From the Activities Director

It has been a wonderful 1st semester! Thank you for your support of student activities on this campus. We are really proud of our students, their engagement, their spirit, and their commitment to one another & our Acalanes community.
 
Acalanes Winter Spiritwear pick-up!
If you ordered Acalanes spiritwear via the winter webstore, it is available for pick-up beginning tomorrow before school, brunch & lunch in room 314. If you have any questions, please email Katherine Walton
 
ADOPT-A-FAMILY:  Thank you!
This year we supported 64 families in our community and dropped all the gifts off Friday at our partner organization in Concord. Thank you for all your support!
 
When we return for 2nd semester, here are a few highlights to look forward to:

• Jan 12-16: Senior Portraits
• Jan 21: Spring Club Day
• Jan 23: Senior Breakfast
• Jan 29: Club Day
• Feb 27: All district dance at Acalanes; Acalanes rally
• Apr 25: Junior & Senior prom

If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!

Happy Holidays & let’s have a great start in the New Year!

Welcome back—two weeks to go!
 
ADOPT-A-FAMILY:  Thank you!
This year we are supporting 64 families in our community—thank you! If you are supporting an individual or a family, please plan to drop off your wrapped & labeled gifts on Friday between 7:30-8:15am in front of the small gym. We deliver all of the gifts after school on Friday.
 
If you have any questions, please reach out to Anna Motes at (annakmotes@gmail.com) and Katherine Walton at (kwalton@auhsdschools.org)!
 
Volunteer Opportunity: Dec 13 from 10:00am-2:30pm. Sign up through this Google formto help feed the needy in San Francisco at Glide Memorial Church. Log your hours onto Helper-Helper. See you there, Dons!
 
Shop joyfully while giving generously! We are back in the holiday season and this is a perfect time to raise funds for our beloved Acalanes! Minted is offering parents 20% off our purchases AND is giving 10% of the net sales back to our fabulous school! Please use promo code FUNDRAISEACALANES upon checkout to support the Dons!
 
This week we have lots of fun holiday programming:

• Monday: Come make delicious smelling cinnamon envelopes in room 314 @ lunch
• Wednesday:
  • Frosh Finals Info meeting @ lunch in the library
  • Academy: Gingerbread making competition (Walton)
  • Lunch: Movie & snacks in room 314 @ lunch
  • 3:00-5:00pm: Exam Jam in the library
• Thursday:
  • Lunch: Sophomore cookie decorating & JoyBound Dogs (Front Quad)
  • 6:30pm: Instrumental Winter Concert
• Friday:
  • 7:30-8:15am: Adopt-a-family gift drop-off
  • Lunch: Cookie Decorating in room 314

Welcome back—three weeks to go!

ADOPT-A-FAMILY:  Thank you!

This year we are supporting 64 families in our community—thank you! If you are supporting an individual or a family, you should have received information prior to the break. If you have any questions, please reach out to Anna Motes at (annakmotes@gmail.com) and Katherine Walton at (kwalton@auhsdschools.org)!

Gift drop off will be Friday, Dec 12, from 7:30-8:30am in front of the small gym. 

Volunteer Opportunity: Dec 13 from 10:00am-2:30pm. Sign up through this Google form to help feed the needy in San Francisco at Glide Memorial Church. Log your hours onto Helper-Helper. See you there, Dons!

Shop joyfully while giving generously! We are back in the holiday season and this is a perfect time to raise funds for our beloved Acalanes! Minted is offering parents 20% off our purchases AND is giving 10% of the net sales back to our fabulous school! Please use promo code FUNDRAISEACALANES upon checkout to support the Dons! 

This week we have:

• Senior Dodgeball- every day at lunch!

• Dons are Stronger Together- Opt in academy (Dec 3 & Dec 5) to learn more about the Be There Certificate

• Choral Winter Concert- Dec 4 @ 7:00pm

• ACA Buddies Holiday Party- Dec 5 @ academy

FINALS SUPPORT

Look for information in the Daily Don about finals support and resources!

