We are searching for adults to help with proctoring PSAT and SAT exams on Monday, Oct 5. Restrictions: Parents, you are NOT allowed to proctor an exam that your own child is taking.
You can volunteer your time (unpaid), or receive pay of $25/hr. This is a perfect opportunity for recent high school/college graduates, stay-at-home parents, retirees, and those searching for employment. If you are interested in learning more about proctoring, please contact the Acalanes Testing Coordinator, Jamielle McDonald at jmcdonald@auhsdschools.org.
General Announcements
Parents Club Pro-Tip
Does your student love to travel? Are they interested in traveling with peers? Erin Field and Tina Gullberg take students in Lamorinda on international trips every summer. This year we are going to Italy, Austria, and the Czech Republic! I know that many of you travel frequently, but trips like this allow students to become more independent and make lasting memories with their friends.
Any student at Acalanes (or any of the other schools in our district) is invited to join us! They do not need to be in my class or have ever had Ms. Field as a teacher. All are welcome on this trip!
We will have an informational meeting on Wednesday, September 16th from 7-7:45 on the lawn at Sideboard. Please RSVP here:
https://webapp.acis.com/trips/recruiting–meeting/MjAyN3wxNjA1NHw4MTY=
And here is the link to view the trip itinerary and cost:
https://acis.com/tripsite–trip–overview/?key=MjAyN3wxNjA1NA==
Sign ups are happening now, so if your student is interested, please register ASAP.
You can also check out our Instagram page to see past trips: @ACIS_Lafayette Travel Club
Thank you!
**This is not a school-sponsored trip.
Community Service – Helper Helper
If students would like to set up a Helper Helper account to log their service hours, please email from their personal email account to communityservice@acalanesparentsclub.comand include their personal email, name, birthdate and graduation year.
Volunteer Opportunities
Recurring volunteer roles require the new District process for volunteer validation (e.g. driving for field trips, sporting events, etc). Standalone volunteer opportunities (e.g. Football, Snack Shack) on campus do not require the new/latest rigorous training required by the district this year.
Click HERE to access the AUHSD volunteer portal.
Click HERE to explore volunteer opportunities.
Order School Photos – If you would like to order your student’s school photos, you can contact Studio1. There is also a QR code on the back of your student’s school ID card to support ordering.
Campus Culture Committee
The Acalanes Parent Club Campus Culture Committee (CCC) is looking forward to another year of helping ensure that all students, staff, and families feel seen, heard, valued, supported, and that they belong each and every time they step onto our campus.
Our CCC works alongside students, staff, families, and school leadership to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and a positive school culture throughout the Acalanes community.,
This year, we are excited to expand that sense of community beyond our individual campuses! Culture and Climate parent groups from high schools across AUHSD are planning more opportunities to collaborate, participate in cross-campus activities, share resources, and support students, parents, and guardians throughout our entire district.
🗓️ Join Us for Our First CCC Meeting!
**NOTE MEETING DATE CHANGE IN OBSERVATION YOM KIPPUR**
Tuesday September 22 | 6:30–7:30pm | Acalanes High School Library
We hope you will join us for our 2026–2027 CCC Kickoff Meeting!
This year, we are excited to put even more of our energy into action and connection. In addition to coming together as parents and caregivers, CCC members will have opportunities to provide volunteer time and supply/material support to our student clubs and special school events throughout the year.
And because building a community also includes taking care of and connecting with one another, we are planning some special opportunities just for our parents and caregivers!
Whether you have been involved with CCC for years or this is your first time learning about us, there is a place for you. We hope you will join us!
📅 2026–2027 CCC Meeting Schedule | 6:30–7:30
• September 22 – CCC Kickoff Meeting | In Person
• December 14 – Wellness Workshop with Patrick Turner | In Person
• January 11 – CCC Meeting | Virtual
• May – CCC Year-End Retreat | In Person, Date TBD
📅 September Dates & Observances
September 15–October 15 – National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures, achievements, and contributions of Americans whose heritage traces to Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The September 15 start date is significant because it coincides with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries.
🏫 AUHSD: Ongoing Supports & Opportunities
Several districtwide programs and activities are continuing this year to support students and create opportunities for connection, leadership, academic success, and belonging.
🖤 Black Student Union (BSU)
BSU students will have several opportunities to connect, learn, celebrate, and build community throughout the year, including:
• October 19 – BSU Summit
• November 18-21 – State BSU Conference
• February – Districtwide BSU Dance/Social
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ Council
The District’s LGBTQ Council will continue to meet quarterly with students, advisors, and district staff to collaborate on activities, identify needs, and create opportunities that support LGBTQ+ students throughout AUHSD.
