ACS Connect Employee September 2026

• Mark Your Calendars - September dates to remember
• Homecoming 2026 - Parade - new day, time and route, Homecoming Spirit Week, Alumni Video, Milestone Alumni Tailgate
• Opportunities for Teachers - Trash Pandas Night (9/1), UAB Blazers Football Night (9/12)
• TVA STEM Grants - Deadline approaching!
• College Colors Day - September 4
• Labor Day Holiday - September 7
• Early Dismissal Reminder - September 16
• Progress Report Day - September 16
• Fundraisers & School Spirit Gear - AHS Football Stadium T-Shirt (Deadline Approaching), AMS Mums, AHS Basketball, Legacy Bricks, Color Guard Clinic (4th - 8th graders)
• Attendance Awareness Month
• September Menus
• Student-Parent Handbook Update
• September Mental Health Connector Newsletter
• Free and Reduced Lunch Application - Deadline approaching! Apply by September 17!
• Athletics - Schedules, Golden Guidelines, Clear Bag Policy
• Community - Special thanks to our ACS Partners in Education, Special Education parent and educator resources, Kids and Kin
  
• and more!

Mark your calendars with important dates to remember:

• September 7 - Labor Day Holiday
• September 16 - Scheduled Early Dismissal Day for Students
• September 16 - Progress Report Day (Athens Middle School & Athens High School 6-12)
• September 17 - Homecoming Parade at 6:00 PM

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

Friday, September 4, is College Colors Day! Students and staff are encouraged to show their college spirit by wearing the colors of their favorite college or university. Whether you’re representing your future school, celebrating your alma mater, or cheering for your favorite team, we can’t wait to see our schools filled with college colors!

ACS will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. View the full academic calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

Athens City Schools will dismiss early on Wednesday, September 16, as scheduled in the 2026-2027 ACS Academic Calendar. 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
• ARS - 11:00 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.

Athens High School and Athens Middle School Progress Reports will be available on Wednesday, September 16. View the ACS progress and report card schedule at acs-k12.org/reportcards.

Show your Golden Eagle Spirit during Homecoming Week!

• Monday 9/14 - Heroes vs Villains
  
• Tuesday 9/15 - Twin Day
  
• Wednesday 9/16 - Country vs Country Club
  
• Thursday 9/17 - Favorite Teacher
  
• Friday 9/18 - Black & Gold

View all of the homecoming fun at acs-k12.org/homecoming.

A favorite Athens High School Homecoming tradition is moving to a new day and time this year! The Athens High School Homecoming Parade will now take place on Thursday, September 17, at 6:00 PM. Make plans to come out and cheer on all of our Golden Eagles in this cherished tradition of floats, music, spirit, royalty, and more! The parade will step off from Athens Renaissance School and travel down Clinton Street to Forrest Street and Jefferson Street. The parade will then make its way around The Square via Washington Street, Marion Street, and Market Street before returning to Jefferson Street. From there, the parade will continue to Hobbs Street and conclude at Athens Middle School. Wear your black and gold, line the parade route, and help us fill downtown Athens with Golden Eagle Spirit! View all Homecoming activities at acs-k12.org/homecoming.

We have something extra special planned for the classes of 1966, 1976, 1986, 1996, 2006 & 2016 during Athens High School Homecoming! Join us from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM on Friday, September 18, for the AHS Homecoming Alumni Tailgate, hosted by the AHS Student Council Association. Come connect with classmates, reminisce about your days at AHS, and celebrate the traditions that bring generations of alumni together! These classes will also be recognized during pregame festivities! If your class would like to participate in the tailgate and pregame recognition, please contact Nicole Taylor at nicole.taylor@acs-k12.org.

As we celebrate Homecoming 2026, we are eager to highlight our employees across the district who are Athens High School alumni! If you and/or your immediate family graduated from Athens High School, consider submitting a photo for the ACS Golden Eagle Alumni Video (see 2025 video). Photos can be recent or vintage :) Be sure to include the names and graduation years of those pictured. Email your submissions to christy.hubbard@acs-k12.org. Please note, we will automatically include photos that have been previously submitted for the video. However, if you would like your photo added or changed, email Christy. All photos are due by Tuesday, September 15. Learn more about all the upcoming Homecoming festivities at acs-k12.org/homecoming.

