September 2024 Important Dates to Remember

• September 2 - Labor Day Holiday (school closed)
• September 18 - Progress Report Day (AMS & AHS grades 6-12 in PowerSchool)
• September 27 - Homecoming (early release)

Catch the Golden Eagle spirit at the annual Pep Rally on the Square! This special #oneAthens tradition commemorates the first home game of the season. Pep Rally on the Square will be held on Friday, August 30, at 3:00 PM on the Limestone County Courthouse stairs. Students and fans are encouraged to gather on Marion Street to cheer on our Golden Eagles!

Reminder, early dismissal times are as follows:

• Pre-K - 1:45 PM
• ARS - 2:00 PM
• Elementary - 2:15 PM
• AHS - 2:20 PM
• AIS - 2:30 PM
• AMS - 2:40 PM

Buses will be released according to the school's early dismissal time. Please make plans for your bus rider to arrive home earlier than usual. If you have any questions, please contact your school.

ACS will be closed on Monday, September 2, in observance of Labor Day. View the full academic calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

Progress Reports for AHS & AMS students will be available in PowerSchool. View student grades, attendance, assignments, class schedule and more in PowerSchool Parent Portal. This web-based platform and app is accessible from any device with internet access (i.e. computer, tablet, smartphone). Learn more about PowerSchool Parent Portal at acs-k12.org/powerschool.

Scooter's Coffee will host Teacher Appreciation Day on Wednesday, September 4. Show your school ID and receive a FREE DRINK at the window. Enjoy!

View the 2024-2025 ACS Academic Calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

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. Visit acs-k12.org/nutrition to learn more about our CNP program.

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? 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 schoollunchroom. 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.

Learn more at acs-k12.org/nutrition.

Athens City Schools is currently seeking a 3rd Grade Teacher. If you know of a great candidate who is interested in joining the #oneAthens family, please encourage them to visit acs-k12.org/careers and apply through HireTrue, the new Alabama State Department of Education Applicant Tracking System.

Free and Reduced Lunch Applications are now open. Find out if your family qualifies for Free and Reduced Lunch by completing the 2024-2025 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/freeandreduced.

2024-2025 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, Child Nutrition Program Coordinator, at Tandy.Blackwell@acs-k12.org or (256) 233-6600. Learn more about our ACS Child Nutrition Program at acs-k12.org/nutrition.

Progress Reports for AHS & AMS students are available in PowerSchool. View student grades, attendance, assignments, class schedule and more in PowerSchool Parent Portal. This web-based platform and app is accessible from any device with internet access (i.e. computer, tablet, smartphone). Learn more about PowerSchool Parent Portal at acs-k12.org/powerschool.

The ACS progress and report card schedule is available at acs-k12.org/reportcards.

Check our latest progress of our HEART Academy at Julian Newman Elementary School! Athens City Schools broke ground on the construction site of the new JNES on March 20, 2024. The state-of-the-art building will encompass more than 85,000 square feet and house over 700 students.

Features include:

• 31 Classrooms

• 6 Shared Classroom Spaces

• 1 Music Classroom

• 1 Art Classroom

• HEART Lab

• Cafeteria

• Media Center

• 2 Storm Shelters for students, faculty and staff

• 2 Renovated Gymnasiums

We look forward to welcoming our HEART Academy at JNES students to their new home in the fall of 2025! Check out the progress at acs-k12.org/progress.

As you drive by Athens Intermediate School, you will notice that our 20,000-square-foot construction project is well underway. This addition will include 8 classrooms and a multi-use gymnasium with a storm shelter for our 4th and 5th grade students, faculty, and staff. We anticipate this project to be completed by January 2025. Check out the progress at acs-k12.org/progress.

Honor a graduate of the Class of 2024 with a special commemorative brick from the Athens City Schools Foundation Legacy Brick Project. Brick prices start at just $50. Order online at acsf.acs-k12.org/bricks. Thank you for supporting the Athens City Schools Foundation.

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, 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 aes.acs-k12.org and click the "Pay Fees" button.

Thank you for supporting iAcademy at Athens Elementary!

Lots of exciting things going on in ACS! Be sure to follow ACS and your school(s) on Social Media and download the free ACS app!

Due to changes in Alabama laws, Athens City Schools has revised the 2024-2025 Student-Parent Handbook. Changes are highlighted in yellow. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mike.Orear@acs-k12.org.

September is Attendance Awareness Month. Let’s help our students build a habit of being on time and in school each and every day. Learn more about the ACS attendance policy at acs-k12.org/handbook.

Athens City Educators will meet on Tuesday, September 10, at 3:45 PM in the Athens Middle School cafeteria. All members and non-members are invited to attend. Our guest speaker, Marjorie Onder, will discuss benefits and more. Snacks and door prizes will be provided. If you have any questions, please contact Shannon Humphrey at Shannon.Humphrey@acs-k12.org or (256) 233-6620 ext. 6654. ACE hopes to see you there!

Check out the Athens High School Varsity Football schedule along with the spirit themes.

Be sure to check out the information below related to our ACS Athletic Facilities. Thank you for supporting our Athens Golden Eagles!

