July 2026

Mark your calendars with important dates to remember:

• July 1 - Free and Reduced Lunch Application Opens 🍎
  
• July 2-3 Independence Day Observed (ACS Offices Closed)
  
• July 4 - America 250 🔵⚪🔴
• July 30 - Flexible Teacher Work Day
  
• July 31 Professional Learning Day

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

Free and Reduced Lunch Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 school year. Families must submit a new application each school year to be considered for benefits. Only one application per family is required.

2026-2027 ACS Student Daily Lunch Pricing:

• $2.75 – Paid Meal
• $0.40 – Reduced-Price Meal (eligibility determined by application)
• FREE – No-Cost Meal (eligibility determined by application)

Please note, unless you receive an email confirming that your student has been approved for Free or Reduced-Price Meals, your child will be charged the full paid meal price.

If you need assistance with the 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.

Visit acs-k12.org/freeandreduced to complete your application. Be ready for the first day of school - apply today!

United States Department of Agriculture Nondiscrimination Statement In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027 , found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

1. Mail:U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

2. Fax: 2. Fax: (202) 690-7442; or

3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Athens City Schools offices will be closed Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday as we celebrate our nation's freedom and the beginning of America 250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. View the full district calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar. Happy Independence Day from all of us at #oneAthens! ❤️🤍💙

The first day of school for Athens Elementary School, FAME Academy at Brookhill, SPARK Academy at Cowart, Julian Newman Elementary School, Athens Intermediate School, Athens Middle School and Athens High School is Thursday, August 6. View the 2026-2027 ACS Academic Calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

Check out the ACS Back to School Hub for school supply lists, important dates, district calendar, free and reduced lunch applications, menus and more. Visit acs-k12.org/backtoschool and check back often for updates. Be sure to follow your schools on Facebook and visit them on the web for more information.

JULY 30

• 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE PICK UP (10th- 12th)

JULY 31

• 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL SCHEDULE PICK UP
  
• 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM & 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE PICK UP (10th- 12th)
  
• 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL - FRESHMAN CAMP & SCHEDULE PICK UP

AUGUST 3

• 5:00 PM ATHENS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL MEET THE TEACHER - 5th
  
• 4:00 PM FAME ACADEMY AT BROOKHILL MEET THE TEACHER - PRE-K, K & 2ND
  
• 5:00 PM FAME ACADEMY AT BROOKHILL MEET THE TEACHER - 1ST & 3RD
  
• 5:00 PM ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL ORIENTATION - 6TH, 7TH & NEW STUDENTS (LAST NAMES A-E)
  
• 5:30 PM ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL ORIENTATION - 6TH, 7TH & NEW STUDENTS (LAST NAMES F-L)
  
• 6:00 PM ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL ORIENTATION - 6TH, 7TH & NEW STUDENTS (LAST NAMES M-Q)
  
• 6:00 PM ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN AND NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION
  
• 6:30 PM ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL ORIENTATION - 6TH, 7TH & NEW STUDENTS (LAST NAMES R-Z)
  
• 7:00 PM ATHENS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL MEET THE TEACHER - 4th

AUGUST 4

• 5:00 PM ATHENS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MEET THE TEACHER - PRE-K, K & 1ST
  
• 5:00 PM JULIAN NEWMAN ELEMENTARY MEET THE TEACHER - PRE-K, 1ST & 3RD
  
• 5:00 PM SPARK ACADEMY AT COWART OPEN HOUSE - KINDERGARTEN
• 6:00 PM ATHENS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MEET THE TEACHER - 2ND & 3RD
  
• 6:00 PM JULIAN NEWMAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MEET THE TEACHER - K & 2ND
• 6:00 PM SPARK ACADEMY AT COWART OPEN HOUSE - PREK & 1ST-3RD

AUGUST 6

• FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (AES, AIS, AHS, AMS, BES, CES & JNES)
  

View all ACS school shopping lists at acs-k12.org/supplies. If you have any questions about the supply list, please contact your school. The Alabama Sales Tax Holiday will be held July 17-19. This is a great opportunity to purchase school supplies tax-free!

ACS will be open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM through July 24, except on designated holidays listed on the official school calendar. If you have any questions, please call 256.233.6600 or visit acs-k12.org.

Summer projects are in full swing! While students and teachers enjoy a well-deserved summer break, our ACS Maintenance Team and construction partners have been hard at work preparing our schools for another outstanding year! Here’s a look at what’s happening across #oneAthens:

• The Athens Middle School competition gym is getting a fresh new look with new flooring, paint, ceiling grid and tiles, and bleachers. Our ACS Maintenance Team has also replaced lighting in the vestibules and mezzanine.
• FAME Academy at Brookhill Elementary improvements include 37 new front parking spaces, the addition of storage in the media center, and a new intercom system.
• Athens Intermediate School grounds improvements include a new asphalt overlay, an additional 19 front parking spaces, and a new Washington Street entrance drop-off/pick-up queue lane to improve traffic flow and safety.
• Thanks to a $210,000 TVA EnergyRight School Uplift Grant, SPARK Academy at Cowart Elementary is receiving 21 new HVAC units, beautiful new energy-efficient windows, ceiling grid and tiles, and other classroom improvements. The Friendship Room is also being refreshed with new flooring and paint, while our Maintenance Team has installed LED lighting in the classrooms.
• And throughout the district, our Maintenance Team has been busy making every school sparkle and shine, from freshly cleaned and polished floors to countless behind-the-scenes projects that ensure our students and staff return to safe, welcoming, and beautiful learning environments.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone working this summer to get Athens City Schools ready for an amazing 2026-2027 school year. We can’t wait to welcome our students back on August 6!

