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Welcome to the ACS Newsroom where you will find the latest stories and happenings in the Athens City Schools community. We understand there are exceptional and extraordinary things happening in our shcools and in the lives of our students each and every day. Have a story you would like us to know about? Please share your story with us!
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State of Education
Superintendent Dr. Trey Holladay recently shared an update on Athens City Schools at the annual Chamber of Commerce State of Education address. His update included a snapshot of district data, projects, awards and a look into what's next for ACS. Click the article title to learn more now.
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AHS celebrates new school with dedication program & ribbon cutting ceremony
Athens High School (AHS) will celebrate the opening of the new high school campus with a special school dedication program and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Athens community on Sunday, June 2, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. The dedication program will include messages from students, faculty, alumni and other distinguished guests. Click title for more info!
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Special Graduation Message to the Class of 2019
Commencement - it is a word that literally means “a beginning or start.” The commencement ceremony is the celebration of a new beginning. To the seniors, you are truly beginning a new chapter in your young lives. Click here to read our sincerest message of congratulations on your graduation.
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Athens City Schools recognizes school lunch heroes serving healthy meals
Every day in ACS, more than 5,000 meals are served to over 4,550 students by a team of 34 child nutrition professionals. Between preparing healthy food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, our child nutrition professionals have a lot on their plate. To celebrate their hard work and commitment, ACS celebrates School Lunch Hero Day on May 3.
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Athens City Schools statement regarding recent events at Athens High School
Athens City Schools is saddened by the events of April 10, 2019. Athens City Schools does not condone violence or discrimination of any kind. This is not who we are as a school system or a community. We are proud of our motto, “A Community Connected by Education.” We believe in this statement. We see it lived out every day in our schools. Our teachers love our students and work every day for their well being. Click on the article title to continue reading.
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New honor society named for special teacher
Athens High School (AHS) recently inducted 96 students as charter members in the newly established AHS Mike Jones Chapter of Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society. The AHS chapter is named after long-time social studies teacher Mike Jones in recognition and appreciation for his years of service as a social studies teacher in Athens City Schools (ACS). Jones taught social studies courses at both Athens Middle School (AMS) and AHS for 20 years. Click the title to continue reading.
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Elite championship coach commits to Athens High School
Athens City Schools (ACS) is proud to announce the hire of championship volleyball coach April Marsh. Marsh will be the the new head volleyball coach at Athens High School (AHS) beginning summer 2019. Marsh, a state championship winner with nine appearances in the state championship playoffs in the last nine years with four appearances in the state finals, is currently the head coach at Bob Jones High School and the Director of United Volleyball Club of Madison. Click the article title to read more now!
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Teacher says area cities need to work together
Chris Paysinger has been teaching for 20 years and says it’s never been as much fun as now. Paysinger, a history teacher for high school students in the ACS project-based learning academy housed in an historic building, complete with brick walls and heart-pine floors, on Marion Street in downtown Athens. Read more now!
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SPARK Academy at Cowart Elementary selected as the CLAS Banner School for District 8
SPARK Academy at Cowart Elementary was named as the 2018 CLAS Banner School for State School Board District 8 by the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). This award recognizes schools that serve as outstanding educational models for other schools in Alabama. The CLAS Banner School award is the highest district honor granted by CLAS. Read more now.
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WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone funds innovation lab at iAcademy at Athens Elementary
iAcademy at Athens Elementary (AES) was recently awarded a grant from local business partner WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone. The $18,000 grant is being used to develop a new WOW! Innovation Lab and Makerspace for students at AES.
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Kindergarten Registration and academy showcase for the 2019-2020 school year
Athens City Schools (ACS) kindergarten registration for the 2019-2020 school year is February 25 through March 29. Registration is open to any child who is five years old on or before September 1, 2019 and is an Athens resident. Kindergarten registration is completed through an online service called SchoolMint. As an introduction to the Athens Academies, ACS is hosting an elementary academy showcase on February 25. Click the title above for full details about kindergarten registration.
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Our Future is Bright: ACS Progress Report, Spring 2019
ACS is committed to meeting the challenges of today while preparing for the bright future of tomorrow. Dr. Chris Hamilton, Athens City Schools Director of Communications and Public Relations, talks progress, growth, facilities, and more in this short Q &A session. Click now to learn more!
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SPARK Academy at Cowart Elementary selected as CLAS School of Distinction
SPARK Academy at Cowart Elementary has been selected as a 2018 School of Distinction by the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS). This award recognizes schools that serve as outstanding educational models for other schools in Alabama. One hundred and sixty schools were nominated for this prestigious recognition. Click to read the full article.
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iAcademy at Athens Elementary named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence
iAcademy at Athens Elementary (AES) has been named a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School (NBRS) of Excellence by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. AES is one of five Alabama schools recognized as a NBRS. The coveted NBRS award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Click to read more.
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Two Schools Awarded Be Healthy Grants
Two ACS schools were awarded $20,000 in grant funding from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Be Healthy Grant Program. HEART Academy at Julian Newman and Athens Intermediate School received grants to implement school-based health and wellness programs that emphasize increased exercise, nutrition education and parental involvement.
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Change in Back to School Plans for AHS Students
The much anticipated opening of the new Athens High School campus has been delayed. The new campus will open to students on November 19, 2018. Students in grades 9-12 will begin the school year August 30 at the former Athens Middle School campus on Clinton Street. School will be in full session. Minor modifications have been made to the building to create adequate classroom space, allowing the school to run a full schedule. Crews have been cleaning the building and making preparations for the new school year. Read more now.
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Rick Carter Named First Principal Advocate Champion
Athens, AL, July 24, 2018 --- Dr. Rick Carter, director of innovation programs at Athens City Schools, was announced as the first recipient of the Principal Advocate Champion award by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Policy & Advocacy Center. Dr. Carter was recognized for being an advocate who has dedicated his time to advancing the policy and civic priorities of school leaders, public education, and students across America and Alabama.
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Julian Newman Partners to Bring Outdoor Classroom to Students
ATHENS, Alabama, April 9, 2018 --- Julian Newman Elementary School will hold an Outdoor Classroom Day in partnership with the Alabama Outdoor Classroom (AOC) Program on Friday, April 20. Julian Newman students, parents, faculty and community volunteers will help establish a bird sanctuary and install plants for pollinator, butterfly, sensory and seasonal gardens. These will be used as learning stations for all classes at the school.
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Community & Parent Information Meeting
ATHENS, Alabama, February 3, 2018 --- Athens City Schools(ACS) will host a community and parent information meeting on Tuesday, February 6 at 6:00 p.m. at Athens Intermediate School (AIS). The purpose of the meeting is to discuss changes and transitions for the 2018-2019 school year. The meeting will include a brief introduction from superintendent Trey Holladay, followed by individual sessions facilitated by school principals and teachers.
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ACS Students Are More Than a Score
ATHENS, Alabama, February 1, 2018 --- The Alabama Legislature passed a law in 2012 requiring each school district in Alabama to be assigned a single letter grade that was a reflection of its performance. Since this time, the Alabama Department of Education has been trying to determine a fair and equitable way to grade all school districts around the state by the same measure. Click on the title to continue reading.
