ACS Connect Employee November 2026

• Mark Your Calendars: November dates to remember, Fall Back Veterans Day, Progress Report, Thanksgiving Break
• Teachers of the Year
• Transportation
• Child Nutrition Program: November Menus
• PEEICP - Public Education Employee Injury Compensation Program
• Fundraisers & School Spirit Gear: Legacy Bricks
• Athletics: One Last Walk, Flip the Script, Winter Schedules
• Grants
• Community: Toys for Tots, Christmas Parade Applications, Down Syndrome Alabama Family Summit, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Transition Night, Partners in Education
• And more!

Mark your calendars with important dates to remember:

• November 4 - Progress Report Day (AHS & AMS)
• November 11 - Veterans Day (school closed)
• November 23-27 - Thanksgiving Break (school closed)

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

Daylight Saving Time ends at 2:00 AM on Sunday, November 1. Don't forget to "fall back" this Saturday night/Sunday morning!

Alumni, coaches, staff, families, friends, fans, and community members are invited to join us on Sunday, November 8 at 1:00 PM at the Clinton Street Campus for “One Last Walk: A Golden Eagle Farewell to Ferman Elmore Field” (please note new date).

Generations of Golden Eagles have competed, performed, and made memories on this field. From football games and band performances to assemblies, field day, practices, soccer, graduation, celebrations, and traditions, the field has played an important role in Athens City Schools and our community. Trinity School and many youth sports teams have also used the field, making it a special place for generations of local students and athletes.

This brief farewell gathering will celebrate the field’s history and memories, recognize the legacy of Coach Ferman Elmore, and invite attendees to take one last walk together on the field before the site begins its transformation.

Ferman Elmore Field will soon make way for the new Athens Renaissance School. The site has a long tradition of serving our students and has been home to Athens High School, Athens Middle School, Athens Elementary School, and Julian Newman Elementary School. It is currently home to Athens Renaissance School. Planning the new school is still in the early stages, but we look forward to celebrating this next chapter with a groundbreaking in the spring. While the landscape will change, the ground will remain a place where students learn, grow, build friendships, and make memories.

We hope you can join us for this special farewell as we come together to honor the past, celebrate the memories, and walk toward the future.

November is Thank Alabama Teachers Month, and we’re celebrating the amazing educators who make a difference every day in Athens City Schools! To our dedicated teachers, THANK YOU for your passion, commitment, and the countless ways you inspire, encourage, and empower our students each and every day. ❤️ Join us in celebrating by taking a moment this month to #ThankATeacher who has made a lasting impact on your life. A simple thank-you can mean so much!

AMS & AHS Progress Reports will be available on Wednesday, November 4. View the ACS progress and report card schedule at acs-k12.org/reportcards.

ACS will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, as we observe and honor Veterans Day. View the ACS academic calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

Thanksgiving Break will be held November 23 - 27. Classes will resume on Monday, November 30. View the full academic calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

As Athens continues to grow, so do the needs of our students and families. Athens City Schools recognizes that transportation can be a challenge for many high school families and the importance of exploring potential solutions.

During the 2025–2026 school year, district leaders began discussing the possibility of expanding bus transportation services to Athens High School students. As part of this ongoing feasibility study, ACS is gathering feedback from families to better understand their transportation needs, challenges, and interest in potential services. Survey responses are an important part of the feasibility study, but represent only one component of the district’s overall evaluation.

As we explore the feasibility of expanding transportation services, our priority remains making informed, data-driven decisions that balance the needs of our growing community with student safety and the responsible use of district resources.We look forward to sharing more information as the school year progresses. Click on the link below for more information and check back for updates.

Congratulations to the 2026-2027 Teachers of the Year! What a special honor to be selected by your peers. The Athens City Schools Foundation looks forward to celebrating these teachers at the annual Teacher of the Year Gratitude Banquet in November.

