Campus Culture Committee

💙 Acalanes Parent Club – Campus Culture Committee (CCC) Update
May 2026
 
🌟 Campus Culture Committee Highlights
The Campus Culture Committee is wrapping up a meaningful and impactful 2025–2026 school year. While there are no additional meetings scheduled for the remainder of the year, we are proud to reflect on the connection, care, and community that have defined our work together.

On April 24, the APC Campus Culture Committee hosted its inaugural Wellness and Restoration Event—a special opportunity for members of our school community to pause, recharge, and connect. Participants experienced a calming sound bath, shared a meal, and enjoyed moments of laughter and reflection together.


We extend our gratitude to Patrick Turner (AHS Wellness Coordinator), Paul Chopra (AUHSD Board Member), and Neku Pogue (AHS Associate Principal) for joining us and supporting this space of restoration. A heartfelt thank you as well to Beverly Jane for leading the sound bath and hosting us at the beautiful Big Magic Village Barn.
At our final meeting of the 2025–2026 school year, we also began planning for the year ahead. Highlights for 2026–2027 include:

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

🌟 May Days of Recognition & Celebration

  • May is Asian/Pacific Heritage month
  • May is Mental Health Awareness Month
  • May is Jewish American Heritage Month
  • May 5 – Cinco de Mayo

May offers meaningful opportunities to honor culture, identity, and well-being:

  • Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
     A time to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across fields such as science, arts, business, and government.
  • Jewish Heritage Month
     Celebrates the achievements and cultural contributions of Jewish Americans in areas including law, medicine, politics, philanthropy, and the arts.
  • Mental Health Awareness Month
    Observed since 1949, this month focuses on reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and promoting support for mental health. The 2026 theme centers on community and well-being. Look out for Wellness Center events designed to support students during AP testing and finals. You can also participate by wearing green, sharing stories, and accessing resources from NAMI or SAMHSA.
  • Cinco de Mayo (May 5)
     Commemorates Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 and celebrates Mexican culture and heritage, especially in communities across the United States.

đź“… Join Us Monthly! (In-Person & Virtual Meetings)
 Meeting Schedule | 6:00–7:30pm

  • May – No Meeting

✨ April Reflections


Acalanes Cultural Fair

On Apr 24, Acalanes hosted another vibrant and successful Cultural Fair during academy. Students engaged in cultural performances and interactive experiences that deepened understanding and appreciation for the diverse backgrounds represented within the school community. The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion, representation, and shared learning.
 
đź’š 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
đźš« Acalanes is a No Hate Zone
If your student experiences or witnesses bias or hate, please encourage them to report it using the  Bias Incident Reporting Tool (BIRT) available on the AHS website.
 Submit a BIRT Report Here »
 
🤝 Stay Connected
We welcome all families to get involved!
đź“§ diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com
We look forward to continuing this important work together in the 2026–2027 school
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Student Activities

We have arrived at the last month of the year! Wishing students good luck on AP exams followed by a very fun end of year spirit week/senior celebration!
 
Monday: New Crew Leader Appreciation @ lunch
Wednesday @ 5 PM: Athletics & Activities Night for the Class of 2030
Friday @ academy: ACA Buddies + The Truth of Trash
Friday @ lunch: Summer Spectacular
Friday @ 4:30 PM: Frosh baseball hangout for the Class of 2029
 
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!

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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

Last Progress Reports will be made available on Friday, May 1 in Aeries. This is the last grading period before the end of the school year! 
 
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 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.

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Wellness Center

With AP exams starting next week, now is a great time to discuss test anxiety with your AHS student. Test anxiety is actually a form of performance anxiety which affects 25-40% of students. While it’s perfectly normal for a student to feel nervous before a test, test anxiety can be overwhelming and disrupt concentration and ability. Here are a couple steps you can take to support your student in combating their test anxiety:
 
Positive Self Talk can go a long way in altering one’s perception of their ability. Encourage your student to talk to themselves how they would talk to a friend or loved one experiencing the same anxiety. We are often our own worst critic and in many instances, we talk to ourselves more negatively than we would ever talk to someone else.
 
Acceptance of mistakes can also shift your student’s mindset around their ability. First, remind your student that trying their best is realistically the most they can do. Even when trying our absolute best, people still make mistakes. Second, model this behavior for your students. Are you shaming your student when their best effort isn’t “good enough” or beating yourself up when you make a mistake? Offer grace in the face of mistakes. We’re all human after all.
 
Teach test taking basics to your student so they might feel more confident when the time comes to take a test. Believe it or not, study skills and test taking strategies are learned. Just because students have experience taking tests, doesn’t mean they are equipped to do so successfully.