♿ Special Education Parent Advisory Committee
The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee meets monthly and provides families with an opportunity to connect, share information, identify needs, and support the experiences and academic success of students receiving special education services.
🌎 DELAC – District English Learner Advisory Committee
The District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) provides families of English Learner students with an important opportunity to participate in district conversations and provide input regarding programs and services. Meetings are held at Las Lomas High School (LLHS).
🤝 How Parents Can Help
As opportunities arise, parents and caregivers will receive information about ways to support districtwide student activities, including needs such as food donations, transportation, supplies, and other volunteer support.
District leadership will also work with teachers and school staff to increase awareness of the importance of these student opportunities and help ensure students feel supported when participation requires them to miss class.
🤝 Our First Cross-Campus Opportunity!
Connecting Families Across AUHSD
We are excited to begin creating more opportunities for parents and caregivers from across our district to connect, learn from one another, build relationships, and support students across school communities.
To kick off this effort, the Campolindo DEIB Parents invite parents and guardians from all AUHSD schools to an evening of connection and community.
📅 Wednesday, September 30, 2026
⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Campolindo High School Library
All AUHSD parents and guardians are welcome!
This is just the beginning of what we hope will be more cross-campus opportunities throughout the year. By connecting families and parent groups across our schools, we can share resources, learn from one another, strengthen our collective efforts, and work together to support all students and families throughout AUHSD.
We hope to see our Acalanes families there! 💙
💙 Have Something You’d Like Us to Bring Forward?
Districtwide parent meetings provide an important opportunity for Acalanes families to have their voices represented at the district level.
If there is a topic, concern, student need, or idea related to school culture, climate, inclusion, belonging, academic support, or student well-being that you would like us to bring forward, please reach out:
📧 diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com
Acalanes is a No Hate Zone
At Acalanes, we are committed to maintaining a campus where every student feels safe, respected, and valued. If your student experiences or witnesses an incident involving hate or bias, please encourage them to use the Bias Incident Reporting Tool (BIRT) BiasIncident Reporting Tool (BIRT) available on the Acalanes High School website. Reporting helps our school respond appropriately and continue fostering a culture of belonging for all.
College & Career
Join us for our FAFSA Night! Forms like the FAFSA and CSS Profile can feel like a maze of confusing questions, but getting them right is one of the biggest levers you have for maximizing your aid. We’ve partnered with College Aid Pro to bring you a free webinar that walks you through both forms, so you can confidently submit them accurately and on time.
FAFSA & CSS Profile Made Simple: Successfully Navigate the Financial Aid Forms
Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 6:00pm PST
Here’s what you’ll walk away knowing:
- The key differences between the FAFSA and CSS Profile, and who needs to file which
- Common mistakes that cost families aid dollars
- How to handle tricky questions around income, assets, and household size
- Deadlines you can’t afford to miss
Can’t make it live? No problem, register anyway and we’ll send the recording straight to your inbox.

Student Activities
WOW! 2026 Homecoming did not disappoint-so many incredible moments, memories, class & campus camaraderie & Acalanes spirit. My 💙is FULL and incredibly grateful to our community for an amazing week!
Look for the homecoming rally video later this week along with a full recap of Homecoming on @ahs_dons.
I would be remiss if I didn’t spotlight some key individuals who TRULY made this week happen.
- First, our 19 parent liaisons. In all senses of the word, you are the REAL MVPs! Thank you for all of the time & energy you poured into Acalanes and your class. Your grit, patience, positivity, love & commitment shines so bright at all times but especially this week.
- Second, to our 18 class officers. The hours you invested in HOCO 2026 is more than anyone will ever know but your passion and love for your class is something that inspires me to be better every single day. Thank you for giving Acalanes your absolute best this past week.
- Lastly, to our 6 ASB officers, rallies, student life & leadership. You coordinated every aspect of Homecoming making memories come alive for your peers. From lunchtime activities to dress-ups to Chef Night, canned food drive, dodgeball, FNL & HOCO Night Out, you provided endless opportunities for our community to truly live out the best week EVER. I couldn’t be more proud.
We are going to take a week to regroup and will be back in October with more amazing programming for our campus & community.
