From the Activities Director

It is one of the best weeks of the year with the Special Olympics on Friday! We’re hosting over 600 students from around the county as they compete in track & field events. TWO IMPORTANT THINGS:

1. Special Olympics adult volunteer help: We are looking for 5-6 parents to help from 8:30 AM-10 AM with parking, bus drop-off and greeting. If you are able and willing, please email Katherine Walton.
2. Encourage your student driver to get dropped off or carpool and arrive early to school as parking will be impacted. We will be reserving 100 parking spaces for our Special Olympic athletes. Please plan ahead.

PEEK AT THE WEEK:
Tuesday @ 4:00pm: BIG 10: Baseball/Softball Doubleheader with a food truck
Wednesday @ academy: Special Olympics training # 2
Wednesday @ 7:00pm: Opening Night of Chicago
Friday: SPECIAL OLYMPICS!
Friday @ lunch: Last chance to buy your prom ticket or get a bus assignment
Saturday @ 5:15pm: Acalanes Baseball plays at Oracle vs. Marin Catholic. Come out!
 
Get involved and make a difference in our school district. Join the Acalanes Union High School District Governing Board as the Student Board Member. For more information and to apply, go to the District website. Deadline is Monday, Apr 13.
 
Prom Dress Drive
The environmental board is collecting prom dresses for the Princess Project again this year. They have been so grateful for our support the past two years. Please consider donating prom dresses in the bins outside the attendance office. Last day to donate is Apr 17.
 
Special Olympics: Friday, Apr 17
Acalanes is thrilled to host the Track & Field Special Olympics for our county and we could not do it without student volunteers. Over 100 students are signed up to volunteer. Please remind your student of the mandatory training:
Wednesday, Apr 15
They will receive a slip as a reminder and be tagged for academy. Without training, they cannot volunteer.
 
BIG 10: Baseball & Softball
Tuesday, Apr 14
Come out for a doubleheader as we cheer on our baseball & softball programs. Enjoy delicious food, sunshine & Dons athletics!
 
The Acalanes Cultural Fair is coming up! Join us on Apr 22 during academy in the big gym to watch cultural performances and learn about the various cultures that make up our Acalanes community! There will be informational booths where students can share their culture through information, food, and more. If your student is interested in hosting a booth and sharing a part of their culture with the school, sign up here!
 
April & May important dates:
 
Apr 17: Special Olympics @ Acalanes
Apr 15-19: Musical
Apr 21: Senior Athlete Celebration
Apr 25: Junior & Senior Prom
May 6: Class of 2030 Athletics & Activities Night
May 18-22: Last spirit week of the year!
 
SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming 2026, Sept 20-26
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!

April & May important dates:
 
Apr 17: Special Olympics @ Acalanes
Apr 15-19: Musical
Apr 21: Senior Athlete Celebration
Apr 25: Junior & Senior Prom
May 6: Class of 2030 Athletics & Activities Night
May 18-22: Last spirit week of the year!
 
SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming 2026, Sept 20-26
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!

Welcome back to the END of the year! We have a FULL April & May full of incredible community events and senior memories.
 
PEEK AT THE WEEK:
Monday @ lunch: Flag football practice
Wednesday @ lunch: Flag football practice + bus sign-ups
Friday @ academy: Special Olympics training # 1
Friday @ 6:30/7:00pm: BIG 10: Boys Lacrosse
Saturday @ 12:00pm: LaMorinda Equity Leader Celebration
Sunday @ 12:00pm: Spring Flag football tournament
 
Class of 2030 Spirit Packs: Deadline to order is Apr 6.
If you have an incoming 9th grader, the last day to purchase a spirit pack is tomorrow! Spirit packs will be available for pick-up at AAA Night on May 6.
 
Get involved and make a difference in our school district. Join the Acalanes Union High School District Governing Board as the Student Board Member. For more information and to apply, go to the District website. Deadline is Tuesday, Apr 7.
 
Prom Dress Drive
The environmental board is collecting prom dresses for the Princess Project again this year. They have been so grateful for our support the past two years. Please consider donating prom dresses in the bins outside the attendance office. Last day to donate is Apr 17.
 
