DEI

💙 Acalanes Parent Club – Campus Culture Committee (CCC) Update
March 2026
 
🌟 Campus Culture Committee Highlights
 
It has been a wonderful 2025–2026 school year with the Campus Culture Committee! There are no additional meetings scheduled for the remainder of this school year.
At our final meeting, we discussed plans for the 2026–2027 school year, including:

• Quarterly Meetings (August, November, February, May)
  • Department updates
  • Board reports
  • Volunteer sign-ups
• May Meeting: Special team-building activity
• Monthly Engagement Between Meetings: Opportunities to volunteer at school events, such as:
  • Back-to-School Night
  • Hosting lunches for student clubs
  • Donating supplies for events like Homecoming

🎲 “Lead the Way” Celebration
The “Lead the Way” Celebration at Acalanes High School was a joyful and successful multi-generational event that brought the community together for an afternoon of connection, inspiration, and fun. Attendees enjoyed lunch, engaging speakers, music, games, and activities while building relationships across generations. Rooted in the shared values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, the event created a welcoming space for meaningful conversation and community building. A highlight of the day was the recognition of Acalanes students whose leadership and contributions continue to make a positive impact, leaving attendees inspired to carry this important work forward.
 
📅 Upcoming Important Dates

• April – Autism Acceptance Month
• April – Arab American Heritage Month
• April 14 – Holocaust Remembrance Day

🧩 Autism Acceptance Month (April)
Autism Acceptance Month focuses on fostering understanding, inclusion, and celebration of autistic individuals.
Did you know?

• Approximately 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism.

Ways to Participate:

• Wear blue or gold to show support
• Share resources and stories from autistic voices
• Promote awareness and inclusion in your community

🌍 Arab American Heritage Month (April)
This month honors the rich culture, history, and contributions of over 4 million Arab Americans. It celebrates achievements across fields such as science, arts, and public service while promoting inclusivity and cultural appreciation.
 
💚 Wellness Center Reminder
If you are ever concerned about your student or one of their peers, please submit a Wellness Referral.

• Our team follows up within one week
• All services are confidential and voluntary

It has been a wonderful 2025–2026 school year with the Campus Culture Committee! There are no additional meetings scheduled for the remainder of this school year.

At our final meeting, we discussed plans for the 2026–2027 school year, including:

• Quarterly Meetings (August, November, February, May)
  • Department updates
  • Board reports
  • Volunteer sign-ups
• May Meeting: Special team-building activity
• Monthly Engagement Between Meetings: Opportunities to volunteer at school events, such as:
  • Back-to-School Night
  • Hosting lunches for student clubs
  • Donating supplies for events like Homecoming

🎲 Community Impact: Games for Good
On Mar 22, Acalanes students supported the Games for Good event, raising funds to combat food insecurity in Contra Costa County—because no one should go hungry.

• The event benefited Together We Stand
• Over 200 families currently on their waitlist will receive support thanks to these efforts
• We are proud of our students for their leadership and service!

📅 Upcoming Important Dates

• April – Autism Acceptance Month
• April – Arab American Heritage Month
• April 1–9 – Passover
• April 5 – Easter
• April 14 – Holocaust Remembrance Day

🧩 Autism Acceptance Month (April)
Autism Acceptance Month focuses on fostering understanding, inclusion, and celebration of autistic individuals.
Did you know?

• Approximately 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism.

Ways to Participate:

• Wear blue or gold to show support
• Share resources and stories from autistic voices
• Promote awareness and inclusion in your community

🌍 Arab American Heritage Month (April)
This month honors the rich culture, history, and contributions of over 4 million Arab Americans. It celebrates achievements across fields such as science, arts, and public service while promoting inclusivity and cultural appreciation.
 
✡️ Passover (Apr 1–9)
Passover commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Traditions include:

• Seder meals
• Eating matzah and bitter herbs
• Retelling the story of Exodus

✝️ Easter (Apr 5)
Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is a central holiday in Christianity. It concludes the season of Lent, a time of reflection, fasting, and prayer.
 