The Athens City Schools Teacher of the Year Gratitude Banquet would not be possible without the generous support of our 2026 sponsors:

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Trustmark Bank

BLACK & GOLD SPONSORS

Goodwyn Mills Cawood

Morell Engineering

SILVER SPONSORS

Alabama Veterans Museum

Athens State University

Lathan Mckee Architects

Martin & Cobey Construction

North Alabama Educators Credit Union

Velocity1

CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

Cast Products Inc.

Collateral Education Services

First State Bank of the South

Ridgeline Construction

Beginning October 1, the Public Education Employee Injury Compensation Program (PEEICP) will provide a new process for reporting and managing on-the-job injuries* for Alabama public education employees. Employees and administrators can visit peeicp.alabama.gov for program information, required forms, and the Quick Reference Guide, which walks through the steps to follow when a workplace injury occurs.

*Please note that employees must report the on-the-job injury within five days.

Check out the November 2026 edition of ACS Mental Health Connector, a mental health and wellness newsletter from Michael Ross, ACS Mental Health Services Coordinator. Contact Mr. Ross at michael.ross@acs-k12.org for more information.

Happy Substitute Educators Day! Be sure to take a few moments to thank all of the subs that fill critical roles in our schools.

Visit acs-k12.org/employees for useful employee links and information, including the employee calendar, forms and more.

Friendly reminder that all fundraiser requests and promotional flyers must be submitted and approved through the appropriate ACS process before being posted or shared. Please remember that crowdfunding is considered a fundraiser and must follow the same Athens City Schools procedures. Approved platforms for crowdfunding include Lean Stream and DonorsChoose.org.

Soliciting donations or requesting purchases through unapproved sources such as Amazon Wish Lists, GoFundMe, or similar platforms is not permitted under ACS guidelines. Thank you for helping ensure all fundraising efforts remain consistent with district policies and procedures.

If you are a new employee or need an ID badge, please send your photo to Tammie.Brand@acs-k12.org (please do not submit an AI-generated photo). Reminder, all employees must wear an ID badge. 🎫 Your badge is also your ticket into Athens High School and Athens Middle School HOME games.

As a reminder, all social media accounts representing any Athens City Schools team, club, organization, department, or school-affiliated group must be approved by the school principal and registered with the Office of Communications. This process helps ensure that all school-associated social media is properly managed, monitored, and maintained while providing our families and community with trusted, accurate, and consistent information. At this time, Athens City Schools only authorizes the creation and use of Facebook and Instagram accounts on behalf of the district. If you need to register an existing account, check the registration status of an account, or request approval to create a new account, please contact Christy Hubbard at christy.hubbard@acs-k12.org or (256) 233-6602. View the ACS Social Media Guidelines and registration information.

As you create materials this school year, thank you for helping keep the Athens City Schools brand consistent and recognizable!

A few quick reminders:

• The "A with Wing" logo is for academic and district communications.
• The Golden Eagle logos are for athletics and athletic-related programs.
• Please use only official ACS logos provided by the Office of Communications. Avoid creating logos or mascots with AI, as they often alter our official branding.
• AI can be a great tool, but please ensure that any AI-generated content aligns with the ACS brand and provides a consistent, accurate representation of our #oneAthens family.

We love sharing about all of the amazing things that are happening in our schools! Do you have a story, event, award, recognition or something cool going on in your classroom that you would like to share with our #oneAthens community? Is there something you would like to see in a future employee newsletter? Please reach out to Christy at christy.hubbard@acs-k12.org or ext. 1100.

Mark your calendars with important dates to remember during the 2026-2027 school year. View the district calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

PowerSchool Parent Portal is a web-based platform and app that families can use to access information such as student grades, attendance, assignments, class announcements, class schedule and more for students. Learn more about PowerSchool Parent portal at acs-k12.org/powerschool. If you have any questions, please contact your school.

Check out the 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.

Special commemorative bricks from the Athens City Schools Foundation Legacy Brick Project make perfect gifts to celebrate a graduation, honor a teacher, recognize a retirement, and more. Bricks are placed on the Athens High School campus. Prices start at just $50. Order and pay online at acsf.acs-k12.org/bricks. Thank you for supporting the Athens City Schools Foundation!