Special Olympics: Friday, Apr 17
Acalanes is thrilled to host the Track & Field Special Olympics for our county and we could not do it without student volunteers. Over 100 students are signed up to volunteer. Please remind your student of the mandatory training either:
Friday, Apr 10 or Wednesday, Apr 15
They will receive a slip as a reminder and be tagged for academy. Without training, they cannot volunteer.
 
BIG 10: Boys Lacrosse
Friday, Apr 10 at 7:00pm
Come out to watch our boys lacrosse team play! Enjoy hot dogs, a beautiful evening & Acalanes spirit.
 
LaMorinda Equity Leader Celebration: Saturday, Apr 11 at 12:00pm
Student equity leaders & their families are invited to Acalanes to be in community, celebrate with one another, enjoy free delicious food from Ofie’s Kitchen & hear speeches & performances including the Lafayette Mayor.
 
Spring Flag football Tournament: Sunday, Apr 12 at 12:00pm
We have 100 female athletes signed up to play in our double elimination tournament. Practices begin Monday, Apr 6 at lunch.
 
The Acalanes Cultural Fair is coming up! Join us on Apr 22 during academy in the big gym to watch cultural performances and learn about the various cultures that make up our Acalanes community! There will be informational booths where students can share their culture through information, food, and more. If your student is interested in hosting a booth and sharing a part of their culture with the school, sign up here!
 
April & May important dates:
 
Apr 17: Special Olympics @ Acalanes
Apr 15-19: Musical
Apr 21: Senior Athlete Celebration
Apr 25: Junior & Senior Prom
May 6: Class of 2030 Athletics & Activities Night
May 18-22: Last spirit week of the year!
 
SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming 2026, Sept 20-26
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!

THIS WEEK:
Mar 23 @ lunch: Unified Basketball vs. Miramonte in the big gym
March 24 @ 6:00pm: Senior Parent Night in the PAC
Mar 25 @ lunch: Wellness Fair & ACA Buddies
Mar 26 @ 5:00pm: Open Mic Night @ Sideboard
Mar 27 @ academy/lunch: Sophomore Field Day
 
NEXT WEEK @ ACALANES: Disability Awareness Spirit Week:
Monday: BLUE-OUT! SHOW UP to Unified Basketball at lunch in the Big Gym & the Morning Rally in front of 510/511
Tuesday: CRAZY/MISMATCHED SOCKS for Down Syndrome Awareness!
Wednesday: SENSORY FRIENDLY DRESSUP! (Wear comfy outfits)
Thursday: Disability Awareness presentation + stress ball making in 314! Win a Nee-Doh!
Friday: Wear orange for Inclusion Day!
 
Lots of Sign-ups & Leadership Opportunities-see below:
 
Aca Buddies Applications for next year are out now! Click here to fill out the google form application-—due Mar 27! More information about the application process (including interviews) will be released soon.
 
New Crew Leader Applications (current sophomores & juniors)-due Mar 25! Applications available now!
 
Special Olympics is coming up on Apr 17, and we need YOUR help! Sign up to be a student volunteer by filling out a teacher-signed permission form (also in room 314) and returning it to the back counter of 314, and then sign up for a shift! Sign-ups are due tomorrow!
 
The Acalanes Cultural Fair is coming up! Join us on Apr 22 during academy in the big gym to watch cultural performances and learn about the various cultures that make up our Acalanes community! There will be informational booths where students can share their culture through information, food, and more. If your student is interested in hosting a booth and sharing a part of their culture with the school, sign up here!
 
The annual Flag Football tournament is approaching, and now is the time to sign up! There will be an informational meeting for new and returning players in room 313 on Friday at lunch, going over all rules and expectations. The tournament will be held on Apr 12, starting at noon! Sign up through the Google form below!
Signup Link
 
Get involved and make a difference in our school district. Join the Acalanes Union High School District Governing Board as the Student Board Member. For more information and to apply, go to the District website.
 
Our annual Open Mic Night event is back at Sideboard on Mar 26! From 5:00-6:30pm, showcase your talents, in either singing, dancing, reciting poetry and more. The signups are linked below and once you perform you also get free food from Sideboard. Dons join us in one of the most fun events of the year, to showcase your talent and to see the amazing talents of others! Sign–up Form
 
UPCOMING DATES:
 
Apr 11: LaMorinda Equity Leader Celebration from 12:00-3:00pm in the front quad
Apr 12: Spring Flag Football Tournament
Apr 17: Special Olympics @ Acalanes
Apr 15-19: Musical
Apr 25: Junior & Senior Prom
 
SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming 2026, Sept 20-26
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!

