New Trustee by Area Election
Our District is moving forward with the transition to “by-trustee-area” elections, as required by the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA). We’ve just released three new draft map options (2A, 2B, and 5), bringing the total to seven maps for review.
You’re invited to take a look at the maps and share your feedback! Community input is a big part of this process, and your comments will help shape the final decision. More information can be found at this District webpage.
Oct 15, 2025 – Third Public Hearing on final map options, 7:20pm at the District Office Community Room. At this meeting, the Board will select the final trustee-area map for the Nov 2026 elections.
Can’t make it? You can still email your feedback to trusteeareafeedback@auhsdschools.org or call (925) 942-9649.
Thanks for staying engaged and helping shape our District’s future!
General Announcements
APC in Action
Community Service Update
Good news! Helper Helper is now approved to work with your school email addresses. Any existing accounts will stay with the current email address on your account, so there is no need to change anything. If you do not have an existing Helper Helper account already, you can email the below email address with your name, personal email, birthdate, and graduation year, and we can set one up for you. Please make sure that you are logging your volunteer hours within 30 days of the event. Also, as a reminder, there will no longer be the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. You can still complete your 30+ hours of community service for Acalanes, and will receive an Acalanes Service Award in May, and you may still log 300+ hours during your 4 years at Acalanes for the Excellence in Community Service Award. Those completing that will receive a cord to wear at graduation. Please reach out to communityservice@acalanesparentsclub.com with any questions.
Preparing for a Teen Driver – Free Parent Information Night
We know that the process of teaching your teen how to drive and earn their license can feel daunting. That’s why we are excited to offer an informative presentation by driving experts and Greenlight Simulation founders. Their team will lay out the steps to acquire a license and provide some foundational tips on how to approach behind-the-wheel driver training with your teen. *Flyer to follow.
- What: Parent Pit Stop – A Guide To Getting Your Teen Behind The Wheel
- When: Tuesday, Oct 7, 6:30-8:00pm
- Where: Acalanes High School Library
We hope you can join us, space is limited so please be sure to RSVP here.
Stay Connected: Follow the Acalanes Parents Club on Instagram to keep up to date on what’s happening at Acalanes and reminders for important dates. Please reach out to APC here with any questions.
Parents Club Pro-Tip
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES Q&A
How do I report absences or late arrivals?
Parents/Guardians need to report absences, late arrivals, or early dismissals to the 24-hour attendance line (925-980-3973) or send an email to ahsattendance@auhsdschools.org. Absences not excused after 24 hours will become cuts.
How do I excuse my student for an appointment or early release during the day?
Please report any early releases as soon as possible so the office can have your student’s pass ready to go. Call the 24-hour attendance line and leave a message or send an email. The messages are checked frequently. But if your student needs to leave right away, please call the office directly at 925-280-3970 ext. 7126. If your student does not know about the appointment, please let us know so we can make arrangements to have the student sent to the office.
How does my student sign out once I have called the attendance line/sent an email?
Your student needs to come to the attendance office before the class they are leaving early from to pick up an off-campus pass. This is their ticket to get out of class. Once they have their pass they can leave class at the designated time, come back to the attendance office to scan the QR code, and sign out. If they return the same day, they will return to the attendance office to sign in and pick up a re-admit slip. Signing in/out from the office is mandatory for safety reasons.
Can tardies be excused? Yes, with a medical or dental note and a student sign in. Otherwise, parents cannot excuse tardiness.
For more detailed information, visit the District website attendance reporting.
Acalanes Community Always (ACA)
Lafayette Reservoir Run
Registration is NOW OPEN for the Lafayette Res Run for Education!
Run/walk downtown Lafayette in the 2-mile fun run/walk or 5k, or strive for your best 10k time, which includes going around the Lafayette Reservoir on race day, Sunday, Oct 19. There is also a virtual option around the paved trail of the reservoir from Oct 11-18.
Lafayette’s public schools are beneficiaries of this event, with 15% percent of each registration going back to Acalanes – so be sure to choose Acalanes during the registration process!
- The first 100 students to register from each school will receive a voucher at packet pickup for 1/4 lb of bulk candy from Zoonie’s Candy Shop! Yes, even high school students!
- The school who increases their number of runners most compared to last year will receive an additional $500 beneficiary check!
Summer Trip to the Basque Country
Acalanes staff are taking students on a trip to the Basque Country this summer, starting in Madrid, exploring northern Spain, then Southern France, and ending in Paris. Students from any grade and any of the four high schools can attend! The only requirement is an interest in travel!
This trip has a little bit of everything – ancient/historical sites, awe-inspiring locations, amazing food, and a once-in-a-lifetime bonding experience with Lamorinda peers. Send your student on the trip of a lifetime where they become a global citizen who values travel and exploration.
For anyone interested in going on the trip to Europe this summer, please follow this link to preview the trip and to register: The Basque Country
We will be hosting an informational meeting on Tuesday, Sept 30 at the lawn in front of Sideboard, at 6:30pm. If you have any questions please reach out to Erin Field or TinaGullberg. This is not a school-sponsored trip.
Campus Culture Committee
Black African American Advisory Meeting
Acalanes Parent Club – Campus Culture Committee (CCC) Update
Sept 15–Oct 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month
We are the Acalanes Parent Club (APC) Campus Culture Committee (CCC) – formerly known as DEIB. This year, we are focused on building a stronger parent support system for all student groups on campus and working closely with staff on issues that impact our students. We believe that supporting students begins with supporting parents – which is why our mission includes providing mental health support, opportunities for connection, and a strong collective voice for families.
