Weekly News & Announcements

General Announcements

AHS Has a New Website!
Acalanes has transitioned to a new website. Please bookmark https://ahs.acalanes.k12.ca.us/ to access all things ACA. Go Dons!

Acalanes Union High School District 8th-9th Grade Transition Series 2026
The Acalanes Union High School District is excited to welcome our incoming 9th-grade students (Class of 2030!) and their families to the AUHSD community. To support a successful transition to high school, AUHSD will be hosting a four-part Transition Activities Series this January and February.
 
Please save the dates for these important events:
 
Jan 15, 2026 — High School Preview Webinar
Time:  6:00-6:45pm
Setting the Stage for a Successful Transition to Grade 9
A districtwide webinar providing an overview of AUHSD programs and guidance on general course selection.
Link to Register for the Webinar
 
Jan 22, 2026 — Special Education Welcome Webinar
Time:  6:00-7:00pm
Supporting Your Student’s Success
For families of students with IEPs. Learn about AUHSD’s special education programs, diploma pathways, Transition IEP process, and specialty program options.
 
Feb 5, 2026 — AUHSD Annual Special Education Panel
Time:  6:00-7:00pm
Hear directly from AUHSD staff about special education programs and the transition to high school for students with an IEP.
Additional details and registration links will be shared via email and the AUHSD website after Winter Break. We look forward to partnering with you throughout this exciting transition into high school!

Course Preview & Open House 2026, Thursday, January 29
Acalanes High School will host our annual Course Preview & Open House on Thursday, Jan 29, at 5:30pm. The event will begin with a reception in the Chris Huber Gymnasium at 5:30pm. Following a short presentation, families will be encouraged to visit the campus and learn about Acalanes' various programs, pathways, and courses. This event is intended for all incoming 9th-grade students. We are excited to meet you and welcome you to Acalanes. Current families of grades 9-11 are welcome to attend to learn more about our course offerings.

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

Webinar for Parents of new Teen Drivers: Hosted by the CHP and Impact Teen Drivers. This workshop has been created for parents to learn some of the strategies they can use to keep their teen safe on the road.

• What: From Learner’s Permit to Safe Driver: Strategies for Parents
• When: Wednesday, Jan 14, 6:30-8:00pm
• Where: Virtual event. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SbE1sEA2by8kfN4JRhC2ptv54gelbCxefREObTrqs6w/edit?pli=1

APC in Action

JANUARY DONS DIALOGUE - SAVE THE DATE
Please join us for the first Dons Dialogue of 2026! Friday, Jan 23, at 8:45am in the Collaboration Center. We will hear from Principal Shawn and other Acalanes Staff who will review key resources and important deadlines related to 2026–27 course selection. We’ll continue our program spotlight series featuring VAPA, World Language, and Leadership, offering a valuable opportunity to hear directly from Acalanes teachers and learn more about course offerings and academic pathways.
Coffee and treats will be served!

Campus Culture Committee

Acalanes Parent Club – Campus Culture Committee (CCC) Update
Upcoming Important Dates

• Jan 12 – APC Campus Culture Committee Meeting (Virtual)
• Jan 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Jan 27 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Welcome to 2026
Welcome back, and we hope you had a wonderful holiday break! We hope your students had a smooth and successful first week back to school. As we move into the second semester of the 2025–2026 school year, the Campus Culture Committee (CCC) remains committed to building a strong, inclusive parent support system for all student groups on campus. We continue to collaborate closely with school staff on issues that impact students’ experiences, well-being, and sense of belonging.

Next CCC Meeting – Join Us!
Our next Campus Culture Committee meeting will be held on:

• Monday, Jan 12
• 6:00 PM
• Virtual Meeting

Student Activities

Spring club applications available now
Are you interested in starting a club and didn’t get the chance to in the fall? Now is your opportunity! Applications for NEW clubs only are due Jan 13. We will host our Spring Club Day at lunch on Jan 21.
 
Sign up to play Class Cup Indoor Soccer! The games will be played on Jan 23, 26, and 28 at lunch. Sign-up by Jan 21, and sign ups are first-come, first-serve!! Sign Up HERE
 
We invite you to donate unwanted or gently used items for our Winter Clothing Drive to support sustainability and PARCA (Partners & Advocates for Remarkable Children & Adults). PARCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people with disabilities, and creating a future where people of all backgrounds and abilities can truly belong. Participating in the clothing drive helps create opportunities and inclusion for those who need it the most and also support a sustainable environment!
 
Here are a few more things to look forward to:

• Jan 12-16: Senior Portraits
• Jan 21: Schoolwide academy—Dons are Stronger Together
• Jan 21: Spring Club Day at lunch
• Jan 23: Senior Breakfast
• Jan 29: Open House
• Feb 27: All district dance at Acalanes; Acalanes rally
• Apr 25: Junior & Senior prom

If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!

College & Career

Upcoming Career Academies
The Acalanes College and Career Center will host Career Academies from 10:10am to 11:05am during Jan, Feb, and Mar. We invite interested parents, alumni, and community members to share their career experiences/pathways with our students.
 
At Acalanes, we encourage our students to explore the many career options and the diverse career pathways people take to find their chosen careers. Here are the upcoming Career Academy dates:
 
Business Academy: Wednesday, Jan 21, 2026
Environmental Academy: Wednesday, Feb 4, 2026
Engineering Academy: Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026
Education Academy: Wednesday. Mar 4, 2026
Computer Science Academy: Wednesday, Mar 11, 2026
Health Academy: Friday, Mar 20, 2026
 
If you would like to be a presenter or would like to recommend someone, please email Debbie Levy at dlevy@auhsdschools.org. Please provide your name, job title, and phone number. We will follow up with all contacts. Thank you for your support in helping our students explore careers. We really appreciate it.