Passes are available on the GoFan app or at gofan.co/app/school/AL109.

*Football Season Pass $55
*Volleyball Season Pass $55
*AMS/AHS Student All Season Sports Pass $35
*AMS/AHS Adult All Season Sports Pass $75
*Varsity Football Gold Seats $60

The following bags are 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. Know before you go. Learn more at acs-k12.org/athletics.

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. Know before you go. Learn more at acs-k12.org/athletics. Thank you for supporting Athens City Schools Athletics. It's great to be a Golden Eagle!

Lots of delicious options for concessions! Remember, the Athens Golden Eagle Band Concession Stand is cashless. Thank you for your support!

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.

Welcome "home" to parades, football, floats, friends, and all of the festivities that encompass Athens High School Homecoming Week. We truly hope you catch and share that Golden Eagle spirit of community, connections, and traditions.

Show your Golden Eagle Spirit during Homecoming Week!

• BBQ & Soccer Monday - Dress like a BBQ Dad or Soccer Mom
• Tomorrowland Tuesday - Dress like aliens/futuristic
• Wild West Wednesday - Dress Western
• We the People Thursday - Dress like our founding fathers in red, white, and blue
• Eagle Pride Friday - Wear Black and Gold

Come out and cheer on your Golden Eagles at the Black Light Pep Rally on Thursday, September 26 at Athens Stadium - Home of the Golden Eagles! Activities and games, provided by AHS School Clubs, will begin at 7:00 PM followed by the Black Light Pep Rally at 8:00 PM. Dress in neon and/or white!

The annual Homecoming Parade will be held on Friday, September 27 at 2:00 PM. Make plans to come out and cheer on all of our Golden Eagles in this cherished tradition of floats, music, spirit, royalty, and more!

The parade will step off from Athens High School and travel down Pryor Street to Shaw Street. to Hobbs Street to Jefferson Street. It will loop around The Square via Market Street, Marion Street, Washington Street, and back to Jefferson Street. The parade will then continue down Jefferson Street and end near the Athens Public Library and Hometown Grocery.

We are looking forward to having our AHS Alumni back in the Athens Stadium for Homecoming! We have something extra special planned for the class of 1964, 1974, 1984, 1994, 2004 & 2014! If your class is interested in participating, please contact Nicole.Taylor@acs-k12.org.

Our Athens Golden Eagles wiill take on Hazel Green at 7:00 PM on Friday, September 27. Tickets are available on the GoFan App or at www.gofan.co.

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.

Scan the code above or visit https://www.happythreadsapparel.com/products/athens-middle-school-sca. Link opens August 1.

• Steelcase Foundation Grant geared toward the following areas: accessible, quality learning experiences, multi-generational support, advocacy, and engagement, removal of barriers and systemic impediments and/or arts + cultural experiences that enhance young people’s learning, engagement, and sense of belonging. Inquiries are due September 29, 2024. Click HERE to learn more.
• Daniel Foundation Education and Youth Grant - Letter of Intent due October 24. Click HERE to learn more.
• Dekko Grant for Early Childhood Development, Middle Childhood Development, Adolescent Development, and Community Development. Click HERE to learn more.

Educators can apply for grants to develop science, technology, engineering, and math education projects. Applications should highlight STEM projects that are unique, innovative, and creative ideas that incorporate design thinking and promote 21st century skills. Points are awarded for projects that enhance college and career readiness and that are both collaborative and interdisciplinary across subjects and/or grades. All project proposals should support one of the following TVA priority areas: Environment, Energy, Economic and Career Development, or Community Problem Solving. The deadline to apply is September 15. Learn more and apply at www.tsin.org/classroom-grants.

Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company offers affordable Student Accident Insurance Coverage. View the documents below to learn more and enroll.

ALL Kids Alabama is a low cost-comprehensive healthcare coverage program available to children under 19. Benefits include checkups, immunizations, sick child doctor visits, prescriptions, vision and dental care, hospitalization, mental health, substance abuse services and more. ALL Kids is Alabama's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and is administered by the Alabama Department of Public Health. Learn more at alabamapublichealth.gov/allkids.

ACS has implemented an extra measure of safety for students and parents. The "See Something, Say Something" Tip Line is a new way for students and families to anonymously share a potential safety concern toward an individual or school, including suspicious activity, bullying, and other student-related issues and safety concerns. This tip line is monitored by ACS Administration. Dial or text (256) 206-3065 or visit acs-k12.org/tip.

The Full Tummy Project of Athens-Limestone County is currently collecting School Hygiene Closet items for students who may not always have access to basic personal care items at home. Let's help Full Tummy stock the closet with items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, Band-Aids, wipes, Chapstick and hand sanitizer. If you would like to donate items toward this mission, please drop items off at:

• Engel and Volkers, 209 W. Washington Street
• Athens Activity Center, 912 Pryor Street West
• Athens City Schools Central Office, 455 US Highway 31 North

The Full Tummy Project is a non-profit organization working to combat youth hunger in our community. Full Tummy connects schools with churches, businesses, and organizations that purchase, pack, and fill weekend food bags for children throughout the school year. If you have any questions, reach out to The Full Tummy at hello@fulltummyal.org. Learn more about Full Tummy at fulltummyal.org.