Last week to go! We hope you & your family have a great Thanksgiving break.
 
TODAY is the last day to purchase spiritwear from our winter store.
Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Look no further than some new Acalanes spiritwear. Orders close Nov 16 and will be in hand Dec 16 for pick-up. Proceeds benefit the classes of ‘26, ‘27, ‘28 & 29!
 
As we enter the holiday season, we have a few opportunities for our community to give back:
 
ADOPT-A-FAMILY: Last chance to sign-up this week!
As the holiday season approaches, the Acalanes Community Outreach board is kicking off Adopt-A-Family. This is a tradition at Acalanes and together we were able to support 70 families last year. We partner with Pacific Clinics in Concord. There are two ways to participate:

1. If you would like to adopt an individual along with their wishlist of gifts to buy, please fill out the signup genius link.
2. If you wish to adopt a family, please fill out the google form and we will get back in touch with you once we have received the families request.

All wrapped gifts will be collected on Dec 12 in the morning at the front of the school. As this date approaches, we will be in touch with more details! If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to Anna Motes at (annakmotes@gmail.com) or Katherine Walton at (kwalton@auhsdschools.org)!

ACALANES FOOD DRIVE
We are running a food drive for our very own Acalanes community. We are putting together food bags for anyone who may be impacted by the delay of SNAP benefits.
Collection bins are in front of the attendance office. We are collecting specific items in order to offer grab-n-go meals.  Items we are collecting:

• Canned chicken
• Canned mixed vegetables & canned corn
• Dried rice
• Canned cream of chicken soup
• Canned white beans
• Chicken broth
• Chili seasoning
• Instant mashed potatoes
• Dried stuffing mix
• Shelf-stable milk
• Cereal

If other items are brought, we will make those available. Ultimately, anything not used will be donated to our local food banks.
 
Peek at the Week:
Tuesday @ lunch: Frosh piesgiving
Wednesday @ academy: Clay making in room 314 + a sports mental health panel in the library
Wednesday @ lunch: Senior Friendsgiving
Thursday @ 7:00pm: Fall Jazz Concert
Friday @ academy: Enviro hosts Flower planting & pot decorating in room 314
 
Shop joyfully while giving generously! We are back in the holiday season and this is a perfect time to raise funds for our beloved Acalanes! Minted is offering parents 20% off our purchases AND is giving 10% of the net sales back to our fabulous school! Please use promo code FUNDRAISEACALANES upon checkout to support the Dons!

Two more weeks to go until a well deserved break!
 
As we enter the holiday season, we have a few opportunities for our community to give back:
 
ACALANES FOOD DRIVE
We are running a food drive for our very own Acalanes community. We are putting together food bags for anyone who may be impacted by the delay of SNAP benefits.
Collection bins are in front of the attendance office. We are collecting specific items in order to offer grab-n-go meals.  Items we are collecting:

• Canned chicken
• Canned mixed vegetables & canned corn
• Dried rice
• Canned cream of chicken soup
• Canned white beans
• Chicken broth
• Chili seasoning
• Instant mashed potatoes
• Dried stuffing mix
• Shelf-stable milk
• Cereal

If other items are brought, we will make those available. Ultimately, anything not used will be donated to our local food banks.

ADOPT-A-FAMILY: Sign up today!
As the holiday season approaches, the Acalanes Community Outreach board is kicking off Adopt-A-Family. This is a tradition at Acalanes and together we were able to support 70 families last year. We partner with Pacific Clinics in Concord. There are two ways to participate:

1. If you would like to adopt an individual along with their wishlist of gifts to buy, please fill out the signup genius link.
2. If you wish to adopt a family, please fill out the google form and we will get back in touch with you once we have received the families request.

All wrapped gifts will be collected on Dec 12 in the morning at the front of the school. As this date approaches, we will be in touch with more details! If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to Anna Motes at (annakmotes@gmail.com) or Katherine Walton at (kwalton@auhsdschools.org)!
 
