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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)
Thursday, Jan 13 is Korean American Day! Korean American Day commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903 and honors the Korean American’s immense contributions to every aspect of our society. Korean American Day was first proclaimed by President George W. Bush in 2003, on the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Koreans to the U.S.
Facts Corner: The United States boasts the second-largest Korean population living outside of Korea and the largest Korean American populations are in Los Angeles and New York. Some famous Korean Americans include Judge Herbert Y.C. Choy, the first Asian American appointed to the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals in San Francisco in 1974, and Hines Ward, Jr. a professional football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers. -
Parent Education
Our teens need us to: love hard, talk soft, listen deep, encourage often. Shelbyspear.com
Thursday, Jan 20 at 6:30-8:00 pm via Zoom, The Well-Balanced Student Presentation with Laura Easley and Douglas Tsoi (Challenge Success) hosted by Acalanes Parent Ed. When we are too focused on grades and performance, we deny our children the time and energy they need to tackle the demanding work of growing up. Learn how you can establish a healthier home environment for your school-aged child, reduce their academic stress and increase resilience, creativity, and well-being. This talk is especially timely given all of the challenges our teens have had to face. Some AUHSD staff will also be present for questions at the end. Register here.
Monday, Jan 24 at 6:30 pm Safe Driving Awareness Class in the Miramonte High School Theater. Open to all AUHSD parents and their teens to illustrate how poor choices behind the wheel can have devastating impacts. This free talk given by the California Highway Patrol’s Start Smart program will equip participants with the tools needed to make smart choices when driving.
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 Wellness Center. Feel free to reach out and connect with us with ideas for future topics, shareable resources, or thoughts at parented@acalanesparentsclub.com. -
Student Activities
2022! Here’s to a great second semester, let’s make the most of it!
Wednesday, Jan 12 Environmental Council during Academy period in Room 314.
Take part in making Acalanes a better, more eco friendly place! Sign up for Walton’s Academy. We hope to see you there.
Wednesday, Jan 12 at 3:45pm in the Library
District Diversity Meeting. We will discuss programming for the 2nd semester, and collaborate on equity work. All are invited to attend!
Friday, Jan 14 at lunch in the front quad
Second Semester Club Day
ACA Leader
An ACA Leader is a role model that shows leadership and plays a big role throughout our school community. Each week, one student who stands out is chosen to be our week's ACA Leader. This week we are proud to have chosen Jonathan Roth, a frosh on the Boys Varsity Soccer team. He has made such an impact on his team and represents what an ACA Leader is! Congratulations Jonathan!
Clubs
With the second semester comes the opportunity to create a new club. Clubs are a great way to connect with other students whether it's about community service, an academic class, or your favorite T.V. show. Submit your club application by Wednesday, Jan 12 in order for your club to be considered. Questions? See Mrs. Walton in room 314.
Spiritwear is still available on the Acalanes webstore and available for purchase. You can purchase here and once purchased, you will receive an email with directions for pick-up.
Save the Date:
February is Black History Month
Saturday, Apr 30 - Junior & Senior Prom at Lake Chalet in Oakland
Katherine Walton, Student Activities Director -
Wellness Center
With COVID cases back on the rise, there is no better time to quit a smoking or vaping habit than today. The lungs are at the forefront of your immune system. Inhaling irritants such as smoke and vapor can cause an even stronger immune response if exposed to COVID. Researchers at Johns Hopkins have found that not only are people that smoke and vape five to seven times more likely to test positive for COVID, but they are also more likely to develop serious complications if infected. Secondhand smoke from cigarettes and, even more so, vaping poses an increased risk for anyone that may inhale infected droplets in the air. If you or your student has a smoking or vaping habit, check with your healthcare professional to discuss cessation options. Quitting smoking is not only beneficial to wellbeing during the Coronavirus pandemic but to long term health as well. (source: Coronavirus: Smoking, Vaping, Wildfire Smoke and Air Pollution | Johns Hopkins Medicine)
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College & Career
SENIORS- Scholarship Opportunity Check out this site for many scholarships!
- Rossmoor Scholarship Foundation- If your family has financial need and your child has been actively involved in community service, please check out this generous $2,500 scholarship!
- American Association of University Women- (AAUW) offers three $2,000 Scholarships to a graduating young woman who demonstrates a sustained commitment to community service as well as a grade point average of at least 3.0. If you know someone who meets these criteria, please share or email me.
JUNIORS
- Wednesday, Jan 12 at 6:30pm on Zoom Susan Martin, our counselor, and Debbie Levy will host a Junior Parent night to learn more about the college application timeline and career opportunities. The event will be recorded and posted too.
- Tuesday, Feb 1 at 6 to 7pm Acalanes Bookclub Meeting in the Collab Center Join Junior parents to discuss Who Gets in and Why by Jeffrey Selingo.
- Job Opportunity Orinda Parks and Rec is hiring immediately for students on Saturdays to help set up and keep score at basketball games. Please contact Recreation Coordinator Matt Delmartini by Wednesday, Jan 12 if interested.
SOPHOMORES/FRESHMEN
- Personality Test- Click here for your student to take a 10 minute personality test! It’s a great first step in recognizing how people connect with others. Next is a look at a career interest profiler test.
- Resume Development- Have your child reach out to work on creating a resume!
- Volunteer Here are some volunteer options to get you started. Check out the newforms for tracking volunteer service hours for recognized service awards.
RESOURCES
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Counseling
Happy New Year! Counselor assignments are by last name.
A-Dr Anne Schonauer
Du-Kr Christine Todd
Ku-Rog Marissa Meadows
Roh-Z Susan Martin
Semester Grades
First semester grades are available on Aeries as of Friday, Jan 7. Report cards will be mailed home to all students. Athletic eligibility will be determined this week by Friday, Jan 14.
Second Semester Class Changes
Counselors will be changing some student schedules through Tuesday, Jan 18. Have your student see their counselor if they wish to discuss a class change.
Course Selection for the 2022-2023 School Year
Counselors will visit 9th,10th, and 11th grade classrooms from Thursday, Jan 13 through Friday, Jan 21 to talk about the course selection process for next school year. Please keep an eye out for a course selection sheet coming home with your student!
Junior Parent Night
Come hear our College and Career Advisor Debbie Levy and Counselor Susan Martin discuss senior course requests and college planning on Wednesday, Jan 12 at 6:30pm. Here is the Zoom link to join. Meeting ID: 868 5893 6599
Frosh/Soph Parent Night
Come hear Counselors Christine Todd and Marissa Meadows review the course selection process for current 9th and 10th graders on Wednesday, Jan 19 at 6pm. Register here in advance for this webinar.
Social Media
