Weekly News & Announcements

Campus Culture Committee

Upcoming Important Dates:

• May is Asian/Pacific Heritage month
• May is Mental Health Awareness Month
• May is Jewish American Heritage Month
• Campus Culture Committee Meeting  - be on the lookout for the final meeting this year

May is Asian/Pacific Heritage month. The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of Asian and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America's history and are instrumental in its future success. Their amazing website shows families and teachers ways to share the wonderful contributions Asian Americans have added to our culture.

Please find our table at Acalanes Athletics and Activities night on May 1 to get an ALL ARE WELCOME HERE t-shirt! For just $20 you can support the Campus Culture Committee of APC while wearing a stylish black tee that lets everyone know what the Dons are all about. Or you can reach out here for payment information and how to get your shirt. Available in M and L only at this time.

If you’d like to help with any celebrations or join in our cultural discussions, please contact the Campus Culture Committee here and 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

Schedule for the week:
TODAY @ 2pm: Matinee showing of Spongebob, the musical
TODAY @ 4pm: Spring Flag Football Tournament in the stadium
Wednesday @ lunch: Blue Heart Award Winner luncheon with Mr. Shawn
Wednesday @ 7pm: SPRING 10 event: Instrumental Concert
Thursday @ 5pm: 2029 Activities & Athletics Night
Friday @ lunch: ACA Buddies

Cards for the Noroozi Family. If you would like to make a card for the Noorozi family, there is stationary available in the front quad along with a basket to drop it off. We will make sure all cards are given to the family.

If your student runs a club this year, encourage them to re-register this club NOW so they don’t have to do it in spring. We are offering spring club re-up and applications are available now and due May 7th.
 
Lafayette Community Day & Drive to Thrive. THIS week we are running a donation drive for Drive to Thrive, which benefits local foster youth and youth impacted by trauma. Donate used clothing, accessories and housewares to the bin in front of the attendance office. Runs through Friday, May 2.
 

Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.

Katherine Walton, Activities Director

College & Career

Seniors should log into MaiaLearning and fill out their 2025 senior exit survey on their dashboard. This is important, as it’s the only way our registrar knows where to send your student’s final transcripts.
 
Juniors can access college planning support at the following academy session (Levy academy) on Apr 30: Filling out your activity list for UCs and the Common App.  

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
 
Final Progress Report: The latest grading period ended on Apr 25, and the final progress report of the year will be available this Friday in Aeries.
 
Seniors and graduation: Counselors are monitoring seniors in danger of not graduating - letters will be sent home and meetings will be scheduled. 
 
Summer school: If your student has a D/F grade to make up, they can enroll in AUHSD Summer School.  Las Lomas High School will be hosting summer school this year, and will run from Jun 9 to Jul 10. Students must attend summer school twice a week, but they can work through the class on the online platform any time during the week and potentially finish before Jul 10. 

School Nurse

School gets even busier over this last month, and many students feel overwhelmed and also get ill. You can support your students’ health and well-being by modeling healthy habits. Another helpful strategy (though not intuitive in our fast-paced culture) is to assist them in scheduling rest breaks to pace themselves. This will help them practice being grounded and help prevent overwhelm.
 
My office hours are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some* Thursdays
Tuesdays & Thursdays:  8am - 3:50pm
Wednesdays:  7:30am - 3:20pm
 
Please reach out to me for any support your students or family might need. You can access the medical forms page on my website HERE.

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

Wellness Center

In light of the recent tragedies within our school community and across the entire district, the Wellness Center will be offering programming and intentional spaces designed to bring students closer together in the upcoming weeks. It is important for students to know that they are not alone during these difficult times. All are welcome! The schedule of events is as follows:

• Monday- Those visiting the Wellness Center will be instructed to participate in their choice of mindfulness activities including coloring, origami, puzzles or tile painting.
• Tuesday- Every 30 minutes the Wellness Center team will lead guided meditation.
• Party Wednesday- Stop by the Wellness Center at any point in the day to relax and watch a live stream of cute animals like pandas, jellyfish, and sea otters.
• Thursday- Join in group discussions processing emotions and learning new self-care strategies.
• Friday- The Wellness Center will be showing a funny movie during lunch.

