Are you, your student, or someone you know interested in quitting tobacco or nicotine use? Today is the perfect day to start!
Kick It California is a free program that helps Californians kick smoking, vaping, and smokeless tobacco with the help of proven, science-based strategies. Clinically proven, culturally sensitive, and trusted, Kick It California, formerly the California Smokers’ Helpline, opened in 1992 as the first publicly funded statewide quitline. They now offer individual telephone counseling, a texting program, online chat, a smart phone app, Alexa Skill for quit smoking tips, and self-help materials. Take the first step toward quitting by visiting https://kickitca.org/. In Contra Costa County, you can also call 2-1-1 for a direct referral to Kick It California.
Wellness Center
Performing & Visual Arts
Winter Choir Concert
Please join the Acalanes Choir in the PAC on Thursday, Dec 4, at 7 pm for a wonderful evening of choral music.
Instrumental Winter Concert
SMC Choir Concert featuring the Acalanes Choir
The Acalanes Choir will also be performing at the Saint Mary’s College Choir’s “Making Spirits Bright” Concert on Saturday, Dec 6, at 4:00pm in the St Mary’s College Chapel, Moraga.
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:
Girls soccer
Tuesday, Dec 2 host Dougherty Valley HS. JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Friday, Dec 5 host Maria Carrillo HS. JV at 5:00 pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Saturday, Dec 6 Freshmen at Las Lomas HS 2:00pm.
Boys soccer
Wednesday, Dec 3 at Richmond HS scrimmage. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:15pm.
Friday, Dec 5 Davis HS at Whitney HS in Cap City Showcase 3:00pm.
Saturday, Dec 6 Pleasant Grove HS at Rocklin HS in Cap City Showcase 5:30pm.
Saturday, Dec 6 host Emerald HS. Freshmen at 1:00pm and JV at 3:00pm.
Girls basketball
Tuesday, Dec 2 host University HS. JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 6:30pm.
Saturday, Dec 6 host Christian Brothers HS. JV at 11:00am and varsity at 12:30pm.
Boys basketball
Thursday, Dec 4 v. St. Ignatius HS in the Riordan Invitational.
Friday, Dec 5 v. University HS in the Riordan Invitational.
Thursday, Dec 6 v. California HS in the Riordan Invitational.
Thursday, Dec 4 through Saturday, Dec 6 JV hosts the John Rhodes Memorial Tournament.
Thursday, Dec 4 through Saturday, Dec 6 Freshmen in the Alameda Tournament.
Wrestling
Saturday, Dec 6 Varsity Jim Lanterman Classic at Vintage HS.
Saturday, Dec 6 Girls Albany Invitational.
Saturday, Dec 6 JV Colt Classic at James Logan HS.
You may view the full 2025-2026 Athletic Schedule by clicking HERE.
General Announcements
Acalanes High School Seeks Qualified Instructional Assistants!
Our high school is looking for caring, energetic people to join our team as Special Education Instructional Assistants—and we’d love your help spreading the word! This is a great opportunity for anyone who enjoys working with young people and wants to make a direct impact in our classrooms. Instructional Assistants work closely with teachers to support students with special learning needs, helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally in an inclusive school environment. We especially want to reach out to local alumni who may be back in the area after college and are looking for meaningful, hands-on experience before their next career or graduate program—this is a wonderful way to give back to your community and gain valuable skills in education, psychology, or human services. If you or someone you know would be a great fit, we’d love to hear from you! Apply here!
Parking Lot Safety Reminders
Students and families, it is essential to drive slowly and safely in the parking lot. We have had several small accidents, and individuals have reported almost being hit because of reckless driving. Please be mindful of pedestrians at all times and move slowly through the lot. Do not swerve around cars. Be patient. If you want to avoid traffic, please make a plan to leave earlier. Any students involved in serious accidents or reported for reckless driving will have their school parking permits revoked, or will not be given the opportunity to apply for one next year. DONS DRIVE SAFE!
APC in Action
Get your holiday gifts!
Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Look no further than some new Acalanes Spiritwear! Orders close Nov 16 and will be in hand Dec 16 for pick-up. Proceeds benefit the classes of ‘26, ‘27, ‘28 & 29! Order here!
Peer Tutoring — Walk-Ins Welcome
If your student needs help from a peer tutor but the Academy session is full, students can still come to room 107. Peer tutoring accommodates “walk-ins” and we will find a way to get your student the help they need.
Student Activities
Last week to go! We hope you & your family have a great Thanksgiving break.
TODAY is the last day to purchase spiritwear from our winter store.
Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Look no further than some new Acalanes spiritwear. Orders close Nov 16 and will be in hand Dec 16 for pick-up. Proceeds benefit the classes of ‘26, ‘27, ‘28 & 29!
As we enter the holiday season, we have a few opportunities for our community to give back:
ADOPT-A-FAMILY: Last chance to sign-up this week!
As the holiday season approaches, the Acalanes Community Outreach board is kicking off Adopt-A-Family. This is a tradition at Acalanes and together we were able to support 70 families last year. We partner with Pacific Clinics in Concord. There are two ways to participate:
- If you would like to adopt an individual along with their wishlist of gifts to buy, please fill out the signup genius link.
- If you wish to adopt a family, please fill out the google form and we will get back in touch with you once we have received the families request.
All wrapped gifts will be collected on Dec 12 in the morning at the front of the school. As this date approaches, we will be in touch with more details! If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to Anna Motes at (annakmotes@gmail.com) or Katherine Walton at (kwalton@auhsdschools.org)!
ACALANES FOOD DRIVE
We are running a food drive for our very own Acalanes community. We are putting together food bags for anyone who may be impacted by the delay of SNAP benefits.
Collection bins are in front of the attendance office. We are collecting specific items in order to offer grab-n-go meals. Items we are collecting:
- Canned chicken
- Canned mixed vegetables & canned corn
- Dried rice
- Canned cream of chicken soup
- Canned white beans
- Chicken broth
- Chili seasoning
- Instant mashed potatoes
- Dried stuffing mix
- Shelf-stable milk
- Cereal
If other items are brought, we will make those available. Ultimately, anything not used will be donated to our local food banks.
Peek at the Week:
Tuesday @ lunch: Frosh piesgiving
Wednesday @ academy: Clay making in room 314 + a sports mental health panel in the library
Wednesday @ lunch: Senior Friendsgiving
Thursday @ 7:00pm: Fall Jazz Concert
Friday @ academy: Enviro hosts Flower planting & pot decorating in room 314
Shop joyfully while giving generously! We are back in the holiday season and this is a perfect time to raise funds for our beloved Acalanes! Minted is offering parents 20% off our purchases AND is giving 10% of the net sales back to our fabulous school! Please use promo code FUNDRAISEACALANES upon checkout to support the Dons!
College & Career
Seniors:
Come See Us to Finish Up Your Apps!
Come in to the College and Career Center ANY TIME (Academy, lunch, 7th period) next week to finish UC applications before Thanksgiving break! We are here to help you…no appointment needed!
Upcoming Acalanes Student Alumni Panel:
The College and Career Center is organizing a recent Acalanes Student Alumni Panel during Academy (10:10-11:05am) on Wednesday, Jan 7, 2026. Do you know of a recent alumnus who will be in town on this day and would be willing to share what they wish they had known before college, what they are happy they did, and other tips for juniors and seniors? If so, please let Debbie Levy, dlevy@auhsdschools.org, know. Thank you!
Country Spotlight of the Week: The Republic of Ireland:
The Republic of Ireland’s universities are highly regarded for their strong academic standards and research opportunities. The Irish education system is focused on research and aligns closely with the needs of the modern job market, providing students with relevant and practical skills. Ireland is also a great location for students seeking international work experience. Many global companies, especially those in technology and pharmaceuticals, have their European headquarters in Ireland. This provides numerous opportunities for internships and employment. Ireland’s welcoming policies for international students, including the ability to work part-time while studying and options for post-graduation jobs, make it an attractive destination for students aiming for international careers. Students can apply to Irish universities via the Common Application. A great Ireland Country Guide can be found on Maia Learning under the Resources tab.
Additional webinar recordings that might be helpful: Essential Information for AdvisingStudents on the Emerald Isle and The Emerald Island Awaits: North America Student & Family Webinar
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
PROGRESS REPORTS AVAILABLE Nov 17 The next grading period ends on Nov 17. Progress reports will be available in Aeries on Nov 17. This is the last grading period before the final official semester grades! Those will be available around January 12th.
Performing & Visual Arts
Join us for a celebration of jazz music at the Fall Jazz Concert on Thursday, Nov 20 at 6:30pm in the Performing Arts Center! The concert will feature the Stanley Jazz Messengers, the Acalanes Jazz Combos as well as the Acalanes Jazz Ensemble. Join us to support our talented musicians from both Stanley and Acalanes! We will be live-streaming the event at https://www.youtube.com/live/a8eolPrsZWE
For anyone interested in making a donation to support Acalanes music, please refer to the QR code below. Thank you!
