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!
And here is the link to view the trip itinerary and cost:
https://acis.com/tripsite–trip–overview/?key=MjAyN3wxNjA1NA==
Sign ups are happening now, so if your student is interested, please register ASAP.
You can also check out our Instagram page to see past trips: @ACIS_Lafayette Travel Club
Thank you!
**This is not a school-sponsored trip.
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.
Order School Photos – If you would like to order your student’s school photos, you can contact Studio1. There is also a QR code on the back of your student’s school ID card to support ordering.
Parent Pit Stop – A Guide to Getting Your Teen Behind the Wheel
We know 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 Driver Training founders Jason Zimmerman and Josh Hurley. They will lay out the steps to acquiring a license and provide some foundational tips on how to approach behind-the-wheel driver training with your teen. See the attached flyer for more information.
What: Parent Pit Stop – A Guide to Getting Your Teen Behind the Wheel
When: Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 6:30-7:30pm
Where: Library
We hope you can join us, space is limited so please be sure to RSVP here..
Send any questions my way!
Go Dons!
Parents Club Pro-Tip
Campus Culture Committee
🍂 Building Community & Moving into Action
We had our first Campus Culture Committee meeting of the year last week, and it was wonderful to come together with parents and caregivers to begin thinking about how we can support our students and school community this year!
During our meeting, we generated several ideas for providing volunteer time, resources, and supply/material support to student clubs and special school events. We are excited to move these ideas into action, so be on the lookout for a Signup Genius with opportunities to get involved. Whether you have a little time to volunteer, can contribute supplies, or simply want to stay connected, there will be different ways to participate.
We also had an opportunity to meet and talk with our Leadership teacher and Principal about student activities, campus culture, and ways parents can partner with the school to support our students.
🤝 Coming in November: Connect with Our Principal!
One of the ideas we’re especially excited about is creating an opportunity for our parents and caregivers to come together with our Principal in November.
We are planning a relaxed opportunity to gather, connect, partner, and get to know our new Principal while continuing conversations about how families can support a positive and welcoming school community.
📅 2026–2027 CCC Meeting & Event Schedule | 6:30–7:30 PM
- November – Date TBD – Gather, Partner & Get to Know Our New Principal
- December 14 – Wellness Workshop with Patrick Turner | In Person
- January 11 – CCC Meeting | Virtual
- May – Date TBD – CCC Year-End Retreat | In Person
📅 October Dates & Observances
🌎 September 15–October 15 – National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures, achievements, and contributions of Americans whose heritage traces to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The observance begins on September 15, which coincides with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries.
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.”
October 10 – World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is recognized each year on October 10 to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and encourage efforts to improve mental health support and care.
It is also an important reminder for our school community that asking for help is okay and support is available.
October 12 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day
💚 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.
💙 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.
📧 diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com
And remember to keep an eye out for our upcoming Signup Genius and details about our November gathering with our Principal!
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.
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 will have an informational meeting on Wednesday, September 16th from 7-7:45 on the lawn at Sideboard. Please RSVP here:
https://webapp.acis.com/trips/recruiting–meeting/MjAyN3wxNjA1NHw4MTY=
And here is the link to view the trip itinerary and cost:
https://acis.com/tripsite–trip–overview/?key=MjAyN3wxNjA1NA==
Sign ups are happening now, so if your student is interested, please register ASAP.
You can also check out our Instagram page to see past trips: @ACIS_Lafayette Travel Club
Thank you!
**This is not a school-sponsored trip.
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.
Order School Photos – If you would like to order your student’s school photos, you can contact Studio1. There is also a QR code on the back of your student’s school ID card to support ordering.
Campus Culture Committee
The Acalanes Parent Club Campus Culture Committee (CCC) is looking forward to another year of helping ensure that all students, staff, and families feel seen, heard, valued, supported, and that they belong each and every time they step onto our campus.
Our CCC works alongside students, staff, families, and school leadership to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and a positive school culture throughout the Acalanes community.,
This year, we are excited to expand that sense of community beyond our individual campuses! Culture and Climate parent groups from high schools across AUHSD are planning more opportunities to collaborate, participate in cross-campus activities, share resources, and support students, parents, and guardians throughout our entire district.
