Weekly News & Announcements

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

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: Counselors plan to spend the month of October writing letters of recommendation for all of the Early Decision and Early Action deadlines for Seniors!  Please make sure your student has completed the student survey, parents have completed the parent survey, and the student has sent their counselor a resume if they want a letter of recommendation from their counselor. Students need to request teacher letters on Maia Learning, and match their Maia account with their Common App account.
 
QUARTER 1 ENDS THIS WEEK/CLASS DROP DEADLINE: The first quarter of the school year ends on Friday 10/10. This is also the last day to drop a class! Quarter grades will be available by Friday, 10/17. These grades will be used to determine continued eligibility for fall sports.
 

LPIE

We’re proud to welcome Dana Reedy Homes as a Diamond Business Partner for the 2025-2026 school year!
 
A Bay Area native, Dana has spent over 15 years as a top-producing Realtor and previously practiced law – honing the skills, knowledge, and attention to detail that set her apart. Beyond her professional expertise, Dana is deeply connected to the East Bay – having lived in Walnut Creek, Orinda, and now Lafayette with her husband and two daughters.
 
Thank you, Dana, for your generosity and partnership in supporting educational excellence in our community!

Sports

*The game schedule 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:
Flag football
Monday, Oct 6 Varsity at Miramonte HS at 7:30pm and JV at Campolindo HS at  6:30pm.
Wednesday, Oct 8 host Las Lomas HS. JV 6:30pm and Varsity 7:45pm.
 
Girls golf
Monday, Oct 6 Varsity v. College Park HS at Contra Costa CC at 3:30pm.
Tuesday, Oct 7 Varsity v. Las Lomas HS at Boundary Oak GC at 3:30pm.
Thursday, Oct 9 JV v. Clayton Valley Charter HS at Oakhurst GC at 3:30pm.
Friday, Oct 10 JV v. Campolindo HS at Rossmoor GC at 3:30pm.
 
Girls tennis
Monday, Oct 6 at Las Lomas HS at 4:00 pm. Varsity away, JV home.
 
Girls volleyball
Tuesday, Oct 7 at Las Lomas HS. JV 5:30pm, Varsity 6:30pm.
Thursday, Oct 9 hosts Benicia HS. Freshmen 4:30pm, JV 5:30pm, Varsity 6:30pm.
 
Girls water polo
Wednesday, Oct 8 at Miramonte HS. JV girls at 4:00pm and Varsity girls at 5:00pm.
Saturday, Oct 11 Varsity hosts Menlo School at 9:00am and Leland HS at 3:00pm.  JV hosts Menlo School at 11:00am and Leland HS at 12:00pm.
 
Boys water polo
Wednesday, Oct 8 at Miramonte HS. Varsity boys at 6:00pm and JV boys at 7:00pm.
Friday, Oct 10 and Saturday, Oct 11 JV in the Jet Blast tournament at Encinal HS.
 
Tackle football
Thursday, Oct 9 Freshman host Miramonte HS at 5:00pm.
Friday, Oct 10 at Miramonte HS. JV at 4:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
 
Cross country
Saturday, Oct 11 Crystal Springs Invitational.

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

General Announcements

New Trustee by Area Election
Our District is moving forward with the transition to “by-trustee-area” elections, as required by the California Voting Rights Act (CVRA). We’ve just released three new draft map options (2A, 2B, and 5), bringing the total to seven maps for review.

You’re invited to take a look at the maps and share your feedback! Community input is a big part of this process, and your comments will help shape the final decision. More information can be found at this District webpage.

Oct 15, 2025 – Third Public Hearing on final map options, 7:20pm at the District Office Community Room. At this meeting, the Board will select the final trustee-area map for the Nov 2026 elections.

Can’t make it? You can still email your feedback to trusteeareafeedback@auhsdschools.org or call (925) 942-9649.
 
Thanks for staying engaged and helping shape our District’s future!

APC in Action

Community Service Update
Good news! Helper Helper is now approved to work with your school email addresses. Any existing accounts will stay with the current email address on your account, so there is no need to change anything. If you do not have an existing Helper Helper account already, you can email the below email address with your name, personal email, birthdate, and graduation year, and we can set one up for you. Please make sure that you are logging your volunteer hours within 30 days of the event. Also, as a reminder, there will no longer be the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. You can still complete your 30+ hours of community service for Acalanes, and will receive an Acalanes Service Award in May, and you may still log 300+ hours during your 4 years at Acalanes for the Excellence in Community Service Award. Those completing that will receive a cord to wear at graduation. Please reach out to communityservice@acalanesparentsclub.com with any questions.
 
