From the 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

Schedule of events this week:

• Wednesday academy: Pledge to Humanity service event in room 314
• Wednesday lunch: Class Cup basketball
• Friday academy: Frosh connect- time management, organization and finals prep
• Friday lunch: Class Cup basketball

Adopt-A-Family
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! If you would like to adopt an individual along with their wishlist of gifts to buy, please sign up here. If you wish to adopt a family, please fill out the google form. 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!
 
On Saturday, Dec 7 we are going to GLIDE Memorial Church in San Francisco to serve food to those in need from 10:10am to 1:30pm and will be meeting at Bart. Encourage your student to sign up HERE and receive 3 community service hours. We will be in touch regarding permission forms.
 
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

Schedule of events this week:

• Tuesday at lunch: Bouquet making
• Wednesday academy: Enviro council on deforestation
• Wednesday at 5pm: Open mic night at Sideboard
• Thursday ALL DAY: Local Kitchens fundraiser
• Friday academy: New Crew leader training
• Friday lunch: ACA Buddies & Class Cup Basketball
• Friday Night Lights: Acalanes vs. Las Lomas

 
Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Our winter webstore is open for just a short period of time – get your Acalanes gear now! Orders due by this Thursday, Nov 7 and will be available in December.
 
Open Mic Night at Sideboard this Wednesday evening!
Open mic night is back!! Students can showcase their talent and sign up via the link in the Daily Don. Mark your calendar to enjoy a meal out and student talent – Nov 6 from 5-7pm.
 
Enviro events this week!
Tuesday at lunch there is bouquet making in room 314.
Wednesday during academy there is an enviro council on deforestation.
 
Adopt-A-Family
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! If you would like to adopt an individual along with their wishlist of gifts to buy, please sign up here. If you wish to adopt a family, please fill out the google form. All wrapped gifts will be collected on Dec 13 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 Hetty Lofting or Katherine Walton!
 
On Dec 7, we are going to GLIDE Memorial Church in San Francisco to serve food to those in need from 10:10am to 1:30pm and will be meeting at Bart. Encourage your student to sign up HERE and receive 3 community service hours. We will be in touch regarding permission forms.
 
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

Thank you to APC for funding Breaking Down the Walls this past week. Our community is better as a result and the opportunity to spend time together, get to know one another and know that we are not alone is powerful. As one student said,
 
“I learned that our community has many stories and we have all been through things despite the stereotypes that we may have about one another. BDTW was about acceptance and courage, stepping outside our comfort zone and building a better sense of community.”
 
Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Our winter webstore is open for just a short period of time – get your Acalanes gear now! Orders due by Nov 7 and will be available in December.
 
HALLO-WEEK
Encourage your student to kick off Halloweek by coming to Trunk or Treat on Monday, Oct 28 at lunch on the blacktop! “Trick-or-Treat” for candy and other treats at decorated cars, enter a raffle for a Halloween gift basket, and play tons of fun games!
 
On Wednesday, Oct 30 during academy, students are invited to room 314 for a fun and educational pumpkin carving activity. Students will carve pumpkins that you can put on your porch as a festive decoration. The purpose of the event is to teach students about reducing waste by using all parts of the pumpkin while also bringing the community together. Encourage your student to join the event to make a jack-o-lantern and enjoy some roasted pumpkin seeds! They can RSVP here to participate.
 
Chillin’ with Charlie is coming up on Friday, Nov 1 and will be filled with fun and lots of food. We will be watching Charlie Brown Thanksgiving with popcorn, candy, pizza and drinks. It will be in room 314 during lunch and we hope to see your student there!!
 
Students can also celebrate Halloween by coming to Staff Student Trivia on Friday Nov 1 at lunch in the big gym! Students can compete with another student and a teacher! If they aren’t playing, they can show up and watch their favorite teachers compete against each other in Halloween themed trivia!
 
Open Mic Night at Sideboard
Open mic night is back!! Students can showcase their talent and sign up via the link in the Daily Don. Mark your calendar to enjoy a meal out and student talent – Nov 6 from 5-7pm.
 
The annual Acalanes Fall Blood Drive is in two days (Oct 30) and we still need 3 more sign-ups to reach our goal. Anyone who donates blood will receive a $10 gift card. You can make appointments through the Red Cross website (link to page). You must create an account and find the Acalanes Blood Drive on the Find a Drive page. If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. Walton (kwalton@auhsdschools.org).
 
