The District Download Newsletter: July 2025

​   FREE STUDENT MEALS FOR THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR All students eat for free again this school year! Autauga County Schools is participating in a federal program for a third year where all breakfast and lunches are provided at no charge for every student with no applications or additional information; however, participation is key! Students may enjoy full meals every school day or supplement lunches from home with vitamin-rich foods such as fruit, vegetables, and milk. Read more >>   DISTRICT ACAP READING RESULTS  ACAP results are in! ACS is proud to share that more than 90% of third grade students scored at or above grade level on the 2024-2025 ACAP Reading Test. Even with the increased cut score this year, making it more difficult to benchmark, ACS students maintained progress thanks to the hard work of teachers and families!   2025-2026 TEACHER ASSIGNMENTS AND CLASS SCHEDULES Teacher assignments and class schedules for the upcoming school year will be available in ParentSquare beginning July 24. Please note! While this information is published, it may not be finalized until closer to the start of school, so anticipate changes. If you need to request a schedule change for secondary students, please follow your child’s school-specific procedures beginning no earlier than August 11 - the first day a request can be made.   2025-2026 DRESS CODES DOS AND DONT'S The district has revised the 2025-2026 dress code, standardizing it for all students in grades K-12 as a way to simplify the expectations of appropriate clothing. While many of the rules remain the same from last year, the revised policy now includes easy-to-read sections and specific exemptions, aimed at helping you better navigate the school year. Download new dress code >>   BILLINGSLEY'S XC PROGRAM EXPERIENCES INAUGURAL SUCCESS Billingsley School's new cross country program experienced success in its inaugural season, earning individual and team state bids! Coach Bland, the Bears' track and field coach and a distance runner herself, views the program as an opportunity for student-athletes to earn college scholarships and compete at the next level, and is working toward even greater success in the upcoming school year. Read article >>   UPCOMING OPEN HOUSE EVENTS Mark your calendars for back-to-school events across the district to celebrate the start of the upcoming school year! Meet teachers & administrators, tour schools & classrooms, make new friends, purchase tote bags, lockers, spirit shirts, and so much more. Bookmark events >>   FINAL SUMMER FEEDING EVENT REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Registration for the final food pick-up event on July 17 is open! The free meal kits include breakfast and lunch foods with fresh fruit, vegetables, and milk, and may be picked up from Marbury High School or Prattville High School for children ages 0-18 living in the local area. Once tickets are sold out, register as a waitlist and visit either location during the last 15-20 minutes of the distribution window to be served as remaining inventory allows. Register or waitlist now >>   SUMMER LEARNING MATH & READING CAMP RECAP Who says learning can't be a blast? During ACS' Summer Learning Camp, elementary students enjoyed activities & games, creative projects, and hands-on adventures - all secretly packed with math, reading, and critical thinking skills for those needing a little extra boost to conquer these necessary skills. Even McWane Science Center , P'zazz Art Studio , SHORT the Squirrel, Literacy Mascot , and the Prattville YMCA dropped by to join the fun and reinforce the camp's academic goals. See photos >>   2025-2026 SCHOOL SUPPLY LISTS It’s never too early to get a head start on back-to-school shopping! Whether you make it an annual event or buy a few pieces here and there, school supply lists are now available. Download lists >>   PHS' COACH LEDKINS NAMED AUTAUGA COUNTY SOCCER COACH OF THE YEAR Congratulations! Trevor Ledkins, Head Soccer Coach for the Prattville High School boys soccer team, was named the Autauga County Coach of the Year by Elmore/Autauga News! Coach Ledkins led the Lions to one of the best seasons in program history, culminating in a Class 7A Area 5 Championship and #3 ranking in the final post-season poll. Read article >>   JULY 2025 BOARD MEETING Join the conversation! The Autauga County Board of Education is holding its regularly-scheduled board meeting on July 15 at 6 p.m. at the Chapter One Center. Families and community members may attend in person or watch online with live