Weekly News & Announcements

APC in Action

Hungry for fun this Dons Day? Stop by Ofie’s Kitchen on Monday, Aug 10 from 9:30am - 1:00pm and fuel your fun with their flavor-packed food truck on campus! Treat yourself to delicious eats that are sure to hit the spot!

APC Membership & Fundraising

Acalanes Parents Club has committed $200,000+ to Acalanes this school year, which will provide vital services for our entire AHS community. As of today, we have yet to reach that goal and we need your help!

We are tremendously grateful for your support, which funds the following programs for all Acalanes students and staff:

*Peer Tutoring        
*Campus Enhancements
*Grants Program   
*Staff & Teacher Development   
*Parent Ed
*Communications  
*Volunteer Opportunities and more....

If you haven’t had a chance to donate, please consider doing so here. The suggested amount is $450 per student, but any amount is needed and greatly appreciated.

Another important source of funds is making your donations go twice as far with Corporate Matching. Please check if your company has a matching program and reach out to samiraabrams@gmail.com

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Campus Culture Committee

Welcome Back Dons! 

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! We hope you and your family had a wonderful, restful summer. As we begin a new school year, we are excited to welcome back our returning students and extend a warm welcome to those who are joining the Acalanes community for the first time.

At Acalanes, we believe every student, family, and staff member deserves to feel seen, valued, respected, and connected. We invite you to join us in helping make our campus a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging every time they walk through our doors.

The Acalanes Parent Club Campus Culture Committee (CCC) works to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across our school community. Through partnerships with students, staff, and families, we support opportunities for learning, meaningful conversations, parent education, and community building.

• Wednesday, Aug 12 - International Youth Day: Recognized annually by the United Nations, International Youth Day celebrates the contributions of young people while bringing attention to issues affecting youth around the world. It reminds us that young people are leaders, innovators, and changemakers whose voices are essential in building stronger communities.
• Wednesday, Aug 26 - Women's Equality Day: Women's Equality Day commemorates the certification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted many women the right to vote in 1920. The day celebrates the ongoing pursuit of gender equity and recognizes the many contributions women have made—and continue to make—to our communities and society.

2026-2027 Meeting Schedule
6:30–7:30pm

• Monday, Sept 21 – In-Person Meeting
• Monday, Dec 14 – Parent Wellness Workshop (In Person) with Patrick Turner
• Monday, Jan 11 – Virtual Meeting
• May – CCC Year-End Retreat (In Person – Date TBD)

Whether you're attending for the first time or returning as a longtime volunteer, all families are welcome! We hope you'll join us as we continue building a connected, inclusive, and welcoming Acalanes community.

Acalanes is a No Hate Zone 
At Acalanes, we are committed to maintaining a campus where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. If your student experiences or witnesses an incident involving hate or bias, please encourage them to use the Bias Incident Reporting Tool (BIRT) Bias Incident Reporting Tool (BIRT) available on the Acalanes High School website.
 👉 Submit a BIRT Report Here » Reporting helps our school respond appropriately and continue fostering a culture of belonging for all.

Thank you for partnering with us to create a school community where every student can thrive. We look forward to an exciting year of learning, connection, and community with all of our DONS families!

Student Activities

Welcome (back) to the 2026-2027 school year! We are excited for a lot of amazing moments, spirit & events this school year.
 
ASB Stickers
Please consider supporting student activities at Acalanes by purchasing an ASB sticker. They can be purchased on the webstore. Thank you in advance for your support of student programming.
 
