• Performing & Visual Arts

    January 26, 2025

    Lafayette Schools Band/Orchestra Concerts - Jan 27-29, 7pm at Stanley Middle School
    Acalanes Instrumental Music ensembles will be performing with Lafayette elementary and middle school students in the Stanley gym on the following days:

    • Jan 27 - Acalanes HS Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble
    • Jan 28 - Acalanes HS Wind Ensemble
    • Jan 29 - Acalanes HS Orchestra

    All are welcome to attend and enjoy the musical celebration!

  • LPIE

    January 26, 2025

    LPIE Community Survey
    For 45 years, our community has had an annual tradition of donating money to support our public schools. This local support provides critical funding for programs that state funding doesn’t support but that we think are essential components of an excellent and well rounded education. Currently, 49% of families have donated this year and we want to better understand how we can inspire greater participation.
     
    Will you take 4 minutes to share your thoughts in this survey? The survey is anonymous and will remain open until Jan 30, 2025.
     

    Our school districts are facing budget deficits and potential cuts to the programs we value most. Together, we can minimize the impact of these challenges and keep our schools thriving. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. We greatly appreciate your support!


    NOMINATIONS FOR LEGACY AWARD
    LPIE is accepting nominations for the Tom Mulvaney Legacy Award, which honors individuals, families, or businesses demonstrating exceptional commitment to the LPIE mission. Submit your nomination HERE by Feb 2 at midnight. The winner will be announced at LPIE's 7th Annual Spring Gala on Mar 22.

    LPIE IS CURRENTLY RECRUITING FOR A 2025-26 GALA AUCTION CHAIR
    The Gala auction is LPIE's signature annual fundraising event that raises critical funding for all students in Lafayette’s six public schools. The Gala Auction Chair plays a crucial role in leading auction item procurement, event planning and logistics, and ensuring the success of the event. Without someone in this role, the Gala simply cannot happen, impacting LPIE’s ability to provide full funding to our schools next year. 
     
    This is an incredible opportunity to showcase your leadership skills, connect with our community, and drive a project that truly matters. If you’re interested in applying for this rewarding role or would like to recommend someone, please reach out to LPIE's Past President, Jaia Kaufman, at jaiakaufman@gmail.com.

  • Sports

    January 26, 2025



    *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 Sports Boosters.

    This week’s can’t miss events:
     
    Girls soccer
    Monday, Jan 27 host Alameda HS. JV at 5pm, Varsity at 7pm.
    Thursday, Jan 30 at Las Lomas HS. JV at 5pm, Varsity at 7pm.
    Saturday, Feb 1 Frosh-soph hosts Carondelet HS at 9am and at Bishop O’Dowd HS at 2pm.
     
    Boys soccer
    Tuesday, Jan 28 at Mt. Diablo HS. JV at 5pm, Varsity at 7pm.
    Thursday, Jan 30 host Las Lomas HS. Frosh at 4pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:15pm.
    Saturday, Feb 1 host Richmond HS. JV at 3pm, Varsity at 5pm.
    Saturday, Feb 1 Frosh host Emerald HS at 1pm.
     
    Girls basketball
    Tuesday, Jan 28 host Mt. Diablo HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
    Thursday, Jan 30 host Clayton Valley Charter HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
    Saturday, Feb 1 Host McClatchy HS. JV at 1pm and Varsity at 2:30pm.
     
    Boys basketball
    Tuesday, Jan 28 at Mt. Diablo HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
    Thursday, Jan 30 at Clayton Valley Charter HS. Frosh at 4:30pm, JV at 6pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
    Saturday, February 1 Host Benicia HS.  Freshmen at 4:30 pm, JV at 6:00 pm and Varsity at 7:30 pm.
     
    Wrestling
    Wednesday, Jan 29 v. Berean Christian HS and Miramonte HS at Concord HS at 5pm.
    Saturday, Feb 1 Varsity in Hunter Diemert Memorial Invitational at Livermore HS.
    Girls in Goddess of the Vine at Clayton Valley Charter HS.
    JV in NCS tournament at Dougherty Valley HS. 

