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ACS Newsletter January 18, 2026
- J. Marquice Miller
- 4 days ago
- 14 min read
Greetings, Coyote Families.
As we settle into the latter half of the academic year, we want to take a moment to celebrate our collective success. Our students are reaching new heights, and our staff continues to excel—none of which would be possible without your continued dedication to the ACS mission. As a reminder, Monday is Martin Luther King Day, and there is no school for students or families. To stay fully informed on everything happening in our halls, we encourage you to read this newsletter in its entirety. It contains essential information regarding our upcoming schedule and school-wide initiatives.
ANTICIPATION OF INCLEMENT WINTER WEATHER
This upcoming winter season, be aware of the potential for school delays and closures. Although we are not part of the surrounding larger districts, we will keep you informed as early as possible and base our decisions on the safety of our community, as well as the decisions made by neighboring districts and schools. For any decision made, you have to right to make a different decision, based on your and your Child(ren)’s safety and comfort.
MESSAGES OF APPRECIATION FOR THE GIVING TREE GIFTS
From the bottom of my heart I appreciate all my child received it was a great help to my family when I didn't know what I would be able to do myself. THANK YOU.
Thank you so much for your incredible generosity during such a difficult season in our lives. Because of you, my boys were able to experience a Christmas filled with magic, joy, and memories they will carry with them forever. There are truly no words that fully capture how grateful I am. They say it takes a village, and through this experience, I have certainly found mine. Your kindness, compassion, and willingness to step in when we needed it most has reminded me that there is still so much good in this world. I promise to pay it forward when I am able, and to be that light for someone else just as you have been for us. Thank you again from the very bottom of my heart. I pray that this coming year brings you nothing but blessings, love, and abundance.
I want to say thank you to the wonderful people of our community that helped our babies have a Wonderful Christmas. They were so happy, and their happiness means everything to us. God Bless You
Thanks for the gifts- we appreciate your generosity.
Thank you for your support!
It was indeed a blessing and an honor to receive the bountiful gift revived from a generous giver.
Our year had some financial pitfalls due to my husband being stricken with a stroke March 2025 and since we’ve been struggling with our bills , he’s now considered disabled and can no longer work it’s hard at times due to our biggest bill our rent $1700 a month to rally have anything left over for some essential items - Let alone buy gifts for our children during special occasions like Christmas,.. Nonetheless, we Thank God daily for an awesome community like ACS- Your organization’s generosity meant a lot to us. Thank you so much and May God bless you all tremendously
To our community, we extend our deepest gratitude for your generosity during our time of need. Your kindness and support truly meant the world to us. Thank you for sharing in the joy of our Christmas holiday. Seeing his face light up with delight as he opened his gifts was more than we could have imagined—a moment we will forever hold close to our hearts and cherish always.
Thank you so much to those for your generosity through the Giving Tree program. The gifts you selected for my children were incredibly thoughtful and truly went above and beyond.
Your kindness brought so much joy to our home and reminded us of the compassion and care within our school community. We are deeply grateful for the love and support you shared with our family this holiday season.
With sincere appreciation.
I would like to say thank you for the gifts received for my child he really loves it and appreciates it. He uses what he got on a daily basis. We appreciate all the support.
Thank you to the families who helped make my boys Christmas Day feel special! We appreciate the gifts they received, and enjoyed watching them play with them.
I would like to express just how thankful my family was to receive the gifts for my daughter this Christmas. While life has been a struggle this little kindness made it possible to give my child some of the things I wouldn't have been able to otherwise. It also gave me a small amount to put towards her little sisters Christmas so that neither girl was left out. She was so surprised and happy to see some of the items I had had to hint may not arrive Christmas day. We thank the school community and want those that were able to help out to know that their efforts are so appreciated.
Thank you again
We are so very thankful for the wonderful gifts that you gave to our grandchildren. You made their Christmas special by providing them with clothes and toys they asked Santa to bring. Truly the meaning of Christmas was felt by us from people who give selflessly to others. May you recive abundant blessings throughout the year.
ENROLLMENT IS OPEN FOR THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
Alamance Community School is now accepting students for the 2026-27 school year! Interested families can apply for our admission lottery today at https://www.alamancecommunityschool.net/admissions
If you are a current ACS student, you do not need to reapply for admission. Do you know a family that would love ACS? Share this Link!
COMING SOON: 2026-27 COMMITMENT FORM FOR RETURNING FAMILIES
We are preparing for the 2026-27 school year. In doing so, we need your help to obtain an estimate of the available spaces for new applicants. Since your child is already enrolled, it will not be necessary for you to reapply. However, we need to know of your intent for your student to return to Alamance Community School next year.