Have that old instrument sitting in the garage or attic? Wanna feel great about helping another musician get their start? Donate your gently used instrument to the AIS 5th grade band! Donations may be dropped off in the AIS front office.

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 the children of a relative. Kids and Kin offers a wide range of helpful topics in a small and supportive group setting. If you have any questions, contact Tammie Hill, Family Guidance Center, at thill@familyguidancecenter.org or call (256) 724-2554. Learn more at www.familyguidancecenter.org. Kids and Kin is provided by the Family Guidance Center of Alabama and funded by the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

Please note that Monday, November 25, will be a Professional Learning Day for Teachers and eLearning Day for students.

Visit acs-k12.org/employees for useful employee links and information.

Friendly reminder that fundraiser requests and flyers should be submitted and approved before posting or sharing any information. Crowdfunding is considered a fundraiser as well and must follow the same ACS procedures. Approved choices for crowdfunding include Lean Stream and Donorschoose.org. Soliciting requests to purchase items from other sources, such as Amazon lists or GoFundMe, is not approved by ACS.

Mission 2030 begins with One Athens, the guiding light that fosters collaboration and unity within the district and the broader community. Under One Athens, partnerships and connections thrive, fostering an exchange of ideas and best practices for the benefit of all stakeholders. One Athens played a key role in creating the ACS Portrait of a Graduate, a shared vision representing our community's aspirations for all students.

Mission 2030 embraces the collective vision of the ACS Portrait of a Graduate, preparing students not only for academic achievement but also for success in their personal and professional lives beyond the classroom. It is a bold mission, driven by valuable insights from educators and stakeholders, dedicated to staying relevant in a constantly evolving educational landscape.

Mission 2030 consists of four interconnected, strategic goals with specific commitments that are aligned with our district's vision, mission, and values. Mission 2030 will serve as the guiding framework for our transformative journey toward 2030 to ensure we achieve our mission of empowering all students for lifelong success in a rapidly changing world.

AT&T is offering an educator discount to current and new AT&T customers. Reach out to an AT&T location near you for more information.

RSA would like to make you aware of their supplemental retirement plan RSA-1 Deferred Compensation. Whether you are a new employee or an employee who is getting ready to retire, it is to your advantage to participate in the RSA-1 Deferred Compensation Plan. Please watch the short video found here to find out more about the plan and how to enroll. Enrollment forms are located in the back of the RSA-1 Member Handbook. For additional information, contact RSA by email rsa1info@rsa-al.gov or toll-free 1.877.517.0020. RSA-1 representatives are available Monday-Friday 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m. Members can also view this information on the RSA-1 page on the RSA’s website: https://www.rsa-al.gov/rsa-1/.

Reminder that ACS requires that all social media pages/accounts that represent ANY team, club, or organization affiliated with our school system be approved by the school principal AND registered with the Office of Communications. The purpose is to ensure that all school-associated social media is managed, monitored, and maintained while providing trusted and accurate information. Athens City Schools currently only authorizes the establishment and use of Facebook and Instagram accounts on behalf of the school system. To register an account, check on the registration status or create an account, please contact Christy at christy.hubbard@acs-k12.org or (256) 233-6602. Click here to learn more.

If you are a new employee or need an ID Badge, please send your photo to Tammie.Brand@acs-k12.org. Reminder, all employees must wear an ID badge. Your badge is also your ticket into Athens High School and Athens Middle School HOME games.

Employee leave request forms are now available electronically on our timekeeping system. Visit timeclock.athens.tescore.io to enter leave requests such as Jury Duty, Personal, Professional, Field Trip, Sick and Vacation. Click here to learn more.

ACS is now using DocuSign, a fast and reliable way to electronically sign documents and agreements. No more paper forms! Find the ACS Professional Leave*, Fundraiser, Field Trip, and Expense Report on DocuSign. Click here to learn more!

Visit acs-k12.org/employees for useful employee links and information, including employee calendar, forms and more.

Athens City Schools is pleased to announce a Learning Partnership with Athens State University! This partnership applies to all ASU programs, including certificates, adult degree completion, and graduate degrees. Benefits include discounted tuition on all online and traditional classes, waiver of the application fee and complimentary evaluation of previously earned educational credits and training/professional certifications/portfolio for consideration of transfer credit. This special benefit is for Athens City Schools employees and their immediate family. If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Tammie Brand at tammie.brand@acs-k12.org. For more information about the ASU admission process, visit admissions@athens.edu. View the full list of learning partners at athens.edu/learningpartners.

We have recently updated our district website to a design that we hope will be more user friendly on all devices. We appreciate your patience as we continue to make updates and refinements to all pages. Take a look around and please let us know if you run across a broken link, missing information or if there is anything that you would like to see added or changed. Website feedback can be emailed to christy.hubbard@acs-k12.org.

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 in your classroom that you would like to share with our #oneAthens community? Please email Christy.Hubbard@acs-k12.org.

Have something you would like to see in a future employee newsletter? Please send it to Christy.Hubbard@acs-k12.org.