    You may view the full 2024-2025 Athletic Schedule by clicking HERE.

  • General Administration Announcements

    January 19, 2025

    Helpful Resources for Course Selection
     
    It’s Course Selection time for the 2025-2026 school year!  Course selections (and alternates) should be entered into Aeries by Monday, Feb 3 (although students are able to make changes through Feb 10! Acalanes has a wealth of resources available to assist you and your students in the process.
     
    Dons Dialogue | Jan 17 @ 8:45am
    Counselors will review the course selection process for parents, the new course video resources will be introduced and we will continue department and course highlights. See below for the full agenda.
     
    Counselor Class Visits | Jan 21-30
    School counselors will visit students in their classes to discuss the course selection process, how to submit course requests on the Aeries portal, and how to review the registration packet. Counselors will share the course video resources with students.
     
    Course Preview & Open House | Jan 30 @ 5:30pm
    This night is a valuable resource for current frosh, sophomores and juniors who are mapping out their future courses, as well as an excellent way for incoming 9th grade students to experience all that Acalanes has to offer. It's also a great way to connect with fellow Acalanes parents. See below for more information and break-out timing.
     
    Counselor Appointments | Feb 3-10
    All students will meet with their counselor for a pre-assigned 5-minute appointment during the school day to discuss their course selection and alternate choices. This meeting is to confirm that students have submitted their courses and alternates into the Aeries portal.

    • Frosh counselor appointments - Feb 3 - 4
    • Sophomore counselor appointments - Feb 4 - 6
    • Junior counselor appointments - Feb 6 - 11

    COURSE PREVIEW & OPEN HOUSE - for students and parents
    Thursday, Jan 30:

    • 5:30pm | Acalanes Parents Club hosted reception
    • 5:45pm | Incoming 9th grade family meeting
    • 6:15 - 8pm | Drop-in opportunities
    • 6:35 - 7pm | Breakout session 1
    • 7:05 - 7:30pm | Breakout session 2
    • 7:35 - 8pm | Breakout session 3

  • APC in Action

    January 19, 2025

    Volunteer in the New Year!
    We have a fun and unique opportunity to volunteer on campus!  We are looking for volunteers to help look after the student lunch line in the cafeteria on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Volunteer shifts are less than an hour and there are a lot of dates to choose from. Sign up once or for multiple shifts! This is a super easy and fun way to volunteer at Acalanes and a great opportunity to volunteer with a friend! Click HERE to learn more and to sign up!  Please check in at the front office when you arrive for your volunteer shift.

    Follow Acalanes Parents Club on Instagram. Please reach out to APC here with any questions.

     

  • Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

    January 19, 2025

    Support the Garden Club and buy Acalanes-grown succulents! Plants can be purchased through the Acalanes webstore for $5.25. They will be delivered to your student during 3rd period, or you can pick them up at the main office at Acalanes. Thanks for your support!

     

  • Campus Culture Committee

    January 19, 2025

    Important January Dates

    • Jan 20: Martin Luther King Jr Day
    • Jan 27: APC Campus Culture Committee meeting
    • Jan 27: International Holocaust Remembrance Day
    • Jan 29 - Feb 16: Lunar New Year

    T-shirts are coming!! The open house/course preview is on Thursday Jan 30 and we will be at a table in the quad with our new “All are Welcome” T-shirts for sale. Please stop by and pick one up, along with a free sticker.
     
    Our next Campus Culture Committee meeting has been pushed to Jan 27 due to the MLK holiday. Parents and caregivers of currently enrolled students are invited to attend at 6pm online. Please email us to be added to the event. 

    Martin Luther King Jr Day is a time that we celebrate, commemorate and honor the life, legacy and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King. King was chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which protested racial discrimination in federal and state law and civil society. The movement led to several groundbreaking legislative reforms in the United States.

