News & Announcements

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

• Jan 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Jan 27 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day

CCC Meeting Summary – January 12, 2026
The Acalanes Campus Culture Committee met on Jan 12, 2026, to hear updates focused on student wellness, equity and inclusion, and leadership-supported activities across campus and the broader Lafayette community. The meeting highlighted strong collaboration among staff, students, and community partners, with a shared commitment to fostering belonging and student well-being.
 
Wellness Update – Mr. Patrick Turner
Mr. Turner shared highlights of recent and ongoing wellness initiatives supporting students before, during, and after school breaks. Prior to Thanksgiving and Winter Break, wellness workshops were held to help students manage transitions and maintain mental health during unstructured time. Resources were provided addressing isolation, food scarcity, and coping strategies, including a Friendsgiving event to foster connection.
 
Following the return from break, staff observed many students experiencing fatigue during the first week back, particularly by third period. In response, the wellness team emphasizes organizational skills, regular check-ins, and peer-to-peer wellness support. Efforts are underway to integrate a wellness lens into peer tutoring and student leadership spaces.
 
Additional initiatives include:

• Academy programming on Wednesdays focused on healthy relationships and social skills
• Friday study halls
• A “No Phones in Wellness” policy
• Classroom-based wellness support in partnership with school counselors
• Collaboration with College and Career staff, including participation on career pathway panels for students

Lafayette DEIB Update – Mr. Steve Poling
Mr. Poling provided an overview of the City of Lafayette’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) work. Having assumed leadership of the initiative over the past year, he shared that the city’s DEIB mission centers on education, awareness, and community building through inclusive, community-driven events.
 
Planning is underway for a public-facing spring event designed to bring together students, families, and community members of all ages, with the goal of breaking down existing age silos. The event will celebrate student leadership and equity work and include speakers, food, and entertainment. Mr. Poling will meet with the Equity Council to gather student input on how to make the event engaging and meaningful.
Save the Date: Apr 11, 2026 (food trucks and entertainment planned).
 
Leadership Support Update – Mrs. Katherine Walton
Mrs. Walton shared a wide range of upcoming student leadership and inclusion-focused activities:

• A month-long calendar of events for Black Excellence Month, led by BSU and the Equity Board
• BSU Dance: “Feel the Glow” (Neon-themed), held the last Friday of February

• Latinos Unidos & Filipino Club Potluck (date pending)
• QSA Districtwide Movie Night hosted at Acalanes (date pending)
• ACA Buddies program supporting special education students, with strong participation (averaging 50 students per event)
• Unified Basketball beginning in February
• Special Olympics on Apr 19, including a barbecue by Meat Team
• Schoolwide Academy on Jan 21: “Dons Are Stronger Together,” led by student leaders and focused on kindness and inclusion
• Middle School Leadership Conference hosted at Acalanes later this week, welcoming 215 eighth-grade students from five middle schools, including an equity-focused workshop
• Strategic outreach to elementary schools, including a Jan 26 welcome event at Lafayette Elementary with music and bubbles

Friday, Feb 27 | 6:00pm
In-Person at AHS (before the BSU-sponsored dance)
 
BSU Sponsored Dance: “Feel the Glow” ✨
It’s that time of year again for the AUHSD District-Wide BSU Dance! This year’s event will be hosted by the Acalanes Black Student Union (BSU) in partnership with AHS Leadership.
 
Friday, Feb 27
7:00–9:00pm
Big Gym
Theme: FEEL THE GLOW (students encouraged to wear neon)
What to Expect

• Black-light dancing with an amazing DJ
• Food, activities, prizes, face paint, glow sticks
• Space to hang out and celebrate with friends

Tickets: $10 via your school’s GoFan website
 
Help Make the Dance a Success!
This event happens at little to no cost for the school, and we rely on family support to make it special. Please consider donating food, funds, or your time.
Sign-Up Here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4AAFAF2EA3FE3-61648485-auhsd#/
 
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.