To collect this information, a commitment form will be emailed to all current parents/guardians on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The deadline to hold your child's spot for the 2026-27 year will be February 6, 2026. Please watch for this information via email and Campus Parent on January 20.
APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION FOR THE 2026 - 2027 SCHOOL YEAR & TOURS FOR NEW/PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES
The open enrollment application period for NEW students (students not currently attending ACS) is now open and will continue through February 28, 2026, at 11:59 pm.
New/Prospective families can take advantage of one of four school tour opportunities. For more information and to register, please visit: https://www.alamancecommunityschool.net/school-tours
The admission lottery will be held virtually on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 9:00 AM.
Students who are currently enrolled at ACS and returning for the next school year (2026 - 27) DO NOT need to reapply for admission. Only a completed commitment form is needed (coming soon).
SIBLINGS OF STUDENTS CURRENTLY ATTENDING ACS
If you have a student that is currently attending ACS and they have a sibling that you would like to attend ACS in 2025-26, you MUST apply for their sibling to attend if they do not already attend this school year.
LINK TO APPLY FOR A SIBLING: https://alamancecommunityschool.schoolmint.net/welcomeback
4th ANNUAL COYOTE CONNECTIONS
We are looking forward to our next Coyote Connections! It will be earlier this year to ensure we allow school access for open enrollment and to give staff and families a moment to connect, preparing students for end-of-year testing.
A parent Panel will give background and insight and answer questions. There will be information sessions from each grade level and tours for prospective parents. Apparel will also be sold. This event will take place on February 12, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The New family tours will take place at 5:30.
MORNING CARLINE REMINDERS (DROP-OFF)
We are noticing increased congestion and delays during morning carline, which are impacting students' arrival times. Please help us ensure a smooth drop-off by arriving early, ideally before 8:00 AM. Arriving by this time allows your student to be in line and on their way to class promptly.
Here are some tips to make drop-off smoother:
Prime Arrival Time: Between 7:50 - 8:05, Carline tends to be less crowded, making it the ideal time to arrive.
Prompt Line Movement: Though the line may appear long, it moves steadily, especially early in the morning before larger groups arrive.
Avoid the Late-Front Drop-Off: The front area takes longer, so using the carline is typically faster and more efficient.
Please do not drive around the cones once they are put into place. Staff must enter to start the day. If there is no staff on duty, especially in the Middle School-Only line, you must sign in at the main office. Please note that students arriving after 8:15 will be marked as tardy. Families with excessive tardies will need to meet with Mr. Miller and our social worker, Mrs. Gittens, to address attendance issues.
MID-YEAR ASSESSMENTS COMING SOON!
We will start our Mid-Year Assessment window at the beginning of February. It is essential that students attend school every day and arrive on time to maximize their learning. This will give us the best data to make adjustments and finish the year strong! mClass will take place daily in K-3 classrooms, and the North Carolina Check-in Schedule is provided below.
Monday, February 2: 5 - 8th Grade (Reading NCCI)
Tuesday, February 3: 5 - 8th Grade (Math NCCI)
Wednesday, February 4: 5/8th Grade (Science NCCI)
Thursday, February 5: 3-4th Grade (Reading NCCI)
Friday, February 6: 3-4th Grade (Math NCCI)
ACS PTO
VOLUNTEERING
We have loved having so many volunteers in the classroom! Thank you for supporting our students and staff!
Volunteerism at our school is a way for you, parents and guardians, to learn more about ACS, engage in a positive way with your child’s teachers, and witness firsthand the hard work and dedication that all our staff - teachers, assistants, support staff, and administrators demonstrate each and every day.
It is also a way to support your student and other students by assisting with workstations or a small group, helping with clerical tasks or lunch, and/or something as simple as reading a book to the class. You don't have to be an educator to volunteer, and everyone is welcome. Please click on the ACS Volunteer Form Link below to find ways you can volunteer to support our school.
26-27 School Calendar
*The Board approved the 2026-2027 calendar at the last board meeting. It can be found on our website and is included here as well for your convenience. Please
WINTER SPORTS UPDATE
ACS WINTER SPORTS:
On behalf of the Alamance Community School Athletic Department, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We hope that our student-athletes use Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Day as a day on, not just a day off. Find a way to help improve your local community, and give of your time if possible!
The Coyotes of ACS finished their "Iron Man" with a trio of games against Roxboro Community School, The Burlington School, and Grace Christian Academy! The week would have highs in lows, from a commanding win to tough 2-4 point losses. The Coyotes are continuing to improve in each game as they settle into their possible PMAC Basketball Tournament Match-Ups.
