Weekly News & Announcements

LPIE

State funding barely covers the basics.
Lafayette schools receive less state funding than nearly every other district in California.
 
Our community steps up to fund the people and programs our schools need through donations to LPIE.
 
Ready to join other Lafayette families in supporting our schools?
Many families give:
$1/school day ≈ $180/year
$3/school day ≈ $540/year
$6/school day ≈ $1080/year
DONATE TO LPIE TODAY

Sports

*The game schedule below reflects dates and times as of last Fri/day. 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, Apr 21 Alhambra HS 4:00pm.  Varsity is home, JV is away.
Thursday, Apr 23 Alhambra HS 4:00 pm.  Varsity is away, JV is home.
Friday, Apr 24 Freshmen at San Ramon Valley HS 4:00pm.
Saturday, Apr 25 San Ramon Valley HS 1:00pm.  Varsity is home, JV is away.
Saturday, Apr 25 Freshmen at Miramonte HS 12:00pm and 2:30 m.
 
Softball
Tuesday, Apr 21 hosts Northgate HS 4:30pm.
Thursday, Apr 23 at Alhambra HS 4:30pm.
 
Boys Tennis
Tuesday, Apr 21 Miramonte HS at 3:30pm.  Varsity is home and JV is away.
Thursday, Apr 23 Northgate HS at 3:30pm.  Varsity is away and JV is home.
 
Boys Volleyball
Tuesday, Apr 21 at Las Lomas HS.  JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 6:30pm.
Thursday, Apr 23 hosts College Park HS.  JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 6:30pm.
 
Track & Field
Tuesday, Apr 21 at Northgate HS 3:30pm.
 
Girls Lacrosse
Tuesday, April 21 hosts Piedmont HS.  JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7:00 pm.
Friday, April 24 hosts Campolindo HS.  JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7:00 pm.
Saturday, April 25 Frosh-soph hosts Campolindo HS and Oakland HS at 9:00 am.
 
Boys Lacrosse
Wednesday, Apr 22 at Northgate HS.  JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Friday, Apr 24 at Miramonte HS.  JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
 
Boys Golf
Monday, Apr 13 Campolindo HS at Contra Costa CC at 3:30pm.
Tuesday, Apr 14 Albany HS & Berkeley HS at Tilden GC at 3:30pm.
Friday, Apr 17 Mt. Diablo HS at Rossmoor GC at 3:30pm.
 
Swimming
Wednesday, Apr 22 at Las Lomas HS at 4:00pm.
 
Beach Volleyball
Wednesday, Apr 22 at Northgate HS at 4:00pm.

General Announcements

We are searching for adults to help with Proctoring AP Exams two weeks of May. Exam dates are from May 4 - May 15. 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.
 
Here are the spots that need to be filled.

You can volunteer your time (unpaid), or receive pay of $25/hr.  This is a perfect opportunity for recent H.S. / college graduates, stay at home parent, retired, and those searching for employment.  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

Helper Helper Deadline Friday, April 17th
Friday, April 17th is the last day to submit and get hours validated for this year's Community Service Awards. The award period is from April 19, 2025 through April 17, 2026. Anyone accruing at least 30 hours during this awards period will receive an award. Anyone accruing 300+ hours during their 4 years at Acalanes will receive an Excellence in Community Service Award and receive a cord to wear at graduation. Any hours not validated on the Helper Helper app by the volunteer coordinator of any hours you have inputted by April 17th, will not count. Please follow up with the coordinators of your volunteer hours to get them approved by April 17th. Please reach out to communityservice@acalanesparentsclub.com with any questions.

