Tiger Gazette

Collectively, we will rise to the occasion to increase student achievement, growth, and mastery, no excuses!

We empower every scholar through high-quality instruction, meaningful relationships, and shared accountability so all students achieve, grow, and demonstrate mastery.

The Comeback Is Real!

• Oct 23-31: Red Ribbon Week
• Oct 29: Title I Block Party 5PM
• Oct 30: ACS Fall Trunk or Treat @ AFES 11:30AM-12:30PM

• Oct 30 Career Exploration Mr. Love Guest Speaker: SRP

Native American Heritage Month

Military Family Month

November

• Nov 2: Teacher Work Day (No School Students)
• Nov 3: Election Day (No School Staff & Students)
• Nov 6: Career Exploration Mr. Love Guest Speaker: Low Country Health
• Nov 10: Careers on Wheels
• Nov 12: Interim Progress Reports (Quarter 2) Issued
• Nov 25-26: Thanksgiving Break
• Nov 30: The SCEA Read Across America Art Contest

December

• Dec 4: National Sock Day - Wear Crazy Socks
• Dec 7: National Slime Day - Genius Hour
• Dec 18: Early Dismissal
• Dec 21-Dec 31: Winter Holiday (No School Staff & Students)

Collect the Leaf Challenge: Building Connections and Belonging!

The leaf was on the move, the questions were flowing, and the competition was ON!

A BIG congratulations to Mrs. Renette Priester, our Collect the Leaf Challenge CHAMPION!

Who knew one little leaf could bring so much laughter, friendly competition, and fun to our school? This week was all about spreading smiles, getting to know our coworkers, and reminding everyone that a little fun goes a long way in building a school culture where everyone feels connected and belongs!

Thank you to everyone who joined the fun! We loved seeing the excitement, laughter, and connections throughout the week!

Mrs. Priester, enjoy those bragging rights… until our next challenge!

6th Grade ELA

A huge shout-out to this teacher for intentionally modeling how to analyze questions step by step and thinking aloud through the process with students. By breaking down each question, highlighting key information, and demonstrating strategies for success, the teacher helped students develop confidence, critical thinking skills, and a deeper understanding of how to approach complex tasks independently. This strong instructional practice supports students in making their thinking visible and using evidence to guide their learning.

We welcomed Ms. Melissa and Ms. Kerry from Carolina Medical Center as guest speakers for our Health Science class! Our scholars will have the opportunity to learn about careers in healthcare, gain insight into the medical field, and explore the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a future in health science. We appreciate our guest speakers for sharing their time and expertise to inspire the next generation of healthcare professionals!

Zion Lewis is recognized for her exemplary character, outstanding behavior, and commitment to doing what is right. She consistently leads by example, demonstrating responsibility, respect, and kindness without the need for reminders or recognition. Her willingness to take initiative and meet expectations independently reflects a level of maturity that sets a positive example for her peers. Through her everyday actions and positive attitude, Zion embodies the qualities of a model scholar and serves as an inspiration to those around her.

Costume Contest Reminder: Costumes must be school appropriate. Masks that cover the face, weapons, and props that look like weapons are not permitted. Please avoid costumes with graphic violence or offensive imagery. All costumes must allow students to participate safely in the school day.

Calling all AFMS student artists! In celebration of Read Across America Month, students are invited to participate in The SCEA’s 12th Annual Read Across America Student Art Contest for the 2026–2027 school year. Show your creativity and your love of reading by creating an original piece of artwork inspired by books, reading, or the joy of learning.

Interested in participating? See Mr. Dunson, our Art Teacher, for contest details, guidelines, and submission information. We can’t wait to see our Tigers bring reading to life through art!

MORNING ARRIVAL SIGN-IN PROCEDURES

• Students who arrive to school after 8:00 a.m. must report to the main office with a parent or guardian and sign-in with the receptionist.
• Tardy student will not be permitted to class without a parent or guardian.
• If the student does not bring a valid reason for being tardy, the sign-in will count as an unexcused tardy for regular classes and an unexcused absence if he/she is enrolled in a course for high school credit that period.
• If a student is late to a class and he/she does not have a pass from a teacher, staff member, or the front office, he/she will be marked tardy.

