Staff Appreciation Luncheon in November
The Acalanes Parents Club is celebrating our amazing staff with our annual Grateful Lunch on Monday, Nov. 2. We would love your help and are looking for volunteers to help make this lunch extra special! Please sign up HERE to bring a lunch item if you are able to contribute. We really appreciate all of your support!
APC in Action
Parents Club Pro-Tip
Does your student love to travel? Are they interested in traveling with peers? Erin Field and Tina Gullberg take students in Lamorinda on international trips every summer. This year we are going to Italy, Austria, and the Czech Republic! I know that many of you travel frequently, but trips like this allow students to become more independent and make lasting memories with their friends.
Any student at Acalanes (or any of the other schools in our district) is invited to join us! They do not need to be in my class or have ever had Ms. Field as a teacher. All are welcome on this trip!
We are having one final meeting about the trip. It will be at Sideboard on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 6:30pm. The deadline for registration is Sunday, Nov.15. We already have some registered! Please RSVP for the meeting using this link: https://webapp.acis.com/trips/recruiting–meeting/MjAyN3wxNjA1NHw5MDM=
And here is the link to view the trip itinerary: https://acis.com/tripsite–trip–overview/?key=MjAyN3wxNjA1NA==
You can also check out our Instagram page to see past trips: @ACIS_Lafayette TravelClub
Thank you! **This is not a school-sponsored trip.
Summer Spanish Language Immersion Trip
This summer Spanish teachers from our district are again offering an incredible opportunity to travel abroad for a Spanish language immersion trip. This has been such a fabulous experience for our students and they have built memories and lasting friendships, along with greatly improving their communicative skills in Spanish. The link below has more information and you can contact the company ECI directly. We will also hold an information session meeting on Tuesday, October 20th at 5:30pm in Room 408. Hope to see you there. https://educulture.com/programs/southern-spain-group-immersion2027/
Community Service – Helper Helper
If students would like to set up a Helper Helper account to log their service hours, please email from their personal email account to communityservice@acalanesparentsclub.comand include their personal email, name, birthdate, and graduation year.
Volunteer Opportunities
Recurring volunteer roles require the new District process for volunteer validation (e.g. driving for field trips, sporting events, etc). Standalone volunteer opportunities (e.g. Football, Snack Shack) on campus do not require the new/latest rigorous training required by the district this year.
Click HERE to access the AUHSD volunteer portal.
Click HERE to explore volunteer opportunities.
Campus Culture Committee
💙 Acalanes Parent Club – Campus Culture Committee (CCC)-October 2026 Update
October 2026 Update | Building Community & Moving Into Action!
Thank you to everyone who attended our first Campus Culture Committee (CCC) meeting in September! It was wonderful to connect with parents and caregivers, share ideas, and begin planning ways to support our students, staff, and school community throughout the year.
Click HERE for more details
🤝 Get Involved! CCC Volunteer Opportunities
Our CCC SignUpGenius is now available!
We invite parents and caregivers to sign up to support student clubs, staff, campus activities, and special events in meaningful and creative ways.
Whether you can volunteer your time, donate supplies, or help with a special event, every contribution helps strengthen our Acalanes community.
👉 Sign Up to Support Our Acalanes Community!
Our CCC SignUpGenius is now available!
We invite parents and caregivers to sign up to support student clubs, staff, campus activities, and special events in meaningful and creative ways.
Whether you can volunteer your time, donate supplies, or help with a special event, every contribution helps strengthen our Acalanes community.
👉 Sign Up to Support Our Acalanes Community!
There are many ways to participate, and we appreciate whatever support you can provide!
🍂 You’re Invited! FRIENDSGIVING with Principal Colin Malcolm
📅 Thursday, Nov. 19
⏰ 5:30–7:00pm
📍 Location: To Be Announced
Please join us for a special CCC FRIENDSGIVING Social with Principal Colin Malcolm!
Click HERE for more details
💚 Parent Wellness Workshop & Spring CCC Updates
📅 Monday, Dec. 14
⏰ 6:00–7:30pm
💻 Virtual Meeting
Please join us for our Parent Wellness Workshop and Spring CCC Planning Updates! Click HERE for more details
🏫 A Note About Participation in School Events
During our September CCC meeting, questions were raised regarding participation by community members in school-based activities and events intended for parents and guardians.
We encourage families to review the Acalanes Parent Club bylaws, which provide guidance regarding participation and membership. Please refer to the attached bylaws for the relevant language.