🗓️ Join Us for Our First CCC Meeting!
**NOTE MEETING DATE CHANGE IN OBSERVATION YOM KIPPUR**
Tuesday September 22 | 6:30–7:30pm | Acalanes High School Library
We hope you will join us for our 2026–2027 CCC Kickoff Meeting!
This year, we are excited to put even more of our energy into action and connection. In addition to coming together as parents and caregivers, CCC members will have opportunities to provide volunteer time and supply/material support to our student clubs and special school events throughout the year.
And because building a community also includes taking care of and connecting with one another, we are planning some special opportunities just for our parents and caregivers!
Whether you have been involved with CCC for years or this is your first time learning about us, there is a place for you. We hope you will join us!
📅 2026–2027 CCC Meeting Schedule | 6:30–7:30
• September 22 – CCC Kickoff Meeting | In Person
• December 14 – Wellness Workshop with Patrick Turner | In Person
• January 11 – CCC Meeting | Virtual
• May – CCC Year-End Retreat | In Person, Date TBD
📅 September Dates & Observances
September 15–October 15 – National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures, achievements, and contributions of Americans whose heritage traces to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The September 15 start date is significant because it coincides with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries.
🏫 AUHSD: Ongoing Supports & Opportunities
Several districtwide programs and activities are continuing this year to support students and create opportunities for connection, leadership, academic success, and belonging.
🖤 Black Student Union (BSU)
BSU students will have several opportunities to connect, learn, celebrate, and build community throughout the year, including:
• October 19 – BSU Summit
• November 18-21 – State BSU Conference
• February – Districtwide BSU Dance/Social
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ Council
The District’s LGBTQ Council will continue to meet quarterly with students, advisors, and district staff to collaborate on activities, identify needs, and create opportunities that support LGBTQ+ students throughout AUHSD.
♿ Special Education Parent Advisory Committee
The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee meets monthly and provides families with an opportunity to connect, share information, identify needs, and support the experiences and academic success of students receiving special education services.
🌎 DELAC – District English Learner Advisory Committee
The District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) provides families of English Learner students with an important opportunity to participate in district conversations and provide input regarding programs and services. Meetings are held at Las Lomas High School (LLHS).
🤝 How Parents Can Help
As opportunities arise, parents and caregivers will receive information about ways to support districtwide student activities, including needs such as food donations, transportation, supplies, and other volunteer support.
District leadership will also work with teachers and school staff to increase awareness of the importance of these student opportunities and help ensure students feel supported when participation requires them to miss class.
🤝 Our First Cross-Campus Opportunity!
Connecting Families Across AUHSD
We are excited to begin creating more opportunities for parents and caregivers from across our district to connect, learn from one another, build relationships, and support students across school communities.
To kick off this effort, the Campolindo DEIB Parents invite parents and guardians from all AUHSD schools to an evening of connection and community.
📅 Wednesday, September 30, 2026
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Campolindo High School Library
All AUHSD parents and guardians are welcome!
This is just the beginning of what we hope will be more cross-campus opportunities throughout the year. By connecting families and parent groups across our schools, we can share resources, learn from one another, strengthen our collective efforts, and work together to support all students and families throughout AUHSD.
We hope to see our Acalanes families there! 💙
💙 Have Something You’d Like Us to Bring Forward?
Districtwide parent meetings provide an important opportunity for Acalanes families to have their voices represented at the district level.
If there is a topic, concern, student need, or idea related to school culture, climate, inclusion, belonging, academic support, or student well-being that you would like us to bring forward, please reach out:
📧 diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com
Acalanes is a No Hate Zone
At Acalanes, we are committed to maintaining a campus where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. If your student experiences or witnesses an incident involving hate or bias, please encourage them to use the Bias Incident Reporting Tool (BIRT) BiasIncident Reporting Tool (BIRT) available on the Acalanes High School website. Reporting helps our school respond appropriately and continue fostering a culture of belonging for all.
Parents Club Pro-Tip
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.
Order School Photos – If you would like to order your student’s school photos, you can contact Studio1. There is also a QR code on the back of your student’s school ID card to support ordering.
