March 23, 2020
GREETINGS FROM SPARTAN LANE
Change is our new normal. We may think we have found our new normal and within a day, something pops up and causes us to pivot. This is a very surreal experience in many ways and even more challenging through the lens of a seven- or twelve-year-old. Athens Academy faculty and staff are working tirelessly to establish some normalcy in our students’ lives, whether they are three or about to celebrate graduation (which we will do in some way). I am proud to share that our college admission results continue to be quite strong, and the Class of 2020 continues to be top of mind for many of us.

This is not easy, but I feel transparency is always best.  We will NOT return to face-to-face operations until Tuesday, April 14, at the earliest. As you likely know, this is optimistic and that is why we are likely to make adjustments to our daily schedules in the days ahead. We will continue with our current plans for now with adjustments made day-by-day, and an entirely new plan will be shared later this week and will go into effect on Monday, March 30. We are currently running six different schedules for K3 through grade 12, and with these new plans we will likely end up with more schedules being implemented depending on grade level.  Read more.
A MESSAGE TO PARENTS FROM THE STUDENT SERVICES FACULTY
Dear Parents and Students of the Athens Academy Community,
When we left school on Friday, March 6, for our respective vacations, we did not expect to find ourselves in the situation we are in now. Even though campus will be closed, we will remain available to all of you if, and when, you have questions or concerns. This fact has not, and will not, change no matter what the next few weeks may look like.  Read more.
**Appointments are available to help maintain social distancing.**

Click here to make an appointment and use the sponsor code ATHENS. Walk-ins are also welcome and will be handled carefully.

There is currently a critical need for all blood types, so we hope you will consider donating.

The Red Cross has a goal of 60 donors for this drive--LET'S BEAT THAT GOAL!
We're excited to introduce a new initiative, our Spartan Community Challenge !  Each week in the eSpartan we will present three new Community Challenges. These fun challenges are intended to engage parents and students in some different and meaningful ways. We encourage your family to pick one or two--or all three--to accomplish together. We'd love to see your progress, so please share photos or videos by email with Kristina Ware or Kelley Cuneo .
SHORT ON BOOKS? NEED A GOOD MOVIE?
A MESSAGE FROM THE ATHENS ACADEMY LIBRARIES
Good news! Athens Academy will be offering library services for all three of our libraries while the school is closed. Please  click here   for more details.

NEED HELP WITH SpartanNet?
As part of our distance-learning initiatives, students and parents will need to use SpartanNet to find assignments, announcements, etc., from faculty and administrators. If you need help with your login/password or basic information on using SpartanNet, please contact Denny Dotson by email or at 706.433.1825.
SPARTANS,
WE MISS YOU!
Please keep sharing your photos from home!
You can email photos to Kelley Cuneo or tag Athens Academy or use #ACADonline on Facebook, Instagram (@athens_academy) or Twitter (@athens_academy). And in the meantime, stay safe and healthy and enjoy the time with your family!
COVID-19 HEALTH RESOURCES

TIPS ON STAYING HEALTHY & REDUCING RISK
Public health officials recommend the following steps people should take to reduce their risk of getting and spreading any viral respiratory infections. These include:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.
  • Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
CANCELED OR POSTPONED, MORE INFORMATION TO FOLLOW
Rulers of Olympus Pageant (Upper School) - Tuesday, March 24 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall (postponed)
Middle School Conference Day (No School, Grades 5-8) - Wednesday, March 25 (TBD)
Uniform Resale - Wednesday, March 25 from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the Chambers Center (canceled)
Parent Information Session: Wellness - Wednesday, March 25 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall (postponed)
Global Issues Day: Single-Use Plastics - Wednesday, March 25 (TBD)
Pre-first Performance - Friday, March 27 at 8:45 a.m. in the Harrison Center Performance Hall (postponed)
Spring Photos (Grades K3-4) - Wednesday, April 1 (canceled)
Junior/Senior Prom - Saturday, April 4 from 8:30 - 11:30 p.m. at the Classic Center (postponed)
Spring Holiday - Classes dismiss on Friday, April 10 at 11:30 a.m. (Extended Day until 4:30 p.m.); Classes resume on Tuesday, April 13 at 8:10 a.m. (TBD)
K4 Class Performance - Friday, April 17 at 8:45 a.m. in the Harrison Performance Hall (postponed)
UPCOMING EVENTS: TO BE DETERMINED
Upper School Spring Play - Thursday, April 23 - Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall
Festival Day - Saturday, April 25 at the Mastandrea Baseball Facility
Senior Recognition Orchestra Concert - Tuesday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall
Uniform Resale - Wednesday, April 29 from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the Chambers Center
Snapshots Theatre Showcase - Wednesday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall
Upper School Band and Chorus Concert - Thursday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall
Upper School Honors Day - Friday, May 1 at 5:00 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall
String Fling Orchestra Concert (Grades 3-8) - Thursday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall
K3 Class Performance - Friday, May 8 at 8:45 a.m. in the Harrison Performance Hall
Middle School Talent Show - Saturday, May 9 at 5:00 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall
Middle School Band and Chorus Concert - Thursday, May 14 at 7:00 p.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall
Graduation - Sunday, May 17 at 4:00 p.m. at the Classic Center
Middle School Honors Day - Friday, May 22 at 10:00 a.m. in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall
School Dismisses for Summer - Friday, May 22 at 11:30 a.m. (Extended Day until 4:30 p.m.)
Athens Academy seeks excellence with honor in the educational and personal experience of each student.