From the Activities Director

You can definitely feel the energy on campus as we approach Homecoming-lunches are full of skit practices & fun. But before we get to Homecoming, we have a GIANT day on Friday with our first triple header. Cannot wait to see campus decked out in Blue & supporting 5 different programs-cheer, pep band, waterpolo, volleyball & football.  💙💙💙

PEEK AT THE WEEK:

Wednesday @ lunch: Unified Sports Spirit Squad Info meeting + Class shirt pick-up in the quads
Thursday @ lunch: Equity Council
Friday: WEAR BLUE-Acalanes Triple Header

2026-2027 Clubs
Club meetings kick off this week after an electric club day! Check out the spreadsheet and encourage your student to get involved!

ACA Triple Header – Friday, Sept 11
Get ready for Friday! Encourage your student to WEAR BLUE to school and get excited for our triple header.
8:00am: Morning rally in the front quad with pep band, cheer, volleyball, waterpolo, football & Blue Crew.
Lunch: Girls Water Polo play at lunch
5:30pm: Pre-volleyball tailgate followed by volleyball (6:00pm)
7:00pm: Friday Night Lights in the stadium

Homecoming: All roads lead to Acalanes
September 20-26
For all things Homecoming, please reference this HOCOOverview document. Everything is in there from our annual canned food drive to lunchtime activities, evening activities & more. Our canned food drive kicks off a week from tomorrow-can we beat our record?
Hoco Night out tickets are now on sale via Go Fan. If students purchased ASB, they must use their ID number in the promo code box in order to receive the $35 ticket price.
In order to make HOCO Night Out safe for all, we are looking for volunteers! Please consider signing up to be a chaperone. We need 25 more parents!

Unified Spirit Club’s kick off interest meeting is Wednesday, Sept 9 at lunch in room 314. The mission is to show up for our Unified athletes and show spirit as we would for any other Acalanes sport. During meetings, members will make spirit posters to hold/decorate and get ready to cheer on our athletes as they compete. Is your student interested? Encourage them to attend the meeting at lunch.

Class shirt & spiritwear delivery
If your student ordered a class shirt, we plan to hand them out at lunch on Wednesday, Sep 9 in the respective quads

Spiritwear should arrive the week of Sep 14 and we will send an email with pick-up instructions.

It’s NOT too late to purchase your ASB Sticker
Please consider supporting student activities at Acalanes by purchasing an ASB sticker. They can be purchased on the webstore. Thank you in advance for your support of student programming. If your student didn’t get their WHITE ASB Shirt, please send them to room 314.

ASB stickers cost $115 and support all student activities at Acalanes, support athletics ($30 of every card sale goes directly to athletics), and help to pay for AHS’ finance tech’s salary. It also provides students discounts/free entry to the following:

-Home athletic events (Except playoffs). This year we have 5 home football games (totaling $30 without ASB).
-Free or discounted tickets to dances (For Homecoming, you will save at least $25 with ASB)
-Free Acalanes t-shirt at Dons Day (worth $15)
-Discounts at 12 local businesses when you show your ASB sticker on your ID card. 2026-

2027 Businesses are:

Millie’s American Kitchen – Free coffee with a minimum purchase of $35
Johnny’s Donuts – One regular donut w/ the purchase of a dozen regular donuts or 1 donut hole w/ purchase of 1 donut
Pizza Antica – 15% off an order
Sideboard – Free non-alcoholic beverage w/ purchase of an entree
Tutu’s – One complimentary non alcoholic beverage with the purchase of one entree. (Dine in only, not valid on to-go orders or purchases in the market)
Local Kitchens – Class Fundraisers
Vitality Bowls – $1 off
Pinkies Nail Salon – 10% off
Fabletics – 20% off @ Broadway Plaza location
360 Burrito – 10% off
Oasis Cafe – 10% off
Diablo Foods – 20% off a lunch with sandwich purchase

If you ever have any questions about student activities, you are always welcome to reach out to KatherineWalton, activities director. We are happy to help!

