Lafayette Community Survey Results
Earlier this year, more than 500 families responded to LPIE’s Community Survey—thank you for your time, honesty, and insights.
What You Told Us: Many families want more clarity on school funding and the need for donations—especially in a public school context. Some were surprised to learn that both Lafayette and Acalanes Union High School Districts are operating at budget deficits, and that schools heavily rely on local support through LPIE and parcel taxes—not just property taxes or rent. You also shared personal barriers to giving. Some weren’t sure smaller gifts matter (they do!) and asked for more transparency around how funds are used. We hear you!
What Hasn’t Changed: Every gift matters. While we agree public education shouldn’t rely on private funding, it currently does—and we’re deeply grateful to every family who chooses to invest in our students.
Want to Learn More or Get Involved? We’d love to hear from you. Email our Executive Director, Danielle Gallagher at danielle@lpie.org.
LPIE
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:
Track & field
Monday, Apr 28 at Clayton Valley Charter HS at 3:30pm.
Saturday, May 3 DAL Trials at Campolindo HS.
Boys golf
Monday, Apr 28 Las Lomas HS at Contra Costa CC 3pm.
Tuesday, Apr 29 Miramonte HS at Orinda CC 3:30pm.
Wednesday, Apr 30 Gambetta Invitational at Lone Tree GC.
Boys lacrosse
Monday, Apr 28 at College Park HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Tuesday, Apr 29 host Clayton Valley Charter HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, May 2 at Las Lomas HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Girls lacrosse
Tuesday, Apr 29 at Clayton Valley Charter HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Friday, May 2 host Campolindo HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7pm.
Baseball
Tuesday, Apr 29 Campolindo HS at 4pm. Varsity home and JV away.
Thursday, May 1 Campolindo HS at 4pm. Varsity away and JV home.
Saturday, May 3 Freshmen at Bishop O’Dowd HS at 10am and 1pm.
Softball
Tuesday, Apr 29 Clayton Valley Charter HS at 4:30pm. Varsity away and JV home.
Thursday, May 1 College Park HS at 4:30pm. Varsity home and JV away.
Boys volleyball
Tuesday, Apr 29 hosts Northgate HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 6:30pm.
Thursday, May 1 at Campolindo HS. JV at 5pm and Varsity at 6:30pm.
Beach volleyball
Wednesday, Apr 30 Clayton Valley Charter HS at Heather Farms at 4pm.
Thursday, May 1 Clayton Valley Charter HS at Heather Farms at 4pm.
Swimming
Thursday, May 1 DAL Trials at Campolindo HS at 2:15pm.
Saturday, May 3 DAL Finals at Campolindo HS. JV at 10am and Varsity at 12pm.
Boys tennis
Thursday, May 1 DAL Singles and Doubles Championship at Northgate HS at 10am.
Friday, May 2 DAL Singles and Doubles Championship at Acalanes HS at 2pm.
You may view the full 2024-2025 Athletic Schedule by clicking HERE.
Legislative News
Something exciting arrived in the mail this week—your Measure T ballot!
Measure T provides locally-controlled funding to maintain our high-quality high school instruction and retain our excellent local teachers. It requires a steep two-thirds support rate AND is on the ballot during an off-year. All this means that every vote counts in this special election!
Turning out the parent vote is critical to our campaign’s strategy to win and protect our local high schools. You can help us today by filling out your ballot early!
Return your ballot in three simple steps:
- Find your ballot, it should be arriving this week
- Vote YES on T to protect quality local high schools
- Sign your ballot’s return envelope and mail it back today — no postage required. You can also turn it in at a local ballot drop box.
For more information about voting and drop box locations, please click here. Reminder, ballots are due by Tuesday, May 6! Early parent voting is essential to our campaign’s success!
We are still looking for volunteers! Please consider sharing some of your time by helping us get the vote out! And, if you would like a lawn sign, click here!
General Administration Announcements
PLEASE CARPOOL ON FRIDAY, APRIL 25
Acalanes is very excited to host the Special Olympics this Friday. There will be buses and many visitors coming to campus so we expect parking may be challenging. Please encourage your students to carpool on Friday!
OUR AP STUDENTS NEED YOUR HELP!
