Thank you to all the parents who supported prom this past weekend! From bus sign-ups to bus loading & chaperoning, Prom does not happen without your support. A special thank you to Amy Jones & Stacy Epstein for their work as prom chairs & the staff for spending their Saturday night in the city. đź’™
Â
PEEK AT THE WEEK: Spring into Summer Spirit Week
Monday at lunch: Mini canvas painting in room 314 + Whiffle Ball on the field
Tuesday at 7:45am: Silver A awards
Tuesday at lunch: Cookie Decorating in room 314 + equity council in the library
Wednesday at lunch: Whiffle ball on the field + Blue Heart Awards
Wednesday at 5:00pm: Open Mic Night
Thursday at lunch: Ice Cream bar in the front quad
Thursday at 6:30pm: Instrumental Concert
Friday at lunch: Whiffle ball on the field
Â
On Apr 29, as a part of our Spring into Summer event, there will be Open Mic Night at Sideboard from 5:00-6:30pm. This is a chance to showcase a variety of your talents to your peers at Sideboard. You can sing, dance, play an instrument, showcase a talent and many more options. Every year this is a super fun event to showcase what you can do so make sure to sign up through this google form.
Â
April & May important dates:
Â
May 6: Class of 2030 Athletics & Activities Night
May 18-22: Last spirit week of the year!
Â
SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming 2026, Sept 20-26
Â
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!
Student Activities
College & Career
Free Digital AP® Practice Exams
AP Free Test Practice: Revolution Prep’s self-proctored, digital practice exams cover the multiple-choice portion of the AP exam and are available for six of the most popular AP subjects. Each includes:
- A live, digital multiple-choice experience
- A detailed score report highlighting strengths and areas for improvement
Available subjects:
AP Chemistry | AP Calculus AB | AP Calculus BC | AP U.S. History | AP Physics 1 | AP Biology
 [Students can register here]
Counseling
Counselor assignments are by student last name:
A-FÂ Anne Schonauer Â
G-Ka Erika Vasquez on campus MWTh
Ke-Re Marissa MeadowsÂ
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!Â
Â
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.Â
Â
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.
Legislative News
Measure H for LAFSD
Measure H is on the June 2026 ballot. This local parcel tax would replace Measure L (expiring in 2027) and help close funding gaps caused by California’s school funding formula, which ranks Lafayette among the lowest-funded districts in the state.
Â
Funds from Measure H would stay local and support maintaining small class sizes, attracting and retaining excellent teachers, and preserving core academic programs like math, science, reading, and the arts. The measure also includes independent oversight, annual audits, and a senior exemption.
Confirm you are registered to Vote here
Performing & Visual Arts
Spring Concert
Come support our talented musicians at the Spring Concert on Thursday, Apr 30 at 6:30pm in the Performing Arts Center. The Acalanes Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and Combined Band will be performing a variety of works from composers such as Antonio Vivaldi, Owen Williams, Gustav Holst, Percy Grainger, Joseph Strauss and Julie Giroux. Please join us for what promises to be a wonderful evening of enriching performances!
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 tennis
Monday, Apr 27 Head Royce HS at 3:30pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Tuesday, Apr 28 Bishop O’Dowd HS at 3:30pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Wednesday, Apr 29 DAL Singles and Doubles Championship at Northgate HS.
Thursday, Apr 30 DAL Singles and Doubles Championship at Acalanes HS.
Â
Boys golf
Monday, Apr 27 Silverstein Invitational at Rossmoor GC.
Wednesday, Apr 29 Campolindo HS at Moraga CC at 3:30pm.
Thursday, May 1 Northgate HS at Boundary Oak GC at 3:30pm.
Â
Softball
Tuesday, Apr 28 hosts Clayton Valley Charter HS 4:30pm.
Thursday, Apr 30 at College Park HS 4:30pm.
Â
Baseball
Tuesday, Apr 28 College Park HS 4:00pm. Varsity is away, JV is home.
Thursday, Apr 30 College Park HS 4:00pm. Varsity is home, JV is away.
Saturday, May 2 Varsity at Petaluma HS 12:00pm.
Saturday, May 2 Freshmen hosts Campolindo HS at 11:00am and 1:30pm.
Â
Boys volleyball
Tuesday, Apr 28 at Northgate HS. JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 6:30pm.
Thursday, Apr 30 hosts Campolindo HS. JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 6:30pm.
Â
Girls lacrosse
Tuesday, Apr 28 hosts Miramonte HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Friday, May 1 hosts Las Lomas HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Â
Boys lacrosse
Tuesday, Apr 28 at Clayton Valley Charter HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Friday, May 1 at Campolindo HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Â
Beach volleyball
Wednesday, Apr 29 Clayton Valley Charter HS at Heather Farms at 4:00pm.
Â
Swimming
Thursday, Apr 30 DAL Varsity Trials at Campolindo HS at 2:15pm.
Saturday, May 2 DAL Finals at Campolindo HS. JV at 10:00 am and Varsity at 12:00pm.
Â
Track & field
Saturday, May 2 DAL Trials at Campolindo HS.
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.
Â
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.
Â
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.
Â
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.
Â
Thank you in advance for your cooperation!
Kind regards,
Jess Bacon Library Media Technician & Neku Pogue, Associate Principal
AP Exam Info:Â In preparation for next month’s AP Exams, students can review this helpfulguide.
APC in Action
APRIL DONS DIALOGUE – Friday, April 24 at 8:45am
Please join us for our final Dons Dialogue of this school year. We will start at 8:45am with a brief general meeting to vote on our 2026-27 Board of Directors slate (see below) and then we’ll proceed with the Dons Dialogue discussion. Grab a friend and join us for another informative forum – coffee and treats will be served!
