From the Activities Director

LatinX Heritage Month kicks off tomorrow and runs through Oct 15th! Latinos Unidos has some fun plans throughout the month. Events begin this week:
Staff and students are making door decs to celebrate LatinX Culture and they can be seen beginning today for the kick-off of LatinX Heritage Month.
On Wednesday, Sept 17, at lunch in room 408, Latinos Unidos is hosting a club meeting and invites all to attend to learn more about Latinos Unidos and the events planned for the month.

HOMECOMING 2025: ACALANES GOES TO THE MOVIES

Sept 28-Oct 4
It is hard to believe but Homecoming is just around the corner (14 days to be exact!) and the excitement is building on campus. Skit practices are in full force, hallway decorating parties are happening, and the week’s events are confirmed. This is a great week to purchase your student’s HOCO Night Out ticket!

Don’t miss taking a few minutes to read the HOCO Overview document. It has EVERYTHING you need to get informed about one of the best weeks at Acalanes.

Homecoming Blue Crew shirts-on sale NOW! Deadline to order is Sept 21.

HOCO NIGHT OUT: Oct 4 from 7:00-9:30pm

Tickets for HOCO Night Out are now on sale via Go Fan. HOCO Night Out has something for everyone-games, golf simulator, food truck, airbrush tattoo, caricaturist, blackjack/poker, and of course, a DJ. If your student would like to bring a guest who does not attend Acalanes, here is the guest pass (due by Oct 1).

We need Chaperones for HOCO Night Out. We are looking for 10 more chaperones for HOCO Night Out on Oct 4. With over 1100 students attending HOCO Night Out, we need caregivers to ensure a safe and fun night for all. Sign up today!
 
If your student did not pick up their class shirt, please encourage them to stop by room 314 ASAP.

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

Homecoming: Acalanes goes to the movies! Sept 28-Oct 4
It is hard to believe but Homecoming is just around the corner (21 days to be exact!) and the excitement is building. Skit practices have begun, hallway decorating parties are happening, the week is beginning to take shape, and HOCO Night Out tickets are on sale this week. For a full overview of the week, check out the HOCO Overview.

HOCO Night Out- Oct 4 from 7-9:30pm
We need Chaperones for HOCO Night Out. We are looking for 30 chaperones for HOCO Night Out on Oct 4. With over 1100 students attending HOCO Night Out, we need caregivers to ensure a safe and fun night for all. Sign up today!

Tickets for HOCO Night Out go on sale this week via Go Fan. HOCO Night Out has something for everyone— games, golf simulator, food truck, airbrush tattoo, caricaturist, blackjack/poker and of course, a DJ. If your student would like to bring a guest who does not attend Acalanes, look in the Daily Don for the guest pass.

Clubs at Acalanes
We had a great club day this past Friday. If your student would like to follow up with any clubs or they missed club day for any reason, here are our 82 clubs this year.

Volunteer Service Opportunity
Sign up to create motivational cards that spread hope, joy, and magic to hospitalized children across America! Join us on Sept 10 in Room 314 during Academy (sign up for Walton’s academy— first 45 appointments) to make a difference. The cards will be sent to Cards for Hospitalized Kids, a non-profit organization that distributes them to children every month. Plus, you can earn a volunteer hour on Helper Helper if you attend!

Class Shirt Pick-up will be at lunch on Wednesday, Sept 10, in the respective quads. Please encourage your student to grab their class shirt.

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

What a great start to the school year; such good energy on campus!

Peek @ the week:

Monday
Happy Labor Day

Wednesday
Lunch: Class Cup Basketball in the big gym

Thursday
Lunch: Resource fair in the frosh quad

Friday
Academy: Fall Club Day
Lunch: Girls Waterpolo HOME game
6:15 PM: Tailgate prior to Friday Night Lights.
Theme: Jerseys

Homecoming: Acalanes goes to the movies! Sept 28-Oct 4

Homecoming work parties have begun! 10th & 12th will be at Acalanes (314) today from 1-4pm and 11th is at the Schaffer’s house from 11am-1pm. All are invited!

If your student wants to participate in skits but hasn’t filled out the google form, now is the time! Skit practices begin at lunch this week!
9th: Frosh Skit sign up
10th: Sophomore Skit sign up and Partner Skit form
11th: Junior Skit sign up,  Partner Skit form, and  Hallway deco interest
12th: Senior Skit sign up

Club Day is Friday during Academy and all students are encouraged to cruise through the front quad and check out the 85+ clubs we have at Acalanes. Look in the Daily Don for the full spreadsheet of clubs and preview them before Friday.

