NETWORKings
Antioch Charter Academy
Newsletter for Antioch Charter Academy/TLCS Families and Staff Volume 26, Issue 16, December 13, 2021
Dear ACA Families,
We all feel stressed from time to time during the holiday season – there is pressure to attend social events, give gifts, travel and more that can take a toll on one’s mental health. In fact, a poll conducted by the American Psychological Association found that nearly a quarter of Americans report feeling extreme stress during this time of year and 45% of Americans would prefer to skip the holidays entirely to avoid the associated stress.
Another study, this one from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), found almost two-thirds (64%) of people with mental illness report the holidays make their conditions worse. Stress or anxiety associated with holiday activities can contribute to worsening symptoms.
This year may feel especially challenging, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. The loss of loved ones, financial stress from lost jobs, and feelings of anxiety because of the uncertainties associated with the pandemic – these are all impacting the way people feel.
If you feel anxious about finding a new “normal” this holiday season, that’s OK. It’s important that you adjust at your own pace and take care of your mental wellbeing along the way. Here are a few tips from Mental Health First Aid to help you take care of your mental health this holiday season.
Focus on what you can control. The pandemic has changed a lot around us, and it’s OK if you feel anxious as a result. Control what you can to take care of your physical and mental health. If you are nervous about travel requirements, research them in advance so you feel more prepared. If you’re feeling stressed by the media, take a digital break for a few days.
Keep healthy habits. It’s important to keep healthy habits in place no matter your holiday plans. This may include going on a daily walk, getting a good night’s rest or staying hydrated. Taking care of your physical health can help stabilize your mood, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, and improve long-term mental wellbeing.
Make time for yourself. Spending time with family or friends, especially if you have not seen them in the last few years, can be overwhelming. If you need a moment to yourself, try sneaking away to a quiet room or going for an early morning walk.
Create new traditions. It may feel challenging to revert to holiday traditions from 2019, and that’s OK. Create new traditions that work for you and prioritize your mental wellbeing.
Ask for help if you need it. If you are feeling especially sad, stressed, anxious or depressed, ask for help. Talk to someone you trust, a mental health professional or a primary care physician for guidance and support.
Whether you feel excited, nervous, anxious or stressed (or all of these!) about the coming holiday season, you are not alone. By taking small actions each day, you can #BeTheDifference for yourself and make your mental wellbeing a priority. (By Mental Health First Aid USA)
Have a safe winter break,
Mr. Fuller
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 
School Lunch Order Form – https://forms.gle/
Yearbook: We need your pictures! If you take pictures of school events, please share them to www.treering.com/validate Passcode for our school is 101506720561403
FAMILY NETWORK (FN) HAPPENINGS
The ACA Family Network is made up of ACA adults who volunteer for fundraisers and social events for the enrichment of our children. The money we raise goes back to our school for study trips, family activities, assemblies, and classroom supplies. If you have a child/grandchild/niece/nephew/
Flurry of Family Fun Night: Save the date for Dec 16th from 6-7:30pm for this free family fun event! This event is for all ACA families, including alumnus!! To ensure enough supplies are purchased please RSVP by December 14th to ACAoffice@
Family Network Meetings are usually the second Thursday of each month. The board welcomes and encourages all ACA families to attend the meetings. Check with the calendar below to find out the next meeting.
Annual Give: Would you like to support whole school activities, all the classrooms, and have less fundraisers??!!! Then make a tax deductible donation…donate here via PayPal → paypal.me/ACAfamilynetwork
AmazonSmiles: Shop at Amazon? Shop at Amazon’s fundraising site, smile.amazon.com and they will donate back to ACA. We are registered as The Learner Centered School, Inc.
Family Network Volunteer Opportunities
Popcorn Fridays Volunteers Needed 
We need volunteers to help out with popcorn sales each Friday 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Help set up, make popcorn, sell candy/popcorn and clean-up
REMINDERS & FYIs
Need a COVID test? Students may go to:
Antioch High School: Monday’s & Wednesday’s 4-7pm – Results in 15 minutes
Deer Valley High School: Tuesday’s & Thursday’s 4-7pm – Results in 15 minutes
Antioch Water Park: Walk Ins welcome 7am-7pm – Results 3-4 days
Mask Reminder: Students, employees, parents/guardians, and visitors will need to wear a mask while on campus. Masks are available in the office for children and adults.
Drop Off & Pick Up Reminders: We will continue to symptom screencheck and temperature check each student upon arrival. Parents/drivers may not enter the gates during carpool dropoff time.
If students arrive late, a parent/driver must walk the student(s) into the office for a symptom screen and temperature check. Both the student(s) and the adult must wear a mask.
If your student needs to depart early, the person picking up the child must call the office at (925) 755-7311 so the office can retrieve the student prior to walking into the office to sign out their student. All visitors coming onto campus must wear a mask.
Parking Lot Safety – Let’s Keep ALL Our Students, Staff & Families SAFE!
Everyone needs to use crosswalks!
Listen to the staff’s instructions – they are trying to keep everyone safe, and to keep drop off/pick up running smoothly.
