GREETINGS FROM SPARTAN LANE

We are off and running in what is always the fastest time of the school year. We have 24 athletic contests taking place this week alone across the Middle and Upper Schools. This is in addition to full academic days, school meetings and so much more. The positive news is that it appears everyone came back from our holiday rested and ready to make good things happen this spring.   

On the subject of things moving quickly, I came across this article over spring break and thought it was worth passing along. It is from the BBC Science Focus and shares 22 ideas about how to change our world. I share it because it gives some perspective about some of the things our leadership team and Board must think about when it comes to Athens Academy and the future world we are preparing our students for. We are focused on being the best school we can be for our students and that includes our strong liberal arts foundation and skill development. At the same time, we need to think about innovation and creativity, so our students can thrive as they enter college and the workforce. Our current first graders will be graduating from college in 2038, and schools cannot simply keep doing what they have always been doing. The best schools are nimble and attentive to what students need to be their best. Children only get one shot at a quality education, and we are focused on delivering that for each of our students.  Read more.

SPARTANNET NOTIFICATION SURVEY

While we are always working to find ways to minimize the number of notifications parents receive each day, we understand that some families may receive messages from multiple divisions, clubs, teams, assignment portals, etc. The purpose of this survey is to help determine if there is/are alternative time(s) to send these notifications to help parents manage them better. Please take a moment to share your input about the times of these post notifications.

Click here to take the Notification Survey.

Please also note that you can manage the number and type of notifications you receive by adjusting your settings in SpartanNet. Contact your child's division assistant for help in finding these settings and with any other specific questions about messaging. Thank you!

SIGN UP NOW FOR SUMMER ACT & SAT PREP

ACT: JULY 10-14 / SAT: JULY 24-28

Upper School students have to take the SAT and/or ACT, so why not prepare for it alongside friends in a relaxed environment without the distractions of homework, tutorials, practices, and rehearsals? Whether your student is getting ready to take these tests for the first time or the fifth, they will learn specific strategies and techniques designed to increase scores. These week-long summer courses are open to rising ninth through twelfth graders from any school. Click here to register (ACT is Week 5, SAT is Week 7). Questions? Email Thad Mathis. 

QPR TRAINING AVAILABLE FOR PARENTS

We are fortunate to have recently established a partnership with Nuci's Space, a local non-profit organization that seeks to help young people get paired up with local mental health workers. As parents, we may one day be presented with information that we do not know how to handle/address, yet we may be required to do so. One topic that comes to mind regarding this is suicide. Thankfully, QPR training is something that certified representatives from Nuci's Space would like to offer our community. While this intensive program requires three hours of time, participants will learn how to help someone who is considering suicide. Space is limited to 15-20 people per session. Currently, there are two sessions: March 23 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. and April 25 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Click here to register. Questions? Email Bob Sears.

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK PSO SIGN-UP: MAY 1-5

The PSO Surcees for Spartans committee has added a new project for this spring: Teacher Appreciation Week, May 1-5. Parents who are interested in participating can sign up to bring coffee and some small breakfast treats for our faculty and staff. Click here for the sign up form. Questions? Email Sarah Gilbert.

MIDDLE SCHOOL GUEST AUTHOR - BOOK ORDERS DUE TOMORROW

The Middle School is excited to welcome award-winning author Kristin O'Donnell Tubb on Thursday, March 30. After seventh grader Will Ryan was inspired by her book A Dog Like Daisy, he partnered with Service Dogs for Veterans (SD4V) to raise awareness for their unique training program, which connects dogs with veterans suffering from PTSD. To support Will with his project, the Ryan Family generously arranged Ms. Tubb's visit. If you would like to order A Dog Like Daisy or any other of her books, click here for more information (a book order link is also included). Deadline is tomorrow (Friday, March 17). Questions? Email Keira Digel Drake.

ORDER CLASS PICTURES NOW (GRADES 1-8)

Class pictures (grades 1-8) can be ordered online between now and Monday, April 3. Click here to order (your child's student ID/lunch number is the password). If you need help finding your child's ID number, contact your division office directly. If you have any questions about the photos, please contact Bentley Photography at bentleyphotography@windstream.net or 770-867-2853.

THE ATHENS ACADEMY MEDIA CENTER BOOK CLUB IS BACK!

After a couple of years off thanks to a global pandemic, the book club is back...and what better way to kick it off than with a book about the aftermath of a mysterious flu that wipes out most of the world?! The club will meet on Monday, March 27, to discuss Emily St. John Mandel's novel Station Eleven. The meeting will be held from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Middle/Upper School Media Center. Please let us know if you are planning to attend by completing this brief 2-question form. Thank you! Questions? Email Keira Digel Drake.

UPCOMING EVENTS

School Store Hours: Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 8AM-4PM; Tuesday/Thursday, 8AM-3PM

Senior Art Show - March 13 - April 28 in the Myers Gallery (Reception information coming soon)

PS/LS/MS/US Conference Day (No School, K3-Grade 12) - Wednesday, March 22

ACAD Talks - Thursday, March 23 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall

*NEW* Upper School Sophomore Night - Monday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall

Uniform Resale - Wednesday, March 29 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Chambers Center Lower Level

Pre-first Class Play - Friday, March 31 at 8:45 a.m. in the Harrison Performance Hall

Spring Picture Day for Preschool (Lower School optional) - Wednesday, April 5

Parent Education: Reducing Power Struggles & Teaching Emotional Regulation - Thursday, April 6 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the Farmer Field House

Spring Holiday - Classes dismiss at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 6 (NO Extended Day or Stay & Play available); classes resume on Monday, April 10 at 8:10 a.m.

Atlanta Alumni Gathering - Wednesday, April 12 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Piedmont Driving Club

Senior Art Show Reception - Thursday, April 13 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. in the Myers Gallery

Upper School Spring Play: low expectations - Thursday, April 20 through Saturday April 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall

K4 Class Play - Friday, April 21 at 8:45 a.m. in the Harrison Performance Hall

Festival Day - Saturday, April 22 from 12:00-3:00 p.m. at the Baseball Facilities

Upper School Orchestra Concert - Tuesday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall

Upper School Band Concert - Thursday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall

Spring Acting Showcase - Wednesday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall

Middle School Talent Show - Thursday, May 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall

String Fling Orchestra Concert (Grades 2-8) - Thursday, May 11 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall

K3 Class Play - Friday, May 12 at 8:45 a.m. in the Harrison Performance Hall

College Colors Day (Class of 2023) - Tuesday, May 16 at 10:30 a.m. in the Warner Amphitheater

Middle School Band Spring Concert - Tuesday, May 16 at 7:00 p.m. in the Harrison Performance Hall

Graduation - Sunday, May 21 at 4:00 p.m. at the Classic Center

Fourth Grade Moving Up Ceremony - Wednesday, May 24 at 1:00 p.m. in the Harrison Performance Hall

Lower School Field Day - Friday, Mary 26 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Sinkwich Spartan Center

Middle School Honors Day - Friday, May 26 at 10:00 a.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall

Classes Dismiss for Summer - Friday, May 26 at 11:30 a.m. (No Stay & Play or Extended Day available)

Mark your calendar: Holiday Market 2023 - Wednesday, November 15 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. (Preview Night) and Thursday, November 16 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.