October 28, 2026

Principal's Message

Hello Red Hawk Community,

We have reached the final week of the first term! It has been a strong start to the school year, and I am proud of the work, energy, and commitment our students and staff have brought to these first nine weeks.

As we finish the term, I encourage every student to finish strong. Stay focused, communicate with your teachers, complete any remaining responsibilities, and make sure your first-term grades are an accurate reflection of what you know and have learned. How we finish matters, so let’s continue to stay Above the Line through the final days of the term.

This will be a shortened week for students. Thursday is our final student day, as there will be no school for students on Friday, October 30, while our staff participates in professional development.

With Thursday leading us into Halloween weekend, students are welcome to wear costumes to school. We ask that all costumes align with the district dress code and remain appropriate for the school environment. Masks or other items that obstruct a student’s identity are not permitted, and costumes should not include prohibited items or items that could be mistaken for prohibited or unsafe objects.

Let’s celebrate a great first term, enjoy the week responsibly, and finish strong!

Keep Pointing Positive, Go Red Hawks!

Vernon Burden

Principal, Troy Athens High School

News You Can Use

Democracy in Action!

The Athens Social Studies Club recently partnered with the Troy City Clerk’s Office to host a voter registration drive, helping 43 Athens students register to vote. This initiative gave students the opportunity to participate in the democratic process and make a real-world impact in their community. We are proud of these future voters for taking an active role in civic engagement and helping strengthen our democracy.

Tickets cost $15 for adults, and $10 for students & seniors. Tickets can be purchased online at: https://athenstheatrecompany.ludus.com/200551260

Freshman Belonging Survey – Athens High School

The Athens High School Counseling Department is offering an optional Freshman Belonging Survey during our 9th-grade meetings November 9th - 12th. This brief survey helps us better understand how our freshmen feel about belonging, connections with peers and staff, academic confidence, and involvement in school activities. Students can also share ways we can better support them throughout their high school experience.

Their feedback helps us continue building a welcoming, supportive, and connected school community for all students!

Please click here for more information about the survey.

Click here to sign up

Changes to the Work Permit Process - Effective October 2, 2026

A new Michigan law (Public Act 196 of 2024) is changing how work permits for minors are processed. Currently, schools are responsible for issuing and revoking work permits. However, starting October 2, 2026, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) will take over this responsibility.

Key Changes:

New Online System: Minors and employers MUST use LEO’s free registration website to apply for and process work permits.

Work Hour Restrictions:

14- and 15-year-olds may only work between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. from June 1 to Labor Day and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. the rest of the year.
During the school year, work is limited to 3 hours per day and 18 hours per week.
16-year-olds and older have more flexibility. Rules can be found at the bottom of the work permit below.
When school is not in session, minors may work up to 40 hours per week.

Work Permit Process

Step 1: Create Your YEPP Account
Enter your:

Personal and parent/guardian information
School information, including school start and end times
Employer information, including address, and manager’s name

Step 2: Employer Completes Their Section
YEPP will notify your employer. They will enter your job duties, wage, work hours, and shifts.

Step 3: State Review
The State of Michigan reviews the information submitted by you and your employer.

Your school does not need to approve the permit.

Step 4: Permit Approved
Once approved, you and your employer will be notified. Your work permit will be active in YEPP.

More details on the new system will be available as the transition approaches. For more information, visit Michigan LEO's website

Helpful Resources:
Michigan LEO - Work Permit Information
Michigan LEO - Youth Employment

Log in to your College Board account here

Log in to Total Registration here to submit payment by November 3rd

Attendance Reporting with VisitU

VisitU is our attendance management system for reporting absences, late arrivals, and early dismissals. Please keep these important reminders in mind:

Report attendance through VisitU: Families should use VisitU to submit attendance information.
Select the accurate reason: Please choose the reason that most accurately reflects why your student will be absent.
Reporting does not automatically mean excused: Submitting an absence through VisitU notifies the school, but the absence must still meet Troy School District guidelines to be considered excused.
Excused absences: Examples may include illness, religious observances, family bereavement, mandatory court appearances, college visits, or circumstances approved by a building administrator.
Unexcused absences: Absences that do not meet district criteria will be recorded as unexcused, even when reported by a parent/guardian through VisitU.

Please review the graphic below for additional information about reporting attendance and excused absences.

Beginning this year, the attendance voicemail line will no longer be available. All attendance reporting must be submitted through the VisitU mobile app.

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.visitu.vid

Apple (iPhone): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/visitu-mobile/id1454044111

Click here to donate to the PTO

PTO President: athenspto.pres@gmail.com

PTO Vice President: athenspto.vp@gmail.com

Purchase a $25 “Red Hawk Riches” raffle ticket and be automatically entered into a monthly

drawing from October 2026 to June 2027. Click here to order

Winners will be posted on the Athens PTO Facebook page, the Athens Newsletter (in the PTO section) and winners will also be emailed. Drawing will be held at Athens High School during the PTO meetings with the exception of December and March, which will be held at the PTO board meeting.

10/29.................End of Quarter 1

10/30.................No School

11/6......................Fall Play | Almost Maine 7:00 pm

11/7......................Fall Play | Almost Maine 7:00 pm

11/8......................Fall Play | Almost Maine 2:00 pm

11/9......................Senior All Night Party Meeting | TACC | 7:00 pm

11/25....................No School | Thanksgiving Break

11/26....................No School | Thanksgiving Break

11/27....................No School | Thanksgiving Break

Student Celebrations

Staff Spotlight

1.What is your role at Athens and how long have you been here?

Since I began at Athens in 2020, I've taught courses in the business, science, CTE, and math departments, run 5 clubs, and serve as a TEA building representative.

2.What is your educational background?

I was valedictorian of L'Anse Creuse High School - North, graduated from the honors college at Michigan State University with a B.S. - Mathematics, and achieved a Master's Degree in Education from Marygrove College.

3.What do you enjoy most about working with our students and staff?

People are always willing to help each other, whether it be carrying items when someone's load is too heavy, helping someone understand something now, or providing a conscientious listening ear. Kindness goes underappreciated by many, yet we have much here at Athens to appreciate!

4.What is one accomplishment or part of your work you are most proud of?

Starting the tabletop gaming club at Athens. It's a beacon for students who might have a tough time coming together with others who share their common interest, and it's enjoyable enough for dozens of students to stay after school for hours on Fridays forging friendships by gaming together!

5.What is something you enjoy outside of school (hobby, interest, or fun fact)?

I play euphonium with the Warren Concert Band - once a band kid, always a band kid! I may also own a few dozen pairs of Crocs...

6.What makes the Athens community special to you?

Athens is a wonderfully diverse community where you can hear a dozen languages spoken and talk to people who have come from all over the world as you walk down the hallway. I believe this diversity leads our Red Hawks to empathize more readily with situations different from their own and be kinder people for it.