One Athens Connects

Athens City Schools invites you to a special ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating our beautiful new Julian Newman Elementary School! This special event will be held on Sunday, October 26, at 2:00 PM in the new JNES gymnasium. Students, families, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to join us as we formally dedicate and celebrate this beautiful new campus. Following the ceremony, guests are welcome to tour the school campus. We hope that you will be able to join us for this momentous occasion!

October is National Principals Month. We are thankful for our amazing school leaders who serve our students, schools, and community with integrity, character, and heart. Be sure to take a moment this month to #thankaprincipal!

• Amanda Tedford, Athens Elementary School
• Crystal McNeal, FAME Academy at Brookhill Elementary School
• Lorian Charles, SPARK Academy at Cowart Elementary School
• Sharla Birdsong, Julian Newman Elementary School
• Jake Herrera, Athens Intermediate School
• Kim Moore, Athens Middle School
• Willie Moore, Athens High School
• Gia Russell, Athens High School Freshman Academy
• Catherine Preston, Athens Renaissance School
• Nelson Brown, Renaissance Virtual School

The Athens City Schools Teacher of the Year Gratitude Banquet would not be possible without the generous support of our 2025 sponsors:

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Martin & Cobey

BLACK & GOLD SPONSORS

RJ Young

McKee & Associates

Morell Engineering

Trustmark Bank

Athens State University

Goodwyn Mills Cawood

SILVER SPONSORS

First State Bank of the South

North Alabama Educators Credit Union

Redstone Federal Credit Union

Hand Arendall Harrison Sale

CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS

First National Bank

It’s National School Bus Safety Week! This week serves as an important reminder for students, parents, educators, and the entire community to keep school bus safety top of mind. Did you know that 1,664 Athens City Schools students are safely transported to and from school each day by 34 dedicated bus drivers operating 29 routes and traveling more than 6,300 miles every week? Our entire transportation team performs vital functions in assuring the safe operation of our school buses. #Thankabusdriver for their dedication to student safety each and every day!

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. October is Dyslexia Awareness Month. Please join us in raising awareness by learning more about dyslexia. Learn more about dyslexia at http://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia.

The vibrant sounds of the season will fill Athens Stadium at the Pride of Athens Golden Eagle Marching Band Invitational on Saturday, October 25, at 1:00 PM. This highly anticipated event will showcase outstanding high school marching bands across the region, promising a spectacular afternoon of music, color, and competition. Seventeen bands will compete for top honors in categories such as band, percussion, colorguard, drum major, majorette, and dance line, A panel of expert adjudicators will evaluate each performance for musical excellence, precision marching, and showmanship, presenting awards such as Superior Ratings, Best in Class, the Dan Havely Excellence in Music Award, and the James L. Cowart Most Entertaining Award. Adding to the excitement, the University of North Alabama marching band will deliver a special exhibition performance, giving audiences a thrilling glimpse into collegiate-level musical artistry and entertainment. Tickets are $10 and available on the GoFan app or at https://gofan.co/app/school/AL109. For more information, visit the event website at https://prideofathens.my.canva.site/pride-of-athens-marching-contest.

The annual Limestone County Night of Bands will be held on Tuesday, October 28 at 6:00 PM at East Limestone High School. Come out and support our Pride of Athens Golden Eagle Band and other local marching band students. If you have any questions, contact tyler.parker@acs-k12.org. #goBand #ACSFineArts

The Pride of Athens Golden Eagle Marching Band has been on a roll this season! At the Chief Ladiga Marching Band Festival, they earned Superior Ratings in ALL categories, captured Best in Class for percussion, majorettes, and color guard, and claimed the 2nd Overall Band Score out of 17 competing bands! They followed up with another outstanding performance at the Pell City Marching Invitational, once again earning Superior Ratings in every category and sweeping Best in Class Band, Majorettes, and Color Guard! We are so #AthensProud of our talented musicians, performers, and directors for representing our Golden Eagle Spirit with excellence!

Athens High School Wrestling is excited to host the annual Father-Daughter Dance on Saturday, October 25, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM in the Athens High School Cafeteria. This fundraising event is open to princesses in PreK - 6th Grade. Dust off your dancing shoes and grab your tickets on the GoFan app or at gofan.co/app/school/AL109. Tickets are $45/couple (princess & escort) and $10 for additional princesses. For more information, contact andrew.campbell@acs-k12.org.

Starting now through November 3, enjoy 50% off a one-time professional garbage can cleaning from Bin There, Cleaned That, and they will donate 50% of the proceeds to Athens Cheer! Schedule your bin cleaning at bintherecleanedthatAL.com or scan the QR code below. Select One-Time Cleaning and use promo code ATHENSCHEER at checkout. You can have up to two cans cleaned with this special offer! This service is completely contactless from start to finish. Relax or run errands while your bin gets sparkling clean. If you have any questions, contact gia.russell@acs-k12.org. Thank you for supporting Athens Cheer!

Athens High School students are coming together to honor local veterans through the annual Field of Flags and Poppy Commemorative, sponsored by the Rho Kappa Social Sciences Honor Society and the National Art Honor Society. This meaningful initiative gives students, staff, and community members an opportunity to show appreciation for those who have served our country while supporting a local cause. Participants may sponsor a flag for a minimum donation of $2, or purchase a handmade ceramic poppy keepsake for $5. Each poppy is individually crafted and kiln-fired by AHS art students and will be delivered once completed. All proceeds from this project will directly benefit VFW Post 4765 in Athens, helping support local veterans and their families. The sponsored flags will be proudly displayed outside the AHS Arena leading up to the school’s Veterans Day Celebration, creating a powerful visual tribute to the courage and sacrifice of America’s heroes. Please see any Rho Kappa member to place your order. Through this collaborative effort, Athens High students are learning that small acts of service, like sponsoring a flag or crafting a poppy, can make a lasting impact on their community and those who have bravely served our nation.