Athens City Schools Foundation recently awarded $18,000 in classroom grants to more than 50 ACS teachers for the 2026–2027 school year! These grants provide educators with additional resources to enhance instruction, encourage innovation, and create engaging learning experiences for students.

AES

• Holly Hargrove: Tiny Hands, Big Ideas: First Grade STEM Bins
  
• Sue Noah: We've Got Problems
  
• Leslee Gaston: Imaginary Play for Social Skills
  

AHS

• Lindsay Ramsden: Visionary Visits
  
• Laura Lou Smith: Wings Up Freshmen Orientation
  
• Angela Wagner: From Heat to Height: Enhancing Aviation Education Through Hot Air Ballooning, Rocketry, and Thermal Imaging
  
• Tavia Slaton: Sculpting Tomorrow: Bringing 3D Innovation to the Visual Arts
  
• Charity Rogers: Writing Our Story: A Collaborative Publishing Project for Exceptional Learners
  
• Laura Lou Smith, Carla Parker, Whitney King, LaTiegra Ford & Austin Dorning: MTSS Student Incentives
  
• Lindsey Ramsden & Mellody Heathington: Blueprint for Brilliance
  

AIS

• Shane Leopard, Brooke Jones, Leslie Brown, Kandie Newsom & Sydney Holloway: Unearthing Earth's History
  
• Tiffany Wilbourn & Kara Crumbley: The Literacy Lounge: Voices of Fourth Grade
  
• Tiffany Wilbourn, Shane Leopard & Emily Baucum: Pedal Powered Learning
  

AMS

• Tanya Hill: Voices that Persuade: A Student-Produced PSA Project
  
• Shannon Humphrey: Experiencing With Science
  
• Amanda Roberts, Allison Adams & Chase Crowson: Special Abilities with AbleSpace
  

ARS

• Taylor Whisenant: STEM StoryBuilders: Coding Through Literacy
  
• Mollie Bounds, Janene Frye, Allison Carvalho, Hope Cagle & Leah Hargett: Growing Mathematical Thinkers
  

BES

• Brooke Holt: Tiny Thinkers STEM Exploration Bins
  
• Madison Brown: Becoming Published Authors: Bringing Our Class Book to Life
  
• Kerri Owens: Phonics Playground - Engaging Young Minds in Reading

JNES

• Diane Trout: The Harmony Garden: Reading, Music, and Imagination
  
• Amy Lungrin: Voices Without Limits
  
• Katie Harbin & Ellie Lovvorn: Words on Wheels

RenV

• Emily McDaniel & Kennedy Leopard: The RenV HUB & HOME Ecosystem: An Innovative Model for Hands-on Mathematical Exploration (HOME) in Virtual Education
  

CES

• Amanda Elgin, Shaina Hays, Cindy Smith, Natasha Reeves & Peter Wilkerson: Collective Success: Building Math Fluency One Bin at a Time
  
• Leah Pierce: Air Dry Clay for Sculptures

Since 1997, ACSF has been connecting community support with classrooms, funding programs such as the Third Grade Violin Program, Teacher of the Year Gratitude Banquet, Teacher Classroom Grants, and more! Visit acsf.acs-k12.org to learn more about ACSF and ways to support.

We are incredibly grateful for the Foundation and the many individuals, businesses, and community partners who invest in our teachers and students. Congratulations to our grant recipients! We can’t wait to see these ideas come to life!

September is Attendance Awareness Month. Let’s help our students build a habit of being on time and in school each and every day. Learn more about the ACS attendance policy at acs-k12.org/handbook.

Check out the September 2026 edition of ACS Mental Health Connector, a mental health and wellness newsletter from Michael Ross, ACS Mental Health Services Coordinator. Contact Mr. Ross at michael.ross@acs-k12.org for more information.

Visit acs-k12.org/employees for useful employee links and information, including employee calendar, forms and more.

Mark your calendars with important dates to remember during the 2026-2027 school year. View the district calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

Athens City Schools is now hiring for Special Education Teachers and Special Education Instructional Aides. Visit acs-k12.org/careers and apply through HireTrue, the Alabama State Department of Education Applicant Tracking System. Join our team and help make a difference in the lives of our students.

