Welcome Back! ACS Newsletter August 9, 2026

Greetings, Coyote Families!

We are looking forward to this week as we embark on a new school year! Open House has our staff on a high, and we will continue tomorrow, making sure this year is the best yet at ACS! One major reminder, the first day of school is Tuesday, August 11th! Monday is our last teacher workday before the students arrive!

Moving forward, the parent Newsletter will be posted on Friday Afternoon, so that the Coyote Community has the weekend to prepare for the upcoming week's events. We can't wait to see you on Tuesday!

Back to School Information

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

• 1st–8th Grade Students: Tuesday, August 11 2025 | 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM

• Kindergarten Staggered Start (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): You should have already received information concerning your child’s staggered start days. Please contact the school if you have not. 

• Group 1: Tuesday, August 11, and Wednesday, August 12

• Group 2: Thursday, August 13, and Friday, August 14

• All kindergarteners will have their first FULL day of school on Monday, August 17, from 8:15 AM - 3:15 PM.

SCHOOL HOURS

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

• 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM

• AM Carline: 7:45 – 8:10 AM

• PM Carline: 3:15 – 3:45 PM

Wednesday

• 8:15 AM – 1:15 PM

• AM Carline: 7:45 – 8:10 AM

• PM Carline: 1:15 – 1:45 PM

HOT LUNCHES

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

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

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

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.  It may take up to 2 weeks to process, so please send lunch from home or order from My Hot Lunchbox until confirmed.

HEALTH FORMS & MEDICATION

All health plans and medication authorizations must be renewed for the new school year.

** Please note that Alamance Community School is not a part of the Alamance-Burlington School System, and we cannot act upon a completed ABSS form.

Related Links:

• ACS Documents and Forms Page

• ACS Medication Authorization Form

• ACS Allergy Action Plan

• ACS Asthma Action Plan

We also have copies of these forms in the school office if you need a blank printed copy.

We are here to help; if you have any questions or concerns about authorizations or

health action plans, please get in touch with the school office at:

frontdesk@alamancecommunityschool.net

Student Absent? Complete the ACS Student Absence Form

This form is to be submitted by a student's parent/guardian to notify the ACS office of the student's absence. 

NOTE: THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED ONCE FOR EACH DAY THE STUDENT IS ABSENT,

E.G. ABSENT TWO DAYS = 2 FORMS SUBMISSIONS

⭐⭐Please DO NOT enter future dates. Submit this form on the day of or after the absence has occurred.

For details on ACS attendance policies and the types of absences that may be lawfully excused, please refer to 

the ACS Parent/Student Handbook.

CLOTHES BIN RECYCLING

Drop your unwanted clothing, shoes, and textiles in the green Clothes Bin near Kronbergs Court. Every pound helps ACS and keeps items out of the landfill!

2026–2027 SCHOOL CALENDAR

• The ACS 26-27 Academic Calendar is available on the school website under Parents and HERE> School Calendar & Schedules

Please make a note of:

• Testing Dates, Fall Break, Winter Break; & Spring Break, and Summer Break - Be sure you schedule any vacations/trips around the dates that school is not in session.

• The first day of school is August 11th, 2026

Thank you for reading and preparing with us. Let’s make this year meaningful, memorable, and successful—together.

Let’s go, Coyotes!

SPIRIT FRIDAYS

Wear ACS gear or purple & gray every Friday to show your Coyote pride!

ACS Parent and Family At-A-Glance

Get ready for the 2026-2027 school year at ACS! The official First Day of School is August 11, 2026. It is very important to our school's funding that all students attend on the first day of school.

Below is your one-pager event guide covering key dates, breaks, and holidays to keep on your radar all year long.

This is a bird's-eye view of some of our most important dates. Some dates may be added, deleted, or changed and will be communicated throughout the year.

There will be copies provided at Open house as well!

Carline

The KidAccount Parent App is now Available! https://kidaccount.com/parent-app-help/

With the Parent Connect App, parents can:

• Access their child’s barcode digitally

• View and manage their student's dismissal information.

• Submit dismissal change requests.

• Receive notifications when dismissal changes are approved.

• Manage their approved pick-up contacts. 

You must complete your Annual Update Forms in Infinite Campus Parent Portal and connect to the app with an approved Parent email account.

If you are new to ACS and/or do not yet have access to your child’s barcode cards, please follow normal carline procedures and tell carline staff the name(s) of the children you are picking up.

You MUST have your photo ID ready to show staff and must be an approved pickup person for each child you are picking up.

CARLINE REMINDERS & TRAFFIC FLOW

Please be patient and follow procedures, especially in the first few weeks. The carline will move more quickly once routines are established.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ONLY CARLINE

• This line is for students that only reside in the cottages for core classes (grades 5-8 only)

• If you have a sibling in the main building (Grades K-4), you must use the regular car line.

