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College & Career
Career Quiz: Share this link with your students. It takes about 10 minutes to complete and provides insight into career opportunities.
Seniors: Please come by the College and Career Center during 6th,7th, Academy, lunch, and brunch to work on your Common Application and UC application. Tips and strategies provided during all sessions. MaiaLearning tutorials are also provided at each visit. Great tips here!
Sports Recruiting Presentation: Acalanes is hosting a presentation for families of student athletes. This will be held on Sept 9 at 7pm in the PAC. Students and parents of all grades and sports are welcome to attend. For more information, click here. -
Counseling
Counselor assignments are by student last name:
A-F Anne Schonauer
G-Ka Erika Vasquez
Ke-Re Marissa Meadows
Rh-Z Susan MartinNEW COUNSELOR ALPHA With the recent decision by the Board to cut counselor staffing at Acalanes, we have had to redistribute our students to accommodate this change. Ms. Schonauer, Ms. Meadows and Ms. Martin have taken on extra students, while Ms. Vasquez will have a reduced caseload. Ms. Vasquez is now working a split position between Acalanes and Miramonte. She will be on campus M/W/Th, and will be at Miramonte Tu/F. She is always available by email or phone M-F. If your student needs something urgently on a day she is not at Acalanes, they can always ask another counselor for help.
CLASS SCHEDULES Class change requests can be made via a google form on the main page of the AHS website. All changes will be made on a space-available basis and are not guaranteed. Any teacher change requests will not be accommodated - however, we will try to move a student to a new teacher if they have had the teacher for a full year previously. Students have the first ten days of school to finalize their schedules (until Aug 26).
DROP DEADLINE Students may ADD a class during the first ten days of school only, but they may DROP a class at any time during the first quarter, which ends on Oct 11. After this date, any class dropped will receive an automatic F grade. -
Wellness Center
The Wellness team wants to welcome everyone to the 24-25 school year! We look forward to serving our AHS students and providing them with mental health and wellness resources throughout the year.
The Wellness Center is closed for drop ins until Monday Aug 26 as we prepare for new support counselors and move locations. However, we’re always available to support students in crisis. This year, we will be located in the glass hallway next to the main office in room 8. The space will be bigger which will allow us to accommodate more students looking for wellness services. Please encourage your students to drop by to check out the new space when we open. Cheers to the best school year yet! -
LPIE
Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! Our Annual Giving Campaign is underway, and we hope every family will support our students, teachers, and schools by making a donation to LPIE. Many people ask why their donation is needed—watch this brief video to understand the funding challenges facing Lafayette public schools and how your contribution can make a difference. Every gift is appreciated and helps ensure that nearly 4,410 students in our six public schools receive the exceptional education we all want for our children. LPIE's suggested donation is $1,850 per student, but we are grateful for contributions at all levels. Please click here to donate and support our schools today!
Join us for LPIE’s first-ever Bowling Tournament—a night of strikes, spares, and serious fun! Grab a friend, rock your best bowling outfit, and bring your A-game to help us raise money for our schools! Tickets go on sale Monday, Aug 19 at 9am Click here to snag yours and let the good times roll! -
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:
Boys water polo
Tuesday, Aug 20 host Washington HS scrimmage. Varsity at 4:30pm and JV at 5:30pm.
Wednesday, Aug 21 host Dougherty Valley HS scrimmage. Varsity at 4:30pm and JV at 5:30pm.
Girls water polo
Thursday, Aug 22 host Carondelet HS scrimmage. Varsity at 6:15pm and JV at 7:15pm.
Saturday, Aug 24 Campolindo JV Jamboree.
Flag football
Saturday, Aug 24 host Berkeley HS, Piedmont HS, Skyline HS scrimmage at 9am.
Football
Saturday, Aug 24 host Kennedy, Fremont HS, Tamalpais HS, Vallejo HS scrimmage. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Saturday, Aug 24 Frosh host Heritage HS, San Leandro HS scrimmage at 3:30pm.
You may view the full 2024-2025 Athletic Schedule by clicking HERE. -
General Administration Announcements
Welcome Back! Please review all of the important information included in Principal Shawn’s email from Thursday, Aug 8. Click here to view the recent school emails in Aeries Parent Square.
First Week of School Schedule
We have an adjusted bell schedule for the first week of school. Please share with your students. Tuesday and Wednesday are Anchor Days (aka “see all days”), Thursday and Friday will follow the regular block schedule.
See the APC in Action section below for more important dates. -
APC in Action
Important reminders from APC to help make back to school time a success.
- Dons Day is tomorrow, Monday, Aug 12 from 7:30-11:30am! Please complete your annual online registration in Aeries before coming to Dons Day. As a part of registration, please visit the Acalanes Web Store and check out how to support all Acalanes partners, such as APC. You can also purchase yearbooks, class activity funds, ASB card, apparel and more!
- If you are a 9th or 10th grade family and still need residency verification, please come to the collaboration center starting at 7:30am. Please bring all of the necessary proof of residency documentation listed here. We recommend bringing copies to expedite the process.
- Frosh Orientation will be held from 12-1:30pm and meets in the Performing Arts Center (PAC).
- New Parent Orientation meets in the library from 12-1pm.
- Transfer students are invited to meet near the flagpole at 11:30am for an orientation and tour.
- Please remember there is an adjusted bell schedule for the first week of school. Tuesday and Wednesday are anchor days (aka “see all” days”). Thursday and Friday follow the regular block schedule.
- Volunteer opportunities: In case you missed it in the registration process, please complete this volunteer form so we know what you’re interested in helping with this year. There are plenty of parent volunteer opportunities, starting with Homecoming this fall!