Peek at the Week:
Monday: 1,2,3,7 block day
Tuesday: Happy Veteran’s Day! Thank you to everyone who has served.
Wednesday: 🙂
Thursday: 9th grade movie during lunch in room 314
Friday:
Academy: Native American Heritage Month speaker: Marge Grow Eppard
Lunch: Aca Buddies!
 
Native American Heritage Month speaker: Marge Grow–Eppard
Friday, Nov 14 during academy in the library
Marge is a Bay Miwok Tribe Elder, a women’s spiritual leader, President of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & People of California. She is an amazing speaker. Please attend!

SEED Friendship Circle: Nov 20 at LOPC
Please volunteer at SEED Friendship Circle on Nov 20 at 4:30pm. It is hanging out and socializing with youth with special needs. Please let Susan know you plan to attend by emailing her at susan@lopc.org

Shop joyfully while giving generously! We are back in the holiday season and this is a perfect time to raise funds for our beloved Acalanes! Minted is offering parents 20% off our purchases AND is giving 10% of the net sales back to our fabulous school! Please use promo code FUNDRAISEACALANES upon checkout to support the Dons!

Lots of great lunchtime activities this coming week-check them out!
 
Peek at the Week:
 
Monday Lunch: Class Cup Volleyball
Wednesday Academy: Enviro council on pollution in Walton’s academy
Wednesday Lunch:
Class Cup Volleyball continues
Native American Heritage Month Jeopardy in 314
Thursday Lunch: Note taking 101 for Freshmen in room 314
Friday lunch:
Fall Movie in room 314 (food provided)
Class Cup Volleyball
 
Class Cup Volleyball
Come out and support your classmates on Nov 3, 5, and 7 for this year’s Class Cup Volleyball Tournament! Games will take place in the Big Gym at lunch and will feature a single set of 6v6 indoor volleyball. Show out to cheer your grade on and watch the action!
 
Come to Jeopardy for Native American Heritage month! This event is in room 314 during lunch on Nov 5 and is a great opportunity to learn more about indigenous culture and fun facts. Prizes are offered to the winners!
 
Looking ahead….

• Student volunteer opportunities at Winter Nights at LOPC & Glide Memorial
• Native American Heritage Month Speaker: Marge Grow Eppard (Nov 14 @ academy)
• Adopt-a-Family sign-ups coming
• Puppy yoga!
• Senior Friendsgiving
• Senior Dodgeball

Unified Soccer – Monday @ lunch
Please encourage your student to go to the stadium at lunch on Monday to watch Unified Soccer. We want to pack the stadium as we cheer on & support our Unified Soccer team in the same way that we show up to Friday Night Lights.

BIG 10 this week: Flag Football & Girls Water Polo

Flag football begins their playoff run Tuesday evening & we are inviting you out to watch! Bring a blanket, bring your spirit, & let’s root on our team.
Did you know that our girls waterpolo team is ranked #3 in the COUNTRY? They begin their playoff run on Thursday at 5:00pm at home. Come watch this INCREDIBLE team!

Blood Drive – Oct 29
Acalanes is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross and we have appointment times from 8:00am-1:45pm. Give blood and treat yourself! In addition to donating (and there is a critical need right now), donors will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Sign up here!
 
Friday is Halloween! We’ll kick off the day with our last morning rally followed by Trunk-or-Treat at lunch! Thanks to Zoonies for their donation of 5,000 pieces of candy!
 
In the evening, we have Friday Night Lights. Come out dressed in black or a costume for Senior Night, followed by the football game vs. Clayton Valley.
 
Class Cup Volleyball
Come out and support your classmates on Nov 3, 5, and 7 for this year’s Class Cup Volleyball Tournament! Games will take place in the Big Gym at lunch and will feature a single set of 6v6 indoor volleyball. Show out to cheer your grade on and watch the action!
 
