COUNSELING EVENTS

Check out our upcoming & past events!

UPCOMING EVENTS & WORKSHOPS

Empowering Afghan Families: Navigating the School System and Supporting Children's Adjustment

The Hume Center will be offering a workshop to Afghan Newcomer Caregivers in the language of Pashto on June 26th on-site at the Dublin Unified School District office but caregivers from PUSD are also being invited to attend. The topic of the workshop will be:  Empowering Afghan Families: Navigating the School System and Supporting Children's Adjustment. 

Come join us! 

Date: June 26th, 2024 at 9:00 am - 10:30 am

 Location: Dublin Unified School District  located at 7471 Larkdale Avenue, Dublin CA 94568

RSVP here

CTE EXPO 2.pdf

Las Positas College Public Safety, Automotive & Advanced Manufacturing Programs Showcase

On April 17th at 5-7pm,  Las Positas are showcasing their Public Safety, Automotive & Advanced Manufacturing programs along with the brand-new facilities. Demonstrations, tours and information sessions with faculty will be offered. 

PAST EVENTS & PRESENTATIONS

Be a Music Major for a Day @ Las Positas College on April 9

High school Juniors and Seniors interested in studying music are invited to participate in Las Positas College’s  Be a Music Major for a Day event on Tuesday, April 9th!

The event is hosted by the LPC Music Department and gives students a glimpse into the campus life of a music major.

LPC Student Ambassadors will be available to guide attendees through the various events. There will be opportunities to play or sing during ensemble rehearsals, though if you prefer to just observe, that's fine too. 

Participants will have opportunities to attend classes, participate in rehearsals, and meet with faculty and current students. 

The event is free, and lunch will be provided to all attending.

To register, please fill this google form out.

For more information, please contact Dan Marschak, Music Department Coordinator at dmarschak@laspositascollege.edu

Attached you will see a Tentative Agenda

Las Positas College Open House 

We are excited to host the 2nd Annual LPC Open House on March 23rd! 


Please check out the flyer for more information and how to register. 


ALAN HU FOUNDATION HOST WEBINAR ON: DOPAMINE FASTING on March 8th 12:00 p.m - 1:00 p.m. PST

Dr. Anna Lembke explains, “This is a time of unprecedented access to high-reward, high-dopamine stimuli: drugs, food, news, gambling, shopping, gaming, texting, Facebooking, Instagramming, tweeting…the increased numbers, variety and potency are staggering. As such, we’ve all become vulnerable to compulsive overconsumption. Yet it is possible to find contentment and connectedness by keeping dopamine in check.” In this talk, Professor Lembke provides a practical, science-informed approach to addressing compulsive overconsumption of everything from food to sex, to video games.


Please register here for the Zoom link. 

Attention Juniors & Seniors!

Check out these upcoming field trips  Free charter bus & lunch provided. Space is limited so don't delay! Stop by Ms. Hashimi's office in the Counseling office or email her at zhashimi@pleasantonusd.net for permission slips and more information.


February 22nd 2024: Finishing Trades Institute 

We will be going on a field trip to the Finishing Trades Institute on Feb 22nd! Come learn about careers in craftsmanship and painting and get a chance to tour the school. Apprentices who enter the Finishing Trades Institute Apprenticeship Programs are paid to learn skills in Commercial Painting, Drywall Finishing, Floor Covering, Glazing, Highway Striping, Industrial Painting, and more.

Click HERE for flyer with more details!


February 28th 2024: Las Positas College 

*Currently accepting interested seniors on a waitlist basis*

Have you made the decision to attend Las Positas College in the Fall? If so, THIS event is just for YOU! 

 On February 28th, we are offering a one-of-a-kind event: to take seniors planning to attend Las Positas College in the Fall to the school campus to APPLY  & TOUR the campus! This is the opportunity to apply right there on campus with LPC staff ready to answer all of your questions!
Click HERE for a flyer with more details!