Join us for the Dons Dialogue Friday, Aug 23 at 8:45am in the Collaboration Center:
Acalanes Parents Club is pleased to invite you to our first Dons Dialogue of the 2024-2025 school year! Dons Dialogues are the best way to find out what’s going on at Acalanes!These monthly forums provide parents with the opportunity to hear directly from Principal Eric Shawn and other AHS faculty regarding academics, student activities, department information, hot topics on campus, plus open Q&A. APC will provide coffee and treats. All parents/caregivers welcome.
Please reach out to APC here with any questions.
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APC Membership & Fundraising
Acalanes Parents Club has committed $219,000 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 *College & Career Services *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 $350 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, if so, contact corpmatch@acalanesparentsclub.com for further information.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! -
Acalanes Community Always (ACA)
A Few Important Dates!
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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)
This Month’s Important Dates:
Aug 12 International Youth Day
Aug 26 Women’s Equality Day
Welcome back DONS!!! We are so glad you are here! Please join us this year in making sure all students, staff, and families feel welcome each and every time they step on our campus. The APC DEIB Committee is here to help students and families promote diversity, equity, inclusivity and belonging in every aspect of our school. From classrooms to clubs to parent education nights, our goal is to help provide spaces of discussion where we can learn from one another. If you would like to be a part of this group, please visit our table at DONS DAY or send us an email at diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com .
On Aug 12 the United Nations recognizes International Youth Day by bringing youth issues to the attention of the international community and celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society. You can learn more about the UN Holidays and Celebrations by clicking the links to discover why they are so important.
And…Please check out the new AUHSD DEIB website for many great resources and events!
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook. -
Student Activities
Welcome back to the 2024-2025 school year! And to new families, welcome to the Acalanes community! We are so glad you are here. A few announcements and reminders as we start the year:
ASB Stickers: Thank you to all who have purchased the ASB sticker via the webstore! There is still time to purchase and this money drives student activities at Acalanes. ASB costs $110 and the sticker gets printed on the ID Card. Perks include:- Free spirit shirt
- Discounts at local businesses
- Free admission to home athletic events
- Discounts to on campus dances
Acalanes summer spiritwear - store is open until Friday!
Looking for new student designed spiritwear? You can buy now through Aug 16 and proceeds benefit the classes of 2025, 2026, 2027 & 2028.
Dons Day: Encourage your student to check out their class table tomorrow morning, along with our clubs, who will also have tables. It is a great way to get connected!
Frosh Orientation is tomorrow from 12-1:30pm and is all student led. Students can check in at the PAC. The Transfer Student Orientation is from 11:30am-12:30pm and students will meet in front of the flagpole.
Homecoming informational meetings will be held Monday, Aug 19. These are a great chance for your student to learn more, get involved and experience an incredible tradition at Acalanes High School. Homecoming week runs from Sept 15-21.
New and Returning Club Applications: Anyone can start a club at Acalanes and we encourage students to do so. Club applications will be available for any new or returning club on Monday, Aug 19 and due on Thursday, Aug 29. There is a mandatory meeting at lunch on Wednesday, Aug 23 in room 314 for anyone interested in starting or renewing a club.
Class Shirts: Friday, Aug 16 is the last chance to order your class shirt via the webstore. Students typically wear their class shirts to rallies and other on campus events and this is a great fundraiser for each class. Shirts will be distributed in mid Sept during lunch - more details coming soon!
A few additional important dates:
Sep. 15-21 Homecoming 2024
Apr 19: Junior & Senior Prom
My goal is that every student at Acalanes is connected to one activity outside of class. I am always happy to meet with students and/or parents about on campus programming and opportunities. If I can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
Katherine Walton, Activities Director -
Counseling
Counselor assignments are by student last name:
A-F Anne Schonauer
G-Ka Erika Vasquez
Ke-Re Marissa Meadows
Rh-Z Susan Martin
NEW COUNSELOR ALPHA With the recent decision by the Board to cut counselor staffing at Acalanes, we have had to redistribute our students to accommodate this change. Ms. Schonauer, Ms. Meadows and Ms. Martin have taken on extra students, while Ms. Vasquez will have a reduced caseload. Ms. Vasquez is now working a split position between Acalanes and Miramonte. She will be on campus M/W/Th, and will be at Miramonte Tu/F. She is always available by email or phone M-F. If your student needs something urgently on a day she is not at Acalanes, they can always ask another counselor for help.
DONS DAY and CLASS SCHEDULES We are excited to see our students tomorrow as they pick up their schedules! It’s always so fun to reconnect and hear about summer adventures. Please have your student email us immediately if there is an error in their schedule - missing a period, in the wrong class, two classes in the same period, etc. Any class change requests will be accepted from students beginning Wednesday afternoon, Aug14. We will post a Schedule Change Request Form on the main page of the AHS website at that time. All changes will be made on a space-available basis and are not guaranteed. Any teacher change requests will not be accommodated - however, we will try to move a student to a new teacher if they have had the teacher for a full year previously. Students have the first ten days of school to finalize their schedules (until Aug 26).
DROP DEADLINE Students may ADD a class during the first ten days of school only, but they may DROP a class at anytime during the first quarter, which ends on Oct 11. After this date, any class dropped will receive an automatic F grade. -
School Nurse
Welcome Dons to our 2024-25 School Year!
I will be present at Dons’ Day if you have any questions, updated forms to submit, or just to say HI!
You can access the Medical Forms page HERE or use the QR code below.
My office hours are:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some* Thursdays
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 8am - 3:50pm
Wednesdays: 7:30am - 3:20pm
AHS School Nurse Calendar
See my website for more information.
Always Your School Nurse,
Dvora Citron, RN, MS
dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128
IG: acalanesschoolnurse, School Nurse Website
Social Media
