ACS Connect Employee August 2026

• Mark Your Calendars
• ACS Back-to-School Reminders
• TVA STEM Grants Now Open
• Safety Update
• Student-Parent Handbook Update
• Menus
• Free and Reduced Lunch Application
• Fundraisers
• Athletics
• Mental Health Connector Newsletter - August 2026
• Community
• and more!

Mark your calendars with important dates to remember:

• August 6 - First Day of School - Welcome Back!
• August 21 - Pep Rally on the Square - Early Dismissal
• August 26 - Progress Report Day (Athens Middle School & Athens High School 6-12)

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

The Athens Booster Club invites our community to Meet the Eagles on Friday, August 7, at 6:00 PM at Athens Stadium! Come out and show your Golden Eagle Spirit as we introduce our Athens High School athletic teams, band, cheerleaders, and dance team before an exciting new season. For more information, please contact your coach or Linda Moore, ACS Athletic Director, at linda.moore@acs-k12.org

Mark your calendars for Pep Rally on the Square, a very special #oneAthens tradition! Get ready to show your Golden Eagle Spirit on Friday, August 21, at 3:30 PM.

Early Dismissal Times:

• Pre-K - 1:45 PM
  
• Elementary - 2:20 PM
  
• AMS - 2:30 PM
  
• AIS - 2:40 PM
  
• AHS - 2:45 PM

Buses will depart at the school's early dismissal time. Please plan for your bus rider to arrive home earlier than usual. Latchkey will be available at all K-5 schools. If you have any questions, contact your school.

Athens High School and Athens Middle School Progress Reports will be available on Wednesday, August 26. View the ACS progress and report card schedule at acs-k12.org/reportcards.

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.

More than 600 #oneAthens employees came together today at Athens High School for our annual ACS Institute Day, officially kicking off the 2026-2027 school year! The morning was filled encouraging messages from Mayor Ronnie Marks, Board President Beverly Malone, Superintendent Beth Patton and more. We loved hearing the inspiring message from our keynote speaker, Reggie Dabbs, who reminded us of the incredible impact every school employee can have on the life of a child.

Special thanks to:

• Velocity1 and Trustmark Bank for sponsoring the delicious breakfast prepared by our amazing AHS Child Nutrition Team.
  
• All of the many businesses and organizations who participated in our inaugural Golden Eagle Partner Passport Challenge, your support made the morning unforgettable. Thank you to everyone who donated prizes and helped make our first Passport Challenge a huge success!

• Leigh Ann Todd and the Athens City Schools Foundation for awarding $18,000 in teacher grants to support innovative learning opportunities for our students.
• Our AHS Student Council Association and JROTC Eagle leaders for helping welcome our employees and guests and participating in the program .
• Dr. Ty Parker for providing beautiful piano music as employees entered the APAC, creating a warm and welcoming start to the day.

The countdown is on, and we can’t wait to welcome our Golden Eagles back to school on Thursday, August 6!

Check out all of the new team members who have joined the #oneAthens family since Institute Day 2025, 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.

f 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.

View all ACS shopping lists at acs-k12.org/supplies. We can’t wait to welcome our students back on Thursday, August 6!

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 be mindful that what is created is on brand with ACS. Need to be consistent and accurate representation of our one Athens family.

Key Highlights

• First-Degree Terrorist Threat involving a school is now classified as a Class B felony.
• 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.

Employees are encouraged to review the updated Student & Parent Handbook and familiarize themselves with these important changes to ensure consistent communication with students and families. Click on each link below to view the ACS Student-Parent Handbook.

The safety of our students, staff, and visitors across One Athens always remains our highest priority. As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe and secure learning environment, Athens City Schools will implement OpenGate weapons detection systems across the district for the 2026–2027 school year. Following a successful pilot at Athens High School beginning in January 2025, OpenGate systems will now be used at Athens High School and Athens Middle School for everyone entering the buildings. At our elementary schools, the systems will be used to screen visitors as they enter the campus. This proactive measure is designed to help deter prohibited items from entering our schools while allowing students, staff, and visitors to move through entrances quickly and efficiently. A complete list of prohibited items is available in the Student Code of Conduct found in the Student-Parent Handbook. School safety is a shared responsibility, and we appreciate the continued partnership of our students, families, staff, and community as we work together to provide a safe learning environment where every student can learn and thrive.

