One Athens Connects
December 2023
October 16, 2024
October Dates to Remember
- October 4 - Grading Period Ends
- October 9 - Report Cards Go Home
- October 14-18 - Fall Break
- October 21 - Classes Resume
Looking Ahead
- November 6 - AMS & AHS Progress Report Day
- November 11 - Veterans Day Holiday
- November 25-26 - eLearning for Students
- November 27-29 - Thanksgiving Holidays
- December 4 - AMS & AHS Progress Report Day
- December 20 - 1st Semester Ends
- December 23 - Winter Holidays begin
Varsity Football Game - Date Change
Athens vs Columbia - Thursday, October 17
Our Athens Golden Eagles Varsity Football Team will now take on Columbia High School on Thursday, October 17. Kickoff is at 7:00 PM at Athens Stadium - Home of the Golden Eagles. Please note the date change from the published schedule (Friday, October 18). Tickets are available on the GoFan App or at gofan.co/app/school/AL109. A reminder that ACS has a Clear Bag Policy and Golden Guidelines for all athletic events. Learn more at acs-k12.org/athletics.
AHSAA 6A Area 15 Volleyball Tourney - Thursday, October 17
Athens High School Volleyball will host the AHSAA Class 6A Area 15 Volleyball Tourney on Thursday, October 17 in the AHS Arena. Tickets are available on the GoFan app or at gofan.co/app/school/AL109. No passes accepted. Reminder that ACS has a clear bag policy and Golden Guidelines for athletic events. Learn more at acs-k12.org/athletics.
College Softball at AHS Softball Field - Thursday, October 17
Calhoun Community College will take on Alabama A&M University at the Athens High School Softball Field on Thursday, October 17 at 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM. Tickets are available on the GoFan app or at gofan.co/app/school/AL109.
Principal Appreciation Month
October is National Principals Month. We are thankful for our amazing school leaders who serve our students, schools, and community with integrity, character, and heart. Be sure to take a moment this month to #thankaprincipal!
- Amanda Tedford, iAcademy at Athens Elementary
- Amy Williams, FAME Academy at Brookhill
- Lorian Charles, SPARK Academy at Cowart
- Sharla Birdsong, HEART Academy at Julian Newman
- Jake Herrera, Athens Intermediate School
- Kim Moore, Athens Middle School
- Willie Moore, Athens High School
- Gia Russell, Freshman Academy, Athens High School
- Catherine Preston, Athens Renaissance School
- Nelson Brown, Renaissance Virtual School
Father & Daughter Dance - Saturday, October 19
Athens High School Wrestling will host the annual Father-Daughter Dance on Saturday, October 19, from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM in the Athens High School Cafeteria. This fundraising event is open to all princesses in PreK-6th grade. Enjoy a night of dinner and dancing! Tickets are PRE-SALE ONLY and are available on the GoFan app or visit gofan.co/app/school/AL109. If you have any questions, contact Andrew.Campbell@acs-k12.org or denitramitchell222@gmail.com.
School Bus Safety Week October 21-25
National School Bus Safety Week is October 21-25. Our ACS bus drivers complete annual training & work vigilantly to provide the highest standard of care for the students they transport. Our entire transportation team performs vital functions in assuring the safe operation of our school buses. #Thankabusdriver for their dedication to student safety each and every day!
50 Seasons of Athens Stadium Celebration - Friday, October 25
Friday Night Lights at Athens Stadium - Home of the Golden Eagles, have been shining bright with Golden Eagle Pride for 50 seasons. Join us as we celebrate this golden milestone on Friday, October 25, at 5:00 PM at the west side stadium entrance. Special guest speakers include Greg Young, AHS 1975 Football Championship Team Member, Jimmy Woodroof, Black and Gold Circle Founder, and Larry McCoy, Athens High School Champion Coach ('66-'75) who led the Golden Eagles to a 12-1-1 3A state victory in 1975. Following the celebration, our Golden Eagles will take on Decatur. Pregame begins at 6:30 PM with kick-off at 7:00 PM. Tickets are available on the GoFan app or at the gate.
Dyslexia Awareness Month
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. Please join us in raising awareness about dyslexia. Learn more at dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia/
Night of the Bands
The annual Limestone County Night of Bands will be held on Tuesday, October 22 at 6:00 pm at East Limestone High School. Tickets are $5.00 each and are available from band students or Mr. Parker. Come out and support our Pride of Athens Golden Eagle Band and other local marching band students. #goBand
Progress and Report Card Schedule
View the 2024-2025 ACS progress and report card schedule at acs-k12.org/reportcards.