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 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 Athens Elementary brick order, visit www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/athenses.
• To pay for your brick, either drop off payment at Athens Elementary School or visit our website at aes.acs-k12.org and click the "Pay Fees" button.

Thank you for supporting Athens Elementary School!

Julian Newman Elementary School invites you to become a permanent part of the new Julian Newman Elementary School campus by purchasing a commemorative brick to recognize students, teachers, family and friends in the Athens community. Your commemorative brick could recognize a family name, student or graduate, teacher, staff member, business, or organization. You could choose to honor someone special or place a brick in memory of a loved one. The bricks are incorporated into the design and displayed at the entrance area to the beautiful new Julian Newman Elementary School. Your brick donation will serve as a visible reminder of your commitment and connection to the excellence and ongoing achievements of Athens City Schools. Proceeds go to support our teachers and students at Julian Newman Elementary School. At Julian Newman Elementary School, with your support, we are "Empowering all students for lifelong success!" Learn more and place your order at jnes.acs-k12.org/bricks. Thank you for supporting Julian Newman Elementary School!

As an Athens City Schools employee, you have a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference for our students by supporting the Athens City Schools Foundation through a convenient monthly payroll deduction. The Foundation provides funding for innovative classroom grants, student enrichment opportunities, and other initiatives that go beyond the traditional school budget. Best of all, every dollar stays right here in Athens City Schools, directly benefiting our students, teachers, and schools. Making an impact is easy. Simply complete the payroll deduction form and return it to ACS Payroll at marjorie.onder@acs-k12.org or through interoffice mail. No gift is too small. Together, we can continue investing in opportunities that empower our students and strengthen the future of #oneAthens.

Make a lasting impact on Athens City Schools students and teachers by joining the Athens City Schools Foundation Power for Students program. Giving is simple! You can add a monthly donation of any amount to your Athens Utilities bill, and 100% of your contribution goes directly to supporting Athens City Schools. Your gift helps fund valuable initiatives such as Teacher Classroom Grants, the Third Grade Violin Program, and many other opportunities that enrich student learning. Getting started is easy. Complete the enrollment form and submit it:

• Through your child's school or teacher
• In person at the ACS Board of Education Central Office
• By email to foundation@acs-k12.org
• By mail to Athens City Schools Foundation, 455 U.S. Highway 31 N., Athens, AL 35611

Every gift, no matter the amount, helps provide meaningful opportunities for our students and teachers. Thank you for supporting the Athens City Schools Foundation and investing in the future of #oneAthens. Learn more at acsf.acs-k12.org/power.

For the first time, the National Down Syndrome Congress is bringing its nationally recognized Educators Conference to Alabama! This one-day conference will bring together educators, administrators, therapists, paraprofessionals, future educators, and school leaders across Alabama to learn practical, research-based strategies that improve outcomes for students with Down Syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Educators Conference will be held on January 23 from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM at the Trussville Civic Center. Scan the QR code or click on the link below to learn more and register.

Check out REACH University, an accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's degrees for school employees. After grants and scholarships. the expected out-of-pocket contribution for full-time undergraduate candidates is $75/month throughout the degree experience. Learn more at apply.reach.edu. Spring 2027 cohort deadline is November 2.

Teachers and educators, you are invited to UNA Teacher/Educator Night on November 7. UNA Football will take on West Florida at Bank Independent Stadium and UNA is offering special ticket pricing:

• $15 — Chairback or Berm Seating
• $30 — 50-Yard Line Chairback Seating

Bring your coworkers, friends, and family and enjoy a night of UNA football!

To take advantage of the special pricing or bring a group from your school, email mcooper18@una.edu or contact the UNA Ticket Office at 256-765-5469.

Interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree in education? Take a moment to complete the Graelyn University for more information. Teacher Interest Survey

Elevate Fitness & MedSpa is proud to propose a wellness partnership designed to support the health, wellness, and overall well-being of Athens City Schools faculty and staff. This partnership is intended to provide exclusive fitness and wellness benefits while encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle within the educational community.

