October 29, 2020
GREETINGS FROM SPARTAN LANE
Happy almost Halloween! More importantly, we have completed 53 days of teaching and learning on Spartan Lane. Under normal circumstances, I would have no idea how many days have come and gone, but this year we are taking it one day at a time. This is cause for celebration and thanks. A huge thanks to our teachers, students, and families for working with one another to make in-person learning work so well.

We have resisted creating a scoreboard of virus numbers because we do not want to add more anxiety or tension to your day, but I do think this chart is worth a look. Since the last eSpartan, we have had two additional positive cases--one in grade 8 and another unrelated case in grade 7. October has been our worst month with 12 total cases, and we strongly encourage our families to please continue following CDC and DPH guidance. From now on, we will update our overall total COVID numbers once a month and pass them along to you. We will continue to share a weekly update and communicate as needed by grade and division. We hope our transparency has been a source of peace, even though we know it can be frustrating to get a quarantine message. Read more.
CONGRATULATIONS, ACAD VOLLEYBALL!
STATE SEMIFINAL ROUND AT HOLY INNOCENTS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 - 2:00 P.M.
The volleyball team earned a 3-2 win over visiting Trinity Christian School Wednesday evening in another impressive performance by the Spartans! The girls lost the first set, won sets two and three, and lost set four before winning the fifth and final set 15-9! The Region 8A Private Champions' overall record entering this Saturday's match at Holy Innocents' is an astounding 37-2! Admission is $8 and tickets can be purchased in advance through GoFans. We anticipate that the game will be streamed on NFHS--go to the Athens Academy webcast calendar to find the link. GO SPARTANS!
DON'T FORGET!
SCHOOL HOLIDAY/ TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3
We will be taking a school-wide "mental health day" on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, and school will be closed for all grades. We hope our students and faculty will use this day to recharge and decompress. Thank you!
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM TEST: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Athens Academy will be conducting a test of our new emergency communication system through the PikMyKid app on Monday between 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. To make sure your notifications are enabled, log in to PikMyKid and click the three lines at the top right. Select "Settings" and scroll down to the notifications boxes. Make sure "Receive Notifications" and "Receive Email Notifications" are marked Yes. iPhone users may also need to allow the PikMyKid app to send notifications in your phone settings. More information about the test and emergency communications will be shared on Monday. Questions? Email Cindy Halloran.
DRAMA DEPARTMENT PRESENTS THIS SIDE UP
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 - 7:30 P.M. - SLAUGHTER FIELD
The Athens Academy Drama Department is pleased to present its first-ever fall film production, This Side Up, debuting on the videoboard on Slaughter Field! Admission is free and masks and social distancing will be required. Questions? Email Lorraine Thompson.

PRESCHOOL ADMISSIONS 2020-2021
SHARE WITH FRIENDS!
As November quickly approaches, the Athens Academy Admission Office is gearing up for another busy Preschool admission season. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will not be able to host our annual Preschool Open House; instead, we will be offering individual tours/information sessions to interested families. If you are interested in learning more about admission for Fall 2021, we encourage you to click here to reserve your tour now (space is limited). Please also share with your friends who may be interested. Questions? Email Mary Catherine Jernigan.
REGION CROSS COUNTRY MEET
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30 - 11:00 A.M.
Due to inclement weather, the regional cross country meet has been rescheduled to Friday, October 30, with races beginning at 11:00 a.m. (JV combined), 11:45 a.m. (varsity boys), and 12:30 p.m. (varsity girls). Come cheer on the Spartans! Please remember to observe social distancing guidelines and wear masks when distance is not possible. GO SPARTANS!

VARSITY FOOTBALL VS. LOGANVILLE CHRISTIAN: CANCELED
Due to health challenges at Loganville Christian, this week's football game has been canceled. Senior Night has been rescheduled for Friday, November 6. More information to follow. Thank you and go Spartans!
We hope you enjoy this Fine Arts highlight video created by senior Jessica Ford and the Advanced Media Production team, which was shown during halftime of last week's varsity football game. Way to go, Spartans!
The Annual Excellence Fund is Athens Academy's most important fundraising effort! We need YOUR support to make a positive difference. All gift dollars are tax deductible and support our people and programs.  

Participation is EXTREMELY important so please join us!
CLICK HERE to support our Spartans TODAY!
Questions? Contact Charlotte Mullen or DeDe Guest.
UPCOMING EVENTS
School Store Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Artscape Exhibit (All Grades) - October 30-December 18 in the Myers Gallery
Daylight Saving Time Ends - Sunday, November 1
School Holiday (No School) - Tuesday, November 3
One-Act Play: This Side Up - Saturday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m. on Slaughter Field
Athens Academy Holiday Market - Thursday, November 19 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the Sinkwich Spartan Center
Thanksgiving Holidays - Classes Dismiss at 3:20 p.m. on Friday, November 20 and resume Monday, November 30 at 8:10 a.m.
PREPARATION PLAN 2020-2021
Please click here for information on school re-opening, safety guidelines and protocols, and other important details for the upcoming school year. Thank you for your partnership and support. (Last updated August 14, 2020)
COVID-19 HEALTH RESOURCES

TIPS ON STAYING HEALTHY & REDUCING RISK
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • 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.
Athens Academy seeks excellence with honor in the educational and personal experience of each student.