Welcome back! The Acalanes Wellness Center is open and ready to support students throughout the school year. Our Wellness Center provides a welcoming, confidential space where students can receive emotional support, connect with resources, or simply take a moment to regroup during the school day.
If you are ever concerned about your child or one of their peers, we encourage you to submit a Wellness Referral. Our team will follow up with each referred student within one week.
Please remember that all Wellness Center services are confidential and completely voluntary.
We look forward to supporting our students throughout another great school year.
Wellness Center
Performing & Visual Arts
Fall Play Auditions Continue on Tuesday, Aug 25!
- Visit the Drama Room for additional details including signing up for Auditions.
- Auditions are by appointment on Tuesday, Aug 25.
- You will audition with a monologue (provided in the audition packet).
- All Acalanes students are eligible.
- No singing required.
- The play runs Wednesday, Oct 21 through Saturday, Oct 24.
The Acalanes Jazz Ensemble will be performing at 5:15pm in the quad before Back to School Night on Thursday, Aug 27!
- Gather in the quad to start your evening on the upbeat with an array of fabulous jazz pieces performed by our talented musicians!
Sports
NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEER DRIVERS
A new California law (SB 848) has changed the requirements for volunteers in schools. Volunteers who interact with students outside the immediate supervision of a parent or school employee (parent drivers, overnight field trip chaperones, regular volunteers) must now complete Mandated Reporter training, fingerprinting, and TB clearance. The administration has
created a volunteer handbook that outlines the new requirements to volunteer at Acalanes.
- For volunteers who provide limited service (snack shack duty or helping at Mascot Day), very little has changed – volunteers can just get a visitor badge in the office and start volunteering.
- Ongoing volunteer service without driving: Level One clearance is required. This includes fingerprints, TB clearance, and Mandated Reporter training, which takes about 45 minutes total.
- Parent drivers: Level Two clearance is required — fingerprints, TB clearance, and Mandated Reporter training, plus the annual driver’s clearance form with license and insurance declarations.
The administration has also built a portal for securely uploading your clearance documents. More information coming regarding times and opportunities for Acalanes parents to complete TB and fingerprint requirements at no cost.
Hey Acalanes – It’s Time to Back Your Dons!
Now’s the time to grab your Acalanes Sports Booster Membership and support the athletes who make our community proud. With 4 membership levels, you’ll enjoy complimentary passes to home league games, exclusive merch perks, and the unbeatable feeling of backing all 27 sports that make Acalanes shine.
Did you know 74% of students play a sport, but funding doesn’t come from the district? Our incredible athletic programs rely entirely on parents, the community, and sponsors like YOU.
Join us:
- On the webstore
- Or at acalanesboosters.com
Every membership makes a difference. Every athlete feels it.
Support your Don — and all the Dons.
We’re 100% grateful.
*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, Aug 24 at Freedom HS. JV at 6:00pm and Varsity at 7:30pm
Wednesday, Aug 26 hosts Monte Vista HS. JV at 6:00pm and Varsity at 7:30pm
Girls volleyball
Tuesday, Aug 25 at Monte Vista HS. Freshman at 4:30pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm
Saturday, Aug 29 Acalanes Varsity Invitational
Boys water polo
Tuesday, Aug 25 hosts Granada HS. JV at 6:30pm and Varsity at 7:30pm
Wednesday, Aug 26 hosts Encinal HS. JV at 6:00pm and Varsity at 7:00pm
Thursday, Aug 27 at Bishop O’Dowd HS. JV at 6:00pm and Varsity at 7:00pm
Girls tennis
Wednesday, Aug 26 v. Piedmont HS at 4:00pm. Varsity is home and JV is away
Girls water polo
Thursday, Aug 27 at Archie Williams HS. JV at 4:00pm and Varsity at 5:00 pm
Tackle football
Friday, Aug 28 v. Archbishop Mitty HS at Foothill College. JV at 4:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Saturday, Aug 29 Freshmen v. Archbishop Mitty HS at Las Lomas HS at 11:00am
Cross country
Saturday, Aug 29 Acalanes Invitational
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.
APC in Action
Thank You APC Volunteers!