 

March 15th 2024: Electrical Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC)

We will be going on a field trip to the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) on Mar 15th! Come meet electrical technicians, see what they do, and learn about what it takes to become one. The IBEW/NECA Sound and Communication training program consists of 480 hours of related supplemental instruction and 6000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of an experienced Installer/Technician. The program consists of four disciplines: Voice/Data Systems, Sound and Pro Audio Systems, Security Systems, and Fire/Life Safety Systems. 

Click HERE for flyer with more details!


Girls Day Engineering 2024.pdf

2024 Congressional Art Competition

Each spring, the Congressional Institute sponsors a nationwide high school visual art competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in the nation and each congressional district. Since the Congressional Art Competition began in 1982, more than 650,000 high school students have participated.


Additional information can be found on Congressman Swalwell’s website or the Congressional Institutes’ website.


The first-place winner will receive two round-trip tickets from Southwest to attend the Congressional Art Competition Reception held in Washington, D.C. sometime in mid-June 2024. The winning piece from each congressional district will hang in the Cannon Tunnel to the U.S. Capitol Building for one year where millions of tourists will get to see their work.

Registration for the CSU East Bay Education Summit 2024 is now officially open!

CSU East Bay is hosting a free educational event where students can gain invaluable insights into college opportunities, financial aid, and various other essential resources. Register at this link


When: Saturday, February 10, 2024

Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

Where: Cal State East Bay Gymnasium


CSUEB brings a free educational event for first-generation, African American, Asian American, LatinX, Native American, Pacific Islander students and their families.


Learn about different college systems, their admissions requirements, how to apply for financial aid, scholarships, and grants!


For more info visit:

csueastbay.edu/education-summit/ 

ALAN HU FOUNDATION HOST WEBINAR ON POSITIVE IMPACT OF EXERCISE - September 26 5:30pm

Dr. John Ratey will present “The Positive Impact of Exercise on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention” offered as part of the Alan Hu Foundation Mental Health Lecture Series of webinars that are free and open to the public. It will take place on September 26th at 5:30pm. Dr. Ratey explains, “Over the span of many years, it has been firmly established that exercise serves as a valuable avenue for both treating existing depression and averting its onset”. He will discuss the positive effects of incorporating exercise into a comprehensive mental health treatment plan, with help from mental health providers, such as therapists, psychiatrists, or counselors. The free webinar will include 15 minutes for questions and answers following Dr. Ratey’s presentation. 


Please register here for the Zoom link. 

9-12-23 HBCU Field Trip Flyer.pdf

HBCU Field Trip - September 12th

Attention AVHS Juniors & Seniors!

We will be going on a field trip to the Historically Black Colleges & Universities Recruitment Fair on Sep 12th! 

Free bus & lunch provided!

Come see Ms. Hashimi in the Counseling Office, or email her at zhashimi@pleasantonusd.net to pick up field trip forms if interested!  

 

SPACE IS LIMITED...so don't delay! 


Click HERE for flyer with more details!


Healthcare Corner Conference

Healthcare Corner Conference is a free 2-day event that allows students to access medical connections and explore their passions. I wanted to reach out and offer our resources, as we are truly committed to our mission and believe that your students would benefit from our services. 


This June, we are offering over 8 panels all run by physicians and professors from leading universities such as Stanford and UPenn! From general medicine to surgery panels, we know there are amazing panels that your students would be interested in! If possible, we would truly appreciate it if you could share this message and flyer (attached in this email) to your students.

Looking to pursue a career in healthcare? Come to the Healthcare Corner Conference, where you will meet physicians and professors from top universities like Stanford, UPenn, and NYU! This spring, Healthcare Corner Conference offers you the chance to network and find your community. 


This registration form will be open until June 2nd, so make sure to sign up for the wonderful event below. Keep an eye out for our master document! 