Performing & Visual Arts

Spring Instrumental Concert 2025
Join us for the Spring Concert presented by the amazing musicians of the Acalanes Instrumental Music program!

• When: Wednesday, Apr 30, 6:30pm
• Where: AHS Performing Arts Center
• Music Groups: Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra
• Admission Price: Free ($10 donation suggested)

Spring Choral Concert 2025
Join us for an evening of choral music at the Spring Choral Concert presented by the Acalanes Choir and Choral Student Groups.

• When:  Friday, May 16 at 7pm
• Where: AHS Performing Arts Center
• Admission Price: Free ($10 donation suggested)

 

 
Join Acalanes Performing Arts Boosters!
Performing Arts Boosters is a parent group that promotes and advocates for high quality performing arts education at Acalanes. There are open positions in the Instrumental Music subgroup as well as in the umbrella Boosters organization.

• Performing Arts Boosters
  • Member-at-Large
  • Treasurer 26-27 shadow role (QuickBooks)
  • Web Admin 26-27 shadow role (Wix & Google Workspace)
• Instrumental Music
  • Concert Attire Coordinator
  • Carpool Coordinator
  • Stanley Liaison
  • Publicity & Communications Coordinator
  • Programs & Posters Coordinator
  • House Manager

LPIE

Lafayette Community Survey Results
Earlier this year, more than 500 families responded to LPIE’s Community Survey—thank you for your time, honesty, and insights.

What You Told Us:  Many families want more clarity on school funding and the need for donations—especially in a public school context. Some were surprised to learn that both Lafayette and Acalanes Union High School Districts are operating at budget deficits, and that schools heavily rely on local support through LPIE and parcel taxes—not just property taxes or rent. You also shared personal barriers to giving. Some weren’t sure smaller gifts matter (they do!) and asked for more transparency around how funds are used. We hear you!

What Hasn’t Changed:  Every gift matters. While we agree public education shouldn’t rely on private funding, it currently does—and we’re deeply grateful to every family who chooses to invest in our students.

Want to Learn More or Get Involved?  We’d love to hear from you. Email our Executive Director, Danielle Gallagher at danielle@lpie.org.

Sports

*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:

Track & field
Monday, Apr 28 at Clayton Valley Charter HS at 3:30pm.
Saturday, May 3 DAL Trials at Campolindo HS.
 
Boys golf
Monday, Apr 28 Las Lomas HS at Contra Costa CC 3pm.
Tuesday, Apr 29 Miramonte HS at Orinda CC 3:30pm.
Wednesday, Apr 30 Gambetta Invitational at Lone Tree GC.
 
Boys lacrosse
Monday, Apr 28 at College Park HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Tuesday, Apr 29 host Clayton Valley Charter HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, May 2 at Las Lomas HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
 
Girls lacrosse
Tuesday, Apr 29 at Clayton Valley Charter HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, May 2 host Campolindo HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
 
Baseball
Tuesday, Apr 29 Campolindo HS at 4pm. Varsity home and JV away.
Thursday, May 1 Campolindo HS at 4pm. Varsity away and JV home.
Saturday, May 3 Freshmen at Bishop O’Dowd HS at 10am and 1pm.
 
Softball
Tuesday, Apr 29 Clayton Valley Charter HS at 4:30pm. Varsity away and JV home.
Thursday, May 1 College Park HS at 4:30pm. Varsity home and JV away.
 
Boys volleyball
Tuesday, Apr 29 hosts Northgate HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 6:30pm.
Thursday, May 1 at Campolindo HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 6:30pm.
 
Beach volleyball
Wednesday, Apr 30 Clayton Valley Charter HS at Heather Farms at 4pm.
Thursday, May 1 Clayton Valley Charter HS at Heather Farms at 4pm.
 
Swimming
Thursday, May 1 DAL Trials at Campolindo HS at 2:15pm.
Saturday, May 3 DAL Finals at Campolindo HS. JV at 10am and Varsity at 12pm.
 
Boys tennis
Thursday, May 1 DAL Singles and Doubles Championship at Northgate HS at 10am.
Friday, May 2 DAL Singles and Doubles Championship at Acalanes HS at 2pm.

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

Legislative News

Something exciting arrived in the mail this week—your Measure T ballot!
Measure T provides locally-controlled funding to maintain our high-quality high school instruction and retain our excellent local teachers. It requires a steep two-thirds support rate AND is on the ballot during an off-year. All this means that every vote counts in this special election!
 