THIS WEEK:

Monday: Last day to get your prom ticket at $110
Tuesday:
      Lunch: Frosh St. Patty’s Day Party!
      Tuesday @ 7:00pm: Talent Show in the PAC
Wednesday @ lunch: ACA Buddies Info meeting in room 314
Thursday @ 3:30pm: BIG 10: Boys Tennis
Friday @ lunch: Blueprint & Yearbook appreciation desert bar
 
All are invited to the Talent Show Tuesday, Mar 17 at 7:00pm in the PAC to check out the following impressive performances:

• The Village Prophets
• Harmonix
• Pip and the Pip-ettes
• Shark Dancers
• Octet
• Alvera Bamorya
• Colin Wang
• Olivia Harnsongkram
• The Sensei la Frank Experience
• Remi Jalil

The show will be hosted by Harry Zimmerman and Dashiell Tinianow and there will be a Baking a Difference fundraiser at intermission!
 
Interested in becoming an Aca Buddy? Come to room 314 during lunch on Wednesday for our info meeting to do a kahoot and learn more about the application process. Aca Buddies connects our campus with our special education students and is an amazing opportunity to step into a leadership role on our campus. See you there!
 
Special Olympics is coming up on Apr 17, and we need YOUR help! Sign up to be a student volunteer by filling out a teacher-signed permission form (also in room 314) and returning it to the back counter of 314, and then sign up for a shift! Sign-ups are due by Mar 23!
 
The Acalanes Cultural Fair is coming up! Join us on Apr 15 during academy in the big gym to watch cultural performances and learn about the various cultures that make up our Acalanes community! There will be informational booths where students can share their culture through information, food, and more. If your student is interested in hosting a booth and sharing a part of their culture with the school, sign up here!
 
Our annual Open Mic Night event is back at Sideboard on Mar 26! From 5:00-6:30pm, showcase your talents, in either singing, dancing, reciting poetry and more. The signups are linked below and once you perform you also get free food from Sideboard. Dons join us in one of the most fun events of the year, to showcase your talent and to see the amazing talents of others! Sign–up Form
 
UPCOMING DATES:
Mar 23 @ lunch: Unified Basketball vs. Miramonte
Mar 25 @ lunch: Wellness Fair
Mar 26 @ 5 PM: Open Mic Night @ Sideboard
Mar 27 @ academy/lunch: Sophomore Field Day
Apr 11: LaMorinda Equity Leader Celebration
Apr 12: Spring Flag Football Tournament
Apr 17: Special Olympics @ Acalanes
Apr 15-19: Musical
Apr 25: Junior & Senior Prom
 
SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming 2026, Sept 20-26
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!

THIS WEEK:

• Monday AM: Monday Morning Welcome at Lafayette Elementary School
• Tuesday & Wednesday: Prom Invites handed out in English classes
• Wednesday:
  • Academy: Job/Career/Volunteer Fair
  • Lunch: Thrift Store Pop-Up with Student Vendors
• Thursday:
  • Lunch: New Crew Leader Informational Meeting
  • 7:00pm: Dramadons Short Plays
• Friday:
  • Academy: Blanket Making Drive in room 314
  • Lunch: ACA Buddies & Senior Shirley Temples

On Wednesday, Mar 11, during Academy, Acalanes is hosting a Career and Volunteer fair for all students to attend. People working in many different fields will be present, along with representatives from notable volunteer organizations in our community. Check out this flyer for more information!
 
Attendance will be staggered so that Juniors come to the gym at 10:15am, Sophomores at 10:25am, Seniors at 10:40am, and Frosh at 10:50am. See you there, Dons!
 
Special Olympics is coming up on Apr 17, and we need YOUR help! Sign up to be a student volunteer by filling out a teacher-signed permission form (also in room 314) and returning it to the back counter of 314, and then sign up for a shift! Sign-ups are due by Mar 23!
 
SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming 2026, Sept 20-26
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!

