Weekly News & Announcements

General Announcements

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 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.

APC in Action

January Dons Dialogue
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!

Spring 2026 Grants Application Now Available!
Calling all teachers, parents, students in the Acalanes community! 
Acalanes Parents Club is looking to award grants that will enhance and enrich the educational experience of AHS students in new and innovative ways. Teachers, staff and students are encouraged to submit ideas for meaningful programs and educational equipment. Applications are due by Friday, Feb 13. Click here to read more and access the application!

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

Garden Club Update
The garden club is back to work after our fall winter clean up and hiatus!  We are getting ready to start our tomatoes and peppers from seed and have our first work party scheduled for Sunday, Mar 22, from 10:00am to 2:00pm (AHS students can earn volunteer hours for participating). 
 
We are looking for donations of organic soil amendments— cow/chicken manure (aged chicken manure), and compost.  Please email Ms. Tewksbury (LTewksbury@auhsdschools.org) if you have anything to donate and she can arrange times/etc for drop off. 
 
We will once again be selling tomato and pepper plants that we don't plant in the AHS garden. We will let you know when they are available!
 
Thanks so much for all of your support!

Campus Culture Committee

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

• Jan 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Jan 27 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day

CCC Meeting Summary – January 12, 2026
The Acalanes Campus Culture Committee met on Jan 12, 2026, to hear updates focused on student wellness, equity and inclusion, and leadership-supported activities across campus and the broader Lafayette community. The meeting highlighted strong collaboration among staff, students, and community partners, with a shared commitment to fostering belonging and student well-being.
 
Wellness Update – Mr. Patrick Turner
Mr. Turner shared highlights of recent and ongoing wellness initiatives supporting students before, during, and after school breaks. Prior to Thanksgiving and Winter Break, wellness workshops were held to help students manage transitions and maintain mental health during unstructured time. Resources were provided addressing isolation, food scarcity, and coping strategies, including a Friendsgiving event to foster connection.
 
Following the return from break, staff observed many students experiencing fatigue during the first week back, particularly by third period. In response, the wellness team emphasizes organizational skills, regular check-ins, and peer-to-peer wellness support. Efforts are underway to integrate a wellness lens into peer tutoring and student leadership spaces.
 
Additional initiatives include:

• Academy programming on Wednesdays focused on healthy relationships and social skills
• Friday study halls
• A “No Phones in Wellness” policy
• Classroom-based wellness support in partnership with school counselors
• Collaboration with College and Career staff, including participation on career pathway panels for students

Lafayette DEIB Update – Mr. Steve Poling
Mr. Poling provided an overview of the City of Lafayette’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) work. Having assumed leadership of the initiative over the past year, he shared that the city’s DEIB mission centers on education, awareness, and community building through inclusive, community-driven events.
 
Planning is underway for a public-facing spring event designed to bring together students, families, and community members of all ages, with the goal of breaking down existing age silos. The event will celebrate student leadership and equity work and include speakers, food, and entertainment. Mr. Poling will meet with the Equity Council to gather student input on how to make the event engaging and meaningful.
Save the Date: Apr 11, 2026 (food trucks and entertainment planned).
 
Leadership Support Update – Mrs. Katherine Walton
Mrs. Walton shared a wide range of upcoming student leadership and inclusion-focused activities:

• A month-long calendar of events for Black Excellence Month, led by BSU and the Equity Board
• BSU Dance: “Feel the Glow” (Neon-themed), held the last Friday of February

• Latinos Unidos & Filipino Club Potluck (date pending)
• QSA Districtwide Movie Night hosted at Acalanes (date pending)
• ACA Buddies program supporting special education students, with strong participation (averaging 50 students per event)
• Unified Basketball beginning in February
• Special Olympics on Apr 19, including a barbecue by Meat Team
• Schoolwide Academy on Jan 21: “Dons Are Stronger Together,” led by student leaders and focused on kindness and inclusion
• Middle School Leadership Conference hosted at Acalanes later this week, welcoming 215 eighth-grade students from five middle schools, including an equity-focused workshop
• Strategic outreach to elementary schools, including a Jan 26 welcome event at Lafayette Elementary with music and bubbles

Friday, Feb 27 | 6:00pm
In-Person at AHS (before the BSU-sponsored dance)
 
BSU Sponsored Dance: “Feel the Glow” ✨
It’s that time of year again for the AUHSD District-Wide BSU Dance! This year’s event will be hosted by the Acalanes Black Student Union (BSU) in partnership with AHS Leadership.
 