If you want to sign up to help your grade take home the dub- fill out this form!

Fall Play (Wednesday, Oct 22-Saturday, Oct 25)
Don’t miss DramaDons production of On the Razzle this week at 7:00pm in the small theatre.
Homecoming skits video. Re-live our Homecoming rally & class skits! Look out for the Homecoming recap video Monday featuring moments from the whole week.
Encourage your student to sign up to play Staff/Student Pickleball
Staff/Student pickleball is coming up at lunch. You can sign up to play with a teacher and a team of two other students! Sign up here. It begins Oct 22.
Blood Drive – Oct 29
Acalanes is hosting a blood drive with the American Red Cross and we have appointment times from 8:00am-1:45pm. Give blood and treat yourself! In addition to donating (and there is a critical need right now), donors will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Sign up here!
 
Spiritwear
If you ordered spiritwear via Gryco over the summer, please have your student stop by room 314 to pick up.

Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.

PEEK AT THE WEEK:
Wednesday @ Academy: Special Education training
Wednesday @ lunch: Staff/Student Pickleball + Unified Soccer
Thursday @ 3:30pm: BIG 10 – Girls Tennis
Thursday @ 6:30pm: BIG 10 – Girls Volleyball (Pink Out!)
Friday @ Academy: Finance Club speaker in room 314
Friday @ lunch: Staff/Student pickleball
Friday @ 7:00pm: Friday Night Lights against Campolindo. Wear BLUE!

Wednesday during Academy our special education staff is offering a training for students to learn more about disabilities, communication strategies when working with our ESC students, and to provide a space to ask questions. ACA Buddies & Unified Partners will be in attendance but all students are welcome.

Homecoming skits & a Homecoming recap video are online. Links can be found in the Daily Don & on ahs_dons. Relive the awesome week!

NEXT WEEK:
Fall Play (Wednesday, Oct 22-Saturday, Oct 25)

Pink Dons Shirts
They will arrive this coming week and I will email once they arrive so your student can stop by room 314 and pick up!

Spiritwear
If you ordered spiritwear via Gryco over the summer, please have your student stop by room 314 to pick up.

Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.

Now that was a Homecoming to remember! From the hallways to the lunchtime activities to dodgeball & volleyball to the skits, and of course, last night’s celebration at HOCO Night Out, there were lots of memories & Acalanes spirit to be had. I am so proud of our Acalanes community for what we created together and the donations we provided to the Food Bank. Our skits this year involved 510 students – pretty incredible! Proud to be a Don!

There are some people that have to be acknowledged for their weeks and weeks of work to make Homecoming come to life. Our campus would be VERY different without these incredible parent volunteers & student leaders. A GIANT thank you to:
-Our class parent liaisons for their guidance, support, creativity, love, & hard work alongside the class officers particularly with hallway decorating. Y’all are an incredible bunch!
– Our 17 class officers for their tireless work in the evening, on the weekends, and just about every lunchtime for the past month making hallways come to life & skits as amazing as they were.
-Our 6 ASB Officers who planned & executed all of homecoming week aside from hallway decorating & skits. I am very grateful & proud of you.

Look for the recording of skits on YouTube this week. The link to view will be in the Daily Don.

Now, let’s peek into October.
Monday, Oct 6 from 9:30-11:30am: Make-up Picture Day
Tuesday, Oct 7 at 7:30am: Equity Council in room 314
Wednesday, Oct 8 at 7:30pm: Flag Football takes on Las Lomas. A HUGE game for our girls team. Come out!
Thursday, Oct 9 at 6:30pm: BIG 10 Event: Pops Concert. Football, Cheer & Blue Crew will be there to support. Join us!
Friday, Oct 10 at Academy: LatinX potluck in room 314 (Sign up for Walton’s Academy)
Sunday, Oct 12: Car Show at Acalanes

Spiritwear
If you ordered spiritwear via Gryco over the summer, please have your student stop by room 314 to pick up.

Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.