May 2026

Mark your calendars with important dates to remember:

• May 6 Progress Report Day (AHS & AMS)
• May 19 ARS Graduation & RenV Graduation
• May 21 Last Day of School for Students (early dismissal) & AHS Graduation
• May 22 Teacher Workday
• May 25 Memorial Day Holiday

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

Athens City Schools is excited to announce Returning Student Registration (Re-Enrollment) for the 2026-2027 school year. Returning Student Registration is for rising 1st - 12th grade students currently enrolled in ACS. Please check your primary email for a snapcode from PowerSchool Registration Support and follow the instructions provided. Families will receive a separate snapcode email for each currently enrolled student. If you did not receive your snapcode, please contact your school. The deadline to complete re-enrollment is Friday, May 15. For more information, visit acs-k12.org/reenrollment. Don't delay, re-enroll today!

If you need bus service for your K-8th student this fall, you must sign up through Returning Student Registration (Re-Enrollment). Learn more at acs-k12.org/transportation. Reminder that bus service is not available for Athens High School or Athens Renaissance School students.

Don't delay, re-enroll today!

Class of 2026 Graduation Dates:

• Athens Renaissance School May 19 | 4:00 PM | Clinton Street Campus Auditorium
  
• Renaissance Virtual School May 19 | 7:00 PM | Clinton Street Campus Auditorium
• Athens High School May 21 | 7:00 PM | Athens Stadium

Athens High School and Athens Middle School Progress Reports will be available on Wednesday, May 6. View the ACS progress and report card schedule at acs-k12.org/reportcards.

Behind every confident student, every moment of growth, and every success story, there is a teacher who believed, encouraged, and never gave up. Our teachers do so much more than teach.....they listen, they support, they inspire, and they show up every single day with heart and purpose for our students. The impact they make reaches far beyond the classroom and lasts a lifetime. This week, we invite you to pause and thank a teacher who has made a difference in your life or your child’s life. A simple “thank you” can mean more than you know. ❤️

We celebrate our school nutrition superheroes who make a difference in the lives of our Golden Eagles each day by keeping them fueled with delicious and nutritious meals! Between preparing healthy food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, and navigating student food allergies, our ACS CNP always offers service with a smile. We love our CNP Team!

We are thankful for our amazing school leaders in #oneAthens who serve our students, schools, and community with integrity, character, and heart.

May 6 is School Nurse Day and we celebrate our wonderful School Nurses across Athens City Schools! We are so grateful for your passion to serve and care.

The last day of school for ACS students is Thursday, May 21. Reminder this is a scheduled Early Dismissal Day. Buses will depart at the school's early dismissal time. Please plan for your bus rider to arrive home earlier than usual. Latchkey will NOT be available. If you have any questions, please contact your school.

Early Dismissal Schedule:

• Pre-K 10:45 AM
• K-3 11:15 AM
• AIS 11:20 AM
• AMS 11:30 AM
• AHS 11:45 AM

View the academic calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

ACS offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. Please view the district calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

Athens City Schools is proud to join communities across Alabama in recognizing America 250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

This historic milestone offers our students a meaningful opportunity to honor our nation’s past, reflect on the values that unite us, and look ahead as engaged citizens and leaders. Throughout the month of May, schools across the district will participate in a variety of activities that highlight patriotism, service, creativity, and community pride.

Spirit Days 🔵⚪🔴

Each school will host a designated Red, White & Blue Spirit Day, giving students and staff the opportunity to celebrate together and show their patriotic spirit.

• AMS - May 6
• CES - May 8
• AES - May 12
• JNES - May 12
• AHS - May 13
• AIS - May 15
• More Dates Coming Soon!

Submit Your School/Classroom/Individual Message or Project for the Social Showcase!

As part of the celebration, schools, classrooms, and/or students are encouraged to create short patriotic video messages, photos, artwork, celebrations, performances, songs, and other creative expressions that reflect what America means to them, celebrating freedom, gratitude, service, school spirit, community pride, honoring those who serve, and more. Selected videos will be featured on Athens City Schools’ social media platforms during the week leading up to Independence Day, showcasing our students and schools as we celebrate this important milestone. Submit your items to comms@acs-k12.org.

The America 250 celebration aligns with Athens City Schools’ commitment to developing well-rounded students through our Portrait of a Graduate, emphasizing character, communication, collaboration, and citizenship. By connecting learning to real-world history and civic engagement, this initiative helps students understand their role in shaping the future.

