One Athens Connects April 2025

Mark your calendars with important dates to remember in April:

• April 16 - Progress Report Day
• April 25 - Professional Learning Day (no school for students)

View the ACS district calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

Athens City Schools is excited to announce Returning Student Registration (Re-Enrollment) for the 2025-2026 school year. Returning Student Registration is for rising 1st - 12th grade students. Please check your primary email for a “snapcode” from PowerSchool Registration Support and follow the instructions provided. You will receive a separate snapcode email for each student currently enrolled in Athens City Schools. Please be sure to check all associated email accounts and all spam, junk, and bulk email folders for an email from noreplyregistration@powerschool.com. Deadline to complete re-enrollment is May 7. Learn more at acs-k12.org/reenrollment. If you have any questions about re-enrollment, please contact your school.

Friday, April 25th, is a Professional Learning Day for Teachers (no school for students). View the full academic calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

Check out the April breakfast, lunch, and snack menus. Special thanks to our Child Nutrition Program for preparing delicious and nutritious meals for our students each and every day. View and download at acs-k12.org/menu.

Mark your calendars for summer fun! Registration now open. Check acs-k12.org/camps for details and updates.

Athens Golden Eagle Softball Camp will take place from June 23-25, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Athens High School Softball field. Open to campers ages 5 to 12. Spots are limited! Cost is $100 per camper, which includes a camp t-shirt ($75 for each additional sibling). Visit athenshighschoolsportscamps.com for registration and payment. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Smith at chuck.smith@acs-k12.org. Learn more at acs-k12.org/camps.

Athens Volleyball Mini Eagles Camp will take place on July 21-22 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Athens High School Arena/Gym. Open to campers ages 5 to 14. Cost is $75 per camper ($60 for additional siblings), which includes a camp t-shirt. Campers need to bring their own water bottle. Volleyball kneepads are suggested. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Berryhill at whitley.berryhill@acs-k12.org. Spots are limited! Register by July 7. Learn more and register at acs-k12.org/camps.

Athens Basketball Golden Eagle Summer Basketball Camp will be held on May 28-29 from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM in the Athens High School Arena/Gym. This two-day skills and fundamentals camp will feature instruction from Athens own Richard Hendrix! Cost is $80 per camper ($50 for siblings), and includes a camp t-shirt. Registration deadline is May 21. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Tucker at capree.tucker@acs-k12.org or Coach Walker at kori.walker@acs-k12.org. Learn more and register at acs-k12.org/camps.

Athens Soccer Camp will be held June 5 - 6 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Athens Stadium. Open to campers ages 5 to 14. Cost is $75 per camper ($50 for additional siblings). Campers need to bring their own water bottle and soccer ball. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Chelsea Hurst at chelsea.hurst@acs-k12 org or Gil Dobbs at gil.dobbs@acs-k12.org. Learn more and register at acs-k12.org/camps.

Athens Dance Camp will be held May 28 from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM in the Athens High School Bandroom. Open to campers ages 4-10. Cost is $45 per camper. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Kristie Murphree at at kristie.murphree@acs-k12 org. Learn more and register at acs-k12.org/camps.

Athens Baseball Camp will be held June 16-18 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Athens High School Baseball Field. Open to campers ages 5-12. Cost is $100 per camper ($75 for additional siblings). If you have any questions, please contact Coach Mike Murphree at at michael.murphree@acs-k12 org. Learn more and register at acs-k12.org/camps.

Class of 2025 Graduation Dates:

• Renaissance Virtual School May 13
  
• Athens Renaissance School May 13
  
• Athens High School May 15

April is Autism Awareness Month. Autism and autism spectrum disorder affects an estimated 1 in 36. The autism experience is different for everyone, with each individual having a distinct set of strengths and unique abilities. During the month of April, we celebrate autism awareness, understanding, and inclusion.

Students, are you interested in participating in sports and extracurricular activities at Athens Middle School and Athens High School during the 2025-2026 school year? If so, be sure to mark your calendars for important dates related to tryouts. More team dates will be announced soon. Check acs-k12.org/athletics for updates. Please note that all forms must be up to date in DragonFly Max. If you have any questions, please reach out to Linda.Moore@acs-k12.org.

Mark your calendars! The Athens-Limestone County Track and Field Special Olympics will be held on Thursday, April 24, at Athens Stadium.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to navigate the PowerSchool cybersecurity incident. As previously communicated, PowerSchool, our district’s student information system, experienced a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to certain information in the PowerSchool Student Information System (SIS). The data breach was directed at PowerSchool internationally, and not at any particular school or system. Affected data may have included sensitive personal information such as names, addresses, and email addresses. Social security numbers were not involved. PowerSchool has recently distributed email notifications to students (or their parents/guardians if the student is under 18) and educators whose information was involved in the incident. This email includes complimentary identity protection and credit reporting service. For up-to-date information related to the incident, visit powerschool.com/security/sis-incident.

