• Student Activities

    November 30, 2025

    Welcome back—three weeks to go!

    ADOPT-A-FAMILY:  Thank you!

    This year we are supporting 64 families in our community—thank you! If you are supporting an individual or a family, you should have received information prior to the break. If you have any questions, please reach out to Anna Motes at (annakmotes@gmail.com) and Katherine Walton at (kwalton@auhsdschools.org)!

    Gift drop off will be Friday, Dec 12, from 7:30-8:30am in front of the small gym. 

    Volunteer Opportunity: Dec 13 from 10:00am-2:30pm. Sign up through this Google form to help feed the needy in San Francisco at Glide Memorial Church. Log your hours onto Helper-Helper. See you there, Dons!

    Shop joyfully while giving generously! We are back in the holiday season and this is a perfect time to raise funds for our beloved Acalanes! Minted is offering parents 20% off our purchases AND is giving 10% of the net sales back to our fabulous school! Please use promo code FUNDRAISEACALANES upon checkout to support the Dons! 

    This week we have:

    • Senior Dodgeball- every day at lunch!

    • Dons are Stronger Together- Opt in academy (Dec 3 & Dec 5) to learn more about the Be There Certificate

    • Choral Winter Concert- Dec 4 @ 7:00pm

    • ACA Buddies Holiday Party- Dec 5 @ academy

    FINALS SUPPORT

    Look for information in the Daily Don about finals support and resources!

  • College & Career

    November 30, 2025

    Don’t Miss Out on the Out of State College Fair on Dec 3 from 6:30-8:30pm in the Library
    Come join us and visit with over 20 admission reps from out of state schools (many more affordable than you think!). This is a great way to get your students excited about different types of colleges and all they have to offer. All grade levels and parents welcome; register here and hope to see you there!
     
    Upcoming Acalanes Student Alumni Panel:
    The College and Career Center is organizing a recent Acalanes Student Alumni Panel during Academy (10:10-11:05am) on Wednesday, Jan 7, 2026. Do you know of a recent alumnus who will be in town on this day and would be willing to share what they wish they had known before college, what they are happy they did, and other tips for juniors and seniors? If so, please let Debbie Levy, dlevy@auhsdschools.org, know.
     
    Country Spotlights of the Week: Canada and the Netherlands (taught in English)
    To apply to a university in Canada, you must first choose a program and a school, gather required documents such as academic transcripts and letters of recommendation, and then submit an online application, which may be through a provincial portal or directly on the university's website. https://www.educanada.ca/study-plan-etudes/before-avant/steps-etapes.aspx?lang=eng
     
    On MaiaLearning, please look at the Canadian Country Guide under the Resources tab for more information.
     
    In addition, the Netherlands is a great place to study in English at a university abroad. Here is a link to register for an upcoming webinar on Dec 2 to learn more: https://www.dutchuniconsortium.nl/calendar/duc-webinar-for-the-americas-region/. Plus, on MaiaLearning, there is the Netherlands Country Guide for more information.
     
    Districtwide Trades Fair

  • Counseling

    November 30, 2025

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

    The Semester is Almost Over! Only two weeks of school then finals week!  This is the time to have your students check with their teachers—do they have any outstanding work they can still turn in for credit? Get missing assignments in ASAP! 
     
    Final Exam Week and Final Grades Finals take place Tuesday, Dec 16 through Friday, Dec 19, with Periods 0 & 4 on Tuesday, 1 & 2 on Wednesday, 3 & 7 on Thursday and 6 & 5 on Friday.  Final semester grades will be available on Monday, Jan 12.  

  • Wellness Center

    November 30, 2025

    Are you, your student, or someone you know interested in quitting tobacco or nicotine use? Today is the perfect day to start!
     
    Kick It California is a free program that helps Californians kick smoking, vaping, and smokeless tobacco with the help of proven, science-based strategies. Clinically proven, culturally sensitive, and trusted, Kick It California, formerly the California Smokers’ Helpline, opened in 1992 as the first publicly funded statewide quitline. They now offer individual telephone counseling, a texting program, online chat, a smart phone app, Alexa Skill for quit smoking tips, and self-help materials. Take the first step toward quitting by visiting https://kickitca.org/. In Contra Costa County, you can also call 2-1-1 for a direct referral to Kick It California. 

  • Performing & Visual Arts

    November 30, 2025

    Winter Choir Concert 
    Please join the Acalanes Choir in the PAC on Thursday, Dec 4, at 7 pm for a wonderful evening of choral music.


    Instrumental Winter Concert



    SMC Choir Concert featuring the Acalanes Choir
    The Acalanes Choir will also be performing at the Saint Mary’s College Choir’s  “Making Spirits Bright” Concert on Saturday, Dec 6, at 4:00pm in the St Mary’s College Chapel, Moraga.

  • LPIE

    November 30, 2025

    Announcing LPIE's Largest Giving Tuesday Match Ever— Double Your Impact on Dec 2nd! Click HERE to donate