Mark your calendars with updates to the Varsity Football and Varsity Flag Football schedules:

Athens High School Flag Football

Tuesday, October 28

Athens Stadium - Home of the Golden Eagles

Senior Night begins at 5:45 PM | Game begins at 6:00 PM.

Athens High School Varsity Football

Thursday, October 30

Athens Stadium - Home of the Golden Eagles

Senior Night begins at 6:30 PM | Game begins at 7:00 PM

Tickets are available on the GoFan app or at https://gofan.co/app/school/AL109.

Check out the September 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.

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.

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 acs-k12.org/freeandreduced.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Check out the Athens High School Varsity Football schedule along with the school spirit themes.

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

Single Tickets:

• Basketball/$8
• All other sports/$8

Season Passes

• Basketball Season Pass/$60
• All other 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.

The Athens-Limestone County Bowling Special Olympics will be held on November 13 at AMF River City Lanes in Decatur. Help support this special event through the Slim Chickens Fundraiser on November 6! Slim Chickens will donate 15% of your total toward Special Olympics. Use code SLIMGIVES when ordering online.If you have any questions or need more information, contact Charity Rogers at charity.rogers@acs-k12.org. Thank you for supporting our athletes!

RenV DECA students are collecting nonperishable food items to stock Connie's Cabinet, a self-serve food pantry located at the Athens-Limestone Public Library. Items can be dropped off at Renaissance Virtual School or Athens City Schools Central Office. If you have any questions, contact shaneka.harris@acs-k12.org.

ACS Esports is selling some fun socks, perfect for cozy season and great gifts for the upcoming holidays! For every two packs of socks sold, Esports will donate one pair to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Thank you for your support!

Athens High School Thespians invite you to "The Diviners". Set in a small Indiana town during the Great Depression, "The Diviners" tells a moving story that explores faith, fear, and resilience.

Showtimes

• Thursday, November 13 at 6:00 PM
• Friday, November 14 at 6:00 PM
• Saturday, November 15 at 1:30 PM and 6:00 PM

Athens High School Performing Arts Center (APAC)

Student Tickets are $5.00. Adult tickets are $10.00. Purchase your tickets on the GoFan app or visit https://gofan.co/app/school/AL109.

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, 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!"

• 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!

The Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association and the Alabama Community College System are teaming up to help Alabamians pursue a technical education certificate or associate degree in preparation for a career related to the automotive manufacturing industry. This opportunity it available to any High School Senior or College Freshman who might be interested in pursuing an automotive manufacturing related career in Alabama. For moreinformation, visit https://www.dreamitdoitalabama.com/aama/. Application is due by November 7.

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.

• 2025-2026 Veterans of Foreign Wars Grades Voice of Democracy Competition and Scholarship Program - open to students in grades 9-12
• 2025-2026 Veterans of Foreign Wars Patriot's Pen Essay Competition - open to students in grades 7-8
• 2025-2026 Smart/Maher Veterans of Foreign Wars National Citizenship Education Teacher of the Year - nominate K-12 educators

Entry deadline for all is October 31, 2025

If you have any questions, please contact Jeannie Terrell, Junior Vice Commander of the VFW Post 4765, at cptterrell2011@gmail.com or (407) 443-4540

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.

Did you know that many families can get free help filing their taxes? The IRS offers programs like the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which helps people prepare and file their taxes at no cost. The IRS is can help help families with young children and college students understand the tax credits and benefits they may qualify for, such as:

• Child Tax Credit

• Additional Child Tax Credit

• Earned Income Tax Credit

These credits can make a big difference for families by putting money back in your pocket when you file your return. By spreading the word, we can help ensure that every eligible family takes advantage of these valuable benefits. To learn more or to find a free tax preparation site near you, visit irs.gov/vita.

The Athens-Limestone County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade applications are open. This annual community tradition will be held on Thursday, December 4, at 6:00 PM. The number of float entries is limited this year. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Clickhere to learn more and apply, or visit tourathensal.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/2958. If you have any questions, contact Casey Mays at casey@alcchamber.org.

The Wall That Heals will be in Athens, AL at Beasley Field, located at Athens State University, from November 6 through November 9. Learn more about The Wall That Heals at https://thewallthathealsathens.org/.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY They need your help! If you are interested in helping with set up on Wednesday, November 5, from 8:00AM - 3:00 PM and/or take down on Sunday, November 9, from 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM, sign up at https://thewallthathealsathens.org/volunteer/.

Athens Arts League invites you to Scout Sessions! Whether you are a seasoned songwriter or just getting started, The Scout Sessions is a creative circle to plug in, be inspired and grow. Bring your notebook, guitar, voice and get ready to build something, one lyric at a time.

Athens City Schools is proud to place #18 in the Niche Best School Districts in Alabama list. The ranking is based on data from the US Department of Education along with reviews from students and parents. Ranking factors include state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, teacher quality, public school district ratings, and more.

2025 State Niche Rankings:

• Athens City Schools District, #18 Best School Districts in Alabama
  
• Athens City Schools District, #18 Most Diverse School District in Alabama

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.