Weekly News & Announcements

General Announcements

It's that time of year again when we need ALL PAST DUE books to be returned to the library as soon as possible.
 
SENIORS:  We have reached out several times via email and met with students individually to discuss their return of the items and the required fee if the items are not found.  The deadline for Seniors to clear their accounts of anything past due is Friday, Apr 24. Failure to resolve past-due items or outstanding fees may result in restricted participation in senior activities, including Prom, Senior Awards, Senior Sunset, and Grad Night.
 
For all other grades, please turn in all past due books this school year to avoid having your schedule withheld on Don's Day until your account is cleared.
 
Please make a payment to the Acalanes webstore or bring cash to the library should your book(s) be lost or damaged. You can email me at jbacon@auhsdschools.org or find me in the library should you have any questions or need support with your payment.
 
Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Kind regards,

Jess Bacon Library Media Technician & Neku Pogue, Associate Principal

AP Exam Info: In preparation for next month's AP Exams, students can review this helpfulguide.

APC in Action

APRIL DONS DIALOGUE - Friday, April 24 at 8:45am
Please join us for our final Dons Dialogue of this school year. We will start at 8:45am with a brief general meeting to vote on our 2026-27 Board of Directors slate (see below) and then we’ll proceed with the Dons Dialogue discussion. Grab a friend and join us for another informative forum - coffee and treats will be served!
 
2026-2027 Parents Club Board Nominees
President: Jocelyn Birrell
VP Special Projects: Jennie Dobies
VP Communications: Jen Ruhl
VP Community Partners: Lynna McPhatter-Harris
VP Fundraising: Samira Abrams
VP Services: Ali Krick
Co-Head Liaisons: Sarah Cusumano & Amy Lewis
Secretary: Liz Keyser
Treasurer: Rick Phillips
Assistant Treasurer: Fredi Gorham
Auditor: Courtney Griffin
Past President/Parliamentarian: Michele Colaco
 
INTERESTED IN GETTING MORE INVOLVED?
We are looking for parents/guardians to join our Acalanes Parents Club team for the 2026-27 school year.
 
We have openings for the following roles.
Newsletter Editor: help gather and organize content for the weekly APC newsletter
Senior Rally: typically junior parents, help coordinate the Senior Rally in the park
Student Community Service Coordinator: organize community service program for students, including Helper Helper app
 
If you are interested in learning more about any role, please reach out to APC Parliamentarians, Andrea Hilsabeck or Michele Colaco.

Campus Culture Committee

💙 Acalanes Parent Club – Campus Culture Committee (CCC) Update
March 2026
 
🌟 Campus Culture Committee Highlights

It has been a wonderful 2025–2026 school year with the Campus Culture Committee! There are no additional meetings scheduled for the remainder of this school year.
At our final meeting, we discussed plans for the 2026–2027 school year, including:

• Quarterly Meetings (August, November, February, May)
  • Department updates
  • Board reports
  • Volunteer sign-ups
• May Meeting: Special team-building activity
• Monthly Engagement Between Meetings: Opportunities to volunteer at school events, such as:
  • Back-to-School Night
  • Hosting lunches for student clubs
  • Donating supplies for events like Homecoming

Acalanes High proudly hosted the annual Special Olympics on Apr 17, welcoming over 600 student-athletes from across the county for a joyful day of track & field competition. Thanks to the dedication of our teachers and students—along with valuable parent support—the event ran smoothly and was full of encouragement, sportsmanship, and memorable moments.
 
Highlights:

• More than 600 participants competed across multiple track and field events
• Smooth event coordination by staff and student volunteers
• Strong community spirit and inclusive support from parents and spectators

Thank you to everyone who volunteered, cheered, and made this one of the best weeks of the year for our athletes.
 