We are excited to announce a new opportunity for anyone who is interested in instructional coaching. This year, we will be launching the ACS Aspiring Instructional Coaches program! We are looking forward to putting together our first cohort of participants who will have the opportunity to learn more about the instructional coach role and develop skills related to being a successful coach. The AIC program will also help us identify individuals who are interested in instructional coaching, and allow us to support their development as potential candidates for future instructional coach positions.

Cohort members will:

• Attend four learning sessions (the dates and times are listed in the application form)

• Study Jim Knight’s Seven Partnership Principles

• Practice one-on-one coaching with colleagues

• Learn from and gain perspective from experienced instructional coaches

• Have the opportunity to earn professional development credit

If you are interested in applying to participate in the first cohort of the ACS AIC, please click HERE to fill out and submit your application. The application form is short and will provide us with some basic information about your availability and interest in the program. There are a limited number of seats available for this program, and the deadline to submit your application is Friday, September 4, 2026.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, contact Kipp Cain or Toni Bailey.

Check out all of the new team members who have joined the #oneAthens family from Institute Day 2025 to Institute Day 2026, as well as those who have stepped into new roles through transfers across our district! Thank you for choosing to be part of Athens City Schools and for making a difference in the lives of our students. We wish you an incredible school year and are so glad you're here!

Friendly reminder that all fundraiser requests and promotional flyers must be submitted and approved through the appropriate ACS process before being posted or shared. Please remember that crowdfunding is considered a fundraiser and must follow the same Athens City Schools procedures. Approved choices for crowdfunding include Lean Stream and DonorsChoose.org.

Soliciting donations or requesting purchases through unapproved sources such as Amazon Wish Lists, GoFundMe, or similar platforms is not permitted under ACS guidelines. Thank you for helping ensure all fundraising efforts remain consistent with district policies and procedures.

If you are a new employee or need an ID Badge, please send your photo to Tammie.Brand@acs-k12.org (please no AI-generated photos). Reminder, all employees must wear an ID badge. 🎫 Your badge is also your ticket into Athens High School and Athens Middle School HOME games.

As a reminder, all social media accounts representing any Athens City Schools team, club, organization, department, or school-affiliated group must be approved by the school principal and registered with the Office of Communications. This process helps ensure that all school-associated social media is properly managed, monitored, and maintained while providing our families and community with trusted, accurate, and consistent information. At this time, Athens City Schools only authorizes the creation and use of Facebook and Instagram accounts on behalf of the district. If you need to register an existing account, check the registration status of an account, or request approval to create a new account, please contact Christy Hubbard at christy.hubbard@acs-k12.org or (256) 233-6602. View the ACS Social Media Guidelines and registration information.

As you create materials this school year, thank you for helping keep the Athens City Schools brand consistent and recognizable!

A few quick reminders:

• The "A with Wing" logo is for academic and district communications.
• The Golden Eagle logos are for athletics and athletic-related programs.
• Please use only official ACS logos provided by the Office of Communications. Avoid creating logos or mascots with AI, as they often alter our official branding.
• AI can be a great tool, but please ensure that any AI-generated content aligns with the ACS brand and provides a consistent, accurate representation of our #oneAthens family.

The Athens City Schools Board of Education approved an update to the 2026–2027 Student & Parent Handbook in July 2026 to align with Alabama Act No. 2026-367. The new law establishes significantly increased criminal and educational consequences for individuals who make credible threats of violence or property damage against a school. Athens City Schools takes all threats seriously. Students and families are encouraged to understand the seriousness of making, sharing, reposting, or circulating threatening statements or content and to immediately report any potential threat to a trusted adult, school administrator, or law enforcement.

Key Highlights of Alabama Act No. 2026-367

• A First-Degree Terrorist Threat involving a school is now classified as a Class B felony.
• A Second-Degree Terrorist Threat may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor or elevated to a Class D felony for repeat offenses.
• A credible threat is defined as a knowing and willful statement or course of conduct that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of another.
• Students who make threats may also face serious disciplinary and educational consequences in accordance with law and Board policy.