Class Shirt Pick-up will be at lunch on Wednesday, Sept 10th.

If you have yet to purchase your ASB Sticker, NOW is the time! Thank you for supporting student activities at Acalanes. We are still about $6K down in sales.
ASB cards cost $115 and are available for purchase on the webstore. ASB cards support all student activities at Acalanes, support athletics (25% of every card sale goes directly to athletics) and helps to pay for AHS’s finance tech’s salary and get students discounts/free entry to the following:
-Home athletic events (Except playoffs). This year we have 6 home football games (totaling $35 without ASB).
-Free or discounted tickets to dances (For Homecoming, you will save $25 with ASB)
-Free Acalanes t-shirt at Dons Day (worth $15). If you didn’t get your black dice shirt, stop by room 314.
-Discounts at 12 local businesses when you show your ASB sticker on your ID card.

What a great start to the school year; such good energy on campus!

Peek @ the week:

Monday
Lunch: 9th grade non-stanley lunch + canvas tutorial in room 415

Tuesday
Lunch: Volunteer service opportunities + Helper Helper info meeting in room 314

Wednesday
Lunch: Club Info meeting in room 314

Thursday
Lunch: Resource fair in the frosh quad

Friday
Academy: Frosh Connect
Lunch: Open Field Day + ACA Buddies
7 PM: Frosh social
9th grade photos

Monday 8/25
Lunch: HOCO info meetings for each class

If you have yet to purchase your ASB Sticker, NOW is the time!
ASB cards cost $115 and are available for purchase on the webstore. ASB cards support all student activities at Acalanes, support athletics (25% of every card sale goes directly to athletics) and helps to pay for AHS’s finance tech’s salary and get students discounts/free entry to the following:
-Home athletic events (Except playoffs). This year we have 6 home football games (totaling $35 without ASB).
-Free or discounted tickets to dances (For Homecoming, you will save $25 with ASB)
-Free Acalanes t-shirt at Dons Day (worth $15). If you didn’t get your black dice shirt, stop by room 314.
-Discounts at 12 local businesses when you show your ASB sticker on your ID card.

Class Shirts & Spiritwear – deadline to order is today!
Didn’t get a chance to order your class shirt yet? You still have a chance via the webstore by tomorrow at 11:59 PM.
Looking for new Acalanes gear? Check out our summer webstore open only until tomorrow, Monday, Aug 18. All proceeds benefit the Classes of ‘26, ‘27, ‘28 & ‘29!. Items will be available for pick-up in September.

New Club Applications
Want to start a club? The time is NOW! Club apps are now available and are due August 25th. If you did spring re-up, you DO NOT need to fill this out.
There is a mandatory info meeting Wednesday, August 20th in room 314 at lunch. Each club needs 1 representative to attend.
Clubs are so important on the Acalanes campus! The work you do within your club is so important and we want to support that. Please fill out this google form in its entirety by 8/25. Fall Club Day is September 5th during academy

Homecoming
Homecoming runs Sunday, Sep 28- Saturday, Oct 4. Informational meetings for ALL grades will  be Monday, Aug 25 at lunch and important skit & hallway decorating information will be shared. Homecoming at Acalanes is magical-encourage your student to get involved!

Staying in touch with student activities
Our goal at Acalanes is that every student is connected to at least one adult and one activity outside of school. If I can support you in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out! There are multiple ways in which we push information out to both students and parents:

• Monday morning announcements
• Daily Bulletin
• APC Newsletter
• On campus publicity: posters, weekly flush, bulletin boards, canvas & more
• Instagram (@ahs_dons)

Let’s have a great year, Acalanes!

Katherine Walton

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

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! We are ready to have an incredible year together and look forward to all of the amazing things to come.

Peek @ the week:

WB Rally attire:
Grades 9/10/11: Wear BLUE
Grade 12: Wear WHITE

ASB Stickers
ASB cards cost $115 and are available for purchase on the webstore. ASB cards support all student activities at Acalanes, support athletics (25% of every card sale goes directly to athletics) and helps to pay for AHS’s finance tech’s salary and get students discounts/free entry to the following:
-Home athletic events (Except playoffs). This year we have 6 home football games (totaling $35 without ASB).
-Free or discounted tickets to dances (For Homecoming, you will save $25 with ASB)
-Free Acalanes t-shirt at Dons Day (worth $10)
-Discounts at 10 local businesses when you show your ASB sticker on your ID card.