💚 Wellness Center Reminder
If you are ever concerned about your student or one of their peers, please submit a Wellness Referral.

• Our team follows up within one week
• All services are confidential and voluntary

March is a month rich with celebration, reflection, and community connection. Please join us as we honor and recognize the many religious observances, cultural celebrations, and awareness months taking place.

Awareness & Heritage Months

• Women’s History Month
• Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
• Gender Equality Month

Religious & Cultural Observances

• Feb 17 – Mar 19: Ramadan
• Feb 23 – Apr 11: Great Lent
• March 4: Holi
• March 20: Nowruz (Persian New Year)
• March 31: Transgender Day of Visibility

We look forward to celebrating the diversity within our community. Throughout the month, we will spotlight inspiring women and uplift individuals with developmental disabilities. If there is a person, story, or organization you would like us to highlight, please let us know here.

 
Games for Good – Community Game Night & Fundraiser
Sunday, Mar 22 | 4:00–6:00pm
 Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church
Join us for an evening of global-inspired games, friendly competition, and connection to support Together We Stand.
Enjoy:

• Easy-to-learn games for all ages
• Snacks and beverages
• Small prizes
• A chance to make a meaningful local impact

Your suggested donation ($45 adults / $25 youth) and optional pantry-item contributions will directly support Together We Stand’s work providing food and essential services to immigrant and vulnerable families facing food insecurity in our community.

Teen Volunteer Sign-Up: https://forms.gle/jZan32gpZoPhDNEc9

 
Wellness Center Update

If you’re ever concerned about your student or their peers, please don’t hesitate to submit a Wellness Referral. Our team follows up with each referred student within one week, and all services are completely voluntary.

 
Join Us Monthly! (In-Person & Virtual Meetings)
Meeting Schedule | 6:00–7:30pm

• Mar 16 – Virtual
• Apr 20 – In-Person (Final Meeting)
• May – No Meeting

We welcome all families to join us as we continue building a supportive, inclusive, and connected Acalanes community.

 

📬 Stay Connected
If you’d like to get involved or learn more, please reach out:
📧 diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com

March is a month rich with celebration, reflection, and community connection. Please join us as we honor and recognize the many religious observances, cultural celebrations, and awareness months taking place.
Awareness & Heritage Months

• Women’s History Month
• Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
• Gender Equality Month

Religious & Cultural Observances

• Feb 17 – Mar 19: Ramadan
• Feb 23 – Apr 11: Great Lent
• March 4: Holi
• March 20: Nowruz (Persian New Year)
• March 31: Transgender Day of Visibility

 Ash Wednesday

 Annual ACA Color Run / Holi Celebration – Go Dons!

 Games for Good – Community Game Night & Fundraiser
Sunday, Mar 22 | 4:00–6:00pm
 Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church
Join us for an evening of global-inspired games, friendly competition, and connection to support Together We Stand.
Enjoy:

• Easy-to-learn games for all ages
• Snacks and beverages
• Small prizes
• A chance to make a meaningful local impact

Your suggested donation ($45 adults / $25 youth) and optional pantry-item contributions will directly support Together We Stand’s work providing food and essential services to immigrant and vulnerable families facing food insecurity in our community.

 
Wellness Center Update

 
Join Us Monthly! (In-Person & Virtual Meetings)
Meeting Schedule | 6:00–7:30pm

• 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 reach out:
📧 diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com

Acalanes Parent Club | February 2026
Upcoming Important Dates:

• February: Black Excellence Month
• Feb 17-Feb 27 Chinese New Year/ Lunar New Year
• Feb 17-Mar 19: Ramadan

💜 Welcome to February! 💜
As we step into February, we’re excited to celebrate a month rich in culture, history, and connection for our students and school community. February offers meaningful opportunities for learning, reflection, and celebration, honoring the diverse identities and experiences that make our campus vibrant.
 