Check out the 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.

Free and Reduced Lunch Application deadline is approaching! Families must submit a new application each school year to be considered for benefits. Only one application per family is required. 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. Learn more about our ACS Child Nutrition Program at acs-k12.org/nutrition.

Complete your application by September 17!

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

An easy way to add money to your student’s lunch account is through MySchoolBucks. Create an account or log in at myschoolbucks.com to view your student’s account balance and purchases. You can also download the MySchoolBucks 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. Need help? Contact tandy.blackwell@acs-k12.org.

2026-2027 Child Nutrition Program meal prices and a la carte pricing. Learn more at acs-k12.org/nutrition.

Athens High School Pride of Athens Golden Eagle Marching Band will host a Cadet Colorguard Clinic for 4th - 8th graders on October 19-22. Come learn the basics of color guard, build new skills, and experience what it’s like to be part of the Pride of Athens! Sign up at https://forms.gle/1xRawp7wHSgcdMgd9. If you. have any questions, contact rachel.bobo@acs-k12.org.

The Athens High School Basketball Spirit Store is open through Friday, September 4. Place your order at https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/MtgAGkovbj.

Athens Middle School Mum Fundraiser is going on now through September 9. Mums are $15 each and available in red, purple, yellow, and orange. If you would like to place an order, please contact AMS at 256.233.6620 or rebekah.tucker@acs-k12.org.

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!

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

Thank you for supporting Athens Elementary School!

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 graduate, 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. Thank you for supporting Julian Newman Elementary School!

As an Athens City Schools employee, you have a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference for our students by supporting the Athens City Schools Foundation through a convenient monthly payroll deduction. The Foundation provides funding for innovative classroom grants, student enrichment opportunities, and other initiatives that go beyond the traditional school budget. Best of all, every dollar stays right here in Athens City Schools, directly benefiting our students, teachers, and schools. Making an impact is easy. Simply complete the payroll deduction form and return it to ACS Payroll at marjorie.onder@acs-k12.org or through interoffice mail. No gift is too small. Together, we can continue investing in opportunities that empower our students and strengthen the future of #oneAthens.

Make a lasting impact on Athens City Schools students and teachers by joining the Athens City Schools Foundation Power for Students program. Giving is simple! You can add a monthly donation of any amount to your Athens Utilities bill, and 100% of your contribution goes directly to supporting Athens City Schools. Your gift helps fund valuable initiatives such as Teacher Classroom Grants, the 3rd Grade Violin Program, and many other opportunities that enrich student learning. Getting started is easy. Complete the enrollment form and submit it:

• Through your child's school or teacher
• In person at the ACS Board of Education Central Office
• By email to foundation@acs-k12.org
• By mail to Athens City Schools Foundation, 455 U.S. Highway 31 N., Athens, AL 35611

Every gift, no matter the amount, helps provide meaningful opportunities for our students and teachers. Thank you for supporting the Athens City Schools Foundation and investing in the future of #oneAthens. Learn more: acsf.acs-k12.org/power.

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. 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.

We are ready to cheer on our Golden Eagles! Join the fun by participating in our Football Friday Dress-Up Days throughout the season. Check out the schedule, plan your outfits, and show your Golden Eagle Spirit each Friday!

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

Get ready to cheer on your Golden Eagles! Sports passes coming soon on the GoFan app or at gofan.co/app/school/AL109.

Single Tickets:

• Football/$12

• All other sports/$8

• Single Sport Season Pass/$60
• All Sports Season Pass (Student) /$40
• All Sports Season Pass (Adult)/$80
• Gold Seats/$70

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

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.

• All children in 8th grade and below and non-school age children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
• All students are expected to be seated and in the stands unless visiting the concessions or restrooms.
• Students are not permitted to loiter in groups outside of the seating area.
• Students who do not follow the ACS athletic facilities guidelines will be required to sit with the adult they arrived with or asked to leave the game.

Our goal is to always have a safe and enjoyable environment at our stadium, gymnasiums, fields and more. We appreciate your cooperation.

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.