Friday, Feb 27
7:00–9:00pm
Big Gym
Theme: FEEL THE GLOW (students encouraged to wear neon)
What to Expect

• Black-light dancing with an amazing DJ
• Food, activities, prizes, face paint, glow sticks
• Space to hang out and celebrate with friends

Tickets: $10 via your school’s GoFan website
 
Help Make the Dance a Success!
This event happens at little to no cost for the school, and we rely on family support to make it special. Please consider donating food, funds, or your time.
Sign-Up Here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4AAFAF2EA3FE3-61648485-auhsd#/
 
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Jan 19
Observed on the third Monday of January, this day honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement. His leadership helped challenge racial discrimination in federal and state laws and led to landmark legislative reforms in the United States.
 

Student Activities

THIS WEEK:

• Jan 20: 2026-2027 Leadership Applications available
• Jan 20 at 7:00pm: BIG 10 Soccer-Boys vs. Campolindo
• Jan 21: Schoolwide academy—Dons are Stronger Together
• Jan 21: Spring Club Day at lunch
• Jan 22nd @ lunch: Frosh wellness & gratitude info session in room 314
• Jan 23
  • 7:30am: Senior Breakfast
  • Lunch: ACA Buddies + Class Cup Soccer

2026-2027 Leadership
Are you interested in joining the ‘26-’27 leadership program? There are a variety of committees and something for everyone. The process involves an application, a short teacher recommendation and an interview (plus elections for ASB + class officers + spirit commissioners). The best way to get information and ask questions is at the informational meeting on Tuesday, Jan 27, at lunch in room 314. All are welcome to attend.
 
Applications will be available beginning Jan 20 and due Feb 3. Look for the link in the Daily Don.
 
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!
 
Blood Drive — Feb 24
Acalanes is hosting our spring blood drive on Tuesday, Feb 24, and are looking to fill 50 donor spots. Consider donating by signing up here.
 
FEEL THE GLOW — AUHSD district wide dance
Get ready to Feel the Glow at this year’s All-District Dance on Feb 27 from 7:00–9:00pm! Join students from every school for a high-energy night of music, lights, and unforgettable fun. Bring your friends, show off your best moves, and make memories that will last all year. Don’t miss the dance everyone will be talking about! Buy your ticket here.
 
Caregivers! We would love your baking and cooking assistance for our districtwide dance. Consider signing up to bring yummy food via this sign-up genius
 
Here are a few more things to look forward to:

• 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

Exclusive Webinar: College Admissions Insights from 300+ Conversations with Admissions Leaders  Thursday, Jan 22 | 4:00pm
 
Upcoming Career Academies:
The Acalanes College and Career Center will host Career Academies from 10:10-11:05am 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:
 
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.

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.

Performing & Visual Arts

Lafayette Schools Choir Festival - Tuesday, Jan 27, at 7:00pm in the Stanley Middle School Gym. Please join us for this wonderful annual event - an evening of choral music with performances by Lafayette students of all grade levels - elementary, middle school and high school. Always an enjoyable evening of music!

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.
 
DONATE TO LPIE TODAY - SHARE THE LOVE

 
As the new year begins, we invite you to consider making a donation or pledge to LPIE’s Annual Giving Campaign. Every gift, no matter the amount, helps fund the teachers, programs, and classroom experiences that support our students every day. Gifts are tax deductible, and many employers match contributions, doubling your impact.
 
When we “share the love” for our donors around Valentine’s Day, we would love to include your family. Anyone who donates or pledges by February 1 will be listed in our published 2025–26 donor list, shared with the Lafayette community. Thank you for supporting our teachers, our students, and our schools. Donate or pledge today at LPIE.org/donate

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

Boys soccer
Tuesday, Jan 20 host Campolindo HS. Freshmen at 4:00pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Thursday, Jan 22 host Northgate HS. Freshmen at 4:00pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Saturday, Jan 24 at University HS. Varsity at 1:00pm and JV at 3:00pm.
 
Girls soccer
Tuesday, Jan 20 at Berkeley HS. JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Thursday, Jan 22 at Miramonte HS. JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Saturday, Jan 24 Frosh-Soph at Bishop O’Dowd HS 9:00am and hosts Campolindo HS at 3:00pm.
 
Wrestling
Thursday, Jan 22 v. Concord HS and Miramonte HS at Concord HS at 5:00pm.
Saturday Jan 24 Goddess of the Vine at Clayton Valley Charter HS.
Saturday, Jan 17 JV Castro Valley Tournament.
 
Girls basketball
Friday, Jan 23 hosts Alhambra HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Saturday, Jan 24 at McClatchy HS. JV at 1:30pm and Varsity at 3:00pm.
 
Boys basketball
Monday, Jan 19 hosts Las Lomas HS. Freshmen at 12:00pm, JV at 1:30pm.
Friday, Jan 23 at Alhambra HS. Freshmen at 4:30pm, JV at 6:00pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.

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