Weekly News & Announcements

Performing & Visual Arts

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.



Please join us at the Acalanes Symphony Orchestra Chicago “Send-Off” Concert on Mar 28 at 5pm in the AHS PAC. The Symphony Orchestra will travel over spring break to perform in the 2025 Chicago International Music Festival! Admission is free.
 

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

Congratulations to the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra for their lovely performances at the Sonoma Wind Band and Orchestra Invitational!
 
Kudos also to the Acalanes String Quartet (Maor Ziskind, Lauren Anderson, Miela Hsu and Nathan Feng) which received a superior rating at the CMEA Solo and Ensemble festival at San Jose State University.

LPIE

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the 7th Annual LPIE Gala! Whether you attended, bid in the auction, volunteered, or supported from afar—we are truly grateful for your generosity and dedication to our schools. Your support helps fund vital programs in science, art, music, world languages, expanded elective and AP classes, and more, ensuring every Lafayette student receives an exceptional public education.

We were also proud to present the Tom Mulvaney Legacy Award to Meredith Meade in recognition of her outstanding service and unwavering commitment to LPIE and our community. Meredith has been a steadfast champion of education—a two-term LPIE president and longtime member of the Lafayette School District Governing Board. Her leadership and advocacy have left a lasting impact on our schools and students, and we are honored to recognize her contributions.

Thank you for being part of this special event and for helping LPIE continue to support every student, at every school, every day.

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, Mar 24 Spring Classic at Monarch Bay GC 1:00 pm.
 
Boys tennis
Tuesday, Mar 25 College Park HS at 3:30pm. Varsity home and JV away.
Thursday, Mar 27 Varsity at Las Lomas HS at 3:30pm.
Thursday, Mar 27 JV host San Ramon Valley HS at 4pm.
 
Boys lacrosse
Tuesday, Mar 25 host Northgate HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, Mar 28 at Alhambra HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Saturday, Mar 29 host Piedmont HS. JV at 10am and Varsity at 12pm.
 
Baseball
Tuesday, Mar 25 Miramonte HS at 4pm. Varsity away and JV home.
Friday, Mar 28 Liberty HS at 4pm. Varsity away and JV home.
Saturday, March 22 Frosh at Liberty HS at 10am and 1pm.
 
Boys volleyball
Tuesday, Mar 25 host College Park HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 6:30pm.
 
Track & field
Tuesday, Mar 25 at Miramonte HS at 3:30pm.
 
Stunt
Wednesday, Mar 26 at Campolindo HS at 8pm.
Friday, Mar 28 Clayton Valley Charter HS at Miramonte HS at 7pm.
 
Swimming
Wednesday, Mar 26 at Benicia HS at 4pm.
 
Beach volleyball
Wednesday, Mar 26 Las Lomas HS at Heather Farms at 4pm.
 
Softball
Thursday, Mar 27 Las Lomas HS at 4:30pm. Varsity home and JV away.
 
Girls lacrosse
Friday, Mar 28 at Campolindo HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Saturday, Mar 29 Frosh-soph host Bishop O’Dowd HS and Clayton Valley Charter HS at 9am.

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

Legislative News

Volunteers Needed for Yes on Measure T!
Measure T seeks to provide $4.5 million annually to maintain our quality high school instruction and help recruit and retain our top teachers. Measure T is on the May 6 special election ballot, and we need your help getting the word out to voters during this off-year election. Turning out parent voters will be critical to our success. Here’s how you can help:

1. Join us for a neighborhood walk: Knocking on doors is one of the most effective ways to reach voters. Our first walk is planned for Saturday, Mar 22. We’ll be training you on everything you need to know to have a successful canvas on Thursday, Mar 20, at 7pm. You can sign up using this link. Can’t make it? Request a recording of the training here.
2. Endorse the campaign: Join local leaders, teachers, and parents by adding your name to our growing list of supporters. Endorse Measure T using this link.
3. Display a lawn sign: Help us spread awareness about the campaign by displaying a lawn sign. You can request one here!

APC in Action

MARCH DONS DIALOGUE - This Friday at 8:45am!
Join us on Friday, Mar 21 in the Collaboration Center for coffee, treats, great company and dialogue!  This month our agenda includes;

• College Acceptances with Debbie Levy
• Climate and Culture TOSA with Katherine Walton
• Math Intervention & Inclusion with Jennifer Gilson
• Updates from APs & End of Year with Andrea Powers & Jeanne Johnson
• Student Activities Report with Heloisa Mateus
• Q&A with APs and APC Board

Grab a friend and join us. We hope to see you there! 

