• Student Activities

    February 23, 2025

    SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK:

    • Monday @ lunch: 3 v 3 staff/student basketball
    • Tuesday: Blood Drive (8 am-2 pm). Sign up to donate!
    • Wed-Fri: ASB, Class Officer & Spirit Commissioner Elections
    • Wednesday @ lunch: BEM trivia + 3 v 3 basketball
    • Friday @ lunch: 3 v 3 basketball
    • Friday @ 7:30 PM: Quad City district dance hosted by AUHSD BSU’s

    UPCOMING

    • Color Run + Holi celebration: Mar 16 at 9am
    • Talent Show: March 18th at 7 PM
    • Junior & Senior Prom: Apr 19
      • Invitations will be passed out in English classes this Tues. & Wed.
    • Special Olympics @ Acalanes: Apr 25
    • Intramural girls flag football sign-ups: tournament play is April 27

    Student Government Elections this week
    Encourage your student to vote for next year’s ASB, Class Officers & Spirit Commissioners. Voting begins Wednesday and the link to vote is in their school email. Results will be announced March 3rd.
     
    Encourage your student to attend FRIDAY’S Quad City Dance at Las Lomas from 7:30 to 9:30! It’s the perfect chance to meet students from all across the district while enjoying delicious food and an unforgettable night of fun. Grab your tickets on GoFan for just $10 and get ready for an amazing time—great vibes, new friends, and a night you won’t want to miss!
     
    The Enviro board is holding a prom dress drive this year through Mar 29. There will be two locations with bins where people can drop off prom dresses and accessories: the Lafayette Community Center and in front of the Acalanes attendance office. The dresses will go to the San Francisco Princess Project which distributes the prom dresses to people who need them.
     
    Support the Garden Club and buy Acalanes grown succulents! Plants are purchased through the Acalanes webstore for $5.25. Once purchased you will receive an email with pick up instructions. Thanks for your support!
     
    Join us on March 16th for Acalanes’ annual Color Run, a vibrant Hindu holiday Holi celebration sponsored by local businesses! The event features student speeches about Holi, an exciting raffle, and a 1 or 2 mile run through our campus course where participants will be showered with colorful powder, and plenty of snacks. This fun-filled day is a chance to celebrate culture, community, and school spirit while supporting the Classes of 2026 & 2027. Tell your family and friends, spread the word, and make this our biggest Color Run! Go Dons! Register today!
     
    Introducing the 2nd Annual Contra Costa Shark Tank Youth Competition
    Your student can win $2,000 to launch or grow their business! No idea is too small! This competition is a fun way to promote youth entrepreneurship among K-12 students in Contra Costa County. When young people succeed as entrepreneurs, they improve their own lives while also contributing to the economic development of their local communities. Visit www.contracostasharktank.org to learn more. Finalists will be selected by the Campolindo High School Entrepreneurship Club and winners selected by a panel of judges on May 1 at the Lafayette Library. Deadline to apply is Mar 15!

    Looking to stay informed? Follow us on Instagram for the latest on student activities and class happenings.
     
    Katherine Walton, Activities Director

  • Counseling

    February 23, 2025

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

    CSF Applications are OPEN! The CSF application period is open! CSF (California Scholarship Federation) is an honor society. Current 10th, 11th and 12th  graders are encouraged to apply. A complete CSF application has 2 parts- an application form and a payment on the webstore. Turn in forms in the counseling office. The deadline is Friday, Feb 28 for both the form and the payment! Students who are members for at least 4 semesters, including during senior year, will get special stole to wear at graduation. Read the FAQ on the application form and contact Ms. Schonauer for any clarification.

  • School Nurse

    February 23, 2025

    Thank goodness I’m done with the flu! I just found out (afterwards) that there are new Covid tests that also test for Influenza A & B available at our local drugstores and online.  In case anyone in your household comes down with the flu, here’s some info that may be helpful:

    What to eat when you have the flu (or a stomach illness): If your student has nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, remember the BRAT (bananas, (white) rice, applesauce and toast) diet. You normally see me encouraging a focus on whole foods that are naturally high in fiber (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts & seeds) but with an upset stomach, we tolerate bland foods with less fiber. I, myself, have been afflicted this week. I found that saltines, cheerios, bananas, applesauce and tea + honey have been helpful. Make sure to keep those poor kids well-hydrated!

