Weekly News & Announcements

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

PARENT ED EVENT:
"Coping with Family Transitions:  When Your Child Leaves Home"
Our community is hosting an event on Wednesday, April 30 from 6:30-8pm with Joseph Ianora, a licensed therapist and former principal.  This workshop will be primarily for parents of seniors who will be experiencing a transition at the end of the school year. The goal is to help parents navigate the changes that occur in the family unit. All are welcome!
 
Date: Wednesday, April 30
Time: 6:30-8pm
Location: Acalanes Library


Welcome Class of 2029
Acalanes Athletics & Activities Night
May 1, 2025 | Acalanes Front Quad | 5-6pm
 
It’s time for incoming Acalanes freshmen & families to connect! Students/families can check out the following during this evening on May 1:

• Student Clubs: Acalanes has over 90 student clubs. Club leaders will be at tables and happy to share information. Some of the clubs present will be ACA Buddies, Children's Hospital, Feminist Club, Finance Club, Jewish Student Union, Black Student Union, Queer Straight Alliance, Latinos Unidos, Asian American Student Union, SAGE Club and many more!
• Athletics:  Acalanes is home to twenty-five competitive sports teams. Tables will be set up around the quad alphabetically.
• Athletic Directors and Clearance Information: Athletic Directors Randy Takahashi and Haley Walsh will be available to meet and share more about mandatory athletic clearance for next year.
• Parent Volunteer Opportunities: Acalanes parents play a vital role in supporting and enriching our school activities and events! Thank you in advance for donating your time. More information can be found at our partner tables and Acalanes support organizations at the entrance:
  • Acalanes Athletic Boosters
  • Acalanes Parents Club
  • Acalanes Performing Arts Boosters
  • Lafayette Partners in Education
• Acalanes SWAG: Pick up your pre-ordered Acalanes frosh spirit pack and/or purchase some new Acalanes gear! In addition, ALL incoming class of 2029 students can pick up a special goodie bag.

LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY (LLS) FUNDRAISER

The Acalanes Community Outreach and Improvement Club is hosting a fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) through Wednesday, Apr 30. LLS’s mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families by funding research and much more! Please donate as any and every donation makes a difference! Please check and see if your company has a matching gift program when donating to double your impact! Thank you!

Campus Culture Committee

Upcoming Important Dates:

• April is Autism Acceptance Month
• April is Arab American Heritage Month
• Apr 24 - Holocaust Remembrance Day
• Apr 28 - Campus Culture Committee Meeting 6pm NOTE THE DATE CHANGE

The internationally recognized date for Holocaust Remembrance Day corresponds to the 27th day of Nisan on the Hebrew Calendar. It marks the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.

Please note a date change to Monday, Apr 28 for our campus culture committee meeting in the collaboration center to discuss our plans for next year and support of students as we come to the end of this school year.

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:
Monday @ lunch: Earth Week documentary + talk in room 314
Tuesday @ lunch: Recycled paper flower making in room 314
Wednesday @ academy: Cultural Fair in the big gym + nature walk
Wednesday @ lunch: Blue Heart Awards + Earth Week: Story of a Cup
Friday: Special Olympics
 
Acalanes Earth Week Apr 21-25
On Monday, Apr 21 students can watch the documentary "The Science of Our Planet” in room 314 during lunch. After, there will be a group discussion about how to improve current habits. Pizza will be provided.

On Tuesday, Apr 22 there will be recycled paper flower making in room 314 during lunch. Students can make a bouquet of paper flowers while learning about the importance of recycled paper and why using it has a positive impact on our environment.

On Wednesday, Apr 23 there will be a nature walk at BRIONES. To participate, students need to pick up and drop off a permission slip in room 314 (Walton), then sign up for Paniagua’s academy, as she will be the one chaperoning!

On Wednesday, Apr 23 during lunch a speaker from RecycleSmart will be holding a discussion group about the documentary, “Story of the Cup”. There will be a quick Q&A afterwards and a group discussion.

On Thursday, Apr 24 during lunch there will be a Sustainability Information Booth in the frosh quad! Students who answer a question about sustainability get a prize!
 

 
Cultural Fair Wednesday Apr 23!
The Cultural Fair is a unique event and opportunity to celebrate diverse cultures. This is the time to share traditions and educate our community through interactive displays. Students will be able to experience amazing performances, enjoy food and activities. We want to highlight authentic cultural experiences while fostering appreciation and learning. The fair is on Wednesday, Apr 23 in the Chris Huber gym during academy and students must sign up for Walton’s academy.
 

 
Acalanes is holding a $15 tickets fundraiser with the SF Giants this season! Make sure to use code: AcaHigSch25. Our student night is on Friday, Apr 25 @7:15 pm. Grab some tickets with your friends and come watch the game with us! 
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 sessions (Levy academy):

• Apr 23 UC tips for writing your PIQs ( Personal Insight Questions)
• Apr 30 Filling out your activity list for UCs and the Common App         

Free Practice Tests: Interested in having your student take a free online practice SAT or ACT? Sign up here for either exam on Apr 26 at 9am with our testing partner, Revolution Prep.

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
 
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

Does your student have allergies? We can’t dispense allergy medication at school unless you have medication administration set up for your student. You’ll need THIS FORM signed by a doctor and parent (even for OTC meds), and you need to bring the medication to our office. 
 
I’m always talking about nutrition and how important healthy food is. I came across this article on The Psychological Nutrients Kids Need to Thrive and thought it was a valuable read.
 
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.

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

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

The SpongeBob Musical! Apr 24-26, 7pm & Apr 27, 2pm in the AHS PAC
When Bikini Bottom faces disaster, SpongeBob and friends must band together to save their home—through friendship, courage, and epic songs! A must-see for all ages! Tickets on sale NOW at ahsperformingarts.org




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)

 

 
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

Final Call: Be Part of LPIE’s 2024–25 Donor Honor Roll!
We’re getting ready to publish our 2024–25 Donor Honor Roll and would love to include your name! If you haven’t had a chance to give yet, now’s the time—donate by Friday, May 2 to be recognized alongside the many generous supporters who help make our schools thrive.

Every gift—big or small—makes a lasting impact on our students and community.
Donate now at lpie.org!

Sports

Ticket sales for the 2025 Booster Bash are LIVE! Remember to text the friends you huddled with in the cold while cheering on our Dons athletes so you all buy tickets to the Booster event of the year - April 26 at the Circle G Ranch! https://acalanesboosters.ejoinme.org/PurchaseTickets

*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 golf
Monday, Apr 21 Transbay Invitational at Rossmoor GC.
Wednesday, Apr 23 JV v. De La Salle HS at Oakhurst GC 3:30pm.
Thursday, Apr 24 Varsity v. Campolindo HS at Moraga CC 3:30pm.
 
Swimming
Monday, Apr 21 hosts Las Lomas HS at 4pm.
 
Boys volleyball
Tuesday, Apr 22 hosts Las Lomas HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 6:30pm.
Thursday, Apr 24 at Campolindo HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 6:30pm.
 
Boys lacrosse
Tuesday, Apr 22 hosts Campolindo HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, Apr 25 hosts Miramonte HS.  JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
 
Girls lacrosse
Tuesday, Apr 22 at Berkeley HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, Apr 25 at Miramonte HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Saturday, Apr 19 Frosh-soph hosts Campolindo HS, and Oakland HS at 9am.
 
Baseball
Tuesday, Apr 22 Alhambra HS at 4pm. Varsity away and JV home.
Thursday, Apr 24 Alhambra HS at 4pm. Varsity home and JV away.
Saturday, Apr 26 Freshmen at Miramonte HS at 12pm and 2pm.
 
Softball
Tuesday, Apr 22 Norhtgate HS at 4:30pm. Varsity away and JV home.
Thursday, Apr 24 Alhambra HS at 4:30pm. Varsity home and JV away.
 
Boys tennis
Tuesday, Apr 22 Miramonte HS. Varsity away at 3:30pm and JV home at 4pm.
Thursday, Apr 24 Northgate HS at 3:30pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
 
Track & field
Wednesday, Apr 16 hosts Campolindo HS at 3:30pm.
 
Beach volleyball
Wednesday, Apr 23 Campolindo HS at Moraga Commons at 4pm.
Thursday, Apr 24 Campolindo HS at Moraga Commons at 4pm.

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

General Administration Announcements

OUR AP STUDENTS NEED YOUR HELP!
We are searching for parents to help with Proctoring AP Exams two weeks of May. Exam dates are 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 be needed starting at 7:15am and afternoon exams starting at 11:15am. Exams can range from 2-6 hours, please 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/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

APC DONS DIALOGUE - Friday, Apr 18 at 8:45am in the Collaboration Center
Join us for our second-to-last Dons Dialogue of this school year. Come for the coffee and treats and stay for the discussion. Our April Dons Dialogue agenda includes;

• ACA Serves 
• End of year activities (including all senior events)
• Managing stress during the busy end of year 
• ASB structure and focus
• plus an open Q&A with Principal Shawn.

We hope to see you there!

If you missed our high energy March Dons Dialogue, please see links below for the video and slides. We had a great discussion led by Assistant Principals, Andrea Powers and Jeanne Johnson.
March Dons Dialogue Slides
March Dons Dialogue Video
 
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
 

ACA SERVICE AWARDS DEADLINE: This Friday, April 18
Your student should check that their hours have been approved!!
If your student is working towards an AHS or Presidential Service Award, make sure their volunteer hours are entered and validated in Helper Helper by their supervisor by Friday, Apr 18!
 
To check supervisor validation of volunteer hours:

• Log into Helper Helper → “My Commitments” → “Past” → click an entry.
• If it says “Your attendance is pending approval”, their supervisor hasn’t validated it. Make sure your student follows up with their supervisor (and make sure the supervisor checks their spam folder for an email from Helper Helper).

To check final APC approval of volunteer hours:
Once validated, we review the hours to confirm they meet our guidelines. If approved, your student will see a blue star next to the entry under "Past Commitments.” If validated but not approved within a few days, please have your student check their AUHSD email (and spam) for an email from us. We likely have questions about their service. If we don’t hear back from them, their hours may be rejected.
Need help with your Helper Helper account, have questions about what qualifies as community service, or need info on additional requirements for a Presidential Service Award? Visit our volunteer website or email communityservice@acalanesparentsclub.com.

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

PARENT ED EVENT:
"Coping with Family Transitions:  When Your Child Leaves Home"
Our community is hosting an event on Wednesday, April 30 from 6:30-8pm with Joseph Ianora, a licensed therapist and former principal.  This workshop will be primarily for parents of seniors who will be experiencing a transition at the end of the school year. The goal is to help parents navigate the changes that occur in the family unit. All are welcome!
 
Date: Wednesday, April 30
Time: 6:30-8pm
Location: Acalanes Library


Welcome Class of 2029
Acalanes Athletics & Activities Night
May 1, 2025 | Acalanes Front Quad | 5-6pm
 
It’s time for incoming Acalanes freshmen & families to connect! Students/families can check out the following during this evening on May 1:

• Student Clubs: Acalanes has over 90 student clubs. Club leaders will be at tables and happy to share information. Some of the clubs present will be ACA Buddies, Children's Hospital, Feminist Club, Finance Club, Jewish Student Union, Black Student Union, Queer Straight Alliance, Latinos Unidos, Asian American Student Union, SAGE Club and many more!
• Athletics:  Acalanes is home to twenty-five competitive sports teams. Tables will be set up around the quad alphabetically.
• Athletic Directors and Clearance Information: Athletic Directors Randy Takahashi and Haley Walsh will be available to meet and share more about mandatory athletic clearance for next year.
• Parent Volunteer Opportunities: Acalanes parents play a vital role in supporting and enriching our school activities and events! Thank you in advance for donating your time. More information can be found at our partner tables and Acalanes support organizations at the entrance:
  • Acalanes Athletic Boosters
  • Acalanes Parents Club
  • Acalanes Performing Arts Boosters
  • Lafayette Partners in Education
• Acalanes SWAG: Pick up your pre-ordered Acalanes frosh spirit pack and/or purchase some new Acalanes gear! In addition, ALL incoming class of 2029 students can pick up a special goodie bag.

LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY (LLS) FUNDRAISER

The Acalanes Community Outreach and Improvement Club is hosting a fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) through Wednesday, Apr 30. LLS’s mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families by funding research and much more! Please donate as any and every donation makes a difference! Please check and see if your company has a matching gift program when donating to double your impact! Thank you!