ACS Newsletter May 11, 2025

J. Marquice Miller
5 days ago
10 min read

Greetings, Coyote Families.

Testing Week is upon us! We are so proud of all of the hard work that our staff and students have put in this year. Now it is time to put pen to paper and show what we’ve learned. Please read this newsletter in its entirety so that we can make sure this week goes smoothly

One main change is that students will NOT be admitted after 8:30. We are all hands on deck for state testing, and students cannot enter the testing room once

Another thing to remember is that students will not be allowed to be dismissed early until testing is complete. Unless it is an emergency, students will not be allowed to leave the room until testing is complete.

TEACHER APPRECIATION WAS GREAT!

Thank you all for helping us celebrate our teachers. They have all worked so hard this year and reserved all of the love they were shown last week!

PROJECT CELEBRATIONS WERE A HIT!

Project Celebration Week was amazing. Thank you for all of your flexibility with this change. It was a loaded week, but it was worth it. Special thanks to the 7th-grade families for being our trial grade level for our safety KidAccount registration that we will implement next year.

FIELD DAY 2025!

Many have been asking about the details. With us growing, we have modified out Field Day. Special Thanks to the Specials and Electives Team for helping with the planning of the Elementary Field Day and the Middle School Kickback for the end of the year!

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

“Mental health is wealth, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month. The stigma around mental health and treatment has long existed, even though this has started to change. Still, people hesitate to seek help or even talk about it with their loved ones for fear of being judged and facing unnecessary backlash. Simple logic dictates that if we are hurt anywhere, we must seek treatment to get better. This applies to both our mental- and physical well-being.” -National Today

Please read the May is Mental Health Awareness Month document to learn ways that you & your family can take part in ending mental health bias and discrimination, and help build a healthy nation that celebrates children's strengths.

Cindy Gittens, MSW, LCSW

School Social Worker/Mental Health Specialist

DRESS CODE

With the weather warming up, we need to make sure students are still following dress code and are covered. This week, there were many short shorts, covered with oversized sweatshirts that drew questions, as well as crop tops, and shoulders out. Just a general rule of thumb, we need to make sure students are covered from neck to knees. See the attachment below as it relates to the dress code and other reminders. I know that this may seem like a change but please remember that ACS has grown to include Middle School students, so the expectations (Not just with dress code) will have to accommodate our new grades and ages. Thank you for your support as we make adjustments.

Reminders about dress code, attendance, and lunch :)

CHALK THE WALK!

Thank you all for Chalking the Sidewalk, even with our change! You guys showed up and out for our students!

TESTING TIME

We are entering testing season, a critical time for students to solidify their learning and prepare for their End-of-Year (EOY) and End-of-Grade (EOG) assessments. More than ever, it is essential for students to be present and on time each day to fully engage in review sessions, participate in targeted practice, and reinforce key concepts. Consistent attendance ensures they receive the support and instruction needed to build confidence and maximize their chances for success. Let’s work together to create the best possible learning environment and set our students up for achievement! Here is how you can help your child do their best on Test Day!

Before the Test

Be prepared. Our school will send out information on testing dates and which grade level will be testing.
Give your child a chance to practice. If your child has trouble taking tests, try practicing test questions and studying new words. Sample questions can be found on the FSA Students and Families website. Keep the sessions short, and set small, manageable goals so that the extra practice boosts your child's confidence (Narang, 2008)

On Test Day

Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep and eats a healthy breakfast. Many teachers report that students who don't do well on tests haven't gotten enough sleep, and haven't eaten breakfast on the morning of the test. Doing both of these things will ensure that your child is working at full capacity (Narang, 2008). Keep in mind that all of our students receive free breakfast. Just make sure that they arrive early enough to give your child enough time to eat before their test.
Remain positive . Staying calm will help your child stay calm. If they get nervous about the test or is likely to experience anxiety during the test, help them practice some relaxation techniques that they can try once they are taking the test (Narang, 2008).
Keep to your regular routine. Experts say that dramatic shifts from a child’s routine can have a negative impact on performance. That’s especially true for younger students who take comfort in regular bedtime rituals and meal routines.
Encourage your child to do their best. Encouraging words and a positive attitude about your child’s test performance will go a long way toward calming test jitters. If you are anxious about your child’s performance, you may send the message that you think she is not capable or is unprepared to do well.
Make sure your child is in attendance and on time on test days. Attendance is important every school day, but especially on test days when students get the opportunity to “show what they know.”
Contact your child’s teacher if special circumstances may have affected test performance. A child’s or parent’s illness or a family crisis may keep a student from doing her best work on a test. Communicate your concerns to your child’s teacher.

After the Test

Let your child know that you appreciate that they did their best. Your encouragement will help your child gain confidence and encourage their best work.

VERY IMPORTANT

On testing days, students will not be permitted after 8:30. We have limited staff to house students who miss the Window for entry. We will not be able to allow students in the rooms once testing has started. Please make sure you are on time and gracious to the staff that will will be enforcing this next week!

CARLINE UPDATES & CHANGES

Here are a few reminders about KIDaccount, our new Carline App:

KIDaccount

Morning & Afternoon Carline Policies and Procedures

PTO

Special thanks to A. McPherson for an Awesome year with ACS and PTO partnership! We have a lot of great things planned for next year. Please contact Ashley McPherson for more information! See Below!

Contact: alamancecommunityschoolpto@gmail.com for more information.

MY HOT LUNCHBOX

Make the process easier. Download the app! See the instructions below!

ACS SPORTS FINAL UPDATE!