If you have additional questions, please reach out to the CCC.
📅 Upcoming CCC Events at a Glance
- October – December: CCC Volunteer Opportunities – SignUpGenius Open
- November 19 | 5:30–7:00pm: FRIENDSGIVING Social with Principal Colin Malcolm – Location TBD
- December 14 | 6:00–7:30pm: Parent Wellness Workshop & Spring CCC Updates – Virtual
- January 11 | 6:30–7:30pm: CCC Meeting – Virtual
- May | Date TBD: CCC Year-End Retreat – In Person
📅 October Dates & Observances
October – LGBTQ+ History Month
LGBTQ+ History Month is observed throughout October and provides an opportunity to learn about and recognize the history, achievements, experiences, and civil rights movements of LGBTQ+ people.
October – Filipino American History Month
Filipino American History Month is celebrated throughout October and recognizes the history, culture, experiences, and contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States.
The 2026 national theme established by the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) is “Beyond the Margins: Centering Intersectional Filipino American Histories.”
💚 Wellness Center Reminder
As we move further into the school year, we want to remind families that the Acalanes Wellness Center is here to support our students.
If you’re ever concerned about your student or one of their peers, please don’t hesitate to submit a Wellness Referral. The AHS Wellness Team follows up with each referred student within one week, and all Wellness Center services are completely voluntary.
💙 Stay Connected & Get Involved
Our CCC continues to work alongside students, staff, families, and school leadership to help create an Acalanes community where all students and families feel seen, heard, valued, supported, and that they belong.
Click HERE for more details
Reminder: Acalanes is a No Hate Zone
Acalanes is committed to maintaining a campus where every student feels safe, respected, welcomed, and valued.
If your student experiences or witnesses bias or hate, please encourage them to report it using the Bias Incident Reporting Tool (BIRT) available on the AHS website.
Submit a BIRT Report Here »
Reporting incidents helps our school respond to concerns and continue working together to create a culture of safety and belonging for everyone.
Student Activities
Peek at the week:
Monday @ lunch: Squishy making in room 314
Wednesday @ lunch: Class Cup-Reverse talent show
Wed-Sat: Macbeth
Friday @ academy: Pumpkin carving in room 314
Friday @ lunch: ACA Buddies + Junior Mummy Wrapping
GRAB YOUR TICKET: Macbeth runs October 21-24 and you can buy your ticket here.
Head over to room 314 for stress ball making at lunch on Monday, Oct. 19! Make your own slime squishy and eat pizza in a comfortable autumn atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to hangout with your friends, do a fun activity, and meet the Wellness Center staff!
Pick up your spiritwear! The summer webstore spiritwear is finally here! Have your student stop by room 314 or email Ms. Walton and she can leave it in attendance. Thanks for your patience!
Acalanes Fall Blood Drive- Wednesday, Oct. 27
Our fall blood drive is almost here and we are looking for 31 more donors. Please consider signing up to donate. You can sign up here.
Watch the HOCO Rally here!!!!
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
College & Career
COLLEGE NIGHT FOR JUNIOR PARENTS: Junior Parents, we will host a college night just for you on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 6:30pm in the Acalanes Library. Come hear College and Career Advisor Debbie Levy and Counselor Susan Martin talk about all things college and what you can do to support your junior as they prepare and plan for this next important step in their lives!
Counseling
Counselor assignments are by student last name:
A-F Anne Schonauer
G-Hul Erika Vasquez on campus Tues/Fri
Hum-Pla Marissa Meadows
Ple-Z Susan Martin
End of First Quarter! The first quarter of the school year ended on October 9th. Quarter report cards should be sent out on Friday, Oct. 16. These grades are used to determine athletic eligibility for the remainder of the fall season and the beginning of the winter season. Students need at least a 2.0 GPA with no more than one F grade to be eligible for sports.
Junior Parent Night – Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 6:30pm in the Library All junior parents are invited to spend an evening with College and Career Advisor Debbie Levy and Counselor Susan Martin as they discuss preparing the Class of 2028 for their college search.
Letters of Recommendation – Counselors typically spend the month of October writing letters of recommendation for college applications for seniors. If your senior needs a Counselor Letter of Recommendation, please make sure to fill out the Student and Parent Surveys on Maia Learning, and send your student’s counselor a copy of their resume or brag sheet one month in advance of their first deadline. Thank you!