or on-demand options to be a part of the discussion on how to improve the educational experience for all students with programs, policies, and processes. Learn more >>   REQUIRED TDAP IMMUNIZATION REMINDER Autauga County Schools requires sixth-grade students to provide an up-to-date Certificate of Immunization reflecting the Tdap booster vaccine. All students entering the sixth grade must receive the Tdap vaccine on or after their 11th birthday per Alabama State Law. This vaccine protects adolescents from pertussis (more commonly known as whooping cough) and significantly helps to prevent the spread of the disease to others with weakened immune systems. A current Certificate of Immunization or an official Certificate of Exemption from the Alabama Department of Public Health must be submitted to the Centralized Registration Department prior to the start of school. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Centralized Registration Department at (334) 365-5706 ext. 2002.    JUNE 2025 BOARD MEETING RECAP The Autauga County Board of Education's June meeting is available to watch at your convenience! Take a few minutes to catch up on district news, including policy discussions, this year's summer feeding program, a celebration of the Class of 2025, an audit review, a personnel update, dual enrollment & early release presentation, and Superintendent Woodfin's report. Watch video >>   2025-2026 RETURNING STUDENT REGISTRATION There's still time to get a jumpstart on next year's first-day forms by completing the 2025-2026 returning student forms online in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. If you need any help with the process, devices, or internet connectivity, please contact the district's Centralized Registration Department by July 24. Or better yet, stop by and see them at 358 First Street in Prattville on Mondays - Thursdays from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Complete forms here >>   UPCOMING SALES TAX HOLIDAY SAVINGS Take advantage of Alabama’s back-to-school sales tax holiday on July 18-20. During this designated weekend, shoppers may purchase certain school supplies, computers, and clothing free of state sales tax. Some of the most popular exempt items include: Clothing priced at $100 or less per article School supplies priced at $50 or less per item Books priced at $30 or less per book Computers priced at $750 or less per device The Alabama Department of Revenue’s exempt and non eligible items are available on their website. Learn more >>    JUNE 2025 BOARD POLICY UPDATES The Autauga County Board of Education revised one policy during the June board meetings: Property Sales and Disposal Procedures. Read more >>   JROTC TEACHERS EARN AF/SF INSTRUCTOR HONORS  Congratulations! SMSgt Scrimpshire and Major Kochik were named 2025 AF/SF JROTC Outstanding Instructors for his exemplary contributions and impact on Prattville High School and Marbury High School's cadets. "We know that instructors go above and beyond each day. The ones we recognize with this award represent the Best of the Best we have in AF/SF JROTC. They represent the highest examples of the Air Force Core Values, which are crucial to the success of the AF/SF JROTC mission. Well done to all," said Colonel Matthew Tipton, Air Force JROTC Director.    ARI SUMMER LITERACY FUN The Alabama Reading Initiative 's latest newsletter is now available! Enjoy family literacy resources designed to engage elementary students over the summer with fun activities to help prevent the “summer slide.” Read more >>   PHS' DUBOIS NAMED AHSAA'S MAKING A DIFFERENCE RECIPIENT Congratulations! Erica DuBois, Prattville High School’s Lady Lions Basketball Coach, was named the Alabama High School Athletic Association's 2025 7A Making A Difference Award Recipient. Coach DuBois was nominated and chosen as an exemplary role model on campus and in the community!    153 West Fourth Street Prattville, AL 36067 (334) 365-5706 | acboe.net

Thursday, Jul 10 2025

The District Download Newsletter: June 2025