THIS WEEK:

• Tuesday-Friday: 3 v 3 Staff/Student Basketball in the Chris Huber gym
• Friday academy: Latinos Unidos & Filipino Club potluck
• Sunday @ 9:00am: Color Run

 
March 10 & 11: Junior & Senior Prom invitations get handed out in English classes.
 
Join us on Sunday, Mar 8, for Acalanes’ annual Color Run! The event celebrates the Hindu holiday Holi, a festival celebrating the arrival of spring. Parents and children are invited to take part in a 1- or 2-mile run around the Acalanes campus while getting covered in colored powder. Before the run, stop by for Dunkin’ Donuts, snacks, games, and a raffle— all included in your ticket. It’s a great way to spend the morning with friends, celebrate our community, and support the Classes of 2027 & 2028.
The first 150 people to sign up will get a free Color Run t-shirt, so grab your friends and register soon! 

Is your student interested in making some cash? Join us as a seller at the Spring Thrift Pop-up on Mar 11 at lunch in the Soph Quad! Sell some clothes, jewelry, trinkets, baked goods, drinks- anything fun you want to sell!  You keep all the profits you made! Click the link below to sign up! Thrift Seller Application

SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming 2026, Sept 20-26
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!

THIS WEEK:

• Monday @ lunch: Unified Basketball in the big gym + Ping pong in the small gym
• Tuesday: Blood Drive (thank you to those donating!)
• Wednesday-Friday: ASB, Class Officer & Spirit Commissioner Elections
• Wednesday:
  • Academy: Special Education training (see below)
  • Lunch: Black Excellence Jeopardy + Ping Pong
• Friday:
  • Academy: Whole School Rally (Wear White)
  • Lunch: ACA Buddies
  • 7:00-9:00pm: District wide Dance at Acalanes

Come to the Unified Basketball Game on Monday, Feb 23 @ Lunch in the big gym. Show out and Wear Blue. We can’t wait to see you there!
 
Interested in making our campus even MORE inclusive and supportive? Come join us on Feb 25 in 314 during Academy for this semester’s Special Education Training! Learn more about different disabilities, forms of communication, and tools for mindful interaction/connection! Sign up for Walton’s Academy, show up!
 
FRIDAY  is a BIG DAY at Acalanes. We have our 2nd semester kick-off rally + we are hosting the only district wide dance that evening. Both events are glow in the dark themed. PLEASE encourage your student to attend the dance with their district friends- join students from every school for a high-energy night of music, lights, and unforgettable fun. 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. Still  many spots including volunteers for the night of!

Sign up for 3 v 3 March Madness Basketball! Mar 3-6 at lunch there will be a 3v3 basketball tournament with staff and students. Sign-up with a friend and a staff member to compete in the competition to win the illustrious 3v3 basketball trophy. We are taking the first 12 teams that sign up, so fill out the form fast with your 3v3 basketball squad! Make sure to read over requirements on forming a team.
 
Are you interested in making some cash? Join us as a seller at the Spring Thrift Pop-up on Mar 11 at lunch in the Soph Quad! Sell some clothes, jewelry, trinkets, baked goods, drinks- anything fun you want to sell!  You keep all the profits you made! Click the link below to sign up! Thrift Seller Application

Join us on Sunday, Mar 8, for Acalanes’ annual Color Run! The event celebrates the Hindu holiday Holi, a festival celebrating the arrival of spring. Parents and children are invited to take part in a 1- or 2-mile run around the Acalanes campus while getting covered in colored powder. Before the run, stop by for Dunkin’ Donuts, snacks, games, and a raffle— all included in your ticket. It’s a great way to spend the morning with friends, celebrate our community, and support the Classes of 2027 & 2028.
 
The first 150 people to sign up will get a free Color Run t-shirt, so grab your friends and register soon! 
 
SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming 2026
September 20-26

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

THIS WEEK:

• Wednesday @ lunch: Black Excellence event in room 314 + Chris Huber Ping Pong Tournament in the small gym
• Thursday @ lunch: Chris Huber Ping pong tournament
• Friday:
  • Before school: sophomore pancake bar
  • Lunch: Chris Huber ping pong
  • After school: Bake Sale benefiting 2026 Prom

Feb 27 is a BIG DAY at Acalanes. We have our 2nd semester kick-off rally + we are hosting the only district wide dance that evening. Both events are glow in the dark themed. PLEASE encourage your student to attend the dance with their district friends- join students from every school for a high-energy night of music, lights, and unforgettable fun. 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. Still so many spots!
 