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

We have a fun week planned as we kick off our staff-student events along with our Fall Club Day. HOCO skit practices are also in full swing and we just love seeing the classes create memories with one another.  💙💙💙

 



PEEK AT THE WEEK:
Monday @ Lunch: Staff vs. Student Spelling Bee in the big gym
Wednesday @ Academy: Equity Club Leadership Team workshop in room 314
Friday @ Academy: Fall Club Day in the front quad.
Friday @ Lunch: ACA Buddies in room 314

2026-2027 Clubs
We are excited about our new & returning clubs this school year! Clubs are a great way for students to get involved, pursue a passion and spend a lunchtime with peers. Club Day is the BEST WAY for students to express interest so please encourage them to spend part of their academy browsing our clubs at Club Day. Check out the 2026-2027 clubs!

Homecoming: All roads lead to Acalanes
September 20-26
We are in the midst of preparing for HOCO 2026 and encourage your students to get involved! Hallway decorating work parties are happening every weekend (see above), students can still opt into class skits & HOCO Night Out tickets go on sale this week via Go Fan! For a complete overview of HOCO 2026, check out this document.
​Frosh sign-up link
Sophomore sign–up link
Junior skit interest form
Junior groupme  for hallways
Senior skit interest form

In order to make HOCO Night Out safe for all, we are looking for volunteers! Please consider signing up to chaperone. Thank you so much!!!!

Class shirt & Spiritwear delivery
If your student ordered a class shirt, we plan to hand them out at lunch on Wednesday, Sep 9. Spiritwear should arrive the week of Sep 14 and we will send an email with pick-up instructions.

It’s NOT too late to purchase your ASB Sticker
Please consider supporting student activities at Acalanes by purchasing an ASB sticker. They can be purchased on the webstore. Thank you in advance for your support of student programming. If your student didn’t get their WHITE ASB Shirt, please send them to room 314.
 
ASB stickers cost $115 and support all student activities at Acalanes, support athletics ($30 of every card sale goes directly to athletics), and help to pay for AHS’ finance tech’s salary. It also provides students discounts/free entry to the following:
-Home athletic events (Except playoffs). This year we have 5 home football games (totaling $30 without ASB).
-Free or discounted tickets to dances (For Homecoming, you will save at least $25 with ASB)
-Free Acalanes t-shirt at Dons Day (worth $15)
-Discounts at 12 local businesses when you show your ASB sticker on your ID card. 2026-2027 Businesses are:
 
Millie’s American Kitchen – Free coffee with a minimum purchase of $35
Johnny’s Donuts – One regular donut w/ the purchase of a dozen regular donuts or 1 donut hole w/ purchase of 1 donut
Pizza Antica – 15% off an order
Sideboard – Free non-alcoholic beverage w/ purchase of an entree
Tutu’s – One complimentary non alcoholic beverage with the purchase of one entree. (Dine in only, not valid on to-go orders or purchases in the market)
Local Kitchens – Class Fundraisers
Vitality Bowls – $1 off
Pinkies Nail Salon – 10% off
Fabletics – 20% off @ Broadway Plaza location
360 Burrito – 10% off
Oasis Cafe – 10% off
Diablo Foods – 20% off a lunch with sandwich purchase
 
SAVE THE DATE:
Friday, Sep 11: COMMUNITY BLUE OUT-Girls Waterpolo (lunch), Girls Volleyball (6:00pm), Friday Night Lights (7:00pm)
Sep 20-26: Homecoming 2026
                   Sunday, Sep 20: Hallway Decorating
                   Friday, Sep 25: Homecoming rally + Friday Night Lights
                   Saturday, Sep 26: HOCO Night Out
Saturday, May 15: Junior & Senior Prom
 
If you ever have any questions about student activities, you are always welcome to reach out to Katherine Walton, activities director. We are happy to help!
 
Go Dons! 💙
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.