  SUMMER OFFICE HOURS District summer hours begin this week! All campuses and administrative offices are closed on Fridays through July 25, with an additional holiday closure in observance of Juneteenth on June 19. Schools are open to the public from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and Central Office is open from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The five-day school year schedule returns on August 1, and the first day of school for students is August 7.   SUMMER FEEDING PROGRAM Autauga County Schools is providing free meals again this summer! The meal kits include breakfast and lunch foods with fresh fruit, vegetables, and milk that may be picked up from Marbury High School or Prattville High School for children 18 years or younger. Registration is required per event, but children do not have to reside in the county or be enrolled in Autauga County Schools to participate. Register here >>   CLASS OF 2025 SPOTLIGHT Autauga County Schools is incredibly proud to send this year's seniors into the world ready to make their mark! With more than $10 million in scholarships, more than 60% plan to attend college, while dozens have pledged their service to this great country, and others are pursuing immediate careers. No matter the path, the future is bright for these graduates.  .   PRATTVILLE BAPTIST NURSES DONATE TO ACS NURSES Prattville Baptist Hospital nursing leaders organized a supply drive for Nurses Week to give back to the incredible Autauga County Schools’ nursing staff that keeps students healthy, safe, and ready to learn. “A big thank you to Jeannie Coker and her team for their unwavering commitment to our students and community,” said Meg Spires, Chief Nursing Officer. "Together, we are making a difference!”   OUT-OF-DISTRICT ENROLLMENT Please share with family & friends! Autauga County Schools is accepting Out-of-District Enrollment applications from June 9-27. The district's Out-of-District Enrollment policy allows families living outside of Autauga County to apply to attend a school within the district through an application process along with an annual per-student tuition payment.   Learn more >>   2025-2026 KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT Rising kindergarten families! Autauga County Schools is accepting online Kindergarten enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year. Enrollment is open to all Autauga County children five years of age on or before September 1, 2025. Anyone who needs assist with the online forms, connecting to the internet, or using a suitable device is encouraged to visit Prattville Kindergarten School on June 12 or 26 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Register now >>                                                                     IN-DISTRICT ENROLLMENT APPLICATIONS Autauga County Schools is opening a second round of In-District Enrollment requests for the 2025-2026 school year from June 6-13. ACS' In-District Enrollment policy allows families living in the district to choose the best school environment for their children through this once-per-year application process regardless of zoned school. Learn more >>    MHS BULLDOG SQUAD TAKES FOOD SERVICE BUSINESS ON THE ROAD The Marbury High School Bulldog Squad has been busy setting up their InSPIREd Treats and Eats Food Truck at local businesses that are special to them - the Smith Center's annual Family & Friends Picnic and Prattville Baptist Hospital’s Nurses Week celebration. These students have learned the food service business over several years, beginning with a hot pot kettle and now a fully operational food truck where they serve the tastiest loaded teas and bakery items that teach independent living skills to MHS’ self-contained special education class. See photos >>   BILLINGSLEY STUDENTS EARN FIRST RFI CERTIFICATIONS IN STATE Billingsley School students Briana Coburn, Jaden McDaniel, Amira Moten, Aubree Vance, and Caleb Blackmon are among the first students in Alabama to earn their NOCTI Ready For Industry certifications! Ready For Industry, a career and technical education certification, is designed to address career awareness and preparation for the near-term job seeker, strengthening student job readiness for a competitive job market. Read more >>    MAY 2025 BOARD MEETING RECAP The Autauga County Board of Education’s May meeting is available to watch at your convenience! Take a few minutes to catch up on district news, including Bus Driver of the Year awards, a Criterion Consulting presentation, new policy updates, a monthly financial review, and Superintendent Woodfin's report. Watch video >>   RETURNING STUDENT REGISTRATION NOW OPEN  Get a jumpstart on the 2025-2026 returning student registration forms! Parents and guardians received an automatically generated “Autauga County Schools Returning Student Registration for [Student Name]" email along with a handy web link to access “first day” forms using your PowerSchool Parent Portal credentials - no snapcodes are required this year! Learn more >>   BUS DRIVERS OF THE YEAR RECOGNITION Congratulations! The 2025 Bus Drivers of the Year Awards were announced at the board meeting earlier this