From the Activities Director

SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK

• Monday @ lunch: Mandatory election meeting
• Wednesday @ academy: ACA Buddies Valentine Dance
• Wednesday @ lunch: Black Excellence BSU + Public Health club meeting
• Thursday @ lunch: Bouquet making to celebrate Galentine’s Day  + End of regular season for winter sports & the start of playoffs!

UPCOMING:

• Elections: Feb 26-28
• Quad City district dance, hosted by AUHSD BSU’s: Feb 28
• Talent show act + host sign-ups (Talent Show is Mar 18 at 7pm)
• Color Run + Holi celebration: Mar 16 at 9am
• Prom ticket sales are open – prom is Apr 19
• Intramural girls flag football sign-ups

Valentine’s Grams Sales are now LIVE! You can now purchase a bag of goodies with a personalized message for your student and their friends that will get delivered during their 3rd period class on February 13. Anyone can purchase, including teachers and parents. Order single Valentine’s Day Grams here OR, new this year, purchase here if you’d like to treat an entire class period! This is a beloved tradition and a great way to send your student into the 4-day weekend on a fun note! Last day to order is February 12 so don’t miss out.  Students can also buy one in person during lunch at the leadership tables set up in the student quads. Happy Valentine’s Day!
 
Acalanes Gives Back – last week to donate!
Acalanes is collecting shampoo, soap, and conditioner through this Thursday, Feb 13 in front of the main office. Your donations will support local families in need, including newly arrived refugees and unhoused individuals.
 
Maya Smith, a Lafayette resident and community leader, has relaunched the Lamorinda Care Collective (LCC), a local resource providing essential items free of charge. All donations stay within our community, directly helping those in need. Please consider contributing and making a difference!
 
Club Update
Encourage your student to check out the 90+ clubs on campus, including 20 new clubs this spring! Joining a club or just attending a meeting is a great way for them to explore their interests and make new connections on campus! The spreadsheet (link above) includes meeting information.
 
The annual Acalanes Fall Blood Drive is on Tuesday, Feb 25! You and/or your student can make appointments through the Red Cross website (link here). You must create an account to sign up. If you have any questions please reach out to @caroline.urick25@auhsdschools.org
 
Encourage your student to come to the Health Career Speaker Panel on Wednesday, Feb 19 during academy in room 314 to hear the experiences of 4 Acalanes community members who have worked in various health professions! This will be the first speaker panel of a monthly series, where each speaker will share their career journey, insights, and advice.
 
The Enviro board is holding a prom dress drive this year from Feb 10 through Mar 29. There will be two locations with bins where people can drop off prom dresses and accessories: the Lafayette Community Center and in front of the Acalanes attendance office. The dresses will go to the San Francisco Princess Project which distributes the prom dresses to people who need them
 
February is Black Excellence Month
As a community, we will celebrate Black Excellence throughout the month of February.


Potluck + Movie Night
In honor of Black Excellence Month, BSU will be hosting a potluck before a showing of Hidden Figures in the front quad. The potluck will be on Feb 21 at 5pm and the movie will start at 5:30pm. Please sign up to bring food. Another event to put in your calendar is the Quad City Dance on Feb 28 at 7:30pm at Las Lomas. It is a district wide dance open to all and is $10 on Go Fan.
 
2025-2026 Leadership for the Class of 2029
Leadership applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now available for incoming 9th graders and due Feb 20. There are 16 different committees and an interest for everyone. Find all the information here
 
Introducing the 2nd Annual Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition
Your student can win $2,000 to launch or grow their business! No idea is too small! This competition is a fun way to promote youth entrepreneurship among K-12 students in Contra Costa County. When young people succeed as entrepreneurs, they improve their own lives while also contributing to the economic development of their local communities. Visit www.contracostasharktank.org to learn more. Finalists will be selected by the Campolindo High School Entrepreneurship Club and winners selected by a panel of judges on May 1 at the Lafayette Library. Deadline to apply is Mar 15!
 
