One Athens Connects

Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! We hope you have had a great 1st week and look forward to a fantastic school year in ACS!

Mark your calendars with important August dates to remember:

• August 5 - 1st Day of School - AHS, AMS, AIS, AES, BES, CES, and JNES (ARS and RenV start later this month. See school newsletter for details)
• August 22 - Pep Rally on the Square (Early Release)

• August 27 - Progress Report Day

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

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.

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.

AMS & AHS Progress Reports will be available on Wednesday, August 27. View ACS progress and report card schedule at acs-k12.org/reportcards.

Golden Eagle Pride took center stage as more than 600 one Athens employees packed the AHS Arena to launch the 2025-2026 school year in unforgettable style at Institute Day!

Led by the AHS Band, Cheerleaders, and Dance Team, the Back-to-School Pep Rally brought the energy and the first-ever Golden Eagle Spirit Competition turned up the 🔥 ! From chants and cheers to songs and full-on choreography, our schools showed up and showed out. The celebration didn’t stop there. A delicious breakfast, sponsored by RJ Young and prepared by the AHS Child Nutrition Team, fueled the fun, followed by uplifting messages from Board President Beverly Malone, Superintendent Beth Patton, Mayor Ronnie Marks, and our AHS Student Council Leaders. The day was filled with purpose, positivity, and momentum for the year ahead.

Thank you to Ray Neese and the Athens City Schools Foundation for awarding nearly $20,000 in teacher grants to spark innovation and excellence across our classrooms!

We’re also grateful for the support of our community partners:

• North Alabama Educators Credit Union
• UNA College of Education and Human Sciences
• ValuTeachers
• Athens City Educators / AEA
• AFLAC
• Collateral Education Service
• Pinnacle Bank
• Storytelling Festival
• Sleep in Heavenly Peace
• Athens State University
• Free 2 Teach
• And special thanks to Lee Builders and McKee & Associates for the awesome Athens tote bags!

🏆Congratulations to Athens High School for taking home the Golden Eagle Spirit Award, and shoutout to SPARK Academy for earning Honorable Mention!

What a wonderful and memorable day! The countdown is ON! We can’t wait to welcome our students back to school on August 5. Let’s make this our best year yet! It’s great to be a Golden Eagle!

View scenes from the Back-to-School Pep Rally AND all of our schools showing their Golden Eagle Spirit at https://youtu.be/K_iJTX97Vs0.

Check out the August 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.

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 MySchoolBucks. 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 www.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 www.acs-k12.org.

Our Julian Newman Elementary School proudly opened its doors on Tuesday, August 5! Located on the original campus at 517 Julian Newman Drive, this 85,000+ square foot state-of-the-art facility is designed to spark creativity, foster collaboration, and support academic excellence. From vibrant classrooms to a music room, art room, STEM Lab, Media Center, cafeteria, two gymnasiums, and two storm shelters, every detail was built with our little eagles in mind. Designed by McKee and Associates and constructed by Lee Builders, Inc., the project officially broke ground in March 2024. It is now a beautiful place where bright futures begin.

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

• August 5 - First Day Of School For Students

• September 1 - Labor Day Holiday

• October 6-10 - Fall Break

• October 15 - e-Learning For AHS Only (All Others In Session)

• October 22 - Early Dismissal/Parent Conference Day

• Nov 11 - Veterans Day Holiday

• Nov 24 - e-learning/No In-Person Classes For Students

• Nov 25 - Teacher Workday/No School For Students

• Nov 26-28 - Thanksgiving Break

• Dec 19 - 1st Semester Ends/Early Dismissal

• Dec 22 - Jan 2 - Christmas Break

• Jan 5-6 - Staff Pd/Workday

• Jan 7 - Students Return For 2nd Semester

• Jan 19 - Martin Luther King Holiday

• Feb 4 - Early Dismissal/ Parent Conference Day

• Feb 16 - Presidents Day

• Mar 10 - e-Learning For AHS Only (All Others In Session)

• Mar 16-20 - Spring Break

• 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

View All Important Academic Dates To Remember At Acs-K12.Org/Calendar.

