News – Page 7 – Acalanes Parents Club

Student Activities

January 18, 2026

THIS WEEK:

Jan 20: 2026-2027 Leadership Applications available
Jan 20 at 7:00pm: BIG 10 Soccer-Boys vs. Campolindo
Jan 21: Schoolwide academy—Dons are Stronger Together
Jan 21: Spring Club Day at lunch
Jan 22nd @ lunch: Frosh wellness & gratitude info session in room 314
Jan 23
- 7:30am: Senior Breakfast
- Lunch: ACA Buddies + Class Cup Soccer

2026-2027 Leadership
Are you interested in joining the ‘26-’27 leadership program? There are a variety of committees and something for everyone. The process involves an application, a short teacher recommendation and an interview (plus elections for ASB + class officers + spirit commissioners). The best way to get information and ask questions is at the informational meeting on Tuesday, Jan 27, at lunch in room 314. All are welcome to attend.

Applications will be available beginning Jan 20 and due Feb 3. Look for the link in the Daily Don.

Sign up to play Class Cup Indoor Soccer! The games will be played on Jan 23, 26, and 28 at lunch. Sign-up by Jan 21, and sign ups are first-come, first-serve!! Sign Up HERE

We invite you to donate unwanted or gently used items for our Winter Clothing Drive to support sustainability and PARCA (Partners & Advocates for Remarkable Children & Adults). PARCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people with disabilities, and creating a future where people of all backgrounds and abilities can truly belong. Participating in the clothing drive helps create opportunities and inclusion for those who need it the most and also support a sustainable environment!

Blood Drive — Feb 24
Acalanes is hosting our spring blood drive on Tuesday, Feb 24, and are looking to fill 50 donor spots. Consider donating by signing up here.

FEEL THE GLOW — AUHSD district wide dance
Get ready to Feel the Glow at this year’s All-District Dance on Feb 27 from 7:00–9:00pm! Join students from every school for a high-energy night of music, lights, and unforgettable fun. Bring your friends, show off your best moves, and make memories that will last all year. Don’t miss the dance everyone will be talking about! Buy your ticket here.

Caregivers! We would love your baking and cooking assistance for our districtwide dance. Consider signing up to bring yummy food via this sign –up genius

Here are a few more things to look forward to:

Jan 29: Open House
Feb 27: All district dance at Acalanes; Acalanes rally
Apr 25: Junior & Senior prom

If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out !

College & Career

January 18, 2026

Exclusive Webinar: College Admissions Insights from 300+ Conversations with Admissions Leaders Thursday , Jan 22 | 4:00 pm

Upcoming Career Academies:
The Acalanes College and Career Center will host Career Academies from 10:10-11:05am during Jan, Feb, and Mar. We invite interested parents, alumni, and community members to share their career experiences/pathways with our students.

At Acalanes, we encourage our students to explore the many career options and the diverse career pathways people take to find their chosen careers. Here are the upcoming Career Academy dates:

Environmental Academy: Wednesday, Feb 4, 2026
Engineering Academy: Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026
Education Academy: Wednesday. Mar 4, 2026
Computer Science Academy: Wednesday, Mar 11, 2026
Health Academy: Friday, Mar 20, 2026

If you would like to be a presenter or would like to recommend someone, please email Debbie Levy at dlevy @auhsdschools .org. Please provide your name, job title, and phone number. We will follow up with all contacts. Thank you for your support in helping our students explore careers. We really appreciate it.

Counseling

January 18, 2026

Counselor assignments are by student last name:
A-F Anne Schonauer
G-Ka Erika Vasquez on campus MWTh
Ke-Re Marissa Meadows
Rh-Z Susan Martin

Course Selection for 2026-2027: Counselors will be visiting all 9th-11th grade classrooms Jan 20-28 to hand out course selection sheets and discuss the process for choosing classes for the 2026-2027 school year! Students and parents are encouraged to attend the Course Preview Night on Thursday, Jan 29, as well as access our website for information on choosing courses. Students will meet with their counselor individually the week of Feb 2-9 to turn in their course requests.

Performing & Visual Arts

January 18, 2026

Lafayette Schools Choir Festival – Tuesday, Jan 27, at 7:00pm in the Stanley Middle School Gym. Please join us for this wonderful annual event – an evening of choral music with performances by Lafayette students of all grade levels – elementary, middle school and high school. Always an enjoyable evening of music!

