One Athens Connects January 2026

Happy New Year! Mark your calendars with important dates to remember in January:

• January 5/6 - Teacher Work Day & Professional Learning/ no school for students
• January 7 - Welcome Back/2nd Semester Begins
  
• January 14 - Report Card Day
  
• January 19 - Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday/school closed
  
• January 28 - Progress Report Day/AHS & AMS

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

We look forward to welcoming our students back to campus on Wednesday, January 7, as we kick off the second semester. View the full academic calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar. We can't wait to see you!

Report cards will be distributed on January 14. View the ACS Progress and Report Card schedule at acs-k12.org/reportcards.

Preparing children for success begins early. Athens City Schools is proud to offer two Pre-K programs:

• Alabama First Class Pre-K
  
• Eagles Nest Inclusion Pre-K

Each program has its own unique admission requirements, application, tuition, and selection process. Application window opens January 15 and closes March 9. Learn more about each program and apply at acs-k12.org/prek.

Athens City Schools will be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. View the ACS academic calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

ACS Progress Reports will be available on Wednesday, January 28. View ACS progress and report card schedule at acs-k12.org/reportcards.

January is School Board Recognition Month and we are so very grateful for our Athens City Schools Board leaders! Special thanks to Beverly Malone, Shannon Hutton, Anthony Townsend, Karen Clem and Toby Harrison for your service and dedication to Athens City Schools! Learn more about our ACS Board of Education at acs-k12.org/board.

Our Athens City Schools Board of Education approved the 2026-2027 academic calendar at the December board meeting. You can also view the district calendar at acs-k12.org/calendar.

Congratulations on100 days of learning & growing in ACS!

It's time for Athens High School Golden Eagle Band Mini Majorette Camp! This camp will be held January 29-30 and February 2 from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM in the AHS Bandroom. Mini twirlers will perform at the Athens High School Basketball game on Tuesday, February 3. Camp fee is $45 and includes a t-shirt. Visit ahs.acs-k12.org/band for registration and payment link. For more information, email Rebecca.Gladney@acs-k12.org. REGISTER BY JANUARY 21!

The Athens City Schools Foundation was thrilled to celebrate all of these special teachers at the 10th annual Teacher of the Year Gratitude Banquet. Congrats to all!

• REBECCA GLADNEY, Athens Elementary School
  
• KATIE WALKER, FAME Academy at Brookhill Elementary School
  
• RACHAEL KNOX, SPARK Academy at Cowart Elementary School
  
• KATIE DEEN, Julian Newman Elementary School
  
• ASHLEY BOUTWELL, Athens Intermediate School
  
• BEN TUCKER, Athens Middle School
  
• KENNEDY LEOPARD, Renaissance Virtual School
  
• JENNY LIND JOHNSTONE, Athens Renaissance School
  
• MICHAEL MAY, Athens High

Get to know our 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year.

Special congrats to our Athens City Schools District Teachers of the Year! We wish Mrs. Gladney and Mr. May the best of luck as they represent Athens City Schools in the State Teacher of the Year competition.

Check out the January 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.

The 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay & Art Contest, sponsored by The City of Athens, Limestone County, and Limestone NAACP, is going on now! This contest is open to students in Athens and Limestone County, grades 2-12. Entries are due by Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Winners in each category will read their essays and discuss their artwork during the MLK program on Monday, January 19, 2026. Art will be on display at the Veterans Museum and the Mayor's Office. The first, second, and third place winners for both essay and art will receive a cash award and a plaque. If you have any questions, contact Benard Simelton at (256) 426-6406 or bsimelton@aol.com. Please refer to the flyer for details on grade-level divisions, themes, and submission information.

Scholarship opportunity to attend a full week of Space Camp for Leading Students in Alabama (SALSA). Open to students ages 12-14. Apply now through April 5. Learn more at link below.

Sixth grade students across north Alabama are invited to participate in the North Alabama STEM Essay Contest. Apply by January 16. Learn more and apply at https://nal.swe.org/north-alabama-stem-essay-contest/.

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.

• Call Athens City Schools at (256) 233-6600 for assistance with the ACS Free and Reduced Lunch Application.

• Call the Child Nutrition Program at (334) 694-4656 for free interpretation or translation services, including non-English languages and American Sign Language (ASL).
• For relay or speech services, dial 711 or visit alabamarelay.com.

An easy way to add lunch money to your student account is through My School Bucks. 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 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.

In order to comply with the Code of Alabama, Section 16-6B-7 Accountability Law, Athens City Schools is making available financial, student achievement and school safety/discipline reports. Click below to view each report:

• Financial
• Student Achievement
• School Safety and Discipline

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

We are proud to announce the selection of our first-ever Aspiring Administrator Cohort, a yearlong professional learning experience designed to grow and support the next generation of district leaders. Throughout the year, this inaugural group will participate in monthly leadership sessions, study and apply strategies from Leading a High Reliability School, analyze school improvement plans, lead yearlong projects aligned to district goals, and grow within a supportive network of peers, while receiving mentorship from ACS district leaders. Coordinated by Athens Elementary School Principal Amanda Tedford and Athens Intermediate School Principal Jake Herrera, the ACS Aspiring Administrator Cohort provides meaningful, job-embedded learning that empowers educators to make an immediate impact today and prepares them for future opportunities across #oneAthens.

Congrats to the 2025-2026 ACS Aspiring Administrators:

• Leslee Gaston, Athens Elementary School
  
• Thomasena Garner, Athens Renaissance School
  
• Lauren Kyle, Athens Renaissance School
  
• Erica Hand, Athens Renaissance School
  
• Brooke Holt, Athens Renaissance School
  
• Minouche Kaufmann-Perry, Renaissance Virtual School
  
• Daphne Scott, SPARK Academy at Cowart
  
• Wendy Davis, Athens Intermediate School
  
• Keziah McCarley, Athens Intermediate School
  
• Patrick Chambless, Athens High School
  
• Charity Rogers, Athens High School
  
• Sandra Davila, Athens High School
  
• Darci Hays, Athens Middle School

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!" Learn more and place your order at jnes.acs-k12.org/bricks.

Congrats to the ACS Artists of the Month! Special thanks to our awesome Athens City Schools Fine Arts teachers who encourage and inspire these young artists!

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.

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.

Turn everyday items into something special for the JNES campus. Bottle caps will be reused, recycled, and repurposed to create new benches for the JNES playground. Every cap makes a difference. Drop off caps at Julian Newman Elementary School or Athens High School. If you have any questions, email jnesptf@gmail.com Thank you for your support!

With winter weather is upon us! Check out these reminders to ensure you are prepared for the cold temperatures.

We are so grateful to all our partners and appreciate their commitment to supporting #oneAthens through time, service, talent, and more!

*Athens High School - First Metro Bank

*Athens Middle School - Griggs Orthodontics

*Athens Intermediate School - Ridgeline Construction

*Athens Elementary School - Pinnacle Financial Partners

*FAME Academy at Brookhill Elementary School - First National Bank

*Julian Newman Elementary School - Athens-Limestone Hospital

*SPARK Academy at Cowart Elementary School - Friendship Methodist Church

*Athens Renaissance School - T-Mobile

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.