Weekly News & Announcements

Wellness Center

Encourage your AHS student to meet the Wellness team! Over the next few weeks, your Wellness Center team will be posted in the quads during lunch to introduce themselves, connect with students, and distribute resources. Each day there will be new members of the team to meet. We are looking forward to meeting a bunch of new faces!

• Wednesday, Feb 4- Freshman Quad
• Thursday, Feb 12- Junior Quad
• Tuesday, Feb 17- Sophomore Quad

LPIE

Thank you to AR Constructive for joining us as a Platinum Business Partner!

We are so fortunate to work with Ari Erfani and his talented team to help bring programs and opportunities to every student in Lafayette public schools. Ari has even opened his beautiful home to host an event for us – a true testament to his generosity and support of our community.
 
AR Constructive guides clients through every step of the journey to their dream home — from dream, design, to build. Whether it’s a remodel, home addition, ADU, custom home, or commercial project, they deliver a superior and cost-effective experience every time.
www.arconstructive.com
 
LAST CALL FOR GALA TICKETS! SALES CLOSE FEBRUARY 6TH

To purchase tickets, click HERE

Sports

*The game schedule 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 soccer
Tuesday, Feb 3 host Clayton Valley Charter HS.  JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Thursday, Feb 5 at Campolindo HS.  Freshmen at 4:00pm, JV at 5:30pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Saturday, Feb 7 at Richmond HS.  Freshmen at 2:00pm, JV at 4:00pm and Varsity at 6:00pm.
 
Girls soccer
Tuesday, Feb 3 at Alhambra HS.  JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Thursday, Feb 5 hosts Campolindo HS.  JV at 5:00pm and Varsity at 7:00pm.
Saturday, Feb 7 hosts Liberty HS.  Frosh-Soph at 2:00pm, JV at 4:00pm and Varsity at 6:00pm.
Saturday, Feb7 Frosh-Soph at Northgate HS at 9:00am.
 
Boys basketball
Wednesday, Feb 4 hosts Miramonte HS. Freshmen at 4:30pm, JV at 6:00pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
Friday, Feb 6 at Concord HS. JV at 6:00pm and Varsity at 7:30pm.
 
Girls basketball
Wednesday, Feb 4 Varsity at Miramonte HS at 7:00pm.
Friday, Feb 6 JV at Benicia HS at 5:30pm.
 
Wrestling
Saturday February 7 hosts DAL Championship.

You may view the full 2025-2026 Athletic Schedule by clicking HERE.

General Announcements

Acalanes Union High School District 8th-9th Grade Transition Series 2026

The Acalanes Union High School District is excited to welcome our incoming 9th-grade students (Class of 2030!) and their families to the AUHSD community. To support a successful transition to high school, AUHSD will be hosting a four-part Transition Activities Series this January and February.
 
Please join us for the remaining events in this series:

Thursday, Jan 29 - Course Preview & Open House 2026
Acalanes High School will host our annual Course Preview & Open House on Thursday, Jan 29, at 5:30pm. The event will begin with a reception in the Chris Huber Gymnasium at 5:30pm. Following a short presentation, families will be encouraged to visit the campus and learn about Acalanes' various programs, pathways, and courses. This event is intended for all incoming 9th-grade students. We are excited to meet you and welcome you to Acalanes. Current families of grades 9-11 are welcome to attend to learn more about our course offerings.
 

Feb 5, 2026 — AUHSD Annual Special Education Panel
Time:  6:00-7:00pm
Hear directly from AUHSD staff about special education programs and the transition to high school for students with an IEP. Additional details and registration links will be shared via email and the AUHSD website after Winter Break. We look forward to partnering with you throughout this exciting transition into high school!

APC in Action

Dons Dialogue
Thank you for joining us this past Friday for a very informative Dons Dialogue. If you missed it and would like to get caught up, please take a look at the slides from the presentation. The next Dons Dialogue will be Friday, Feb 20 at 8:45am.

Spring 2026 Grants Application Now Available!
Calling all teachers, parents, students in the Acalanes community! 
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. Applications are due by Friday, Feb 13. Click here to read more and access the application!

Campus Culture Committee

Acalanes Parent Club – Campus Culture Committee (CCC) Update
Upcoming Important Dates

• Jan 27 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day

CCC Meeting Summary – January 12, 2026
The Acalanes Campus Culture Committee met on Jan 12, 2026, to hear updates focused on student wellness, equity and inclusion, and leadership-supported activities across campus and the broader Lafayette community. The meeting highlighted strong collaboration among staff, students, and community partners, with a shared commitment to fostering belonging and student well-being.
 
