From the Activities Director

Student Government 2023-2024
Is your student interested in participating in student government next year? Applications are available beginning tomorrow and due Friday, Feb 3 for current 9th, 10th and 11th graders. A link to the application will be in the daily bulletin. There are elected and appointed positions and there is a spot for everyone! For the full list of committees, check out the descriptions. You/your student can also stop by at Open House to talk to current students in the program. If you have a current 8th grader, those apps will be available beginning Jan 30 and there will be an informational meeting at Stanley on Jan 31 during lunch.
 
A Night in New Orleans – An All-District Dance
On Friday, Feb 3 from 7-9pm, Acalanes will be hosting an all district dance. Tickets are $10 and available on Go Fan. Ticket prices include games, DJ, snacks & crafts. Sponsored by the Black Student Union.
 
Class Cup Begins this Week!
Encourage your student to come to the gym at lunch Wednesday, Thursday & Friday to cheer on and support their class in basketball. Basketball is the 1st of 3 class intramurals this spring.
 
Where will The Force be this week? We’ll be at boys basketball on Tuesday at 7pm at HOME vs. Campolindo in camo gear. The FORCE shirts will be for sale at the game along with Dons rally towels. Join us!
 
2022-2023 Clubs
We had an amazing spring club day and are so excited for the current 59 active clubs on campus! Encourage your student to check 1 or 2 out. You can view all clubs here.
 
Gratitude Grams
Want to show appreciation to friends, family and staff? Buy a gratitude gram on the webstore filled with fun toys and snacks. Embrace the attitude of gratitude.
 
A couple more dates to highlight:
Friday, Jan 27 at 7:30am: Senior Breakfast for the Class of 2023
Saturday, May 13 at City Hall: Junior & Senior Prom
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

Student Government 2023-2024
Is your student interested in participating in student government next year? Applications will be available beginning Jan 23 and due Feb 3. For current 9th, 10th and 11th graders there is an informational meeting at lunch on Wednesday, Jan 18 in room 314. There are elected and appointed positions. For the full list of committees, check out board descriptions.
 
2022-2023 Clubs
We had an amazing spring club day! We have 59 clubs set up for 2nd semester. Encourage your student to check 1 or 2 out. You can view all clubs here.
 
Environmental Council is taking place on Friday, Jan 20 during academy in room 314. We will be discussing eco-friendly driving and what that looks like at Acalanes. There will be donuts!!
 
A Night in New Orleans – An All District Dance
On Friday, Feb 3 from 7-9pm, Acalanes will be hosting an all-district dance. Tickets are $10 and available on Go Fan. Ticket prices include games, DJ, snacks & crafts. All proceeds benefit our Black Student Union.
 
Class Cup!
This year, Acalanes is introducing a friendly grade level competition that will promote school spirit and bonding between the classes. It will conclude with a trophy prize for the winning class at the end of year rally.
 
Throughout the second semester, students can participate in basketball (Jan), volleyball (Feb), and kickball (Apr) games on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during lunch. Encourage your student to participate! Basketball sign-ups are open now (your student can sign up using this link).
 
A couple dates to highlight:
Jan 27 at 7:30am: Senior Breakfast for the Class of 2023
May 13 at City Hall: Junior & Senior Prom
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

Spring Club Day Friday, Jan 13 @ Lunch
Encourage your student to attend spring club day this coming Friday! It is a great chance to connect with some of our established clubs or check out the 11 new clubs. You can view all clubs here.
 
Class Cup!
This year, Acalanes is introducing a friendly grade level competition that will promote school spirit and bonding between the classes. It will conclude with a trophy prize for the winning class at the end of year rally.
 
Throughout the second semester, students can participate in basketball (Jan), volleyball (Feb), and kickball (Apr) games on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during lunch.
 
Encourage your student to participate! Basketball sign-ups are open now
 
Student Government 2023-2024
Is your student interested in participating in student government next year? Applications will be available beginning Jan 23 and due Feb 3. There are elected and appointed positions. For the full list of committees, check out board descriptions.
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

Welcome back to the beginning of semester 2! We are excited to welcome students back to campus on Wednesday!
 
It is a slow week, however, here is a peek at some of the January activities:

• Monday, Jan 9: District Equity Summit at Del Valle
• Wednesday, Jan 11 @ lunch: Student Wellness Council
• Thursday, Jan 12 @ lunch: Class of 2026 trivia in room 314
• Friday, Jan 13 @ lunch: Spring Club Day

Next week, look for information about ‘23-’24 student government, the CLASS CUP, intramurals, and more!
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

Does your student want to start a club but didn’t get the chance to in the fall? They can create one now! The work done within a club is so important and we want to support that. Please fill out this google form in its entirety by this Friday, Dec 16. Spring Club Day is Friday, Jan 13 at lunch.
 