KEY 2ND SEMESTER DATES:
Mar 16: Color Run
Mar 18: Talent show
Apr 18: Special Olympics
Apr 19: Junior & senior prom
Apr 23-26: School musical

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 4-9pm: Grab dinner from Chipotle & mention you are from Acalanes!
• Tuesday: Leadership applications due (current AHS students)
• Wednesday @ lunch: Black Excellence kick-off event in room 314
• Thursday @ 7pm: Big 10 event – boys soccer vs. Campolindo
• Friday @ lunch: ACA Buddies

2025-2026 Leadership
Leadership applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now available for current 9th, 10th and 11th graders and due this coming Tuesday. Leadership is open to all grades and drives student programming on campus. There are 16 different committees and an interest for everyone. Current 8th graders at Stanley have an informational meeting at lunch on Monday in Ms. Shegoian’s room and apps are due Feb 20.
 
BIG 10 in January
Students have designed the BIG 10 as a way for our community to SHOW UP & SHOW OUT to these 10 events that take place across campus. THIS WEEK: Thursday, Feb 6 at 7pm, boys soccer vs. Campolindo.
 
Introducing the 2nd Annual Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition
Win $2,000 to launch or grow your business! No idea is too small! This competition is a fun way to promote youth entrepreneurship among K-12 students in Contra Costa County. When young people succeed as entrepreneurs, they improve their own lives while also contributing to the economic development of their local communities. Visit www.contracostasharktank.org to learn more and apply. Finalists will be selected by the Campolindo High School Entrepreneurship Club, and winners selected by a panel of judges on May 1 at the Lafayette Library. Deadline to apply is Mar 15!

 
Acalanes Gives Back
Acalanes is collecting shampoo, soap, and conditioner starting Monday, Feb 3 through Thursday, Feb 13 in front of the main office. Your donations will support local families in need, including newly arrived refugees and unhoused individuals.
 
Maya Smith, a Lafayette resident and community leader, has relaunched the Lamorinda Care Collective (LCC), a local resource providing essential items free of charge. All donations stay within our community, directly helping those in need. Please consider contributing and making a difference!
 
February is Black Excellence Month
As a community, we will celebrate Black Excellence throughout the month of February.
Potluck + Movie Night
In honor of Black Excellence Month, BSU will be hosting a potluck before a showing of Hidden Figures in the front quad. The potluck will be on Feb 21 at 5pm and the movie will start at 5:30pm. Please sign up to bring food.

One event to put in your calendar is the Quad City Dance on Feb 28 at 7:30pm at Las Lomas. It is a district wide dance open to all and is $10 on Go Fan.

The annual 3v3 basketball sign ups are now open and we cannot wait to see you on the court. Sign up with another friend and your favorite staff person to battle it out and see who will win the championship. Last year Mr. Buchel won so let’s see who will be the 2025 reigning champion! Basketball will run through February/early March.
Support the Garden Club and buy Acalanes grown succulents! Plants are purchased through the Acalanes webstore for $5.25. Once purchased, you will receive an email with pick up instructions. Thanks for your support!
 
KEY 2ND SEMESTER DATES:
Mar 13: 1st ever community rally
Mar 16: Color Run
Mar 18: Talent show
Apr 18: Special Olympics
Apr 19: Junior & senior prom
Apr 23-26: School musical

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

• Tuesday lunch: Leadership informational meeting
• Wednesday academy: Lunar New Year celebration
• Wednesday lunch: Spring Club Day
• Wednesday @ 7pm: Girls basketball vs. Clayton Valley
• Thursday: Open House!
• Friday academy: Succulent educational event & planting

2025-2026 Leadership
Leadership applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now available for current 9th, 10th and 11th graders. Leadership is open to all grades and drives student programming on campus. There are 16 different committees and an interest for everyone. There is an informational lunch meeting THIS WEEK on Tuesday, Jan 28 in room 314 and it is a great chance to learn more. Applications are due Feb 4.
Current 8th graders should stop by at Open House to learn more about leadership and get the timeline for applications. 
 