    I myself was out last week with the flu. Now that I’m all recovered, I’m back to my high-fiber plant-based eating.  I made these Buckwheat Banana Pancakes and love them.  They're super easy to make in the blender, bake in the oven, and also pop leftovers into the toaster to grab for breakfast on the way to school.

    Please reach out to me for any support your students or family might need.

    My office hours are:
    Tuesdays, Wednesdays and some* Thursdays
    Tuesdays & Thursdays:  8am - 3:50pm
    Wednesdays:  7:30am - 3:20pm

    Always Your School Nurse,
    Dvora Citron, RN, MS
    dcitron@auhsdschools.org, 925-280-2970 x7128
    IG: acalanesschoolnurse, ​School Nurse Website

  • Wellness Center

    February 23, 2025

    Did you know there is a difference between regular listening and active listening? Active listening differs from passive listening in the fact that you are intentionally going out of your way to show the speaker that they are being heard. Mastering the art of active listening can greatly improve all of your relationships, especially your relationship with your student. Instead of listening to your child intending to respond, try to listen to your child intending to understand what, exactly, they are trying to convey. Here are a few tips that might help you improve your active listening skills:

    • Face the speaker and make eye contact while they are speaking.
    • Pay attention to body language as well as verbal language.
    • Listen without interrupting, judging or jumping to conclusions.
    • Ask questions if you need clarification.
    • Reflect back what is being said so the speaker knows you are understanding.
    • Stay focused and don’t multitask.
    • Don’t insert your opinions or solutions unless asked.

    Most people, including your child, just want to be heard and supported. Taking the time to practice active listening and employ your skills with your student not only models good listening behaviors but supports the idea that you are a safe and trustworthy person for them to confide in.

  • Performing & Visual Arts

    February 23, 2025



    The busy spring music festival season is underway and Acalanes Performing Arts Boosters is thrilled to have several recent Instrumental Music and Choir accomplishments to report.
     
    Congratulations are in order for the Orchestra and Jazz Ensemble. The Orchestra earned Unanimous Superior ratings at the Homestead Orchestra Festival in front of a very tough judging panel. The Jazz Ensemble also earned Unanimous Superior ratings and took 3rd place in their division at the Campana Jazz Festival and 2nd place at the Folsom Jazz Festival. A Choral vocal ensemble also attended Folsom and soloists Kayla Medeiros and Bee Reinsberg received special recognition.
     
    Additionally, Acalanes was represented in the 2025 California All-State Jazz Band by Nathan Joseph who was a featured soloist. Last but not least, congratulations to the 16 Instrumental Dons who represented Acalanes in the 2025 County Honor Band.
     
    We are very proud of the students’ dedicated teamwork and commitment to excellence!
     
    Rehearsals for the Spring Musical, SpongeBob Squarepants, are underway and you will not want to miss this show, so save these dates! Apr 23-26 in the Performing Arts Center.

  • LPIE

    February 23, 2025

    LPIE Gala Raffle
    We still have raffle tickets! $100 per ticket; only 200 tickets are being sold. You don’t need to be present at the Gala to win. Buy a ticket, enter for a chance to win, and support our schools in the process! Email office@lpie.org to purchase!

  • Sports

    February 23, 2025



    *The game schedule below 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 basketball
    Tuesday, February 25 NCS Semifinal.
    Friday, February 28 or Saturday, March 1 NCS Championship.
     
    Girls basketball
    Wednesday, February 26 NCS Semifinal.
    Friday, February 28 or Saturday, March 1 NCS Championship.
     
    Boys soccer
    Wednesday, February 26 NCS Semifinal.
    Friday, February 28 or Saturday, March 1 NCS Championship.
     
    Girls soccer
    Wednesday, February 26 NCS Semifinal.
    Friday, February 28 or Saturday, March 1 NCS Championship.
     
    Wrestling
    Thursday, February 27 through Saturday, March 1 CIF Championship.
     