Class Shirts & Spiritwear
Didn’t get a chance to order your class shirt yet? You still have a chance via the webstore. Deadline to order is August 18th and class shirts will arrive mid September.
Looking for new Acalanes gear? Check out our summer webstore open now through Monday, Aug 18. All proceeds benefit the Classes of ‘26, ‘27, ‘28 & ‘29! The last day to purchase is Monday, Aug 18. Items will be available for pick-up in September.

Clubs
Clubs are one of the best ways to get connected to Acalanes and provide a wonderful opportunity for students to socialize, pursue a passion, network, & learn.
Clubs are all student led with a teacher as the advisor. Most clubs meet during lunch! We encourage you to join one or several.
Fall Club registration will run Aug 14-27. Look for the club application in the Daily Don. To start a club, you need 4 things:
1. 4 students and a teacher advisor
2. A Constitution
3. A completed club application
4. A budget or budget waiver
 We completed spring club re-up for returning clubs and have 37 approved clubs. Check them out!

Homecoming
Voting for the 2025 Homecoming theme will run this week-Monday through 2pm on Thursday! The winning theme will be revealed at Friday’s rally. Homecoming runs Sunday, Sep 28- Saturday, Oct 4. Informational meetings for ALL grades will  be Monday, Aug 25 at lunch and important skit & hallway decorating information will be shared. Homecoming at Acalanes is magical-encourage your student to get involved!

Staying in touch with student activities
Our goal at Acalanes is that every student is connected to at least one adult and one activity outside of school. If I can support you in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out! There are multiple ways in which we push information out to both students and parents:
Monday morning announcements
Daily Bulletin
APC Newsletter
On campus publicity: posters, weekly flush, bulletin boards, canvas & more

Instagram (@ahs_dons)

Let’s have a great year, Acalanes!
Katherine Walton

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

A year full of programming and memorable moments is not possible without the larger community support. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything you have done to make the 2024-2025 school year positive for our young people. From the little asks to the larger asks, thank you thank you thank you. – K. Walton
 
Summer webstore is open! Place your orders now through August.
 
DATES NEXT YEAR:

• Aug 11 at 12pm: Frosh orientation
• Sep 28-Oct 4: Homecoming 2025
• Apr 25, 2026: Junior & Senior prom

Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Activities Director

THIS WEEK is SENIOR WEEK & SPIRIT WEEK!

• MONDAY: Tropical shirts; a carnival at lunch in the pumpkin patch
• TUESDAY:  Camo; senior athletic recognition, senior car painting and a study session after school in the library
• WEDNESDAY: Flip flops; innertube waterpolo at lunch
• THURSDAY: Country vs. country club; therapy dogs at lunch
• FRIDAY: Red, white & blue; end of year rally during academy. We are bringing the summer energy through a USA theme for our final rally. We will have multiple live performances, 4 v 4 basketball, a surprise senior showing & our end of year video. Cannot wait to spend time together in community!

Acalanes Senior Rally in the Park!
We’re thrilled to introduce a brand new tradition for the Acalanes Class of 2025- the inaugural Acalanes Senior Rally in the Park! On Thursday, May 22nd from 3-4:30pm in Lafayette Plaza, across the street from Sideboard in downtown Lafayette, all seniors and their families will gather to celebrate this amazing class in the heart of downtown. We invite our Acalanes community to drive by with cheers and horns, and/or stop by to high-five a senior and take a picture. There will be live music by Acalanes Junior Everett Shore and his band Andromeda, games, and a whole lot of Dons spirit as we gather to mark this exciting milestone. It’s a new way to celebrate, connect, and make lasting memories for our seniors before graduation day.
We need volunteers: Please sign up here to help with decorating/event set-up.
Parking: We strongly encourage carpooling to this event! Parking is available at city metered spots along Mt. Diablo Boulevard and La Fiesta Square and nearby residential streets. After 3:30pm, the blacktop at Lafayette Elementary School will also be open for additional parking. Access via School Street between Moraga Road and First Street.
Important note! Parking in the Safeway/Plaza Center lot is not recommended. This lot is privately owned and is known to tow vehicles quickly if someone parks and leaves the premises.
Summer webstore is now open! Place your orders now through August.
 