LPIE

January 18, 2026

Project LPIE 2026 is here! Open to all Acalanes High School students, this competition is an annual event that showcases our students for their project-based learning. Students compete in 15 categories that recognize students’ skills both within and outside the classroom. Awards in every category! Projects are due Thursday, Mar 5. Winners will be announced Friday Apr 10 at an Awards Reception. For more details visit: https ://www .lpie .org /project –lpie –acalanes

LPIE is proud to announce a call for nominations for the Tom Mulvaney Legacy Award to honor those individuals, families, or businesses who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the LPIE mission.
Nominations are due by Thursday, Jan 22 at midnight. The winner will be announced Saturday, Mar 7, 2026. Questions? Contact office@lpie.org or (925) 299-1644.
Submit your nomination here .

DONATE TO LPIE TODAY – SHARE THE LOVE

As the new year begins, we invite you to consider making a donation or pledge to LPIE’s Annual Giving Campaign. Every gift, no matter the amount, helps fund the teachers, programs, and classroom experiences that support our students every day. Gifts are tax deductible, and many employers match contributions, doubling your impact.

When we “share the love” for our donors around Valentine’s Day, we would love to include your family. Anyone who donates or pledges by February 1 will be listed in our published 2025–26 donor list, shared with the Lafayette community. Thank you for supporting our teachers, our students, and our schools. Donate or pledge today at LPIE .org /donate

Sports

January 18, 2026

*The game schedule 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

Boys soccer
Tuesday, Jan 20 host Campolindo HS. Freshmen at 4:00pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Thursday, Jan 22 host Northgate HS. Freshmen at 4:00pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Saturday, Jan 24 at University HS. Varsity at 1:00pm and JV at 3:00pm.

Girls soccer
Tuesday, Jan 20 at Berkeley HS. JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Thursday, Jan 22 at Miramonte HS. JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Saturday, Jan 24 Frosh-Soph at Bishop O’Dowd HS 9:00am and hosts Campolindo HS at 3:00pm.

Wrestling
Thursday, Jan 22 v. Concord HS and Miramonte HS at Concord HS at 5:00pm.
Saturday Jan 24 Goddess of the Vine at Clayton Valley Charter HS.
Saturday, Jan 17 JV Castro Valley Tournament.

Girls basketball
Friday, Jan 23 hosts Alhambra HS. JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Saturday, Jan 24 at McClatchy HS. JV at 1:30pm and Varsity at 3:00pm.

Boys basketball
Monday, Jan 19 hosts Las Lomas HS. Freshmen at 12:00pm, JV at 1:30pm.
Friday, Jan 23 at Alhambra HS. Freshmen at 4:30pm, JV at 6:00pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.

You may view the full 2025-2026 Athletic Schedule by clicking HERE.

General Announcements

January 12, 2026

AHS Has a New Website!
Acalanes has transitioned to a new website. Please bookmark https ://ahs .acalanes .k 12.ca .us / to access all things ACA. Go Dons!

Acalanes Union High School District 8th-9th Grade Transition Series 2026
The Acalanes Union High School District is excited to welcome our incoming 9th-grade students (Class of 2030!) and their families to the AUHSD community. To support a successful transition to high school, AUHSD will be hosting a four-part Transition Activities Series this January and February.

Please save the dates for these important events:

Jan 15, 2026 — High School Preview Webinar
Time: 6:00-6:45pm
Setting the Stage for a Successful Transition to Grade 9
A districtwide webinar providing an overview of AUHSD programs and guidance on general course selection.
Link to Register for the Webinar

Jan 22, 2026 — Special Education Welcome Webinar
Time: 6:00-7:00pm
Supporting Your Student’s Success
For families of students with IEPs. Learn about AUHSD’s special education programs, diploma pathways, Transition IEP process, and specialty program options.

Feb 5, 2026 — AUHSD Annual Special Education Panel
Time: 6:00-7:00pm
Hear directly from AUHSD staff about special education programs and the transition to high school for students with an IEP.
Additional details and registration links will be shared via email and the AUHSD website after Winter Break. We look forward to partnering with you throughout this exciting transition into high school!

Course Preview & Open House 2026, Thursday, January 29
Acalanes High School will host our annual Course Preview & Open House on Thursday, Jan 29, at 5:30pm. The event will begin with a reception in the Chris Huber Gymnasium at 5:30pm. Following a short presentation, families will be encouraged to visit the campus and learn about Acalanes’ various programs, pathways, and courses. This event is intended for all incoming 9th-grade students. We are excited to meet you and welcome you to Acalanes. Current families of grades 9-11 are welcome to attend to learn more about our course offerings.