Wellness Center
The Acalanes Wellness Center is open and ready to support students throughout the school year. We will also be continuing to do table activities during lunch.
Wellness will continue to present suicide awareness presenations during Academy, along with tabling events during lunch. These efforts are meant to increase awareness, encourage open conversation about mental health, and connect students with available resources. Our goal is to remind students that they don’t have to navigate difficult moments alone and that reaching out for support is an important step. We encourage students to visit the Wellness Center or connect with a trusted adult if they or someone they know may need additional support. We will also be introducing art therapy and coping skills. We will have painting tiles and materials in the Wellness Center for student use.
What We Do
The Wellness Center aims to support the needs of all students. This includes those who may be feeling overwhelmed, lonely, anxious, stressed, sad, or confused, as well as anyone experiencing other challenging emotions. We offer both ongoing and drop-in counseling services, Wellness breaks, information about community resources, and opportunities to join clubs and student programs. We also host a variety of educational events during lunchtime and Academy throughout the school year.
Get Connected
If you have questions about Wellness, please email us at AHS Wellness coordinator .
To refer a student to Wellness, please use this form: AHSWellnessReferral
Please remember that all Wellness Center services are confidential and completely voluntary.
Follow us on Instagram @acalaneswellness to find out more about what we’re doing to support Acalanes students. There is also additional information about our program on the Acalanes High School website.
Performing & Visual Arts
Dons show up! The Acalanes Pep Band will be performing at our final home football game on Friday, Nov. 6. Go Dons!
Something wickedly entertaining this way comes! The Acalanes DramaDons are proud to present Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, on Oct. 21, 22, 23, and 24 in the Acalanes Little Theater.
All shows start at 7:00pm and doors open at 6:30pm.
Admission: General $15.00 Students/Seniors $7.00
Tickets and information are available at tickets.ahsparts.org
Save the Date! The Acalanes Jazz Concert is on Wednesday, November 18th in the PAC and will feature musicians from Acalanes, Campolindo High School and Stanley Middle School! This promises to be a stellar evening of jazz that will showcase the talented musicians in our community. Be there!
LPIE
Saddle Up for the Holiday Hoedown Benefiting LPIE
Saturday, Nov. 7, 6:00-9:00pm | Balestrieri Family Farm
Dust off your boots and celebrate the season at a Holiday Hoedown! Join us for a festive night of line dancing and holiday cheer at the beautiful Balestrieri Family Farm. Gather your friends, meet some new ones, and enjoy a fun-filled evening while making a difference for our schools.
Get your tickets HERE. $100 per person gets you a night on the dance floor with a DJ and line dancing instructor, plus two drinks to toast the occasion. If you work up an appetite, dinner will be available for purchase.
Thanks to the generosity of parent sponsors, every dollar from ticket sales will go to LPIE to support our schools and students.
Sports
*The game schedule below reflects dates and times as of last Friday. Games may change for several reasons, including weather. If you have questions or comments, please contact Acalanes Sports Boosters.
This week’s can’t miss events:
Flag football
Monday, Oct. 19 at Mt. Diablo HS at 7:30pm.
Wednesday, Oct. 21 hosts Campolindo HS. JV at 6:00pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Girls golf
Monday, Oct. 19 DAL Championship at Blue Rock Springs GC.
Girls water polo
Tuesday, Oct. 20 host Redwood HS. Varsity at 4:15pm and JV at 5:15 pm.
Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24 Varsity NorCal Invitational at Sacred Heart Prep HS.
Boys water polo
Tuesday, Oct. 20 host College Park HS. Varsity at 6:30 pm and JV at 7:30pm.
Wednesday, Oct. 21 at Monte Vista HS. JV at 4:00pm and Varsity at 5:00pm.
Friday, Oct. 23 host Clayton Valley Charter HS. Varsity at 4:00pm and JV at 5:00pm.
Girls volleyball
Tuesday, Oct. 20 at Campolindo HS. Freshmen at 4:30pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00 pm.
Thursday, Oct. 22 host Berean Christian HS. JV at 4:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Girls tennis
Tuesday, Oct. 20 Miramonte HS at 4:00pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Thursday, Oct. 22 Las Lomas HS at 4:00pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Tackle football
Thursday, Oct. 22 Freshmen host Clayton Valley Charter HS at 5:00pm.
Friday, Oct. 23 at Clayton Valley Charter HS. JV at 4:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Cross country
Saturday, Oct. 24 Haystack Tune-Up at Hayward HS.
