The Blast
SPARK Academy Newsletter - December 6, 2024
Let It Snow!
Dear families,
I hope everyone is staying safe and warm on this snow day! This is an excellent opportunity for students to get out and play and have a fun day. Some of our students have never seen snow before. What an amazing first experience for them!
If you haven't already, check out our Facebook page for some snow day pictures!
Sincerely,
Lorian Charles
Principal
State Testing Season Is Upon Us!
Each spring, usually during the month of April, 2nd and 3rd grade students have the opportunity to show what they know during ACAP Summative testing. In addition to the learning they do every day, students will be preparing for state testing by participating in ACAP practice testing at the end of January. ACAP practice testing will closely mirror ACAP Summative testing conditions. As we approach testing season, keep the following in mind:
- What happens outside of school impacts what happens inside of school. Making sure children have a good night's sleep and are on time for school are two critical ways parents can have a positive impact on their child's academic success.
- Personal electronic devices are not allowed in the room during testing. Please keep electronic devices home during this time. If this is not possible, please ensure that your child keeps the device powered off and in their backpack during the school day. Devices will be confiscated and tests can be invalidated if they are found on students during ACAP testing.
- E-learning days will not be granted for 2nd and 3rd grade students during the testing window. Please make every effort for your child to be at school on test days.
- Third graders who do not demonstrate sufficient reading skills on the ACAP Summative test may be retained.
if you have any questions about your child's academic progress or about ACAP testing, feel free to reach out to your child's teacher or to me for more information.
I look forward to a semester of excellent teaching and learning and to another successful testing season!
IMPORTANT DATES
- Jan. 14 - Class photos
- Jan. 15 - Report cards go home
- Jan. 20 - Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday (no school)
- Jan. 23 - ACAP practice testing begins (2nd and 3rd grade students only)
- Jan. 24 - 100th day of school
- Feb. 3-7 - SPARK Academy book fair "Level Up Your Reading"
- Feb. 13 - Ice cream social (students only)
- Feb. 14 - Parent Conference Day (no school for students)
- Feb. 17 - Presidents' Day (no school)
- Feb. 26 - Vision research screenings (K and 2nd grade students only)
- Mar. 13 - 2nd grade field trip to Cook Museum
- Mar. 14 - 3rd nine-week grading period ends
- Mar. 19 - Report cards go home
- Mar. 21 - 1st grade music program and showcase
- Mar. 24-28 - spring break (no school)
- Apr. 1-16 - ACAP Summative testing window
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.
Useful Community Information
SPARK Academy at Cowart
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