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Greetings, Coyote Families.
We have many moving parts this week and want to ensure everyone is aware of all updates and changes. Please read the newsletter in its entirety.
Message from the Managing Director
Dear ACS Families & Staff,
I am sure that many of you are wondering why we still haven't moved into our beautiful gym. Unfortunately, the Emergency Radio & Certificate of Occupancy “drama” continued through the winter break and is still ongoing. However, we are hoping and praying that the gym saga will end sometime this week.
On Friday, December 20, the City informed our contractor and the emergency radio company that the radio plans and schematics also had to be approved by Guilford County 911, because Graham/Alamance does not have an Emergency Radio system that our system would “talk” to. This was brand new information for our contractor and the emergency radio vendor and we wished this information had been shared in November when we had the initial emergency radio delay. However, our contractor stated he was trying to get the test conducted over the winter break and I was still optimistic that we would have the CO by January 6.
The reality is due to the holidays, our gym was placed "on the back burner" and no one answered my pleas for information until Thursday, January 2 when we were told that Guilford 911 would conduct the emergency radio test on Tuesday, January 7.
On Tuesday, January 7, the tests were conducted and the results were sent to Guilford 911 on Tuesday afternoon. We learned on Friday that Guilford had reviewed and approved for the radio system to be activated and it has been connected to the fire alarm system. The final step is for the Graham fire marshal to complete the final inspection of the radio and then the CO can be issued. We are hopeful that the inspection will occur this week and I would be thrilled if it would happen on Monday or Tuesday.
I can definitively state that as soon as I receive the CO, I will notify our Board of Directors, the Administrative Team, Coach Long, in addition to our ACS staff and families, so we can begin having middle school PE classes, athletic practices, games, and events in the MS Gym. I know that the wait for the Middle School Gym CO has been incredibly frustrating and at times disappointing, but we are almost finished! Please know that I truly appreciate your patience and support, as we "tackle" this final construction hurdle.
Best,
Leslie
Leslie Paynter, M.Ed.
Managing Director
Alamance Community School
ANTICIPATION OF INCLEMENT WINTER WEATHER
In this upcoming winter season, know that there is a potential of school closures. While we are not a part of our surrounding larger districts, we will keep you informed as early as possible and base decisions on our community’s safety and the decisions made by neighboring districts and schools.
I know that waiting for a decision makes everyone anxious, but please be patient and gracious when waiting for decisions concerning the weather. Safety will be our number one concern, but also staying in sync with our surrounding counties. We don't want to start making up time and days of school if we can avoid it. Please know that the admin team collectively loses sleep while trying to determine the next steps regarding school and weather decisions.
Lastly, while attendance is important, please know you can do what you feel is best for your child and family. Stay safe, and know that we are here to serve each and every family here!
3rd 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 staff and families have a moment to connect to prepare 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. There will also be apparel being sold.
This event will occur on January 23rd, 2025, from 4:30 pm to 7pm. The New family tours will take place at 5:30.
ACS WINTER SPORTS UPDATE!
Below is the updated Basketball Schedule.
2024-25 Alamance Community School Basketball Schedule
“PROTECT OUR DEN”
1/13 Away vs. The Burlington School 4:00 pm Girls/5:00 pm* Boys Burlington, NC
1/16 Away vs. Triangle Day School 4:00 pm/5:00 pm Durham, NC
1/21 Home vs. Grace Christian Academy 4:30 pm/5:30 Boys* Haw River, NC
1/23 Away vs. Grace Christian Academy 4:00 pm Girls/5:15 pm Boys Haw River, NC
1/27 Away vs. River Mill Academy 4:30 pm Girls/5:45 pm Boys Graham, NC
1/30 Away vs. Discovery Charter School 4:30 pm Girls/5:30 pm Boys Bahama, NC
2//3 Home vs. Haw River Christian Academy 4:15 Girls/ 5:15 pm Boys Haw River, NC
2/4 Home vs. The Hawbridge School 4:30* pm Boys Only* Haw River, NC
2/8 Away 4th Annual Coach Kirkling Classic (MS Tournament) TBD Durham, NC
2/10 Home vs. Discovery 4:15 pm Girls/5:15 pm Boys* Haw River, NC
2/11 Student vs. ACS Staff Basketball Game (Jamboree Event) 4:30 pm Haw River, NC
*Home Basketball Games: 195 Kronbergs Ct, Haw River, NC 27258 (ACS MS Gym)
Admission: $5 Adults $3 Students K-12th
*Coyote Pack Deal (2 adults & 2 students $14)
Athletic Questions:
Contact AD: Darius Long
SPORTS DISMISSALS
On game days, we will shift how we dismiss athletes. Students will go to Cottage 2 (This will be Middle School Gym once it is fully completed) instead of the main office. Parents, please park in the Middle school Gym Parking lot, and Coach Long and/or the sports coaches will meet you to sign out. When we have home games, sports will be dismissed to the Middle School gym. We are currently brainstorming what sports transportation will look like in the coming years. However, in the meantime, please consider carpooling with other team parents to get our students to location not just safely, but also quickly.
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.
MORNING CARLINE UPDATES AND REMINDERS (DROP-OFF)
We are noticing an increase in congestion and delays during morning carline, which is 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 note that students arriving after 8:15 will be marked tardy. Families with excessive tardies will need to meet with Mr. Miller and our social worker, Mrs. Gittens, to address attendance issues.
