Tiger Stripes - 8/15/25

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GCPS Communique | Archer High Parent/Student Handbook

WE WILL advance the meaning and purpose in each student’s life by providing relevant opportunities for college and career pathways that unfold into a promising future.

The mission of Archer High School is to pursue excellence in academic knowledge, skills, and behavior for each student, resulting in measured improvement against local, national, and world-class standards.

We're looking for a parent to join our School Council for a two-year term. The council plays a vital role in advising the principal, as well as the local board of education and superintendent, on important topics like student achievement and school improvement.

Please use this form to submit your nomination.

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is moving forward with the next phase in its commitment to student and staff safety. Beginning Monday, August 25, 2025, the district will begin installing Evolv weapons detection systems at all GCPS middle and high schools. The rollout is expected to continue throughout the fall and conclude by the end of March 2026.

“By bringing this advanced weapon detection technology to all of our middle and high schools, we’re strengthening our comprehensive, multi-layered approach to school safety,” said GCPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Al Taylor. “This approach includes School Resource Officers, state-of-the-art technology, and reinforcing our ‘see something, say something’ culture.”

Evolv technology uses low-frequency electromagnetic fields and advanced software to detect concealed weapons such as firearms and other weapons of mass destruction. Unlike traditional metal detectors, Evolv’s system can tell the difference between dangerous items and everyday items like cell phones and keys, making the entry process faster while maintaining a high level of security.

What to Expect:

· Students and visitors will walk through Evolv scanners at designated entry points.

· Phones, keys, and wallets can stay in your bookbags, pockets, and purses.

· If an alert is triggered, a brief secondary screening will be conducted by staff.

· Arrive a few minutes early to allow for smooth entry.

During the 2024–25 school year, the Evolv system was used at GCPS football stadiums, gyms, and high school summer school sites. Dr. Taylor says that experience laid the groundwork for its broader implementation across all secondary schools. He adds, “The Evolv system’s ability to quickly and accurately identify potential threats—without causing delays—supports our ongoing efforts to enhance safety and maintain a focused, welcoming environment for students and staff. This expansion builds on our earlier success and ensures consistent protection districtwide.”

Installations will proceed at a steady pace of about three schools per week. Each school will receive support to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to daily operations. Families will hear directly from their schools about what to expect, including any changes to arrival procedures, signage, or other logistics related to the new systems.

As this effort gets underway, we thank our families and staff for their support and partnership. With continued collaboration, GCPS remains focused on creating learning environments that are safe, welcoming, and focused on student success.

Order your spirit shirt by 8/19 for delivery prior to Friday’s game!

Are you interested in joining the Archer H.S. Boys or Girls Wrestling Team?

No experience is necessary, and we're looking for both wrestlers and managers to join our storied program!

There will be an informational meeting for all interested students (new or returning) on Thursday, August 28th.

• Time: 2:15 PM (will last 45 minutes)

• Location: Room 1.461

• Please note: Be sure to have a ride home scheduled.

If you have any questions, please contact Coach Jannett at Keith.Jannett@gcpsk12.org.

Registration for AHS School Plus and Georgia Virtual Credit Recovery is now OPEN! Please visit MyPaymentsPlus to register. If you have any questions about which classes you may need to take to regain credit, please reach out to your counselor:

9th-10th grade A-G - Ms. Culbreath
9th-10th grade H-O - Ms. Clarke
9th-10th grade P-Z - Ms. McMichael
11th grade - A-K - Mr. Maloney
11th grade - L-Z - Dr. Kilpatrick
12th grade - A-J - Ms. Hamilton
12th grade - K-Z - Ms. Roe

The first Student Council meeting will be held on August 20th, after school in the Media Center. Anyone interested in joining can attend. Stop by Mrs. Messer's room (1.133 Silver Savanna) to get a pass if you plan to attend the meeting.

📢 Fun Alert! The Bead Challenge is coming!

Get ready for some friendly competition! Student Council is sponsoring the Bead Challenge from August 26-28.

Here's how it works:

• All students will receive red or silver beads to wear.

• Challenge another student to a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors to win (or lose) more beads.

