eSpartan / July 6, 2020

July 6, 2020

GREETINGS FROM SPARTAN LANE

Happy belated Independence Day to everyone,

I hope you had a restful holiday. These continue to be surreal and difficult times, and I hope everyone is taking the necessary time to care for themselves. I have spoken to a number of colleagues over the last week, and reading, exercise, and time with family seem to top the list. At the same time, we are determined to do everything in our power to get back to campus and open safely. We are very fortunate to have such good people in our midst, and I am grateful for the Athens Academy community.

Progress on our two new buildings is going well. We have footers poured for the Drew Swan Middle School and steel has arrived for the Farmer Field House. It is nice to see both of these buildings progress, as they will benefit so many Spartans for decades to come. A huge thank-you to our donors who made these spaces a reality for all of us. The field house is scheduled to open in early November and the new middle school building in March. Read more.

IMPORTANT RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

STRONGER TOGETHER T-SHIRT PICK-UP

Tuesday, July 7 - 1:00-3:00 p.m. - Chambers Center

If you ordered a Stronger Together T-shirt, you can pick it up tomorrow (Tuesday, July 7) between 1:00-3:00 p.m. in the Chambers Center. If you have questions or cannot pick your shirt up during this time, please email Charlotte Mullen. Thank you!

NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUMMER LEARNING

RISING GRADES K3-12

REQUIRED & CHOICE SUMMER LEARNING INFORMATION

The Summer Learning website is live now and will be updated over the next few weeks into summer. Check back frequently for summer reading and other assignments. And be sure to email your summer reading photos to Keira Digel Drake to be featured on the @acad_libraries Instagram page! Questions? Contact your child's division office directly.

ORDERING UNIFORMS THROUGH LANDS' END

While flip flops and bathing suits are more likely on your mind right now, we wanted to let you know that Lands' End is currently offering 20% off uniform purchases plus FREE school logo embroidery through July 10 ( CODE: ROCKET / PIN: 1776) . Because of current employee health and safety measures, production/turnaround times and shipping will likely take longer, so parents are encouraged to order uniforms earlier than in the past. Please email Natalie Luke with any questions.

SENIOR PORTRAIT INFORMATION (CLASS OF 2021)

As you know, Athens Academy is using Bentley Photography exclusively for all senior drape/tuxedo yearbook photos. As a courtesy to our families, we are offering rising seniors the option to schedule a brief on-campus photo session this summer. Times are available on Tuesday, August 4, and Tuesday, August 11. Click here to register for an on-campus photo appointment. The on-campus sitting fee is $35 and can be paid by cash, check, or credit card. Families may also opt to schedule a photo session at the Bentley Photography Studio in Winder (770-867-2853, bentleyseniors@gmail.com ). If you have any questions or concerns, please email Kate Towery or Kelley Cuneo .

BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENTS FOR 2020-2021

Click here for a list of the Back-to-School events for next school year. Please note that due to the uncertainty regarding large gatherings and social distancing guidelines, times and locations for these events will be announced at a later date. We are working to ensure that these events will be as safe as possible for all involved. More information will be shared in the coming weeks. Thank you for your patience and support!

FOR 2020-2021: ATHENS ACADEMY OPERATING MODES

Click here to view the Athens Academy Operating Modes for the coming school year. We anticipate that we will be operating in the blue, yellow, and orange modes this fall. There may be an occasion to move into red mode (distance learning) for the entire school if we find ourselves in a hot spot, professional guidance mandates a close, or our healthcare providers recommend we move completely into distance learning for all. We have a great deal of work still left to do on this front, and we will share more information this summer. As always, the health and safety of our community is our number one priority.

PLEASE HELP US SUPPORT OUR SPARTANS!

Many parents, alumni, faculty and friends have already made a gift to the school earlier this year, but we know there are many more who would be regretful if not given the opportunity to support a place they know and love through the Annual Excellence Fund. At this point, our only fundraising goals are to add more resources to our financial aid budget and to bolster our faculty professional development budget. Both are priorities for us in the coming year. Click here for more information and to make a gift. Questions? Email Charlotte Mullen or DeDe Guest . Thank you!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Uniform Resale - Wednesday, July 22 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Chambers Center

Graduation for the Class of 2020 - Saturday, August 1 at 9:00 a.m. at Athens Academy

Uniform Resale - Wednesday, August 5 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Chambers Center

Preschool Back-to-School Playground Parties - Saturday, August 8*

Lower & Middle School New Student Orientation - Wednesday, August 12*

Upper School New Student Orientation - Wednesday, August 12*

Preschool Parent Afternoon - Wednesday, August 12*

Ninth Grade Orientation - Wednesday, August 12*

First Day of School (Returning students, 2019-2020 grade levels) - Thursday, August 13

First Day of School (All students, 2020-2021 grade levels) - Friday, August 14

Lower School Parent Afternoon - Sunday, August 23*

Middle School Parent Afternoon - Sunday, August 23*

Upper School Parent Evening - Monday, August 31*

Athens Academy Holiday Market - Thursday, November 19 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the Sinkwich Spartan Center

*Time and locations to be announced this summer.

COVID-19 HEALTH RESOURCES

TIPS ON STAYING HEALTHY & REDUCING RISK

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill.

Athens Academy seeks excellence with honor in the educational and personal experience of each student.