Trash Pandas invite you for Educator Appreciation Night on Tuesday, September 1. Discount tickets can be purchased at link below. Two lucky teachers who are present will receive $2,500 for their classroom! Show your ID badge in the Junkyard to get 10% off merchandise too!

And our own AHS teacher, Angela Miller, has been selected to throw the ceremonial first pitch! Congrats to you, Mrs. Miller!

UAB Athletics invites you to the Extra Yard For Teachers Game at Protective Stadium on September 12! Click on the link below to purchase discounted tickets. Go Blazers!

Elevate Fitness & MedSpa is proud to propose a wellness partnership designed to support the health, wellness, and overall well-being of Athens City Schools faculty and staff. This partnership is intended to provide exclusive fitness and wellness benefits while encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle within the educational community.

Partnership Benefits

Exclusive Membership Pricing + First Month Free

• Special pre-sale membership rates available to all Athens City Schools employees with a valid school ID
• Guaranteed pricing with no membership rate increases for two (2) years
• First Month Free, enrollment fee and annual fee due upon signing.

Monthly Teacher Appreciation Incentives

• On the last Thursday of each month, Athens City Schools employees will receive:
  • 50% off smoothies
  • 25% off retail merchandise

Fitness Incentive Classes

• Following club opening, Elevate Fitness will offer one complimentary weekly group fitness class exclusively for Athens City Schools employees ( with any membership).
• Classes will be held on Fridays from 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM and may include formats such as:
  • Line Dancing
  • Pilates
  • Yoga
  • Combat Fitness
  • Wellness & Recovery Classes

Guest Privileges

• Members participating through the partnership will receive one complimentary guest pass per month

This collaboration is designed to promote employee wellness, reduce stress, encourage healthy lifestyles, and strengthen community engagement between Athens City Schools and Elevate Fitness & MedSpa. Through accessible wellness opportunities and exclusive employee benefits, Elevate aims to become a trusted health and wellness partner for the Athens City educational community.

Link to BOE Membership Discount: Athens BOE Membership Discount

UNA Partnerships offers tuition discount and assistance. Learn more at una.edu/unaworks/partnerships.html.

The ASU Learning Partnership applies to all ASU programs, including certificates, adult degree completion, and graduate degrees. Benefits include discounted tuition on all online and traditional classes, waiver of the application fee and more. Contact Tammie Brand at tammie.brand@acs-k12.org for more information.

UAH Differentiated Instruction Program

UAH is offering a 25% tuition discount for students enrolling in the online Master of Education program in Differentiated Instruction. Click here to learn more.

UAH Instructional Leadership Program

Learn more about the UAH Instructional Leadership Program.

UAH TEACH Grant

The UAH Teach Grant provides up to $3,772 per year toward your education if teaching in a high-need field in a low-income school after graduation.

Check out REACH University, an accredited, nonprofit university offering bachelor's degrees for school employees. After grants and scholarships. the expected out-of-pocket contribution for full-time undergraduate candidates is $75/month throughout the degree experience. Learn more at apply.reach.edu.

Sign up today for Free 2 Teach! This FREE school supply store resource is located in Huntsville. Please see the information below to create your teacher account and schedule a shopping day!

• Mission and History!
  
• Store Information
  
• Teacher Portal
  
• FAQs

We hope that you will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity!

The Athens State University Region 2 In-Service Center offers professional learning opportunities, workshops, and resources to support educators throughout the year. Explore upcoming training, certification support, instructional resources, and more.

TVA STEM Classroom Grant Program applications are now open! Educators can apply for grants to develop science, technology, engineering, and math education projects. Applications should highlight STEM projects that are unique, innovative, and creative ideas that incorporate design thinking and promote 21st century skills. Points are awarded for projects that enhance college and career readiness and that are both collaborative and interdisciplinary across subjects and/or grades. All project proposals should support one of the following TVA priority areas: Environment, Energy, Economic and Career Development, or Community Problem Solving. The deadline to apply is September 15. Learn more and apply at tsin.org/stem-classroom-awards/.