We look forward to celebrating together as One Athens, honoring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future.

Athens Arts League is now accepting submissions for the My American Inspiration Art Contest for students in Athens-Limestone County. Entries will be displayed at Athens-Limestone Tourism, Athens City Hall, Scout House and Athens State University. Winners will be announced during Tourism's Red, White and Boom event on July 4. There will be 250th celebration certificates and cash prizes for winners. This event is supported by the City of Athens - America250AL Committee. Submissions are due to City Hall by May 25 at 4:30 PM. Please include student name, age, grade level, school, and telephone number on the back of artwork. If you have any questions, reach out to hhollman@athensal.us.

Summer Session registration is now open! Summer Session includes Credit Recovery (grades 9-12), Summer School (grades 6-12), and Credit Advancement (grades 9-12). Learn more about ACS Summer Session dates, fees, requirements, applications, and more at acs-k12.org/summersession. The deadline to apply is May 28.

Renaissance Schools is offering a Summer Driver’s Education Course from May 27 - June 26! Course Fee: $300. Spots are limited. Register at https://forms.gle/VatGGNzP7ME9JPAr7.

SUMMER MEAL PROGRAM Athens City Schools is pleased to offer the 2026 Summer Meal Program, open to children 18 years old and younger in Athens and Limestone County. This program will be available at Athens Elementary School beginning June 1 through June 18 on Mondays through Thursdays. Breakfast will be served from 8:15 AM - 8:45 AM with lunch from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Dine-in only (pick-up/take-out will not be available). If you have any questions, call (256) 233-6600 or email Tandy.Blackwell@acs-k12.org.

Athens City Schools Board of Education is excited to announce the appointment of Nick Looney as the next Principal of Athens Elementary School, effective July 2026! The announcement was made during the April 23 Board of Education Meeting.

A proud Athens High School graduate, Mr. Looney has served Athens City Schools for more than a decade and has been Assistant Principal at Athens Elementary School since 2021. Throughout his career, he has made a lasting impact by supporting students, staff, and families while championing academic excellence and student success.

“I’m incredibly honored to serve as the next principal of Athens Elementary. As someone who grew up in this town, I could not be more excited for the opportunity to give back by serving our community’s children and their families. Athens Elementary has a strong tradition of excellence, and I’m looking forward to building on that foundation with a clear focus on the future through our vision of heart and high expectations.”

We also express our sincere appreciation to Mrs. Amanda Tedford, current Athens Elementary School Principal, for her outstanding leadership in ACS. We wish Mrs. Tedford continued success in her exciting new role with the Alabama State Department of Education Alabama Reading Initiative!

Please join us in congratulating Mr. Looney!

Congrats to the ACS Artists of the Month! Special thanks to our awesome Athens City Schools Fine Arts teachers who encourage and inspire these young artists!

Students, are you interested in participating in sports or extracurricular activities at AHS or AMS next school year? If so, be sure to mark your calendars for upcoming tryout dates! Tryouts are open to current 6th–11th grade students. All required forms must be completed and up to date in DragonFly Max. Learn more at acs-k12.org/athletics. Questions? Contact linda.moore@acs-k12.org.

• Athens Tennis: Tryouts: May 4-5
• AHS Boys Basketball Tryouts: May 4-5 & Spring Training: May 6-7
• AMS Girls Basketball Tryouts: May 4-5 & Spring Training: May 6-7
• AHS Girls Basketball Tryouts: May 11-12 & Spring Training: May 13-14
• AHS & AMS Boys Soccer Tryouts: May 11 & 12

• AMS & AHS Cross Country Tryouts: May 14-15
• AMS & AHS Girls Soccer Tryouts: May 14-15
• AHS Boys Golf Tryouts: May 19 & 20
• AMS & AHS Softball Tryouts: May 20-22
• AMS & AHS Flag Football Tryouts: May 20 & 22

You can make a lasting impact in the lives of students - today, tomorrow, and for years to come - by supporting the Athens City Schools Foundation. Visit acsf.acs-k12.org/donate to make a donation, purchase a legacy brick, and explore other ways to give. The Athens City Schools Foundation proudly sponsors annual programs, including the Third Grade Violin Program, Teacher Classroom Grants, and Teacher of the Year recognition. Learn more about ACSF at acsf.acs-k12.org and consider giving today. Together, we truly make a difference.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for summer fun!