    If you’d like to be a part of the upcoming 2025 celebrations, such as Black Excellence Month and Lunar New Year, please contact the DEIB committee here.

    Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with what the students are doing to celebrate all of these wonderful cultures and special dates.

     

  • Student Activities

    January 19, 2025

    SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK
    Tuesday lunch: Frosh study hall in room 314 + leadership applications available
    Wednesday: 
    - Academy: Enviro council on the impact technology has on the environment
    - Lunch: Class Cup Family Feud + Karaoke
    Thursday at 7pm: Girls soccer vs. Miramonte (Big 10)
    Friday
    - 7:30am: Senior breakfast in the big gym
    - Academy: Survivor rally
    - 7:30pm: Boys basketball vs. Campo (Big 10)

    As many of you know, the recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed at least 24 lives and displaced over 180,000 people. In response, Community Outreach is organizing a drive to support relief efforts and is kindly requesting donations to aid those affected. We are partnering with two organizations:

    • The LA Fire Department Foundation, which provides essential resources and support to firefighters on the front lines.
    • World Central Kitchen, which is delivering meals to individuals and families who have been displaced by the fires.

    Throughout this week, we will be collecting donations during lunch, walking around the quads with a QR code, and will set up a table at the boys varsity basketball game on Jan 24 at 7:30pm. Your contributions will directly help those who have lost their homes or been forced to evacuate. Together, we can make a difference in their recovery journey!

    Leadership Applications, 2025-2026
    Leadership applications for the 2025-2026 school year will be available beginning Tuesday in the Daily Don and on Canvas. Leadership is open to all grades and drives student programming on campus. There are 16 different committees and a space for everyone. There is an informational lunch meeting on Tuesday, Jan 28 in room 314 and it is a great chance to learn more. Applications are due Feb 4. 
     
    BIG 10 in January
    Students have designed the BIG 10 as a way for our community to SHOW UP & SHOW OUT to these 10 events that take place across campus. The remaining schedule for January:
    Thursday, Jan 23 at 7pm: Girls soccer vs. Miramonte
    Friday, Jan 24 at 7:30pm: Boys basketball vs. Campo
    Wednesday, Jan 29 at 7pm: Girls basketball vs. Clayton Valley
     
    New Clubs and Spring Club Day
    Club applications for any students looking to start a new club will be available this week in the Daily Don and due on Wednesday, Jan 22. We will have our spring club day at lunch on Wednesday, Jan 29. It is a great opportunity to connect with our clubs and their leadership teams.
     
    Class Cup: Family Feud
    Classes will come together to compete in Family Feud - Acalanes style. Encourage your student to come watch this week on Wednesday during lunch in the big gym.
     
    KEY 2ND SEMESTER DATES:
    Jan 24: Senior breakfast + all school rally + boys basketball vs. Campo
    Jan 29 @ lunch: Spring club day
    Jan 30: Open House
    March 13: 1st ever community rally
    Mar 18: Talent show
    Apr 18: Special Olympics
    Apr 19: Junior & senior prom
    Apr 23-26: School musical
     

    Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
     
    Katherine Walton, Activities Director

  • College & Career

    January 19, 2025

    Senior Scholarships

    • AAUW Scholarship for a female senior with significant community service - applications are due Feb 12.
    • Tri Counties Bank Scholarship for seniors who demonstrate interest in public service, community engagement and business entrepreneurship - applications are due Mar 12.

    Frosh/Sophomores: Send your students by the College and Career Center to begin working on their resumes on Maia Learning. No appointment needed. Ms. Levy can show them how to log in and begin the process.

  • Counseling

    January 19, 2025

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

    Course Selection Presentations Counselors will be visiting 9th grade PE classes on Jan 21 and Jan 22 to hand out course selection sheets for the 25-26 school year! We will talk about the process and the ways they can inform themselves and make good decisions for next year. 10th grade English classes will be visited on Jan 23 and Jan 24 and 11th grade USH classes will be visited on Jan 28 and Jan 29.
     