• Please enter the staff parking lot (The first left turn off of Kronbergs Court)

• Wait at the stop sign, and staff will guide you through the Traffic to the right lane

• Stay in the right lane to enter the Middle School Gym Parking Lot 

• You can also use the Middle School Only Carline in the mornings. Please do not line up prior to 7am. Carline will start at 7:40 

• Also, If you arrive after 8:10, you will need to sign your child in a the front office as tardy (While grace will be given during the first weeks of school, we will enforce this cutoff time.

Other Important Notes:

• Do not use cell phones in the carline.

• Arrive by 8:10 AM to ensure your student is in class by 8:15 AM.

• Early dismissals must be before 2:45 PM (or 12:45 PM on Wednesdays).

• Students not picked up by 3:45 (or 1:45 on Wed) will be taken to Genesis After Care, and fees will apply.

Here is more information on Carline and KIDAccount, our source for organized carline. 

Supply List

Grade Level Supply Lists for 2026-27 are available on our school website at https://www.alamancecommunityschool.net/supply-lists

If you see any good deals, you're welcome to share them with families in the comments below!

See you soon, Pack!!

Student Absent? Complete the ACS Student Absence Form

Student Absent? Complete the ACS Student Absence Form

This form is to be submitted by a student's parent/guardian to notify the ACS office of the student's absence. 

NOTE: THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED ONCE FOR EACH DAY THE STUDENT IS ABSENT,

E.G. ABSENT TWO DAYS = 2 FORMS SUBMISSIONS

⭐⭐Please DO NOT enter future dates. Submit this form on the day of or after the absence has occurred.

For details on ACS attendance policies and the types of absences that may be lawfully excused, please refer to 

the ACS Parent/Student Handbook.

PTO CORNER

 All Paws In! Join the ACS PTO

Welcome back, ACS teachers, staff, and families! We are excited to kick off another amazing school year and invite you to be All Paws In with the ACS PTO!

 Back-to-School Membership Special: Join the PTO through August 31 for just $10!

PTO members enjoy exclusive benefits all year long! Teachers and staff receive member-only appreciation perks, while parents get first access to volunteer opportunities and special events like the Book Fair, Fall Festival, school dances, teacher appreciation events, and more.

Become a member today: Join the ACS PTO

Contact us: alamancecommunityschoolpto@gmail.com

 Mark Your Calendars!

Our first PTO event of the year is almost here!

 Scholastic Book Fair: September 14–18 Fall Family Day: September 19

We can't wait to see our ACS families, celebrate a new school year, and make this our best year yet. See you there!

 Show Your ACS Spirit & Save! Apparel Sale until Aug 11

 Show Your ACS Spirit & Save!

Gear up for the new school year with the ACS Gear Summer Savings Event through our partners at The Lily Barn! From tees and hoodies to accessories and more, there's something for every Coyote fan.

 Orders will be delivered directly to your student's homeroom approximately 10–15 business days after your order is placed. If you don't know your student's homeroom yet, simply enter "Unknown" at checkout—we'll take care of the rest when orders are delivered.

 Shop the ACS Spirit Store here: https://thelilybarnboutique.com/collections/alamance-community-school

Genesis OST Programs

Don’t delay; register today.

On-site before- and after-school services with Genesis OST Programs is now open for registration. We offer a safe, convenient, affordable, and fun program for your children.

The registration link can be found on the ACS website.

Registration closes July 27th to balance numbers.

NO TECH TUESDAY

No Tech Tuesdays: Weekly Screen-Free Learning

Starting this school year, our school is introducing "No Tech Tuesdays" to reduce digital fatigue, improve focus, and encourage face-to-face interaction. Every Tuesday, students will swap their screens for hands-on, print-based learning.

What Parents & Students Need to Know

• Devices Away: Laptops, tablets, smartphones, and smartwatches must stay in backpacks or lockers from the first bell until dismissal.

• Hands-On Learning: Classwork, readings, and assessments will use physical textbooks, paper, whiteboards, and collaborative discussions.

• Screen-Free Evenings: Teachers will not assign homework on Tuesday nights that requires a computer or internet access.

• Limited Classroom Tech: Teachers may occasionally project short slides or brief clips (under 5 minutes) for whole-class instruction, but students will not use individual screens.

Policy Exceptions To ensure all needs are met, individual screen access is still permitted on Tuesdays for:

• Required Accommodations: Students with IEP, 504, or ELL plans utilizing assistive technology.

• Medical Needs: Health monitoring tools, such as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).

• Testing & Specialized Classes: Scheduled state/standardized testing and specialized courses where computers are required (e.g., Computer Science, CAD, Digital Media, NCVPS).

COYOTE SPORTS CORNER

2026 Fall Sports Tryouts!

Try-Out Eligibility:

• Students must be in grades 6-8th.

• Physicals must be submitted to Coach Long by August 14

Need a Physical?

