ACS Newsletter November 23, 2025

J. Marquice Miller
Nov 23
12 min read

Greetings Coyote Families!

We are almost ready to eat some turkey! We have two more days of intense instruction before we get to our well-deserved break.

Elementary Carline Reminder: Please Do Not Use the Inner Circle. We understand mornings/afternoons can be rushed, but we need your help to keep the carline safe. For the safety of our students/staff/parents, and to maintain an efficient traffic flow, please remember that the inner lane/circle is closed for afternoon carline and should not be used. Utilizing only the outer two lanes helps us keep the line moving smoothly and safely. This requires you to follow the whole loop around. If you do not adhere to this rule, you will be asked to exit the carline and re-enter the correct way. Thank you for your cooperation!

Clothing Donations Needed

We have received a few requests for gently used clothing suitable for the fall and winter seasons. If you have any of the following sizes and are willing to donate them, we would greatly appreciate it. You may drop the clothing off at the front office and we will make sure they get to the appropriate families.

Boys'/Men's Fall/Winter Clothing Sizes- 9-24 months, 3T, 7/8, 8y, 8-10, 13y, 30x32 men's pants, small men's shirts, M/L men's sweatpants

Boys/Mens' Shoes- Toddler 7.5-8, 2.5y, Men's 10-10.5

Girls' Fall/Winter Clothing Sizes- 6/7, 8 (pants especially!)

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Kellie Stubblefield

Community Outreach Coordinator

kstubblefield@alamancecommunityschool.net

MAKE UP PICTURES

Did your student(s) take Makeup pictures? Use the code below to view & make purchases!

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

2025-2026 SCHOOL CALENDAR

A Message from the Managing Director

Dear ACS Families and Staff,

The State Board of Education has released the accountability report for the 2024-2025 school year, which features all components of the state’s accountability framework, including the calculation of A-F School Performance Grades and growth designations. The A-F school performance grades that all NC Public Schools continue to receive are determined by the formula that was used pre-COVID, in addition to many grade-level standards that have not changed since 2018. 80% of the school performance grade is based on the End-of-Grade test scores/proficiency, and 20% is for growth.

As many of you know, the 2024-2025 school year was a year of change, marked by the addition of two new administrators, as well as new staff and teachers. We also experienced a few challenges, including delays in the middle school gym constructionand some teacher turnover after the school year had begun.

For the 2024-2025 school year, although our overall school performance grade is a D, we are celebrating that we met our expected growth. Additionally, our growth improved and was very close to exceeding growth. This positive trajectory can be attributed to our successful staff. This year, we had eight teachers who exceeded growth, and one of them exceeded growth in two subject areas, Science & Math!

Given that there are still areas where we can continue to make improvements, we are focusing on strengthening our core reading, specifically phonemic awareness, in addition to enhancing our math instruction by effectively implementing our Zearn math curriculum.

Since last year, we have made significant changes to ensure our students grow and thrive academically by:

● purchasing the FastBridge ELA and Math benchmark assessments, along with the intervention program for ELA, Math, and Behavior

● implementing a structured Kindergarten - 8th grade intervention and enrichment plan with a set time each day that targeted interventions and enrichments are to be provided 5 days per week in every classroom, Kindergarten - 8th grade

Also, we are continuing to:

● provide literacy and math ongoing support, coaching, and modeling of the whole group and small group lessons, in addition to helping teachers analyze their assessment data to determine their small groups and next steps for instruction by our full-time math and literacy coaches

● Implement the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness and Phonics curriculum in Kindergarten - 4th grade with consistency and fidelity to strengthen our reading core curriculum

● Implement the Reading Reconsidered curriculum for our middle school students with consistency and fidelity to strengthen our reading core curriculum in 5th - 8th grade

● implement the Zearn Math curriculum, Kindergarten - 8th Grade, with consistency and fidelity to strengthen our math core instruction

● support our teachers to use assessment data to drive their instruction, in addition to reviewing their lesson plans each week

● conduct individual teacher and grade level/team discussions about data and next steps with the administrative team

● provide ongoing professional development in reading and math

● continue to have bi-monthly grade level teams & specialists/support staff Data and Curriculum meetings with the Curriculum Director and MTSS Coordinator

● implement differentiated literacy and math workstations that target specific concepts and needs

● ensure that teachers follow our Curriculum Scope, Sequence, & Pacing and utilize the given resources and lessons that are aligned to the standards, are implemented with fidelity and consistency

We believe that by implementing all these changes, providing additional teacher support in reading and math, ensuring that all teachers implement our core curriculum, and holding all staff accountable for providing high-quality instruction to all our students, these measures will significantly impact our students' academic growth and proficiency.

I want to assure you that every ACS employee, from teachers and support staff to administrators, is committed to your students’ growth and works tirelessly each day to meet the needs of all our students. I know that all of us, educators and caregivers, want the very best for our children, and when we support and work together, as a team, academic and

Social-emotional growth and success are attainable for our students.

