The ACS Connect
Connecting families to stories that make us #ACSproud!
Reminder: No school for students on Monday, February 19th!
Don't forget that Presidents' Day (Monday, February 19th) will serve as an employee in-service day. Students will not report to school.
Three AHS students named National Merit FINALISTS
We're thrilled to announce that three AHS Class of 2024 seniors, James Ma, Sarah Wang, and Emma Tran, have been named National Merit FINALISTS! The National Merit Scholarship Program is a prestigious academic competition that recognizes students across the country who have demonstrated exceptional academic ability on the Preliminary SAT and potential for success in college. Of the 1.5 million students who took the PSAT this year, only 15,000 of them are named Finalists.
"Being a National Merit Finalist is a significant honor that opens all sorts of opportunities for students," said Lea Chisum, AHS College & Career Counselor. "Being a Finalist isn't just about the test; they must demonstrate not only how they achieve academically but how they're involved outside of school through leadership and extracurriculars. They are dynamic - really the whole package."
DES students explore Black History Month with interactive exhibit
Donelson Elementary students are embracing a unique Black History Month project that blends traditional learning with technology. In this month of discovery, students are learning from other classmates about influential African Americans, both current and historical figures. A student from each classroom was assigned an African American to research and represent. They then recorded speeches while dressed as their historical figures and provided background and facts about each of them.
The videos were then transformed into QR codes, giving students the opportunity to explore the hallway exhibits digitally, fostering a month-long celebration. Perhaps the coolest, full-circle moment to see were students learning about Kenny Walker, an Arlington High School alum turned NFL running back for the Seattle Seahawks!
Victory in the Sunshine State: ACS Cheer & Dance teams shine bright at Nationals
The ACS Cheer and Dance teams delivered stellar performances at the their respective national competitions this month in Orlando, Florida! The AHS Dance Team secured its 2nd consecutive National Championship in Hip Hop, showcasing unparalleled skill and creativity. Meanwhile, the AMS Dance Team reached the finals, securing an impressive 6th place in the nation.
The excitement continued in the cheerleading arena, with the AMS Cheer Team claiming 4th place in the Worlds Competition while the AHS Cheer Team Varsity squad earned a commendable 4th place in the Nation. AHS JV cheerleaders continued their reign in the World Championship, clinching their 7th consecutive 1st place title. The JV squad also secured 2nd place in their national division.
Congratulations to the ACS Cheer and Dance teams for their spectacular performances! 🎉
Elementary Beta Club inductions highlight academics, character and service
Congratulations to the 5th graders at Arlington & Donelson Elementary Schools who were recently inducted into the Jr. Beta Club! The National Jr. Beta Club goes beyond high grades alone. These students also embody the organization's ideals of character, service and leadership - setting an inspiring example for younger students at the school.
AHS Winterguard flags are flying high and reaching new heights
The Arlington High Winterguard is looking to continue its impressive start to the season this weekend in Collierville! They stole the show earlier this month claiming 1st place in Scholastic AA during premiere weekend! Not only did JV also rock 4th in Novice class, but the judges said they were exhibiting skills so beyond the level of the class, they promoted them to Regional AA for all future competitions! Way to go, Tigers and Coaches Kaitlyn Young and Delaney Ray!
Two ACS alumnae return with UT Chatt Choir for AHS performance
In a heartwarming reunion, two alumnae of Arlington High returned to their alma mater, now proud members of the UT Chatt choir. Class of 2023's Kendall Acheson (Pictured Left) and Paige Bush (Class of 2021) joined UT Chatt's Chamber Singers to perform a set of songs and share invaluable insights with our AHS students. Beyond the melodies, they spoke about the diverse music majors available at UT Chatt while shedding light and tips about the transition to college.
"My fondest memories took place in Arlington's choir room, so being back there was a really wonderful experience," Bush said. "I apply the skills that I learned in the AHS Choir every single day in my music major, and it has definitely given me a leg up in my studies. I cannot emphasize enough how much I gained from my time singing in the AHS choir, both academically and emotionally. It provided a safe space for me to grow as a musician and person, and I still keep in contact with some of my friends I made in that classroom. Visiting today and seeing the students sit where I once sat was a great time for me to reflect on these fond experiences."
The AHS Choir is led by Jeff Chipman.
AES starts "house system" to build character and foster school spirit
Students have been sorted, and the competition begins! Arlington Elementary 4th graders have embarked on an exciting journey through the world of The Ron Clark Academy House System! Students have been split into four houses, each unique with colors, symbols, heritage and culture - think along the lines of Hogwarts and Harry Potter!
Watch to see how this new House System is pushing students outside their comfort zones to build character, foster school spirit, spark new relationships and help promote the Portrait of an ACS Graduate.
PEP Talks Podcast: The Puppetry of Self Control with Dr. Marvin & Merv
On the latest PEP Talks podcast, we turn to Arlington Elementary's Dr. Carren Marvin and her lovable puppet, Merv, to talk all things Self-Control. We explore what she is seeing in the elementary school and why self-control is important for all ages. Dr. Marvin discusses the potential long-term implications of lack of impulse control on adolescents and adults and the connection to later addiction. However, the group is quick to remind parents not to get discouraged, as they discuss it’s never too late to teach these life skills.
Next Week: We decode therapy with Misty Smith, NCC, LPC-MHSP, a local counselor and therapist.
ACS recognizes its February Spotlight Employees
We have another fantastic round of ACS Spotlight Employees! Congratulations to Andrea Olge (AES), Cecilia Dubuisson (DES), Kertrina Henry (AMS) and Missy Jenkins (AHS) for being among the many standouts in ACS! They were nominated by their administrators for displaying the tenants of the Portrait of an ACS Graduate! Learn more about each Spotlight here!
AHS students dive deep into Artificial Intelligence: what it is, ethics and more
Our technology teams are unpacking the complexities of the latest trend across the world: Artificial Intelligence, more specifically chatbots like ChatGPT. Arlington High's Instructional Technology Facilitator Crystal Uhiren recently led a discussion in Mr. Swindle's English class about AI.
They unraveled not only what AI is but the ethical dilemmas surrounding it such as bias, misinformation, accuracy, theft of intellectual property, deepfakes and more. They even debated what constitutes cheating in the age of AI.
Simply put: Like the calculator, AI isn't going away, so we must learn how to use it responsibly and ethically. There's so much more to unpack in the coming years!
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Presidents' Day (Student Out) - Monday, February 19th
- ACS Teacher Job Fair - Tuesday, February 20th @ 5:30 PM
- ACS Family Life Curriculum Preview Day - Friday, February 23rd
- 2024-2025 Online Registration Begins - Monday, February 26th
- AHS Bound Night (Current 8th Grade & New Families - Monday, February 26th @ 6:00 PM
- ACS Board of Education Meeting - Monday, February 26th @ 5:30 PM
- Spring Break (All Campuses Closed) - March 11 - 15th