Preparing for a Teen Driver – Free Parent Information Night
We know that the process of teaching your teen how to drive and earn their license can feel daunting. That’s why we are excited to offer an informative presentation by driving experts and Greenlight Simulation founders. Their team will lay out the steps to acquire a license and provide some foundational tips on how to approach behind-the-wheel driver training with your teen. *Flyer to follow.

• What: Parent Pit Stop – A Guide To Getting Your Teen Behind The Wheel
• When: Tuesday, Oct 7, 6:30-8:00pm
• Where: Acalanes High School Library

We hope you can join us, space is limited so please be sure to RSVP here.

Stay Connected:  Follow the Acalanes Parents Club on Instagram to keep up to date on what's happening at Acalanes and reminders for important dates. Please reach out to APC here with any questions.

Parents Club Pro-Tip

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES Q&A

How do I report absences or late arrivals?
Parents/Guardians need to report absences, late arrivals, or early dismissals to the 24-hour attendance line (925-980-3973) or send an email to ahsattendance@auhsdschools.org. Absences not excused after 24 hours will become cuts.

How do I excuse my student for an appointment or early release during the day?
Please report any early releases as soon as possible so the office can have your student's pass ready to go. Call the 24-hour attendance line and leave a message or send an email. The messages are checked frequently. But if your student needs to leave right away, please call the office directly at 925-280-3970 ext. 7126. If your student does not know about the appointment, please let us know so we can make arrangements to have the student sent to the office.

How does my student sign out once I have called the attendance line/sent an email?
Your student needs to come to the attendance office before the class they are leaving early from to pick up an off-campus pass. This is their ticket to get out of class. Once they have their pass they can leave class at the designated time, come back to the attendance office to scan the QR code, and sign out. If they return the same day, they will return to the attendance office to sign in and pick up a re-admit slip. Signing in/out from the office is mandatory for safety reasons.

Can tardies be excused? Yes, with a medical or dental note and a student sign in. Otherwise, parents cannot excuse tardiness.

For more detailed information, visit the District website attendance reporting.

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

Lafayette Reservoir Run
Registration is NOW OPEN for the Lafayette Res Run for Education!
Run/walk downtown Lafayette in the 2-mile fun run/walk or 5k, or strive for your best 10k time, which includes going around the Lafayette Reservoir on race day, Sunday, Oct 19. There is also a virtual option around the paved trail of the reservoir from Oct 11-18.
Lafayette's public schools are beneficiaries of this event, with 15% percent of each registration going back to Acalanes – so be sure to choose Acalanes during the registration process!

• The first 100 students to register from each school will receive a voucher at packet pickup for 1/4 lb of bulk candy from Zoonie’s Candy Shop! Yes, even high school students!
• The school who increases their number of runners most compared to last year will receive an additional $500 beneficiary check!

 

Summer Trip to the Basque Country
Acalanes staff are taking students on a trip to the Basque Country this summer, starting in Madrid, exploring northern Spain, then Southern France, and ending in Paris. Students from any grade and any of the four 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 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 this summer, please follow this link to preview the trip and to register: The Basque Country
 
We will be hosting an informational meeting on Tuesday, Sept 30 at the lawn in front of Sideboard, at 6:30pm. If you have any questions please reach out to Erin Field or TinaGullberg. This is not a school-sponsored trip.

Campus Culture Committee

Black African American Advisory Meeting


Acalanes Parent Club – Campus Culture Committee (CCC) Update
Sept 15–Oct 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month

We are the Acalanes Parent Club (APC) Campus Culture Committee (CCC) – formerly known as DEIB. This year, we are focused on building a stronger parent support system for all student groups on campus and working closely with staff on issues that impact our students. We believe that supporting students begins with supporting parents – which is why our mission includes providing mental health support, opportunities for connection, and a strong collective voice for families.

2025–26 Monthly Meeting Schedule

• October 20 – Virtual
• November 17 – In-Person
• December – No Meeting
• January 12 – Virtual
• February 9 – In-Person
• March 16 – Virtual
• April 20 – In-Person (Last Meeting of the Year)
• May – No Meeting

Acalanes is a No Hate Zone.
If your student experiences hate or bias, please encourage them to use the Bias Incident Reporting Tool (BIRT) Bias Incident Reporting Tool (BIRT). Let’s continue working together to ensure a safe, inclusive campus for all.

Questions?  Email us: diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com