📅 Upcoming Important Dates

• April – Autism Acceptance Month
• April – Arab American Heritage Month
• April 22- Earth Day
• April 24 – Acalanes Cultural Fair

Earth Day — Apr 22
 
Earth Day raises awareness and shows support for environmental protection with events held around the world. It’s a great time to think about ways to create a more sustainable school community. Ways your student can participate:

• Join or organize a campus cleanup during lunch or after school
• Bring reusable water bottles, utensils, and lunch containers
• Walk, bike, or carpool to school
• Reduce energy use: turn off lights and devices when not in use
• Plant native flowers, trees, or start a small garden
• Create posters or presentations for class about conservation
• Start or join an environmental club or pledge to one new green habit

Acalanes Cultural Fair — Apr 24
During Academy on Apr 24, students are invited to the big gym to enjoy cultural performances and learn about the diverse cultures that make up our Acalanes community. Informational booths will feature culture, food, and more. Students interested in hosting a booth and sharing a part of their culture can sign up with Mrs. Walton in Room 314.
 
🧩 Autism Acceptance Month (April)
Autism Acceptance Month focuses on fostering understanding, inclusion, and celebration of autistic individuals.
Did you know?

• Approximately 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism.

Ways to Participate:

• Wear blue or gold to show support
• Share resources and stories from autistic voices
• Promote awareness and inclusion in your community

🌍 Arab American Heritage Month (April)
This month honors the rich culture, history, and contributions of over 4 million Arab Americans. It celebrates achievements across fields such as science, arts, and public service while promoting inclusivity and cultural appreciation.
 
💚 Wellness Center Reminder
If you are ever concerned about your student or one of their peers, please submit a Wellness Referral.

• Our team follows up within one week
• All services are confidential and voluntary

Student Activities

PEEK AT THE WEEK: Earth Week 🌍
Monday @ lunch: Earth Week Jeopardy
Tuesday @ lunch: Senior athlete recognition ceremony + Earth Week Trivia
Wednesday @ lunch: Staff-student trivia in the big gym & ACA Buddies
Thursday before school: Frosh bagel bar
Friday @ academy: Cultural Fair
Friday @ lunch: Bouquet making
Friday @ 7:00pm: Girls LAX vs. Campo
Saturday @ 5:30pm: Junior & Senior Prom at the Exploratorium
 
The Acalanes Cultural Fair is coming up! Encourage your student to attend the cultural fair during academy on Apr 24 in the big gym to watch cultural performances and learn about the various cultures that make up our Acalanes community! There will be informational booths where students can share their culture through information, food, and more.
 
This week is Earth week at Acalanes!  The Environmental leadership board has planned events in order to educate our student body and show caring about the environment can be fun! Come join us at one of our 5 events this week.
 
Monday: Sustainability Jeopardy
How much do you really know about the planet ? Join the environmental board for an interactive round of Jeopardy in room 314 at lunch. We’re diving into the facts behind climate change, conservation, and how we can make an impact right here at Acalanes. Win the game and receive prizes and candy!
Tuesday: Environmental Trivia
Come to the freshman quad to spin the wheel and answer a question relating to the environment. If you answer correctly you will receive a candy prize!
Wednesday: Campus Clean Up
It’s Earth Week, and it’s time to show our quads some love ! Grab a pair of gloves and join us for a Campus-Wide Clean-Up this Wednesday at lunch. Let’s leave the campus better than we found it. Whoever collects the most trash will win a reusable water bottle filled with candy!
Thursday: Reusable Water Bottle Rewards 
Did you know that you may be helping the environment without even knowing it? If you have a reusable water bottle come to the freshman or sophomore quad and receive a candy prize for supporting sustainability!
Friday: Bouquet Making 
Wrap up Earth Week by prepping for the big dance! Join the Environmental Board and Student Life Friday at lunch in room 314 to craft your own floral arrangements to celebrate Prom and appreciate the earth.
 
On Apr 29, as a part of our Spring into Summer event, there will be Open Mic Night at Sideboard from 5:00-6:30pm. This is a chance to showcase a variety of your talents to your peers at Sideboard. You can sing, dance, play an instrument, showcase a talent and many more options. Every year this is a super fun event to showcase what you can do so make sure to sign up through this google form.
 
April & May important dates:
Apr 21: Senior Athlete Celebration
Apr 25: Junior & Senior Prom
May 6: Class of 2030 Athletics & Activities Night
May 18-22: Last spirit week of the year!
 
SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming 2026, Sept 20-26
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!

Legislative News

Measure H for LAFSD
Measure H is on the June 2026 ballot. This local parcel tax would replace Measure L (expiring in 2027) and help close funding gaps caused by California’s school funding formula, which ranks Lafayette among the lowest-funded districts in the state.
 
Funds from Measure H would stay local and support maintaining small class sizes, attracting and retaining excellent teachers, and preserving core academic programs like math, science, reading, and the arts. The measure also includes independent oversight, annual audits, and a senior exemption.

Confirm you are registered to Vote here

Performing & Visual Arts

Acalanes Jazz Ensemble - Live at Yoshi's Oakland
On Wednesday, April 22nd, the Acalanes Jazz Ensemble and two combos and the Campolindo High School Jazz Band are taking the stage at the legendary Yoshi’s Oakland, one of the Bay Area’s premier jazz venues. This is a rare and exciting opportunity for our students to perform in a world-class setting, and it’s going to be a fantastic show! 

Doors open at 7:30 PM, and the music starts at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $25. Here's the link to purchase tickets. 

Let’s pack the house and show up strong for our students. Bring your friends, invite your family, and help us create an electric, sold-out crowd. Feel free to share the ticket link far and wide, this is a performance you won’t want to miss!

Spring Concert
Come support our talented musicians at the Spring Concert on Thursday, Apr 30 at 6:30pm in the Performing Arts Center. The Acalanes Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Combined Band will be performing a variety of works from composers such as Antonio Vivaldi, Owen Williams, Gustav Holst, Percy Grainger, Joseph Strauss and Julie Giroux. Please join us for what promises to be a wonderful evening of enriching performances!

LPIE

State funding barely covers the basics.
Lafayette schools receive less state funding than nearly every other district in California.
 
Our community steps up to fund the people and programs our schools need through donations to LPIE.
 
Ready to join other Lafayette families in supporting our schools?
Many families give:
$1/school day ≈ $180/year
$3/school day ≈ $540/year
$6/school day ≈ $1080/year
DONATE TO LPIE TODAY

Sports

*The game schedule below reflects dates and times as of last Fri/day. Games may change for several reasons, including weather. If you have questions or comments, please contact Acalanes Sports Boosters.
 
This week’s can’t miss events:

Baseball
Tuesday, Apr 21 Alhambra HS 4:00pm.  Varsity is home, JV is away.
Thursday, Apr 23 Alhambra HS 4:00 pm.  Varsity is away, JV is home.
Friday, Apr 24 Freshmen at San Ramon Valley HS 4:00pm.
Saturday, Apr 25 San Ramon Valley HS 1:00pm.  Varsity is home, JV is away.
Saturday, Apr 25 Freshmen at Miramonte HS 12:00pm and 2:30 m.
 
Softball
Tuesday, Apr 21 hosts Northgate HS 4:30pm.
Thursday, Apr 23 at Alhambra HS 4:30pm.
 
Boys Tennis
Tuesday, Apr 21 Miramonte HS at 3:30pm.  Varsity is home and JV is away.
Thursday, Apr 23 Northgate HS at 3:30pm.  Varsity is away and JV is home.
 
Boys Volleyball
Tuesday, Apr 21 at Las Lomas HS.  JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 6:30pm.
Thursday, Apr 23 hosts College Park HS.  JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 6:30pm.
 
Track & Field
Tuesday, Apr 21 at Northgate HS 3:30pm.
 
Girls Lacrosse
Tuesday, April 21 hosts Piedmont HS.  JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7:00 pm.
Friday, April 24 hosts Campolindo HS.  JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7:00 pm.
Saturday, April 25 Frosh-soph hosts Campolindo HS and Oakland HS at 9:00 am.
 
Boys Lacrosse
Wednesday, Apr 22 at Northgate HS.  JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Friday, Apr 24 at Miramonte HS.  JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
 
Boys Golf
Monday, Apr 13 Campolindo HS at Contra Costa CC at 3:30pm.
Tuesday, Apr 14 Albany HS & Berkeley HS at Tilden GC at 3:30pm.
Friday, Apr 17 Mt. Diablo HS at Rossmoor GC at 3:30pm.
 