Wow! Week 1 was incredible culminating in our end of year rally & frosh social! The week had such positive energy & community spirit. 💙💙💙
 
PEEK AT THE WEEK:
Sunday, Aug 16 @ 4:00pm: Senior BBQ + Car Painting
Monday, Aug 17: 9th grade photos
Tuesday, Aug 18 @ lunch: Backpack organizing with supplies provided + community service informational meeting
Wednesday, Aug 19 @ lunch: Class Cup-swim relays
Thursday, Aug 20 @ lunch: Club Informational meeting
Friday, Aug 21 @ lunch: ACA Buddies
 
Tomorrow is the LAST CHANCE to order class shirts & spiritwear. Our online webstore closes TOMORROW, so grab your class shirts and spiritwear today!
Spiritwear website
Class shirt webstore

Club registration is now open! All club applications must be submitted by Monday, August 24. All of the information is in the application form-please read it carefully.
There is a mandatory informational meeting at lunch on Thursday, Aug 20 in room 314. One officer from each club MUST be in attendance otherwise your club will not be approved. Application form

Unified Sports Partners
If you are interested in participating in Unified Sports, sign-up with Mr. Takahashi or Coach Hansen by Friday, August 21.  This is a highly rewarding opportunity to work alongside our special needs students.  For more information or to sign-up, see Mr. Takahashi in the attendance office before school, during brunch or during lunch

 It’s NOT too late to purchase your ASB Sticker
Please consider supporting student activities at Acalanes by purchasing an ASB sticker. They can be purchased on the webstore. Thank you in advance for your support of student programming.
 
ASB stickers cost $115 and support all student activities at Acalanes, support athletics ($30 of every card sale goes directly to athletics), and help to pay for AHS’s finance tech’s salary. It also provides students discounts/free entry to the following:
 
-Home athletic events (Except playoffs). This year we have 5 home football games (totaling $30 without ASB).
-Free or discounted tickets to dances (For Homecoming, you will save at least $25 with ASB)
-Free Acalanes t-shirt at Dons Day (worth $15)
-Discounts at 12 local businesses when you show your ASB sticker on your ID card. 2026-2027 Businesses are:

• Millie’s American Kitchen – Free coffee with a minimum purchase of $35
• Johnny’s Donuts – One regular donut w/ the purchase of a dozen regular donuts or 1 donut hole w/ purchase of 1 donut
• Pizza Antica – 15% off an order
• Sideboard – Free non-alcoholic beverage w/ purchase of an entree
• Tutu’s – One complimentary non alcoholic beverage with the purchase of one entree. (Dine in only, not valid on to-go orders or purchases in the market)
• Local Kitchens – Class Fundraisers
• Vitality Bowls – $1 off
• Pinkies Nail Salon – 10% off
• Fabletics – 20% off @ broadway plaza location
• 360 Burrito – 10% off
• Oasis Cafe – 10% off
• Diablo Foods – 20% off a lunch with sandwich purchase

SAVE THE DATES:
Friday, Sep 11: COMMUNITY BLUE OUT-Girls Waterpolo (lunch), Girls Volleyball (6:00pm), Friday Night Lights (7:00pm)
Sep 20-26: Homecoming 2026
                   Sunday, Sep 20: Hallway Decorating
                   Friday, Sep 25: Homecoming rally + Friday Night Lights
                   Saturday, Sep 26: HOCO Night Out
Saturday, May 15: Junior & Senior Prom

If you ever have any questions about student activities, you are always welcome to reach out to Katherine Walton, activities director. We are happy to help!
 
Go Dons! 💙
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.

Welcome (back) to the 2026-2027 school year! We are excited for a lot of amazing moments, spirit & events this school year.
 
ASB Stickers
Please consider supporting student activities at Acalanes by purchasing an ASB sticker. They can be purchased on the webstore. Thank you in advance for your support of student programming.
 