ASB stickers cost $115 and support all student activities at Acalanes, support athletics ($30 of every card sale goes directly to athletics), and help to pay for AHS's finance tech's salary. It also provides students discounts/free entry to the following:
 
-Home athletic events (Except playoffs). This year we have 5 home football games (totaling $30 without ASB).
-Free or discounted tickets to dances (For Homecoming, you will save at least $25 with ASB)
-Free Acalanes t-shirt at Dons Day (worth $15)
-Discounts at 12 local businesses when you show your ASB sticker on your ID card. 2026-2027 Businesses are:

• Millie’s American Kitchen - Free coffee with a minimum purchase of $35
• Johnny’s Donuts - One regular donut w/ the purchase of a dozen regular donuts or 1 donut hole w/ purchase of 1 donut
• Pizza Antica - 15% off an order
• Sideboard - Free non-alcoholic beverage w/ purchase of an entree
• Tutu’s - One complimentary non alcoholic beverage with the purchase of one entree. (Dine in only, not valid on to-go orders or purchases in the market)
• Local Kitchens - Class Fundraisers
• Vitality Bowls - $1 off
• Pinkies Nail Salon - 10% off
• Fabletics - 20% off @ broadway plaza location
• 360 Burrito - 10% off
• Oasis Cafe - 10% off
• Diablo Foods - 20% off a lunch with sandwich purchase

Week of Welcome
As we welcome our community back to the new school year, we have a full week of programming!
 
TOMORROW:
7:30-11:30am          Dons Day
11:00am                  ESC Orientation
11:30am                  Transfer Orientation (meet at the flag pole)
12:00-1:30pm          Frosh Orientation (meet at the PAC)
 
Tuesday (periods 1-7)
Lunch: ASB + Spirit Commissioners handing out popsicles
 
Wednesday (periods 1-7)
Lunch: Root beer floats in all the quads
 
Thursday (periods 1-3, 7)
Lunch: Week of welcome Carnival + 9th grade non Stanley lunch
 
Friday (periods 4, academy, 5, 6)
Academy: Welcome Back Rally (9, 11 wear blue; 10, 12 wear white)
Lunch: Otter pops in the frosh quad
7:00-8:30pm: Frosh social
 
Sunday: Senior BBQ + Car Painting 4:00-6:00pm
 
HOCO Theme Voting
Homecoming is just around the corner (Sep. 20-26) and voting for the theme is happening this week. Encourage your student to vote!
 
Student Clubs
Is your student interested in starting a club on campus? Club applications will be available later this week. In order to start a club, students must:

1. Fill out the application via a google form
2. Confirm a club advisor (must be a teacher)
3. Have at least 4 students confirmed

Clubs must meet regularly and follow requirements of a school club.
 
If you ever have any questions about student activities, you are always welcome to reach out to Katherine Walton, activities director. We are happy to help!
 
Go Dons! 💙
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.

College & Career

Give your student a Free PSAT, SAT or Digital ACT practice run with Revolution Prep.
Exam Details
SAT Practice Exam
Saturday, Aug 29 – 9:00am -12:00pm | Proctored online via Zoom
 
Digital ACT Practice Exam
Saturday, Sept 12 –9:00am -12:30pm | Proctored online via Zoom
 
SAT Practice Exam
Saturday, Sept 19 – 9:00am -12:00pm | Proctored online via Zoom
 
Register for the live practice exam & book your score review: www.revolutionprep.com/partners/acalaneshighschool/

Counseling

Counselor assignments are by student last name:
A-F               Anne Schonauer
G-Hul           Erika Vasquez on campus Tues/Fri
Hum-Pla       Marissa Meadows
Ple-Z            Susan Martin

Please note new Counselor Alpha Breakdown above - Erika Vasquez will be split 40% at Acalanes and 60% at Las Lomas High School this year. She will be on the AHS campus Tuesdays and Fridays, but will be available by email Monday through Friday.
 
Schedule Change Requests - Students may request schedule changes throughout the first ten days of school.  The Change Request Form will be posted on the AHS website home page at the end of the first day of school, Tuesday, Aug 11. We will only look at teacher change requests if the student has already had that teacher for a full year previously. We will give priority to requests based on date of request, grade level of student, and whether the change is required for graduation. All changes are made on a space-available basis only. Do not ask teachers if you can add their class - they are not aware of the changes/requests being made. Please fill out the online form and wait to see your name on the daily list posted in front of the Counseling Office. Once you see your name, you may come in and pick up your new schedule.
 
