Acalanes Community Always (ACA)

Parent Education
Hello Acalanes parents! 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. More information is included when you click on our RSVP link.
 
What: Parent Pit Stop – A Guide to Getting Your Teen Behind the Wheel
When: Tuesday, Feb 10, 6:30-7:30pm
Where: Acalanes High School Library
 
We hope you can join us, space is limited so please be sure to RSVP here.

Garden Club Update
The garden club is back to work after our fall winter clean up and hiatus!  We are getting ready to start our tomatoes and peppers from seed and have our first work party scheduled for Sunday, Mar 22, from 10:00am to 2:00pm (AHS students can earn volunteer hours for participating). 
 
We are looking for donations of organic soil amendments— cow/chicken manure (aged chicken manure), and compost.  Please email Ms. Tewksbury (LTewksbury@auhsdschools.org) if you have anything to donate and she can arrange times/etc for drop off. 
 
We will once again be selling tomato and pepper plants that we don’t plant in the AHS garden. We will let you know when they are available!
 
Thanks so much for all of your support!

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/1SbE1sEA2by8kfN4JRhC2ptv54gelbCxefREObTrqs6w/edit?pli=1

SAVE THE DATE!

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- link to be sent as a follow up

Donation Drive for Grateful Gatherings
We are collecting new or like new kitchen items for Grateful Gatherings, a nonprofit that helps furnish homes for families transitioning out of homelessness or crisis. Collection bins will be in front of the main office all day from Dec 8 through Dec 19. If you have any questions, please email Molly Aldrich at molly.aldrich26@auhsdschools.org 

Donation Drive for Grateful Gatherings
We are collecting new or like new kitchen items for Grateful Gatherings, a nonprofit that helps furnish homes for families transitioning out of homelessness or crisis. Collection bins will be in front of the main office all day from Dec 8 through Dec 19. If you have any questions, please email Molly Aldrich at molly.aldrich26@auhsdschools.org 

Acalanes Food Drive
Please join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those facing food insecurity. Food donations will go to local families in our community. Collection bins are in front of the attendance office. We are collecting specific items in order to offer grab-n-go meals.
Items we are collecting:

• Canned chicken
• Canned mixed vegetables & canned corn
• Dried rice
• Canned cream of chicken soup
• Canned white beans
• Chicken broth
• Chili seasoning
• Instant mashed potatoes
• Dried stuffing mix
• Shelf-stable milk
• Cereal

If other items are brought, we will make those available. Ultimately, anything not used will be donated to our local food banks.

Acalanes Food Drive
Please join us in making a positive impact on the lives of those facing food insecurity. Food donations will go to local families in our community. Collection bins are in front of the attendance office. We are collecting specific items in order to offer grab-n-go meals.
Items we are collecting:

• Canned chicken
• Canned mixed vegetables & canned corn
• Dried rice
• Canned cream of chicken soup
• Canned white beans
• Chicken broth
• Chili seasoning
• Instant mashed potatoes
• Dried stuffing mix
• Shelf-stable milk
• Cereal

If other items are brought, we will make those available. Ultimately, anything not used will be donated to our local food banks.

International Trip This Summer
Acalanes staff are taking students on a trip to the Basque Country this summer, starting in Madrid, exploring northern Spain, then Southern France, and ending in Paris. Students from any grade and any of the four high schools can attend! The only requirement is an interest in travel! This trip has a little bit of everything — ancient/historical sites, awe-inspiring locations, amazing food, and a once-in-a-lifetime bonding experience with Lamorinda peers. Send your student on the trip of a lifetime where they become a global citizen who values travel and exploration. 
For anyone interested in going on the trip to Europe this summer, please follow this link to preview the trip and to register: The Basque Country. The deadline to sign up is November 30. 
If you have any questions please reach out to Erin Fieldor Tina Gullberg. This is not a school-sponsored trip.

Join Us for Parent Ed Night: Suicide Prevention & Awareness
You’re invited to our upcoming Parent Education Night on Thursday, Nov 6: Suicide Prevention and Awareness—How We Can Support Our Youth.
This important session will provide tools and strategies to help families recognize warning signs and foster open, supportive conversations with young people.
Register Here

Travel to Southern Spain with Señora Holland from AHS and Señora Frank from MHS

Travel Dates: June 1-June 13, 2026
Enjoy a Spanish speaking immersion program to southern Spain with two Spanish teachers from AUHSD. You will be guided by the best program with an itinerary that has been designed for you by your Spanish teachers. See the beautiful and historical sites of Southern Spain, participate in fun activities at lovely beaches, and partake in a language school in the city of Granada. The trip is full of enriching cultural experiences that you will cherish for a lifetime. Please reach out to Señora Holland or Señora Frank if you have any questions. Attached are photos from our past trip and a poster for sign ups. Muchas Gracias.