ASB stickers cost $115 and support all student activities at Acalanes, support athletics ($30 of every card sale goes directly to athletics), and help to pay for AHS’s finance tech’s salary. It also provides students discounts/free entry to the following:
 
-Home athletic events (Except playoffs). This year we have 5 home football games (totaling $30 without ASB).
-Free or discounted tickets to dances (For Homecoming, you will save at least $25 with ASB)
-Free Acalanes t-shirt at Dons Day (worth $15)
-Discounts at 12 local businesses when you show your ASB sticker on your ID card. 2026-2027 Businesses are:

• Millie’s American Kitchen – Free coffee with a minimum purchase of $35
• Johnny’s Donuts – One regular donut w/ the purchase of a dozen regular donuts or 1 donut hole w/ purchase of 1 donut
• Pizza Antica – 15% off an order
• Sideboard – Free non-alcoholic beverage w/ purchase of an entree
• Tutu’s – One complimentary non alcoholic beverage with the purchase of one entree. (Dine in only, not valid on to-go orders or purchases in the market)
• Local Kitchens – Class Fundraisers
• Vitality Bowls – $1 off
• Pinkies Nail Salon – 10% off
• Fabletics – 20% off @ broadway plaza location
• 360 Burrito – 10% off
• Oasis Cafe – 10% off
• Diablo Foods – 20% off a lunch with sandwich purchase

Week of Welcome
As we welcome our community back to the new school year, we have a full week of programming!
 
TOMORROW:
7:30-11:30am          Dons Day
11:00am                  ESC Orientation
11:30am                  Transfer Orientation (meet at the flag pole)
12:00-1:30pm          Frosh Orientation (meet at the PAC)
 
Tuesday (periods 1-7)
Lunch: ASB + Spirit Commissioners handing out popsicles
 
Wednesday (periods 1-7)
Lunch: Root beer floats in all the quads
 
Thursday (periods 1-3, 7)
Lunch: Week of welcome Carnival + 9th grade non Stanley lunch
 
Friday (periods 4, academy, 5, 6)
Academy: Welcome Back Rally (9, 11 wear blue; 10, 12 wear white)
Lunch: Otter pops in the frosh quad
7:00-8:30pm: Frosh social
 
Sunday: Senior BBQ + Car Painting 4:00-6:00pm
 
HOCO Theme Voting
Homecoming is just around the corner (Sep. 20-26) and voting for the theme is happening this week. Encourage your student to vote!
 
Student Clubs
Is your student interested in starting a club on campus? Club applications will be available later this week. In order to start a club, students must:

1. Fill out the application via a google form
2. Confirm a club advisor (must be a teacher)
3. Have at least 4 students confirmed

Clubs must meet regularly and follow requirements of a school club.
 
If you ever have any questions about student activities, you are always welcome to reach out to Katherine Walton, activities director. We are happy to help!
 
Go Dons! 💙
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.

Good luck on end of year finals this week! We are excited to celebrate our seniors one last time at graduation on Friday.
 
Summer Spiritwear webstore is LIVE!
Check it out now! All student designed and all proceeds benefit the classes! Webstore will stay live through summer.
 
As we move into the last week of the year, I want to say thank you for everything you did to make this a great year for your student & for our community. Acalanes is a special, special place. The love for ACA, the support to SHOW UP for one another & the spirit can be felt on this campus daily. Thank you for a great year! 💙
 
SAVE THE DATES:
Dons Day + Frosh Orientation: Monday, Aug 10
1st day of school: Tuesday, Aug 11
Welcome Back Rally + Frosh Social: Friday, Aug 14
Homecoming 2026: Sept 20-26
Junior/Senior Prom: May 15, 2027
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!

Acalanes is expanding our opportunities to partner with our ESC friends in the ‘26-’27 school year! Looking to get more involved and an avenue to do so besides ACA Buddies? Check out our inclusion opportunities and complete the google form prior to May 22nd.
 
