From the 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.

Tonight, Acalanes is hosting the annual Powderpuff Flag Football tournament from 5-8pm on the field! Come by to watch teams compete in this all-girls flag football tournament. All are welcome!  

Acalanes will host the Special Olympics on Friday, Apr 21. It is a wonderful event attended by schools throughout the county. We need about 100 student volunteers so if your student is interested in helping, please encourage them to come to room 314 to get a permission form and sign up for a volunteer slot. Parents– we also need your help at the Special Olympics – please sign up to volunteer HERE!
 
Calling all 2027 families! Only a couple days left to order your exclusive Class of 2027 spirit pack! The deadline is this coming Friday, Mar 31 – place your order today!
 
Garden Work Days – We Need You!
We are almost done with the meditation garden and need help to get the plants in! Today there is a work party from 8 AM-12 PM. We will be adding soil to the meditation garden space and then planting native and low water plants!! Fill out this form if you can come!
 
Encourage your student to sign up for our annual Talent Show on Thursday, Apr 20 at 7pm in the PAC! Applications to perform are due Thursday, Mar 30 and all talents are welcome!
 
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.
 
Next Steps With the Don: Administration will be facilitating a student forum on Wednesday, Mar 29 during academy in the library if students are interested in continuing the conversation. The same presentation will be presented at the Dons Dialogue on Wednesday, Apr 19 to any parents interested, followed by a survey sent out to the community.
 
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.

Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher

It’s the musical, Legally Blond! Don’t miss this opportunity to see our annual musical beginning this Wednesday through Saturday. Students have worked incredibly hard on the production! Buy your ticket today! If you are coming to Wednesday’s opening night, please plan to come to the pre-musical tailgate at 6pm in the front quad.
 
Might your student be interested in supporting the Legally Blonde production on Mar 22-25? They can sign up here to bring pink-themed food for the Legally Blonde tailgate on Wednesday. Instructions are in the SignUpGenius!
 
Acalanes will host the Special Olympics on Friday, Apr 21. It is a wonderful event attended by schools throughout the county. We need about 100 student volunteers so if your student is interested in helping, please encourage them to come to room 314 to get a permission form and sign up for a volunteer slot. Parents– we also need your help at the Special Olympics – please sign up to volunteer HERE!
 
Calling all 2027 families! Only a couple more weeks to order your exclusive Class of 2027 spirit pack! The deadline is Friday, Mar 31 – place your order today!
 
Garden Work Days – We Need You!
We are almost done with the meditation garden and need help to get the plants in!
Please come Sunday, Mar 19 from 9am-1pm and/or Sunday, Mary 26 from 8am-12pm. We will be adding soil to the meditation garden space and then planting native and low water plants!! Fill out this form if you can come!
 
Encourage your student to sign up for our annual Talent Show on Thursday, Apr 20 at 7pm in the PAC! Applications to perform are due Thursday, Mar 30 and all talents are welcome!
 
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.
 
Next Steps With the Don: Last week students engaged in educational lessons about the history of Acalanes and our mascot, the Don. Administration will be facilitating a student forum on Wednesday, Mar 29 during academy in the library if students are interested in continuing the conversation. The same presentation will be presented at the Dons Dialogue on Wednesday, Apr 19 to any parents interested, followed by a survey sent out to the community.
 
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
 
Katherine Walton, Leadership Teacher