2026-2027 Leadership
Are you an incoming 9th grader and interested in leadership?  The application is now available and due THIS Friday, Feb 20. 
 
Sign up for the Talent Show! The Talent Show is open to all students and participants must sign up by February 20. If interested in hosting, note that your script will be screened by ASB however you have creative freedom to tailor it to your liking. Sign up to host here.All talents are welcome at the show however we will only accept 11-12 acts, so video demos of your act must be provided to ASB for selection. Sign up to perform an act of yourchoice here.
 
Join us on Sunday, Mar 8, for Acalanes’ annual Color Run! The event celebrates the Hindu holiday Holi, a festival celebrating the arrival of spring. Parents and children are invited to take part in a 1- or 2-mile run around the Acalanes campus while getting covered in colored powder. Before the run, stop by for Dunkin’ Donuts, snacks, games, and a raffle— all included in your ticket. It’s a great way to spend the morning with friends, celebrate our community, and support the Classes of 2027 & 2028.
 
The first 150 people to sign up will get a free Color Run t-shirt, so grab your friends and register soon! 
 
Blood Drive — Feb 24
Acalanes is hosting our spring blood drive on Tuesday, Feb 24, and are looking to fill 30 donor spots. Consider donating by signing up here.
 
SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming 2026
September 20-26
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!

THIS WEEK:

• Monday @ lunch: Election meeting (ASB, Class Officer, Spirit Commissioner) + Cupcake decorating in the frosh quad
• Tuesday @ lunch: Candle decorating in room 314
• Wednesday:
  • Academy: ACA Buddies Valentine’s Day
  • Lunch: Black Excellence event + candy bags/cards
• Thursday @ lunch: Bouquet making in room 314

2026-2027 Leadership
Are you an incoming 9th grader and interested in leadership?  The application is now available and due Friday, Feb 20.  We will hold an informational meeting at Stanley on Tuesday, Feb 10 at lunch.
 
Join us on Sunday, Mar 8, for Acalanes’ annual Color Run! The event celebrates the Hindu holiday Holi, a festival celebrating the arrival of spring. Parents and children are invited to take part in a 1- or 2-mile run around the Acalanes campus while getting covered in colored powder. Before the run, stop by for Dunkin’ Donuts, snacks, games, and a raffle— all included in your ticket. It’s a great way to spend the morning with friends, celebrate our community, and support the Classes of 2027 & 2028.
 
The first 150 people to sign up will get a free Color Run t-shirt, so grab your friends and register soon! 
 
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. Looking for 39 more donors!
 
FEEL THE GLOW — AUHSD district wide dance
Get ready to Feel the Glow at this year’s one and only All-District Dance on Friday, 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. Still so many spots!
 
SAVE THE DATE: Homecoming 2026
September 20-26
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!

THIS WEEK:

• Monday @ lunch: ASB Informational Meeting
• Tuesday @ 7:30am: Equity Council
  • Leadership applications due today for current 9, 10, 11
• Wednesday @ lunch: Black Excellence Month kick-off meeting
  • 7:00pm: Boys Basketball game: Meat Team/Bake Sale for Prom 2026
• Friday academy: Seedpaper card decorating in room 314

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).  Applications for current 9, 10 and 11 are due Tuesday Feb 3. You must be logged into your school account to access the application.
 
Are you an incoming 9th grader and interested in leadership?  The application is now available and due Friday, Feb 20.  We will hold an informational meeting at Stanley on Feb10 at lunch.
 
Join us on Sunday, Mar 8, for Acalanes’ annual Color Run! The event celebrates the Hindu holiday Holi, a festival celebrating the arrival of spring. Parents and children are invited to take part in a 1- or 2-mile run around the Acalanes campus while getting covered in colored powder. Before the run, stop by for Dunkin’ Donuts, snacks, games, and a raffle— all included in your ticket. It’s a great way to spend the morning with friends, celebrate our community, and support the Classes of 2027 & 2028.
 
The first 150 people to sign up will get a free Color Run t-shirt, so grab your friends and register soon! 
 
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 one and only All-District Dance on Friday, 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. Still so many spots!
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!