Campus Culture Committee
The Acalanes Parent Club Campus Culture Committee (CCC) is looking forward to another year of helping ensure that all students, staff, and families feel seen, heard, valued, supported, and that they belong each and every time they step onto our campus.
Our CCC works alongside students, staff, families, and school leadership to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and a positive school culture throughout the Acalanes community.,
This year, we are excited to expand that sense of community beyond our individual campuses! Culture and Climate parent groups from high schools across AUHSD are planning more opportunities to collaborate, participate in cross-campus activities, share resources, and support students, parents, and guardians throughout our entire district.
🗓️ Join Us for Our First CCC Meeting!
**NOTE MEETING DATE CHANGE IN OBSERVATION YOM KIPPUR**
Tuesday September 22 | 6:30–7:30pm | Acalanes High School Library
We hope you will join us for our 2026–2027 CCC Kickoff Meeting!
This year, we are excited to put even more of our energy into action and connection. In addition to coming together as parents and caregivers, CCC members will have opportunities to provide volunteer time and supply/material support to our student clubs and special school events throughout the year.
And because building a community also includes taking care of and connecting with one another, we are planning some special opportunities just for our parents and caregivers!
Whether you have been involved with CCC for years or this is your first time learning about us, there is a place for you. We hope you will join us!
📅 2026–2027 CCC Meeting Schedule | 6:30–7:30
• September 22 – CCC Kickoff Meeting | In Person
• December 14 – Wellness Workshop with Patrick Turner | In Person
• January 11 – CCC Meeting | Virtual
• May – CCC Year-End Retreat | In Person, Date TBD
📅 September Dates & Observances
September 15–October 15 – National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures, achievements, and contributions of Americans whose heritage traces to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The September 15 start date is significant because it coincides with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries.
September 20–21 – Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest and most solemn day of the Jewish year. It is traditionally observed through fasting, prayer, reflection, and seeking forgiveness. It concludes the Ten Days of Repentance that begin with Rosh Hashanah.
September 21 – International Day of Peace 🕊️
Observed annually by the United Nations, the International Day of Peace provides an opportunity for people around the world to strengthen ideals of peace and reflect on how each of us can contribute to building more peaceful and inclusive communities.
September 22 – APC Campus Culture Committee Meeting 💙
Join us from 6:30–7:30 PM in the AHS Library for our first CCC meeting of the year!
September 25 – California Native American Day
California Native American Day celebrates the cultures, histories, contributions, resilience, and enduring presence of California’s Native peoples and Tribal Nations. It is also an opportunity to learn more about the Native communities whose histories and cultures are an essential part of California.
🏫 AUHSD: Ongoing Supports & Opportunities
Several districtwide programs and activities are continuing this year to support students and create opportunities for connection, leadership, academic success, and belonging.
🖤 Black Student Union (BSU)
BSU students will have several opportunities to connect, learn, celebrate, and build community throughout the year, including:
• October 19 – BSU Summit
• November 18-21 – State BSU Conference
• February – Districtwide BSU Dance/Social
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ Council
The District’s LGBTQ Council will continue to meet quarterly with students, advisors, and district staff to collaborate on activities, identify needs, and create opportunities that support LGBTQ+ students throughout AUHSD.
♿ Special Education Parent Advisory Committee
The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee meets monthly and provides families with an opportunity to connect, share information, identify needs, and support the experiences and academic success of students receiving special education services.
🌎 DELAC – District English Learner Advisory Committee
The District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) provides families of English Learner students with an important opportunity to participate in district conversations and provide input regarding programs and services. Meetings are held at Las Lomas High School (LLHS).
🤝 How Parents Can Help
As opportunities arise, parents and caregivers will receive information about ways to support districtwide student activities, including needs such as food donations, transportation, supplies, and other volunteer support.
District leadership will also work with teachers and school staff to increase awareness of the importance of these student opportunities and help ensure students feel supported when participation requires them to miss class.
🤝 Our First Cross-Campus Opportunity!
Connecting Families Across AUHSD
We are excited to begin creating more opportunities for parents and caregivers from across our district to connect, learn from one another, build relationships, and support students across school communities.