Partnership Benefits

Exclusive Membership Pricing + First Month Free

• Special pre-sale membership rates available to all Athens City Schools employees with a valid school ID
• Guaranteed pricing with no membership rate increases for two (2) years
• First Month Free; enrollment fee and annual fee due upon signing.

Monthly Teacher Appreciation Incentives

• On the last Thursday of each month, Athens City Schools employees will receive:
  • 50% off smoothies
  • 25% off retail merchandise

Fitness Incentive Classes

• Following club opening, Elevate Fitness will offer one complimentary weekly group fitness class exclusively for Athens City Schools employees (with any membership).
• Classes will be held on Fridays from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM and may include formats such as:
  • Line Dancing
  • Pilates
  • Yoga
  • Combat Fitness
  • Wellness & Recovery Classes

Guest Privileges

• Members participating through the partnership will receive one complimentary guest pass per month

This collaboration is designed to promote employee wellness, reduce stress, encourage healthy lifestyles, and strengthen community engagement between Athens City Schools and Elevate Fitness & MedSpa. Through accessible wellness opportunities and exclusive employee benefits, Elevate aims to become a trusted health and wellness partner for the Athens City educational community. Link to BOE Membership Discount: Athens BOE Membership Discount.

UNA Partnerships offers tuition discount and assistance. Learn more at una.edu/unaworks/partnerships.html.

The ASU Learning Partnership applies to all ASU programs, including certificates, adult degree completion, and graduate degrees. Benefits include discounted tuition on all online and traditional classes, waiver of the application fee and more. Contact Tammie Brand at tammie.brand@acs-k12.org for more information.

UAH Differentiated Instruction Program

UAH is offering a 25% tuition discount for students enrolling in the online Master of Education program in Differentiated Instruction. Click here to learn more.

UAH Instructional Leadership Program

Learn more about the UAH Instructional Leadership Program.

UAH TEACH Grant

The UAH Teach Grant provides up to $3,772 per year toward your education if teaching in a high-need field in a low-income school after graduation.

Register today with Free 2 Teach! This FREE school supply store resource is located in Huntsville. Please see the information below to create your teacher account and schedule a shopping day!

• Mission and History!
  
• Store Information
  
• Teacher Portal
  
• FAQs

We hope that you will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!

The Athens State University Region 2 In-Service Center offers professional learning opportunities, workshops, and resources to support educators throughout the year. Explore upcoming training, certification support, instructional resources, and more.

Other Grant Opportunities

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Alabama Be Healthy School Grant Program. Apply May-July. Learn more and apply.
• Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition Shade Structure Grant Program awards grants to public schools for permanent shade structures for outdoor locations not protected from the sun, like playgrounds and recreation spaces. Learn more and apply.
• Steelcase Foundation Grant geared toward the following areas: accessible, quality learning experiences, multi-generational support, advocacy, and engagement, removal of barriers and systemic impediments and/or arts + cultural experiences that enhance young people’s learning, engagement, and sense of belonging. Learn more and apply.
• Daniel Foundation offers Education and Youth Grant opportunities. Learn more and apply.
• Dekko Foundation offers grants for Early Childhood Development, Middle Childhood Development, Adolescent Development, and Community Development grant opportunities.Learn more and apply.

RSA would like to make you aware of its supplemental retirement plan, the RSA-1 Deferred Compensation Plan. Whether you are a new employee or preparing for retirement, it is to your advantage to participate in the RSA-1 Deferred Compensation Plan. Please watch the short video found here to find out more about the plan and how to enroll. Enrollment forms are located in the back of the RSA-1 Member Handbook. For additional information, contact RSA by email at rsa1info@rsa-al.gov or toll-free 1.877.517.0020. Members can also view this information on the RSA-1 page on the RSA’s website: rsa-al.gov/rsa-1/.

The annual Athens Basketball Flip the Script will be held on Friday, October 30 at 9:30 PM in the Athens High School Arena. This special event will be held after the Athens High School Varsity Football game. Come out and join 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. Tickets are available on GoFan.