May 18-22: FUN IN THE SUN SPIRIT WEEK!

 
 
Encourage your student to dress-up, participate & show up to the events in our last spirit week of the year! It all kicks off Sunday with Time of Reflection & culminates with the year end rally and senior picnic.
 
Summer Spiritwear webstore is LIVE!
Check it out now! All student designed and all proceeds benefit the classes! Webstore will stay live through summer.
 
As we move into the final 2 weeks of the year, I want to say thank you for everything you did to make this a great year for your student & for our community. Acalanes is a special, special place. The love for ACA, the support to SHOW UP for one another & the spirit can be felt on this campus daily. Thank you for a great year! 💙
 
SAVE THE DATES:
Dons Day + Frosh Orientation: Monday, Aug 10
1st day of school: Tuesday, Aug 11
Welcome Back Rally + Frosh Social: Friday, Aug 14
Homecoming 2026: Sept 20-26
Junior/Senior Prom: May 15, 2027
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!

We have arrived at the last month of the year! Wishing students good luck on AP exams followed by a very fun end of year spirit week/senior celebration!
 
Encourage your student to play innertube waterpolo!
Class Cup is going out with a bang with Inner Tube Water Polo on May 18 and 19. Teams are 6 players and 1 goalie—so be sure to sign up before spots fill!  Signup HERE
 
Summer Spiritwear webstore is LIVE!
Check it out now! All student designed and all proceeds benefit the classes! Webstore will stay live through summer.
 
2026-2027 Club Re-up
Is your student a leader of a club that will exist next year? Tomorrow is the last day to re-up clubs (if they miss the deadline, they can do it in late August). It is only for existing clubs. Complete the form NOW– due May 11.
 
May 18-22: Last Spirit Week of the year!
 
SAVE THE DATE:
Dons Day + Frosh Orientation: Monday, Aug 10
1st day of school: Tuesday, Aug 11
WB Rally + Frosh Social: Friday, Aug 14
Homecoming 2026: Sept 20-26
Junior/Senior Prom: May 15, 2027
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!

We have arrived at the last month of the year! Wishing students good luck on AP exams followed by a very fun end of year spirit week/senior celebration!
 
Monday: New Crew Leader Appreciation @ lunch
Wednesday @ 5 PM: Athletics & Activities Night for the Class of 2030
Friday @ academy: ACA Buddies + The Truth of Trash
Friday @ lunch: Summer Spectacular
Friday @ 4:30 PM: Frosh baseball hangout for the Class of 2029
 
May 18-22: Last Spirit Week of the year!
 
SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming 2026, Sept 20-26
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!

Thank you to all the parents who supported prom this past weekend! From bus sign-ups to bus loading & chaperoning, Prom does not happen without your support. A special thank you to Amy Jones & Stacy Epstein for their work as prom chairs & the staff for spending their Saturday night in the city. 💙
 
PEEK AT THE WEEK: Spring into Summer Spirit Week
Monday at lunch: Mini canvas painting in room 314 + Whiffle Ball on the field
Tuesday at 7:45am: Silver A awards
Tuesday at lunch: Cookie Decorating in room 314 + equity council in the library
Wednesday at lunch: Whiffle ball on the field + Blue Heart Awards
Wednesday at 5:00pm: Open Mic Night
Thursday at lunch: Ice Cream bar in the front quad
Thursday at 6:30pm: Instrumental Concert
Friday at lunch: Whiffle ball on the field
 
On Apr 29, as a part of our Spring into Summer event, there will be Open Mic Night at Sideboard from 5:00-6:30pm. This is a chance to showcase a variety of your talents to your peers at Sideboard. You can sing, dance, play an instrument, showcase a talent and many more options. Every year this is a super fun event to showcase what you can do so make sure to sign up through this google form.
 
April & May important dates:
 
May 6: Class of 2030 Athletics & Activities Night
May 18-22: Last spirit week of the year!
 
SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming 2026, Sept 20-26
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!