One Athens Connects

On behalf of the Athens City Schools Board of Education, I am excited to welcome more than 5,400 students to a new school year!

Athens City Schools continues to be recognized as one of Alabama’s top school districts, thanks to our dedicated teachers and staff, supportive families, and engaged community. Our commitment to academic excellence and student success remains at the heart of everything we do. Our district consists of nine schools serving students in PreK through 12th grade.

As our community continues to grow, we remain focused on planning and preparing for the future. Recently, we have made significant investments to meet the needs of our expanding student population:

• Both Athens Renaissance School Elementary and Athens Renaissance Secondary students will be housed at the Clinton Street Campus.
  
• Renaissance Virtual School (RenV) will now be located at the former public library.
• A 20,000 sq ft addition to Athens Intermediate School is now complete, featuring 8 new classrooms, restrooms, and a gym/storm shelter for AIS students, faculty, and staff.
• Most excitingly, we will welcome students to the new Julian Newman Elementary School on August 5. This state-of-the-art building, designed by McKee and Associates and built by Lee Builders, can serve up to 700 students. It features nearly 40 classrooms, a cafeteria, media center, 2 gymnasiums, storm shelters for students, faculty, and staff, and more.

This year also brings an important statewide change. The Alabama FOCUS Act, signed into law in May, requires all students to power down and store personal devices (phones, smartwatches, AirPods) during the school day. We appreciate your support as we work to create a focused, engaging, and distraction-free learning environment. Learn more, including expectations, exceptions, FAQs and more at acs-k12.org/focus.

Student safety remains our top priority, and we continually assess and upgrade our security measures. We have recently added additional security cameras across the district, along with vape detectors, and a new Weapons Detection System at Athens High School. We are also grateful for our School Resource Officers and Athens Police Department partnerships. All staff are equipped with CrisisAlert badges to ensure rapid response in any emergency.

For over a century, Athens City Schools has been the heart of our community. We are proud to be a progressive, high-quality school district committed to empowering all students for lifelong success in a rapidly changing world. We are looking forward to the year ahead. It’s truly great to be an Athens Golden Eagle!

Warm regards,

Beth Patton
Superintendent, Athens City Schools

Check out the ACS Back to School Hub for school supply lists, important dates, district calendar, free and reduced lunch applications, menus and more. Be sure to follow your schools on Facebook and visit them on the web for more information.

• JULY 28 8:00 AM-11:00 AM & 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL Schedule Corrections
  
• JULY 29 8:00 AM-11:00 AM & 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL Schedule Corrections
  
• JULY 29 6:00 PM ATHENS HIGH SCHOOL 9th & New Student Orientation
  
• JULY 30 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL 6th Grade Schedule Pick Up
  
• JULY 30 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL 7th & 8th Grade Schedule Pick Up
  
• JULY 30 4:15 PM - 5:00 PM FAME ACADEMY AT BROOKHILL PreK, K & 2nd Grade Orientation
  
• JULY 30 5:15 PM - 6:00 PM FAME ACADEMY AT BROOKHILL 1st & 3rd Grade Orientation
  
• JULY 31 5:00 PM ATHENS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Open House (come and go)
  
• JULY 31 6:00 PM ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL 6th Grade Open House/Meet the Teacher
  
• JULY 31 7:15 PM ATHENS MIDDLE SCHOOL 7th & 8th Grade Open House/Meet the Teacher
  
• AUGUST 3 1:00 PM ATHENS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL 4th Grade Open House
  
• AUGUST 3 2:15 PM ATHENS INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL 5th Grade Open House
  
• AUGUST 3 3:00 PM JULIAN NEWMAN ELEMENTARY PreK, K & 1st Grade Meet the Teacher
  
• AUGUST 3 4:15 PM JULIAN NEWMAN ELEMENTARY 2nd & 3rd Grade Meet the Teacher
  
• AUGUST 4 5:00 PM SPARK ACADEMY AT COWART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL K & 2nd Grade Orientation
  
• AUGUST 4 6:15 PM SPARK ACADEMY AT COWART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 1st & 3rd Grade Orientation
  
• AUGUST 5 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL for AES, BES, CES, JNES, AIS, AMS & AHS
  

We are excited to welcome our students back to school on Tuesday, August 5! As we prepare for another great year of learning, we want to remind you of a new law going into 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 will follow 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.

