November 4, 2026

Principal's Message

Hello Red Hawk Community,

Welcome to the second term of the school year! We have officially completed our first quarter, and I want to congratulate our students and staff on a strong start. As we begin this next chapter, I encourage our students to reflect on their progress, celebrate their successes, and identify opportunities for continued growth. First-term grades will be available in the Parent Portal this Friday, providing families an opportunity to review academic progress and have meaningful conversations about goals for the weeks ahead.

There is also excitement building around our performing arts program as the Athens Theatre Company prepares to present its fall production of Almost, Maine. We look forward to three performances on November 6 and 7 at 7:00 PM and November 8 at 2:00 PM. Our talented students have been working hard to bring this production to life, and we encourage our community to come out and support them!

As we continue our work to create a school where every student feels valued, connected, and supported, Athens is excited to participate in the Defeat the Label initiative through One Table: Leadership for Belonging. We will be working with a cohort of students to engage in meaningful conversations, build understanding across different perspectives, and help move our commitment to belonging forward. This work directly reflects our core values of Be Thoughtful, Act with Integrity, and Make an Impact, and reinforces our belief that every student has a role in shaping the culture of Athens.

We have a great deal to look forward to as we begin the second term. Let's build on our positive momentum, continue to grow together, and stay Above the Line!

Keep Pointing Positive, Go Red Hawks!

Vernon Burden

Principal, Troy Athens High School

News You Can Use

Tickets cost $15 for adults, and $10 for students & seniors. Tickets can be purchased online at: https://athenstheatrecompany.ludus.com/200551260

Athens Parent University: Building Belonging Together

Join us on Wednesday, November 18, at 6:00 PM for our second Athens Parent University session! This engaging evening will focus on Defeat the Label, One Table: Leadership for Belonging, and Unity & Equity, highlighting our commitment to creating a school community where every student feels valued, connected, and supported.

We are excited to welcome Dr. Chantelle Yancy as our guest presenter to help guide meaningful conversations about belonging and strengthening our school community.

We encourage all Athens families to attend as we continue working together to make a positive impact on our students and school culture. We hope to see you there!

Freshman Belonging Survey – Athens High School

The Athens High School Counseling Department is offering an optional Freshman Belonging Survey during our 9th-grade meetings November 9th - 12th. This brief survey helps us better understand how our freshmen feel about belonging, connections with peers and staff, academic confidence, and involvement in school activities. Students can also share ways we can better support them throughout their high school experience.

Their feedback helps us continue building a welcoming, supportive, and connected school community for all students!

Please click here for more information about the survey.

Click here to sign up

Changes to the Work Permit Process - Effective October 2, 2026

A new Michigan law (Public Act 196 of 2024) is changing how work permits for minors are processed. Currently, schools are responsible for issuing and revoking work permits. However, starting October 2, 2026, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) will take over this responsibility.

Key Changes:

New Online System: Minors and employers MUST use LEO’s free registration website to apply for and process work permits.

Work Hour Restrictions:

14- and 15-year-olds may only work between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. from June 1 to Labor Day and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. the rest of the year.
During the school year, work is limited to 3 hours per day and 18 hours per week.
16-year-olds and older have more flexibility. Rules can be found at the bottom of the work permit below.
When school is not in session, minors may work up to 40 hours per week.

Work Permit Process

Step 1: Create Your YEPP Account
Enter your:

Personal and parent/guardian information
School information, including school start and end times
Employer information, including address, and manager’s name

Step 2: Employer Completes Their Section
YEPP will notify your employer. They will enter your job duties, wage, work hours, and shifts.

Step 3: State Review
The State of Michigan reviews the information submitted by you and your employer.

Your school does not need to approve the permit.

Step 4: Permit Approved
Once approved, you and your employer will be notified. Your work permit will be active in YEPP.

More details on the new system will be available as the transition approaches. For more information, visit Michigan LEO's website

Helpful Resources:
Michigan LEO - Work Permit Information
Michigan LEO - Youth Employment

Attendance Reporting with VisitU

VisitU is our attendance management system for reporting absences, late arrivals, and early dismissals. Please keep these important reminders in mind:

Report attendance through VisitU: Families should use VisitU to submit attendance information.
Select the accurate reason: Please choose the reason that most accurately reflects why your student will be absent.
Reporting does not automatically mean excused: Submitting an absence through VisitU notifies the school, but the absence must still meet Troy School District guidelines to be considered excused.
Excused absences: Examples may include illness, religious observances, family bereavement, mandatory court appearances, college visits, or circumstances approved by a building administrator.
Unexcused absences: Absences that do not meet district criteria will be recorded as unexcused, even when reported by a parent/guardian through VisitU.

Please review the graphic below for additional information about reporting attendance and excused absences.

Beginning this year, the attendance voicemail line will no longer be available. All attendance reporting must be submitted through the VisitU mobile app.

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.visitu.vid

Apple (iPhone): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/visitu-mobile/id1454044111

Click here to donate to the PTO

PTO President: athenspto.pres@gmail.com

PTO Vice President: athenspto.vp@gmail.com

Purchase a $25 “Red Hawk Riches” raffle ticket and be automatically entered into a monthly

drawing from October 2026 to June 2027. Click here to order

Winners will be posted on the Athens PTO Facebook page, the Athens Newsletter (in the PTO section) and winners will also be emailed. Drawing will be held at Athens High School during the PTO meetings with the exception of December and March, which will be held at the PTO board meeting.

11/2 - 11/6..........College and Career Week

11/6......................Fall Play | Almost Maine 7:00 pm

11/7......................Fall Play | Almost Maine 7:00 pm

11/8......................Fall Play | Almost Maine 2:00 pm

11/9......................Senior All Night Party Meeting | TACC | 7:00 pm

11/18....................Athens Parent University | TACC | 6:00 pm

11/25....................No School | Thanksgiving Break

11/26....................No School | Thanksgiving Break

11/27....................No School | Thanksgiving Break

Student Celebrations

Staff Spotlight

Staff Spotlight: Mrs. Villerot

1. What is your role at Athens and how long have you been here?

This is my first year at Athens High School, and I teach ELA. I feel so lucky to get to do what I love every day—teach, read, and learn alongside my students!

2. What is your educational background?

I earned my degree in English from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and my master’s degree in teaching from the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky.

3. What do you enjoy most about working with our students and staff?

I love the relationships--my favorite part of teaching is watching students grow, find their voice, and discover a book, story, or idea that really sticks with them.

4. What is one accomplishment or part of your work you are most proud of?

I’m most proud of creating a classroom where students feel comfortable sharing their ideas and taking risks as readers and writers. Seeing a student realize, “Wait…I’m actually good at this!” is the best!

5. What is something you enjoy outside of school (hobby, interest, or fun fact)?

Reading, of course! I’m always happy to have a book in my hands. I love discovering new books and sharing recommendations with my students. My “to be read” list is most definitely longer than I’ll ever be able to finish!

6. What makes the Athens community special to you?

The people! I love being part of a community where students and staff genuinely care about each other. I’m grateful that I get to come to work every day and do something I truly love—helping students become confident readers, writers, and thinkers.