BIG 10 in January
Students have designed the BIG 10 as a way for our community to SHOW UP & SHOW OUT to these 10 events that take place across campus. THIS WEEK:
Wednesday, Jan 29 at 7pm: Girls basketball vs. Clayton Valley
 
KEY 2ND SEMESTER DATES:
March 13: 1st ever community rally
March 16: Color Run
Mar 18: Talent show
Apr 18: Special Olympics
Apr 19: Junior & senior prom
Apr 23-26: School musical

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
Tuesday lunch: Frosh study hall in room 314 + leadership applications available
Wednesday: 
– Academy: Enviro council on the impact technology has on the environment
– Lunch: Class Cup Family Feud + Karaoke
Thursday at 7pm: Girls soccer vs. Miramonte (Big 10)
Friday
– 7:30am: Senior breakfast in the big gym
– Academy: Survivor rally
– 7:30pm: Boys basketball vs. Campo (Big 10)

As many of you know, the recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed at least 24 lives and displaced over 180,000 people. In response, Community Outreach is organizing a drive to support relief efforts and is kindly requesting donations to aid those affected. We are partnering with two organizations:

• The LA Fire Department Foundation, which provides essential resources and support to firefighters on the front lines.
• World Central Kitchen, which is delivering meals to individuals and families who have been displaced by the fires.

Throughout this week, we will be collecting donations during lunch, walking around the quads with a QR code, and will set up a table at the boys varsity basketball game on Jan 24 at 7:30pm. Your contributions will directly help those who have lost their homes or been forced to evacuate. Together, we can make a difference in their recovery journey!

Leadership Applications, 2025-2026
Leadership applications for the 2025-2026 school year will be available beginning Tuesday in the Daily Don and on Canvas. Leadership is open to all grades and drives student programming on campus. There are 16 different committees and a space for everyone. There is an informational lunch meeting on Tuesday, Jan 28 in room 314 and it is a great chance to learn more. Applications are due Feb 4. 
 
BIG 10 in January
Students have designed the BIG 10 as a way for our community to SHOW UP & SHOW OUT to these 10 events that take place across campus. The remaining schedule for January:
Thursday, Jan 23 at 7pm: Girls soccer vs. Miramonte
Friday, Jan 24 at 7:30pm: Boys basketball vs. Campo
Wednesday, Jan 29 at 7pm: Girls basketball vs. Clayton Valley
 
New Clubs and Spring Club Day
Club applications for any students looking to start a new club will be available this week in the Daily Don and due on Wednesday, Jan 22. We will have our spring club day at lunch on Wednesday, Jan 29. It is a great opportunity to connect with our clubs and their leadership teams.
 
Class Cup: Family Feud
Classes will come together to compete in Family Feud – Acalanes style. Encourage your student to come watch this week on Wednesday during lunch in the big gym.
 
KEY 2ND SEMESTER DATES:
Jan 24: Senior breakfast + all school rally + boys basketball vs. Campo
Jan 29 @ lunch: Spring club day
Jan 30: Open House
March 13: 1st ever community rally
Mar 18: Talent show
Apr 18: Special Olympics
Apr 19: Junior & senior prom
Apr 23-26: School musical
 

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

BIG 10 in January
Students have designed the BIG 10 as a way for our community to SHOW UP & SHOW OUT to these 10 events that take place across campus. The schedule for January:
Monday, Jan 13 at 7:30pm: Boys basketball vs. Las Lomas (PJs-Night Night Knights)
Thursday, Jan 16 at 5pm: Wrestling vs. Campo
Thursday, Jan 23 at 7pm: Girls soccer vs. Miramonte
Friday, Jan 24 at 7:30pm: Boys basketball vs. Campo
Wednesday, Jan 29 at 7pm: Girls basketball vs. Clayton Valley
 
New Clubs and Spring Club Day
Club applications for any students looking to start a new club will be available this week in the Daily Don and due on Tuesday, Jan 21. We will have our spring club day at lunch on Wednesday, Jan 29. It is a great opportunity to connect with our clubs and their leadership teams.
 
Class Cup: Family Feud
Classes will come together to compete in Family Feud – Acalanes style. Encourage your student to come watch this week on Jan 13 and 15 and again on Jan 22 during lunch in the big gym.
 