2025-2026 Free and Reduced Lunch Application now open. 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.

View all ACS school shopping lists at acs-k12.org/supplies. If you have any questions about the supply list, please contact your school.

If you need bus service for your K-8th student this fall, you must sign up through Returning Student Registration (Re-Enrollment). If you need your student snap code for re-enrollment, please call 256.233.6600 or stop by the ACS Central Office. Learn more at acs-k12.org/transportation. Reminder that bus service is not available for Athens High School or Athens Renaissance School students. Don't delay, re-enroll today!

We are so very excited to welcome our #oneAthens families to an amazing year in ACS! We invite you to join us as we celebrate the new school year. Please share your first day photos using the following hashtags:

#acsback2school

#oneAthens

We hope you have a wonderful first day of school and a terrific school year! ❤️

Check out the August 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.

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 www.acs-k12.org.

The classrooms are coming to life, and our very first students experienced their new school during Kindergarten Camp.From empty classrooms to vibrant learning spaces, the new Julian Newman Elementary School is quickly becoming a home for our #littleeagles. Construction began in March 2024, and this 85000+ campus will soon welcome nearly 500 students. We can't wait to open the doors on August 5! Follow the journey at acs-k12.org/progress.

View the 2025-2026 district calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

• July 4 - Fourth Of July Holiday Observed

• July 29 - Teacher Workday

• July 30 - Professional Learning

• July 31 - Professional Learning

• Aug 1 - Institute Day

• August 4 - Teacher Workday

• 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

View All Important Academic Dates To Remember At Acs-K12.Org/Calendar.

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.

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.

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

Thank you for supporting iAcademy at 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!

View the 2025-2026 ACS Progress and Report Card Distribution Schedule at acs-k12.org/reportcards.

FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES Limestone County Churches Involved, Inc. will distribute free school supplies to Athens and Limestone County families on Tuesday, July 29, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM. This special event will be held at the First Methodist Church Youth Center, located at 203 N. Jefferson Street (next door to LCCI). Please bring proof of residency (ID, utility bill, or lease). For more information, contact LCCI at (256) 262-0671. Special thanks to LCCI for this opportunity for our families!

Scan the code above or visit https://www.happythreadsapparel.com/products/ams-sca-fundraiser-tee. Place your order by August 15. If you have any questions, email carla.mclemore@acs-k12.org. Thank you for supporting Athens Middle School SCA!

Are you interested in learning more about opportunities related to military service and academies after high school? If so, then please mark your calendars to attend Military Service and Academy Day, hosted by Congressman Dale Strong. This event will provide the opportunity to speak with representatives from West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, Marion Military Institute, JROTC, Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force/Space Force, and Coast Guard. You will also have a chance to learn more about service academy eligibility requirements and congressional nominations.

Military Service and Academy Day

August 2 | 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Huntsville High School Gymnasium

2304 Billie Watkins St. SW, Huntsville, AL 35801

RSVP to madison.neal@mail.house.gov

Girls Scouts invites you to make plans to meet your local chapter for games and crafts on Thursday, August 14 at 6:00 PM at Big Spring Park in Athens. If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Kiki Leslie at misshotpink06@hotmail.com or (256) 874-5342.

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.

Get a well-rounded summer of reading with these opportunities for students for K-8 grades.

Governor Ivey invites Alabama K-8 students to join her for the 3rd Annual Summer Reading Challenge, going on now through September 5. To participate, grade-eligible students may write a letter to Governor Ivey, sharing what their preferred summer reading book was and why it was their favorite. Learn more at Governor Ivey's Summer Reading Challenge.

Second Lady Usha Vance invites K through 8th students across the country to read 12 books by September 5 and track their progress on a designated reading log. Students who complete her challenge are eligible for a certificate, prize and a chance to win a trip to Washington, D.C.

The Athens Legendary Pearls are offering the Youth Leadership Institute (YLI), a free program for youth ages 11–13 focused on building independence, leadership skills, and personal empowerment. Through hands-on, experiential learning, students will take part in youth-led meetings, shared responsibilities, decision-making, and service projects. This co-ed institute is designed to support young people during a key stage of development as they transition into adolescence. Learn more and sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScP6LfdxJKfBvS3znygLNnkQBc-dnFPLxx_ATDdrVFOoUHxWQ/viewform

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.