From the Activities Director

Week 1 ✔️It was a great week on campus! We’re cruising into a big week 2 for student activities.
 
New and Returning Club Applications: Anyone can start a club at Acalanes and we encourage students to do so. Club applications will be available for any new or returning club beginning tomorrow and can be found in the Daily Don and are due on Thursday, Aug 31. There is a mandatory meeting at lunch on Wednesday, Aug 23 in room 314 for anyone interested in starting or renewing a club.
 
Welcome Back Dance: Our Welcome Back Dance is THIS Friday, Aug 25 from 7-9pm. Held in the big gym, it is a great night of connection, activities and dancing. It is free for students with ASB and $10 without ASB. We are REALLY in need of adult chaperones and donations of snacks. If willing, please check out the sign up genius.
 
ASB Stickers: Thank you to all who have purchased the ASB Sticker via the webstore! There is still time to purchase and this money drives student activities at Acalanes. ASB costs $100 and the sticker gets printed on the ID Card. Students will receive their ID card this week. Perks include:

• Free spirit shirt
• Discounts at local businesses
• Free admission to home athletic events
• Discounts to on campus dances

Information:
If you ordered spiritwear via the Gryco webstore, it will be here mid September and you will receive an email from me with pick-up information.
 
If you ordered a class shirt, we will hand them out on Wednesday, Sept 13 at lunch.
 
If you purchased ASB and didn’t receive your white spirit shirt, please send your student to room 314.
 
My goal is that every student at Acalanes is connected to one activity outside of class. I am always happy to meet with students and/or parents about on campus programming and opportunities. If I can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
 
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Activities Director

Welcome back to the 2023-2024 school year! To new families, welcome to the Acalanes community! We are so glad you are here. A few announcements and reminders as we start the year:
 
ASB Stickers: Thank you to all who have purchased the ASB Sticker via the webstore! There is still time to purchase and this money drives student activities at Acalanes. ASB costs $100 and the sticker gets printed on the ID Card. Perks include:

• Free spirit shirt
• Discounts at local businesses
• Free admission to home athletic events
• Discounts to on campus dances

Acalanes Spirit Wear Webstore: Looking for new Acalanes gear? Check out our summer webstore open now through Friday, Aug 18. All proceeds benefit the Classes of ‘24, ‘25, ‘26 & ‘27!
 
Dons Day: Encourage your student to check out their class table tomorrow morning, along with the 12 clubs who will be tabling. It is a great way to get connected!
 
Frosh Orientation is tomorrow from 12-1:30pm and is all student led. Students will check in at the PAC. Transfer orientation is from 11:30am-12:30pm and students will meet in front of the flagpole.
 
New and Returning Club Applications: Anyone can start a club at Acalanes and we encourage students to do so. Club applications will be available for any new or returning club on Monday, Aug 21 and due on Thursday, Aug 31. There is a mandatory meeting at lunch on Wednesday, Aug 23 in room 314 for anyone interested in starting or renewing a club.
 
Welcome Back Dance: Our Welcome Back Dance is on Friday, Aug 25 from 7-9pm. Held in the big gym, it is a great night of connection, activities and dancing. It is free for students with ASB and $10 without ASB. We are in need of adult chaperones and donations of snacks. If willing, please check out the sign up genius.
 
Class Shirts: Friday, Aug 18 is the last chance to order your class shirt via the webstore. Students typically wear their class shirts to rallies and other on campus events and this is a great fundraiser for each class. Shirts will be distributed in mid Sept during lunch – more details coming soon!
 
A few additional important dates:
Oct 9-14: Homecoming 2023
Apr 27: Junior & Senior Prom
 
My goal is that every student at Acalanes is connected to one activity outside of class. I am always happy to meet with students and/or parents about on campus programming and opportunities. If I can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
 
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Activities Director

As the year comes to an end, I just want to thank you for the generous support, time and energy that you provided to students. I am incredibly proud of the abundance of programming that happened on our campus and the leadership that was shown by students. A special thank you to the team of parent liaisons who have given hundreds of hours to support the Classes of 2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026. To our “graduating” liaisons – Catherine Burns, Charlene Condy, Jen Dodge, Heidi Hambidge and Danielle Upp….there are no words that can capture my appreciation and gratitude for what you have done throughout the past four years for our students and families of the Class of 2023 – simply amazing!
 
