Athens HS Senior Newsletter

Congratulations for reaching your SENIOR year at AHS. I look forward to working with each student and family in your final year of high school. I want us to work together to meet graduation requirements and prepare for the next step whether that may be college/university, work force, or military. Many Senior students enter/exit the north side of the building in the D Lot so you're just outside the Guidance Wing and my office. The registrar's office is visible from the entrance and you can come back to see your Counselor for help and support anytime. Students and families can feel safe knowing our conversations are confidential in a private office space.

I've been working on course schedules this summer based upon 1) graduation requirements 2) student course requests 3)availability of classes based upon staff changes. When you pickup your schedule, please consider these 3 items before you email or visit for schedule changes. I certainly can make mistakes but in most situations, you are placed in a correct course based on these criteria above. Some new AHS course prerequisites and Calhoun dual enrollment policies could also impact your course placement. The Counseling team prefers email requests for course schedule changes but we have also designated times on Wednesday, August 5 from 9-11am and 1-3pm for changes.

Many colleges and universities will soon open the application process for Fall 2027. I've seen some that start as early as August 1 (which is likely a full year out from enrollment!). In order to prepare for the process, I encourage you to take a few action steps now:

• Update your student resume with activities, awards, honors, and experiences
• Attempt to narrow your college choices by October for the AL Free College Application Week
• Competitive colleges/universities may recommend that you apply for admission/housing this fall
• Focus on your GPA and test scores for improving admission opportunities

If you are considering in-state universities or you're undecided about college, I encourage you to explore the new program (started '25-'26 SY) enacted by the Governor that offers direct admission by reading the next section...

The Alabama Direct Admission Initiative allows ALL high school seniors across Alabama to now be admitted to participating in-state colleges and universities – no applications required. Through this direct admission approach, students are recognized for their hard work with no stress, no applications, and no rejections. It’s a simpler, more supportive way to start the college journey. When you are ready to begin, simply click the link to start on your match profile.

Empire Studios will be on campus the week of August 10th–13th. Senior students have been assigned an appointment time. If you need to find out your appointment time or have questions regarding senior pictures, please refer to the email sent in May. You may also contact Empire Studios directly at (256) 550-3315 or by email at info@empire-schools.com

As a longtime resident of Athens, I've grown to love this community. I've been a school counselor over 25 years and I came to AHS in 2025. I'm excited to be part of the AHS family as both 12th grade Counselor and Head Men's Soccer Coach. My wife, Denise is an AHS grad and works as an Instructional Partner to support teachers at AHS. My oldest son, Carter graduated from AHS in 2022 and I have a son, Cade that now attends AHS. Our entire family now can say "It's A Great Day to Be a Golden Eagle!" A School Counselor is a trusted friend and I'm always here to help with course scheduling, graduation planning, mental health challenges, or even just to say "Hello, I have some great news!"

Senior Counselor

Michael Pettey- 12th Grade Counselor & Men's Head Soccer Coach

Email: michael.pettey@acs-k12.org

Phone: (256) 233-6613 x8006