Grade Level Classroom Visits - Counselors will be visiting grade levels in classrooms starting on Thursday, Aug 20 and continuing through Wednesday, Sept 2. 
 
Senior Appointments -  Counselors will be calling in all 12th graders to discuss post-high school plans starting in early September. We will look at Maia Learning, discuss deadlines, documents needed for applications, and answer questions.

Wellness Center

Welcome back! The Acalanes Wellness Center is open and ready to support students throughout the school year. Our Wellness Center provides a welcoming, confidential space where students can receive emotional support, connect with resources, or simply take a moment to regroup during the school day.

If you are ever concerned about your child or one of their peers, we encourage you to submit a Wellness Referral. Our team will follow up with each referred student within one week.

Please remember that all Wellness Center services are confidential and completely voluntary.
We look forward to supporting our students throughout another great school year.

Performing & Visual Arts

The Acalanes Jazz Ensemble will be performing at Back to School night! Stop by the quad to show your support for our fantastic musicians!

LPIE

Welcome to the 2026–27 school year! As we kick off a new year, we invite you to join us at our upcoming events to connect with friends, build community, and support our students. We hope to see you there!

Friday, Aug 14 | 5:00–6:00pm | Western Flyer Brewing
New Family Welcome
New to the Lafayette School District or Acalanes? Join us to meet fellow new families, hear from our district superintendents, and get to know the LPIE team. We can't wait to welcome you!
Friday, Aug 14 | 6:00pm | Western Flyer Brewing
Back to LPIE
Celebrate the first week of school with friends, food, and fun! This free, adults-only event is open to everyone. Enjoy a hosted bar and light appetizers from 6:00–7:00pm as we kick off another great year together.
Friday, Aug 21 | 6:00pm


6th Annual Poker Tournament
Don't wait — this event sells out every year! Gather your friends, reserve your seats, and join us for an unforgettable evening of poker, great food, drinks, and community — all in support of Lafayette schools.
Purchase your tickets today at LPIE.org

Sports

Hey Acalanes – It's Time to Back Your Dons!
Now’s the time to grab your Acalanes Sports Booster Membership and support the athletes who make our community proud. With 4 membership levels, you’ll enjoy complimentary passes to home league games, exclusive merch perks, and the unbeatable feeling of backing all 27 sports that make Acalanes shine.
Did you know 74% of students play a sport, but funding doesn’t come from the district? Our incredible athletic programs rely entirely on parents, the community, and sponsors like YOU.
Join us:

• On the webstore
• At Dons Day
• Or at acalanesboosters.com

Every membership makes a difference. Every athlete feels it.
Support your Don — and all the Dons.
We’re 100% grateful.
___________________________
Fall Sports Night at Acalanes!
Thursday, Aug 13 | It all  starts at 6:15pm
Parents — don’t miss this exciting kickoff to the season! Whether you're new to Acalanes athletics or a seasoned sideline pro, this night sets you and your athlete up for success.
Get the inside scoop on what’s ahead from big wins to big support  and how you can be part of it.
6:15–6:55pm | DonsWear Pop-Up + Booster Memberships 
Gear up for game days with fresh DonsWear and secure your Sports Booster Membership: packed with perks like game passes, exclusive merch, and serious Don pride.
7:00pm | All-Parent Meeting + Fall Sports Breakouts

Join us in the PAC for a brief all-sports parent meeting, followed by your team-specific fall sports meeting. Meet your coaches, connect with other parents, and get prepped for a DONtastic season! 
___________________________
*The game schedule below 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 SportsBoosters.
 
This week’s can’t miss events:

Boys Water Polo
Friday, Aug 14 Varsity hosts Berkeley HS scrimmage at 4:00pm
Saturday, Aug 15 Varsity Alumni Game at 4:00pm
 
Girls Water Polo
Saturday, Aug 15 Varsity Alumni Game at 3:00pm
 
Girls Volleyball
Saturday, Aug 15 Varsity Campolindo Jamboree