This week Girls & Boys Basketball Team will enter their 10th week of the season. The Coyotes will host a single non-conference game vs. Gorman Christian Academy. Gorman Christian Academy will be a new member of PMAC for 26-27 school year. Coyotes traveled to play Gorman back in December 2025. Teams are looking to get back in the win column after tough single-digit losses to Grace Christian Academy on 1/15/26.
Darius J. Long
ACS, Athletic Director
ACS Week Recap:
1/12 Home Basketball vs. Roxboro Community School
The Lady Coyotes would play host to the Lady Bulldogs of Roxboro Community School on 1/12/26. Team would look to secure their first win of the new year. Lady Coyotes would come out strong defensively holding the Lady bulldogs from scoring a single point in the first quarter. Teams would quickly trade baskets in the first half. Teams would head into the locker 7-4 Lady Bulldogs. After a strong 3rd quarter the Lady Bulldogs would go on a 20-6 run to finish the game. 6th grade Center #12 Peyton Swann would finish the game 10 points, 3 rebounds. The Lady Bulldogs would take the win 26-14!
The Coyotes of would play host to the Bulldogs of Roxboro Community School. The Bulldogs of Roxboro Community school would come out firing from all cylinders. In a 20-2 run in the first quarter of basketball. Coyotes would have a tough night protecting the basketball with a season high (32) turnovers. The team would never get into sync offensively. The Bulldogs would out rebound the Coyotes 25 to 14. Coyotes would finish the game 2 points under the 7-5 run the Bulldogs would go on in the 4th quarter to finish game. Bulldogs would secure win 36 to 12!
1/13 Home Basketball vs. The Burlington School (PMAC)
The Lady Coyotes would have to bounce back after a Monday lost to Roxboro Community School. Team would host their final match up with The Lady Spartans of TBS. The Lady Coyotes would start off slow being shut out in the first quarter 3-0. But the pride of the pack would unite and work to build on momentum. Team would return the favor in the second quarter and shut the Lady Spartans out 12-0, for a 12-3 half time lead. The Coyotes would have a break out game from 8th forward #3 Aniya Tuck who would have 6 points, 2 rebounds in the game. 7th grade guard Julia Herman-Defrancesco would add 6 points, 1 steal and 6th grade Center #12 Peyton Swann would finish the game 10 points, 5 rebounds. The Lady Coyotes would go on a 26 to 4 run in the second half to pull away with the win 32-7!
The Coyotes of would play host to the top team in the PMAC The Spartans of The Burlington School. The Coyotes would look to get back in the win column after a tough game against Roxboro Community School. The coyotes would come out offensively aggressive attacking the basket and heading to the line. Coyotes would storm through the first quarter with a 11-7 lead. Team would keep things rolling into the second half after a 10 point second quarter. Team would take 21-13 into the locker room. The Spartans would own the 3rd quarter scoring 21 points and match that effort in the 4th quarter by scoring 22.
Captain & Forward #23 Camden Hawkins would match a career high with 22 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist in the game on 3/6 3-Pointers, 6/13 FGs. Captain & PG #2 Ali Mohamed would add 5 points, 2 assists, 1 rebound. Forward #33 Logic Morning would have 7 rebounds, 3 points and Center #30 Elliot French would have 5 rebounds, 2 points. The Spartans of The Burlington School would take the conference win 56-33!
1/15 Away Basketball vs. Grace Christian Academy (PMAC)
The Lady Coyotes would travel to Burlington, NC to play against conference #1 Grace Christian Academy. The Lady Chargers wouldn't waste any time in the game and jump out to the 11-4 1st quarter lead. The Lady Coyotes would continue to fight and go into halftime down 17-6. Coach Chelsea would have the Lady Coyotes ready to push the tempo in the 3rd quarter and would shut out The Lady Spartans 11-0 in the 3rd quarter! Teams would battle back and forth in the final quarter with a tight 8-6 run. The Lady Coyotes would have to inbound the length of the floor in the final 4 seconds of the game. Team would lose possession and Lady Chargers would take the slim 2 point win in the games final seconds 25-23! 6th grade Center #12 Peyton Swann would finish the game 14 points, 11 rebounds, 3 blocks. 7th grade Guard #4 Julia Herman Defrancesco would add 7 points, 3 rebounds and 1 steal.
The Coyotes of would play a tough match-up against one of the conference top seeds. The Chargers of Grace Christian Academy. Game would start like a track meet between teams. Trading basket for basket. With a first quarter score of 12-8 GCA. Teams would have an almost identical performance in the second half. Teams would trade baskets, fouls, and tough late game calls. GCA would finish second half on a single point run over the Coyotes. The 12-11 run would put the Coyotes just slightly out of reach of the win.