Register for our Virtual Conference (June 3-4th) here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdInogk6jFopEocT95I578yt-0KHSdH1FErC8l-SSs36CvdNQ/viewform 

Mental Health Lecture Series Webinar: Technology, Social Media, and Adolescent Mental Health 

Wednesday, May 31, 2023 

5:00 p.m. - 6:20 p.m. PDT

Dr. Mitch Prinstein and Dr. Eva Telzer explain, “In this talk, we will deconstruct the psychological science on youths’ technology and social media use to understand the questions scientists are asking, what we have found, what it means for youth today, and what you can do to help. Though the results are sometimes frightening, there is some hope, especially if parents, educators, and policy-makers take action now.” The lecture includes a presentation followed by a 20 minute Q&A session.

The free webinar will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, from 5:00 – 6:20 pm PDT via Zoom. It will include 20 minutes for questions and answers following the presentation. Please RSVP by May 30, 2023, at: https://alanhufoundation.org/ to receive the Zoom meeting link. Participants may join beginning at 4:45 pm. The Mental Health Association for Chinese Communities at https://www.mhacc-usa.org will provide simultaneous Chinese interpretation.

Register here for the Zoom Link.  

Las Positas Open House- Saturday, March 25th 10am-2pm

Visit the Las Positas campus and learn about the LPC experience through presentations, interactive sessions and conversations with their faculty members. This is a great way for students to explore if Las Positas is a good fit! 

Register now at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/las-positas-college-open-house-tickets-529638903217 

Pleasanton Library Presents: UC College Campus Selection Zoom Workshop on Tuesday, March 28 at 5 pm

Where: Zoom

When: Thursday, March 28 at 5 pm

Description: This program is recommended for teens, ages 14 -18. In this program, high school students (especially graduating seniors) can learn all about UC campus life from UC admissions staff. They'll share information about how to select a campus after receiving acceptance, what to do if you are waitlisted to some UC campuses, and general advice on choosing a college.

Registration for this program is required at the link here.

SCHEDULING FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR [2023-24] 

Students will be able to start the course selection process on February 1st in student Q. The deadline to select courses in Q for next school year will be February 15th. Students are able to go in to Q and make changes until their course selections are locked in on February 15th. Here are instructions on how to select your courses on Q. The following items will be emailed to families the week of January 17th.



Upcoming Events

Please RSVP to the Q & A session by filling out the link found here. Your RSVP will help us ensure we have enough space for everyone.

          

Information for Incoming 9th Grade Students:


Free Webinar on Adolescent Suicide Prevention 

Dr. Pamela Morris-Perez explains, “Suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts are far more common than many realize and are likely to be exacerbated in the wake of COVID-19. The prevailing suicide prevention paradigm entails identification and treatment within the formal mental health system, largely disconnected from the places and people where adolescents spend most of their time.” In this presentation, Morris-Perez offers an introductory understanding of adolescent suicide and suicide prevention. She will demystify adolescent suicide, discuss why it is ok (and important) to ask directly about suicide and share what works in schools, homes, and pediatricians’ offices as entrees into mental health services (i.e., a “no wrong door” approach). The goal of this talk is to empower parents, teachers, and pediatricians to have the knowledge to ask and respond to adolescents’ suicidal thinking, and to help more adolescents get the care they need more quickly in hope that doing so will save more lives. The lecture includes a presentation followed by a 15 minute Q&A session.

Register here

Field Trip to Santa Clara University on Jan. 26th, 2023

If you would like to join us on a trip to Santa Clara University on 1/26/22, please come by my office in the counseling area to sign up and get a field trip form.  Forms will be due after winter break (1/18/22), but spots will be offered on a first come, first serve basis, so getting them in early will help get you a spot! 


Students will travel to SCU from Pleasanton via Charter Bus.

Lunch Provided.

