Weekly News & Announcements

Student Activities

I am so proud of our students and our community - what an incredible first semester! There is a long (and I do mean long) list of why our community ROCKS and YOU are one of those reasons. Thank you for your support of so many things on our campus!
This semester has truly been wonderful and makes us all very excited to come back and kick off 2nd semester Jan 7, 2025. There are some pretty awesome things in store. For a small taste, see the list below and mark those calendars!
 
KEY 2ND SEMESTER DATES:
Jan 24: Senior Breakfast + All School Rally + Boys Basketball vs. Campo
Jan 29 @ lunch: Spring Club Day
Jan 30: Open House
March: 1st ever community rally (date TBD)
Mar 18: Talent Show
Ap 18: Special Olympics
Apr 19: Junior & Senior Prom
Apr 23-26: School Musical
 

Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Activities Director

College & Career

Senior Scholarships

• Outstanding musician scholarship with a disability (deadline Jan 8)
• AAUW scholarship for a female senior with significant community service
• Tri Counties Bank scholarship for seniors with financial need or merit

Frosh/Sophomores: Parents, please join us for our 9th and 10th Grade Parent Night on Thursday, Jan 16 from 6:30-7:30pm in the library. We will cover essential information on course selection, graduation/4-year college requirements, and provide a brief overview of course offerings. We will also introduce our College and Career Center and highlight the resources available to support your student’s academic and career planning. Looking forward to seeing all of you.

Counseling

Counselor assignments are by student last name:
A-F Anne Schonauer  
G-Ka Erika Vasquez
Ke-Re Marissa Meadows 
Rh-Z Susan Martin

Wishing everyone the best of luck with final exams! Here is the finals schedule.

Final semester grades will be available on Friday, Jan 10. Transcripts will be updated, and mid-year reports for Common Application schools will be sent for seniors’ college applications. 

Juniors ONLY SAT in March - REGISTER NOW: The webstore link is now live/activated to pay for SAT fees for juniors only. The price per exam is $60 and is scheduled during the school day on Wednesday, Mar 5, 2025. The deadline to submit payment through the webstore is Monday, Jan 6, 2025. Your webstore receipt is your confirmation of your registration. If you have any questions, please contact our Testing Coordinator, Jamielle McDonald by email jmcdonald@auhsdschools.org.

School Nurse

SUPPORTING YOUR STUDENTS DURING FINALS
Sometimes less is more, which doesn’t always feel intuitive. Support your students in taking breaks when studying. Go for a walk, have a healthy snack (keep those available), stay well hydrated and do a mindfulness practice (try the CALM app). Making sure to have family meals also gives your students a chance to connect with you while eating healthy food, have downtime from studying, and to “release”.
 
Also, this is a good time to think about making appointments for regular MD check-ups for the upcoming year. Fostering your student’s connection with their pediatrician cultivates their sense of support and commitment to health and well-being.

My office hours are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some* Thursdays
Tuesdays & Thursdays:  8am - 3:50pm
Wednesdays:  7:30am - 3:20pm

Always Your School Nurse,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurse, ​School Nurse Website

Wellness Center

The Acalanes Wellness Center wishes you a happy holiday season! We will be open for students needing support during finals with a modified schedule:
 
Monday: Regular Hours
Tuesday-Friday: 8am-1:30pm
 
While winter break is a great time for self-care and connection, this time of year can also be difficult for many. Thankfully, the CCCOE Wellness In Schools Program(WISP) has done the heavy lifting on compiling a list of easy to access local and national resources should you find your AHS student in need while away from school.
 
As always, dialing 211 will connect you with a database of community resources including Contra Costa Crisis Center and dialing 988 will connect you to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Performing & Visual Arts

Acalanes Performing Arts Boosters would like to recognize the 16 Acalanes musicians who were selected for the prestigious Contra Costa County Honor Band. Acalanes Instrumental Music Dons made a record showing this year and we look forward to their concert in February!

Koto Watanabe, Flute*
Serina Eun, Clarinet*
Monique Khouw, Clarinet*
Noah Frankel, Clarinet
Claire George, Clarinet
Melina Galacatos, Bass Clarinet*
Emme Young, Bass Clarinet
Aya Watanabe, Bassoon
Jonathan Judson, Tenor Saxophone
Bennett George, Trumpet
Emerson Boudreau, Horn
Harrison Mrachek, Horn
Emmett Brummel, Trombone*
Leah Dong, Tuba
Jake Rennie, Percussion
Naoto Watanabe, Percussion
Asterisk indicates 1st Chair - Principal