AFTERSCHOOL CARLINE PROCEDURES
To ensure an efficient and safe dismissal process, we will begin a few minutes early to accommodate the longer carline. Please note that starting in the coming days, the carline will close promptly at 3:45 PM. This adjustment is necessary to prioritize the well-being of our staff, who have been outside in the cold for extended periods.
Families arriving after 3:45 PM will be subject to afterschool late fees. We appreciate your understanding and collaboration in helping us maintain a smooth dismissal process.
As a reminder: Late Pick Up from School
For students not picked up in the afternoon carline by 1:45 on Wednesdays and 3:45 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday will be taken to the ACS/Genesis Athletics aftercare program. There will be no charge for the first late pickup. For the second late pick-up, there will be a $5.00 charge. For the third late pick up there will be a $10.00 fee. Subsequent late pickups, 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.
Thank you for your continued support in ensuring all students arrive at school on time and ready to learn.
“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. Offensive and negative comments will be deleted and may result in the removal from the group!
GENESIS BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL UPDATES
Late Pick Up from School
For students not picked up in the afternoon carline by 1:45 on Wednesdays and 3:45 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday will be taken to the ACS/Genesis Athletics aftercare program. There will be no charge for the first late pickup. For the second late pick-up, there will be a $5.00 charge. For the third late pick up there will be a $10.00 fee. Subsequent late pickups, 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.
Alamance Community Extracurriculars & 4-H Register Here
Loom and Crafting Grades 2-7
Classes listed on Sawyer
Upcoming Middle School Enrichment Opportunities
Animal Science 101
Karate
Strength and Conditioning
FIRST Lego
NBA Math Hoops
Project Brainy
Environmental Programs
The Swifties
Look for information about these programs on our FB page and 4-H webpage
Student Commitment for 2025-26: Coming Jan 21
Current Coyote Families will express their intent for their student(s) to return to Alamance Community School for 2025-26 by completing a Google Form for the school. These forms will be sent home via email on Tuesday, January 21 and must be completed by Friday, February 7.
If you do not receive the email with the instructions and form link by the end of the day on Tuesday, January 21, please contact Leslie Jewell via email at ljewell@alamancecommunityschool.net.
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 short code.
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 nor 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 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 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 EC Team members for ACS! 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
INSTRUCTIONAL UPDATES
ACS will have its inaugural Scripps National Spelling Bee on Wednesday, Jan. 15th. Classroom winners from grades 3-7th will participate in the school-wide bee. Our spelling bee will be live-streamed on our parent ACS Facebook page.
Our MOY mCLASS Benchmark opens Monday, Jan.13th- Feb.3rd. Set students up for success by preparing them to be tested by a different teacher and by providing a quiet environment for testing.
Messages of Appreciation for the Giving Tree Gifts
I am writing to say thank you to the people of Alamance Community School in helping make Christmas just a little easier this year for our family. We are very blessed to be apart of this amazing group! Thank you again, Merry Christmas, and God Bless.
Our family wants to tell the AMAZING families who were able to help us out this year THANK YOU! We appreciate you so much!!!
Thank you all for your generosity during the holiday season.
I am so appreciative for all the help I received from the giving tree for my boys. I’m a single mom of 4 and really struggled this year. This made a world of difference for Christmas. The ones who got my children went above and beyond. I want to thank you all so much!
I wanted to thank everyone who was able to provide a huge smile on my son’s face. We are beyond grateful for the thoughtfulness in each gift. I hope to be able to give back next year!
I wanted to express my gratefulness for the holiday help through the school and other parents.
The opportunity to be offered giving tree participation was very much a blessing. It was so nice to have enough under the tree to give them the experience of a bright Christmas.
There's really no way to truly express how much something that may seem so small to some was a big deal to us. Thank you!
Thank you so much for the art and craft supplies! They have been well used already and are encouraging a wonderful growth of creativity in my child! She was beyond excited opening everything Christmas morning and especially loved her little Bluey! Again, thank you, for helping to make our holidays a little brighter.
I want to thank you and the ACS staff/family for the support I have received. The gifts given through the giving tree made my kids Christmas very memorable. It feels good knowing I my kids have such a positive support system other than just myself!
I just wanted to thank ACS and the people who helped with the giving tree. Me and my 3 children are beyond grateful. I've been having some hard times lately and didn't know how I was going to be able to give my children a Christmas but y'all made it happen with your help.
Once again, I'm more than thankful to the people who were able to help us. You're awesome!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart . Thank you for thinking of us, and putting my boys on the tree. The generosity, love and support of our school family is unmatched. Things have been pretty rough this year, but seeing their faces on Christmas morning made my heart so happy. I promise to pay it forward as soon as I’m able. Thank you again
Ms. Kellie!
IMPORTANT DATES
1/13 | Basketball vs. The Burlington School (Away) |
1/13 - 2/14 | Testing Window #2 |
1/20 | MARTIN LUTHER KING JR HOLIDAY - NO SCHOOL STUDENTS & STAFF |
1/23 | Coyote Connections 4-7 |
2/13 | End of Trimester 2 |
PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS
If you have missed any of the previous newsletters, here are the links.