Acalanes Spirit Wear Webstore. Looking for new Acalanes gear? Check out our summer webstore open now through Friday, Aug 18. All proceeds benefit the Classes of ‘24, ‘25, ‘26 & ‘27!
 
A few important dates for next year:
Aug 14: Dons Day & new student orientation
Aug 15: 1st day of school
Oct 9-14: Homecoming 2023
Apr 27: Junior & Senior Prom
 
Have a great summer and see you Monday, Aug 14 for Dons Day and frosh orientation!
 
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

As the year comes to an end, I just want to thank you for the generous support, time and energy that you provided to students. I am incredibly proud of the abundance of programming that happened on our campus and the leadership that was shown by students. A special thank you to the team of parent liaisons who have given hundreds of hours to support the Classes of 2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026. To our “graduating” liaisons – Catherine Burns, Charlene Condy, Jen Dodge, Heidi Hambidge and Danielle Upp….there are no words that can capture my appreciation and gratitude for what you have done throughout the past four years for our students and families of the Class of 2023 – simply amazing!
 
A few important dates for next year:
Aug 14: Dons Day & new student orientation
Aug 15: 1st day of school
Oct 9-14: Homecoming 2023
Apr 27: Junior & Senior Prom
 
Have a great summer and see you Monday, Aug 14 for Dons Day and frosh orientation!
 
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

Our kickoff to summer spirit week is here! Please encourage your student to get involved!
 
Monday:

• Dress-up: Monochrome Monday (e.g. all blue, all pink, all white)
• Lunch: Pool competition

Tuesday:

• Dress-up: Tank top Tuesday
• Lunch: Innertube water polo

Wednesday:

• Dress-up: USA day (red, white and blue)
• Lunch: Innertube water polo championship

Thursday:

• Dress-up: Twin day (match outfits with a friend)

Friday:

• Dress-up: Beach Day!! (floral prints, lei’s, sunglasses, hats etc.)
• End of year RALLY AT ACADEMY!!!

This week is all about seniors! See the senior section above for all the activities, deadlines and programming.
 
Hope to see our community SHOW UP for the Class of 2023 at our 4th annual downtown Lafayette car parade on Friday. See you at 5pm along Mt. Diablo Blvd!
 
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

Junior and Senior Prom is this Saturday, May 13 at SF City Hall! Students must arrive to Acalanes no later than 5:45pm. Students will receive an email in their school account on Tuesday with all the reminders and information.
 
Acalanes celebrates Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Our Asian Student Union has planned a couple of events this upcoming week:

• Monday at lunch in room 314: Showing of Bao
• Wednesday at lunch in room 314: Spicy noodle eating contest

End of year spirit week: May 15-19

• Dress-up days every day along with lunchtime opportunities
• End of year rally on Friday, May 19

Applications for The Force for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year have just been released. This student run group is a collection of leaders that will help create a larger, louder, and more supportive student section. They need to be willing to lead cheers and step out of their comfort zone to lead the student section as a whole. Frosh, sophomores, and juniors can apply and it is a great way to get involved in the Acalanes community! Applications close tomorrow, Monday May 8.
 
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

Junior and Senior Prom Saturday, May 13 at SF City Hall! This is the last week to purchase a ticket and get a bus assignment. Tickets are on sale via the Acalanes webstore and prices are $95 for Acalanes juniors/seniors and $135 for outside guests or 9th or 10th graders. All students must turn in a filled out permission form when getting a bus assignment. Bus assignments run at lunch Monday through Friday in front of the attendance office. Questions? Email Katherine Walton.
 
Don’t miss our 2 Spring Concerts this week on Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm along with the Pops Concert on Friday at 7pm!
 
On Friday at lunch there is a Spring Carnival! Encourage your student to attend!
 
