One Athens Connects
December 2023
January 2024
Thursday, January 4
Welcome Back! Second semester begins!
Wednesday, January 10
2nd 9 Weeks Report Cards Distributed. 2nd 9 Weeks Report Cards Distributed. View the Report Card Schedule at acs-k12.org/reportcards.
Monday, January 15
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (school closed)
100 Days of School
We celebrate 100 Days of School on Monday, January 29. Congratulations on 100 days of learning & growing in ACS!
Wednesday, January 31
AHS & AMS Progress Report Day is Wednesday, January 31. Progress and Report Card schedules are available online at acs-k12.org/reportcards.
Thank You ACS Board of Education!
January is School Board Recognition Month and we are so very grateful for our Athens City Schools Board leaders! Thank you Beverly Malone, Shannon Hutton, Scott Henry, Anthony Townsend and Karen Clem for your service and dedication to Athens City Schools!
January Menus
PreK - 5th Grade Breakfast
AMS & AHS Breakfast
PreK - 8th Grade Lunch
AHS Lunch
State Report Card
We are excited that FIVE of our schools, plus the District, achieved A's and B's on the Alabama Department of Education State Report Card. Click below to learn more and check out all school scores.
Pre-K Registration Opens Monday, January 15
Preparing children for success begins early. Athens City Schools is proud to offer two Pre-K programs: Alabama First Class Pre-K Program and Eagles Nest Inclusion Pre-K. Each program has its own unique admission requirements, application, tuition, and selection process. The Alabama First Class Pre-K is a program providing effective, high-quality, early childhood experiences that prepare children for school success and lifelong learning. ACS currently offers six First Class Pre-K classes: iAcademy at Athens Elementary (2), HEART Academy at Julian Newman (2), FAME Academy at Brookhill (1), and SPARK Academy at Cowart (1). Eagles Nest Inclusion Pre-K is an inclusive program that incorporates a mixture of exceptional needs students in a classroom with their traditional peers. The Eagles Nest is located at iAcademy at Athens Elementary. Learn more about each program and apply at acs-k12.org/prek.
ACS District Snapshot
Superintendent Beth Patton shares a snapshot of ACS district data, capital projects, future plans and more!
Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay and Art Contest
The 19th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Essay & Art Contest, sponsored by The City of Athens, Limestone County, and Limestone NAACP, is going on now! This contest is open to students in grades 2-12. Entries are due by Friday, January 5. Winners in each category will read their essays and discuss their artwork during the MLK program on January 15, 2024. Art will be displayed at the Mayor's Office as well as at the Veterans Museum during the event. The first, second, and third place winners for both essay and art will receive a cash award and plaque. If you have any questions, contact Bernard Simelton at (256) 426-6406 or Linda Williams at (256) 797-3615. Please refer to the flyer for grade-level divisions, themes, and more information.
Applications Are Now Open for STEM Opportunities for Students and Teachers
Check out these awesome, FREE, hands-on STEM opportunities for students. Programs are provided by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge
Residential, hands-on learning experience for middle and high school students and high school teachers in STEM-related fields. All participants work with award-winning scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, one of the largest U.S. Department of Energy research facilities in the United States. High school and middle school students conduct guided group science, math, and computer science technology research projects, while high school teachers work with science practitioners to develop STEM-related curriculum. Hosted by Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, this program is a gateway to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the Appalachian Region. Click HERE to learn more. Applications are due by February 2.
- Click HERE to learn more and apply to the Middle School Appalachian STEM Academy (for rising 7th-9th grade students).
- Click HERE to learn more and apply to the High School Appalachian STEM Academy (for rising 10th-12th grade students).
- Click HERE to learn more about the High School Teacher Appalachian STEM academy.