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 schedules 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.
ACS Teachers of the Year
ACSF Teacher of the Year Gratitude Banquet Sponsors
The Athens City Schools Teacher of the Year Gratitude Banquet would not be possible without the generous support of our 2024 sponsors:
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Alabama Credit Union
BLACK & GOLD SPONSORS
Martin & Cobey
RJ Young
McKee & Associates
Morell Engineering
SILVER SPONSORS
First State Bank of the South
Athens State University
Redstone Federal Credit Union
Hand Arendall Harrison Sale
CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS
First National Bank
Canebrake Club
Ming Commercial Real Estate Group
North Alabama Educators Credit Union
The mission of the Athens City Schools Foundation is to serve as an advocate in mobilizing community support for resources to enhance learning opportunities for students in the Athens City School District and to support teachers with initiatives that supplement the basic revenues of the school system. Founded in 1997, ACSF is guided by a volunteer board that works to raise funds through individual and corporate sponsorships that can be used in the classrooms to support the academic goals of the school system as well as emergency student financial needs. Athens City Schools Foundation proudly sponsors annual programs such as Third Grade Violin Program and Teacher of the Year recognition. Learn more about the Athens City Schools Foundation at acsf.acs-k12.org.
Academic Calendar
View the 2024-2025 ACS Academic Calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.
October Menus
PreK Breakfast
K - 5th Grade Breakfast
AHS/AMS Breakfast
ACS Snacks
PreK - 8th Grade Lunch
AHS Lunch
Check out the October breakfast and lunch menus. Special thanks to our Child Nutrition Program for preparing delicious and nutritious meals for our students each and every day. View more and download at acs-k12.org/menu.
Free and Reduced Lunch Applications
Apply to see if you qualify!
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. Apply to see if your family qualifies today!
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. Visit acs-k12.org/nutrition 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? 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.
Join Our Team
Athens City Schools is currently seeking Special Education Teachers, Speech Language Pathologists, and Behavior Specialists. 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.
Athens City Schools Foundation Brick Project at AHS
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 Commemorative 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 aes.acs-k12.org and click the "Pay Fees" button.
Thank you for supporting iAcademy at Athens Elementary!
Stay Connected
Like Us, Follow Us, Download Us and Visit Us on the Web!
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!
Student-Parent Handbook
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.
Know Before You Go
Be sure to check out the information below related to our ACS Athletic Facilities. Thank you for supporting our Athens Golden Eagles!
Tickets and Passes
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
Clear Bag Policy
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.
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. 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!
Livestream Fall Sports
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.
Let's Go Eagles!
We wish all of our Golden Eagles the best of luck this season!
Varsity Football
JV Football
Freshman
Middle School
AHS Volleyball
AMS Volleyball
AHS Cross Country
AHS Swim
AMS Boys Basketball
AMS Girls Basketball
Athens High School Boys Basketball
Athens High School Girls Basketball
Swinging Eagle Scramble Fundraiser
Athens High School Boy’s and Girl’s Golf will be host the Swinging Eagle Scramble on November 16. This fundraiser scramble will be held at Southern Gayled Golf Club. Registration will begin at 7 AM. Shotgun start at 8 AM (weather permitting.) There will be prizes for 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place, longest drive, and closest to the pin. Cost for entry is $400 a team. Lunch is provided. Please email David.Ezell@acs-k12.org to register your team. Checks can be mailed to Athens High School (labeled Athens High School Golf) or brought to Southern Gayles the day of the scramble.
Athens Hoops Flip the Script
Athens High School and Athens Middle School Basketball invite you to Flip the Script! Come out and support the fun as parents lace up their sneakers and hit the court, while students take charge as coaches. Get ready to see your favorite players (aka parents) run through drills and go head-to-head in a friendly match. It will be a game to remember! This special event will be held on Friday, October 25, in the AHS Arena immediately following the Athens vs Decatur football game. Admission is two non-perishable food items.
Freshman Fundraiser
Show your Golden Eagle spirit in style with an Athens Golden Eagles flag. Garden and standard-size flags are available. Learn more and place your order at happythreadsapparel.com/collections/fundraiser. Proceeds benefit AHS 9th graders.