2025–26 Monthly Meeting Schedule
- October 20 – Virtual
- November 17 – In-Person
- December – No Meeting
- January 12 – Virtual
- February 9 – In-Person
- March 16 – Virtual
- April 20 – In-Person (Last Meeting of the Year)
- May – No Meeting
Acalanes is a No Hate Zone.
If your student experiences hate or bias, please encourage them to use the Bias Incident Reporting Tool (BIRT) Bias Incident Reporting Tool (BIRT). Let’s continue working together to ensure a safe, inclusive campus for all.
Questions? Email us: diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com
Student Activities
HOMECOMING 2025: ACALANES GOES TO THE MOVIES
Homecoming officially begins today & we are ready to have the best week yet! There are so many ways for students to be involved in the week – please talk to your student about the various activities!
Before we jump into the week’s activities, just a reminder that our canned food drive is underway and the competition is heating up. There are 2 ways to donate:
- In person at the flag pole from 8:00-8:30am.
- Online directly to the Contra Costa Food Bank:
TODAY is HALLWAY DECORATING from 10:00am-3:00pm. Your student can show up anytime & help their class transform the halls. You should come to our community walkthrough from 5:00-6:00pm and witness the magic! It is truly incredible what our students create.
MONDAY:
Dress-up: Let’s go to the movies: wear pajamas!
Lunch activity: Staff vs. student dodgeball – a not to miss event!
TUESDAY:
Dress-up: Minions (yellow top, blue bottoms/overalls)
Lunch activity: Carnival in the Frosh quad
WEDNESDAY:
Dress-up: Jerseys
Lunch: Innertube waterpolo
7:00pm: Student vs. Student dodgeball
Consistently named as a student favorite, send your student to play or watch. They MUST bring their student ID if they wish to play.
THURSDAY:
Dress-up: Men in black (white shirt, black bottoms, sunglasses)
Lunch: Cake Walk on the blacktop
6:30pm: Girls Volleyball vs. College Park
Wear your “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports” BLUE t-shirt (or blue) & let’s pack the gym!
FRIDAY:
Dress-up: Class shirts or colors (9: white, 10: blue, 11: grey, 12: black)
Academy: HOCO Rally & Class Skits (watch the hudl cam thanks to Boosters!)
Lunch: Plunge-palooza in the pool
5:30pm: Pre-Friday Night Lights tailgate
7:00pm: Friday Night Lights & halftime show
Come out to watch cheer, pep band, and football while enjoying activities at halftime including class skits! At halftime, there will be a powder toss in the student section. The color powder easily washes out of most fabrics, skin, and hair using only soap and water, but we still recommend students leave those fancy shoes and clothes at home.
SATURDAY:
Make sure your student has purchased a ticket to HOCO Night Out! Last year we had 1135 students attend & we expect the same this year. There is something for everyone at the event. The event takes place in both gyms & in between the gyms. The dancing is outdoors on concrete so plan shoe attire accordingly. Most students go with their group of friends – no dates needed!
Attire for HOCO NIGHT OUT: khakis, collared shirts, and dresses. Students should come as they feel comfortable!
If you have any questions regarding ANYTHING Homecoming, don’t hesitate to reach out to Katherine Walton.
October is BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
Buy your 2025 Pink Out shirt for the month of October including the Volleyball games on Oct 9 & Oct 16 (vs. Campolindo). Let’s deck the gym out in PINK! $10 from every shirt sale will be donated to Fight for the Cure. The deadline to order is Oct 2.
Counseling
Counselor assignments are by student last name:
A-F Anne Schonauer
G-Ka Erika Vasquez on campus MWTh
Ke-Re Marissa Meadows
Rh-Z Susan Martin
CSF APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON Tuesday 9/30: CSF (California Scholarship Federation) is an honor society. Current 10th, 11th and 12th graders are encouraged to apply. A complete CSF application has 2 parts: an application form and a payment on the webstore. Turn in forms in the counseling office. The deadline is Tuesday, Sept 30 for both the form and the payment. Students who are members for at least 4 semesters, including during senior year, will get a special stole to wear at graduation. Read the FAQ on the application form and contact Ms. Schonauer for any clarification.
INDIVIDUAL SENIOR APPOINTMENTS/LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Counselors are finishing up their individual senior appointments this week. We plan to spend the month of October writing letters of recommendation for all of the Early Decision and Early Action deadlines! Please make sure your student has completed the student survey, parents have completed the parent survey, and the student has sent their counselor a resume if they want a letter of recommendation from their counselor. Students need to request teacher letters on Maia Learning and match their Maia account with their Common App account.
Wellness Center
The Wellness Center is excited to announce that we will be hosting academies for academic and social-emotional wellness. On Wednesdays, we will provide psychoeducation for interested students on topics such as suicide prevention, healthy relationships and boundaries, and coping skills. On Fridays, we will provide academic support regarding academic stress, study skills, and peer tutoring. Students can sign up for Wellness Center academies through our Teachmore offerings. We are always happy to see new faces in our Wellness space.
Performing & Visual Arts
Come experience rock style Vivaldi, some Adele, soundtrack music, and other popular artists at the Pops Concert on Thursday, Oct 9, at 6:30pm in the Performing Arts Center! All ensembles and choral groups will be performing. Please join us to support our talented musicians!