Do not tell your students to cut through the parking lot to reach you – cars that are backing up may not see your student. Students should be picked up using the carpool lane, or using the crosswalk, they can walk to their cars which are parked on the street/in front of the park.
When it is your turn to enter the carpool lane, pull all the way forward, so up to 6 vehicles can load/unload their charges at a time.
Do not move forward in the carpool lane until all children have entered/exited their vehicles in front of you – a fender bender could severely injure a child who is partially in a vehicle.
Thank you for keeping everyone safe – remember picking up/dropping off is only a few minutes out of your day, but an injury could last a lifetime!!
Charter Council: The Charter Council is our governing board. The board meets usually on the second Thursday of the month @ 4PM. Please check the calendar for the next meeting date/time, or call the office at 925-755-7311 to confirm. These meetings are open to the public – all are welcomed! Check the calendar for the next school meeting.
Absences and Tardies – Daily Attendance is expected: If your student will be absent, or tardy, please call the office at 925-755-7311, or email your student’s classroom, before 8:00am.
Girl Scout Troop: on campus 3:30pm on Mondays in the Multi Use Room.
Need Assistance – it is OK to ask!
Antioch Charter Academy: call the school office (925-755-7311) if you need help finding school supplies, figuring out how to get school lunches, and/or need to talk with someone regarding any struggles your student(s) may be facing.
Contra Costa Crisis Center (call 211): https://cccc.
Contra Costa Health Services: Mental Health Wellness & Education on how to address “Disappointment,” reduce “Stress” and maintain a “Positive Attitude”
Mental Health Wellness & Education :: Behavioral Health
888-678-7277 [available 24/7]
Shelter Inc. COVID 19 and Eviction Prevention Hotlines: COVID 19 hotline for those affected by the COVID-19 virus: rental assistance, payment of utility bills, funds for food or necessities; Eviction Prevention – due to crisis. Call 211 or go to https://shelterinc.org/
Contra Costa Crisis Center: Services and Resources for Teens
Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks – What You Should Know
Services and Resources for Teens :: Behavioral Health
800-833-2900 (24/7)
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network:
Fact Sheet on COVID-19 along with Age Appropriate Coping Strategies
Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019
Parent Anonymous:
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Dec 16 Flurry of Family Fun (FN) – 6-7:30PM (Free, but must RSVP by Dec. 14th)
Dec 20 Primary & Elementary Class Musicals
Dec 20 6-8th Grade Winter Dance – 3:30-5pm
Dec 21 MS Victorian Day – 8:15-12pm
Dec 22 Minimum Day – dismissal at 12pm
Dec 23-Jan 7 Winter Break – no school
Jan 10 Welcome Back!
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Phone – 925-755-7311
School Address – 3325 Hacienda Way, Antioch 94509
School Website – www.AntiochCharterAcademy.org
School Lunch Order Form – https://forms.gle/
ACA Office – ACAOffice@
ACA Family Network – ACAFamilyNetwork@
ACA Elementary – ACAElementary@
ACA Intermediate – ACAIntermediate@
ACA Primary – ACAPrimary@
ACA Middle School – ACAMiddleSchool@
ACA I & II Special Education – SPED@antiochcharteracademy.org
ACA Newsletter – ACANewsletter@
ACA Memories – ACAMemories@
Twitter & Instagram Accounts – #AntiochCharter; @AntiochCharter
Parent Network Board & Contact Info
Co-Chairs: Lydia Moon and Kelly MacCallister
Secretary: Brooke Farrington
Treasurer: Beth Rottier
School Volunteer Coordinator: Salena Killion
Social Chair: open…can you help???
Fundraising Chair: open…can you help???
If you’re interested in an open position please email ACAFamilyNetwork@
We need help to make this year amazing for OUR KIDS, the school families, teachers and staff
Members at Large: Everyone!
Private Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/
Email: ACAFamilyNetwork@
VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS
Our Vision To provide a learning environment where students of all socio-economic levels and ethnic backgrounds embrace education, exhibit compassion, and accept personal responsibility
Our Mission: The mission of the Antioch Charter Academies is to facilitate academic and personal growth of TK-8th grade students of all socio-economic levels and ethnic backgrounds. ACA enables 21st century students to become literate, self-motivated, innovative, lifelong learners, and compassionate, collaborative active citizens. We nurture and support a partnership of students, teachers, families and the community; embrace individual strengths; and build upon research informed educational best practices including Montessori, multiple intelligences, brain-compatible teaching, and multi-age groupings with small class sizes.
Antioch Charter Academy is Fully Accredited for Grades K-8 by the Schools Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Estimadas familias de ACA,
Todos nos sentimos estresados de vez en cuando durante la temporada navideña: existe la presión de asistir a eventos sociales, dar regalos, viajar y más que pueden afectar la salud mental. De hecho, una encuesta realizada por la Asociación Estadounidense de Psicología encontró que casi una cuarta parte de los estadounidenses informan sentir estrés extremo durante esta época del año y el 45% de los estadounidenses preferirían saltarse las vacaciones por completo para evitar el estrés asociado.