Throughout the month, students may engage in learning and activities connected to Black Excellence Month, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and themes of love, kindness, and friendship often associated with Valentine’s Day. These moments allow students to deepen their understanding of history, culture, and one another—while building empathy, pride, and belonging.
 
We encourage families to continue these conversations at home and to celebrate the many traditions and stories represented in our community. Thank you for partnering with us to make February a month of inclusion, curiosity, and care for all students.
 
Black History Month is an annually observed commemorative month originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It began as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora, initially lasting a week before becoming a month-long observation in 1970. Our school district recognizes it as Black Excellence Month to celebrate not only the history but the present excellence in the Black community. Students from the Black Student Union (BSU) will be holding events throughout the month. Please support them by encouraging your students to attend the club’s events, including the Feel the Glow Dance at the end of the month.
 
🖤💚 BSU Districwide Dance: Feel the Glow – Friday, Feb 27
It’s that time of year again for the AUHSD District-wide Black Student Union (BSU) Dance! This year’s event, “Feel the Glow,” will be hosted by the Acalanes Black Student Union (BSU) in partnership with AHS Leadership Students on Friday, Feb 27, from 7:00–9:00pm in the Big Gym.
Students are encouraged to wear neon colors and get ready for a night of black-light dancing, an amazing DJ, prizes, face paint, glow sticks, food, and plenty of space to hang out with friends.
Special highlight: The AHS Meat Club will be cooking food in support of the BSU, helping make this event a fun and memorable experience for students.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased through your school’s GoFan website.
To help make this event possible, families are invited to support by donating food, money, and/or their time. This event is put on at little to no cost to the school, and community support makes a big difference.
 
👉 Please sign up HERE and help make this dance an amazing event for our students.
 
 We’re excited to see your students there—let’s Feel the Glow! ✨
 
Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring, this festival takes place from Chinese New Year’s Eve (the evening preceding the first day of the year) to the Lantern Festival, held on the 17th day of the year. It is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture.
 
SAVE THE DATE! LUNAR NEW YEAR POTUCK – WEDNESDAY, FEB 25
Campo DEIB parent club is planning a Lunar New Year potluck Feb 25 at 6:00pm. All district parents are welcome!
 
📅 Join Us Monthly!
CCC Meeting Schedule | 6:00–7:30 PM

• Feb 27– In-Person (6-7pm)
• 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 reach out:
📧 diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com

Acalanes Parent Club | February 2026
Upcoming Important Dates:

• February: Black Excellence Month
• Feb 17-Feb 27 Chinese New Year/ Lunar New Year
• Feb 17-Mar 19: Ramadan

💜 Welcome to February! 💜
As we step into February, we’re excited to celebrate a month rich in culture, history, and connection for our students and school community. February offers meaningful opportunities for learning, reflection, and celebration, honoring the diverse identities and experiences that make our campus vibrant.
 
Throughout the month, students may engage in learning and activities connected to Black Excellence Month, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and themes of love, kindness, and friendship often associated with Valentine’s Day. These moments allow students to deepen their understanding of history, culture, and one another—while building empathy, pride, and belonging.
 
We encourage families to continue these conversations at home and to celebrate the many traditions and stories represented in our community. Thank you for partnering with us to make February a month of inclusion, curiosity, and care for all students.
 
Black History Month is an annually observed commemorative month originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It began as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora, initially lasting a week before becoming a month-long observation in 1970. Our school district recognizes it as Black Excellence Month to celebrate not only the history but the present excellence in the Black community. Students from the Black Student Union (BSU) will be holding events throughout the month. Please support them by encouraging your students to attend the club’s events, including the Feel the Glow Dance at the end of the month.
 