• Once a student has 5 sets of beads, they can challenge a staff member!

The student and staff member with the most beads on August 28th will win a prize! Get ready to play and win!

You are invited to a youth forum on mental health hosted by Commissioner Jasper Watkins III on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.. The event, titled "Mental Health & Me," is a youth-led town hall at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center Auditorium in Lawrenceville. The forum will provide a platform for young people to discuss the pressures they face, the support they need, and how to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Attendees will also watch a clip from the docuseries "Upfront Gwinnett" to start conversations about real-life challenges and community-driven solutions.

Counselor Appointment Forms are now open for students to request to see their counselor. They are located in the AHS Counseling Corner Google Classroom page. Students can access the google classroom from their landing page.

Please note the updated student drop-off procedures for this year. All student drop-offs and car riders will enter the right lane from Calllie Still Rd. and proceed to the designated Student Drop Off Area in the student parking lot. Student drivers should enter the center lane towards the parking lot. For exiting, it is a right turn only onto Calllie Still Rd. Please review the attached map for a visual guid

The table contains upcoming dates from the AHS Counseling Department for the AHS community to be aware of.

• September 10th during the Archer school day will be the ASVAB test for 10th 11th and 12th graders. Sign up information for students to be shared closer to the date.
• On September 16th from 6 to 7:30pm is the PROBE College Fair for 11th and 12th graders and their families.
• On September 25th is the annual Parent Night for families and students grades 9 through 12.
• November is Apply to College Month for Seniors. More information to come for specific days and times that the counseling staff and outside college reps will assist Archer seniors with their college applications. See the GA Futures website for more information.
• Finally, on December 10th, from 6pm to 7:30pm there will be the annual Dual Enrollment Information Night for students (grades 8 though 11) and their families to learn more about the Dual Enrollment program and process for school year 2026-2027.

Joining the Archer PTSA is one of the best ways to get involved and make a difference. It's not just for parents—students benefit, too!

For Parents:

• Stay informed about what's happening at Archer High School.

• Advocate for your child and their education.

• Support enrichment programs and school resources.

• Build relationships with other parents, teachers, and staff.

• Access valuable resources and volunteer opportunities.

For Students:

• Gain leadership opportunities and community service hours.

• Earn recognition through scholarships.

• Show future colleges and employers that you're involved and committed to your school community.

Ready to join us? Scan the QR code or click the link to sign up today! ➡️ bit.ly/joinarcherptsa

Show your support for our students! 🐾 The E-SPLOST renewal on November 4th is an Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax that is critical for funding upgrades across our cluster, including Archer High School.

This initiative helps pay for:

• Safety & Security: Including weapons detection systems, security cameras, and crisis alert systems.

• Facility Upgrades: Like new playgrounds, middle school sports fields, and renovations for older schools.

• Technology & Learning: Providing essential resources for students and teachers, and expanding our new CTAE High School Facility.

Learn more and check your voter registration at mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/.

You can also scan the QR code in the image to get all the details about the projects planned for the Archer Cluster. #ArcherHighSchool #ESPLOST #GwinnettSchools #SupportOurStudents #VoteNovember4

Sports tickets can only be purchased via GoFan with a credit or debit card to home sporting events. To purchase a home ticket for games please click on AHS GOFAN. Many other schools are also going touchless for tickets as well. If they are using GoFan, those tickers will also be available under Archer High School.

Follow Archer Swim

https://www.archerhighathletics.com/swimanddive

Follow the Lady Tigers on Twitter

https://twitter.com/ArcherWBB

Follow Archer Wrestling on Twitter

https://twitter.com/ArcherWrestling

Looking for a great GCPS opportunity?

GCPS is hiring bus drivers! Our drivers enjoy competitive pay rates ($19.94 - $28.27 per hour), outstanding health benefits with employer contribution, and a work schedule that fits their busy lifestyle

Archer High School has officially switched to ParentSquare for all communication. Download the app if you would like to send or receive communication from your student's teachers.

2255 New Hope Rd.

Lawrenceville, GA 30045-6560

Phone: (678) 407-7700

Fax: (678) 407-7725