KEY 2ND SEMESTER DATES:
Jan 24: Senior Breakfast + All School Rally + boys basketball vs. Campo
Jan 29 @ lunch: Spring Club Day
Jan 30: Open House
March 13: 1st ever community rally
Mar 18: Talent Show
Apr 18: Special Olympics
Apr 19: Junior & Senior Prom
Apr 23-26: School Musical
 

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

It’s 2025! Welcome back to 2nd semester. Let’s make it a great one!
 
January brings the start of league for our winter sports, spring club day, an all school rally and the 2nd round of class cup. Encourage your student to opt in and get connected (or reconnected) – and please let me know if I can be of any help.
 
BIG 10 in January
Students have designed the BIG 10 as a way for our community to SHOW UP & SHOW OUT to these 10 events that take place across campus. Here is the schedule for January:
Wednesday, Jan 8 at 7pm: Girls basketball vs. Heritage
Monday, Jan 13 at 7:30pm: Boys basketball vs. Las Lomas
Thursday, Jan 16 at 5pm: Wrestling vs. Campo
Thursday, Jan 23 at 7pm: Girls soccer vs. Miramonte
Friday, Jan 24 at 7:30pm: Boys basketball vs. Campo
Wednesday, Jan 29 at 7pm: Girls basketball vs. Clayton Valley
 
New Clubs and Spring Club Day
Club applications for any students looking to start a new club will be available this week in the Daily Don and due Jan 21. We have our spring club day at lunch on Wednesday, Jan 29. It is a great opportunity to connect with our clubs and the leadership teams.
 
Class Cup: Family Feud
Classes will come together to compete in Family Feud – Acalanes style. Encourage your student to come watch Jan 13, 15 and 22 at lunch in the big gym.
 
KEY 2ND SEMESTER DATES:
Jan 24: Senior Breakfast + All School Rally + Boys basketball vs. Campo
Jan 29 @ lunch: Spring Club Day
Jan 30: Open House
March: 1st ever community rally (date TBD)
Mar 18: Talent Show
Ap 18: Special Olympics
Apr 19: Junior & Senior Prom
Apr 23-26: School Musical
 

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

I am so proud of our students and our community – what an incredible first semester! There is a long (and I do mean long) list of why our community ROCKS and YOU are one of those reasons. Thank you for your support of so many things on our campus!
This semester has truly been wonderful and makes us all very excited to come back and kick off 2nd semester Jan 7, 2025. There are some pretty awesome things in store. For a small taste, see the list below and mark those calendars!
 
KEY 2ND SEMESTER DATES:
Jan 24: Senior Breakfast + All School Rally + Boys Basketball vs. Campo
Jan 29 @ lunch: Spring Club Day
Jan 30: Open House
March: 1st ever community rally (date TBD)
Mar 18: Talent Show
Ap 18: Special Olympics
Apr 19: Junior & Senior Prom
Apr 23-26: School Musical
 

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

FINALS PREP WEEK
Frosh Finals Informational Meeting: Please encourage ALL 9th graders to come to the frosh finals info meeting on Tuesday at lunch in the library. Teachers from math, English, living earth, social science and world language will be there to talk about finals & finals preparation.
 
Exam Jam: Wednesday from 3-5pm in the library
Students can kick start their studying while getting support from teachers and peer tutors.


 Adopt-A-Family
It is delivery week! Please drop off your wrapped (and labeled) gifts in front of the small gym this Friday either between 7:15-8:15am or 10:15-10:45am. Check your email for further instructions. We rent a U-Haul and take all the gifts to the organization Friday afternoon. Our community is amazing – thank you for all your support of this program!
 
Volunteer Opportunity
Consider volunteering at the Lamorinda Care Collective. It is a pop-up kindness experiment, dedicated to meeting unmet needs of families and non-profits and they are looking for volunteers throughout the next few weeks. You and/or your student can sign up here.
 
Donate
The Acalanes Leadership Enviro Board is collecting gently used items to promote sustainability. Through Friday, Dec 13, please donate clothes, shoes, accessories (such as jewelry, handbags, scarves, and belts), bedding, books, CDs, DVDs, pots, pans, kitchen items, kids’ toys, games, and stuffed animals in good condition. Donations can be dropped off in the bins located outside the main office and in the front quad. We aim to promote reusing items and diverting materials from landfills, giving them a second life to reduce waste. If you have any questions email estelle.block26@auhsdschools.org.
 