APC welcomed AHS staff back to school with coffee, bagels, and homemade cinnamon rolls to help kick off the school year. A huge shout out to Heddy Botic and Sara Little-Darby, our Staff Appreciation Chairs, for providing such an incredible spread for our staff! There will be more staff appreciation events throughout the year and opportunities to help with food donations and baked goods. Your donations to APC help make these staff appreciation events possible. Thank you!!
APC Membership & Fundraising
Acalanes Parents Club has committed $200,000+ 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
*Campus Enhancements
*Grants Program
*Staff & Teacher Development
*Parent Ed
*Communications
*Volunteer Opportunities
*and more…
If you haven’t had a chance to donate, please consider doing so here. The suggested amount is $450 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 reach out to samira.abrams@gmail.com.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Campus Culture Committee
What an amazing start to the 2026–2027 school year! It was wonderful to see so many parents, caregivers, and students at Dons Day. The students were excited, the energy was infectious, and it was a great way to kick off another year at Acalanes! We hope your students had a great start last week and, most importantly, that they felt welcomed, connected, and excited to be back on campus.
There are many ways to participate in the Acalanes Parent Club Campus Culture Committee (CCC), from attending a meeting to volunteering at an event, supporting a student club, donating needed supplies, participating in a parent activity, or simply sharing an idea or concern with us.
Join Us for Our First CCC Meeting!
September 21 | 6:30–7:30pm | Acalanes High School
We hope you will join us for our 2026–2027 CCC Kickoff Meeting!
2026–2027 CCC Meeting Schedule | 6:30–7:30pm
- Sept 21 – CCC Kickoff Meeting | In Person
- Dec 14 – Wellness Workshop with Patrick Turner | In Person
- Jan 11 – CCC Meeting | Virtual
- May – CCC Year-End Retreat | In Person, Date TBD
Continuing Our Districtwide Commitment to Belonging
As many of our families know, AUHSD experienced budget reductions that resulted in the elimination of several positions, including the Director of Student Support, Equity & Inclusion position. While this position has been eliminated, the District’s commitment to creating schools where all students feel seen, heard, valued, safe, and supported, and where their academic needs are met continues. This year, Superintendent Dr. John Nickerson will lead districtwide Culture & Climate Parent Meetings with parent leaders from each school. Our CCC will continue to serve as a connection between Acalanes families and these districtwide conversations.
August Important Dates
August 26 – Women’s Equality Day, commemorates the certification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920, which expanded voting rights for women in the United States. The day provides an opportunity to recognize women’s contributions to our communities and reflect on the continued importance of working toward equity and opportunity for all.
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.
Student Activities
Wow! Week 1 was incredible culminating in our end of year rally & frosh social! The week had such positive energy & community spirit. 💙💙💙
PEEK AT THE WEEK:
Sunday, Aug 16 @ 4:00pm: Senior BBQ + Car Painting
Monday, Aug 17: 9th grade photos
Tuesday, Aug 18 @ lunch: Backpack organizing with supplies provided + community service informational meeting
Wednesday, Aug 19 @ lunch: Class Cup-swim relays
Thursday, Aug 20 @ lunch: Club Informational meeting
Friday, Aug 21 @ lunch: ACA Buddies
Tomorrow is the LAST CHANCE to order class shirts & spiritwear. Our online webstore closes TOMORROW, so grab your class shirts and spiritwear today!
Spiritwear website
Class shirt webstore
Club registration is now open! All club applications must be submitted by Monday, August 24. All of the information is in the application form-please read it carefully.
There is a mandatory informational meeting at lunch on Thursday, Aug 20 in room 314. One officer from each club MUST be in attendance otherwise your club will not be approved. Application form
Unified Sports Partners
If you are interested in participating in Unified Sports, sign-up with Mr. Takahashi or Coach Hansen by Friday, August 21. This is a highly rewarding opportunity to work alongside our special needs students. For more information or to sign-up, see Mr. Takahashi in the attendance office before school, during brunch or during lunch
It’s NOT too late to purchase your ASB Sticker
Please consider supporting student activities at Acalanes by purchasing an ASB sticker. They can be purchased on the webstore. Thank you in advance for your support of student programming.