Appalachian Entrepreneurial Academy for High School Students
Appalachian State University, EntreEd and STEM West are preparing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders and thinkers. Participants have the opportunity to participate in experiential learning to cultivate creativity and develop essential entrepreneurial skills. Students develop and implement their business ideas, refine and prototype those ideas, and deliver a shark-tank-style pitch to a panel of entrepreneurs. For two weeks, AEA participants will, at no cost, reside on Appalachian State University’s campus and immerse themselves in the surrounding town of Boone, North Carolina. In addition to the work of developing their businesses, students will engage in recreational activities throughout the experience, including activities on-campus (including swimming, gaming, and playing sports) and in the region (including hiking, visiting local attractions, and attending arts and music performances). Click HERE to learn more and apply. Applications are due by February 2.
2023-2024 Academic Calendar
View the 2023-2024 ACS Academic Calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.
Now Hiring!
Come join the one Athens team! Learn more and apply at acs-k12.org/careers.
Black & Gold Sports Fan Publication - Fall 2023
Take a peek at our student-athletes in action in the latest edition of the Black & Gold, a sports fan publication. This passion project was created by "Mr. Josh" Dendy, an Athens City Schools parent, volunteer, shutterbug, and devoted Golden Eagle fan. Mr. Josh shows his love through the lens with over 90 pages of moments captured throughout the season. This edition also includes special stories on our student-athletes by our friends at 256 Sports Radio. Special thank you to "Mr. Josh" and 256 Sports Radio for sharing your time and talents in the creation of the Black & Gold. Check out the latest edition, as well as previous Black & Gold editions, at acs-k12.org/blackandgoldsports.
Athletics
Basketball Season Passes on Sale Now
BASKETBALL PASSES ON SALE NOW Purchase single tickets, single sport season passes and all sports season passes on the GoFan app or at gofan.co/app/school/AL109.
AHS Basketball
AMS Girls & Boys Basketball
Athens Wrestling
Indoor Track and Field
CLEAR BAGS AT ACS ATHLETIC EVENTS
Athens City Schools is implementing a new Clear Bag Policy for all athletic events beginning Friday, September 1. The following bags will be permitted inside Athens City Schools Athletics Facilities:
- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" (tote bags, fanny packs, cross-body bags, etc.)
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziplock type bag or similar)
- Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" (approximately the size of a hand).
- Please note that individuals are limited to (1) clear bag plus (1) small clutch.
Fans are welcome to bring cameras, binoculars, and small seat cushions/pads, however, cases are not allowed. Learn more at acs-k12.org/athletics.
LIVESTREAM Athens High School and Athens Middle School Sports
LET'S GO EAGLES Watch our Athens Golden Eagles HOME games this fall on the NFHS Network. Subscription required. Visit www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/athens-high-school-athens-al for options. NFHS offers access to LIVE and ON DEMAND events, nationwide. View available events and learn more at www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/athens-high-school-athens-al. Please note that this is the only legitimate and authorized livestream for AHS sports (home games only). If you have any questions, please contact Linda.Moore@acs-k12.org.
ACS Athletics Golden Guidelines
In an effort to make all Athens City Schools athletic event experiences GOLDEN for all spectators, fans and families, please take a moment to review the Golden Guidelines, implemented in 2022. Thank you for supporting Athens City Schools Athletics. It's great to be a Golden Eagle!
Kids and Kin Training Dates
Kids and Kin is a free, statewide program that provides resources and training to grandparents,
aunts, uncles, and older siblings who provide child care for their relatives' children. Kids and Kin offers a wide range of helpful topics in a small and supportive group setting. Please take a moment to click on the images to learn more about training dates, training resources, and incentive programs. If you have any questions, contact Tammie Hill, Family Guidance Center, at thill@familyguidancecenter.org or call 1-800-499-6597, ext. 211. Kids and Kin is provided by the Family Guidance Center of Alabama and funded by the Alabama Department of Human Resources. Click here to learn more about Kids and Kin.
FREE Breakfast
Did you know that Athens City Schools offers free breakfast to all students each and every morning during the school week? Our Child Nutrition Program works to ensure every child is ready to start their day, well-fed and ready to learn. Click HERE to learn more about our CNP program.
