From the Activities Director

Clubs at Acalanes
This year we have 72 approved clubs at Acalanes and they are a great way to connect with a passion and get involved. Please encourage your student to attend meetings, reach out to the presidents and get involved! Check them out here!
 
Celebrate LatinX Heritage Month!
Sign up to bring food to the potluck on Sep 20 before the girls volleyball team takes on Campolindo. We will do a potluck from 5-6pm in front of the big gym and celebrate community together. Looking forward to it! 
 
Homecoming 2023: Acalanes celebrates music genres!
Homecoming week is Oct 9-14 and is one of the best weeks on campus with so many different ways for students to get involved. Please encourage your student to opt in!
Frosh have their informational meeting on Tuesday @ lunch in room 314 (other class meetings took place last week). If your student missed their class informational meeting, check the bulletin for links to sign up to participate!
 
Saturday, Oct 14 is our HOCO Night Out from 7-10pm. It is a campus wide event (1100+ attended last year) and a night not to miss. Tickets are on sale via Go Fan and are:
$25 with ASB
$50 without ASB
$75 for an outside guest
Outside guests do need to fill out and return a guest contract. Look in the bulletin for all of the information and stay tuned for confirmed vendors, food, games, activities and entertainment.
 
Spirit Wear/Class Shirt Update:
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 this Wednesday, Sep 13 at lunch.
 
If you purchased ASB and didn’t receive your white spirit shirt, please send your student to room 314.
 
SEED Friendship Circle – Sep 21 at 5pm. Support high school students with special needs in our community by attending Friendship Circle at LOPC. It happens monthly and is a great chance to get to know new peers, have fun & serve your community. Counts as volunteer service hours. To RSVP email susan@lopc.org
 
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Activities Director

Friday, Sep 8 is a BIG DAY at Acalanes! Three great opportunities to get involved and SHOW UP!

• Fall Club Day is this Friday, Sep 8 during academy in the front quad. It is a great opportunity to connect with the 60+ clubs, join their communication system and get involved at Acalanes. Check out the daily bulletin for the spreadsheet of all 23-24 approved clubs.
• Girls water polo plays this Friday at lunch to kick off their tournament. Encourage your student to show up on the pool deck and root our ladies to victory.
• Football plays at home this Friday. It is a great community event so come out in your very best Red, White & Blue & let’s celebrate together as we root our football team and cheerleaders on.

The Acalanes Community Outreach Board is hosting a fundraiser through Sep 8 to support citizens of Maui in the wake of the recent fires that occurred. Cash can be donated in the morning by the flagpole and in jars in classes; those donations will go towards supplies for first responders and displaced families through the Maui Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation. Donate online to the Maui Food Bank using this link. We’ve raised over $2000 so far – thank you for your support!
 
Encourage your student to come to the Enviro Council on Wednesday, Sep 6 during academy in room 314. We will be discussing the carbon footprint and the importance of reducing and reversing it! There will be donuts!
 
Celebrate LatinX Heritage Month!
Sign up to bring food to the potluck on Sep 20 before the girls volleyball team takes on Campolindo. We will do a potluck from 5-6:15pm in front of the big gym and celebrate community together. Looking forward to it!  Link to Sign–Up Genius.
 
Homecoming 2023: Acalanes celebrates music genres!
Homecoming week is Oct 9-14 and is one of the best weeks on campus with so many different ways for students to get involved. Please encourage your student to opt in!
Juniors have their informational meeting Wednesday @ lunch in room 314.
Sophomores have their informational meeting Thursday @ lunch in room 314.
 
ASB Stickers: Thank you to all who have purchased the ASB Sticker via the webstore! There is still time to purchase. 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

 Spirit Wear/Class Shirt Update:

• If you ordered spirit wear 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, Sep 13 at lunch.
• If you purchased ASB and your student didn’t receive a white spirit shirt, please send your student to room 314.

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

What a great week we had last week with our welcome back rally and dance, along with the start to fall sports, acapella auditions and a welcome back carnival.
 
New and Returning Club Applications: Anyone can start a club at Acalanes and we encourage students to do so. Club applications are due this Thursday, Aug 31. Our Fall Club Day is Friday Sept 8 during academy and is a great chance to check out all of the clubs and join one or two.
 
The Acalanes Community Outreach Board is hosting a fundraiser tomorrow, Aug 28-Sep 8 to support citizens of Maui in wake of the recent fires that occurred. Cash can be donated in the morning by the flagpole and in jars in classes; those donations will go towards supplies for first responders and displaced families through the Maui Fund at the Hawaii Community Foundation. You can also donate online to the Maui Food Bank using this link.
 
Homecoming 2023: Acalanes celebrates music genres!
Homecoming week is Oct 9-14 and is one of the best weeks on campus with so many different ways for students to get involved. Please encourage your student to opt in! Class informational meetings will begin the week of Sep 4 so look out for specific information in the daily bulletin.
 
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 cards this week. Perks include:

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

Spirit Wear/Class Shirt Update:
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, Sep 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

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