To kick off this effort, the Campolindo DEIB Parents invite parents and guardians from all AUHSD schools to an evening of connection and community.
📅 Wednesday, September 30, 2026
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Campolindo High School Library
All AUHSD parents and guardians are welcome!
This is just the beginning of what we hope will be more cross-campus opportunities throughout the year. By connecting families and parent groups across our schools, we can share resources, learn from one another, strengthen our collective efforts, and work together to support all students and families throughout AUHSD.
We hope to see our Acalanes families there! 💙
💙 Have Something You’d Like Us to Bring Forward?
Districtwide parent meetings provide an important opportunity for Acalanes families to have their voices represented at the district level.
If there is a topic, concern, student need, or idea related to school culture, climate, inclusion, belonging, academic support, or student well-being that you would like us to bring forward, please reach out:
📧 diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com
Acalanes is a No Hate Zone
At Acalanes, we are committed to maintaining a campus where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. If your student experiences or witnesses an incident involving hate or bias, please encourage them to use the Bias Incident Reporting Tool (BIRT) BiasIncident Reporting Tool (BIRT) available on the Acalanes High School website. Reporting helps our school respond appropriately and continue fostering a culture of belonging for all.
Parents Club Pro-Tip
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.
Order School Photos – If you would like to order your student’s school photos, you can contact Studio1. There is also a QR code on the back of your student’s school ID card to support ordering.
Campus Culture Committee
Our First Cross-Campus Opportunity!
The Campolindo DEIB Parents invite parents and guardians from all AUHSD schools to join them for an evening of connection and community. All AUHSD parents and guardians are welcome!
This is just the beginning of what we hope will be more opportunities for families across our schools to connect, learn from one another, build relationships, and work together to support all students throughout AUHSD.
We hope to see some of our Acalanes families there!
📅 Wednesday, Sep 30
⏰ 6:00–8:00pm
📍 Campolindo High School Library
Join Us for Our First CCC Meeting!
September 21 | 6:30–7:30pm | Acalanes High School
We hope you will join us for our 2026–2027 CCC Kickoff Meeting!
2026–2027 CCC Meeting Schedule | 6:30–7:30pm
- Sept 21 – CCC Kickoff Meeting | In Person
- Dec 14 – Wellness Workshop with Patrick Turner | In Person
- Jan 11 – CCC Meeting | Virtual
- May – CCC Year-End Retreat | In Person, Date TBD
🖤 Black Student Union (BSU)
BSU students will have several opportunities to connect, learn, and build community throughout the year, including:
- Friday, Sep 18 – HBCU College Fair
- Monday, Oct 19 – BSU Summit
- November 16–18 – State BSU Conference
- February – Districtwide BSU Dance/Social
💙 Have Something You’d Like Us to Bring Forward?
If there is a topic, concern, student need, or idea related to school culture, climate, inclusion, belonging, or student support that you would like us to bring forward, please reach out:
📧 diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com
Acalanes is a No Hate Zone
At Acalanes, we are committed to maintaining a campus where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. If your student experiences or witnesses an incident involving hate or bias, please encourage them to use the Bias Incident Reporting Tool (BIRT) BiasIncident Reporting Tool (BIRT) available on the Acalanes High School website. Reporting helps our school respond appropriately and continue fostering a culture of belonging for all.
APC Membership & Fundraising
Acalanes Parents Club has committed $200,000+ to Acalanes this school year, which will provide vital services for our entire AHS community. As of today, we have yet to reach that goal and we need your help!
We are tremendously grateful for your support, which funds the following programs for all Acalanes students and staff:
*Peer Tutoring
*Campus Enhancements
*Grants Program
*Staff & Teacher Development
*Parent Ed
*Communications
*Volunteer Opportunities
*and more…
If you haven’t had a chance to donate, please consider doing so here. The suggested amount is $450 per student, but any amount is needed and greatly appreciated.
Another important source of funds is making your donations go twice as far with Corporate Matching. Please check if your company has a matching program and reach out to samira.abrams@gmail.com.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Parents Club Pro-Tip
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.
Order School Photos – If you would like to order your student’s school photos, you can contact Studio1. There is also a QR code on the back of your student’s school ID card to support ordering.