We have a lot of work to do, and we truly need your support! As parents, guardians, and caregivers, only you can ensure:

● Your students come ready to learn

● your students are respectful and follow the school rules

● your students are at school every day unless they are sick and

● your students arrive on time to school and are not picked up early

Teachers provide instruction from the time school begins at 8:15 until dismissal, so every minute of our school day is essential.

Volunteerism is another way to support not only your student but also many other students. One of the ways we work to meet the needs of all our students is through our small reading and math groups and workstations, which target specific skills and concepts thatstudents are working on mastering. If you are interested in volunteering to help with reading buddies, small groups, work stations, etc., please reach out to your child’s teacher. Remember, you do not have to be an educator to volunteer. I know that all of us are busy, and often finding the time to volunteer can be challenging. My sons are now adults, but some of my fondest memories and most rewarding moments were when I made the time to volunteer in their classrooms. Even 30 minutes per week can make a huge impact.

Attending parent-teacher conferences is another way for you to become involved in your student’s education. Having respectful, open, and honest communication with your student’s teachers to learn more about how to support them at home and areas where they are excelling is essential to your student’s success. As educators, we want the very best for our students and we remain dedicated to decreasing achievement gaps and growing our students, both academically and socially-emotionally

I am thankful for your support as we continue our educational journey together and am confident that we are going to see tremendous growth from our students and staff this year.

Best,

Leslie Hall Paynter, M. Ed.

Managing Director

Alamance Community School

PTO

Join Here: http://forms.gle/qJMUZDvywaVYXS3S7

ACS PTO Swag Shop: https://thelilybarnboutique.com/collections/alamance-community-school

*The PTO receives a portion of every purchase made. Thank you for your support!

Hot off the Press: Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser! November 12-25th

Looking for the perfect gift or stocking stuffer? ACS PTO is partnering with Texas Roadhouse for a Gift Card Fundraiser – and it is the perfect way to give AND give back! Look for the folders in your child’s backpack on Wednesday.

Sale Dates: November 12-25th

Gift Card Increments: $5-$100

Payment: Cash or check payable to ACS PTO

Prizes for Top Sellers!

Cards will arrive BEFORE CHRISTMAS BREAK!

We’re so excited to partner with you this year to make ACS the best it can be. If you have any questions or ideas, we’re always happy to hear from you at AlamanceCommunitySchoolPTO@gmail.com.

Let’s make this year amazing—together!

Warm regards,

PTO Executive Board!

Holiday Giving Tree

The Holiday Giving Tree is set up in the front office. Please stop by the front office to pick up a tag from the tree and purchase a gift for one of our ACS families. Please return the gifts to the front office by December 10th. Thank you for making the holidays a little brighter!

Thank you,

Kellie

COYOTE CAFE!

Coyote Cafe will resume after the break! Stop by the Coyote Cafe on Thursdays! Students may purchase flavored water, granola bars, fruit snacks, crackers, and a variety of other healthy but delicious snacks for only $1 each. All proceeds go to providing weekend meals to our families in need. Please support our ACS Food Pantry by stopping by the elementary gym every Thursday during morning carline (7:45-8:15 am).

Thank you!

ACS Ambassadors

ACS WINTER SPORTS:

Coyotes would finish their third week of this season with games against Clover Garden School & The Burlington School. Teams would show great grit in these two matchups vs. Burlington Schools.

The Girls & Boys Basketball Teams finished the week with their first wins of the season! The Coyotes will play once more before the Thanksgiving Holiday Break on 11/24/25 at Trinity School of Durham-Chapel Hill. Let's go COYOTES!

Darius J. Long

ACS, Athletic Director

ACS Athletic Fees:

Athletic Families, please check your athletes' Infinite Campus accounts to ensure you have satisfied your athletic fees. Our payment system reflects any unpaid fees for (Girls Volleyball, Boys Soccer, Co-Ed Golf). Winter athletes who have not made the Fall Fee Payment will be ineligible to play starting 11/24/25 until payment is made.

Winter Sports athletic fees have been added to accounts. Please make this payment no later than 12/5/25. (Girls Basketball, Boys Basketball & Cheerleading) Infinite Campus accounts. Parents(Guardians) please make sure that you have made this required payment.

Failure to pay the $25 athletic fee will impact your athletes' participation status or disqualify them from receiving end of year athletic awards at our sports banquet.

"We have extended the due date. Please pay the Fall Sports Participation fee ASAP."