Athens Golden Eagle Booster Club invites you to participate in the AHS Booster Club Annual Golf Tournament on Friday, April 25. Proceeds benefit all of the athletic teams at Athens High School. If you have any questions, please call (251) 463-0036 or email athensboosterclub@gmail.com. For more information, including registration and payment information, please visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScD2-ylGV8MVgzgxcyRSUIu7J0C8kG52Wpmk4a8UGnphs9HEg/viewform.

The Athens High School Interact Color Run will be held on Saturday, May 3 at 8:30 AM at Athens Middle School (behind tennis courts). Race fee is $25. To pre-register or make a donation, please scan the QR Code or visit ahs.acs-k12.org/epayment. Select "AHS", "CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS", and "INTERACT CLUB COLOR RUN". On-site registration is also available on race day beginning at 8:00 AM. If you have any questions, please contact zoe.porter@acs-k12.org.

Athens High School Thespians cordially invites you to Chicago - Teen Edition. This special production will be held in the Athens Performing Arts Center (APAC) at AHS and will include razzle-dazzle night of powerful performances and unforgettable music from the iconic Broadway hit.

Showtimes are as follows:

• Thursday, April 17 at 7:00 PM
  
• Friday, April 18 at 7:00 PM
  
• Saturday, April 19 at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM

Tickets are $10 for students and staff and $15 for general public. Order your tickets today at GoFan app or visit https://gofan.co/app/school/AL109.

Are you ready to learn new challenged, fun adventures, and making lifelong memories/ Then make plans to attend the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama Galaxy event on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 3:00 PM at Big Spring Park. Participate in fun activities, make new friends, and learn more about the benefits of Girl Scouts! Scan the QR code to RSVP or visit https://gsnca.formstack.com/forms/athens_galaxay_event.

Limestone County Master Gardeners will host their annual plant sale on Saturday, April 19 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the greenhouse on the Athens Middle School campus. Learn more at Limestone County Master Gardeners or mastergardeners-limestonecountyalabama.org.

Athens Youth Football (AYF) registration is going on now for players ages 6-12. Athens Youth Football, Inc (AYF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, focused on youth football and cheerleading in the community. Learn more and register at athensyouthfootball.com.

The Academy of Craft Training invites graduating seniors to this FREE opportunity to gain skills and hands-on experience in commercial construction. This 4-week training program will be held June 2 - June 27. Applications are due on May 23. Register at

Explore the possibilities of joining the #oneAthens family! Visit acs-k12.org/careers and apply through HireTrue, the Alabama State Department of Education Applicant Tracking System. Join our team and help us shape the future, one student at a time.

The Orthopedic Center (TOC) will offer sports physicals for ACS student-athletes on Friday, May 2. Exams will begin at 11:30 AM at the Athens Recreation Center, located at 21281 Sportsplex Loop. The cost of the exam is $10 (cash only). AHSAA Preparticipation Physical Evaluation Form is available through DragonFly Max, on the web at acs-k12.org/athletics, in the school office, or download below.

Tickets and passes are available on the GoFan app or visit gofan.co/app/school/AL109

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!

Watch our Athens Golden Eagles HOME games 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.

Let's go Eagles! We wish all of our Golden Eagles the best of luck this season!

Special commemorative bricks from the ACSF Legacy Brick Project make perfect gifts to celebrate a graduation, a 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.

Kindergarten Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is going on now. Visit acs-k12.org/kindergarten to learn more and complete the online enrollment process. Computers, assistance, and assistance in Spanish are available at the ACS Central Office on Mondays - Fridays from 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM. If you have any questions about Kindergarten Registration, please call (256) 233-6600.

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!

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.

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.

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

Our Athens City Schools Board of Education approved the 2025-2026 academic calendar at the December board meeting. You can also view the district calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

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!

988 is now the active phone number that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call, text or chat 988 to be connected to trained counselors who will listen and help, 24/7. This confidential support is for anyone in emotional distress or crisis. Learn more at 988lifeline.org. *The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-TALK) will always remain available for people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.

An easy way to add lunch money to your student account is through MySchoolBucks. Create or log in to your student account and view your student account balance and purchases. Funds can be added to your student's account at MSB on the web or download the MSB app. You may also submit a check to 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.

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. 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

Learn more at acs-k12.org/nutrition.

Do you have something you would like to see in a future newsletter? Please contact Christy.Hubbard@acs-k12.org.

View the latest edition of the One Athens Family Newsletter and other school newsletters across the district at acs-k12.org/news.