APC Grants Have Been Awarded, Spring ‘26
A heartfelt thank-you to all the teachers, students and staff who submitted proposals for an APC Spring Grant! These grants are made possible through the generous annual donations of our Acalanes parents. We are truly grateful for your continued support!
We are pleased to announce the following grants have been awarded:

• A new ball bin for lunchtime will make it easier for students to access equipment, encouraging active play and connection during breaks.
• We’re also funding banner frames for the front fence, helping showcase school spirit, student achievements, and important community messaging in a more visible and polished way.
• A new 3D printer for the Science department will expand hands-on learning opportunities, allowing students to create materials for labs and projects while supporting innovation.
• To support sustainable transportation and student safety, APC has funded the installation of two new wave-style bike racks, accommodating up to 18 bikes, including larger e-bikes. This addition will help reduce congestion at the front of the gym and create a safer, more organized space for student riders.
• Finally, we’re excited to invest in our student leaders through a Peer Tutoring Training and Team-Building Event. This off-site experience will help tutors refine their skills, collaborate more effectively, and strengthen problem-solving abilities, all while celebrating their dedication and service to our school community.

Congratulations to all of our Spring APC Grant recipients for their creativity, innovation, and dedication to enriching the Acalanes student experience!
 

Proposed 2026-2027 APC Board Slate 
Please see the proposed slate for the 2026-2027 APC Board. Join us for our APC General Meeting (held at the start of the April Dons Dialogue on Friday, April 24) to vote on this proposed slate. 

2026-2027 Parents Club Board Nominees
President: Jocelyn Birrell
VP Special Projects: Jennie Dobies
VP Communications: Jen Ruhl
VP Community Partners: Lynna McPhatter-Harris
VP Fundraising: Samira Abrams
VP Services: Ali Krick
Co-Head Liaisons: Sarah Cusumano & Amy Lewis
Secretary: Liz Keyser
Treasurer: Rick Phillips
Assistant Treasurer: Fredi Gorham
Auditor: Courtney Griffin
Past President/Parliamentarian: Michele Colaco 

If you have any questions, please contact APC Parliamentarians, Andrea Hilsabeck or Michele Colaco.

Campus Culture Committee

💙 Acalanes Parent Club – Campus Culture Committee (CCC) Update
March 2026
 
🌟 Campus Culture Committee Highlights
 
It has been a wonderful 2025–2026 school year with the Campus Culture Committee! There are no additional meetings scheduled for the remainder of this school year.
At our final meeting, we discussed plans for the 2026–2027 school year, including:

• Quarterly Meetings (August, November, February, May)
  • Department updates
  • Board reports
  • Volunteer sign-ups
• May Meeting: Special team-building activity
• Monthly Engagement Between Meetings: Opportunities to volunteer at school events, such as:
  • Back-to-School Night
  • Hosting lunches for student clubs
  • Donating supplies for events like Homecoming

🎲 "Lead the Way" Celebration
The “Lead the Way” Celebration at Acalanes High School was a joyful and successful multi-generational event that brought the community together for an afternoon of connection, inspiration, and fun. Attendees enjoyed lunch, engaging speakers, music, games, and activities while building relationships across generations. Rooted in the shared values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, the event created a welcoming space for meaningful conversation and community building. A highlight of the day was the recognition of Acalanes students whose leadership and contributions continue to make a positive impact, leaving attendees inspired to carry this important work forward.
 
📅 Upcoming Important Dates

• April – Autism Acceptance Month
• April – Arab American Heritage Month
• April 14 – Holocaust Remembrance Day

🧩 Autism Acceptance Month (April)
Autism Acceptance Month focuses on fostering understanding, inclusion, and celebration of autistic individuals.
Did you know?

• Approximately 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism.

Ways to Participate:

• Wear blue or gold to show support
• Share resources and stories from autistic voices
• Promote awareness and inclusion in your community

🌍 Arab American Heritage Month (April)
This month honors the rich culture, history, and contributions of over 4 million Arab Americans. It celebrates achievements across fields such as science, arts, and public service while promoting inclusivity and cultural appreciation.
 
💚 Wellness Center Reminder
If you are ever concerned about your student or one of their peers, please submit a Wellness Referral.