    Boys tennis
    Monday, February 24 v. De La Salle HS at 3:30 pm.  Varsity away and JV home.
    Tuesday, February 25 v. Piedmont HS at 3:30 pm.  Varsity home and JV away.
    Thursday, February 27 v. Head Royce HS at 3:30 pm.  Varsity home and JV away.
     
    Softball
    Tuesday, February 25 v. Piedmont HS at 3:30 pm.  Varsity away and JV home.
    Thursday, February 27 v. Albany HS at 3:30 pm.  Varsity home and JV away.
     
    Baseball
    Tuesday, February 25 v. Pinole Valley HS at 3:30 pm.  Varsity away and JV home.
    Friday, February 28 v. Piedmont HS at 3:30 pm.  Varsity away and JV home.
     
    Boys volleyball
    Tuesday, February 25 host Moreau Catholic HS.  JV at 5:00 pm and Varsity at 6:30 pm.
    Wednesday, February 26 at Amador Valley HS.  JV at 5:00 pm and Varsity at 6:30 pm.
     
    Girls lacrosse
    Tuesday, February 25 host Amador Valley HS.  JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7:00 pm.
    Friday, February 28 at San Marin HS.  JV at 5:00 pm and Varsity at 6:30 pm.
     
    Boys lacrosse
    Wednesday, February 26 at Dublin HS.  JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7:00 pm.
    Friday, February 28 host Stuart Hall HS.  JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7:00 pm.

    You may view the full 2024-2025 Athletic Schedule by clicking HERE.

  • General Administration Announcements

    February 17, 2025

  • APC in Action

    February 17, 2025
    February Dons Dialogue - this Friday at 8:45am
    Join us on Friday, Feb 21 in the Collaboration Center for coffee, treats and informative dialogue!  This month’s topics include;
    • Artificial intelligence update by John Walker, Associate Superintendent
    • No Hate Speech zone and BIRT
    • CAASPP testing information
    • Activities Report from student leaders
    • Q&A with Principal Shawn
    The APC Dons Dialogues are the best way to stay in the loop with what is happening on campus, ask any questions you may have or just connect with the Acalanes community.
    We hope to see you Friday!
     
    Spring 2025 Grants Application Still Available!
    Acalanes Parents Club is looking to award grants that will enhance and enrich the educational experience of AHS students in new and innovative ways. Teachers, staff and students are encouraged to submit ideas for meaningful programs and educational equipment. Click here to read more and access the application.
    Application deadline extended until Friday, Feb 21!
     
    Acalanes Student Community Service Awards: Deadline Friday, Apr 18
    The Acalanes community service awards program year is in full swing so please make sure your students are logging those hours!  It’s a great opportunity for students to give back AND be recognized for their service. Students who volunteer at least 30 qualifying hours by Apr 18 will get an Acalanes Service Award and there is an opportunity to receive a Presidential Service Award with additional levels of service hours. For more information on how to create a Helper Helper account, what qualifies as community service, and the additional requirements for a Presidential Service Award, please check out our volunteer website or email communityservice@acalanesparentsclub.com with any questions. Please remember that your student’s hours must be entered AND validated by their supervisor by the deadline.


    Follow Acalanes Parents Club on Instagram. Please reach out to APC here with any questions.

  • Campus Culture Committee

    February 17, 2025

    Upcoming Important Dates

    • February: Black Excellence Month
    • Jan29 - Feb 16: Lunar New Year
    • Feb 28 - Mar 29: Ramadan

    ALL ARE WELCOME HERE T-shirts have arrived! For just $20 you can support the Campus Culture Committee of APC while wearing a stylish black t-shirt that lets everyone know what the Dons are all about. Reach out here for payment information and how to get your shirt. Available in M and L only at this time.

    Monday, Feb 24 is our next Campus Culture Committee meeting. Parents and guardians of all current Acalanes students are invited to attend.

    Black Excellence Month continues with BSU student meetings each Wednesday of February. Please support them by encouraging your students to attend the club’s events, including the Movie Night with Potluck on Feb 21 and the Quad City Dance on Feb 28.

    If you’d like to help with any celebrations or join in our cultural discussions, please contact the Campus Culture Committee here and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with what the students are doing to celebrate all of these wonderful cultures and special dates.

    Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with what the students are doing to celebrate all of these wonderful cultures and special dates.