month, and it's always a special occasion because these honorees are chosen by their fellow drivers. See photos >> Autaugaville - Mark Holder 9 Years of Service Billingsley - Janet Willis 36 Years of Service Marbury / Pine Level - Carol McAdam 28 Years of Service Prattville - Debbie Causey & Chris Holifield 52 Years of Combined Service Substitute - Tommy Jacks  9 Years of Service    ESS Alabama: Substitute Applications Now Available   Substitute employees! Be ready to roll for the start of the 2025-2026 school year by creating a new ESS Alabama account - the district’s new substitute agency. Whether you’re a sub pro or looking to try something new, go online or stop by one of the events below to get started. Refer friends and earn even more this year! Learn more >> June 10 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Chapter One Center June 11 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Daniel Pratt Elementary School June 17 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Daniel Pratt Elementary School June 18 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Chapter One Center   JULY 2025 BOARD MEETING Join the conversation! The Autauga County Board of Education is holding its regularly-scheduled board meeting on July 15 at 6 p.m. at the Chapter One Center. Families and community members may attend in person or watch online with live or on-demand options to be a part of the discussion on how to improve the educational experience for all students with programs, policies, and processes. Learn more >>   ACTC STUDENTS EARN TOP 10 STATE PLACEMENT IN MOS COMPETITION   Congratulations! Four Autauga County Technology Center students earned top 10 placements in the state's Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) State Championship Spring Qualifier. Students competed against peers from across the state to place in this highly competitive event. Earning a MOS certification is a résumé worthy accomplishment - it showcases technical skills that give them a competitive edge for future college and career opportunities. Scott Bentley - 3rd Place - Excel James Morgan - 4th Place - PowerPoint Tori Parker - 5th Place - PowerPoint Lillian Robbins - 10th Place - PowerPoint   PHS JROTC EARNS PERFECT SCORE IN UNIT ASSESSMENT Prattville High School's JROTC’s AL-951 earned an A+ rating with a perfect score of 100 following a unit assessment last month. These formal evaluations assess the unit’s compliance with public law, Department of Defense and Air Force Instructions, and the written agreement between the district and the Air Force. The “exceeds standards” rating is the highest rating attainable by a JROTC unit.    MAY 2025 BOARD POLICY UPDATES The Autauga County Board of Education revised four policies during the May board meetings: attendance, promotion and retention, dress code, and immunizations - mainly updating language to be clear and consistent. Read more >>     STATE OF THE SCHOOLS PRESENTATION Superintendent Woodfin’s State of the Schools Presentation is now available online to watch anytime! Stay up to date on important district news, including state report card results, Code of Conduct updates, academic initiatives from recent legislation, insights from the Criterion Consulting study, online enrollment tips, and answers to your questions - organized in easy-to-navigate video segments. Watch video >>   153 West Fourth Street Prattville, AL 36067 (334) 365-5706 | acboe.net

Thursday, Jun 05 2025

The District Download Newsletter: May 2025

  SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE As we approach the end of another school year, I want to take a moment to reflect, celebrate, and express my deepest gratitude to each of you. This year has been filled with growth, learning, and incredible achievements - both inside and outside the classroom. Whether your child is finishing kindergarten, moving on to middle or high school, or preparing to graduate, this season is a meaningful time to recognize all that they’ve accomplished. May is traditionally a month full of celebration so I want to shine a spotlight on two incredible groups who define this season: graduates and educators. To the Class of 2025 - congratulations! You did it, and we couldn't be more proud of all you've achieved and all the promise that lies ahead. For many of you, this marks the beginning of your educational journey; for others, it's the grand finale before you embark on vocational paths, higher education, or military service. Whatever your next chapter holds, know that we are behind you every step of the way, cheering you on. Ralph Waldo Emerson may