Weekly News & Announcements

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

Acalanes Gives Back
Acalanes is collecting shampoo, soap, and conditioner starting Monday, Feb 3 through Thursday, Feb 13 in front of the main office. Your donations will support local families in need, including newly arrived refugees and unhoused individuals.

Maya Smith, a Lafayette resident and community leader, has relaunched the Lamorinda Care Collective (LCC), a local resource providing essential items free of charge. All donations stay within our community, directly helping those in need. Please consider contributing and making a difference!

Campus Culture Committee

Upcoming Important Dates

• February: Black Excellence Month
• Jan29 - Feb 16: Lunar New Year
• Feb 28 - Mar 29: Ramadan

ALL ARE WELCOME HERE T-shirts have arrived! For just $20 you can support the Campus Culture Committee of APC while wearing a stylish black t-shirt 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.

Black Excellence Month continues with BSU student meetings each Wednesday of February. Please show support by encouraging your students to attend the club’s events, including the Movie Night + Potluck on Feb 21 and the Quad City Dance on Feb 28.

The San Francisco Chinese New Year parade is the largest of its kind outside of Asia. Celebrated this year on Saturday, Feb 15, it is one of the few remaining night illuminated parades in North America.

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.

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: Mandatory election meeting
• Wednesday @ academy: ACA Buddies Valentine Dance
• Wednesday @ lunch: Black Excellence BSU + Public Health club meeting
• Thursday @ lunch: Bouquet making to celebrate Galentine’s Day  + End of regular season for winter sports & the start of playoffs!

UPCOMING:

• Elections: Feb 26-28
• Quad City district dance, hosted by AUHSD BSU’s: Feb 28
• Talent show act + host sign-ups (Talent Show is Mar 18 at 7pm)
• Color Run + Holi celebration: Mar 16 at 9am
• Prom ticket sales are open - prom is Apr 19
• Intramural girls flag football sign-ups

Valentine’s Grams Sales are now LIVE! You can now purchase a bag of goodies with a personalized message for your student and their friends that will get delivered during their 3rd period class on February 13. Anyone can purchase, including teachers and parents. Order single Valentine’s Day Grams here OR, new this year, purchase here if you’d like to treat an entire class period! This is a beloved tradition and a great way to send your student into the 4-day weekend on a fun note! Last day to order is February 12 so don't miss out.  Students can also buy one in person during lunch at the leadership tables set up in the student quads. Happy Valentine's Day!
 
Acalanes Gives Back - last week to donate!
Acalanes is collecting shampoo, soap, and conditioner through this Thursday, Feb 13 in front of the main office. Your donations will support local families in need, including newly arrived refugees and unhoused individuals.
 
Maya Smith, a Lafayette resident and community leader, has relaunched the Lamorinda Care Collective (LCC), a local resource providing essential items free of charge. All donations stay within our community, directly helping those in need. Please consider contributing and making a difference!
 
Club Update
Encourage your student to check out the 90+ clubs on campus, including 20 new clubs this spring! Joining a club or just attending a meeting is a great way for them to explore their interests and make new connections on campus! The spreadsheet (link above) includes meeting information.
 
The annual Acalanes Fall Blood Drive is on Tuesday, Feb 25! You and/or your student can make appointments through the Red Cross website (link here). You must create an account to sign up. If you have any questions please reach out to @caroline.urick25@auhsdschools.org
 
Encourage your student to come to the Health Career Speaker Panel on Wednesday, Feb 19 during academy in room 314 to hear the experiences of 4 Acalanes community members who have worked in various health professions! This will be the first speaker panel of a monthly series, where each speaker will share their career journey, insights, and advice.
 
The Enviro board is holding a prom dress drive this year from Feb 10 through Mar 29. There will be 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
 
February is Black Excellence Month
As a community, we will celebrate Black Excellence throughout the month of February.


Potluck + Movie Night
In honor of Black Excellence Month, BSU will be hosting a potluck before a showing of Hidden Figures in the front quad. The potluck will be on Feb 21 at 5pm and the movie will start at 5:30pm. Please sign up to bring food. Another event to put in your calendar is the Quad City Dance on Feb 28 at 7:30pm at Las Lomas. It is a district wide dance open to all and is $10 on Go Fan.
 
2025-2026 Leadership for the Class of 2029
Leadership applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now available for incoming 9th graders and due Feb 20. There are 16 different committees and an interest for everyone. Find all the information here
 
Introducing the 2nd Annual Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition
Your student can win $2,000 to launch or grow their business! No idea is too small! This competition is a fun way to promote youth entrepreneurship among K-12 students in Contra Costa County. When young people succeed as entrepreneurs, they improve their own lives while also contributing to the economic development of their local communities. Visit www.contracostasharktank.org to learn more. Finalists will be selected by the Campolindo High School Entrepreneurship Club and winners selected by a panel of judges on May 1 at the Lafayette Library. Deadline to apply is Mar 15!
 
KEY 2ND SEMESTER DATES:
Mar 16: Color Run
Mar 18: Talent show
Apr 18: Special Olympics
Apr 19: Junior & senior prom
Apr 23-26: School musical

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

College & Career

Seniors: If you student is interested in attending DVC, please sign up for Levy academy on Wednesday, Feb 19. A DVC college admissions representative will be visiting Acalanes to walk students through the admissions process.
 
