Weekly News & Announcements

APC in Action

Peer Tutoring Seminar for Students
Peer Tutoring is hosting its second student seminar on Thursday, Feb 2 during lunch in Room 107. Acalanes Spanish teacher Sra. Skvarna will discuss with students the importance of building relationships with teachers. She will share the hows and whys of connecting with your current teachers and future professors. No pre-registration is required. The first 40 students will get free pizza!
 
Nominating Committee Volunteers NEEDED!
APC Nominating Committee needs your help! We are looking for volunteers to join the 2023 Nominating Committee to help fill our 2023-2024 APC Board. This role is a small time commitment, but has a large ability to help. The committee will begin at the end of this month. If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please email Kristen Labrosse, APC Parliamentarian.

Celebrate Our Schools

LPIE is excited to invite our entire Lafayette community to celebrate all we have done together to enrich our schools over the last 40 years, as well as the potential of what is to come!

Join us for a festive family night with games and activities for all ages.

Friday, February 10
4:30-7:30pm
Lafayette Park Plaza

Order dinner and drinks from nearby restaurants and food trucks. Enjoy performances by our local Lafayette students, live music from David Martin’s House Party, and hear from dedicated community advocates for our schools. We hope you and your family will join us for this special and significant event.
 
Entry is complimentary; purchase required for restaurants, food trucks, drinks.
 
RSVP here! Guests who register will automatically be entered into a drawing to receive a Valentine’s dinner for two! Must be present to win during the event on Feb 10.

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

Calling all Acalanes alumni! We have begun work to formalize an Acalanes network and we invite you to join on instagram, facebook or linked in. These will be places to connect, re-connect, hear life updates, share opportunities & learn more about class gatherings.

Parent Education

What: Parents Presentation of Substance-Free Athletics
When: Tuesday, Feb 7, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Miramonte High School Library AND on Zoom
Register here: Note that you can attend in person or on zoom. Please register using the link no matter which format you plan to attend.
 
Description:  Substance-Free Athletics (SFA) is a nationally recognized youth prevention program that got its start in the Miramonte community several years ago. Research has shown that underage substance use prevention will have one of the most important impacts on public health. SFA was developed because of this, as well as the research showing that alcohol, marijuana and nicotine have significant and specific impacts on sports and athletic development. Research also shows that the adult stakeholders in a student athlete’s life (coaches and parents) have significant influence in athlete decisions to use. MHS coaches have participated in SFA trainings this school year and MHS is now offering this training to all AUHSD parents. 
 
AUHSD Wellness Parent Education Series
Click here to review the full AUHSD Wellness Parent Education Series for 2023.
 
Recordings of past Wellness Parent Ed events can be viewed on the AUHSD website here. Topics include Depression & Anxiety, The Fentanyl Epidemic, Connecting with Your Teen and more.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

AUHSD honors Black Excellence Month starting Feb. 1. Can you name the scholar whose dedication to celebrating the historic contributions of Black Americans led to the establishment of Black History Month? If not, click here for the bio.
 
Events Happening this Month: 

• A Night in New Orleans - All Student Dance, Friday, Feb 3, 7-9pm in the Acalanes Gym

Let’s get our Dons to turn up for this unique, all schools dance! Have them tag a friend or two at another school. This is an excellent opportunity for our students to come together for a relaxed, non-competitive evening and connect with friends across the district. Thank you to the BSUs for hosting. Tickets are $10 on GoFan. Parent volunteers are also needed so please reach out if you can help.

• Black College Expo, Feb 4, 10am-5pm

This will take place at Oakland Marriott City Center and additional information and registration details can be found here. In addition, this article may be a good resource for students thinking about applying to HBCUs.
 

• Beyond the Binary: Helping Parents Support Their Kids With Navigating Gender, Tuesday, Feb 7 from 6-7pm over Zoom

This event is presented by Rainbow Community and you can register here. Watch party? If you are interested in gathering with a small, supportive group to view this webinar, please email us.
 
Stay in Touch: Click here to join the DEI mailing list.

Student Activities

Student Government 2023-2024
Is your student interested in participating in student government next year? Applications are now available and are due Friday, Feb 3 for current 9th, 10th and 11th graders. There are elected and appointed positions and there is a spot for everyone! For the full list of committees, check out the descriptions.