We are searching for parents to help with proctoring AP exams from May 5 – May 16. Exams start everyday at either 8am or 12pm. Students know to show up 30 minutes prior to start time for check in. Proctors for morning exams would need to start at 7:15am and afternoon exams at 11:15am. Exams can range from 2-6 hours and you should plan to stay for the longest amount of time possible. Restrictions: Parents, you are NOT allowed to proctor an exam that your own child is taking.
We especially need help on these dates/at these times:
- Morning and noon exams on Wednesday, May 7
- Noon exams on Tuesday, May 13
- Morning exam of Wednesday, May 14
- Morning and noon exams on Thursday, May 15
- Noon exams on Friday, May 16
You can volunteer your time or receive pay.
If you are interested in learning more about proctoring AP exams, please contact the Acalanes Testing Coordinator, Jamielle McDonald at jmcdonald@auhsdschools.org
APC in Action
2025-2026 ACALANES PARENTS CLUB BOARD SLATE
We are proud to announce our slate of nominees for the 2025-26 APC Board of Directors. A big thank you to this year’s Nominating Committee for their time and dedication in placing these amazing volunteers. The APC general membership will vote to approve the slate at the spring general meeting, immediately preceding Dons Dialogue on Friday, May 16 at 8:45am. If you have any questions, please contact APC Parliamentarian, Sarah Cusumano.
2024-2025 Parents Club Board Nominees
Presidents: Jocelyn Birrell
VP Special Projects: Jennie Dobies
VP Communications: Kendra Uffelman
VP Community Partners: Lynna McPhatter-Harris
VP Fundraising: Jen Ruhl
VP Services: Ali Krick
Co-Head Liaisons: Sarah Cusumano & Amy Lewis
Secretary: Kimberly Grover
Treasurer: Rick Phillips
Assistant Treasurer: Sierra Culbertson
Auditor: Courtney Griffin
Past President/Parliamentarian: Michele Colaco & Andrea Hilsabeck
Acalanes Parent Volunteer Opportunity
There is still time to volunteer this school year! Join in on a fun and unique on-campus volunteer opportunity! We are looking for parent volunteers to help keep the cafeteria line running smoothly. Volunteer shifts are less than an hour and are on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Sign up for one shift or multiple shifts! This is a fun and easy way to get involved during lunch at Acalanes–and even better, you can sign up to volunteer with a friend! Click HERE to learn more and to sign up! Please check in at the front office when you arrive for your volunteer shift. Thank you for your support!
APC Membership & Fundraising
Looking for a GREAT graduation gift? Or a lasting end of year gift?
Say it in stone!
Leave a lasting tribute to your Acalanes student by purchasing a custom engraved brick on the Dons Legacy Wall (located by the front office). Your $300 donation covers the cost of your personally engraved brick while also supporting the Acalanes Parents Club. 
What better way to leave a legacy? Graduates will return to Acalanes year after year… and with heartfelt nostalgia, feel right at home seeing their name and personalized message on their very own brick as part of the Dons Legacy Wall. This is also a great way to honor your favorite teacher, staff member or Acalanes program or class.
You can purchase your brick here. Contact Legacy Brick Coordinator Leanne Zimmerman at leanne.zimm@gmail.com with any questions.
Congratulations to the class of 2025!
Acalanes Community Always (ACA)
PARENT ED EVENT:
“Coping with Family Transitions: When Your Child Leaves Home”
Our community is hosting an event on Wednesday, April 30 from 6:30-8pm with Joseph Ianora, a licensed therapist and former principal. This workshop will be primarily for parents of seniors who will be experiencing a transition at the end of the school year. The goal is to help parents navigate the changes that occur in the family unit. All are welcome!
Date: Wednesday, April 30
Time: 6:30-8pm
Location: Acalanes Library
Welcome Class of 2029
Acalanes Athletics & Activities Night
May 1, 2025 | Acalanes Front Quad | 5-6pm
It’s time for incoming Acalanes freshmen & families to connect! Students/families can check out the following during this evening on May 1:
- Student Clubs: Acalanes has over 90 student clubs. Club leaders will be at tables and happy to share information. Some of the clubs present will be ACA Buddies, Children’s Hospital, Feminist Club, Finance Club, Jewish Student Union, Black Student Union, Queer Straight Alliance, Latinos Unidos, Asian American Student Union, SAGE Club and many more!
- Athletics: Acalanes is home to twenty-five competitive sports teams. Tables will be set up around the quad alphabetically.
- Athletic Directors and Clearance Information: Athletic Directors Randy Takahashi and Haley Walsh will be available to meet and share more about mandatory athletic clearance for next year.