Scholarships

• AAUW Scholarship for a female senior with significant community service - applications are due Feb 12.
• Seniors - please update your admissions’ decisions on MaiaLearning. This is important!

Juniors: During the following academy sessions, juniors will be called into the library by last name to learn how to use our college planning tool, MaiaLearning. Feb 21(Rh-Z), Feb 26 (G-Ka), Feb 28 (Ke-Re), and Mar 7 (A-F).

Career Fair - Wednesday, Mar 12
Acalanes High School will host an exciting school-wide Career Fair during Academy on Wednesday, Mar 12.  In addition to inviting local businesses who are looking for student employees, we will have nonprofit agencies at tables promoting their volunteer opportunities. 

We are looking for 2-3 people per field to interact with students at various table stations. If you would like to support us or recommend someone, please email Bryce Birdsong at  bryce.birdsong26@auhsdschools.org and Debbie Levy at dlevy@auhsdschools.org. Please provide your name, job title, and phone number. We will follow up with all contacts. Thank you for helping our Acalanes students explore careers.

Thank you for your support!

Counseling

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

Individual Appointments with Counselors Feb 10-11: Counselors will continue meeting with individual students this week to confirm course selections. All class requests are due to the district office by the end of the week! 
 
CSF Applications are OPEN! All 10th -12th graders can apply for California Scholarship Federation (CSF) membership during the month of February. Applications can be found here and are also available in the Counseling Office. The cost is $7 on the webstore. Four semesters of membership qualify a student as Lifetime CSF member, which allows students to wear a gold stole at graduation. Please come to the Counseling Office if you have more questions, or email the CSF Advisor, Ms. Schonauer, at aschonauer@auhsdschools.org.

LPIE

7th Annual
LPIE SPRING GALA
Saturday, Mar 22, 2025
The Palace Hotel
San Francisco
 
LAST CALL FOR TICKETS! (sale closes Sunday, Feb 16)
Please visit our gala webpage to purchase the final VIP table or the last few individual tickets. The evening will feature silent and live auctions, a delicious dinner, dancing and live music from Mustache Harbor.
 
All proceeds will support programs and experiences in our schools, funding the teachers, instructors and supplies that make them possible.

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:
 
Girls basketball
Monday, Feb 10 host College Park HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, Feb 14 DAL Semifinal.
Saturday, Feb 15 DAL Championship at Acalanes HS.
 
Boys basketball
Monday, Feb 10 at College Park HS. Frosh at 4pm, JV at 6pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Friday, Feb 14 DAL Semifinal.
Saturday, Feb 15 DAL Championship at Acalanes HS.
 
Boys soccer
Tuesday, Feb 11 host Northgate HS. Frosh at 4pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:15pm.
Thursday, Feb 13 Frosh at College Park HS at 3:30pm.
Saturday, Feb 15 host College Park HS. Freshmen at 10am, JV at 12pm and Varsity at 2pm.
 
Girls soccer
Tuesday, Feb 11 at College Park HS. JV at 5pm, Varsity at 7pm.
Thursday, Feb 13 host Northgate HS. JV at 5pm, Varsity at 7pm.
Saturday, Feb 15 Frosh-soph at Northgate HS at 9am and at Campolindo HS at 2pm.
 
Wrestling
Saturday, Feb 15 DAL Championship at Concord HS.

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

General Administration Announcements

Course Selections Due Tomorrow, Feb 3
As a reminder, course selections (and alternates) for the 2025-2026 school year should be entered into Aeries by tomorrow, Monday, Feb 3 (although students are able to make changes through Feb 10).
 
Counselor Appointments will take place from Feb 3-11. All students will meet with their counselor for a pre-assigned 5-minute appointment during the school day to discuss their course selection and alternate choices. This meeting is to confirm that students have submitted their courses and alternates into the Aeries portal.

• Frosh counselor appointments - Feb 3 - 4
• Sophomore counselor appointments - Feb 4 - 6
• Junior counselor appointments - Feb 6 - 11

Course Preview Resources for Students
Students and parents are encouraged to view our course preview videos to familiarize themselves with the courses available. Students will view videos in their classes and in academy over the last two weeks in January and in early February.

• Rising Frosh (Current 8th Grade Students) - Class of 2029
• Rising Sophomores (Current Frosh) - Class of 2028
• Rising Juniors (Current Sophomores) - Class of 2027
• Rising Seniors (Current Juniors) - Class of 2026
• Students Interested in Taking 2+ honors or AP courses are encouraged to view this presentation when considering what courses they request.

More information on Course Selection can be found here.

APC in Action

PEER TUTORING- KEEPING AHS STUDENTS ON TRACK
During the fall semester, Peer Tutoring had almost 5000 visits from students of all grade levels. Our students have come to rely upon the program for a productive, welcoming place to study and get academic support. Our tutors not only work with students who drop in to Room 107, but are also requested by faculty to provide additional help in the classroom. Teachers have already effectively used our tutors over 130 times for help with test prep, test review, essay editing and math support just between August and December.
 
