October 2, 2025

NOTES FROM SPARTAN LANE

JOHN THORSEN, HEAD OF SCHOOL

Wow, it is amazing to call Georgia home and enjoy this fall weather. Soon the leaves will pop, and we can enjoy the full beauty of our campus on Spartan Lane. Conference day happened for many Spartans yesterday, and it is always nice to see so many parents on campus. Our teachers benefit from your partnership and working together to build a strong foundation for each of our students, whether in K4, third grade, or seventh grade. As you know, it is always an active campus. Yesterday we also kicked off Artscape with an opening reception, and our volleyball team won their first match in area competition. Tomorrow, we welcome Banks County for our homecoming football game, and we hope you can come cheer on the Spartans, who are currently 5-1 this season.

Recently I came across two articles worth passing along, and I hope you will take some time with them. The first is on raising kids with exceptional social skills, and it is intriguing. I see tremendous value in their recommendations for all children. I especially liked that they teach how to make things right after conflict. The second is a bit of a counter balance if you scratched your head when you saw social skills, and it speaks to raising a thriving introvert, and we have many. Read more.

What an exciting beginning we’ve had in Preschool and Lower School! Change is such a positive part of growth, and already we’re seeing how new ideas are making a big difference for our students.

In the communication plan, Conference Days are one of our most important moments, and I hope those meetings this week were a growth opportunity for each student in Middle School.

As we approach the midpoint of Semester 1, I would like to remind you that our communication and grade report process has undergone a slight change. 

MENTAL HEALTH & QPR (SUICIDE PREVENTION) TRAINING

A MESSAGE FROM BOB SEARS, DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES

The first full week of October is designated Mental Illness Awareness Week. However, according to recent estimates, 25% of us are dealing with a type of mental illness on a daily basis. Our school is well staffed and equipped to handle these challenges, and thankfully, we also have connections in our community to assist us in our efforts. One such group is Nuci's Space, a local organization that seeks to eliminate stigma around mental illness. We have partnered with them for many years and they provide our school with free QPR training, a suicide prevention model proven to be effective. We have had hundreds of people in our community benefit from this, and we have about ten seats available for our next training session on Wednesday, October 29, from 8:30-11:00 a.m.

If you are interested in reserving one of the few remaining seats available, please register here. If you have any questions, please reach out to Bob Sears, Director of Student Services.

UPPER SCHOOL ONE ACT PLAY: GUYS & DOLLS, JR.

OCTOBER 16, 18, 19 & 23

The ACAD Drama Department welcomes you to come see our production of Guys & Dolls, Jr., at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 16, and Saturday, October 18, and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 19. There will also be a benefit show on Thursday, October 23, at 7:30 p.m. All shows will be in the Bertelsmann Presentation Hall. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students and seniors and tickets can be purchased here or at the door. Funds for the Annual Community Benefit show will go to The Salvation Army. This production is sure to entertain so don't miss it! 

FLU VACCINE CLINIC FOR STUDENTS & FAMILIES

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9 / 8:00 AM-4:00 PM

As a service to our community, we have partnered with Oconee Drugs to offer an on-campus flu vaccination clinic on Thursday, October 9, from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., in the Chambers Center boardroom. If you are interested, please register directly with the pharmacy here. 

More details:

• Available for ages 3 and up. Ages 3-15 must have a guardian present and be able to hold still for the shot.
• Ages 16-17 are allowed unaccompanied, but they must have a consent form signed by a parent/guardian (the consent form will be emailed upon registration).
• You must bring your insurance card to the clinic. Vaccines are covered on most major insurance plans, but self-pay is also accepted. 
• Once you have registered for one of the two dates, feel free to drop by the Chambers Center any time between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. that day. Please keep in mind that lines may be a little longer at the beginning and end of the school day.
• Currently, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is available by prescription for individuals 13 years of age and older (the pharmacist can assist you in obtaining a prescription, if needed).

OPEN TO ALL: FIRST FRIDAYS PRAYER GATHERING

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3 / 8:15 AM / SPARTAN CENTER CONFERENCE ROOM

Everyone is welcome to join us for the First Fridays Prayer Group beginning at 8:15 a.m. (usually held in the Farmer Field House). Come as you are! All parents and staff are welcome. We will be meeting the first Friday of every month: November 7, December 5, January 9 (second Friday), February 6, March 6, April 3, and May 1. If you have any questions, please email Candace Couch.

PARENT EDUCATION SERIES: EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8 | 8:10-9:10 AM | FARMER FIELD HOUSE

This parent education session will take a deep dive into Executive Functioning, including what exactly it is and why it's so important for students to acquire executive functioning skills. Speakers will include Dr. Bailey Irvine, Middle School Director Jeff Stachura, Academic Coach Nikki Chester, and other executive function and learning support experts. Questions? Email Morgan Jones.

PARENT EDUCATION SERIES: NUTRITION & HEALTHY HABITS FOR PRE-TEENS AND OLDER

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 | 8:10-9:10 AM | FARMER FIELD HOUSE

Please join us on Wednesday, November 5 for "Nutrition & Healthy Habits for Pre-Teens and Older." Speakers will include pediatrician Dr. Tresa Chappell, registered dietitian nutritionist Collier Perno Madaleno (Class of 2009) and Bryan Pulliam, Athens Academy’s Strength and Conditioning Program chair. Questions? Email Morgan Jones.

The Georgia Tuition Tax Credit is a fantastic program that is essentially free money for our school and benefits everyone in our community!

Spartans, we welcome your participation in the Georgia Tuition Tax Credit Program (GTTC). This program allows taxpayers to easily divert state tax dollars to Athens Academy’s need-based financial aid program. The funds are mandated by state law to be used strictly for student financial aid, based on eligibility criteria that are also prescribed by state law. Your redirected tax payment benefits your child’s education and our school community as well because these funds support our budget and keep tuition costs down for all of our students.

There are three categories of participation: 

1) Companies registered as C-corporations and S-corporations can redirect up to 75% of their State tax liability. The great news is your payment can be deducted as a business expense on the 2026 tax return. The business owner wins!

2) Individuals can redirect up to $2,500 of their State tax liability and married couples filing jointly up to $5,000.

3) Pass-through taxpayers–each business partner, member, or shareholder can redirect up to $25,000 (that’s $50,000 for married filing joint couples with co-ownership!) and can claim their contribution on their personal tax return as a business expense. Read more.