-ACS Finance Department/ACS Administration

ACS Week Recap:

11/18 Home Basketball vs. Clover Garden School

The Lady Coyotes would play host to the Lady Grizzlies of Clover Garden School. In the non-conference matchup the Lady Coyotes would play against an offensively aggressive team who would jump out to a quick 21-8 lead in the first half. The Lady Coyotes would have a late rally led by strong play from first year Center #12 Peyton Swann who would record her first double-double of the season with 10 points & 10 rebounds. The Lady Coyotes would go on an 8-2 fourth quarter run, but the Lady Grizzlies would take the win 27 to 14.

The Coyotes of ACS would look to get in the win column against the Grizzlies of Clover Garden School.The game would be full of multiple ties, lead changes and an uptempo brand of basketball from both teams. Clover Garden would go into the half up 20-17. But in the second half the Coyotes would rally back, led by Captain/Forward #23 Camden Hawkins 16 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Coyotes would go on a 24-20 run in the second half to find themselves down 2 points with under 5 seconds remaining in the game. Coyotes timeout call, and ball positioned at half court Camden Hawkins would push the ball to the left corner of the court and pull up for a 15 ft jumpshot. With no time remaining the shot would sink to the bottom of the net! Game Winner, Coyotes would take the 41-40 win!

11/20 Away Basketball vs. The Burlington School (PMAC)

The Lady Coyotes would head to Burlington, NC to play conference member The Burlington School. The Lady Coyotes would start strong and show great teamwork in the game. Second year Guard #4 Julia Herman-Defrancesco would record her first double-double of the year with a break game 16 points, 10 steals , 1 block. First year Center #12 Peyton Swann would also secure her second double-double of the season. with 10 points, 14 rebounds in the game. Forward #34 Lailah King would show up big for the team with 7 points, 8 rebounds in the game. Lady Coyotes would go into the half up 21-4. And pull away with the commanding victory 37 to 6!

The Coyotes of ACS would look to complete their week undefeated, but would play a strong The Burlington School team. The Coyotes would have a tough night from the field and free throw line. Team would only shoot 5/10 from the line. Team would go into half-time down 32- 10. Team would come out of the locker room strong, scoring 8 consecutive points leading to a forced timeout by TBS. Coyotes would never quite get settled into their offensive and defensive sets. The Spartans of The Burlington School would pull away with the win 56 to 25!

ACS Basketball Next Up:

11/24

Away Basketball vs. Trinity School of Durham-Chapel Hill

Time: 3:30 pm Girls 4:45 pm Boys ( Game time has been updated from original time)

Admission: Free

Address: 411 Pickett Rd. Durham,NC 27705

COACHES CORNER:

" Ability is what you are capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." ( Retired Legendary College Football Coach)

ABC Fundraising (Discount Cards):

The ACS Athletic Department will partner with ABC Fundraising to sell and distribute discount cards. These $20 Discount Cards will feature some of your favorite big box retailers, restaurants, services, sweet treats, coffee and local businesses in the Greater Alamance Area. Cards will also be available for sale at ACS Home Basketball Games in December to January while supplies last. Stay tuned for more information about this fundraiser!

Thank you for supporting ACS Athletics Programs!

SPORTS PHYSICALS:

Middle School students in grades 6^th-8^th interested in trying out for ACS Sports would need to submit a new physical examination form and concussion form for 25-26.

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:

https://www.alamancecommunityschool.net/docs

Darius J. Long, M.S.M.

MS-PE/Athletic Director

Alamance Community School

336.270.5052 (ext. 505 )

www.alamancecommunityschool.net

ALAMANCE COMMUNITY SCHOOL

COYOTES

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men"

-Frederick Douglass

Looking for Members to Join our Team.

We are looking for a Licensed Teacher to support our Math and ELA 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!

ACS Employment Application

REMINDERS

Reminders about dress code, attendance, and lunch :)

MY HOT LUNCHBOX

We continue to partner with My Hot Lunchbox for optional hot lunches.

Vendor Lineup:

Monday - La Fiesta
Tuesday - Subway
Wednesday - Zaxby's
Thursday - CiCi's Pizza
Friday - Americana Cafe

Order Now Deadline: 12:00 noon the day before delivery.

Reminder: Pack reusable water bottles daily. No sodas or colorful sugary drinks allowed.

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

FREE & REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATIONS

You must complete a new application each school year.

Pick up applications during Open House or at the front office. Forms are available at the front office and will be shared at Open House. Please note that processing may take up to 2 weeks. In the meantime, you can send lunch from home or order from My Hot Lunchbox until you receive confirmation.

ACS SPORTS UPDATE

Our Attractions Coupon Fundraiser has ended! We would like to thank you for your support in helping to raise funds for our Athletics Department!

Attractions Closeout:

1. Have you returned the sample book to your child's teacher?

2. If you haven't returned the book or sent a $25.00 payment for the book purchase.

Any book not returned to ACS without payment will have a student account assessed against an Infinite Campus account for payment.

“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.

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 you can volunteer to support our school.

https://forms.gle/6iPiTAYNhm14BezV6