Proud to be a Don today & always! 💙
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
Counseling
Counselor assignments are by student last name:
A-F Anne Schonauer
G-Hul Erika Vasquez on campus Tues/Fri
Hum-Pla Marissa Meadows
Ple-Z Susan Martin
Senior Appointments
Counselors are calling in all 12th graders to discuss post-high school plans starting in early September. We will look at Maia Learning, discuss deadlines, documents needed for applications, and answer questions.
CSF application period is now open! California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is an honor society for high school students. Current juniors and seniors should apply this month. Students who are members for at least 4 semesters during high school get a gold sash to wear at graduation and it’s an award to put on college applications. Students need to re-apply every semester. Please read the application carefully for eligibility requirements and instructions. The deadline is Wednesday, Sept 30.
Wellness Center
The Acalanes Wellness Center is open and ready to support students throughout the school year. We will also be continuing to do table activities during lunch.
Wellness will be presenting suicide awareness presentations during Academy, along with tabling events during lunch. These efforts are meant to increase awareness, encourage open conversation about mental health, and connect students with available resources. Our goal is to remind students that they don’t have to navigate difficult moments alone and that reaching out for support is an important step. We encourage students to visit the Wellness Center or connect with a trusted adult if they or someone they know may need additional support. We will also be introducing art therapy and coping skills. We will have painting materials in the Wellness Center for student use.
What We Do
The Wellness Center aims to support the needs of all students. This includes those who may be feeling overwhelmed, lonely, anxious, stressed, sad, or confused, as well as anyone experiencing other challenging emotions. We offer both ongoing and drop-in counseling services, Wellness breaks, information about community resources, and opportunities to join clubs and student programs. We also host a variety of educational events during lunchtime and Academy throughout the school year.
Get Connected
- If you have questions about Wellness, please email us at AHS Wellness coordinator
- To refer a student to Wellness, please use this form: AHSWellnessReferral
- Please remember that all Wellness Center services are confidential and completely voluntary.
- Follow us on Instagram @acalaneswellness to find out more about what we’re doing to support Acalanes students. There is also additional information about our program on the Acalanes High School website.
We look forward to supporting our students throughout another great school year.
Performing & Visual Arts
Mark your calendars for our most popular concert of the year! Our annual Pops concert will take place on Thursday, Oct 8 at 6:30pm at the Acalanes Performing Arts Center and will feature music from Raye, Lady Gaga, Abba & more!
For family and friends who are unable to attend in person, please share the livestream below! We are thrilled to be able to share Acalanes music far and wide, thanks to the Broadcasting Club! https://youtube.com/live/sOeP13C2FOM?feature=share
Dons show up and we intend to pack the house! Tell your students, friends and family and DO NOT MISS what promises to be a fantastic event!
Dons show up! The Acalanes Pep Band will be performing at our home football games on Friday, Oct 16 and Friday, Nov 6. Go Dons!
Get ready for Macbeth! Performances are Oct 22–24 at the Acalanes Performing Arts Center. Tickets go on sale Thursday, Oct 1.
LPIE
LPIE is currently at 45% of our annual fundraising goal, and we need our community’s help to close the gap.
Every gift helps fund the people and programs that enrich the educational experience for our students. If you haven’t yet made your annual gift or pledge, please consider donating today and help us keep Lafayette schools strong.
Donate today and help us reach 100% 
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:
Flag football
Monday, Sept. 28 at Ygnacio Valley HS. JV at 6:00pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Wednesday, Sept. 30 at Clayton Valley Charter HS. JV at 6:00pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Girls golf
Monday, Sept. 28 Fall Classic at Monarch Bay GC.
Girls tennis
Tuesday, Sept. 29 Las Lomas HS at 4:00pm. Varsity is away and JV is home.
Thursday, Oct. 1 Northgate HS at 4:00pm. Varsity is home and JV is away.
Girls volleyball
Tuesday, Sept. 29 host Las Lomas HS. Freshmen at 4:30pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Boys water polo
Tuesday, Sept. 29 host James Logan HS. JV at 4:00pm and Varsity at 5:00pm.
Wednesday, Sept. 30 host Las Lomas HS. JV at 4:00 pm and Varsity at 5:00pm.
Thursday, Oct. 1 host Piedmont HS. JV at 6:30pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3 JV Crusher Tournament at Vintage HS.
Girls water polo
Wednesday, Sept. 30 host Las Lomas HS. Varsity at 6:00pm and JV at 7:00pm.
Thursday, Oct. 1 host Archbishop Mitty HS. JV at 4:30 pm and Varsity at 5:30pm.
Tackle football
Thursday, Oct. 1 Freshmen at San Leandro HS at 5:00pm.