• May 27-28 Girls and Boys Basketball Camp - Registration Now Open
• June 11-12 Soccer Camp - Registration Now Open
• June 15-16 Tennis Camp
• June 15-17 Baseball Camp
• June 22-24 Softball Camp - Registration Now Open
• July 20-21 Volleyball Camp
• Football Camp Dates Coming Soon

Camps are open to children ages 5-14 in our community. Visit acs-k12.org/camps for registration information, camp fees, and more.

Get a jump start on the school year by ordering your Back-to-School Supplies from EPI. To place your order, visit educationalproducts.com and enter the school code below.

• AES ID: ATH029
• AIS ID: ATH031
• BES ID: BRO426
• CES ID: SPA062
• JNES ID: JUL010

Deadline approaching. Visit acs-k12.org/supplies Order today!

Athens High School Color Run will now be held on Saturday, May 16, at Athens Middle School (behind tennis courts). Arrival time is 8:00 AM with race time at 8:30 AM. To pre-register or make a donation, please scan the QR Code or visit ahs.acs-k12.org/epayment. Race fee is $25. Select “AHS”, “CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS”, and “INTERACT CLUB COLOR RUN”. Proceeds will benefit the Abundant Life Well Construction Project. If you have any questions, please contact zoe.porter@acs-k12.org.

Our Athens City Schools Board of Education approved the 2026-2027 academic calendar at the December board meeting. You can also view the district calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

View the 2025-2026 district calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

• April 15 - Early Dismissal/Parent Conference Day

• May 19 - RenV/ARS Graduation

• May 21 - AHS Graduation

• May 21 - Early Dismissal/Last Day For Students

• May 22 - Teacher Workday

• June 19 - Juneteenth Holiday

Special commemorative bricks from the Athens City Schools Foundation Legacy Brick Project make perfect gifts to celebrate a graduation, a teacher, 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!

Check out the May 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.

Eligible school-age children will receive a one-time payment of $120 per child in grocery benefits during the summer through the Alabama SUN Bucks program. SUN Bucks benefits are in the form of a pre-loaded card with a one-time $120 benefit for the summer that families can use to purchase groceries. These benefits can provide the nourishment your children need during the summer break. Check your eligibility, learn more and apply at alabama-sunbucks.com.

Please note: Eligible families will receive a SUN Bucks card with the funds pre-loaded and ready to use for groceries. These cards will be mailed to the address on file. If your family has had a change of address since the beginning of the school year, please contact your school to update your information as soon as possible.

Only one application is necessary per family. Learn more and apply at acs-k12.org/freeandreduced. Families must re-apply each school year to potentially receive this benefit.

2025-2026 ACS Student Daily Lunch Pricing:

• $2.75 - PAID (Family does not qualify for free or reduced lunch)
• $0.40 - REDUCED (apply to potentially qualify)
• $0.00 - FREE (apply to potentially qualify)

For help with 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.

• Call Athens City Schools at (256) 233-6600 for assistance with the ACS Free and Reduced Lunch Application.

• Call the Child Nutrition Program at (334) 694-4656 for free interpretation or translation services, including non-English languages and American Sign Language (ASL).
• For relay or speech services, dial 711.

Did you know that Athens City Schools offers free breakfast to all students each and every morning during the school week? Our Child Nutrition Program works to ensure every child is ready to start their day, well-fed and ready to learn. Visit acs-k12.org/nutrition to learn more about our CNP program.

An easy way to add lunch money to your student account is through My School Bucks. Create or log in to your student account at myschoolbucks.com and view immediate information about your student account balance and purchases. Need help? Funds can be added to your student's account at MSB on the web or download the MSB app. You may also submit a check to the school lunchroom. All checks must be made payable to Athens City Schools CNP or ACS CNP. Please write your child's name and homeroom on the check or envelope.

2025-2026 Child Nutrition Program meal prices and a la carte pricing. Learn more at acs-k12.org/nutrition.

Parents are encouraged to pay for student meals by the week or month. Funds can be collected in the lunchroom or submitted online at myschoolbucks.com. All checks should be made payable to Athens City Schools CNP or ACS-CNP. Please write your child's name and assigned lunch number on the check, or write it on the envelope if cash is sent. Apply for free or reduced priced meals at acs-k12.org/freeandreduced.

Looking for some FUN and FREE events this summer? Check out the Athens-Limestone Public Library Summer Program!

