Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

What is ACA You Ask?
Not only is “ACA” short for “Acalanes,” it is also the overarching, unifying theme that we at Acalanes High School represent on and off campus. Simply put, ACA (Acalanes Community Always) represents:

  • Connectivity between Acalanes students, teachers, staff members, alumni and the greater Lafayette community
  • Spirit and unity

These are characteristics that we all share as part of the Acalanes family, both during our time at Acalanes, and beyond as alumni. Our ACA spirit is on display daily in and outside of the classroom, and within our athletics, performing arts, student government, clubs, and Acalanes support organizations. We look forward to supporting ongoing programming that continues to build school spirit and supports our community and each other!
 
ACA Student Discounts!
As part of your student’s ASB card purchase, your student can get discounts or freebies at some favorite local business, such as

  • Diablo Foods
  • Johnny’s Donuts
  • Local Kitchens
  • Sideboard
  • And more!

Your student just needs to show their ASB card at checkout. See the full list of discounts here!
 
Important Dates!

  • Saturday and Sunday, Sept 23-24 is the annual Lafayette Art & Wine Festival. We look forward to seeing many of you there!
  • Sunday, Oct 22 is the Annual Lafayette Reservoir Run. Signup now and support our local schools.
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APC in Action

Important reminders from APC to help make back to school time a success.

  • Dons Day is tomorrow, Monday, Aug 14 from 7:30-11:30am! Please complete your annual online registration in Aeries before coming to Dons Day. As a part of registration, please visit the Acalanes Web Store and check out how to support all Acalanes partners such as APC. You can also purchase yearbooks, class activity funds, ASB card, apparel and more!
  • If you are a 9th or 10th grade family and still need residency verification, please come to the collaboration center starting at 7:30am. Please bring all of the necessary proof of residency documentation listed here. We recommend bringing copies to expedite the process.
  • Frosh orientation will be held from 12-1:30pm and meets in the Performing Arts Center (PAC).
  • New parent orientation meets in the Library from 12-1pm.
  • Transfer students are invited to meet near the flagpole at 11:30am for an orientation and tour.
  • In addition to Dons Day, Chromebooks will be available for pick up on the first day of school. Students may use their own devices if preferred.
  • Please remember there is an adjusted bell schedule for the first week of school.

Volunteer opportunities: In case you missed it in the registration process, please complete this volunteerform so we know what you’re interested in helping with this year. There are plenty of parent volunteer opportunities, starting with Homecoming this fall!

Please reach out to APC here with any questions

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General Administration Announcements

Welcome Back! Please review all the important information included in Principal Shawn’s email from Friday, August 11. Click here to view the email in Aeries Parent Square.
 
First Week of School Schedule
We have an adjusted bell schedule for the first week of school. Please share with your students. Tuesday and Wednesday are Anchor Days (aka “see all days”), Thursday and Friday will follow the regular block schedule.

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APC Membership & Fundraising

Acalanes Parents Club has committed nearly $185,000 to Acalanes this school year, which will provide vital services for our entire AHS community. As of today, we have yet to reach that goal and we need your help!
 
We are tremendously grateful for your support, which funds the following programs for all Acalanes students and staff:
 
*Peer Tutoring                   *College & Career Services          *Campus Enhancements
*Parent Ed                         *Staff & Teacher Development      *Grants Program         
*Communications               *Volunteer Opportunities               *and more…
 
If you haven’t had a chance to donate, please consider doing so here. The suggested amount is $350 per student, but any amount is needed and greatly appreciated. 
 
Another important source of funds is making your donations go twice as far with Corporate Matching. Please check if your company has a matching program and, if so, contact corpmatch@acalanesparentsclub.com for further information.
 
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

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Sports

This week’s can’t miss events:

Girls volleyball
Tuesday, Aug 15 host Carondelet HS scrimmage. Frosh at 4:30pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 6:30pm
Wednesday, Aug 16 host Alumni game at 6:30 pm

Girls water polo
Thursday, Aug 17 at Carondelet HS scrimmage

Football
Friday, Aug 18 Napa HS, Vallejo HS, Windsor HS scrimmage at Napa HS. JV at 4:30pm and Varsity at 7pm

You may view the 2023-2024 Athletic Update by clicking HERE.

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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

May is both Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage and Mental Health Awareness Month. The Lafayette Library’s CelebrateDiversity page contains information to help celebrate the month. Library staff have curated booklists for all ages that feature AAPI voices and stories. As well, the county library system posted a quick read titled, HowAreYouHowAreYouReallyDoing? to their adult blog page.

Upcoming Community Event: Standing up to Hate Crimes, Thursday, May 18 4-5:30pm, online via Zoom
Hate crimes are exponentially increasing in California. How do we, as a community, support victims of hate crimes? The State of California Civil Rights Department has developed tools for victims to report hate crimes and receive support. Co-sponsored by the Contra Costa County Libraries. Click here for registrationinformation.

DEI’s 2023-2024 planning is underway. Please share any thoughts or ideas you have with us here. Out-of-the-box thinking is welcome. This is a collaborative process and we encourage participation. Lots of ways to be involved without a huge time commitment.

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