Turning out the parent vote is critical to our campaign’s strategy to win and protect our local high schools. You can help us today by filling out your ballot early!
 
Return your ballot in three simple steps:

1. Find your ballot, it should be arriving this week
2. Vote YES on T to protect quality local high schools
3. Sign your ballot’s return envelope and mail it back today — no postage required. You can also turn it in at a local ballot drop box.

For more information about voting and drop box locations, please click here. Reminder, ballots are due by Tuesday, May 6! Early parent voting is essential to our campaign’s success!
 
We are still looking for volunteers! Please consider sharing some of your time by helping us get the vote out!  And, if you would like a lawn sign, click here!

General Administration Announcements

PLEASE CARPOOL ON FRIDAY, APRIL 25

Acalanes is very excited to host the Special Olympics this Friday. There will be buses and many visitors coming to campus so we expect parking may be challenging. Please encourage your students to carpool on Friday!

OUR AP STUDENTS NEED YOUR HELP!
We are searching for parents to help with proctoring AP exams from May 5 - May 16. Exams start everyday at either 8am or 12pm. Students know to show up 30 minutes prior to start time for check in. Proctors for morning exams would need to start at 7:15am and afternoon exams at 11:15am. Exams can range from 2-6 hours and you should plan to stay for the longest amount of time possible. Restrictions: Parents, you are NOT allowed to proctor an exam that your own child is taking.
 
We especially need help on these dates/at these times:

• Morning and noon exams on Wednesday, May 7
• Noon exams on Tuesday, May 13
• Morning exam of Wednesday, May 14
• Morning and noon exams on Thursday, May 15
• Noon exams on Friday, May 16

You can volunteer your time or receive pay.
 
If you are interested in learning more about proctoring AP exams, please contact the Acalanes Testing Coordinator, Jamielle McDonald at jmcdonald@auhsdschools.org

APC in Action

2025-2026 ACALANES PARENTS CLUB BOARD SLATE
We are proud to announce our slate of nominees for the 2025-26 APC Board of Directors. A big thank you to this year’s Nominating Committee for their time and dedication in placing these amazing volunteers. The APC general membership will vote to approve the slate at the spring general meeting, immediately preceding Dons Dialogue on Friday, May 16 at 8:45am. If you have any questions, please contact APC Parliamentarian, Sarah Cusumano.
 
2024-2025 Parents Club Board Nominees
Presidents: Jocelyn Birrell
VP Special Projects: Jennie Dobies
VP Communications: Kendra Uffelman
VP Community Partners: Lynna McPhatter-Harris
VP Fundraising: Jen Ruhl
VP Services: Ali Krick
Co-Head Liaisons: Sarah Cusumano & Amy Lewis
Secretary: Kimberly Grover
Treasurer: Rick Phillips
Assistant Treasurer: Sierra Culbertson
Auditor: Courtney Griffin
Past President/Parliamentarian: Michele Colaco & Andrea Hilsabeck
 
Acalanes Parent Volunteer Opportunity
There is still time to volunteer this school year! Join in on a fun and unique on-campus volunteer opportunity! We are looking for parent volunteers to help keep the cafeteria line running smoothly. Volunteer shifts are less than an hour and are on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Sign up for one shift or multiple shifts! This is a fun and easy way to get involved during lunch at Acalanes--and even better, you can sign up 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. Thank you for your support!

APC Membership & Fundraising

Looking for a GREAT graduation gift? Or a lasting end of year gift?
Say it in stone!
 
Leave a lasting tribute to your Acalanes student by purchasing a custom engraved brick on the Dons Legacy Wall (located by the front office). Your $300 donation covers the cost of your personally engraved brick while also supporting the Acalanes Parents Club. 

What better way to leave a legacy? Graduates will return to Acalanes year after year… and with heartfelt nostalgia, feel right at home seeing their name and personalized message on their very own brick as part of the Dons Legacy Wall. This is also a great way to honor your favorite teacher, staff member or Acalanes program or class.

You can purchase your brick here. Contact Legacy Brick Coordinator Leanne Zimmerman at leanne.zimm@gmail.com with any questions.
 
Congratulations to the class of 2025!