Captain & Forward #23 Camden Hawkins finish game with 13 points, 3 rebounds. Forward #33 Logic Morning would have 8 rebounds, 2 points. The Chargers of Grace Christian Academy would take the conference win 29-24!
ACS Basketball Next Up:
1/20
Home Basketball vs. Gorman Christian Academy (Non-Conference)
Time: Girls Tip 4:15 PM Boys Tip 5:30 pm
Admission: $5.00
Address: ACS Gym
ACS Athletics a look Ahead:
2/3 & 2/5 PMAC Basketball Tournament Week (More Info to Come)
2/10 Students vs. Staff Basketball Game 4:30 pm (MS Gym $5.00)
(ACS Basketball Teams will Take on ACS Staff in Exhibition Game)
COACHES CORNER:
" A lot of people notice when you succeed, but they don't see what it takes to get there."
-Dawn Staley ( Head Women's Basketball Coach University South Carolina, 3X NCAA National Champion, 3X National Coach of Year, 6X Olympic Gold Medals, Naismith Hall of Famer, 6X WNBA All-star Coached 9 current WNBA players)
SPORTS PHYSICALS:
Middle School students in grades 6th-8th interested in trying out for ACS Sports must submit a new physical examination form and concussion form for 25-26.
5th Grade Families, If you have a 6th grader for the 26-27 school year that may be interested in trying out for any of ACS athletics teams please begin to schedule physical appointments as soon as possible. As we enter the Spring-Summer often primary care physicians are booked. We want to ensure your new middle school athlete(s) does not have any delay in their tryouts. Have a question about middle school athletics?
Sports Physical and Concussion Form are required to try out for sports teams at Alamance Community School. These forms can be found and printed on the link below:
Looking for Members to Join our Team.
We are seeking licensed teachers to support our Middle School ELA and EC Students. We are also seeking additional substitutes.
Interested or know someone who might be?
Please complete the application below!
Let’s work together to support our students — every day, in every way!
“COYOTE PACK” FACEBOOK GROUP
Current & NEW families, join our Official ACS "Coyote Pack" Facebook Group. In addition to our newsletters and teacher communications, we use this page to communicate important information during the school year. The ACS Coyote Pack FB group is a positive way to connect staff and parents/caregivers, fostering good communication to continue building the caring and inclusive community that many of us want for our students, staff, and families. The ACS Coyote Pack FB group is where you can ask questions, and our staff & involved families can answer questions and provide correct information. Families NEW to ACS are welcome to join as soon as they complete their registration in SchoolMint. Request to join today:
While everyone is invited to join, please be mindful of what is posted. The goal is increased information and positivity.
What have I missed?
Click HERE to access all of the weekly Updates and Reminders for ACS!
IMPORTANT DATES
1/19/2026 | Martin Luther King Holiday No School for Staff or Students |
1/20/2026 | Home Basketball vs. Gorman Christian Academy Girls 4:15 pm Boys 5:30 pm |
1/26/2026 | Home Basketball vs. Carter School of Digital & Visual Design Girls 4:15 pm Boys 5:30 pm |
1/29/2026 | Away Basketball vs. Clover Garden School Girls 4:30 pm Boys 5:45 pm |
2/2/2026 | TESTING 5 - 8th Grade (Reading NCCI) |
2/3/2026 | TESTING 5 - 8th Grade (Math NCCI) 2025-26 PMAC Basketball Tournament vs. TBD School Girls Boys 5:30 pm |
2/4/2026 | TESTING 5/8th Grade (Science NCCI) |
2/5/2026 | TESTING 3-4th Grade (Reading NCCI) 2025-26 (PMAC) Girls & Boys Basketball Championship Girls 4:15 pm Boys 5:30 pm |
2/6/2026 | TESTING 3-4th Grade (Math NCCI) |
2/9/2026 | Trimester 2 Project Celebrations 4th Grade: 10 am 6th Grade: 11 am 1st Grade: 1 pm |
2/10/2026 | Trimester 2 Project Celebrations 7th Grade: 10 am 5th Grade: 11 am 8th Grade: 1 pm 1st Annual Student vs. Staff Basketball Game 4:30 - 6:30 |
2/12/2026 | Trimester 2 Project Celebrations Kindergarten: 10 am 2nd Grade: 11 am 3rd Grade: 1 pm Coyote Connections (4:30 - 7) |
PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS
If you have missed any of the previous newsletters, here are the links.