BSU Dance: “Feel the Glow”
It’s that time of year again for the AUHSD’s District-wide BSU Dance. This year the event will be hosted by the Acalanes Black Student Union (BSU) in partnership with AHS Leadership Students on Friday, Feb 27, from 7:00pm-9:00pm in the Big Gym. The theme this year is FEEL THE GLOW (students are encouraged to wear neon colors). Along with black light dancing and an amazing DJ, there will be food, prizes, face paint, glow sticks, a place to hang out with friends, and much more! Tickets will be $10 and can be found on your school’s GoFan website. WE ARE EXCITED TO SEE YOUR STUDENTS THERE!!!!
 
To help support this fun event, we are asking families to sign up to donate food, money, and/or your time. This event happens at little to no cost for the school. So please sign upHERE and help make this dance an amazing event for our students.
 
Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring, this festival takes place from Chinese New Year’s Eve (the evening preceding the first day of the year) to the Lantern Festival, held on the 17th day of the year. It is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture.
 
SAVE THE DATE! LUNAR NEW YEAR POTUCK – WEDNESDAY, FEB 25
Campo DEIB parent club is planning a Lunar New Year potluck Feb 25 at 6:00pm. All district parents are welcome!
 
📅 Join Us Monthly!
CCC Meeting Schedule | 6:00–7:30 PM

• Feb 27– In-Person (6-7pm)
• 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 reach out:
📧 diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com

Acalanes Parent Club | February 2026
Upcoming Important Dates:

• February: Black Excellence Month
• Feb 17-Feb 27 Chinese New Year/ Lunar New Year
• Feb 17-Mar 19: Ramadan

💜 Welcome to February! 💜
As we step into February, we’re excited to celebrate a month rich in culture, history, and connection for our students and school community. February offers meaningful opportunities for learning, reflection, and celebration, honoring the diverse identities and experiences that make our campus vibrant.
 
Throughout the month, students may engage in learning and activities connected to Black Excellence Month, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, and themes of love, kindness, and friendship often associated with Valentine’s Day. These moments allow students to deepen their understanding of history, culture, and one another—while building empathy, pride, and belonging.
 
We encourage families to continue these conversations at home and to celebrate the many traditions and stories represented in our community. Thank you for partnering with us to make February a month of inclusion, curiosity, and care for all students.
 
Black History Month is an annually observed commemorative month originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It began as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora, initially lasting a week before becoming a month-long observation in 1970. Our school district recognizes it as Black Excellence Month to celebrate not only the history but the present excellence in the Black community. Students from the Black Student Union (BSU) will be holding events throughout the month. Please support them by encouraging your students to attend the club’s events, including the Feel the Glow Dance at the end of the month.
 
BSU Dance: “Feel the Glow”
It’s that time of year again for the AUHSD’s District-wide BSU Dance. This year the event will be hosted by the Acalanes Black Student Union (BSU) in partnership with AHS Leadership Students on Friday, Feb 27, from 7:00pm-9:00pm in the Big Gym. The theme this year is FEEL THE GLOW (students are encouraged to wear neon colors). Along with black light dancing and an amazing DJ, there will be food, prizes, face paint, glow sticks, a place to hang out with friends, and much more! Tickets will be $10 and can be found on your school’s GoFan website. WE ARE EXCITED TO SEE YOUR STUDENTS THERE!!!!
 
To help support this fun event, we are asking families to sign up to donate food, money, and/or your time. This event happens at little to no cost for the school. So please sign upHERE and help make this dance an amazing event for our students.
 
Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring, this festival takes place from Chinese New Year’s Eve (the evening preceding the first day of the year) to the Lantern Festival, held on the 17th day of the year. It is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture.
 
SAVE THE DATE! LUNAR NEW YEAR POTUCK – WEDNESDAY, FEB 25
Campo DEIB parent club is planning a Lunar New Year potluck Feb 25 at 6:00pm. All district parents are welcome!
 
📅 Join Us Monthly!
CCC Meeting Schedule | 6:00–7:30 PM

• Feb 27– In-Person (6-7pm)
• 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 reach out:
📧 diversityandinclusion@acalanesparentsclub.com