Bridge Street Town Centre, a Tanger property, values your dedication to education and to your students, as you continue to enrich and educate the future leaders of our country. Tanger Kids is pleased to announce the 2026-2027 Grant Program! Please visit https://grants.tangeroutlet.com/ to access our TangerKIDS Grants online portal where you can submit a grant request. Your requests can support educational programs, equipment, special projects, technology, software or any need that you have identified within your classroom. The application closes on October 18. Should you have any questions, contact the management team at TangerBridgeStreetManagement@Tanger.com or 256.428.2022.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Alabama Be Healthy School Grant Program. Apply May-July. Learn more and apply.
• Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition Shade Structure Grant Program awards grants to public schools for permanent shade structures for outdoor locations not protected from the sun, like playgrounds and recreation spaces. Learn more and apply.
• Steelcase Foundation Grant geared toward the following areas: accessible, quality learning experiences, multi-generational support, advocacy, and engagement, removal of barriers and systemic impediments and/or arts + cultural experiences that enhance young people’s learning, engagement, and sense of belonging. Learn more and apply.
• Daniel Foundation offers Education and Youth Grant opportunities. Learn more and apply.
• Dekko Foundation offers grants for Early Childhood Development, Middle Childhood Development, Adolescent Development, and Community Development grant opportunities. Learn more and apply.

Opportunity for Students in Grades 10-12: Want to learn more about your local government and community? Apply for a spot in the Athens Mayor's Youth Commission. Deadline to apply is September 9.

• Athens High School - First Metro Bank
• Athens Middle School - Griggs Orthodontics
  
• Athens Intermediate School - Ridgeline Construction
  
• Athens Elementary School - Innovative Realty Solutions
  
• 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
  

Northwestern Mutual is offering Special Education Planning Workshops during the month of September on topics such as "Set Up a Trust, Now What?", "Letter of Intent Workshop" and "Where to Start, 4 Essential Steps".

Each session includes

Click on each image below to learn more and register.

The Alabama Parent Education Center provides training and resources to enhance parental involvement in education, supporting families with children with disabilities. Check out these September interactive trainings designed to educate, empower, and inspire.

• Supporting Reading Success for Students with Disabilities - September 17 at 10:00 AM. Register at https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/e7Vfzc2TTQavVhnzu_0JJg
• Youth Leadership Council for youth with disabilities ages 14-26 in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas. Meetings will be held every second Monday via Zoom. Register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/593YXFB.

The Alabama State Department of Education Special Education Services will host an IDEA Bootcamp on Tuesday, October 27, at the Athens State Regional Inservice Center. Designed for parents and educators, the training will provide a practical look at the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including common areas of conflict and strategies to support effective implementation for children with disabilities.

VFW Post 4765 invites you to participate in the following 2026-2027 programs:

• Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Competition and Scholarship Program - Open to students in grade 9-12
• Smart/Maher Veterans of Foreign Wars National Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year - Nominate an outstanding K-12 educator

Please submit entries to vfwpost4765@gmail.com and randy.welcher@outlook.com by October 31.

You can help support our schools every time you shop! Through Food City’s School Bucks Program, $800,000 is awarded to participating schools to support classrooms, equipment, supplies, and more. Simply link your Food City ValuCard to the ACS school of your choice. Every dollar you spend earns points for your selected school. The more points earned, the greater the school’s share of School Bucks funding! Visit foodcity.com/schoolbucks to log in or create an account, link your ValuCard, and select your ACS school. Thank you, Food City, for investing in our students, schools, and community!

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.

RSA would like to make you aware of their supplemental retirement plan. RSA-1 Deferred Compensation. Whether you are a new employee or an employee who is getting ready to retire, it is to your advantage to participate in the RSA-1 Deferred Compensation Plan. Please watch the short video found here to find out more about the plan and how to enroll. Enrollment forms are located in the back of the RSA-1 Member Handbook. For additional information, contact RSA by email at rsa1info@rsa-al.gov or toll-free 1.877.517.0020. Members can also view this information on the RSA-1 page on the RSA’s website: rsa-al.gov/rsa-1/.

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!

We love sharing about all of the amazing things that are happening in our schools and in the lives of our outstanding students and employees! Do you have a story, event, award, recognition or something cool going on in your classroom that you would like to share with our #oneAthens community or have something you would like to see in a future employee newsletter? Please send it to Christy.Hubbard@acs-k12.org.