• Our team follows up within one week
• All services are confidential and voluntary

Student Activities

It is one of the best weeks of the year with the Special Olympics on Friday! We’re hosting over 600 students from around the county as they compete in track & field events. TWO IMPORTANT THINGS:

1. Special Olympics adult volunteer help: We are looking for 5-6 parents to help from 8:30 AM-10 AM with parking, bus drop-off and greeting. If you are able and willing, please email Katherine Walton.
2. Encourage your student driver to get dropped off or carpool and arrive early to school as parking will be impacted. We will be reserving 100 parking spaces for our Special Olympic athletes. Please plan ahead.

PEEK AT THE WEEK:
Tuesday @ 4:00pm: BIG 10: Baseball/Softball Doubleheader with a food truck
Wednesday @ academy: Special Olympics training # 2
Wednesday @ 7:00pm: Opening Night of Chicago
Friday: SPECIAL OLYMPICS!
Friday @ lunch: Last chance to buy your prom ticket or get a bus assignment
Saturday @ 5:15pm: Acalanes Baseball plays at Oracle vs. Marin Catholic. Come out!
 
Get involved and make a difference in our school district. Join the Acalanes Union High School District Governing Board as the Student Board Member. For more information and to apply, go to the District website. Deadline is Monday, Apr 13.
 
Prom Dress Drive
The environmental board is collecting prom dresses for the Princess Project again this year. They have been so grateful for our support the past two years. Please consider donating prom dresses in the bins outside the attendance office. Last day to donate is Apr 17.
 
Special Olympics: Friday, Apr 17
Acalanes is thrilled to host the Track & Field Special Olympics for our county and we could not do it without student volunteers. Over 100 students are signed up to volunteer. Please remind your student of the mandatory training:
Wednesday, Apr 15
They will receive a slip as a reminder and be tagged for academy. Without training, they cannot volunteer.
 
BIG 10: Baseball & Softball
Tuesday, Apr 14
Come out for a doubleheader as we cheer on our baseball & softball programs. Enjoy delicious food, sunshine & Dons athletics!
 
The Acalanes Cultural Fair is coming up! Join us on Apr 22 during academy in the big gym to watch cultural performances and learn about the various cultures that make up our Acalanes community! There will be informational booths where students can share their culture through information, food, and more. If your student is interested in hosting a booth and sharing a part of their culture with the school, sign up here!
 
April & May important dates:
 
Apr 17: Special Olympics @ Acalanes
Apr 15-19: Musical
Apr 21: Senior Athlete Celebration
Apr 25: Junior & Senior Prom
May 6: Class of 2030 Athletics & Activities Night
May 18-22: Last spirit week of the year!
 
SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming 2026, Sept 20-26
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!

April & May important dates:
 
Apr 17: Special Olympics @ Acalanes
Apr 15-19: Musical
Apr 21: Senior Athlete Celebration
Apr 25: Junior & Senior Prom
May 6: Class of 2030 Athletics & Activities Night
May 18-22: Last spirit week of the year!
 
SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming 2026, Sept 20-26
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!

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

Summer School is Available Students with D/F grades in classes required for graduation may sign up to repeat these classes in summer school— held at Las Lomas High School this year. Please fill out this application and submit it to your student’s counselor. 
 
Junior Meetings Counselors are calling in all 11th graders to discuss summer plans, and college application preparations. Juniors are also encouraged to meet with Debbie Levy, the College and Career Advisor before the end of the year as well.

Performing & Visual Arts

Acalanes Musical
Come enjoy some Razzle Dazzle and All That Jazz!  Tickets on Sale NOW for the musical "Chicago" in the PAC Apr 15-18 at 7:00pm, Apr 18-19 at 2:00pm. Two casts this year. Cast lists are available on the ticketing site. Purchase Tickets here: Chicago Tickets


Spring Concert
 
Please join us at the Spring Concert on Thursday, April 30th at 6:30 PM in the Performing Arts Center. The Acalanes Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Combined Band will be performing a variety of works from composers such as Vivaldi, Owen Williams, Gustav Holst and Percy Grainger. We hope to see you at what promises to be a wonderful evening of enriching performances from our talented musicians.