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

Junior and Senior Prom Saturday, May 13 at SF City Hall! It is going to be a wonderful, fun evening with dinner, photos and various activities for students to enjoy. Tickets are on sale via the Acalanes webstore and prices are $95 for Acalanes juniors/seniors and $135 for outside guests or 9th or 10th graders. All students must turn in a filled out permissionform when getting a bus assignment. Bus assignments start this WEDNESDAY in the front quad. Questions? Email Katherine Walton.
 
Class Cup Kickball is all week at lunch. Encourage your student to play or come out and watch!
 
There will be a Student Forum to discuss our mascot on Wednesday in room 314 during lunch. Students engaged in really great dialogue sharing various perspectives at the previous two. Encourage your student to attend!
 
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

On Wednesday Apr 19 during lunch in the library, there will be a Student Wellness Council discussing substance abuse and harm reduction. This is a very relevant topic in our community and we hope to see you there. Lunch will be provided!
 
The Diversity Board is hosting the annual Cultural Fair on Thursday, Apr 20 from 5-7pmin the big gym and all are invited! It is a great chance to celebrate various cultures and learn. Please consider stopping by!
 
The talent show is back this Thursday, Apr 20 at 7pm after a 4 year hiatus! This is a night NOT to be missed! It will take place in the PAC and will be hosted by seniors Jake Davis, Theo Stoll and Colin Norstad! Come watch your talented friends perform in this must see event!
 
Acalanes will host the Special Olympics this Friday, Apr 21. It is a wonderful event attended by schools throughout the county. Thank you to the 125 student volunteers for making the day happen at Acalanes!
 
Student survey feedback about the Don mascot & next steps: Students will be at the Dons Dialogue this week for an educational presentation on the history of Acalanes and our mascot, the Don. In addition, student leaders have gathered the survey data from students and put together a high level overview. Please take a look if you’re interested about how students feel about our current mascot.
 
Encourage your student to apply to be a new crew leader for the 2023-2024 school year. We are looking for 40-50 current sophomores and juniors to serve in this role, welcome the Class of 2027 and then work with them throughout their first year at Acalanes. You can find the application here and they are due on Wednesday, Apr 19.
 
Junior and Senior Prom Saturday, May 13 at SF City Hall! It is going to be a wonderful, fun evening with dinner, photos and various activities for students to enjoy. Tickets are on sale via the Acalanes webstore and prices are $95 for Acalanes juniors/seniors and $135 for outside guests or 9th or 10th graders. All students must turn in a filled out permissionform when getting a bus assignment. Bus assignments start Thursday, Apr 27. Questions? Email Katherine Walton.
 
Class Cup Kickball
Where? On the field during lunch!
When? Apr 24 – Apr 28
Who? All classes are welcome and encouraged to come!
Where do students sign up? Here
 
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

Acalanes will host the Special Olympics on Friday, Apr 21. It is a wonderful event attended by schools throughout the county. Parents– we also need your help at the Special Olympics – please sign up to volunteer HERE!
 
Encourage your student to apply to be a new crew leader for the 2023-2024 school year. We are looking for 40-50 current sophomores and juniors to serve in this role and welcome the Class of 2027 and then work with them throughout their first year at Acalanes. You can find the application here and they are due on Wednesday, Apr 19.
 
The Diversity Board is hosting the annual Cultural Fair on Thursday, Apr 20 from 5-7pm in the big gym. If you sign up, you get to represent a country of your choosing! There will be food, entertainment, music, and much more. If you are interested, review the sign–upgenius.
 
Junior and Senior Prom: Invitations for junior and senior prom will be handed out in English classes on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. Prom is Saturday, May 13 at SF City Hall! It is going to be a wonderful, fun evening with dinner, photos and various activities for students to enjoy. Tickets are on sale via the Acalanes webstore and prices are $95 for Acalanes juniors/seniors and $135 for outside guests or 9th or 10th graders. All students must turn in a filled out permission form when getting a bus assignment. Bus assignments start Apr 27. Questions? Email Katherine Walton.
 
Next Steps With the Don: Administration will be facilitating a 2nd student forum on Wednesday, Apr 11 at lunch in room 314 if students are interested in continuing the conversation around the question, What does a Don Stand for? If interested in seeing the educational presentation, students will present at the Dons Dialogue on Wednesday, Apr 19 to any parents interested, followed by a survey.
 
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.