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Performing & Visual Arts

Choir Spring Concert
Please join us on Friday, May 15 at 7:00pm in the Acalanes PAC for the final choir concert of the year. Come celebrate our Acalanes singing seniors and enjoy an evening of choral music by our Acalanes Choir, Harmonix, Octet and more.


Acalanes Musicians perform at Jazz Cafe!
Please join us on Friday, May 15 for an evening of fantastic jazz performances at the Jazz Cafe at Stanley Middle School. Our instrumental Dons from the Acalanes Jazz Ensemble and Acalanes Jazz Combo are role models for the Stanley jazz bands who will also perform. Bring the entire family and settle in for a fabulous evening that will feature an array of performances from multiple bands and age ranges. This is a wonderful event for our community that is not to be missed!
 
When: Friday, May 15 at 6:00pm
Where: Multi-Use Room, Stanley Middle School
Admission Price: Free
 
Collage Concert on Thursday, May 21 in the PAC
Please save the date for our final performance of the year. On Thursday May 21 at 6:30pm in the Performing Arts Center, students will perform a beautiful collage of pieces, some showcasing specific ensembles. We invite you to this special evening as we cap off a fantastic year of music from our exceptional students at Acalanes.

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LPIE

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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 B

This week’s can’t miss events:
Boys golf
Monday, May 4 DAL Championship at Blue Ridge GC, Fairfield.
 
Girls lacrosse
Tuesday, May 5 NCS First Round Playoff.
Thursday, May 7 NCS Quarterfinal.
 
Boys lacrosse
Tuesday, May 5 NCS First Round Playoff.
Thursday, May 7 NCS Quarterfinal.
 
Softball
Tuesday, May 5 hosts Benicia HS 4:30pm.
Thursday, May 7 at Northgate HS 4:30pm.
 
Baseball
Tuesday, May 5 Campolindo HS 4:30pm.  Varsity is home, JVis away.
Thursday, May 7 JV hosts Campolindo HS 4:30pm.  Varsity is home, JV is away.
Friday, May 8 Varsity v. Campolindo HS at St. Mary’s College 4:30pm.
Saturday, May 9 Freshmen hosts Northgate HS at 10:00am and 12:30pm.
 
Swimming
Friday, May 8 NCS Trials at College of Marin.
Saturday, May 9 NCS Finals at College of Marin.
 
Boys tennis
Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 NCS Singles & Doubles Championship at Marin Tennis Club.
 
Track & field
Saturday, May 9 DAL Finals at Campolindo HS.

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General Announcements

It’s that time of year again when we need ALL PAST DUE books to be returned to the library as soon as possible.
 
SENIORS:  We have reached out several times via email and met with students individually to discuss their return of the items and the required fee if the items are not found.  The deadline for Seniors to clear their accounts of anything past due is Friday, Apr 24. Failure to resolve past-due items or outstanding fees may result in restricted participation in senior activities, including Prom, Senior Awards, Senior Sunset, and Grad Night.
 
For all other grades, please turn in all past due books this school year to avoid having your schedule withheld on Don’s Day until your account is cleared.
 
Please make a payment to the Acalanes webstore or bring cash to the library should your book(s) be lost or damaged. You can email me at jbacon@auhsdschools.org or find me in the library should you have any questions or need support with your payment.
 
Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

Kind regards,

Jess Bacon Library Media Technician & Neku Pogue, Associate Principal

AP Exam Info: In preparation for next month’s AP Exams, students can review this helpfulguide.

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APC in Action

INTERESTED IN GETTING MORE INVOLVED?
We are looking for parents/guardians to join our Acalanes Parents Club team for the 2026-27 school year.
 
We have openings for the following roles.
Newsletter Editor: help gather and organize content for the weekly APC newsletter
Senior Rally: typically junior parents, help coordinate the Senior Rally in the park
Student Community Service Coordinator: organize community service program for students, including Helper Helper app
 
If you are interested in learning more about any role, please reach out to APC Parliamentarians, Andrea Hilsabeck or Michele Colaco.

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Campus Culture Committee


🌟 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

đź“… Upcoming Important Dates

  • April – Autism Acceptance Month
  • April – Arab American Heritage Month

đź§© 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.
 
đź’š 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
đźš« Acalanes is a No Hate Zone
If your student experiences or witnesses bias or hate, please encourage them to report it using the  Bias Incident Reporting Tool (BIRT) available on the AHS website.
 Submit a BIRT Report Here »
 
🤝 Stay Connected
We welcome all families to get involved!
đź“§ diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com
We look forward to continuing this important work together in the 2026–2027 school year!
Read more