- Parent Volunteer Opportunities: Acalanes parents play a vital role in supporting and enriching our school activities and events! Thank you in advance for donating your time. More information can be found at our partner tables and Acalanes support organizations at the entrance:
- Acalanes Athletic Boosters
- Acalanes Parents Club
- Acalanes Performing Arts Boosters
- Lafayette Partners in Education
- Acalanes SWAG: Pick up your pre-ordered Acalanes frosh spirit pack and/or purchase some new Acalanes gear! In addition, ALL incoming class of 2029 students can pick up a special goodie bag.
LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY (LLS) FUNDRAISER
The Acalanes Community Outreach and Improvement Club is hosting a fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) through Wednesday, Apr 30. LLS’s mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families by funding research and much more! Please donate as any and every donation makes a difference! Please check and see if your company has a matching gift program when donating to double your impact! Thank you!
Campus Culture Committee
Upcoming Important Dates:
- April is Autism Acceptance Month
- April is Arab American Heritage Month
- Apr 24 – Holocaust Remembrance Day
- Apr 28 – Campus Culture Committee Meeting 6pm NOTE THE DATE CHANGE
The internationally recognized date for Holocaust Remembrance Day corresponds to the 27th day of Nisan on the Hebrew Calendar. It marks the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.
Please note a date change to Monday, Apr 28 for our campus culture committee meeting in the collaboration center to discuss our plans for next year and support of students as we come to the end of this school year.
Please find our table at Acalanes Athletics and Activities night on May 1 to get an ALL ARE WELCOME HERE t-shirt! For just $20 you can support the Campus Culture Committee of APC while wearing a stylish black tee that lets everyone know what the Dons are all about. Or you can reach out here for payment information and how to get your shirt. Available in M and L only at this time.
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.
Student Activities
Schedule for the week:
Monday @ lunch: Earth Week documentary + talk in room 314
Tuesday @ lunch: Recycled paper flower making in room 314
Wednesday @ academy: Cultural Fair in the big gym + nature walk
Wednesday @ lunch: Blue Heart Awards + Earth Week: Story of a Cup
Friday: Special Olympics
Acalanes Earth Week Apr 21-25
On Monday, Apr 21 students can watch the documentary “The Science of Our Planet” in room 314 during lunch. After, there will be a group discussion about how to improve current habits. Pizza will be provided.
On Tuesday, Apr 22 there will be recycled paper flower making in room 314 during lunch. Students can make a bouquet of paper flowers while learning about the importance of recycled paper and why using it has a positive impact on our environment.
On Wednesday, Apr 23 there will be a nature walk at BRIONES. To participate, students need to pick up and drop off a permission slip in room 314 (Walton), then sign up for Paniagua’s academy, as she will be the one chaperoning!
On Wednesday, Apr 23 during lunch a speaker from RecycleSmart will be holding a discussion group about the documentary, “Story of the Cup”. There will be a quick Q&A afterwards and a group discussion.
On Thursday, Apr 24 during lunch there will be a Sustainability Information Booth in the frosh quad! Students who answer a question about sustainability get a prize!
Cultural Fair Wednesday Apr 23!
The Cultural Fair is a unique event and opportunity to celebrate diverse cultures. This is the time to share traditions and educate our community through interactive displays. Students will be able to experience amazing performances, enjoy food and activities. We want to highlight authentic cultural experiences while fostering appreciation and learning. The fair is on Wednesday, Apr 23 in the Chris Huber gym during academy and students must sign up for Walton’s academy.
Acalanes is holding a $15 tickets fundraiser with the SF Giants this season! Make sure to use code: AcaHigSch25. Our student night is on Friday, Apr 25 @7:15 pm. Grab some tickets with your friends and come watch the game with us!
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
Katherine Walton, Activities Director
College & Career
Seniors should log into MaiaLearning and fill out their 2025 senior exit survey on their dashboard. This is important, as it’s the only way our registrar knows where to send your student’s final transcripts.
Juniors can access college planning support at the following academy sessions (Levy academy):
- Apr 23 UC tips for writing your PIQs ( Personal Insight Questions)
- Apr 30 Filling out your activity list for UCs and the Common App
Free Practice Tests: Interested in having your student take a free online practice SAT or ACT? Sign up here for either exam on Apr 26 at 9am with our testing partner, Revolution Prep.