Acalanes Course Preview & Open House Program
5:30pm	Acalanes Parents Club Hosted Reception in the Chris Huber Gym
5:45pm	Principals Welcome in the Chris Huber Gym
6:10pm – 8:00pm	Elective Program Classroom Drop-In: Families are encouraged to visit elective classes and meet with teachers between 6:10pm and 6:30pm before the Academic Breakout Sessions. Classrooms are open all night.
6:35pm – 7:00pm	Academic Breakout Session 1
7:05pm – 7:30pm	Academic Breakout Session 2
7:35pm – 8:00p	Academic Breakout Session 3

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

January 12, 2026

Webinar for Parents of new Teen Drivers: Hosted by the CHP and Impact Teen Drivers. This workshop has been created for parents to learn some of the strategies they can use to keep their teen safe on the road.

What: From Learner’s Permit to Safe Driver: Strategies for Parents
When: Wednesday, Jan 14, 6:30-8:00pm
Where: Virtual event. Register here: https ://docs .google .com /forms /d /1 SbE 1 sEA 2 by 8 kfN 4 JRhC 2 ptv 54 gelbCxefREObTrqs 6 w /edit ?pli =1

APC in Action

January 12, 2026

JANUARY DONS DIALOGUE – SAVE THE DATE
Please join us for the first Dons Dialogue of 2026! Friday, Jan 23, at 8:45am in the Collaboration Center. We will hear from Principal Shawn and other Acalanes Staff who will review key resources and important deadlines related to 2026–27 course selection. We’ll continue our program spotlight series featuring VAPA, World Language, and Leadership, offering a valuable opportunity to hear directly from Acalanes teachers and learn more about course offerings and academic pathways.
Coffee and treats will be served!

Campus Culture Committee

January 12, 2026

Acalanes Parent Club – Campus Culture Committee (CCC) Update
Upcoming Important Dates

Jan 12 – APC Campus Culture Committee Meeting (Virtual)
Jan 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan 27 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Welcome to 2026
Welcome back, and we hope you had a wonderful holiday break! We hope your students had a smooth and successful first week back to school. As we move into the second semester of the 2025–2026 school year, the Campus Culture Committee (CCC) remains committed to building a strong, inclusive parent support system for all student groups on campus. We continue to collaborate closely with school staff on issues that impact students’ experiences, well-being, and sense of belonging.

We believe that supporting students begins with supporting parents, which is why our mission includes fostering parent care through mental health and wellness support.

Next CCC Meeting – Join Us!
Our next Campus Culture Committee meeting will be held on:

Monday, Jan 12
6:00 PM
Virtual Meeting

Parents and caregivers of currently enrolled students are warmly invited to attend.
Please email us to be added to the meeting.

Observances & Remembrances
Martin Luther King Jr . Day – Jan 19
Observed on the third Monday of January, this day honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement. His leadership helped challenge racial discrimination in federal and state laws and led to landmark legislative reforms in the United States.
International Holocaust Reme mbrance Day – Jan 27

This international Memorial Day commemorates the victims of the Holocaust, during which one-third of the Jewish population, along with countless members of other marginalized groups, were murdered by Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1945.

AUHSD All-District BSU Hosted Dance
The annual AUHSD All-District BSU Dance will take place at Acalanes High School on Feb 27.

This event’s success depends on parent volunteers and community support. If you are interested in helping, please watch for a Signup Genius link coming soon.

Join Us Monthly!
CCC Meeting Schedule | 6:00–7:30pm

Jan 12 – Virtual
Feb 9 – In-Person
Mar 16 – Virtual
Apr 20 – In-Person (Final Meeting)
May – No Meeting

Stay Connected. If you’d like to get involved or learn more, please email us at
diversityandinclusion @acalanesparentsclub .com — All are welcome!

Reminder: Acalanes is a No Hate Zone
If your student experiences hate or bias, please encourage them to use the Bias Incident Reporting Tool (BIRT ) available on the AHS website.
Submit a BIRT Report Here »

News & Announcements

Student Activities

College & Career

Counseling

Performing & Visual Arts

LPIE

Sports

General Announcements

Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

APC in Action

Campus Culture Committee

Acalanes Parents Club

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Campus Culture Committee