have said it best: "What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you." You each carry unique talents and strengths, and we can't wait to see how you use them to shape a brighter world. Of course, this moment wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated educators and support staff who helped our graduates reach this milestone. May is also the time we pause to celebrate those who’ve made it their life’s work to inspire, guide, and educate. I’ll always remember the teachers who shaped my life, and I’m honored to now work alongside so many others who do the same for our students each day. Education is the one profession that creates all others—and we are incredibly fortunate to have some of the very best in our district. Whether in the classroom, behind the scenes, or out in the community, you go above and beyond, and your impact is immeasurable. To those retiring this year: thank you for a legacy that lives on in every student you've reached. A teacher never truly retires - their lessons last a lifetime. To all of our families who are returning next year, we look forward to welcoming you back in the fall, rested and ready for another great year. Until then, I wish you a safe, joyful, and rejuvenating summer. Why Not Us,   STATE OF THE SCHOOLS PRESENTATION Be a part of the solution! Join Superintendent Woodfin on May 15 from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. to discuss what's happening in the district and in your child's school as a part of this year’s State of the Schools presentation. The district is continuing this town hall-style meeting after receiving positive feedback from stakeholders last year. In response to the feedback, this year’s presentation will be held online only, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to "attend" -  whether by watching live or on-demand when busy schedules allow the time. Learn more >> Submit feedback >>   2025 RETIREE RECEPTION CELEBRATION What better way to start Teacher Appreciation Week than by celebrating those wrapping up their professional career with Autauga County Schools! The district celebrated 36 retirees at a special reception held in their honor last week. Together, they’ve given an incredible 861 years of service to students, families, and their school community. Their expertise will be deeply missed, but wishing them heartfelt best wishes for the future. See photos >>   ATTENDANCE MATTERS! With just over two weeks remaining in the 2024-2025 school year, attendance still matters! All students, and their families, are encouraged to finish strong by attending every day.    PJHS UNVEILS LIBRARY RENOVATIONS & NEW OUTDOOR CLASSROOM Prattville Junior High School students now have access to a newly renovated library and outdoor classroom following a Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting! These beautifully renovated areas serve as extensions of the classroom and hands-on learning labs, all while creating opportunities for student collaboration throughout the school day. As a part of the unveiling, PJHS proudly welcomed state & local officials, community members, and financial partners who made the $117,000 renovation price tag possible. Read more >>     MAY 2025 LUNCH MENUS The district’s May lunch menus are now available! Bookmark your child's school lunch menu so your family knows when to enjoy full plates or supplement lunches packed at home with healthy items such as milk, fruits, and veggies. Download school menus >>   2025-2026 NEW STUDENT ENROLLMENT Please share! New student enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is open! Families can choose their desired path with several enrollment options shared by Superintendent Woodfin. The district’s easy-to-use online portal simplifies the enrollment process and can be completed anywhere with a device and internet connectivity. Enroll now >>   AUTAUGAVILLE STUDENT EARNS BRYANT-JORDAN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Congratulations! Taliyah Howard, Autaugaville School senior, was recognized at the 40th annual Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Banquet. She was named the Class 1A, Region 3 Achievement Award honoree for achieving excellence despite obstacles, exemplifying a dedication to be the best she can be in the classroom and on the field.   