This past semester, as with its previous 25+ year history, Peer Tutoring has continued to be an invaluable component to the success of Acalanes and its students. We thank APC for funding 100% of the Peer Tutoring program and you for your continued support.
 
Please reach out to Angela Ketcham or Bill Powers with any questions.

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

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

Acalanes Gives Back
Acalanes is collecting shampoo, soap, and conditioner starting Monday, Feb 3 through Thursday, Feb 13 in front of the main office. Your donations will support local families in need, including newly arrived refugees and unhoused individuals.
Maya Smith, a Lafayette resident and community leader, has relaunched the Lamorinda Care Collective (LCC), a local resource providing essential items free of charge. All donations stay within our community, directly helping those in need. Please consider contributing and making a difference!

Campus Culture Committee

Upcoming Important Dates

• February: Black Excellence Month
• Jan29 - Feb 16: Lunar New Year
• Feb 28 - Mar 29: Ramadan

Black History Month is an annually observed commemorative month originating in the United States, where it is also known as African American History Month. It began as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora, initially lasting a week before becoming a month-long observation in 1970. Our school district recognizes it as Black Excellence Month to celebrate not only the history, but the present excellence in the Black community. Students from the Black Student Union (BSU) will be holding events throughout the month. Please support them by encouraging your students to attend the club’s events, including the Quad City Dance at the end of the month.

Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring, this festival takes place from Chinese New Year's Eve (the evening preceding the first day of the year) to the Lantern Festival, held on the 15th day of the year. It is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture.

If you’d like to help with any celebrations or join in our cultural discussions please contact the Campus Culture Committee here.

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 4-9pm: Grab dinner from Chipotle & mention you are from Acalanes!
• Tuesday: Leadership applications due (current AHS students)
• Wednesday @ lunch: Black Excellence kick-off event in room 314
• Thursday @ 7pm: Big 10 event - boys soccer vs. Campolindo
• Friday @ lunch: ACA Buddies

2025-2026 Leadership
Leadership applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now available for current 9th, 10th and 11th graders and due this coming Tuesday. Leadership is open to all grades and drives student programming on campus. There are 16 different committees and an interest for everyone. Current 8th graders at Stanley have an informational meeting at lunch on Monday in Ms. Shegoian’s room and apps are due Feb 20.
 
BIG 10 in January
Students have designed the BIG 10 as a way for our community to SHOW UP & SHOW OUT to these 10 events that take place across campus. THIS WEEK: Thursday, Feb 6 at 7pm, boys soccer vs. Campolindo.
 
Introducing the 2nd Annual Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition
Win $2,000 to launch or grow your business! No idea is too small! This competition is a fun way to promote youth entrepreneurship among K-12 students in Contra Costa County. When young people succeed as entrepreneurs, they improve their own lives while also contributing to the economic development of their local communities. Visit www.contracostasharktank.org to learn more and apply. Finalists will be selected by the Campolindo High School Entrepreneurship Club, and winners selected by a panel of judges on May 1 at the Lafayette Library. Deadline to apply is Mar 15!

 
Acalanes Gives Back
Acalanes is collecting shampoo, soap, and conditioner starting Monday, Feb 3 through Thursday, Feb 13 in front of the main office. Your donations will support local families in need, including newly arrived refugees and unhoused individuals.
 
Maya Smith, a Lafayette resident and community leader, has relaunched the Lamorinda Care Collective (LCC), a local resource providing essential items free of charge. All donations stay within our community, directly helping those in need. Please consider contributing and making a difference!
 
February is Black Excellence Month
As a community, we will celebrate Black Excellence throughout the month of February.
Potluck + Movie Night
In honor of Black Excellence Month, BSU will be hosting a potluck before a showing of Hidden Figures in the front quad. The potluck will be on Feb 21 at 5pm and the movie will start at 5:30pm. Please sign up to bring food.

One event to put in your calendar is the Quad City Dance on Feb 28 at 7:30pm at Las Lomas. It is a district wide dance open to all and is $10 on Go Fan.

The annual 3v3 basketball sign ups are now open and we cannot wait to see you on the court. Sign up with another friend and your favorite staff person to battle it out and see who will win the championship. Last year Mr. Buchel won so let's see who will be the 2025 reigning champion! Basketball will run through February/early March.
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!
 
KEY 2ND SEMESTER DATES:
Mar 13: 1st ever community rally
Mar 16: Color Run
Mar 18: Talent show
Apr 18: Special Olympics
Apr 19: Junior & senior prom
Apr 23-26: School musical

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

College & Career

Senior Scholarships

• AAUW Scholarship for a female senior with significant community service - applications are due Feb 12.
• Seniors- Please update your admissions’ updates on MaiaLearning. This is important!
• DVC will be visiting to discuss admissions during Academy on February 19 in the College and Career Center

Juniors: During the following academy sessions, juniors will be called into the library by last name to learn how to use our college planning tool, MaiaLearning. Feb 21(Rh-Z) , Feb 26 (G-Ka), Feb 28 (Ke-Re) , and March 7 (A-F).