Vision Board Making Workshop

Painting & Popcorn Access Workshop 12/7/2022

Alan Hu Foundation Hosts Webinar: "It Is All About Relationships: Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Adolescents with Depression"

Dr. Laura Mufson explains, “Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Adolescents (IPT-A) is a 12-15 session individual treatment for adolescents 12-18 years old that focuses on reducing depressive symptoms and improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning. This presentation will provide participants with an overview of IPT-A principles as well as key strategies and techniques.” The lecture includes a presentation followed by a 15 minute Q&A session.

Wednesday, December 7, 2022

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. PDT.

Participants may join the meeting at 3:45 p.m.

Please register by December 6 to obtain your zoom link.

Field Trip to the Nor Cal Carpenters Training Facility

There is an upcoming field trip opportunity on November 9th to the Pleasanton Nor Cal Carpenters Training facility. Grab a field trip form from the counseling office or email Ms. Woodworth for a permission form packet.


Students will be traveling to the center via charter bus and lunch will be provided. Space is limited so sign up quick!

ALAN HU FOUNDATION HOSTING WEBINAR WITH DR. ROBERT FRIEDBERG ON SEPTEMBER 21ST
On Wednesday, September 21, 2022, Dr. Robert D. Friedberg will present a free mental health webinar sponsored by the Alan Hu Foundation. In his presentation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression in Youth: Pathways to Progress, Dr. Friedberg explains, “The COVID-19 global pandemic ruptured the world community. The viral outbreak also accelerated rates of depression. For instance, one widely cited article in the Journal of the American Medical Association-Pediatrics reported that 1 in 4 young people claimed they were experiencing symptoms of depression. While the rates of depression were high prior to the pandemic, rates are expected to surge in the peri- and post-pandemic era. Therefore, identifying children at-risk for depressive disorders and providing proper care to them is imperative. Fortunately, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an empirically supported psychosocial intervention for depression in youth. This webinar will discuss common signs of depression in youth, ways to identify these symptoms, and an overview of what parents and youth can expect from CBT oriented treatment.”

Robert D. Friedberg, Ph.D., ABPP, is a Full Professor, Head of the Pediatric Behavioral Health Care Emphasis, Director of the Center for the Study and Treatment of Anxious Youth at Palo Alto University, a member of the Speakers’ Faculty at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Friedberg is the author of eleven books including Clinical Practice of Cognitive Therapy with Children and Adolescents (2015 with Dr. Jessica McClure). A new book on creative applications of CBT (with Dr. Erica Rozmid) is due to be published in 2022. His latest project is the use of narrative and storytelling to disseminate CBT to community practitioners.

The free webinar will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at 6:30 – 7:30 PDT time via Zoom. It will include 15 minutes for questions and answers following Dr. Friedberg’s presentation. Please RSVP by September 20, 2022, at: https://alanhufoundation.org/ to receive the Zoom meeting link. Participants may join beginning at 6:15 pm PDT. The Mental Health Association for Chinese Communities at https://www.mhacc-usa.org will provide simultaneous Chinese interpretation.

Past Alan Hu Foundation Hosted Mental Health Lecture Series 

COLLEGE VISITS IN THE QUAD

Come meet college reps during lunch time in the area near the MP! We'll continue to host college visits during lunch time so that students can visit with college reps and ask any questions they may have. 

HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES FAIR ON SEPTEMBER 13TH

We are hosting a field trip on Tuesday, September 13th to the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Fair at Deer Valley High School in Antioch. The trip will be in the morning and require you to miss periods 1-4.  We will be back by your lunch period. 

If you are interested in attending this field trip, please come by my office in the main counseling area to sign-up and get your permission slip.  We are limited to 20 spots for AVHS students and they will be given on a first come first serve basis. Forms are due by August 31st. Here is a link to the flyer with more information. 

New to PUSD/Amador Presentation

NEW TO PUSD ACCESS WORKSHOP ON AUG 31ST & SEP 1ST

Counselors hosted some of our newly enrolled students to an ACCESS workshop for connection activities and went over resources and support available to them.