FastMed of NC is offering $20 sports physicals for middle school athletes. Visit https://www.fastmed.com/urgent-care-centers for more information

Co-ed Cross Country - August 17 & 18

• 4:00 - 5:15 PM @ ACS ES Gym

• Coach Pascua

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL - AUGUST 17 & 18

• 4:00 - 5:15 PM @ ACS MS GYM

• Coach Bunn

BOYS SOCCER - AUGUST 17 & 18

• 1010 Towerbranch Road, Graham, NC

• Coach DeLoatch

Questions

Please contact Athletic Director, Coach Long

dlong@alamancecommunityschool.net

ACS SUNSHINE COMMITTEE

 Calling all ACS families

Behind every great student is a team of hardworking teachers and staff. Our Sunshine Committee is on a mission to keep our educators energized, appreciated, and smiling all year long!

We are looking for community partners to help sponsor our monthly staff morale events, surprise snack carts, and appreciation giveaways.

How you can help:

• For Families: Drop off individually wrapped snacks, k-cups, soft drinks, water, or $5–$10 gift cards to Target, Amazon, Walmart or local coffee shops at the front office.

• Standard donations can be dropped off anytime. For business sponsorship info, please reach out to us at kwilkerson@alamancecommunityschool.net

Thank you for helping us keep our school community bright!

#TeacherAppreciation #SupportLocalSchools #SchoolSpirit

Parent Student Handbook

Our Parent Student Handbook is on our website.  Here is the link: 

2025 - 2026 ACS PARENT STUDENT HANDBOOK

We do not anticipate any major changes to the handbook; however, once the 2026-27 handbook has been completed, we will post it on our website and let you know.

“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 effective communication and helping continue building the caring and inclusive community that many of us want for our students, st

aff, 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.

Volunteer! Proctors Needed

As we prepare for our upcoming testing season, we're reaching out to ask for your support. We are in need of volunteer test proctors to help ensure a smooth and successful testing environment for our students.

Proctors help monitor the testing room, ensure procedures are followed, and support a calm, focused atmosphere. No prior experience is necessary-just a willingness to help and a brief orientation will be provided.

Your presence makes a big difference. Volunteering as a proctor not only supports our students but also strengthens our school community. If you're available and willing to help, please complete the linked Google Form

Infinite Campus Parent Portal: Accounts for New Parents

Welcome to our newest Coyote Families!

New families that have completed registration will begin receiving an email with instructions on how to set up their official Infinite Campus Parent Portal account. This portal will be your central hub for grades, assessment reports, announcements, schedules, and important school updates, so keep an eye on your inbox that week to get connected!

7th Graders Need Updated Immunizations on or before the 1st day of School

Students entering 7th grade are required to have one dose of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine and one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine for individuals who have not already received those vaccines. Please contact your student's health care provider or the local health department to obtain an updated immunization record or to make an appointment, if your child needs those vaccines. 

Parents/guardians of students enrolled in 7th grade will be required to provide an updated current proof of vaccination (i.e., Certificate of Immunization from the NC Immunization registry) on or before the first day of school, August 11, 2026.

If proof of vaccination is not provided within 30 calendar days of the first day of school, your child will be excluded from school until a current shot record is provided, as required by law.

Please DO NOT send your immunization certificate to school at this time. You will be asked to provide this in the fall, during our re-enrollment process and Beginning of Year form completion for students.

For more information on required immunizations in NC, please visit: https://immunization.dph.ncdhhs.gov/family/nc_immnz_requirements.htm

If you have any questions or need additional information, please reach out to Leslie Jewell at ljewell@alamancecommunityschool.net

All families: Annual Information Update Now open in Infinite Campus

It’s time for our annual check-in! Please log into Infinite Campus to complete your Online Registration (OLR) / Back-to-School Forms.

Why this matters: Keeping your contact details current is always vital, but it is especially critical this year. The data you provide in Infinite Campus will directly sync with our dismissal tool, KidAccount.

To ensure a smooth, safe, and speedy afternoon carline, we need your absolute latest dismissal preferences and approved pickup persons on file. Please make completing this update a top priority so your student is ready to roll on day one!

Provide this information through the Annual Update Forms, or if you have completed the forms and need to make modifications use the KidAccount parent app and/or contact transportation@alamancecommunityschool.net

New Medication Forms Needed for 2026-2027

*If your student requires daily medication during school hours and/or has a rescue inhaler or Epipen, you and your physician will need to complete the following medical form each year before medications can be administered at school:  MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION FORM

* Students with EPIPens and/or inhalers must also have allergy action plans or asthma action plans on file. Here are links to those forms as well.

ACS ALLERGY ACTION PLAN

ACS ASTHMA ACTION PLAN

* ALL Medical Forms (medication authorizations AND applicable action plans) must be turned in through the front office. Office staff will ensure teachers receive copies once they are reviewed and approved.