Â
2026-2027 Parents Club Board Nominees
President: Jocelyn Birrell
VP Special Projects: Jennie Dobies
VP Communications: Jen Ruhl
VP Community Partners: Lynna McPhatter-Harris
VP Fundraising: Samira Abrams
VP Services: Ali Krick
Co-Head Liaisons: Sarah Cusumano & Amy Lewis
Secretary: Liz Keyser
Treasurer: Rick Phillips
Assistant Treasurer: Fredi Gorham
Auditor: Courtney Griffin
Past President/Parliamentarian: Michele Colaco
Â
INTERESTED IN GETTING MORE INVOLVED?
We are looking for parents/guardians to join our Acalanes Parents Club team for the 2026-27 school year.
Â
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
Â
If you are interested in learning more about any role, please reach out to APC Parliamentarians, Andrea Hilsabeck or Michele Colaco.
Campus Culture Committee
💙 Acalanes Parent Club – Campus Culture Committee (CCC) Update
March 2026
Â
🌟 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
Acalanes High proudly hosted the annual Special Olympics on Apr 17, welcoming over 600 student-athletes from across the county for a joyful day of track & field competition. Thanks to the dedication of our teachers and students—along with valuable parent support—the event ran smoothly and was full of encouragement, sportsmanship, and memorable moments.
Â
Highlights:
- More than 600 participants competed across multiple track and field events
- Smooth event coordination by staff and student volunteers
- Strong community spirit and inclusive support from parents and spectators
Thank you to everyone who volunteered, cheered, and made this one of the best weeks of the year for our athletes.
Â
đź“… Upcoming Important Dates
- April – Autism Acceptance Month
- April – Arab American Heritage Month
- April 22- Earth Day
- April 24 – Acalanes Cultural Fair
Earth Day — Apr 22
Â
Earth Day raises awareness and shows support for environmental protection with events held around the world. It’s a great time to think about ways to create a more sustainable school community. Ways your student can participate:
- Join or organize a campus cleanup during lunch or after school
- Bring reusable water bottles, utensils, and lunch containers
- Walk, bike, or carpool to school
- Reduce energy use: turn off lights and devices when not in use
- Plant native flowers, trees, or start a small garden
- Create posters or presentations for class about conservation
- Start or join an environmental club or pledge to one new green habit
Acalanes Cultural Fair — Apr 24
During Academy on Apr 24, students are invited to the big gym to enjoy cultural performances and learn about the diverse cultures that make up our Acalanes community. Informational booths will feature culture, food, and more. Students interested in hosting a booth and sharing a part of their culture can sign up with Mrs. Walton in Room 314.
Â
🧩 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.
Â
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
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 »
Â
🤝 Stay Connected
We welcome all families to get involved!
📧 diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com
We look forward to continuing this important work together in the 2026–2027 school year!
Student Activities
PEEK AT THE WEEK: Earth Week 🌍
Monday @ lunch: Earth Week Jeopardy
Tuesday @ lunch: Senior athlete recognition ceremony + Earth Week Trivia
Wednesday @ lunch: Staff-student trivia in the big gym & ACA Buddies
Thursday before school: Frosh bagel bar
Friday @ academy: Cultural Fair
Friday @ lunch: Bouquet making
Friday @ 7:00pm: Girls LAX vs. Campo
Saturday @ 5:30pm: Junior & Senior Prom at the Exploratorium
Â
The Acalanes Cultural Fair is coming up! Encourage your student to attend the cultural fair during academy on Apr 24 in the big gym to watch cultural performances and learn about the various cultures that make up our Acalanes community! There will be informational booths where students can share their culture through information, food, and more.
Â
This week is Earth week at Acalanes! Â The Environmental leadership board has planned events in order to educate our student body and show caring about the environment can be fun! Come join us at one of our 5 events this week.
Â
Monday: Sustainability Jeopardy
How much do you really know about the planet ? Join the environmental board for an interactive round of Jeopardy in room 314 at lunch. We’re diving into the facts behind climate change, conservation, and how we can make an impact right here at Acalanes. Win the game and receive prizes and candy!
Tuesday: Environmental Trivia
Come to the freshman quad to spin the wheel and answer a question relating to the environment. If you answer correctly you will receive a candy prize!
Wednesday: Campus Clean Up
It’s Earth Week, and it’s time to show our quads some love ! Grab a pair of gloves and join us for a Campus-Wide Clean-Up this Wednesday at lunch. Let’s leave the campus better than we found it. Whoever collects the most trash will win a reusable water bottle filled with candy!
Thursday: Reusable Water Bottle RewardsÂ
Did you know that you may be helping the environment without even knowing it? If you have a reusable water bottle come to the freshman or sophomore quad and receive a candy prize for supporting sustainability!
Friday: Bouquet MakingÂ
Wrap up Earth Week by prepping for the big dance! Join the Environmental Board and Student Life Friday at lunch in room 314 to craft your own floral arrangements to celebrate Prom and appreciate the earth.
Â
On Apr 29, as a part of our Spring into Summer event, there will be Open Mic Night at Sideboard from 5:00-6:30pm. This is a chance to showcase a variety of your talents to your peers at Sideboard. You can sing, dance, play an instrument, showcase a talent and many more options. Every year this is a super fun event to showcase what you can do so make sure to sign up through this google form.
Â
April & May important dates:
Apr 21: Senior Athlete Celebration
Apr 25: Junior & Senior Prom
May 6: Class of 2030 Athletics & Activities Night
May 18-22: Last spirit week of the year!
Â
SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming 2026, Sept 20-26
Â
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!