Current 8th graders: Applications are now available and are posted on the Acalanes home page. They are due Monday, Feb 13. If your student attends Stanley, there will be an informational meeting on Tuesday, Jan 31 during lunch in Ms. Shegoian’s room.
 
Looking for Acalanes spiritwear? Our spring spiritwear webstore is now open along with EXCLUSIVE frosh spirit packs for the Class of 2027. Check it all out here.
 
A Night in New Orleans - An All District Dance
On Friday, Feb 3 from 7-9pm, Acalanes will be hosting an all district dance. Tickets are $10 and available on Go Fan. Ticket prices include games, DJ, snacks & crafts. Sponsored by the Black Student Union.
 
Where will The Force be this week? We’ll be at boys basketball & boys soccer onThursday night!. The FORCE shirts will be for sale at the game along with Dons rally towels. Join us!
 
2022-2023 Clubs
We had an amazing spring club day and are so excited for the current 59 active clubs on campus! Encourage your student to check 1 or 2 out. You can view all clubs here.
 
Gratitude Grams
Want to show appreciation to friends, family and staff? Buy a gratitude gram on the webstore filled with fun toys and snacks. Embrace the attitude of gratitude.
 
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

College & Career

SENIORS
DVC Registration: Please tell your senior to join us during Academy on Wednesday, Feb 15 in the library for a DVC admissions’ presentation and registration details.
 
Job Fair:  Walnut Creek Arts & Rec is hiring students aged 15+ for many summer jobs. They are hosting a job fair on Thursday, Feb 9 from 4:30-6:30pm at Shadelands Art Center Auditorium. Looking for counselors, coaches, lifeguards, and more!
 
Acalanes College and Career Center Scholarship links. Diablo Valley AssistanceLeague, Rossmoor Scholarship Foundation, and AAUW are also available- large scholarships for students with financial limitations.  Female identifying students, check this Blackhawk Women’s Scholarship.
 
FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is available. The state is asking all seniors to fill out the FAFSA or to opt-out.
 
JUNIORS
Virtual College Fair:  WACAC (Western Association for College Admissions Counseling) Virtual College Fair is this week on Tuesday, Jan 31 from 5-7:45pm. Many schools are attending, including UCLA and UC Irvine.
 
Job Fair:  Walnut Creek Arts & Rec is hiring students aged 15+ for many summer jobs. They are hosting a job fair on Thursday, Feb 9 from 4:30-6:30pm at Shadelands Art Center Auditorium. Looking for counselors, coaches, lifeguards, and more!
 
Summer Jobs: Orinda Country Club is hiring through KE Camps. Great opportunities!
 
A Healthier Approach to College Admissions: Event sponsored by Challenge Success on Thursday, Mar 9 from 4-5:15pm.
 
1:1 appointments: If you’d like your child to start exploring career interests and begin looking at Naviance, please have them schedule an appointment here.
 
SOPHOMORES/FROSH
 Job Fair:  Walnut Creek Arts & Rec is hiring students aged 15+ for many summer jobs. They are hosting a job fair on Thursday, Feb 9 from 4:30-6:30pm at Shadelands Art Center Auditorium. Looking for counselors, coaches, lifeguards, and more!
 
Volunteer Ideas: Have your student come by the CCC so I can learn about their interests. Check out this website for ideas too! It’s best to set a search filter for teens.
 
Please visit our College & Career Counseling website any time for additional information and support.  

Counseling

Counselor assignments are by last name:
A-Em Anne Schonauer  
En-Kr Christine Todd / Christina Castillo-Gallardo during Spring 2023
Ku-Rog Marissa Meadows 
Roh-Z Susan Martin
 
Late Sign Up for AP Exams: Late registration options are still available, but will incur a late fee. Please see here for more details.
 
Course Selection Appointments: Beginning this Tuesday, Jan 31, counselors will be meeting individually with each 11th, 10th and 9th grade student to review class selections and make sure classes are entered correctly in Aeries. We will answer any questions they may have, and collect their Course Selection Form. Each student has an appointment time listed on the front of their Course Selection Sheet. Please have your student head to the Counseling Office for their appointment, no matter what class they are in. Appointments will only take a few minutes. 

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, Anthony Smario, 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