E LEMENTARY & SECONDARY STUDENTS UNITE FOR SUMMER CAMP SUCCESS Autauga County Schools connects elementary and secondary worlds by providing a free K-5 summer camp to enrich reading and math skills and staffing it with Autauga County Technology Center's Education & Training students who can earn elective credit while assisting certified teachers. The district is taking advantage of the Extended Learning Opportunities Act to create partnerships that improve student-to-staff ratios, provide leadership, work experience & community service opportunities, and build relationships for future job possibilities. Watch interview >>   UPCOMING GRADUATION DATES Save the dates! The Class of 2025 graduation dates and locations are now set, so it's time to get excited about celebrating this year's graduates. Please be sure to check school-specific details as you countdown to the big day.  Marbury High School: May 16 - 7 p.m. | MHS Football Field Billingsley School: May 19 - 6:30 p.m. | BHS Gym Autaugaville School: May 20 - 6 p.m. | AHS Football Field Autauga Virtual Academy: May 21 - 6 p.m. | PKS Auditorium Prattville High School: May 22 - 7 p.m. | Stanley-Jensen Stadium   SECONDARY SUMMER PROGRAMS Summer is quickly approaching, and Autauga County Schools is encouraging students in grades 6-12 to make the most of the school break with credit recovery, summer school, and credit advancement options. Registration is May 28-29 and June 2 with fees varying depending on the program. Learn more >>   2024-2025 STUDENT WITHDRAWALS Students who are moving this summer or transferring to a school outside of the district must be withdrawn from Autauga County Schools. Parents or guardians should contact the child's school as soon as plans are confirmed, but no later than May 23 - the last day of school. To complete the withdrawal process, a parent or guardian ID, withdrawal form, and the return of school property are required.   APCO GRANT AWARDS IMPACT FOUR CLASSROOMS Teachers have many skills, and grant writing is at the top of that list for any passionate educator. Teachers know best what their students need, and when they partner with community organizations to meet those needs, magic happens! Alabama Power recently donated to Pine Level Elementary School, Prattville Primary School, and Prattville High School, awarding grants to four teachers for everything from new parade banners to creating classroom libraries .  See photos >>   AUTAUGA VIRTUAL ACADEMY PRE-REGISTRATION OPEN Unlock your child's potential by prioritizing their education while embracing a flexible lifestyle! Autauga Virtual Academy is a free online public school designed for highly motivated students who are ready to take control of their learning in an innovative, nontraditional environment. Apply now >>       IN-DISTRICT ENROLLMENT APPLICATIONS OPENING AGAIN Autauga County Schools is opening a second round of In-District Enrollment requests for the 2025-2026 school year from June 6-13. ACS' In-District Enrollment policy allows families living in the district to choose the best school environment for their children through this once-per-year application process regardless of zoned school. Learn more >>    PRATTVILLE AUTAUGA CHARACTER COALITION LUMINARY AWARD WINNERS Congratulations to Jodi Womble, Prattville Kindergarten School Principal and Holt Stovall, Prattville High School junior, for being honored with Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition Luminary Awards! Ms. Womble was named the 2025 Nelda Sorrells Educator of Character and Holt was recognized as the 2025 Student of Character. In addition, several ACS students were presented with Excellence in Character scholarships to pursue their dreams beyond high school. See photos >>   UPCOMING SUMMER BREAK Summer break is almost here! All schools are dismissing on May 23 at 11:30 a.m., so be sure to make note of your child's school-specific early release instructions when they are sent via ParentSquare and social media.      STUDENTS SELECTED TO PERFORM AT ALL-STATE BAND FESTIVAL Autauga County Schools had 20 students from Marbury High School, Marbury Middle School, Prattville High School, and Prattville Junior High School selected to participate in the 2025 Alabama Bandmasters Association's All-State Band Festival! This group of talented musicians were top performers as district honor band attendees, earning a coveted spot on the state’s stage.     