ASB stickers cost $115 and support all student activities at Acalanes, support athletics ($30 of every card sale goes directly to athletics), and help to pay for AHS’s finance tech’s salary. It also provides students discounts/free entry to the following:
-Home athletic events (Except playoffs). This year we have 5 home football games (totaling $30 without ASB).
-Free or discounted tickets to dances (For Homecoming, you will save at least $25 with ASB)
-Free Acalanes t-shirt at Dons Day (worth $15)
-Discounts at 12 local businesses when you show your ASB sticker on your ID card. 2026-2027 Businesses are:
- Millie’s American Kitchen – Free coffee with a minimum purchase of $35
- Johnny’s Donuts – One regular donut w/ the purchase of a dozen regular donuts or 1 donut hole w/ purchase of 1 donut
- Pizza Antica – 15% off an order
- Sideboard – Free non-alcoholic beverage w/ purchase of an entree
- Tutu’s – One complimentary non alcoholic beverage with the purchase of one entree. (Dine in only, not valid on to-go orders or purchases in the market)
- Local Kitchens – Class Fundraisers
- Vitality Bowls – $1 off
- Pinkies Nail Salon – 10% off
- Fabletics – 20% off @ broadway plaza location
- 360 Burrito – 10% off
- Oasis Cafe – 10% off
- Diablo Foods – 20% off a lunch with sandwich purchase
SAVE THE DATES:
Friday, Sep 11: COMMUNITY BLUE OUT-Girls Waterpolo (lunch), Girls Volleyball (6:00pm), Friday Night Lights (7:00pm)
Sep 20-26: Homecoming 2026
Sunday, Sep 20: Hallway Decorating
Friday, Sep 25: Homecoming rally + Friday Night Lights
Saturday, Sep 26: HOCO Night Out
Saturday, May 15: Junior & Senior Prom
If you ever have any questions about student activities, you are always welcome to reach out to Katherine Walton, activities director. We are happy to help!
Go Dons! 💙
Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
College & Career
SENIORS: College visits begin this week. Students must sign up on MaiaLearning under Events in order to attend. They must also communicate with teachers in advance and pick up a PASS from the College and Career Center.
Monday, Aug 17
Saint Mary’s College @ 12:10pm
Thursday, Aug 20
TCU (Texas Christian University) @ 10:00am
Miami University-Oxford @ 10:35am
Utah State @ 11:10am
Dartmouth College @ 11:45am
Give your student a Free PSAT, SAT or Digital ACT practice run with Revolution Prep.
Exam Details
SAT Practice Exam
Saturday, Aug 29 – 9:00am -12:00pm | Proctored online via Zoom
Digital ACT Practice Exam
Saturday, Sept 12 –9:00am -12:30pm | Proctored online via Zoom
SAT Practice Exam
Saturday, Sept 19 – 9:00am -12:00pm | Proctored online via Zoom
Register for the live practice exam & book your score review:www.revolutionprep.com/partners/acalaneshighschool/
Cornell University, Emory University, Pomona College, Rice University and Washington University in St. Louis are proud to present LAUNCH (Linking Access, Unity, Networking, Collaboration and Higher Education). You’ll virtually meet admission officers from all five partner institutions and learn more about what unites us.
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
Please note new Counselor Alpha Breakdown above – Erika Vasquez will be split 40% at Acalanes and 60% at Las Lomas High School this year. She will be on the AHS campus Tuesdays and Fridays, but will be available by email Monday through Friday.
Schedule Change Requests – Students may continue to request schedule changes throughout the first ten days of school – ending on Monday, Aug 24. The Change Request is posted on the AHS Website and linked here. We will only look at teacher change requests if the student has already had that teacher for a full year previously. We will give priority to requests based on date of request, grade level of student, and whether the class requested is required for graduation. All changes are made on a space-available basis only. Do not ask teachers if you can add their class – they are not aware of the changes/requests being made. Please fill out the online form and wait to see your name on the daily list posted in front of the Counseling Office. Once you see your name, you may come in and pick up your new schedule.
Grade Level Classroom Visits – Counselors will be visiting grade levels in classrooms starting on Thursday, Aug 20 and continuing through Wednesday, Sep 2.
Senior Appointments – Counselors will be 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.