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.

Due to changes in Alabama laws, including the FOCUS Act, Athens City Schools has revised the 2025-2026 Student-Parent Handbook. Changes are highlighted in yellow. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mike.Orear@acs-k12.org.

It's almost time for Friday Night Lights! Check out the Athens High School Varsity Football schedule along with the school spirit themes.

Get ready to cheer on your Golden Eagles! Passes are available now on the GoFan app or at gofan.co/app/school/AL109.

Single Tickets:

• Football/$11
• All other sports/$8

Season Passes

• Single Sport Season Pass/$60
• All Sports Season Pass (Student) /$40
• All Sports Season Pass (Adult)/$80

Passes are good for both AHS and AMS HOME events. Purchase at GoFan app or at gofan.co/app/school/AL109.

Be sure to check out the information below related to our ACS Athletic Facilities. Thank you for supporting our Athens Golden Eagles!

The following bags are permitted inside Athens City Schools Athletics Facilities:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12" (tote bags, fanny packs, cross-body bags, etc.)
  
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziplock type bag or similar)
  
• Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5" x 6.5" (approximately the size of a hand).
• Please note that individuals are limited to (1) clear bag plus (1) small clutch.

Fans are welcome to bring cameras, binoculars, and small seat cushions/pads, however, cases are not allowed. Know before you go. Learn more at acs-k12.org/athletics.

In an effort to make all Athens City Schools athletic event experiences GOLDEN for all spectators, fans and families, please take a moment to review the Golden Guidelines. Know before you go. Learn more at acs-k12.org/athletics. Thank you for supporting Athens City Schools Athletics. It's great to be a Golden Eagle!

Watch our Athens Golden Eagles HOME games this fall on the NFHS Network. Subscription required. Visit www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/athens-high-school-athens-al for options. NFHS offers access to LIVE and ON DEMAND events, nationwide. View available events and learn more at NFHS. Please note that this is the only legitimate and authorized livestream for AHS sports (home games only). If you have any questions, please contact Linda.Moore@acs-k12.org.

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

Thank you for supporting iAcademy at 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!"

• Place your order at bricksrus.com/donorsite/jneslegacybrickproject.
• Place your payment at athenscityal.csiepay.com/Views/Payment/Pay.aspx
• Select Julian Newman Elementary
• Under Fee Items, Select Legacy Brick Fundraiser
• Select brick size(s) and make payment
• 
  

Thank you for supporting Julian Newman Elementary School!

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

Scan the code above or visit https://www.happythreadsapparel.com/products/ams-sca-fundraiser-tee. Place your order by Friday, August 15. If you have any questions, email carla.lawrence@acs-k12.org. Thank you for supporting Athens Middle School SCA!

Girls Scouts invites you to make plans to meet your local chapter for games and crafts on Thursday, August 14 at 6:00 PM at Big Spring Park in Athens. If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Kiki Leslie at misshotpink06@hotmail.com or (256) 874-5342.

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.

Get a well-rounded summer of reading with these opportunities for students for K-8 grades.

Governor Ivey invites Alabama K-8 students to join her for the 3rd Annual Summer Reading Challenge, going on now through September 5. To participate, grade-eligible students may write a letter to Governor Ivey, sharing what their preferred summer reading book was and why it was their favorite. Learn more at Governor Ivey's Summer Reading Challenge.

Second Lady Usha Vance invites K through 8th students across the country to read 12 books by September 5 and track their progress on a designated reading log. Students who complete her challenge are eligible for a certificate, prize and a chance to win a trip to Washington, D.C.

The Athens Legendary Pearls are offering the Youth Leadership Institute (YLI), a free program for youth ages 11–13 focused on building independence, leadership skills, and personal empowerment. Through hands-on, experiential learning, students will take part in youth-led meetings, shared responsibilities, decision-making, and service projects. This co-ed institute is designed to support young people during a key stage of development as they transition into adolescence. Learn more and sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScP6LfdxJKfBvS3znygLNnkQBc-dnFPLxx_ATDdrVFOoUHxWQ/viewform

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.