RecycleSmart 5 R’s Truck Art Contest
Your student can create an art piece that highlights the 5 R’s (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot) to help raise awareness and encourage everyone to prevent and reduce waste, compost, organize and sort the three material streams (recycling, organic and trash) properly. Three winners will be chosen and the pieces will be on the Republic Services trucks throughout the Contra Costa community for one year. Eligible participants are from 3rd to 12th grade and submissions must be in before Jan 12. Visit the RecycleSmart website for more details.
 
Ordering holiday cards and gifts? Shop at Minted and not only do YOU get 20% off, Acalanes gets 15% of all sales. Use the code FUNDRAISEACALANES. We’ve raised over $700 so far and all money raised goes to off setting the cost of prom tickets.

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

We hope you had a great Thanksgiving break. It is hard to believe we are down to the last three weeks of the semester! There are lots of fun and meaningful activities planned during the next couple weeks – we hope your students opt in when they can!
 
Schedule of events this week:

• Mon-Fri at lunch: Senior dodgeball
• Wednesday @ academy: Blanket making for the Bay Area Rescue Mission
• Wednesday @ lunch: ACA Buddies
• Thursday at 7pm: Instrumental Winter Concert
• Friday @ lunch: Frosh cookie decorating in room 314
• Saturday from 10am-2pm: Students serve lunch at Glide Memorial in SF

The Acalanes Leadership Enviro Board is collecting gently used items to promote sustainability. From Dec 2-13, please donate clothes, shoes, accessories (such as jewelry, handbags, scarves, and belts), bedding, books, CDs, DVDs, pots, pans, kitchen items, kids’ toys, games, and stuffed animals in good condition. Donations can be dropped off in the bins located outside the main office and in the front quad. We aim to promote reusing items and diverting materials from landfills, giving them a second life to reduce waste. If you have any questions email estelle.block26@auhsdschools.org.
 
Acalanes shows up for Adopt-A-Family!
We have an amazing community – together, we are supporting 70 families this holiday season. THANK YOU!
 
If you adopted an individual or family, look out for information this week in your email regarding drop-off of gifts. All drop off needs to happen Friday, Dec 13 in front of the school as we take everything to the organization that afternoon. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to Hetty Lofting or Katherine Walton!
 
ACA Serves: Blanket Making
On Dec 4 there will be a winter blanket making academy in room 314. There will be hot cocoa and other snacks to bring the winter vibes. We will make no-sew blankets and then donate them to the Bay Area Rescue Mission, which will use them in their homeless shelters. Your student can sign up with this form – we hope to see them there!
 
Ordering holiday cards and gifts? Shop at Minted and not only do YOU get 20% off, Acalanes gets 15% of all sales. Use the code FUNDRAISEACALANES. All money raised goes to off setting the cost of prom tickets.

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

Schedule of events this week:

• Wednesday before school: Frosh social in the frosh quad
• Wednesday academy: Yoga with Ms. Bruce in the small gym
• Wednesday lunch: Senior friendsgiving
• Wednesday at 7pm: Fall jazz concert in the PAC
• Friday at lunch: ACA Buddies

Adopt-A-Family – last chance to sign up!
As the holiday season approaches, the Acalanes Community Outreach board is kicking off Adopt-A-Family. If you have a desire to make a difference in our community, we encourage you to sign up! Last year, as a community, we were able to support 70+ families. Two options to support:
Option 1:  If you would like to adopt an individual along with their wishlist of gifts to buy, please sign up here.
Option 2: If you wish to adopt a family, please fill out the google form. We will be in touch with your family details.
All wrapped gifts will be collected the morning of Dec 13 in 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 Hetty Lofting or Katherine Walton!
 
Starting to think about holiday cards and gifts? Shop at Minted and not only do YOU get 20% off, Acalanes gets 15% of all sales. Use the code FUNDRAISEACALANES.

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