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

The annual Acalanes Fall Blood Drive is Oct 30. You can make appointments through the Red Cross website (link to page). You must create an account and find the Acalanes Blood Drive on the Find a Drive page. Our goal is to have 46 donors. If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. Walton or marshall.stirling27@auhsdschools.org.
 
Breaking Down the Walls From Oct 22 – 24, all 10th and 11th grade students will participate in Breaking Down The Walls. The Breaking Down the Walls program is a unique opportunity for students and staff to connect, share their stories, and realize…“It’s hard to hate someone whose story you know.”

Thanks to APC funding, this program creates a safe environment for students to build empathy and understanding through a “play, trust, learn” model. By first helping students laugh together, they start to trust one another and eventually want to learn from those outside their regular friend group. The assembly, training, and workshops leave everyone with the realization that we are truly BETTER TOGETHER! 

Breaking Down the Walls strengthens social and emotional learning (SEL), specifically building social awareness and relationship skills vital to student growth and success. 

• Meaningful connections and positive relationships
  • Bring students together and provide dedicated time for them to connect and build relationships. 
• Empathy and Understanding
  • Allow students to share their stories, hear their peers’ stories, and learn they are better together. 
• Thriving Campus Culture
  • Create an inclusive culture where students say, “I belong here; I am safe here; I can learn and grow here.” 

Here is a 4-minute video from the organization with testimonials from students. Students will be participating during one of the three days, assigned by last name. Look for more specific information next week. 

Starting to think about holiday cards and gifts? Shop at Minted. Not only do you get 20% off, Acalanes gets 15% of all sales when you use the code FUNDRAISEACALANES.

Don’t miss the Fall Play this week. It runs from Wednesday-Saturday and is a not to miss show! 

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

The annual Acalanes Fall Blood Drive is Oct 30. You can make appointments through the Red Cross website (link to page). You must create an account and find the Acalanes Blood Drive on the Find a Drive page. Our goal is to have 46 donors. If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. Walton or marshall.stirling27@auhsdschools.org.
 
Breaking Down the Walls From Oct 22 – 24, all 10th and 11th grade students will participate in Breaking Down The Walls. The Breaking Down the Walls program is a unique opportunity for students and staff to connect, share their stories, and realize…

“It’s hard to hate someone whose story you know.”
Thanks to APC funding, this program creates a safe environment for students to build empathy and understanding through a “play, trust, learn” model. By first helping students laugh together, they start to trust one another and eventually want to learn from those outside their regular friend group. The assembly, training, and workshops leave everyone with the realization that we are truly BETTER TOGETHER! 

Breaking Down the Walls strengthens social and emotional learning (SEL), specifically building social awareness and relationship skills vital to student growth and success. 

• Meaningful connections and positive relationships
  • Bring students together and provide dedicated time for them to connect and build relationships. 
• Empathy and Understanding
  • Allow students to share their stories, hear their peers’ stories, and learn they are better together. 
• Thriving Campus Culture
  • Create an inclusive culture where students say, “I belong here; I am safe here; I can learn and grow here.” 

Here is a 4-minute video from the organization with testimonials from students. Students will be participating during one of the three days, assigned by last name. Look for more specific information next week. 

Starting to think about holiday cards and gifts? Shop at Minted. Not only do you get 20% off, Acalanes gets 15% of all sales when you use the code FUNDRAISEACALANES.

If you ordered spiritwear from the Gryco webstore and haven’t picked it up, please email Katherine Walton and she can leave it in the attendance office for you. 

2024-2025 Clubs
Looking to connect your student to a passion? Here are 77 unique clubs on campus, from Archery Club to the Red Cross Club. 
 

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

Don’t miss the Homecoming recap video produced by Val Grossi and the tech team in leadership. It details out what an amazing week HOCO 2024 was!
 
The annual Acalanes Fall Blood Drive is Oct 30. You can make appointments through the Red Cross website (link to page). You must create an account and find the Acalanes Blood Drive on the Find a Drive page. Our goal is to have 46 donors. If you have any questions please reach out to Ms. Walton or marshall.stirling27@auhsdschools.org.
 