ALAN HU FOUNDATION HOSTING WEBINAR WITH DR. STEVEN C. HAYES ON AUGUST 17TH
At 6:30-7:70pm PDT, on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, Dr. Steven C. Hayes, Founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Foundation Professor of Psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno, will present a mental health webinar, sponsored by the Alan Hu Foundation. The Mental Health Association for Chinese Communities will provide simultaneous Chinese interpretation. 

Link to Recording

Dr. Steven Hayes will debunk the idea that mental health is merely the absence of mental disease. His talk will show that a simpler, more effective, and more practical alternative exists: focus on the processes of change that lead to human problems or human prosperity. He will describe the key features of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a well-known method he originated 40 years ago.

Past Alan Hu Foundation Hosted Mental Health Lecture Series 

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION ON AUGUST 9TH

New Student Orientation will be on August 9th, 2022. Students will receive an email notification with assigned time slots. Students who are new to the district transferring in (non-freshman) or have no PE class will go to Session 1, otherwise all other freshman students will attend one of two sessions by PE periods: 

Session 1( A Period, 1 Period , 2 Period)- 8-10:30am

Session 2 (3rd, 4th, 5th , 6th) - 10-12:30pm

Orientation gives students an opportunity to get engaged and connected to campus with fellow students. Students will play fun games, take a tour of the campus, and participate in a rally.

Orientation is for students only. Students should bring their class schedule.

May 9th through May 13th, 2022

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) raises awareness about mental health. Each year they fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families. For 2022’s Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI will amplify the message of “Together for Mental Health.” (NAMI)  To spread awareness and reduce the stigma about mental health in our own community, the Amador Valley Counseling & Wellness team will host several events and workshops (see below). We hope you will join us and help us end the stigma around mental health while working to nurture our own social and emotional well-being.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Breathe

WELLNESS DURING ACCESS
May 10th &11th During ACCESS

On Wednesday, a licensed clinician from the Hume Center will host a workshop on Healthy Relationships. Healthy relationships involve honesty, trust, respect and open communication between partners and they take effort and compromise from both people. Partners respect each other's independence, can make their own decisions without fear of retribution or retaliation, and share decisions.

On Thursday, Jody Buna will lead a relaxing session of yoga in the AV Wellness Center. Yoga is a physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in ancient India. Yoga mats will be provided.

If you are interested in attending one or both of the above events, please sign up via FlexiSched Ms. Tovar (Tovar, Cindy-Esteysis)

CAREER FAIR 2022
April 28th, 2022, During Student Lunch & ACCESS

Last week, local professionals and employers gathered in the large gym to support students with their current and post-secondary plans. 

Amador students connected professionals and employers to establish working relationships and discuss potential job and/or internship opportunities. 

VIRTUAL LAS POSITAS NIGHT
March 9th, 7:00PM

Representatives from Las Positas College are hosting a virtual information session on March 9th, at 7:00PM. If you plan to attend LPC after graduation, you are highly encouraged to attend. For more information, please see the document linked here.

APPLICATION WORKSHOPS
March 2nd, 10th, & 17th, During ACCESS

Planning to attend community college after graduation? If so and would like help completing your application, please attend one of our upcoming workshops. Sign up using FlexiSched under "counseling presentation." Please note, a representative from Las Positas College will be joining us during the workshop March 17th.

SCHEDULING WORKSHOPS
Jan. 26, 27th, Feb. 2nd, 3rd, 9th & 10th, During ACCESS

If you have questions about course selections for next year, four year planning, or anything related to scheduling, please attend one of our ACCESS workshops during the course selection window! Students must sign up via FlexiSched under "counseling presentation." All individual appointment requests will be cancelled unless you've attended at least one ACCESS workshop.