The Calhoun Community College Women’s Basketball Team is excited to host the annual Little Warhawks Basketball Camp this summer. This camp will be held June 10-11. Learn more and register below.

On Saturday, May 9, help Stamp Out Hunger by leaving a bag of nonperishable food by your mailbox before mail delivery. Your letter carrier will collect it, and those donations help support families across North Alabama through the Food Bank of North Alabama. A simple bag can make a big difference. Every item helps support families, seniors, veterans, and children across North Alabama. Most needed items include:

• Pasta & Rice
• Peanut Butter
• Canned Meats & Proteins
• Canned Soups & Stews
• Canned Veggies (Pop-Top cans preferred)
• Canned Fruit (Pop-Top cans preferred)
• Cereals and non perishable Boxed Meals
• Allergy-friendly Items
• Baby Food or Formula (Must be in date)

A bag by your mailbox may seem small, but across North Alabama, those bags become thousands of meals. Help fight hunger one bag at a time.

Athens Limestone Hospital invites you to a Community Movie Night on Friday, May 15, on the Square in celebration of 75 years of ALH. This fun evening will feature Disney’s Zootopia, food trucks, and fellowship. Food Trucks open at 6:00 PM with the movie starting at 7:15 PM.

By joining the ACSF Power for Students program, you can make a lasting impact on ACS students and teachers. Giving is easy! Add a monthly donation of any amount to your Athens Utilities bill. Your contribution goes directly to our schools, supporting initiatives like Teacher Classroom Grants, the 3rd Grade Violin Program, and more. Submit the completed form to your child's school/teacher, drop off in person at the ACS Board of Education Central Office, email to foundation@acs-k12.org, or mail to ACSF, 455 U.S. Highway 31 N., Athens, AL 35611. Thank you for supporting Athens City Schools Foundation! Visit acsf.acs-k12.org/power for more information. Together, we truly make a difference.

PowerSchool Parent Portal is a web-based platform and app that can be used to access information such as student grades, attendance, assignments, class announcements, class schedule and more for students in grades 6-12. Parent Portal is accessible from any device with internet access (i.e. computer, tablet, smartphone) or download the app for free. Learn more about PowerSchool Parent portal at acs-k12.org/powerschool. If you have any questions, please contact your school.

View the 2025-2026 ACS Progress and Report Card Distribution Schedule at acs-k12.org/reportcards.

Reminder that there is a new law in effect statewide. The Alabama FOCUS Act restricts students from using cell phones, smartwatches, AirPods, and other communication devices throughout the entire school day. Athens City Schools is following this law to help create a distraction-free learning environment where students can stay focused, engaged, and ready to learn. We believe this is a positive step toward helping our Golden Eagles soar to success. View expectations, exceptions, consequences, and FAQs at acs-k12.org/focus.

Mark your calendars for Fall Friday Night Lights!

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

Thank you for supporting Athens Elementary!

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.

Engraved on your commemorative brick could be a family name, student or alumnae, 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.

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 familyguidancecenter.org. Kids and Kin is provided by the Family Guidance Center of Alabama and funded by the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

ALL Kids Alabama is a low cost-comprehensive healthcare coverage program available to children under 19. Benefits include checkups, immunizations, sick child doctor visits, prescriptions, vision and dental care, hospitalization, mental health, substance abuse services and more. ALL Kids is Alabama's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and is administered by the Alabama Department of Public Health. Learn more at alabamapublichealth.gov/allkids.

National Security Insurance Company offers affordable Student Accident Insurance Coverage. Click here to learn more or visit https://www.acs-k12.org/athletics/insurance.

We are so grateful to all our partners and appreciate their commitment to supporting #oneAthens through time, service, talent, and more!

*Athens High School - First Metro Bank

*Athens Middle School - Griggs Orthodontics

*Athens Intermediate School - Ridgeline Construction

*Athens Elementary School - Pinnacle Financial Partners

*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 - T-Mobile

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.

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!

988 is now the active phone number that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Call, text or chat 988 to be connected to trained counselors who will listen and help, 24/7. This confidential support is for anyone in emotional distress or crisis. Learn more at 988lifeline.org. *The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-TALK) will always remain available for people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.

Do you have something you would like to see in a future newsletter? Please contact Christy.Hubbard@acs-k12.org.

View the latest edition of the One Athens Family Newsletter and other school newsletters across the district at acs-k12.org/news.