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!
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.
Parent Pit Stop – A Guide to Getting Your Teen Behind the Wheel
We know the process of teaching your teen how to drive and earn their license can feel daunting. That’s why we are excited to offer an informative presentation by driving experts and Greenlight Driver Training founders Jason Zimmerman and Josh Hurley. They will lay out the steps to acquiring a license and provide some foundational tips on how to approach behind-the-wheel driver training with your teen. See the attached flyer for more information.
What: Parent Pit Stop – A Guide to Getting Your Teen Behind the Wheel
When: Wednesday, Oct. 7 from 6:30-7:30pm
Where: Library
We hope you can join us, space is limited so please be sure to RSVP here..
Send any questions my way!
Go Dons!
Parents Club Pro-Tip
Campus Culture Committee
🍂 Building Community & Moving into Action
We had our first Campus Culture Committee meeting of the year last week, and it was wonderful to come together with parents and caregivers to begin thinking about how we can support our students and school community this year!
During our meeting, we generated several ideas for providing volunteer time, resources, and supply/material support to student clubs and special school events. We are excited to move these ideas into action, so be on the lookout for a Signup Genius with opportunities to get involved. Whether you have a little time to volunteer, can contribute supplies, or simply want to stay connected, there will be different ways to participate.
We also had an opportunity to meet and talk with our Leadership teacher and Principal about student activities, campus culture, and ways parents can partner with the school to support our students.
🤝 Coming in November: Connect with Our Principal!
One of the ideas we’re especially excited about is creating an opportunity for our parents and caregivers to come together with our Principal in November.
We are planning a relaxed opportunity to gather, connect, partner, and get to know our new Principal while continuing conversations about how families can support a positive and welcoming school community.
📅 2026–2027 CCC Meeting & Event Schedule | 6:30–7:30 PM
- November – Date TBD – Gather, Partner & Get to Know Our New Principal
- December 14 – Wellness Workshop with Patrick Turner | In Person
- January 11 – CCC Meeting | Virtual
- May – Date TBD – CCC Year-End Retreat | In Person
📅 October 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 observance begins on September 15, which coincides with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries.
October – LGBTQ+ History Month
LGBTQ+ History Month is observed throughout October and provides an opportunity to learn about and recognize the history, achievements, experiences, and civil rights movements of LGBTQ+ people.
October – Filipino American History Month
Filipino American History Month is celebrated throughout October and recognizes the history, culture, experiences, and contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States.
The 2026 national theme established by the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) is “Beyond the Margins: Centering Intersectional Filipino American Histories.”
October 10 – World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is recognized each year on October 10 to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and encourage efforts to improve mental health support and care.
It is also an important reminder for our school community that asking for help is okay and support is available.
October 12 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day
💚 Wellness Center Reminder
As we move further into the school year, we want to remind families that the Acalanes Wellness Center is here to support our students.
💙 Stay Connected & Get Involved
Our CCC continues to work alongside students, staff, families, and school leadership to help create an Acalanes community where all students and families feel seen, heard, valued, supported, and that they belong.
📧 diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com
And remember to keep an eye out for our upcoming Signup Genius and details about our November gathering with our Principal!
Reminder: Acalanes is a No Hate Zone
Acalanes is committed to maintaining a campus where every student feels safe, respected, welcomed, and valued.
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 »
Reporting incidents helps our school respond to concerns and continue working together to create a culture of safety and belonging for everyone.
Student Activities
Peek at the Week:
Tuesday @ 7:30am: Equity Council in room 314
Wednesday @ lunch: Latinos Unidos x Women in Sports
Wednesday @ 7:00pm: BIG 10: Girls Volleyball vs. Campolindo (wear pink!)
Thursday @ 6:30pm: Pops Concert
Friday @ academy: Latino Heritage potluck in room 314
Latino Heritage Month
Acalanes High School acknowledges Latino Heritage month, honoring the culture, history, and the successes of Latinos globally. Be on the lookout for alerts on Academy and Lunch events between September 15 – October 15. Happy Latino Heritage month from Acalanes!
Women in Sports COLLAB
Come to room 314 on Wednesday, Oct. 7 during lunch to learn about and celebrate our Latina Athletes with our Women in Sports club and our Latinos Unidos club! There will be food and a fun game. We’re looking forward to it!
POTLUCK
A potluck will be held Friday, Oct. 9 to celebrate Latino Heritage Month! There will be lots of good food to try and learn about and music! In order to attend you must bring a dish to share, click this link to sign up! We can’t wait to see you there!
Zumba
Come to room 314 on Friday, Oct. 16 during lunch to learn and participate in Zumba! It will be a fun learning experience to enjoy with friends. We hope to see you then!
