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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
Madeleine Albright, who died on Wednesday, was the first woman to become US Secretary of State. She paved the way for the next two women to serve in that role, Condoleezza Rice, the first Black woman to serve, and Hillary Clinton. Albright’s family fled to the US as refugees in 1949 to escape the political strife in Europe from (then) Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic). “Becoming a U.S. citizen is the most important thing that ever happened to me," she said at the U.N. Refugee Summit in 2016. She was described by her peers as a “trailblazer,” receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.
And the Oscar goes to…Here’s a bit of trivia if you watched the 93rd Academy Awards. The very first Oscar to go to an African-American went to actress, singer-songwriter, and comedian Hattie McDaniel. She earned the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind in 1939.
Facts corner: The popularity of women’s soccer has grown exponentially since the U.S. won the first Women’s World Cup in 1991, but it wasn’t until 1996 that the U.S. women’s national soccer team was allowed to compete at the summer Olympics in Atlanta. That was the first year women’s soccer was introduced as an Olympic sport, bringing home a historic win against China for the team’s first gold medal while a record-breaking 76,000 fans watched. -
Parent Education
Don’t be preoccupied with your child’s academic ability, but instead teach them to sit with those sitting alone. Teach them to be kind. Teach them to offer help. Teach them to be a friend to the lonely. Teach them to encourage others. Teach them to think about other people. Teach them to share. Teach them to look for the good. This is how they will change the world. #parentingteensandtweens
Hope you were able to join us for Alternatives to College and College Prep presented by Cindy Muchnick, MA!
If you want further guidance about screen time for your teens, here is an article from Common Sense Media that can help!
Finally, if your teen is struggling with academics or feeling down or frustrated about school, don’t forget to connect with our Counselors, our Nurse, and our WellnessCenter. Feel free to reach out and connect with us with ideas for future topics, shareable resources, or thoughts at parented@acalanesparentsclub.com. -
Student Activities
Acalanes Spiritwear Looking for Acalanes gear or a welcome gift for the Class of 2026? Two options:
- We have created a spirit pack geared for the Class of 2026 which includes a hooded black sweatshirt, car magnet, cinch pack and flag to fly at your house for $68.00. Proceeds generated from the spirit packs will benefit the Class of 2026. Last day to order is Monday, Apr 11 and pick-up will be Wednesday, May 4.
- Spiritwear is available for purchase on the Acalanes webstore. You can purchase here and once purchased, you will receive an email with directions for pick-up.
Saturday, Apr 30 Junior & Senior Prom at Lake Chalet in Oakland
- Tickets are live on the webstore
- Wednesday, Mar 30 at lunch Bus Assignments begin. In order to get a bus assignment, students need to show their webstore receipt & permission form. Permission forms can be found on the webstore and on the door of room 314.
- Tickets are $85 for current 11th and 12th graders; $125 for outside guests and current 9th/10th.
- Ticket price includes transportation to/from the event, buffet dinner, dancing, karaoke, silent disco, games & photo booth.
Thank you for your enthusiasm & support for student activities. Katherine Walton, the Student Activities Director, is out on maternity leave. For any student activity questions, please contact Kat Bautista.
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College & Career
Seniors
- DVC Virtual Enrollment Support - Click here for help. This process takes some time. Start now!
- Recycle Smart Scholarship available for seniors. Due April 18.
Juniors
- Practice ACT and SAT exams - Click here to register for online practice tests on Saturday, Apr 23 and Saturday, Apr 30
- Revolution Prep - We are coordinating with this company to offer free virtual practice tests for 6 AP subjects: AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP US History, AP Physics 1-Algebra-Based. The practice AP tests are live online, proctored by professional tutors, and will be offered on upcoming Saturdays through Apr 9. Students will receive a score report immediately following the practice exam, just like our other practice tests. Your students can register for one or more of thepractice tests here.
Sophomores/Freshmen
Resources:
New leadership/volunteer opportunity! The Lafayette School District is looking for high school students to volunteer April 11 to April 15 or April 18 to April 22 for 100 volunteer hours. If your student enjoys the outdoors, natural science, and community service and loved the field trips of their elementary school days this opportunity is for them. Apply today to be a Cabin Leader for 5th Grade Outdoor Education (Camp) for LAFSD elementary students. Completed applications due to Ms. Dolphin by Thursday, March 31. Applicant must be a fully-vaccinated high schooler (freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior) with a G.P.A. of 2.0 or higher.
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Counseling
Counselor assignments are by last name.
A-Dr Anne Schonauer
Du-Kr Christine Todd
Ku-Rog Marissa Meadows
Roh-Z Susan Martin
Summer School Applications Available
If your student has D or F grades currently or from past semesters and they want to make them up, they can enroll in our SummerSchool program. F grades in required classes need to be made up, D grades can be made up to stay 4-year college eligible. Please have your student see their counselor to sign up.
Geometry for Advancement - Summer School
If your 9th grader is doing well in Algebra 1 and wants to advance in math, we offer a summer Geometry class that enables students to enroll at the Algebra 2 level in 10th grade. Please contact your counselor for more information.
Junior Meetings
Starting late-March, counselors will be meeting individually with all juniors to review graduation requirements and talk about post-high school options. Students interested in 4-year college are encouraged to also make an appointment with Debbie Levy, the College and Career Advisor. -
School Nurse
Tuesday, Apr 12 from 7pm ET to 8:30pm ET Mindfulness and Media Webinar to learn the steps you can take to help teens navigate technology in a savvy and healthy way.
Concussions - If there is any possibility that your student has had a head injury/concussion, please make sure that your student is evaluated as soon as possible by a physician experienced in evaluating and treating concussion. Here is the concussion packet families need if their student has a concussion, and here are some very informative podcasts from Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF).
COVID-19 Information:- New Masking Mandate - As of Saturday, Mar 12, the state masking mandate has transitioned from “required” to “strongly recommended”. While masks will no longer be required, “masks remain one of the most effective and simplest safety mitigation layers to prevent transmission of COVID-19 infections” (CDPH). Masks will still be available to those who need or want one. Students who return after Day 5 of Covid infection must mask through Day 10.
- Please remain alert to COVID symptoms, continue to report COVID+ cases to us (especially Attendance) and keep your students home when they are ill.
- COVID Isolation, Quarantines and Test Kits - The current guidelines for return to school after COVID illness require a negative COVID test (if returning before 10 days). Please see Principal Shawn’s COVID FAQ’s for more details. We continue to update policy based on the County Health Department guidance.
Please be in touch with me to discuss any medical, health, or wellness concerns.
Stay healthy and be well,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org
925-280-2970 x7128
Acalanes School Nurse Google Site
IG: acalanesschoolnurse
Social Media