DATES NEXT YEAR:

• Aug 11 at 12pm: Frosh orientation
• Sep 28-Oct 4: Homecoming 2025
• Apr 25, 2026: Junior & Senior prom

A year full of programming & memorable moments is not possible without the larger community support. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything you have done to make the 2024-2025 school year positive for our young people. From the little asks to the larger asks, thank you thank you thank you. -K. Walton
 
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Activities Director

THIS WEEK:
Wednesday @ academy: Grad cap decorating
Wednesday @ lunch: Innertube water polo
Thursday @ lunch: Frosh ice cream social
Friday @ lunch: ACA Buddies
Friday @ 7pm: Spring Choral Concert
Saturday @ 10am-1pm: Acalanes Car Show in the APL
Sunday @ 4pm: Senior Time of Reflection
 
Amin shirts are for sale via the webstore. Proceeds will be donated to the GoFundMe for Amin’s family💙Once ordered, feel free to have your student stop by room 314 to pick up.
 
Week of May 19: Summer Send-Off Spirit Week
We will have a jam packed week full of lunchtime fun culminating in our end of year rally on May 23 during academy.
 
DATES NEXT YEAR:
Aug 11 at 12pm: Frosh Orientation
Sep 28-Oct 4: Homecoming 2025
April 25, 2026: Junior & Senior Prom
 
Summer webstore is now open! Place your orders now through August.
 
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Activities Director

Schedule for the week:
TODAY @ 2pm: Matinee showing of Spongebob, the musical
TODAY @ 4pm: Spring Flag Football Tournament in the stadium
Wednesday @ lunch: Blue Heart Award Winner luncheon with Mr. Shawn
Wednesday @ 7pm: SPRING 10 event: Instrumental Concert
Thursday @ 5pm: 2029 Activities & Athletics Night
Friday @ lunch: ACA Buddies

Cards for the Noroozi Family. If you would like to make a card for the Noorozi family, there is stationary available in the front quad along with a basket to drop it off. We will make sure all cards are given to the family.

If your student runs a club this year, encourage them to re-register this club NOW so they don’t have to do it in spring. We are offering spring club re-up and applications are available now and due May 7th.
 
Lafayette Community Day & Drive to Thrive. THIS week we are running a donation drive for Drive to Thrive, which benefits local foster youth and youth impacted by trauma. Donate used clothing, accessories and housewares to the bin in front of the attendance office. Runs through Friday, May 2.
 

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

Katherine Walton, Activities Director

Schedule for the week:
Monday @ lunch: Earth Week documentary + talk in room 314
Tuesday @ lunch: Recycled paper flower making in room 314
Wednesday @ academy: Cultural Fair in the big gym + nature walk
Wednesday @ lunch: Blue Heart Awards + Earth Week: Story of a Cup
Friday: Special Olympics
 
Acalanes Earth Week Apr 21-25
On Monday, Apr 21 students can watch the documentary “The Science of Our Planet” in room 314 during lunch. After, there will be a group discussion about how to improve current habits. Pizza will be provided.

On Tuesday, Apr 22 there will be recycled paper flower making in room 314 during lunch. Students can make a bouquet of paper flowers while learning about the importance of recycled paper and why using it has a positive impact on our environment.

On Wednesday, Apr 23 there will be a nature walk at BRIONES. To participate, students need to pick up and drop off a permission slip in room 314 (Walton), then sign up for Paniagua’s academy, as she will be the one chaperoning!

On Wednesday, Apr 23 during lunch a speaker from RecycleSmart will be holding a discussion group about the documentary, “Story of the Cup”. There will be a quick Q&A afterwards and a group discussion.

On Thursday, Apr 24 during lunch there will be a Sustainability Information Booth in the frosh quad! Students who answer a question about sustainability get a prize!
 

 
Cultural Fair Wednesday Apr 23!
The Cultural Fair is a unique event and opportunity to celebrate diverse cultures. This is the time to share traditions and educate our community through interactive displays. Students will be able to experience amazing performances, enjoy food and activities. We want to highlight authentic cultural experiences while fostering appreciation and learning. The fair is on Wednesday, Apr 23 in the Chris Huber gym during academy and students must sign up for Walton’s academy.
 

 
Acalanes is holding a $15 tickets fundraiser with the SF Giants this season! Make sure to use code: AcaHigSch25. Our student night is on Friday, Apr 25 @7:15 pm. Grab some tickets with your friends and come watch the game with us! 
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.

 
Katherine Walton, Activities Director