Wellness Update – Mr. Patrick Turner
Mr. Turner shared highlights of recent and ongoing wellness initiatives supporting students before, during, and after school breaks. Prior to Thanksgiving and Winter Break, wellness workshops were held to help students manage transitions and maintain mental health during unstructured time. Resources were provided addressing isolation, food scarcity, and coping strategies, including a Friendsgiving event to foster connection.
 
Following the return from break, staff observed many students experiencing fatigue during the first week back, particularly by third period. In response, the wellness team emphasizes organizational skills, regular check-ins, and peer-to-peer wellness support. Efforts are underway to integrate a wellness lens into peer tutoring and student leadership spaces.
 
Additional initiatives include:

• Academy programming on Wednesdays focused on healthy relationships and social skills
• Friday study halls
• A “No Phones in Wellness” policy
• Classroom-based wellness support in partnership with school counselors
• Collaboration with College and Career staff, including participation on career pathway panels for students

Lafayette DEIB Update – Mr. Steve Poling
Mr. Poling provided an overview of the City of Lafayette’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) work. Having assumed leadership of the initiative over the past year, he shared that the city’s DEIB mission centers on education, awareness, and community building through inclusive, community-driven events.
 
Planning is underway for a public-facing spring event designed to bring together students, families, and community members of all ages, with the goal of breaking down existing age silos. The event will celebrate student leadership and equity work and include speakers, food, and entertainment. Mr. Poling will meet with the Equity Council to gather student input on how to make the event engaging and meaningful.
Save the Date: Apr 11, 2026 (food trucks and entertainment planned).
 
Leadership Support Update – Mrs. Katherine Walton
Mrs. Walton shared a wide range of upcoming student leadership and inclusion-focused activities:

• A month-long calendar of events for Black Excellence Month, led by BSU and the Equity Board
• BSU Dance: “Feel the Glow” (Neon-themed), held the last Friday of February

• Latinos Unidos & Filipino Club Potluck (date pending)
• QSA Districtwide Movie Night hosted at Acalanes (date pending)
• ACA Buddies program supporting special education students, with strong participation (averaging 50 students per event)
• Unified Basketball beginning in February
• Special Olympics on Apr 19, including a barbecue by Meat Team
• Schoolwide Academy on Jan 21: “Dons Are Stronger Together,” led by student leaders and focused on kindness and inclusion
• Middle School Leadership Conference hosted at Acalanes later this week, welcoming 215 eighth-grade students from five middle schools, including an equity-focused workshop
• Strategic outreach to elementary schools, including a Jan 26 welcome event at Lafayette Elementary with music and bubbles

Next CCC Meeting
Friday, Feb 27 | 6:00pm
In-Person at AHS (before the BSU-sponsored dance)
 
BSU Sponsored Dance: “Feel the Glow” ✨
It’s that time of year again for the AUHSD District-Wide BSU Dance! This year’s event will be hosted by the Acalanes Black Student Union (BSU) in partnership with AHS Leadership.
 
Friday, Feb 27
7:00–9:00pm
Big Gym
Theme: FEEL THE GLOW (students encouraged to wear neon)
What to Expect

• Black-light dancing with an amazing DJ
• Food, activities, prizes, face paint, glow sticks
• Space to hang out and celebrate with friends

Tickets: $10 via your school’s GoFan website
 
Help Make the Dance a Success!
This event happens at little to no cost for the school, and we rely on family support to make it special. Please consider donating food, funds, or your time.
Sign-Up Here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0C4AAFAF2EA3FE3-61648485-auhsd#/
 

Student Activities

THIS WEEK:

• Jan 26 @ lunch: Class Cup Soccer in the big gym
• Jan 27 @ lunch: Leadership Info Meeting in room 314
• Jan 28 @ lunch: Class Cup Soccer in the big gym + Blueprint informational meeting in room 209
• Jan 29: Open House!
• Jan 30 @ lunch: Club Day

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). The best way to get information and ask questions is at the informational meeting on Tuesday, Jan 27, at lunch in room 314. All are welcome to attend.
 
Applications are available now and due Feb 3. You must be logged into your school account to access the application.
 
Note: This is for current Acalanes students; the application for incoming 9th graders will be available beginning Jan 29 on the Acalanes home page & in room 314 at Open House.
 
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 All-District Dance on 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
 
If you ever have any questions or are looking for ways for your student to get involved, please reach out!