    Open House/Course Preview Night Thursday, Jan 30 Acalanes will host their annual Open House/Course Preview Night. This is a great opportunity to check out classes of interest for next year. All 9th-11th grade students and parents are invited! 
     
    Individual Appointments with Counselors Feb 3-11 Students will be assigned an appointment time with their counselor to turn in their course selection form and review their course selections for next year. This appointment time will be on a label on the front of their course selection sheet. 

  • School Nurse

    January 19, 2025

    Dear Acalanes Families,
    The LA wildfires have consumed a lot of my attention over the last week+. Two of my kids’ families are there, as well as lots of relatives and friends. I’m sure that is true for many Acalanes families. We are no strangers to these types of catastrophes and it is a reminder that we need to always be aware and prepared. To that end, I want to encourage you to download this early version of a Go Bag list that I have compiled. I think this is a good family project to work on together. It’s particularly empowering for you kids to have a sense that they will know what they can do in case of an emergency evacuation.

    Again, I want to encourage you to use the SMART goal framework to move forward with your emergency plan and preparation:

    • Specific: Set a specific task (I will gather all supplies on the list that I can find)
    • Measureable: You will know if you did it
    • Achievable: Is it something you can realistically do?
    • Relevant: I think emergency preparation is relevant for all of us!
    • Time-Bound: Set a timeframe (e.g. Sunday morning at 11 am)

    I’d really like to hear what you think of this list and the SMART Goal Framework.  Can you think of additional items? Please share those with me.

    ILLNESS PREVENTION
    There is a surge in Norovirus in the Bay Area right now. Norovirus is passed by coming into contact with contaminated surfaces, food and water, and infected persons. Have you forgotten to remain vigilant with hand hygiene? Regular hand washing is best, then hand sanitizers.
     
    Please reach out to me for any support your students or family might need.
     Here’s to a healthy and fulfilling start to 2025!

    My office hours are:
    Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some* Thursdays
    Tuesdays & Thursdays:  8am - 3:50pm
    Wednesdays:  7:30am - 3:20pmHappy New Year!

    Always Your School Nurse,
    Dvora Citron, RN, MS
    dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128
    IG: acalanesschoolnurse, ​School Nurse Website

  • Wellness Center

    January 19, 2025

    Are you or someone you know interested in quitting tobacco use? Kick It California is a free program that helps Californians kick smoking, vaping, and smokeless tobacco with the help of proven, science-based strategies. Clinically proven, culturally sensitive, and trusted, Kick It California, formerly the California Smokers’ Helpline, opened in 1992 as the first publicly funded statewide quitline. They now offer individual telephone counseling, a texting program, online chat, a smart phone app, Alexa Skill for quit smoking tips, and self-help materials. Take the first step toward quitting by visiting https://kickitca.org/. In Contra Costa County, you can also call 2-1-1 for a direct referral to Kick It California. 

  • Performing & Visual Arts

    January 19, 2025

    Lafayette Schools Choral Concert - Jan 23, 7pm at Stanley Middle School
    The Acalanes Choir is excited to perform at the Lafayette Schools Choral Concert. Come enjoy vocal music performances by Lafayette students of all ages.
     
    Folsom Jazz Festival - Jan 25, Folsom High School
    The top-ranked Jazz Combos and Jazz Ensemble (1st & 2nd place, respectively, in 2024!) will represent Acalanes at this premier Jazz Festival. Let’s cheer on our musical Dons as they compete in this ranked festival.
     
    Lafayette Schools Band/Orchestra Concerts - Jan 27-29, 7pm at Stanley Middle School
    Acalanes Instrumental Music ensembles will be performing with Lafayette elementary and middle school students in the Stanley gym on the following days:

    • Jan 27 - Acalanes HS Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble
    • Jan 28 - Acalanes HS Wind Ensemble
    • Jan 29 - Acalanes HS Orchestra

    All are welcome to attend and enjoy the musical celebration!