Frosh/Sophomores: Please join Acalanes Academic Counselor Marissa Meadows and College and Career Advisor Debbie Levy on Thursday, Jan 15, in the Acalanes High School Library from 6:30-7:30pm for an engaging and informative conversation about course selection for 9th- and 10th-grade families.
 
We will review graduation requirements, walk through the course selection process and timeline, and share helpful ways you can support your student as they explore their academic options and plan for the years ahead. We hope you can join us for this valuable opportunity to connect and learn together.

Counseling

Counselor assignments are by student last name:
A-F Anne Schonauer  
G-Ka Erika Vasquez on campus MWTh
Ke-Re Marissa Meadows 
Rh-Z Susan Martin

Course Selection for 2026-2027: Counselors will be visiting all 9th-11th grade classrooms Jan 20-28 to hand out course selection sheets and discuss the process for choosing classes for the 2026-2027 school year! Students and parents are encouraged to attend the Course Preview Night on Thursday, Jan 29, as well as access our website for information on choosing courses. Students will meet with their counselor individually the week of Feb 2-9 to turn in their course requests.
 
Frosh/Soph Course Selection Parent Night: Please join Counselor Marissa Meadows and College and Career Advisor Debbie Levy on Thursday, Jan 15, in the Acalanes Library from 6:30-7:30pm for an engaging and informative conversation about course selection for 9th- and 10th-grade families. We will review graduation requirements, walk through the course selection process and timeline, and share helpful ways you can support your student as they explore their academic options and plan for the years ahead. We hope you can join us for this valuable opportunity to connect and learn together!
 
Mid-Year Reports for Colleges: Counselors will send Mid-Year Reports to all Common Application schools once grades have been finalized and transcripts have been updated— the week of Jan 12.

LPIE

Project LPIE 2026 is here! Open to all Acalanes High School students, this competition is an annual event that showcases our students for their project-based learning. Students compete in 15 categories that recognize students' skills both within and outside the classroom. Awards in every category! Projects are due Thursday, Mar 5. Winners will be announced Friday Apr 10 at an Awards Reception. For more details visit: https://www.lpie.org/project-lpie-acalanes
 
LPIE is proud to announce a call for nominations for the Tom Mulvaney Legacy Award to honor those individuals, families, or businesses who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the LPIE mission.
Nominations are due by Thursday, Jan 22 at midnight. The winner will be announced Saturday, Mar 7, 2026. Questions? Contact office@lpie.org or (925) 299-1644.
Submit your nomination here.
 
LPIE IS CURRENTLY RECRUITING FOR THE 2026-27 LPIE BOARD
 
LPIE board members work to fulfill our mission to support and enrich the education of every child in Lafayette's public schools. Serving on the LPIE board is an excellent way to learn about what's happening in our schools, to provide fresh ideas and viewpoints, and to do the critical work of raising money to support all six of Lafayette’s public schools. If you are interested in volunteering your time and sharing your talents, we want to hear from you!
 
In particular, we are seeking 1–3 volunteers to serve as our 2027 Gala Auction Chair(s)! If you like a good auction and enjoy finding unique and compelling items that help raise important funds for our schools, this role may be a great fit for you. To move forward with planning next year’s Gala and to set realistic fundraising goals for the 2026-27 school year, we need to have an Auction Chair in place by Feb 6.
 
Please contact LPIE's Past President, Samantha Carter, at pastpresident@lpie.org,  to submit your interest or ask any questions. Submissions are due by Feb 1, 2026.
 
Thank you for considering getting involved and supporting our schools!

Sports

*The game schedule reflects dates and times as of last Friday. 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
 
 Girls basketball
Tuesday, Jan 13 hosts Las Lomas HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Thursday, Jan 15 hosts Northgate HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Saturday, Jan 17 hosts Redwood HS. JV at 2:30pm and Varsity at 4:00pm.
 
Boys basketball
Tuesday, Jan 13 at Las Lomas HS. Freshmen at 4:30pm, JV at 6:00pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Thursday, Jan 15 at Northgate HS. Freshmen at 4:30pm, JV at 6:00pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Saturday, Jan 17 plays McKinleyville HS at San Marin HS at 2:30pm.
Saturday, Jan 17 at Arroyo HS.  Freshmen at 1:00pm and JV at 2:30pm.
 
Boys soccer
Tuesday, Jan 13 host Las Lomas HS. Freshmen at 4:00pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Thursday, Jan 15 at Clayton Valley Charter HS. JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Saturday, Jan 17 host College Park HS. Freshmen at 12:00pm, JV at 2:00pm and Varsity at 4:00pm.
 
Girls soccer
Tuesday, Jan 13 at Benicia HS.  JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Thursday, Jan 15 hosts Clayton Valley Charter HS.  JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
 
Wrestling
Wednesday, Jan 14 v. Berean Christian HS at Mt. Diablo HS at 5:00pm.
Saturday, Jan 17 Varsity San Ramon Valley Invitational.
Saturday Jan 17 Lady Grizzly Classic at San Lorenzo HS.

You may view the full 2025-2026 Athletic Schedule by clicking HERE.

General Announcements

AHS Has a New Website!
Acalanes has transitioned to a new website. Please bookmark https://ahs.acalanes.k12.ca.us/ to access all things ACA. Go Dons!