PEER TUTORING: Spring Self-Talk Seminar
If you are currently playing a spring sport or are a student who wants to improve strategies to use your thinking as an ally rather than a foe, Peer Tutoring will be sponsoring a seminar to improve one’s self-talk. Boys' basketball coach Joey Hewitt will be conducting the seminar during Academy on Wednesday, Mar 19 at 10:10am in room 107. (NOTE: If the RSVP’s warrant a room change, we will notify teams/students.) Coach Hewitt currently works with pro athletes, college and high school teams and players, and middle school athletes. Some areas that will be covered are:

• Developing next-play speed and mentality
• Identifying triggers
• Staying present rather than past and future

If your student will attend, please RSVP bpowers@auhsdschools.org. We are excited about this opportunity for our Dons!
 
Bill Powers & Angela Ketcham
Peer Tutoring Co Directors

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

Acalanes Campus Clean-Up Saturday, Mar 22, 9am-12pm!
Students can earn service hours before the Apr 18 deadline, connect with their Acalanes community, and share in Don’s pride by signing up for the Spring Don’s Day Campus Clean-Up! Trash clean-up, weeding, and gardening will make our campus shine. There are two shifts and students can sign up via Helper Helper:

• Shift 1: 9-10:30am
• Shift 2: 10:30am-12pm

What to bring? Weeding tools and gloves if available. We’ll provide instructions once people arrive, as well as water and treats!
 
Parents and teachers are also welcome and can just show up at either 9am or 10:30am, but students need to sign up via the Helper Helper link. If all the spots are filled, students can put their name on the waitlist and plan on joining that morning. Thank you for your help!

Campus Culture Committee

Upcoming Important Dates:

• Women’s History Month (March)
• Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (March)
• Gender Equality Month (March)
• Feb 28-Mar 29 Ramadan
• Mar 20 Nowruz - Persian New Year
• Mar 31 Trans Day of Visibility

Nowruz (lit: "New Day") is the Iranian New Year or Persian New Year. The roots of Nowruz lie in Zoroastrianism, and it has been celebrated by many peoples across West Asia, Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Black Sea Basin, the Balkans, and South Asia for over 3,000 years. In the modern era, while it is observed as a secular holiday by most celebrants, Nowruz remains a holy day for Zoroastrians, Baháʼís, and Ismaʿili Shia Muslims. Customs for the festival include various fire and water rituals, celebratory dances, gift exchanges, and poetry recitations, among others; these observances differ between the cultures of the diverse communities that celebrate it.

Established in 1987 by President Ronald Reagan, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month highlights the importance of fostering a society where people with disabilities are empowered to contribute to their communities. This month reminds us that individuals with developmental disabilities are valuable members of our communities and deserve full participation in all aspects of life, including education, employment, recreation, and civic engagement. While March provides an opportunity for heightened awareness, true awareness happens when we commit to creating accessible environments and productive opportunities year-round.

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.

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:

• Tuesday @ lunch in 314: Movie watching “The Lorax”
• Tuesday at 7pm in the APC: Talent Show
• Wednesday @ lunch: Class Cup indoor soccer + disability awareness month kahoot in room 314
• FRIDAY: Crazy Sock Day for Down Syndrome Awareness
• Friday academy in 314: Service event- make cards for hospitalized children
• Friday lunch in 314: Spring kick-off- seed planting + indoor soccer in the gym

UPCOMING:

• Junior & Senior Prom: Apr 19
  • Purchase 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.

Come to the annual Talent Show this TUESDAY at 7pm in the PAC, hosted by seniors Jake Colaco and Brady Quinn! There will be ten awesome different acts, food, and fun!

New Crew Leader Applications are available now and open to current sophomores and juniors! Being a New Crew Leader is a super fun way to be involved in the campus community and support next year's frosh! Students can click here to apply! Applications are due March 24th!
 
Black Excellence recap video: Take a few minutes to watch this highlight video featuring all the fun things that happened in February, such as the making of the BEM Doordecks, Dr. Ty, the Quad City Dance and more ! Check it out.
 
Encourage your student to sign up to create motivational cards that spread hope, joy, and magic to hospitalized children across America! They can join us on Mar 21 in room 314 during academy to make a difference. The cards will be sent to Cards for Hospitalized Kids, a non-profit organization that distributes them to children every month. Plus, you can earn a volunteer hour on Helper Helper if you attend!
 
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.
 
Hey Acalanes Parents! We're super excited to be hosting our annual Special Olympics on Apr 25! We are looking for parent volunteers to help manage parking. The time slot is from 8-10am and you can sign up here to sign up. We can't wait to see you all there, thank you for helping out! Go Dons!
 
SALE- Support the Garden Club and buy Acalanes grown succulents! Plants are purchased through the Acalanes webstore for $3.25. Once purchased you will receive an email with pick up instructions. Thanks for your support!

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

College & Career

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

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

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

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

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