Need a way to destress? Come to stress busters tomorrow at lunch in the front quad. There will be therapy dogs, snacks, stress ball making and resources provided by the wellness center. It will be a great way to take a break and recenter before finals!
 
Adopt-a-Family this Holiday Season!
Thank you for all of your support with adopt-a-family this year. We were able to support 62 families and dropped off the gifts this past Friday. Our community is incredible – thank you for all of the support!.
 
We wish you a restful, healthy and happy holiday break! See you back on Jan 4 for the new semester!
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

Winter Week begins tomorrow! Our schedule of events:

• Monday’s dress up is BYOB (bring your own blanket) and the lunch activity is cookie decorating in all quads, along with a winter carnival in the big gym!
• Tuesday’s dress up is candy cane day (wear red and white) and there will be mini candy canes passed out in all quads during break.
• Wednesday’s dress up is winter weather (ski gear) and there will be a snowball fight (dodgeball) at lunch in the big gym.
• Thursday’s dress up is lumberjack (flannels) and there will be a hot cocoa bar in the morning before school!
• Friday’s dress up is jam jam day (pajamas) and we are making smores at lunch!

Finals Preparation Opportunities
As we approach final exams, there are a few opportunities for students:

• Frosh: On Tuesday, Dec 6 at lunch in the library, join new crew leaders and teachers to discuss best study practices by subject area AND hear more about finals in English, World History, Living Earth, World Language & Math.
• ALL: On Wednesday, Dec 7 from 3-5pm in the library, kick start studying at Exam Jam. Teachers from every department, along with peer tutors, will be there to support, answer questions and provide delicious snacks 🙂

 
Does your student want to start a club but didn’t get the chance to in the fall? They can create one now! The work done within a club is so important and we want to support that. Please fill out this google form in its entirety by Friday, Dec 16. Spring Club day is Friday, Jan 13 at lunch.
 
Adopt-a-Family this Holiday Season!
Thank you for all of your support with adopt-a-family. We were able to support 60 families this year. If you adopted an individual or family, please check your email and plan to drop gifts off at Acalanes on Friday, Dec 9 either between 7:30-8:30am or 10-11am in front of the small gym. Questions? Email Katherine Walton.
 
This Saturday, Dec 10 – Chris Huber Memorial Gymnasium Dedication
This will be held at 6:30pm at the school. Chris Huber was a beloved educator and basketball coach at Acalanes and our gym will be named for him. There will be a reception to follow and we hope you’ll join us!
 
Buy Gratitude Grams now! These are a great way for students to appreciate classmates, friends, staff members and teachers by sending them a little goodie bag filled with love and appreciation. Each gram is $5 and they are available for purchase on the webstore.
 
As always, if there is anything we can do for you or your student, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you and go Dons!

Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

Adopt-a-Family this Holiday Season!
Thank you for all of your support with adopt–a-family. We were able to support 45 families this year. If you adopted an individual or family, please check your email and plan to drop gifts off at Acalanes on Friday, Dec 9 either from 7:30-8:30am or 10-11am in front of the small gym. Questions? Email Katherine Walton.
 
SAVE THE DATE – Chris Huber Memorial Gymnasium Dedication
This will be held on Saturday, Dec 10 at 6:30pm at the school. Chris Huber was a beloved educator and basketball coach at Acalanes and our gym will be named for him. There will be a reception to follow and we hope you’ll join us!
 
The Week of Dec 5
Students have a full week planned from Dec 5-9 with winter week, finals preparation meetings/exam cram and two winter concerts. Full details will be available in next week’s newsletter along with the daily bulletin.
 
Buy Gratitude Grams now! These are a great way for students to appreciate classmates, friends, staff members and teachers by sending them a little goodie bag filled with love and appreciation. Each gram is $5 and they are available for purchase on the webstore.
 
As always, if there is anything we can do for you or your student, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you and go Dons!
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

As Thanksgiving approaches, we want to wish you a happy holiday week with family and friends. We are really grateful for all of your support thus far this school year!
 
Thank you, also, for all of your coat and sock donations! They will be dropped off this week thanks to a local community member.
 
Adopt-a-Family this Holiday Season!
With the holiday season approaching, it’s time for Acalanes’ annual Adopt-a-Familyevent!! Adopt-a-Family’s mission is to give to those in need during the holiday season. If you have the desire to make a difference in the community, we encourage you to sign up to help! We will connect you with families or individuals, along with their wish lists of gifts. All gifts need to be dropped off on Friday, Dec 9 and then will be brought to Uplift Family Services and Pacific Clinics in Concord, an organization Acalanes has been working with for the past 10+ years to support local families during the holidays. If you would like to adopt a family, please fill out our Google Form. If you are interested in adopting one person, sign up on our Sign–Up Genius. We would love for you to participate!
 
SAVE THE DATE – Chris Huber Memorial Gymnasium Dedication
This will be held on Saturday, Dec 10 at 6:30pm at Acalanes High School. Chris Huber was a beloved educator and basketball coach at our school and our gym will be named for him. There will be a reception to follow and we hope you’ll join us!
 