My School Bucks
An easy way to add lunch money to your student account is through MySchoolBucks. Create or log in to your student account at myschoolbucks.com and view immediate information about your student account balance and purchases. Need help? Click HERE to learn more. Funds can be added to your student's account at MSB on the web or download the MSB app. You may also submit a checkto the school lunchroom. All checks must be made payable to Athens City Schools CNP or ACS CNP. Please write your child's name and homeroom on the check or envelope. Click HERE to more about meal prices and budgeting.
Complete your Free and Reduced Lunch Application Today!
Find out if your family qualifies for Free and Reduced Lunch by completing the 2023-2024 Free and Reduced Lunch Application. Only one application is necessary per family. Families must re-apply each school year to potentially receive this benefit. Apply at acs-k12.org/nutrition.
2023-2024 ACS Student Daily Lunch Pricing:
$2.75 - PAID (Family does not qualify for free or reduced lunch)
$0.40 - REDUCED (apply to see if your family qualifies)
$0.00 - FREE (apply to see if your family qualifies)
If you have any questions or need help with your Free and Reduced Lunch Application, contact Dr. Tandy Blackwell, Director of Child Nutrition, at Tandy.Blackwell@acs-k12.org or (256) 233-6600.
Apply to see if your family qualifies today!
PowerSchool Parent Portal
PowerSchool Parent Portal is a web-based platform and app that can be used to access information such as student grades, attendance, assignments, class announcements, class schedule and more. Parent Portal is accessible from any device with internet access (i.e. computer, tablet, smartphone) or download the app for free. Learn more about PowerSchool Parent portal at acs-k12.org/powerschool. If you have any questions, please contact your school.
Leave a Lasting Legacy
Athens City Schools Foundation Bricks - Athens High School
MEMORIES ETCHED IN STONE Every Brick Has a Story. Write Yours! Special commemorative bricks from the ACSF Legacy Brick Project make perfect gifts to celebrate a graduation, teacher, retirement, and more. Bricks are placed on the Athens High School campus. Prices start at just $50. Order online at www.acsf.acs-k12.org/bricks.
iAcademy at Athens Elementary Bricks
iAcademy at Athens Elementary School invites you to become a permanent part of their new campus by purchasing a commemorative brick to recognize students, teachers, family, and friends in the Athens community. The bricks are incorporated into the design and displayed at the entrance area to the beautiful new school. One hundred percent of the proceeds go to support our teachers and students at iAcademy at Athens Elementary School. Two brick options are available: 4” x 8” - $50 (includes up to three lines with 21 characters per line) and 8" x 8" - $100 (includes up to six lines with 21 characters per line).
- To place your iAcademy at Athens Elementary brick order, click here or visit www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/athenses.
- To pay for your brick, you can either drop off payment at iAcademy at Athens Elementary School or visit website at www.acs-k12.org/aes and click the "Pay Fees" button.
Thank you for supporting iAcademy at Athens Elementary!
Progress Report and Report Card Schedule
Click HERE to view the progress and report card schedule.
Links of Interest
Stay Connected
Like Us, Follow Us, Download Us
Take a peek at all of the exciting things go on in ACS. Be sure to follow ACS and your schools on Social Media and download the free ACS app.
Share Your Good News
We love sharing about all of the amazing things that are happening in our schools and in the lives of our outstanding students and employees! Do you have a story, event, award/ recognition or something cool going on with your student that you would like to share with our #oneAthens community? Please click here or email Christy.Hubbard@acs-k12.org.
Download the ACS App!
Download the Athens City Schools app today for access to school news, calendars, notifications, quick links, and more! The ACS App is available for free in the Apple App Store or Google Play. Search for “Athens City Schools”. Be sure to set your "phone" settings to RECEIVE/ALLOW notifications. Once you download the ACS app, click "Follow Your School" to receive notifications from the district and your selected school(s).
Miss an edition of the ACS Family Newsletter?
Click here to view a previous edition of the One Athens Family Newsletter.