Otro estudio, este de la Alianza Nacional de Enfermedades Mentales (NAMI), encontró que casi dos tercios (64%) de las personas con enfermedades mentales informan que las vacaciones empeoran sus condiciones. El estrés o la ansiedad asociados con las actividades de las vacaciones pueden contribuir a empeorar los síntomas.
Este año puede parecer especialmente desafiante, gracias a la pandemia de COVID-19. La pérdida de seres queridos, el estrés financiero por la pérdida de trabajos y los sentimientos de ansiedad debido a las incertidumbres asociadas con la pandemia, todo esto está afectando la forma en que se sienten las personas.
Si se siente ansioso por encontrar una nueva “normalidad” en esta temporada navideña, está bien. Es importante que se adapte a su propio ritmo y cuide su bienestar mental a lo largo del camino. Aquí hay algunos consejos de Primeros auxilios de salud mental para ayudarlo a cuidar su salud mental en esta temporada de fiestas.
Concéntrese en lo que puede controlar. La pandemia ha cambiado mucho a nuestro alrededor y está bien si se siente ansioso como resultado. Controla lo que puedas para cuidar tu salud física y mental. Si está nervioso por los requisitos de viaje, infórmelos con anticipación para que se sienta más preparado. Si se siente estresado por los medios, tómese un descanso digital durante unos días.
Mantenga hábitos saludables. Es importante mantener hábitos saludables independientemente de sus planes de vacaciones. Esto puede incluir salir a caminar todos los días, descansar bien por la noche o mantenerse hidratado. Cuidar su salud física puede ayudar a estabilizar su estado de ánimo, reducir los sentimientos de estrés y ansiedad y mejorar el bienestar mental a largo plazo.
Tómate un tiempo para ti. Pasar tiempo con familiares o amigos, especialmente si no los ha visto en los últimos años, puede resultar abrumador. Si necesita un momento para usted, intente escabullirse a una habitación tranquila o salga a caminar temprano por la mañana.
Crea nuevas tradiciones. Puede parecer un desafío volver a las tradiciones navideñas de 2019, y eso está bien. Crea nuevas tradiciones que funcionen para ti y prioriza tu bienestar mental.
Pida ayuda si la necesita. Si se siente especialmente triste, estresado, ansioso o deprimido, pida ayuda. Hable con alguien de su confianza, un profesional de la salud mental o un médico de atención primaria para obtener orientación y apoyo.
Ya sea que se sienta emocionado, nervioso, ansioso o estresado (¡o todo esto!) Por la próxima temporada navideña, no está solo. Al tomar pequeñas acciones todos los días, puede #BeTheDifference por sí mismo y hacer de su bienestar mental una prioridad. (Por Mental Health First Aid USA)
Que tengas un descanso invernal seguro,
Sr. Fuller
ANUNCIOS GENERALES
Formulario de pedido de almuerzo escolar: https://forms.gle/
Anuario: ¡Necesitamos tus fotos! Si toma fotografías de los eventos escolares, compártalas en www.treering.com/validate El código de acceso de nuestra escuela es 101506720561403
ACONTECIMIENTOS DE LA RED FAMILIAR (FN)
La Red Familiar de ACA está formada por adultos de ACA que se ofrecen como voluntarios para eventos sociales y de recaudación de fondos para el enriquecimiento de nuestros niños. El dinero que recaudamos regresa a nuestra escuela para viajes de estudio, actividades familiares, asambleas y útiles escolares. Si tiene un hijo / nieto / sobrina / sobrino / etc. en ACA, ¡únase a nosotros y ayude a marcar la diferencia!
Flurry of Family Fun Night: ¡Reserve la fecha para el 16 de diciembre de 6 a 7:30 pm para este evento gratuito de diversión familiar! ¡Este evento es para todas las familias de ACA, incluidos los exalumnos! Para asegurarse de que se compren suficientes suministros, confirme su asistencia antes del 14 de diciembre a ACAoffice@
Las reuniones de la red familiar suelen ser el segundo jueves de cada mes. La junta da la bienvenida y anima a todas las familias de ACA a asistir a las reuniones. Consulte el calendario a continuación para conocer la próxima reunión.
Donación anual: ¿Le gustaría apoyar las actividades de toda la escuela, todas las aulas y tener menos eventos para recaudar fondos? Luego haga una donación deducible de impuestos … done aquí a través de PayPal → paypal.me/ACAfamilynetwork
AmazonSmiles: ¿Comprar en Amazon? Compre en el sitio de recaudación de fondos de Amazon, smile.amazon.com y ellos donarán a ACA. Estamos registrados como The Learner Centered School, Inc.
Oportunidades de voluntariado en la red familiar
Se necesitan voluntarios para los viernes de palomitas de maíz
Necesitamos voluntarios para ayudar con la venta de palomitas de maíz todos los viernes de 2:30 p. M. A 3:30 p. M.
Ayude a instalar, hacer palomitas de maíz, vender dulces / palomitas de maíz y limpiar
RECORDATORIOS Y FYI
¿Necesita una prueba de COVID? Los estudiantes pueden ir a:
Antioch High School: lunes y miércoles de 4 a 7 p. M. – Resultados en 15 minutos
Escuela secundaria Deer Valley: martes