFSA or to opt-out.

    UC/Common App: Sign up for Levy academy sessions to get support.

    College Visits This Week in the CCC Office: Sign up on the Naviance home page. Scroll to the bottom of the home page to see “What’s New” or email to register at least 24 hours in advance. Have your students speak with their teachers to get permission. Follow the CCC instagram @ahs_college_career for timing each week.

    • Tuesday, Oct 11: Kenyon College, Stony Brook, UCSB,Univ. Of Colorado, Boulder, Southwestern, Penn State University
    • Wednesday, Oct 12: Cal Lutheran Univ., NYU, University of Tampa, Babson College
    • Thursday, Oct 13: Scripps College, Michigan State
    • Friday, Oct 14: Reed College, Nova Southeastern, Louisiana State University, Lawrence University

    UC/Common Application Support: Your student can click here to make an appointment to work on essays or get help with the entire process.

    JUNIORS
    Internship Opportunity: Junior Achievement is looking for future entrepreneurs for a year-long business program

    College Visits: Please have your student join college visits if they are interested in learning more about universities. It’s a fun way to check out majors, clubs, and study abroad options.

    Volunteer Opportunities: Encourage your child to check out these great places to give back!

    SOPHOMORES/FROSH
    Internship Opportunity: Junior Achievement is looking for future entrepreneurs for a year-long business program
     
    Volunteer Opportunity: This is also a good site to search for teen volunteer work.
     
    Please visit our College & Career Counseling website any time for additional information and support.  

  • Counseling

    October 9, 2022

    Counselor assignments are by last name.
    A-Em Anne Schonauer  
    En-Kr Christine Todd  
    Ku-Rog Marissa Meadows 
    Roh-Z Susan Martin

    Individual Student Appointments
    Now that the first grading period is over, counselors are trying to check in with students with multiple D’s and F’s. They are also finishing up with Seniors to discuss post-high school plans. Individual Frosh appointments will begin in November.
     
    AP Exam Registration Opened Oct 1
    Sign up for AP Exams until Sunday, Nov 6. Late registration options are available, but will incur a late registration fee. Please see here for more details.
     
    Weekend SAT Exams Canceled
    Acalanes has canceled all weekend SAT exams and will only be holding school day SAT exams. We will be hosting a Senior only school day SAT this month and a Junior only school day SAT in the Spring. Information regarding test dates and registration will go out in the Daily Don so please keep an eye out for it. The College Board should notify and refund any students signed up for weekend SAT exams that were originally scheduled at Acalanes. Thank you for your understanding in regard to this change.

  • School Nurse

    October 9, 2022

    One Shot In Each Arm!  Protect your student against illness and missing school (and protect your community as well)! Make their appointments to get both the flu shot and their next Covid booster (now giving new bivalent version effective against variants). Many pediatrician’s offices and most pharmacies have them available.
     
    COVID Please call in your student’s absence to the Attendance Recorder and continue to follow the district’s Covid guidance. The school is not notifying teachers, so students should access Canvas as much as possible and stay in contact with their teachers to communicate their remote progress in their classes. Here is a California COVID-19 Isolation & Quarantine Calculator. And here is additional information about staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
     
    One Pill Can Kill LA Times article
    THIS is an excellent resource for prevention and early action.
     
    Please see my website for more information on medications, health issues, forms, etc.
     
    Weekly Nutrition Tips:  
    Look for seasonal fall fruits and vegetables (pumpkin?) and start integrating them into your meals (muffins, stews, etc).  Use pomegranate seeds to flavor yogurt, cereal, salads.

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

  • Wellness Center

    October 9, 2022

    With SATs and AP Tests right around the corner, it may be beneficial to discuss test anxiety with your student. Test anxiety is actually a form of performance anxiety which affects 25-40% of students. While it’s perfectly normal for a student to feel nervous before a test, test anxiety can be overwhelming for students and disrupt their concentration and ability. Here are a couple steps you can take to support your student in combating their test anxiety:

    • Positive self-talk can go a long way in altering one’s perception of their ability. Encourage your student to talk to themselves about how they would talk to a friend or loved one experiencing the same anxiety. We are often our own worst critic and, in many instances, we talk to ourselves more negatively than we would ever talk to someone else.
    • Acceptance of mistakes can also shift your student’s mindset around their ability. First, remind your student that trying their best is realistically the most they can do. Even when trying our absolute best, people still make mistakes. Second, model this behavior for your students. Are you shaming your student when their best effort isn’t “good enough” or beating yourself up when you make a mistake? Offer grace in the face of mistakes. We’re all human after all.
    • Teach test taking basics to your student so they might feel more confident when the time comes to take a test. Believe it or not, study skills and test taking strategies are learned. Just because students have to take tests, doesn’t mean they are actually equipped to do so successfully.

    Source: kidshealth.org
     
    Kiara Thomas- Wellness Intake Specialist

  • Performing Arts

    October 9, 2022

    Mark your October calendar for the widely popular Acalanes Pops Concert! Directors Lauren Gibson and Meredith Hawkins will lead their talented students in performing beloved music from various soundtracks. Don't miss this fun-filled evening!

    Date:  Wednesday, October 19, 2022
    Time:  7:00-8:30pm
    Location:  AHS Performing Arts Center
    Music Groups:  Acalanes Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Orchestra and Choir
    Admission:  Free ($5 donation suggested for adults)
    Click here for full flyer

  • LPIE

    October 9, 2022

    Meet Andrea Hilsabeck and Michele Colaco, LPIE School Chairs for Acalanes High School. Andrea has a freshman son at Acalanes, a junior daughter at Head-Royce School and a graduate of USC. Michele has a sophomore son at Acalanes and a daughter in 8th grade at Stanley Middle School.

    We have both volunteered our time to LPIE for many years because we know how vital LPIE is in bridging the funding gap at our Lafayette schools. Your LPIE donations at Acalanes support fifteen electives plus critical enrichment programs such as counseling and wellness services, college-level labs, world languages, technology, and advanced placement classes. LPIE funds department supplies and support in every subject at Acalanes. We are proud to be a part of LPIE and work closely with the Acalanes community to ensure all students have this exceptional educational experience.

    Questions? Please contact Andrea Hilsabeck or Michele Colaco
    www.lpie.org, Follow us on Instagram