ACS Spring Sports Finale:

Girls Soccer vs. The Burlington School

A rematch of the Coyotes first game of the season, at Mebane Community Park. The Lady Spartans would take the victory in that game. Defense was the name of the game for both teams on the day. With solid defense play from 6th grade trio Sophia Freeman, Sarai Gorden and Ivory Garner who would hold TBS from scoring for a duration of 12 minutes in the first half after 2 early goals.

The Lady Spartans would have two strikers, attack the ACS goal several times in the first but the team would manage to score only 3 goals in the first half. Strong defensive play by keeper Valerie Argueta who would have some key stops, and finish with (14) saves in the game. She would have more than her previous season high (10) and would be just shy of the team goalie high (17). The Coyotes were unable. to get on the board in the game, and the Lady Spartans would pull away in the second half to secure the win.

ACS Girls Soccer Uniform Return:

Girls Soccer Players wash soccer uniforms and return them to Coach Long in the MS Gym by Tuesday May 13, 2025. Parents please email Coach Long with any questions regarding uniform return. dlong@alamancecommunityschool.net

Co-Ed Golf vs. Gorman Christian Academy

The Coyotes would head up I-85 to Creedmoor, NC. The Coyotes would compete hard in their final match of the season. Strong shots and play from the players that were able to make it out. 7th Grader Bryson Moore would shoot a 47 on the day working to improve his put game.

ACS Sports Participation Fee:

The schools finance associate may be sharing communication with individual families that need to close out their balance for sports participation fees. Fee is $25 per athletic season, not to exceed $75 for the year given an athlete that participates in all three seasons. Fees will be accessed to the student/family account. Please close out this balance, so that athletes 25-26 athletic campaigns are not impacted. Questions/Concerns email: dlong@alamancecommunityschool.net linnea@chartersuccesspartners.com

Rising 6th Graders:

All current 5th grade students that have interest in competing in sports for the 25-26 school year please make sure that you schedule a sports physical appointment with your primary care physician. These appointments can at times be scheduled out 1-3 months.

We want to ensure your students' first year of middle school athletic eligibility is not delayed due to not having a physical on file with the ACS Athletic Department. We are excited to have your student try out for our ACS Athletics teams 2025-26!

ACS Sports Banquet

Congratulations! To all of our student-athletes and coaches that were honored at the 2025 ACS Sports Banquet! We had a great evening acknowledging the hard work and dedication of our sports teams in our inaugural year of interscholastic play. We fellowship with a meal and memories of the season. Coaches retold stories of grit and perseverance and highlighted athletes who impacted teams each and every practice and game. Special thank you to all that helped to make this event special for our student-athletes, families and coaches!

2024-25 ACS Team MVP's

Fall Sports- XC Boy's Ja'Nari Patterson , XC Girls' Ava Herman, Boys Soccer- Michael Mazzei

Winter- Cheer-Jillian Lucas, Girls Basketball-Julia Herman, Boys Basketball-Camden Hawkins

Spring - Girls Soccer- Isabella Serrano, Co-Ed Golf- Bryson Moore

Thank you for supporting ACS Athletics!

Coach Long

#coyotenation

Darius J. Long

MS-PE/Athletic Director

Alamance Community School

336.270.5052 (ext. 505 )

www.alamancecommunityschool.net

2025-2026 SCHOOL CALENDAR

*The Board approved the 2025-2026 calendar in November. It can be found on our website and is included here as well.

2025-2026 SCHOOL CALENDAR

“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 to foster good communication so we can continue to build the caring and inclusive community that so 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.

GENESIS BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL UPDATES

Genesis Before & After School Updates:

Late Pick Up from School

Students not picked up by :45 after will be transferred to the Genesis After School Program. Please pick up your child at the overflow door. Parents/guardians will be charged an after care fee to be determined by how often this occurs and how late the student is picked up, due at the time of pick up via cash, cashapp, or venmo.

School Communications - How to Receive Texts/Phone Calls and Emails from ACS

Last September, we completed the transition to a new school communication software called SchoolMessenger. This change is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the way we communicate with you and ensure that you receive timely and accurate information about school news, events, and your child's education.

The new software offers several improved features, including:

SchoolMessenger App: Receive instant notifications about school events and important announcements.

Custom Notification Preferences: The SchoolMessenger app also allows you to manage your notification preferences for various types of communications including General, Emergency, Attendance and more.

SMS Opt-In: Opt-In to receive text messages by sending a quick text message to our school’s shortcode.

To help you navigate this transition, we have linked a few resources:

SMS Text Opt-In Flyer: Opt-In to receive texts from SchoolMessenger using the QR code or short code text instructions in this flyer.

SchoolMessenger App Parent User Guide: The SchoolMessenger app allows schools and school districts to inform guardians and students about school-related emergencies, school closures, attendance or other school-related issues. The SchoolMessenger app sends and receives notifications straight to mobile devices or desktops.

To download the app, please visit your app store for iOS or Android.

Important: If you already have an email address that the school has on record, use this email address when you sign up for your account in the app.

Please note: We will not be implementing Groups, Teacher Messaging or Teacher-Created

Groups at this time.

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 positively 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 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 do not have to be an educator to volunteer, and everyone is welcome! Please click on the ACS Volunteer Form Link below to find ways that you can volunteer to help support our school! https://forms.gle/6iPiTAYNhm14BezV6

WE ARE HIRING! Looking to build the team!

We are in search of Elementary, Middle, and Substitutes for ACS! In particular, younger elementary (Kindergarten and 1st Grade), Middle School Math, Part Time TAs, and substitutes! If you or someone you know would be a good fit for ACS, please apply through our website under the ‘Employment’ tab (see link below) and email a resume to Mr. Miller at jmarqmiller@alamancecommunityschool.net