Buy Gratitude Grams now! These are a great way for students to appreciate classmates, friends, staff members and teachers by sending them a little goodie bag filled with love and appreciation. Each gram is $5 and they are available for purchase on the webstore.
 
As always, if there is anything we can do for you or your student, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you and go Dons!
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

November has a lot of wonderful programming for students – please encourage yours to opt in!
 
Addressing the Problem: Sustainability and Trash on Campus Week
Is your family looking to learn more about how to live sustainably? Maybe your student just wants to eat snacks? (Pocky!?) If so, the sustainability jeopardy tomorrow, Nov 7 at lunch in room 314 is just right for your student.
 
Custodial Appreciation
Do you feel the custodians are underappreciated? Then please encourage your student to come to the custodial appreciation poster signing!! It is taking place on Tuesday, Nov 8 in the front quad during lunch. Students can say thanks to all of our wonderful custodians who put so much time and effort into keeping Acalanes clean!!
 
Support the Environment
Be part of the solution, not the pollution. Encourage your student to join  the enviro council meeting on Wednesday, Nov 9 during academy room 314 to learn and discuss how they can help improve the trash issue at our school. There will be cupcakes and Izze’s. BE THERE!
 
Be clean, be green, be a recycling machine! In the 10-minute passing period on Thursday, Nov 10 after lunch, students are encouraged to clean up trash in their quad before heading to class. Let’s do our part to keep our campus clean.
 
Please Donate to the Coat and Sock Drive!
Students can bring new or gently used coats and new socks to the front office from Oct 31 through Nov 10. Everything collected will be donated to a homeless encampment in Martinez.
 
Garden Clean Up – Come Help!
You and/or your student can sign up here to help clean up our garden. Our work day is Nov 13 and hours can count toward volunteer awards.
 
Adopt-a-Family this Holiday Season!
With the holiday season approaching, it’s time for Acalanes’ annual Adopt-a-Family event!! Adopt-a-Family’s mission is to give to those in need during the holiday season. If you have the desire to make a difference in the community, we encourage you to sign up to help! We will connect you with families or individuals, along with their wish lists of gifts. All gifts need to be dropped off on Dec 9 and then brought to Uplift Family Services and Pacific Clinics in Concord, an organization Acalanes has been working with for the past 10+ years to support local families during the holidays. If you would like to adopt a family, please fill out our Google Form. If you are interested in adopting one person, sign up on our Sign–Up Genius. We would love for you to participate!
 
SAVE THE DATE – Chris Huber Memorial Gymnasium Dedication
The Chris Huber Memorial Gymnasium dedication will be held on
Saturday, Dec 10 at 6:30pm at Acalanes High School. Chris Huber was a beloved educator and basketball coach at our school and our gym will be named for him. There will be a reception to follow and we hope you’ll join us!
 
Buy Gratitude Grams now! These are a great way for students to appreciate classmates, friends, staff members and teachers by sending them a little goodie bag filled with love and appreciation. Each gram is $5 and they are available for purchase on the webstore.
 
As always, if there is anything we can do for you or your student, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you and go Dons!

Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

November has a lot of wonderful programming for students – please encourage yours to opt in!
 
Halloween is tomorrow – let’s celebrate together! We will have a carnival in the frosh quad and in between the gyms, as well as pumpkin carving on the senior deck and trick-or-treating around campus for those who dress up. Let’s have a spooky time!
 
Please donate to the Coat and Sock Drive!! Bring your new or gently used coats and new socks to the front office from Monday, Oct 31 through Friday, Nov 10. Everything collected will be donated to a homeless shelter in Martinez.
 
CARE (Compassion Acceptance Respect Equity) Week begins tomorrow through Friday. CARE Week is student created/led and has a lunchtime dialogue everyday, along with an academy equity lesson facilitated by juniors and seniors.

• Monday QSA Kahoot and discussion about reclaiming homophobic/transphobic language in room 303.
• Tuesday Latinos Unidos having a Kahoot on the intersectionality between Latinos and LGBTQ in room 507.
• Wednesday JSU and Middle Eastern Student Union having a discussion on Israel and UC Berkeley in room 314.
• Thursday Feminism Club discussion on eurocentric/patriarchal beauty standards between genders in room 209.
• Friday BSU presentation on blackness and sexuality in room 507.

Garden Clean Up – Come Help!
You can sign up here to help clean up our garden. Work days are Sunday, Nov 6 and Sunday, Nov 13 and hours can count toward volunteer awards.
 
Buy your Gratitude Grams now! These are a great way for students to appreciate classmates, friends, staff members and teachers by sending them a little goodie bag filled with love and appreciation. Each gram is $5 and they are available for purchase on the webstore.
 
As always, if there is anything we can do for you or your student, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you and go Dons!
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher