• College & Career

    March 16, 2025

    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.
     
    Junior Academy: Mar 21 Essay Brainstorming Workshop. Sign up for Levy academy for this junior only session.

  • Counseling

    March 16, 2025

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

    8th grade appointments: Counselors will be meeting with current 8th graders during the month of March to discuss transition to high school.
     
    3rd quarter ended on Friday, Mar 14: The third quarter of the school year ended last week! Continued eligibility for spring sports will be determined by the quarter grades during this week. Report cards should be available in Aeries on Friday, Mar 21.  

  • School Nurse

    March 16, 2025

    Nourishing Our Students (and our planet!)
    Protein is a popular topic in Health and Nutrition dialogue. My bias is admittedly in the plant-based camp, so I focus on plant sources of protein, especially legumes. I love this chocolate smoothie recipe (contains nuts)--don’t tell your kids the secret ingredient!
     
    In regard to global health, consider that the food choices we make have a big impact.  Plant-based sources of protein use a fraction of the greenhouse gas emissions that animal agriculture does. Consider increasing your family’s intake of beans and legumes! Making this Irish white bean and cabbage Soup for St. Patrick’s Day is a great way to nourish your family with these nutritious and yummy ingredients.

    Please reach out to me for any support your students or family might need.

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

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

  • Wellness Center

    March 16, 2025

    Together to Save Lives: Fentanyl Awareness & Overdose Rescue Training
    The Contra Costa County Office of Education’s Friday Night Live Partnership, the Contra Costa MEDS Coalition, and the CourAGE Youth Health Coalition are hosting this hybrid event on Tuesday, Mar 18, 2025, from 6-7:30pm. This event is designed for educators, parents, and community members who want to make a difference. Don't miss this opportunity to become a part of the solution. There is no cost to attend, although due to limited space, pre-registration is required. Secure your in-person or virtual spot now.
     
    Hybrid Format (in-person & virtual)

    • 5:30pm: Doors open and light refreshments
    • 6pm: Presentation
    • 7pm: Naloxone distribution

    Learn about the opioid epidemic and the dangers of fentanyl.

    • Expert Insights: Hear from local youth and adult experts about the impact of the opioid crisis and the specific risks associated with fentanyl.
    • Overdose Intervention Training: Learn how to identify the signs of an overdose and the steps to take to intervene effectively.
    • Free Naloxone Distribution: Attendees will receive training on how to use naloxone, a life-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Those attending in person will have the option to receive free naloxone kits.

    Why Attend?

    • Empower Yourself: Gain the knowledge and skills needed to respond to an overdose and potentially save a life.
    • Community Support: Connect with others who are passionate about combating the opioid epidemic and supporting those affected.
    • Free Resources: Access valuable information and resources at no cost.

  • Performing & Visual Arts

    March 16, 2025


    Announcing the Acalanes Performing Arts Boosters 2024-25 Senior Scholarship!
    Seniors currently enrolled in an Acalanes performing arts class (Choral, Drama or Instrumental) are eligible to apply for this $1,000 scholarship. Additional requirements are:

    • Must have been enrolled in an Acalanes performing arts class for two or more years
    • Must have a minimum 3.0 GPA
    • Must have an intent to major or minor in a performing arts program (e.g., Theatre Tech, Drama, Musicology, Music Education, Performance, Composition, etc.) in a community college, 4-year college, university or performing arts school or conservatory.

    Download the application here. They are due Monday, Mar 24.


    Acalanes Choir Chapel Concert
    Please join us for an evening of choral music performed in the beautiful St. Mary’s Chapel on Wednesday, Mar 26 at 7:30pm. We hope to see you there!
     

    Accept It…Or Not: The 2024 The Acalanes DramaDons Short Plays Festival
    Come see eight short plays written and directed by The DramaDons themselves on
    Thursday, Mar 27 and Friday, Mar 28 at 7pm in the AHS Little Theatre. Admission is free. Donations accepted at the door.
     

    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

  • LPIE

    March 16, 2025



    LPIE Online Auction!
    Click here to bid on an exciting array of lots. From wine tastings and event tickets to overnight stays and gift cards to local eateries, as well as academic opportunities and summer camps for kids, there’s something for everyone!

    • Reserved Seats and Parking for 2025 Graduation
    • Four Tickets to the Spring Musical “SpongeBob SquarePants”
    • Four Tickets to the Drama Dons fall play
    • Four Tickets to the Fall Pops Concert

  • Sports

    March 16, 2025


    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:
     
    Baseball
    Tuesday, Mar 18 James Logan HS at 4pm. Varsity home and JV away.
    Thursday, Mar 20 Vintage HS at 4pm. Varsity away and JV home.

    Softball
    Tuesday, Mar 18 Kennedy, Fremont HS at 4pm. Varsity away and JV home.
    Thursday, Mar 20 Campolindo HS at 4:30pm. Varsity home and JV away.

    Girls lacrosse
    Tuesday, Mar 18 host Bishop O’Dowd HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
    Friday, Mar 21 host Miramonte HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
    Saturday, Mar 22 frosh-soph v. Campolindo HS and El Cerrito HS at Campolindo HS at 9am.

    Boys lacrosse
    Tuesday, Mar 18 Varsity at Lick-Wilmerding HS at 4:30pm.
    Friday, Mar 21 at California HS. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7pm.
     
    Boys tennis
    Tuesday, Mar 18 Northgate HS at 3:30pm. Varsity away and JV home.
    Thursday, Mar 20 Benicia HS at 3:30pm. Varsity away and JV home.
     
    Boys volleyball
    Tuesday, Mar 18 at Clayton Valley Charter HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 6:30pm.
    Thursday, Mar 20 at Las Lomas HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 6:30pm.
     
    Track & field
    Wednesday, Mar 19 host Las Lomas HS at 3:30pm.
    Saturday, Mar 22 Dublin Distance Fiesta.
    Saturday, Mar 22 San Ramon Valley Sprint Festival.
     
    Boys golf
    Wednesday, Mar 19 Las Lomas HS at Boundary Oak GC 3:30pm.
     
    Stunt
    Wednesday, Mar 19 host Miramonte HS at 8pm.
     
    Beach volleyball
    Wednesday, Mar 19 and Thursday, Mar 20 Clayton Valley Charter HS at Heather Farms at 4pm.

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

  • General Administration Announcements

    March 10, 2025


    Our AP students need YOUR help!
    We are searching for parents to help with proctoring AP exams from May 5 - May 23. 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 are needed starting at 7:15am and afternoon exams starting at 11:15am. Exams can range from 2- 4 hours - please plan to stay for the longest amount of time possible. Restriction: Parents are NOT allowed to proctor an exam that their own child is taking.
     
    If you are interested in learning more about proctoring AP exams, please contact the Acalanes Testing Coordinator, Jamielle McDonald at jmcdonald@auhsdschools.org
     
    STATE TESTING IS COMING!
    CAASPP testing will begin tomorrow, Monday, Mar 10 and all juniors will take the English, math, and science tests over the three weeks prior to spring break.
     
    Our school has outstanding achievement, and these test scores are critical as a public measurement of our students' progress. Assessments are part of the state-mandated accountability system and are presented to the public via the California School Dashboard. When all students try their best on CAASPP, AUHSD schools will be able to present accurate academic performance data.  Students will also receive their score reports, which are included in their academic file.  CAASPP scores are also used at colleges for course placement.
     
    We greatly appreciate our parents and community's encouragement of our students to do their absolute best, participate, and show up for our school in taking these tests seriously. Don't stress, but please do your best!

  • Legislative News

    March 10, 2025

    Please join us in endorsing and spreading the word about Measure T!
     
    Measure T will provide locally controlled funding to attract and retain great teachers and provide top academics for our students in the Acalanes Union High School District. The measure is on the May 6 special ballot, and we need your help 1) endorsing the measure and 2) contacting voters during this off-year election. Measure T is a $130 parcel tax for 8 years, with an optional senior exemption and an independent citizen’s oversight committee.
     
    We need your help! Please join us for canvassing training on March 20! You’ll learn everything you need to know to help us knock on doors and turn out the vote for our local schools.
     
    What: Measure T Canvassing Training
    When: March 20, 7pm
    Where: Zoom
     
    Please sign up using this link to let us know you’re coming!
     
    What to expect: During the training, we’ll provide talking points, app training, and general dos and don’ts of door knocking. We’ll also teach you how to sign up for your voter contact list.
     
    You don’t need to be an expert to talk to voters! Our goal is to remind friendly, targeted voters to turn in their ballots during this unique election season—not to convince undecided voters!
     
    Timing is flexible—canvass with a partner or on your own, at your convenience.
     
    If you can’t make the training, a recording will be sent afterward. Click here to receive the recording.
     
    Sign up to join us on a neighborhood walk!
     
    Want more information? Go to www.YesonT4AUHSD.org or contact rainafoster@gmail.com

  • APC in Action

    March 10, 2025


    DON'T MISS THE COLOR RUN!
    Acalanes High School is having its Annual Color Run on Sunday, Mar 16 at 9 am. This is a super fun 1 or 2 mile run around the Acalanes campus with stations of different colored powders scattered throughout the course.
     
    This event is inspired by the traditions of Holi, the Hindu Festival of Color. Holi celebrates the arrival of spring and its beautiful harvests and colors with festivals involving colored powder.
     
    The Color Run is a community wide event and we want to encourage you to run or walk! You can purchase your registration on Go Fan which includes a t-shirt, raffle and more!.
     
    We encourage people of all ages to come run! Hope to see you there!
     
    Acalanes Student Community Service Awards: Deadline Friday, Apr 18
    The Acalanes community service awards program year is in full swing so please make sure your students are logging those hours! It’s a great opportunity for students to give back AND be recognized for their service. Students who volunteer at least 30 qualifying hours by Apr 18 will get an Acalanes Service Award and there is an opportunity to receive a Presidential Service Award with additional levels of service hours. For more information on how to create a Helper Helper account, what qualifies as community service, and the additional requirements for a Presidential Service Award, please check out our volunteer website or email communityservice@acalanesparentsclub.com with any questions. Please remember that your student’s hours must be entered AND validated by their supervisor by the deadline.

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

  • Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

    March 10, 2025

    Summer 2026 Travel
    Does your student love to travel? Consider a trip to Spain and Morocco! Sign ups are already happening for summer 2026. Sign up by Apr 1 and receive a $400 discount. Set up a direct debit plan to avoid putting down a deposit and lock in a low monthly payment. Students from any grade and any of the four district high schools can attend! The only requirement is an interest in travel! This trip has a little bit of everything -- ancient/historical sites, awe-inspiring locations, amazing food, and a once-in-a-lifetime bonding experience with your Lamorinda peers. Send your student on the trip of a lifetime where they become a global citizen who values travel and exploration.
     
    For anyone interested in going on the trip to Europe NEXT summer (2026), please click here to preview the trip and to register.
     
    And check out our Instagram page to see photos from the last two summers!
     
    If you have any questions please reach out to Erin Barth or Tina Gullberg. This is not a school-sponsored trip.

     

  • Campus Culture Committee

    March 10, 2025

    Upcoming Important Dates:

    • Women’s History Month (March)
    • Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (March)
    • Gender Equality Month (March)
    • Feb 28 - Mar 29 Ramadan
    • Mar 5 - Apr 17 Ash Wednesday and Lent
    • Mar 9 Mongolian New Years Concert 5:30pm PAC
    • Mar 14 Holi Celebrated
    • Mar 16  Annual ACA Color Run/Holi Celebration! Go Dons! Register
    • Mar 20 Nowruz- Persian New Year
    • Mar 31 Trans Day of Visibility

    Did you know Women’s History Month began as a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California?? It began as a week surrounding International Women’s Day (Mar 8 this year) to “celebrate the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America” (President Jimmy Carter). Find out more here.

    One special woman to highlight this week is Tammy Duckworth. She is a disabled female combat veteran who is now a Senator from Illinois. Duckworth is the first Thai American woman elected to Congress, the first person born in Thailand elected to Congress, the first woman with a disability elected to Congress, the first female double amputee in the Senate, and the first senator to give birth while in office. She is the second Asian American woman to serve in the Senate, after Mazie Hirono.

    Holi has immense religious significance for Hindus and is one of the most popular Hindu festivals celebrated with much enthusiasm and fanfare across India. Also known as The Festival of Color, in West Bengal, Assam and Tripura, it is also known as the 'Dol jatra' or 'Basanta Utsav'. Traditionally celebrated in late February or early March in the Gregorian calendar, Holi marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter, coinciding with the full moon or Purnima on the evening of the Hindu month of Phalguna. It's a time for people to come together, put aside their differences and celebrate life's brighter moments.

    ALL ARE WELCOME HERE t-shirts are for sale! 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. 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

    March 10, 2025


    SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK:

    • Monday: Students should wear BLUE for autism awareness + Unified Basketball at lunch + wellness fair at lunch
      • New Crew leader applications are also available - see the Daily Don.
    • Wednesday academy: Job/Career/Volunteer Fair in the front quad.
    • Wednesday lunch: New Crew Leader informational meeting in room 415
    • Thursday at 3pm: Spring 10- boys tennis vs. Miramonte
    • Friday @ lunch: ACA Buddies
      • Spring flag football tournament entries due
    • Sunday @ 9 AM: Annual Color Run + Holi Celebration
      • Open to all in our community - get your ticket on Go FAN today!

    UPCOMING:

    • Talent Show: Tuesday, Mar 18 at 7pm
      • Hosted by Jake Colaco and Brady Quinn, and featuring 10 acts, it is a not to miss event in the PAC.
    • Junior & Senior Prom: Apr 19
      • Get your ticket on Go Fan now before prices go up on Mar 28
      • Bus assignments start Mar 26 at lunch
    • Special Olympics @ Acalanes: Apr 25
      • Volunteer opportunities are now open in room 314! Please encourage your student to volunteer for this incredible day.

    Students should plan to come to the Wellness Fair tomorrow during lunch in the front quad! Organizations and Acalanes clubs will provide mental health resources and activities.
     
    Does your student have a small business? Would they be interested in selling used items? Do they want to make money? Then they should fill out this form for the Acalanes Makers Market in April (tentatively Apr 15) to show interest! This is a wonderful opportunity for clubs to fundraise and small businesses to expand their business.
     
    The Enviro board is holding a prom dress drive this year through Mar 29. There are two locations with bins where people can drop off prom dresses and accessories: the Lafayette Community Center and in front of the Acalanes attendance office. The dresses will go to the San Francisco Princess Project which distributes the prom dresses to people who need them.
     
    Support the Garden Club and buy Acalanes grown succulents! Plants are purchased through the Acalanes webstore for $5.25. Once purchased you will receive an email with pick up instructions. Thanks for your support!

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