The Blast

Dear families,

This holiday season tends to be a time for giving, and that is a very good thing because generosity benefits both our bodies and our minds! I recently received a reminder of this during a professional learning session on leadership. Generosity boosts our immune system and our emotional status. It helps us to practice gratitude and build community. Beyond giving monetary gifts, we can offer kindness, time, and forgiveness to others. My hope is that during this season and throughout the year, we will all embrace a spirit of generosity toward others, whether strangers or those closest to us.

I am grateful for our community stakeholders who give generously of their time to ensure that our students and teachers are supported and feel the warmth of a positive environment. Most recently, volunteers both within and outside of our school decorated the building to create Whoville in our hallways. Our children were in awe as they walked through the doors this week. Thank you for giving of yourselves to support our school!

Sincerely,

Lorian Charles

Principal

• December 12 - Pre-K Strengthening Families Workshop @ 5:00 p.m.
• December 12, 13 - Kindergarten music showcase during specials time
• Devember 17-19 - SPARK holiday pop-up shop
• Dec. 19 - Christmas in Whoville
• Dec. 20 - Holiday Parties at 9:30 a.m., 9 wk grading period ends
• Dec. 23 - First day of winter break
• Jan. 8 - Students return

Apply to see if you qualify!

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.

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.

Girls Scouts invites you to make plans to meet your local chapter for games and crafts on Saturday, August 24 at Big Spring Park in Athens. This special event will be held from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Families are welcome to bring their own picnic blankets and lunch if desired. If you have any questions or would like more information, contact patricia.elmore@athens.edu.

Athens, AL 35611

Email: lorian.charles@acs-k12.org
Website: acs-k12.org/CES
Location: 1701 West Hobbs Street, Athens, AL 35611, USA
Phone: 256-233-6627
Facebook: facebook.com/SPARKAcademy
Twitter: @SPARK_STEM