Visit acs-k12.org/camps for registration information, camp fees, and more.

• July 13 - Football for Women - Registration Now Open
• July 16 Youth Football Camp - Registration Now Open
• July 20-21 Volleyball Camp - Registration Now Open

Athens City Schools is proud to join communities across Alabama in celebrating America 250 and commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This historic milestone gives our students the opportunity to honor our nation’s past, reflect on the values that unite us, and grow as engaged citizens and future leaders. Through our Portrait of a Graduate, ACS is committed to developing character, citizenship, communication, and collaboration while inspiring students to help shape the future. We are excited for our students, staff, and families to celebrate this special occasion together as we honor America’s story and the spirit of our nation. Happy Birthday America!

Bring your family, grab your friends, wear your red, white, and blue, and experience one of most exciting traditions in Athens. Celebrate America 250 at the annual Red, White and Boom event at the Athens Sportsplex. It’s a full day of patriotic celebration, hometown pride, and summer magic.

Come celebrate Independence Day in Athens with a brand NEW 5K! This is your chance to come kick-off your 4th of July celebration by running a brand‑new certified course along the Swan Creek Greenway. The Red, White & Zoom will begin at 7:00 AM at the Athens Sportsplex. Register today!

Athens Limestone Chamber of Commerce/Limestone County Tourism is seeking volunteers this summer for the celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary on July 3 and 4. Events include Red, White & Boom, Red, White & Zoom 5K, Battle of the Bands, and more. Please note that students must be 16 or older to volunteer unless accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Volunteer Sign Up or visit

https://doodle.com/sign-up-sheet/participate/c8787f51-bb27-46cd-b048-e0c37a8d6591/select

If you would like more information, contact Stephanie Reynolds at stephanie@visitathensal.com or Pammie Jimmar at pammie@alcchamber.org.

Celebrate America's 250th birthday all weekend in Athens-Limestone County! 🇺🇸 Enjoy patriotic events, family fun, great food, live entertainment, and an unforgettable fireworks show. See you there!

Attention PreK - 6th Grade Golden Eagle Dancers! Join the Athens High School Dance Team for an exciting year of school spirit, dance, and fun through the Mini Eagles Dance Club! This program is designed for students who love to dance and cheer on the #goldeneagles! Members will learn dance fundamentals, build confidence, make new friends, and participate in fun school spirit activities throughout the year, including mini dance clinics on 8/13 and 12/8, as well as performances at the AHS Football game on 8/14 and the AHS Basketball game on 12/11! Registration Fee: $125 per student, including a t-shirt, clinic fee, and more. Discounts are available for ACS employees and families enrolling a second student. Whether your child is new to dance or already loves to perform, the Mini Eagles Dance Club is the perfect place to grow, have fun, and show their #goldeneaglespirit! Register by Monday, July 20, at forms.gle/pqyAvHE5VMQXCcNKA. For more information, please contact an Athens Dance Team Member or Coach Kristie Murphree at Kristie.Murphree@acs-k12.org.

Explore the possibilities of joining the #oneAthens family! Visit acs-k12.org/careers and apply through HireTrue, the Alabama State Department of Education Applicant Tracking System. Join our team and help us shape the future, one student at a time.

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 with important dates for 2026-2027. You can also view the academic calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

The Athens City Schools Board of Education recently approved the updated Student/Parent Handbook for the 2026-2027 school year. The handbook serves as an important resource for students and families and includes information on district policies, student expectations, attendance, safety procedures, technology use, communication guidelines, and more. Families are encouraged to review the handbook carefully before the start of school to help ensure a successful school year for every student. The updated handbook reflects current district practices and aligns with state requirements, including updates related to student safety and instructional expectations. The Student/Parent Handbook is available online at the district website and through each school. Thank you for partnering with #oneAthens as we work together to empower all students for lifelong success in a rapidly changing world.

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!

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

🇺🇸 Governor Kay Ivey is inviting Alabama students entering kindergarten through eighth grade to celebrate a patriotic summer through reading as America prepares to mark its 250th birthday. Students are encouraged to read six books by August 1, 2026, while exploring stories about America’s history, heroes, values, and spirit. Summer is a wonderful opportunity for our students to keep learning and dreaming big for their future and our country’s future. Click HERE to learn more.

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.

Help keep our Pride of Athens Golden Eagle Band hydrated and ready to rock this summer! Drop off your donation of bottled water or Gatorade on Saturday, July 11, from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM in Athens High School Parking Lot D. Thank you for your support!

Mark your calendars for Fall Friday Night Lights!

Coming soon! Follow AHS Football for more information, including date and time.

Military and Service Academy Day, hosted by Congressman Dale Strong, will be held on Saturday, August 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus in Huntsville. This event provides students and families with the opportunity to meet face-to-face with representatives from the U.S. Service Academies, military preparatory schools, collegiate ROTC programs, and National Guard organizations. Attendees will learn about the many pathways to serve their country while receiving a world-class education. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about service academy admissions requirements, eligibility criteria, and the congressional nomination process. For more information, visit: strong.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations. If you have questions, please contact Missie Lambert, Academy Nominations Coordinator, at 256-355-9400.

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.

We hope you have a wonderful July! Enjoy the rest of your summer! We can't wait to welcome our students back on August 6!

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.