Athens High School students are coming together to honor local veterans through the annual Field of Flags and Poppy Commemorative, sponsored by the Rho Kappa Social Sciences Honor Society and the National Art Honor Society. This meaningful initiative allows students, staff, and community members to show appreciation for those who have served our country while supporting a local cause. Starting October 19, participants may sponsor a flag for a minimum donation of $2, or purchase a handmade ceramic poppy keepsake for $5. Each poppy is individually crafted and kiln-fired by AHS art students and will be delivered once completed. All proceeds from this project will directly benefit VFW Post 4765 in Athens, helping support local veterans and their families. The sponsored flags will be proudly displayed outside the AHS Arena leading up to the school’s Veterans Day Celebration, creating a powerful visual tribute to the courage and sacrifice of America’s heroes. If you have any questions, contact amanda.gudmundsson@acs-k12.org. Quantities are limited. See a Rho Kappa member or contact Mrs. G to place your order.

The Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade applications are now open. This annual community tradition will be held on Saturday, December 5, at 5:00 PM. Application deadline is November 20. Click here to learn more and apply. School entries use code parade26. If you have any questions, contact Casey Mays at casey@alcchamber.org or (256) 232-2600.

The United States Marine Corps and United Way of Athens-Limestone County will accept applications for the Toys for Tots program on Wednesday, November 4. Apply between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM at the United Way of Athens-Limestone County, located at 419 South Marion Street. This program is for children ages 12 and under. Parents/guardians must bring proof of income, proof of residency, a photo ID, a Social Security card, and a birth certificate for each eligible child. If you have any questions about Toys for Tots, please contact 256-233-2323.

• Athens High School - First Metro Bank
• Athens Middle School - Griggs Orthodontics
  
• Athens Intermediate School - Ridgeline Construction
  
• Athens Elementary School - Innovative Realty Solutions
  
• FAME Academy at Brookhill Elementary School - First National Bank
  
• Julian Newman Elementary School - Athens-Limestone Hospital
  
• SPARK Academy at Cowart Elementary School - Friendship Methodist Church
  
• Athens Renaissance School - Asahi KASEI

Down Syndrome Alabama is partnering with the National Down Syndrome Congress to host a Family Summit. This event will be held on Friday, January 22 at the Trussville Civic Center. The Family Summit is open to parents, caregivers, advocates, families of children and teens, families navigating adulthood and new and expecting families and will include family-focused sessions as well as expert guidance and practical resources. Click on the link below to purchase your tickets.

Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services will host a Transition Night for Juniors and Seniors on Thursday, November 5, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the Athens Renaissance School Auditorium at the Clinton Street Campus. All juniors and seniors attending any Athens City Schools or Limestone County Schools and their parents/guardians are invited to attend and learn more about resources and services available to students graduating high school, including jobs, scholarships and vocational training. Download the attachment to scan and register.

Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services will host a Transition Night for high school students on Thursday, November 12, from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the Athens Renaissance School Auditorium at the Clinton Street Campus. All 9th grade through exiting AAA students attending any Athens City Schools or Limestone County Schools and their parents/guardians are invited to attend and learn more about resources and services available, including vocational rehabilitation, social security, mental health services, disability resource network and more. Download the attachment to scan and register.

You can help support our schools every time you shop! Through Food City’s School Bucks Program, $800,000 is awarded to participating schools to support classrooms, equipment, supplies, and more. Simply link your Food City ValuCard to the ACS school of your choice. Every dollar you spend earns points for your selected school. The more points earned, the greater the school’s share of School Bucks funding! Visit foodcity.com/schoolbucks to log in or create an account, link your ValuCard, and select your ACS school. Thank you, Food City, for investing in our students, schools, and community!

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.

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!

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 involving an individual or school, including suspicious activity, bullying, and other student-related safety issues. This tip line is monitored by ACS Administration. Dial or text (256) 206-3065 or visit acs-k12.org/tip.