Beyond the Lights
Friday Night Lights in one Athens brings excitement, tradition, community, pride and lots of Golden Eagle Spirit Be sure to check out our very own Athens Golden Eagles in the special Beyond the Lights series. Episodes drop each Thursday night throughout the season and are available on the WAFF 48 Sports Zone app or visit waff.com/sports/beyond-the-lights.
Toys for Tots - November 6
The United States Marine Corps and United Way of Athens-Limestone County will accept applications for the Toys for Tots program on Wednesday, November 6. Apply between 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at the United Way of Athens-Limestone County Office, located at 419 South Marion Street. This program is for children from birth to age 12 only. Parents/guardians must bring proof of income, proof of residency, photo ID as well as social security card and birth certificate for each eligible children. If you have any questions, please contact 256-233-2323.
Congressional App Challenge
The Office of Congressman Dale W. Strong invites you to participate in the 2025 Congressional App Challenge. This competition, for middle and high school students in the 5th Congressional District, is an opportunity to show off your coding and creativity using any platform and coding language. Learn more at strong.house.gov/students/congressional-app-challenge. Register at bit.ly/registerforcac. Deadline is October 24.
AVID Tutors Needed
Athens City Schools is currently seeking college students to serve as AVID Tutors for middle and high school students. Tutors will be trained using the Socratic method to support student learning. Tutors will work with small groups of middle or high school students in AVID classrooms during the school day under the supervision of a teacher. Tutors can have flexible schedules and work between 1 to 11 hours per week on Mondays - Thursdays. College students with a passion for making a difference that hold strong math or science skills are encouraged to apply. For more information, contact Garner Ezell at garner.ezell@acs-k12.org or (256) 233-6625.
Scholarship Opportunity
The Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association and the Alabama Community College System are teaming up to help Alabamians pursue a technical education certificate or associate degree in preparation for a career related to the automotive manufacturing industry. This opportunity it available to any High School Senior or College Freshman who might be interested in pursuing an automotive manufacturing related career in Alabama. For moreinformation, visit https://www.dreamitdoitalabama.com/aama. Application is due by November 4.
NICHE 2025 Best Schools Ranking
Athens City Schools is proud to place #18 in the Niche Best School Districts in Alabama list. The ranking is based on data from the US Department of Education along with reviews from students and parents. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, teacher quality, public school district ratings, and more.
2025 State Niche Rankings:
- Athens City Schools District, #18 Best School Districts in Alabama
- Athens City Schools District, #18 Most Diverse School District in Alabama
AHS Class Piano
Athens High School has been awarded a matching grant up to $10,000 from The Dekko Foundation to launch Class Piano at Athens High School. This exciting opportunity expands the robust offerings of Fine Arts at AHS. Funds will be used to purchase keyboards, headphones, keyboard stands, and other essential equipment for the lab. The matching grant encourages the local community to invest in our schools, students, and fine arts to make the piano lab a reality. Donations for Class Piano can be made by visiting ahs.acs-k12.org (select “fees”, “Athens High School” and “Fine Arts") or contact Mrs. Teresa Edwards, AHS Choir and Class Piano Teacher, at teresa.edwards@acs-k12.org.
AIS Band Instrument Drive
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.
Community Event
The annual Canebrake Witches Ride (CWR) will be held on Sunday, October 20 in Canebrake. Participants in the CWR are riding for a purpose as they raise money and awareness for The Pink Elephant Fund at Athens-Limestone Hospital. CWR invites the community to come out and cheer on the witches as they ride through the Canebrake neighborhood, delivering Halloween cheer.
Kids and Kin
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.
Athens-Limestone County Christmas Parade
The Athens-Limestone County Christmas Parade applications are now open. This annual community tradition will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 6:00 PM. Registration deadline is November 5, 2024. Click on the link below to learn more. If you have any questions, contact brooke@alcchamber.org.
Family Fun Festival
Hospice of Limestone County invites you to the Family Fun Festival on Sunday, November 10. This special even will be held from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Swan Creek Park. Fun fall activities including pumpkin painting, cornhole, popcorn, bounce house and more!
Tip Line
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.
988 - Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Quick Dial
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.
Links of Interest
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 contact Christy.Hubbard@acs-k12.org.
Miss an Edition of the ACS Family Newsletter?
Click HERE to view a previous edition of the One Athens Family Newsletter.