-
College & Career
SENIORS: College visits begin this week. Students must sign up on MaiaLearning under Events in order to attend. They must also communicate with teachers in advance and pick up a PASS from the College and Career Center.
Monday, Aug 17
Saint Mary’s College @ 12:10pm
Thursday, Aug 20
TCU (Texas Christian University) @ 10:00am
Miami University-Oxford @ 10:35am
Utah State @ 11:10am
Dartmouth College @ 11:45am
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/
Cornell University, Emory University, Pomona College, Rice University and Washington University in St. Louis are proud to present LAUNCH (Linking Access, Unity, Networking, Collaboration and Higher Education). You'll virtually meet admission officers from all five partner institutions and learn more about what unites us. -
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 continue to request schedule changes throughout the first ten days of school - ending on Monday, Aug 24. The Change Request is posted on the AHS Website and linked here. 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 class requested 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, Sep 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
Fall Play Auditions Start Thursday, Aug 20!
The DramaDon’s are excited to announce auditions for Macbeth by William Shakespeare!- Visit the Drama Room for additional details including signing up for Auditions.
- Auditions are by appointment on Thursday, Aug 20 and Tuesday, Aug 25.
- We have time slots available after school and during 7th period.
- You will audition with a monologue (provided in the audition packet).
- Memorization is not required.
- All Acalanes students are eligible.
- No singing required.
- The play runs Wednesday, Oct 21 through Saturday, Oct 24
-
LPIE
Last Call for the 6th Annual Poker Tournament
Friday, Aug 21 | 6:00pm
Don't wait — ticket sales close Monday, Aug 17 at 12:00pm! 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
NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
A new California law (SB 848) has changed the requirements for volunteers in schools. Volunteers who interact with students outside the immediate supervision of a parent or school employee (parent drivers, overnight field trip chaperones, regular volunteers) must now complete Mandated Reporter training, fingerprinting, and TB clearance. The administration has
created a volunteer handbook that outlines the new requirements to volunteer at Acalanes.- For volunteers who provide limited service (snack shack duty or helping at Mascot Day), very little has changed - volunteers can just get a visitor badge in the office and start volunteering.
- Ongoing volunteer service without driving: Level One clearance is required. This includes fingerprints, TB clearance, and Mandated Reporter training, which takes about 45 minutes total.
- Parent drivers: Level Two clearance is required — fingerprints, TB clearance, and Mandated Reporter training, plus the annual driver's clearance form with license and insurance declarations.
The administration has also built a portal for securely uploading your clearance documents. More information coming regarding times and opportunities for Acalanes parents to complete TB and fingerprint requirements at no cost.
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
- Or at acalanesboosters.com
Every membership makes a difference. Every athlete feels it.
Support your Don — and all the Dons.
We’re 100% grateful.
*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:Flag football
Monday, Aug 17 hosts Castro Valley HS scrimmage. Varsity and JV at 7:00pm.
Thursday, Aug 20 at Piedmont HS. JV at 6:00pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Girls golf
Monday, Aug 17 Northgate HS at Contra Costa CC at 3:30pm.
Girls volleyball
Thursday, Aug 20 at San Ramon Valley HS. Freshman at 4:30 pm, JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7:00 pm.
Saturday, Aug 22 Campolindo Jamboree. JV at 9:00am and JV at 1:00pm.
Boys water polo
Saturday, Aug 22 Acalanes scrimmage at 12:00pm.
Girls water polo
Saturday, Aug 22 Monte Vista scrimmage day. -
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!
