GREETINGS FROM SPARTAN LANE
Time flies when you’re having fun. This week is Interim Week for our Upper School students, so the campus is a little quieter than normal. We are running a full slate of programs for them, but we are not hosting any overnights due to the pandemic. We are still optimistic about Lower and Middle School overnight trips taking place later in the year, but we will wait to see how things progress over time. It is hard to fathom that in many parts of the country, school just started in the last week. We have been at it for five weeks, and the energy on campus remains positive and happy. Teachers and students are engaged with age-appropriate content, musicians are playing, athletes are training and competing, kids are having fun with their friends, and actors of all ages are gaining confidence with their stage presence.
Since last Thursday, we have had four new COVID cases, with the Middle School seeing more than any other division. Comparatively speaking, we are doing very well. I know that this is a tiring and dreary topic, but we must pay attention and take care of one another. Please continue to stay home when not healthy or after a prolonged exposure. Also, if someone in the household is awaiting a COVID-19 test result, we ask that any unvaccinated family members also remain at home (this does not apply to fully vaccinated, asymptomatic family members). Our teachers are happy that they can focus their energy on their subject matter and their students and not have to constantly think about what protocols we have in place. Thank you for your patience, grace and support. If given the opportunity, please consider thanking a teacher, coach or mentor in the week ahead. Your words and appreciation go a long way for our amazing people. Read more.
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UPDATE: GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY RESCHEDULED
Please note that Grandparents and Special Friends Day has been rescheduled to Friday, April 29, 2022. More information and event details will follow in early spring. Questions? Email Sarah Gilbert, coordinator of parent and alumni engagement.
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DIVISION & DEPARTMENT UPDATES |
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The Preschool team is working hard to bring back some of our favorite ACAD traditions this year, while adding in a few new experiences for our students. |
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In Middle School, we want our students to be taking responsibility for their work, but we count on our parents to support them in their efforts to do so. |
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Last week, for the first time, the Upper School students (and parents) were able to view their assignments with the grades earned for every assignment in all of their classes via SpartanNet. |
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Eight veteran Athens Academy faculty and staff members recognized by GISA. |
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PRE/LOWER SCHOOL BOOK FAIR: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Don't miss the annual Pre- and Lower School Book Fair, which will be held Monday, September 27-Thursday, September 30, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and Friday, October 1, from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the Lower School Media Center. Volunteers are needed so please click here to sign up. Be sure to drop by when you're on campus for Prescool and Lower School conference day on Wednesday! Questions? Email Sarah Powers.
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PARENT BOOK CLUB
The Lower School and the Student Services/Counseling offices are pleased to host a parent book club this fall. Parents will discuss the book Yardsticks: Child and Adolescent Development Ages 4-14 on Thursday mornings in the Lower School Discovery Center. Lower School Director Mark Cunningham will be leading the group and our counseling team (Bob Sears, Carrie Olson, Morgan Jones) will join in the conversations too. All parents are invited to join as they are available. Click the Lower School update link above for the schedule and more information. Click here to RSVP. Questions? Email Mark Cunningham.
FLU CLINICS FOR STUDENTS & FAMILIES
As a service to our community, we have partnered with a local pharmacy to offer on-campus flu vaccination clinics on Wednesday, September 29, and Thursday, October 7, in the Chambers Center boardroom. You can sign up directly with the pharmacy by clicking here. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to submit the consent form, enter your insurance information, and cancel your appointment if needed. More details:
- Available for ages 4 and up. Ages 4-12 must have a guardian present.
- Younger children must be willing. If you think your child(ren) might be uncooperative, it would be best for them to be vaccinated by their pediatrician.
- When you sign up, please also text the name, DOB, and copy of the insurance card for each participant to the pharmacy's secure text line (706-543-7386).
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If you are planning to send your 13-17 year old student to the clinic unaccompanied, please email Kristina Ware to receive special instructions about the consent form.
- Please remember to wear a mask and to maintain social distance.
Questions? Call pharmacist Rabun Neves at 706-543-7386.
SCHOOL PORTRAIT ORDERS DUE SEPTEMBER 20
School portrait proofs are now available online for students in K3-grade 11. Click here to preview your order online. (Pre- and Lower School families can also return the printed proof forms that were sent out last week in bookbags). On the login page, for "Your Email" please enter either parent's email (the one currently in SpartanNet). For your "Password/Access Code," use your student’s four digit student ID number--the same one that they use to order lunch. All orders are due by September 20, 2021. Any orders after this date will incur a $10 late fee. If you have any questions, please email Bentley Photography or call them at 770-867-2853.
PSO VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
The Athens Academy PSO is a dedicated group of parent volunteers who work with the school's administration to enhance the quality of programs and academic life offered at Athens Academy. All Academy families are part of the PSO and are encouraged to become involved by participating in various PSO activities. If you have not had the chance to sign up for any volunteer opportunities, please click on the link below to indicate your interest within the PSO. We hope you will consider volunteering--there is an opportunity or a spot for you no matter how limited your time commitment may be! Click Here to Volunteer. Questions? Email Sarah Gilbert.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
School Store Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Preschool Conference Day - Wednesday, September 29
Lower School Conference Day - Wednesday, September 29
Flu Clinic for Faculty, Students & Families - Wednesday, September 29 in the Chambers Center Boardroom (more information above)
Uniform Resale - Wednesday, September 29 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Chambers Center
Homecoming Parade & Pep Rally - Friday, October 1 at 2:30 p.m. on Slaughter Field
Artscape 2021 Opening Reception - Friday, October 1 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in the Myers Gallery
Middle School Conference Day - Wednesday, October 6
Flu Clinic for Faculty, Students & Families - Thursday, October 7 in the Chambers Center Boardroom (more information above)
Photo Retakes - Thursday, October 7 from 7:45-11:45 a.m. in the Lower School Discovery Center
Fall Break (No School) - Monday, October 11 & Tuesday, October 12 (Faculty Development Day)
Upper School Drama Department One Act Play - Thursday, October 14 - Saturday, October 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall
One Act Play Benefit Night - Thursday, October 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall
Preschool Halloween Parade - Friday, October 29 at 8:30 a.m. beginning outside the Chambers Center
Middle/Upper School Fall Band Concert - Tuesday, November 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall
Holiday Market 2021 - Thursday, November 18 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the Sinkwich Spartan Center
Dismiss for Thanksgiving Holiday - Friday, November 19 at 3:20 p.m.; classes resume on Monday, November 29 at 8:10 a.m.
PSO Campus Holiday Decorating - Tuesday, November 30
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GUIDELINES FOR 2021-22
Click here for the Guidance & Planning document updated August 12, 2021.
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Athens Academy seeks excellence with honor in the educational and personal experience of each student. |
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