Check out the May 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 Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 school year. Families must submit a new application each school year to be considered for benefits. Only one application per family is required.

2026-2027 ACS Student Daily Lunch Pricing:

• $2.75 – Paid Meal
• $0.40 – Reduced-Price Meal (eligibility determined by application)
• FREE – No-Cost Meal (eligibility determined by application)

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 or (256) 497-6516.

Be ready for the first day of school - apply today!

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.

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

What a difference a summer makes! As we kick off our new school year, we're excited to share a look at some of the completed improvements across #oneAthens. From refreshed learning spaces and upgraded facilities to improved parking, traffic flow, safety enhancements, and energy-efficient upgrades, these projects reflect our continued commitment to providing the very best learning environment for our students and staff.

Projects included:

• The Athens Middle School competition gym received new flooring, paint, ceiling grid and tiles, and bleachers. Our ACS Maintenance Team has also replaced lighting in the vestibules and mezzanine.
• FAME Academy at Brookhill Elementary improvements included 37 new front parking spaces, a Library refresh, cafeteria refresh and new intercom system.
• Athens Intermediate School grounds improvements included a new asphalt overlay, an additional 19 front parking spaces, and a new Washington Street entrance drop-off/pick-up queue lane to improve traffic flow and safety.
• SPARK Academy at Cowart Elementary received 21 new HVAC units, beautiful new energy-efficient windows, ceiling grid and tiles, and other classroom improvements. The Friendship Room was also refreshed with new flooring and paint. Our ACS Maintenance Team has installed LED lighting in the classrooms.

A huge thank you to our incredible ACS Maintenance Team and construction partners for their hard work and dedication throughout the summer. Your efforts behind the scenes have helped ensure our schools are ready to welcome our Golden Eagles back on August 6!

We can't wait for students, teachers, and staff to enjoy these updated spaces. 💛🖤

Check out the August 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.

Show your #goldeneaglespirit all season long while supporting Athens Cheer. View all designs at forms.gle/koWu2H4r5376Vw8U8.

• Youth Shirts – $18
  
• Adult Shirts – $20
  
• Plus Sizes – $22
  
• Purchase the spirit bundle (all shirts) for $ 80

Orders are due by August 10 for guaranteed delivery before the first football game. If you have any questions, contact tasia.farmer@acs-k12.org.

Show your Golden Eagle spirit and gear up for football season! The Athens Football Spirit Store is open now through August 7. Don't miss your chance to order your favorite Athens Football apparel and accessories before the store closes. Shop now at bsnteamsports.com/shop/PNNJvrgso4.

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, 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 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 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!" 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.

Get ready to show your Golden Eagle Spirit!

FALL SPORTS PROGRAM Celebrate your athlete or promote your business in the AHS Fall Sports Program! To learn more and purchase an ad, visit acs-k12.org/boosterclub. Deadline to order is August 10. If you have any questions, email athensboosterclub@gmail.com. Thank you for supporting Athens High School athletics!

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. Visitwww.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.

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.

Then checkout 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 scheduling a shopping day!

• Mission and history!
  
• Store Information
  
• Teacher Portal
  
• FAQ's

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/.

• 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 by 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.

Athens City Schools was honored to be part of the Food City ribbon-cutting celebration! We are incredibly grateful to Food City for presenting ACS with a $5,000 donation through the Food City School Bucks Program to support our students and schools.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!

Military and Service Academy Day, hosted by Congressman Dale Strong, will be held on Saturday, August 22, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Auburn University Research and Innovation Campus in Huntsville. This event provides students and families with the opportunity to meet face-to-face with representatives from the U.S. Service Academies, military preparatory schools, collegiate ROTC programs, and National Guard organizations. Attendees will learn about the many pathways to serve their country while receiving a world-class education. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about service academy admissions requirements, eligibility criteria, and the congressional nomination process. For more information, visit: strong.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations. If you have questions, please contact Missie Lambert, Academy Nominations Coordinator, at 256-355-9400.

Merrimack, a nonprofit organization providing arts education and meaningful life experiences for people with special needs ages 3 and up, is excited to offer the Happy Hearts program this fall at the new Madison location. Visit merrimackhall.com for more information or see attached flyer.

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 rsa1info@rsa-al.gov or toll-free 1.877.517.0020. RSA-1 representatives are available Monday-Friday 8:00a.m.-5:00p.m. 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.