Pick up your spiritwear! The summer webstore spiritwear is finally here! Have your student stop by room 314 or email Ms. Walton and she can leave it in attendance. Thanks for your patience!
Acalanes Fall Blood Drive-October 27th
Our fall blood drive is almost here and we are looking for 44 donors. Please consider signing up to donate. You can sign up here.
Watch the HOCO Rally here!!!!
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
College & Career
Hi Families,
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.
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
Letters of Recommendation – Counselors typically spend the month of October writing letters of recommendation for college applications for seniors. If your senior needs a Counselor Letter of Recommendation, please make sure to fill out the Student and Parent Surveys on Maia Learning, and send your student’s counselor a copy of their resume or brag sheet one month in advance of their first deadline. Thank you!
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
It’s finally here! Our famed Pops concert is on Thursday evening! Be in your seat at the Acalanes Performing Arts Center at 6:30pm to support our fabulous musicians and hear music from Raye, Lady Gaga, Abba & more!
We are grateful to share Acalanes music far and wide via livestream, thanks to the Broadcasting Club! Please provide the link below to friends and family who are unable to attend in person.
https://youtube.com/live/sOeP13C2FOM?feature=share
Tell your students, friends and family and DO NOT MISS what promises to be a magnificent event!
Dons show up! The Acalanes Pep Band will be performing at our final two home football games on Friday, Oct 16 and Friday, Nov 6. Go Dons!
Something wickedly entertaining this way comes! Join the DramaDons for Macbeth, Oct 22-24 at the Acalanes Performing Arts Center. Tickets are on sale now, so grab yours early and support our talented student performers. Ticket link here: https://tickets.ahsparts.org/
LPIE
Diamond Business Partner Spotlight — Martin Homes
LPIE is grateful for the long-term continued support of Martin Homes, one of Lafayette’s premier real estate firms, led by Erin and Darrick Martin.
Martin Homes combines real estate expertise with extensive experience in home design, construction, and development. In addition to helping clients buy and sell homes throughout the area, they develop and build homes from the ground up. That experience gives them a unique perspective—not only on the value of a home, but on the qualities that make a neighborhood and a community truly special.
For Martin Homes, Lafayette’s exceptional schools are inseparable from the strength and desirability of the community itself. Excellent public schools, vibrant neighborhoods, a welcoming downtown, beautiful open spaces, and a close-knit sense of community all contribute to the quality of life families seek when they move here. But they also believe those things cannot be taken for granted. Maintaining what makes Lafayette special requires continued investment from the families, individuals, and businesses who benefit from it.
Click here to learn more about why the Martin Homes Team has proudly supported LPIEfor nearly a decade. 
Saddle Up for the Holiday Hoedown Benefiting LPIE
Saturday, Nov. 7, 6:00-9:00pm | Balestrieri Family Farm
Dust off your boots and celebrate the season at a Holiday Hoedown! Join us for a festive night of line dancing and holiday cheer at the beautiful Balestrieri Family Farm. Gather your friends, meet some new ones, and enjoy a fun-filled evening while making a difference for our schools.
Get your tickets HERE. $100 per person gets you a night on the dance floor with a DJ and line dancing instructor, plus two drinks to toast the occasion. If you work up an appetite, dinner will be available for purchase.
Thanks to the generosity of parent sponsors, every dollar from ticket sales will go to LPIE to support our schools and students.
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:
This week’s can’t miss events:
Flag football
Monday, Oct 5 at Benicia HS. JV at 6:00pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Girls golf
Monday, Oct 5 Antioch Invitational at Lone Tree GC.
Thursday, Oct 8 Campolindo HS at Moraga CC at 3:30pm.
Girls volleyball
Tuesday, Oct 6 at Berean Christian HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Wednesday, Oct 7 host Campolindo HS. Freshmen at 4:30pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Tuesday, Oct 8 at College Park HS. Freshmen at 4:30pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Boys water polo
Wednesday, Oct 7 at Campolindo HS. JV at 4:00pm and Varsity at 5:00pm.
Friday, Oct 9 and Saturday, October 10 Varsity 501 Invitational at Encinal HS.
Girls water polo
Wednesday, Oct 7 at Campolindo HS. Varsity at 6:00pm and JV at 7:00pm.
Friday, Oct 9 and Saturday, October 10 JV Las Lomas Invitational.
Tackle football
Thursday, Oct 8 Freshmen host Las Lomas HS at 5:00pm.
Friday, Oct 9 Varsity at Las Lomas HS at 7:00pm.
Friday, Oct 9 JV at Vanden HS at 5:15pm.
General Announcements
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.