COLLEGE NIGHT FOR JUNIORS
February 3rd, 2022, 6:00-7:30PM

If you weren't able to join us for the live webinar on 2/3, that's okay! The webinar was recorded and uploaded to our website very soon! In the meantime, you may review the slide deck linked here. We hope to provide you with valuable information to help you plan your next steps after high school!

VIRTUAL SCHEDULING NIGHT
January 27th, 2022, 6:00-7:30PM

AVHS counselors hosted a virtual informational scheduling presentation for our rising 10th, 11th, & 12th grade students & their families. If you were unable to attend, that's okay! The recorded presentation is linked to the left and you can find the slide deck here on our website under"academic planning."

INCOMING 9TH GRADE NIGHT
January 20th, 2022, 6:00-7:30PM

On January 20th, the AVHS counselors hosted a virtual informational scheduling presentation for our rising 9th grade students & their families. If you were unable to attend, that's okay! The recording of the presentation is linked to the right and the slide deck can be found under "current 8th graders."

COLLEGE APP WORKSHOPS
October & November, During ACCESS

Students received instant help with their college applications from their counselor when they attend our college application workshops during ACCESS. Counselors supported students through the Common Application, UC and CSU application portals, Coalition, and Parchment.

COLLEGE NIGHT FOR SENIORS
October 7, 2021, 6:00-8:00PM

Counselors presented the specifics of applying to college with focus given to CSU, UC, CA community college campuses. Students and parents/guardians were both encouraged to attend. If you were unable able to attend, you can review the slide deck on your right.

COFFEE WITH AV COUNSELORS
August 3rd & 5th, 2021

To help ease the transition from middle school to high school for our incoming freshmen and sophomores (and their families), AV counselors offered two presentations and Q+A prior to the first day of school. This presentation is an overview of the supports and services offered to all students at Amador.

ALAN HU FOUNDATION HOSTING WEBINAR WITH DR. ANDREW FULIGNI ON OCTOBER 26TH

On October 26, 2022, Dr. Andrew J. Fuligni will offer a webinar, “Leveraging the Opportunity of Adolescence to Promote Mental Health” presented by the Alan Hu Foundation. Dr. Fuligni explains, “Adolescence is a time of remarkable opportunity. The years between age 10 to about 25 mark a period of rapid growth, development and learning as we discover and adapt to the world around us. In this presentation, I will discuss how the unique developmental opportunities and needs of this period of life can be best supported in order to promote the ability of diverse youth to thrive.”

Andrew J. Fuligni, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and the Department of Psychology at UCLA. His research focuses on the interaction between sociocultural experiences and biobehavioral development during adolescence. As the Co-Director of the UCLA Center for the Developing Adolescent, he works to translate and disseminate the science of adolescence to policy makers and practitioners to support efforts that promote the healthy development of diverse youth.

The free webinar will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 6:30 – 7:30 PDT time via Zoom. It will include 15 minutes for questions and answers following Dr. Friedberg’s presentation. Please RSVP by October 26, 2022, at: https://alanhufoundation.org/ to receive the Zoom meeting link. Participants may join beginning at 6:15 pm PDT. The Mental Health Association for Chinese Communities at https://www.mhacc-usa.org will provide simultaneous Chinese interpretation.

LPC Preview Night 11.2.23.pdf

Las Positas Preview Night - November 2nd 

The LPC Outreach team is thrilled to announce that they will host an in-person Las Positas College Preview Night on Thursday, November 2nd, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please note that registration is required to attend.


Preview Night is an excellent opportunity for students and parents to discover why Las Positas College is the best choice for transfer preparation and Career Education. The first hour of the event will feature a Resource & Academic Program Open House. Faculty members from different departments will be present to provide information on specific programs and answer any questions.


In the second hour, attendees will have the chance to hear from the Dean of Counseling about the LPC pathway, listen to a student panel sharing their diverse experiences, and engage in a Q&A session.


Click here for the Eventbrite link

Activity Aide Flyer.pdf