Swimming
Wednesday, Apr 22 at Las Lomas HS at 4:00pm.
 
Beach Volleyball
Wednesday, Apr 22 at Northgate HS at 4:00pm.

General Announcements

We are searching for adults to help with Proctoring AP Exams two weeks of May. Exam dates are from May 4 - May 15. Exams start everyday at either 8am or 12pm. Students know to show up 30 minutes prior to start time for check in. Proctors for morning exams would be needed starting at 7:15am and afternoon exams starting at 11:15am. Exams can range from 2-6 hours, please plan to stay for the longest amount of time possible. Restrictions: Parents, you are NOT allowed to proctor an exam that your own child is taking.
 
Here are the spots that need to be filled.

You can volunteer your time (unpaid), or receive pay of $25/hr.  This is a perfect opportunity for recent H.S. / college graduates, stay at home parent, retired, and those searching for employment.  If you are interested in learning more about proctoring AP exams, please contact the Acalanes Testing Coordinator, Jamielle McDonald at jmcdonald@auhsdschools.org.

APC in Action

Helper Helper Deadline Friday, April 17th
Friday, April 17th is the last day to submit and get hours validated for this year's Community Service Awards. The award period is from April 19, 2025 through April 17, 2026. Anyone accruing at least 30 hours during this awards period will receive an award. Anyone accruing 300+ hours during their 4 years at Acalanes will receive an Excellence in Community Service Award and receive a cord to wear at graduation. Any hours not validated on the Helper Helper app by the volunteer coordinator of any hours you have inputted by April 17th, will not count. Please follow up with the coordinators of your volunteer hours to get them approved by April 17th. Please reach out to communityservice@acalanesparentsclub.com with any questions.

APC Grants Have Been Awarded, Spring ‘26
A heartfelt thank-you to all the teachers, students and staff who submitted proposals for an APC Spring Grant! These grants are made possible through the generous annual donations of our Acalanes parents. We are truly grateful for your continued support!
We are pleased to announce the following grants have been awarded:

• A new ball bin for lunchtime will make it easier for students to access equipment, encouraging active play and connection during breaks.
• We’re also funding banner frames for the front fence, helping showcase school spirit, student achievements, and important community messaging in a more visible and polished way.
• A new 3D printer for the Science department will expand hands-on learning opportunities, allowing students to create materials for labs and projects while supporting innovation.
• To support sustainable transportation and student safety, APC has funded the installation of two new wave-style bike racks, accommodating up to 18 bikes, including larger e-bikes. This addition will help reduce congestion at the front of the gym and create a safer, more organized space for student riders.
• Finally, we’re excited to invest in our student leaders through a Peer Tutoring Training and Team-Building Event. This off-site experience will help tutors refine their skills, collaborate more effectively, and strengthen problem-solving abilities, all while celebrating their dedication and service to our school community.

Congratulations to all of our Spring APC Grant recipients for their creativity, innovation, and dedication to enriching the Acalanes student experience!
 

Proposed 2026-2027 APC Board Slate 
Please see the proposed slate for the 2026-2027 APC Board. Join us for our APC General Meeting (held at the start of the April Dons Dialogue on Friday, April 24) to vote on this proposed slate. 

2026-2027 Parents Club Board Nominees
President: Jocelyn Birrell
VP Special Projects: Jennie Dobies
VP Communications: Jen Ruhl
VP Community Partners: Lynna McPhatter-Harris
VP Fundraising: Samira Abrams
VP Services: Ali Krick
Co-Head Liaisons: Sarah Cusumano & Amy Lewis
Secretary: Liz Keyser
Treasurer: Rick Phillips
Assistant Treasurer: Fredi Gorham
Auditor: Courtney Griffin
Past President/Parliamentarian: Michele Colaco 

If you have any questions, please contact APC Parliamentarians, Andrea Hilsabeck or Michele Colaco.