SIGN-OUT PROCEDURES

• The student must be signed out by his/her parent or other responsible person designated by the parent and listed on the student’s registration card.
• All students who are picked up early from school will be signed out through the PowerSchool Clerk Office or the Main Office.
• Parents/guardians must sign off on the sign-out sheet that is kept in the Main Office.

EARLY DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS (ENDS 2:30PM)

• If a student must leave school early, the parent/guardian must show valid ID, sign the student out documenting the time dismissed, and provide the purpose of the dismissal.
• The person picking the student up must be on the parent/guardian-approved list, show valid ID, complete the sign out sheet documenting the leave time and leave purpose.

It is our goal to accommodate parents as much as possible. However, for safety reasons and to protect the high levels of teaching and learning occurring on our campus all students requiring early dismissal must be signed out by 2:30pm. No student will be called to the office for early dismissal after 2:30 pm. No Exceptions!

TOPS: Shirts, vests, sweaters and sweatshirts. For the purpose of this policy, shirts, vests, sweaters and sweatshirts are referred to as tops. To that end, TOPS must be the approved school’s solid colors.

• SHIRTS
• Students shall wear plain shirts with a collar.
• Shirts may have school-approved/manufactured logos. Logo shall not be larger than 1" inch.
• Shirts may not exceed one size larger than necessary as determined by the school administrator.
• All shirttails, regardless of style, make or design, must be tucked in. Exceptions may be made for preschool and kindergarten students as needed by administration.
• VEST, SWEATERS, SWEATSHIRTS
• Students may wear vests, sweaters or sweatshirts without hoods that allow the collar to be exposed over school uniforms.
• The vest, sweater or sweatshirts shall be the school approved colors or coordinate with school colors (i.e. argyle) and may not exceed one size larger or smaller than necessary as determined by the school administrator.
• Jackets with hoods may be worn, but only with a full-length zipper.
• School T-shirts can be worn on designated dress down days, field days and special field trips as determined by the school administrator.
• Tank tops or sleeveless tee shirts are not allowed.
• All clothing must cover the stomach, back and sides from the shoulder to the waist; no backless dresses or halter tops; necklines must be appropriate.
• Garments shall assure modesty when the student is seated or engaged in school activities.

BOTTOMS: For the purposes of this document pants, skirts, skorts, jumpers, capri pants and shorts are referred to as bottoms. To that end, BOTTOMS must be the approved school colors. Denim jeans are not permitted. Principals may make exceptions for special field trips.

• Bottoms must be free of graphics and embroidery. With the exception of small labels, bottoms may not have insignias, words or pictures.
• Shorts, skirts, skorts, dresses and jumpers will be no shorter than 2½" above the knee or knee joint in the back when standing.
• Mini-skirts or mini-dresses are not allowed.
• Cargo-style pants or shorts are not permitted.
• Clothing shall not exceed one size larger than necessary as determined by the school administrator.
• Baggy or sagging pants or shorts are not permitted.
• Rolled up pants legs are not allowed.
• "Low rise" clothing is not permitted.
• Bottoms (excluding jumpers) shall be worn at the natural waistline and properly fitted to prevent sagging.
• Belts shall be worn in pants, skirts, skorts or shorts that have belt loops. Exceptions may be made for preschool and kindergarten students as needed by administration.
• Belts must be buckled and tucked in loops. Belt buckles must not be oversized or have any writing that is considered offensive.
• Pants must be worn at the waist.
• No denim jeans, sweatpants, running shorts, joggers, spandex or cargo pants are permitted.
• Tights, leggings, jeggings or jegging-style pants cannot be worn as bottoms.

FOOTWEAR: Shoes, sneakers and boots

• Shoes must be white, black or brown.
• Flip flops, crocs or slippers are not permitted.
• Heelys and Stilettos are not permitted.

NOTE: Head covering and blankets.

• Head coverings of any kind including, but not limited to, hats, caps, bandanas, curlers, masks, visors, kerchiefs, athletic sweatbands, earmuffs, sunglasses or hoods are not permitted.
• Head coverings will not be worn, carried, hung on belts or around the neck or kept in classrooms during regular school hours.
• Blankets are not permitted at school. Students should wear an appropriate jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt if they are cold. Blankets must remain at home.