One Athens Connects February 2025

Mark your calendars with important dates to remember:

• March 14 - 3rd 9 Weeks Grading Period Ends
• March 19 - Report Card Day
• March 24-28 - Spring Break (School Closed)

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

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.

Third Nine Weeks Grading Period ends on March 14. Report Cards go home on Wednesday, March 19. View the ACS report card and progress report schedule at acs-k12.org/reportcards.

PowerSchool Parent Portal is a web-based platform and app that parents/guardians can use 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.

Preparing children for success begins early. Athens City Schools is proud to offer two Pre-K programs:

• Alabama First Class Pre-K
• Eagles Nest Inclusion Pre-K

Each program has its own unique admission requirements, application, tuition, and selection process. Pre-K application window closes March 19. The ACS First Class Pre-K lottery will be held on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 8:00 AM at the Athens City Schools Board of Education Board Room. This event is open to the public. Learn more about each program and apply at acs-k12.org/prek.

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 in March 2024. The state-of-the-art building will encompass more than 85,000 square feet and house over 700 students.

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.

Our 20,000-square-foot construction project at Athens Intermediate School is almost complete! This addition includes 8 classrooms and a multi-use gymnasium with a storm shelter for our 4th and 5th grade students, faculty, and staff. Check out the progress at acs-k12.org/progress.

Check out the March 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.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day - especially for growing minds. ACS is proud to offer a healthy school breakfast each day to keep our students fueled and ready for learning. The 🔍evidence is clear, a nutritious breakfast can help students with their focus, memory, and academic achievement! Take a look at our breakfast menus at acs-k12.org/menu. "Clue In to School Breakfast" and fuel up for success

Thank you to our ACS Maintenance Team! We appreciate all you do for Athens City Schools!

Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 9, at 2:00 AM. Don't forget to move your clocks forward by one hour!

ACS will be closed March 24-28 for the Spring Break holidays. View the full academic calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

We are thrilled to announce that Free 2 Teach is now available for teachers in Athens City Schools!! Free 2 Teach empowers educators and school staff by providing FREE classroom supplies and resources. Over its 14-year history, the organization has given away an incredible $13.9 million in supplies. This expansion brings Free 2 Teach’s support to 113 public schools across Madison and Limestone Counties. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to enhance our classrooms and benefit both educators and students. To learn more about Free 2 Teach, visit free2teach.org.

CONGRATS to our talented artists for being selected to have their artwork on display in the Huntsville Museum of Art 2025 Youth Art Month exhibit. This exhibition showcases over 200 works of art by youth in kindergarten through 12th grade from schools across North Alabama.

*Zoey Powers, Athens High School

*Marlee Hauser, Athens High School

*Jacob Dektor, Athens Renaissance School

*Barron Hays, Athens Intermediate School

*Brayden Jackson, SPARK Academy at Cowart Elementary

*Paulette Perez, HEART Academy at Julian Newman Elementary

*Alice Gibson, iAcademy at Athens Elementary

*Piper McGuire, Athens Renaissance School

*Anna Louise Chestnut - Juried Exhibition Honorable Mention, 2025 Congressional Art Competition. Her piece will be on display in Huntsville Congressional office for one year.

*Mrs. Tavia Slaton and Mrs. Katelyn Craft, AHS Art Instructors, were also selected to have beautiful pieces on display in the Juried Art Teachers’ Biennial Exhibit.

Special thanks to our awesome ACS art teachers who teach, encourage and inspire creativity in these young artists!

This certification is one of the most respected professional certifications available in K-12 education. National Board certification is available in 25 certificate areas, spanning 16 disciplines from Pre-K through 12th grade. National Board Certified teachers demonstrate a deep understanding of their students, content knowledge, use of data and assessments, and teaching practice.

• KARA CRUMBLEY, Athens Intermediate School
• MARLA DEAN, Athens Middle School
• ERICA HAND, Athens Renaissance School
• PAIGE HICKS, Athens High School
  
• DR. BENITHA JONES MASS, Athens Intermediate School
  
• SUE NOAH, iAcademy at Athens Elementary School
  
• ASHLEY SAMS, Athens Intermediate School
  
• LESLIE SEDBERRY, Athens Middle School
• KASEY STARNES, FAME Academy at Brookhill Elementary School
• KAREN CLEM, Athens City Schools Board of Education

We are so proud of all of you and your hard work, dedication, and commitment to your students and the teaching profession.

March 21 is World Down Syndrome Day. Did you know that individuals with Down Syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21, making them truly one of a kind. That's why we celebrate on March 21 - to recognize the three copies of the 21st chromosome that make individuals with Down syndrome unique. Let's continue to champion the importance of inclusion, kindness, and respect and create an environment where everyone is valued and supported.

Students, are you interested in being a part of 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 coming soon. View acs-k12.org/athletics for updates. Please note, all forms must be up to date in DragonFly Max. If you have any questions, please reach out to Linda.Moore@acs-k12.org.

AHS Softball is excited to host Youth Night on Friday, March 7, featuring a very special guest - Sprocket from the Rocket City Trash Pandas! Athens will take on Sparkman at 5:00 PM. Tickets are available on the GoFan app or visit gofan.co/app/school/AL109.

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.

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.

The Athens-Limestone County Family Resource Center, Rad Rags and Eliza Boutique are helping to make this prom season magical with FREE prom dresses.

Scholarship opportunity to attend a full week of Space Camp for Leading Students in Alabama (SALSA). Open to students ages 12-14. Learn more about SALSA at rocketcenter.com/SpaceCamp/Alabama/SpaceAcademy. If interested, complete the 2025 Application. Application window closes March 31.

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.