Breaking Down the Walls From Oct 22 – 24 all 10th and 11th grade students will participate in Breaking Down The Walls. The Breaking Down the Walls program is a unique opportunity for students and staff to connect, share their stories, and realize…

“It’s hard to hate someone whose story you know.”
Thanks to APC funding, this program creates a safe environment for students to build empathy and understanding through a “play, trust, learn” model. By first helping students laugh together, they start to trust one another and eventually want to learn from those outside their regular friend group. The assembly, training, and workshops leave everyone with the realization that we are truly BETTER TOGETHER! 

Breaking Down the Walls strengthens social and emotional learning (SEL), specifically building social awareness and relationship skills vital to student growth and success. 

• Meaningful connections and positive relationships
  • Bring students together and provide dedicated time for them to connect and build relationships. 
• Empathy and Understanding
  • Allow students to share their stories, hear their peers’ stories, and learn they are better together. 
• Thriving Campus Culture
  • Create an inclusive culture where students say, “I belong here; I am safe here; I can learn and grow here.” 

Here is a 4-minute video from the organization with testimonials from students. Students will be participating during one of the three days, assigned by last name. Look for more specific information next week. 

October is PINK for breast cancer awareness! Get your Dons pink shirt to wear at the various Pink Out games including football on Oct 11 vs. Miramonte. Only a few left! 

LatinX Heritage Month Speaker: Anthony Rodriguez Yao. On Oct 10, 2024, at 5:30pm in the library, we are excited to welcome Anthony Rodriguez Yao as our featured speaker for LatinX Heritage Month. Anthony is an immigration attorney who will share his story and shed light on his experiences. There will also be an opportunity for questions, so come prepared! We look forward to seeing you there! 

Starting to think about holiday cards and gifts? Shop at Minted. Not only do you get 20% off, Acalanes gets 15% of all sales when you use the code FUNDRAISEACALANES.

The Community Outreach and Improvement Program is hosting a drive for the Lamorinda branch of the American Association of University Women from Sep 30 to Oct 11. Please donate your gently used sneakers to the bins outside the front office! The donations fund scholarships for women in our community! Please check out their website for more donation options and information. 

If you ordered spiritwear from the Gryco webstore and haven’t picked it up, please email Katherine Walton and she can leave it in the attendance office for you. 

2024-2025 Clubs
Looking to connect your student to a passion? Here are 77 unique clubs on campus, from Archery Club to the Red Cross Club. 
 

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

If you ordered spiritwear from the Gryco webstore and haven’t picked it up, please email Katherine Walton and she can leave it in the attendance office for you.
 
2024-2025 Clubs
Looking to connect your student to a passion? Here are our 77 unique clubs on campus, from Archery Club to the Red Cross Club.
 

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

What an INCREDIBLE homecoming week! From hallway decorating to student dodgeball to lunchtime activities and dress-ups to Friday’s HOCO rally and game to the Saturday night out, students showed up and celebrated together. We couldn’t be more proud of the community and Acalanes spirit we have here – it is truly something special!
 
As a community, we brought in more than 40,000 cans (a new record!) for the Contra Costa Food Bank. Look for the final total in the Daily Don this week! They are IMMENSELY grateful for our donations and our yearly partnership. Well done Acalanes!
 
A special thank you to all of the class officers, ASB officers, parent liaisons and the leadership program for working tirelessly to plan the week and execute it. It will be a homecoming to remember!
 
Class skits were filmed & the video will be out soon. See full recaps of the week on @ahs_dons on Instagram.
 
September is Suicide Prevention Month – a time to raise awareness.

• Pot painting at lunch in room 314 on Monday.
• Gratitude Grams are in the frosh and sophomore quad on Sep 25 during lunch!
• Sep 26 at 6:30pm is Serving Support: Volleyball for Suicide Prevention at the varsity volleyball game. Come watch volleyball and receive information about suicide prevention awareness.

If you ordered spiritwear from the Gryco webstore, you can pick it up on Wednesday from 3-4pm in room 314 or send your student to 314 on Thursday during lunch.
 
Glide Memorial: We are doing a service trip to Glide Memorial on Sunday, Sep 29 from 10am – 2pm. Students can sign up via Helper Helper. We are looking for 10 more students to join us!
 
2024-2025 Clubs
Club meetings have begun! Here are our 77 unique clubs on campus, from Archery Club to the Red Cross Club.

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