APRIL 2025 BOARD MEETING RECAP The Autauga County Board of Education’s April meeting is available to watch at your convenience! Take a few minutes to catch up on district news, including a Prattville Intermediate School Month of the Military Child presentation, 2025-2026 Code of Conduct review, Marbury High School student spotlight, an Autaugaville School update, district financial report, and a Superintendent’s report. Watch video >>   2025 PURPLE STAR SCHOOL RECIPIENTS & RENEWALS ANNOUNCED The Alabama Department of Education recognized six ACS schools as 2025 Purple Star School renewals this year! In conjunction with April's Month of the Military Child, Pine Level Elementary School, Prattville Elementary School, Prattville Intermediate School, Prattville Kindergarten School, Prattville Primary School, and Marbury High School are among only 129 schools statewide renewing this designation in their commitment to military-connected students and families. Read more >>   STUDENTS HONORED AT YMCA-FCA CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP BANQUET Congratulations! The Prattville YMCA recognized more than 25 student-athletes during its annual YMCA-FCA Christian Leadership Banquet last week.  TO McDowell Christian Leadership Award Ellie Majors - Prattville High School Otis Reeves Outstanding Coaches Award Virginia Powers - Prattville High School Willis Bradford Leadership Award Cade Pruitt - Prattville High School ZaCarria Phillips - Autaugaville School Autaugaville School Leadership Circle Taliyah Howard, Jermaine Motley, Kennedy Perry, Marissa Seabon, Kamara Owens Autaugaville Leadership Award Winner ZaCarria Phillips Billingsley School Leadership Circle Kaden Cotton, Kyle Brice, Kayden Bland, Hudson Manning, Alana Jones Billingsley Leadership Award Winner Landon Jones Marbury High School Leadership Circle  Grant Thompson, Marrell Hollon, Alex Brown, Jacob Rawlinson, Nora Spires Marbury Leadership Award Winner Madison Thomas Prattville High School Leadership Circle Sarah Grace Pughsley, Leah Sowell, Brooks Amos, Mark Sergey, Haley Erler Prattville Leadership Award Winner Cade Pruitt   MAY 2025 BOARD MEETING Join the conversation! The Autauga County Board of Education is holding its regularly-scheduled board meeting on May 13 at 6 p.m. at the Chapter One Center. Families and community members may attend in person or watch online with live or on-demand options to be a part of the discussion on how to improve the educational experience for all students with programs, policies, and processes. Learn more >>   ESL PICNIC CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL YEAR, SAY GOODBYE TO INTERNATIONAL FAMILIES There’s nothing quite like an old-fashioned picnic to bring people together! Autauga County Schools’ EL Department hosted a picnic celebrating a successful school year for more than 100 ESL students and their families. Students were recognized for their participation while everyone enjoyed food, games, and prizes. Thank you to Centerpoint Church, East Memorial Baptist Church, and Los Mayas for helping make the event a special celebration.    APRIL 2025 BOARD POLICY UPDATES The Autauga County Board of Education revised one policy during the April 2025 board meeting. The revised Student Admissions policy (5.07) now allows for additional options when submitting proof of residency documents. Read more >> .   OUT-OF-DISTRICT ENROLLMENT APPLICATIONS OPEN SOON Autauga County Schools will open Out-of-District Enrollment applications on June 9-27 for the 2025-2026 school year. This new enrollment policy allows families living outside of Autauga County to choose a school within the district that is best for their child through an application process. Applying students must live in the state of Alabama, be eligible to attend Autauga County Schools according to the outlined criteria, and agree to pay the $1,500 annual tuition cost. Learn more >>    MEDIA SPECIALISTS & TECHNOLOGY COACH ATTEND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING ACS employees, Christie Johnson, Amy Turner, and Melissia Wills, recently attended the 2025 Alabama Computer Science Education Summit where they connected with state leaders to learn about the future of computer science in Alabama!  These ladies are working together to empower students in this area.    153 West Fourth Street Prattville, AL 36067 (334) 365-5706 |  acboe.net

Thursday, May 08 2025

The District Download Newsletter: April 2025

  SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE April is an exciting month for many reasons. Not only is it the next-to-last month of the school year, but it also holds several observances that focus on our students, including the Month of the Military Child, Autism Awareness Month, Youth Sports Safety Month, and Child Abuse Prevention Month. With so many days dedicated to meaningful causes, it can feel like our calendars are always full, but when it comes to spotlighting our students, I'm all in! I'm constantly inspired by our students' big dreams and their hard work to make them a reality! Our commitment is to give them opportunities to explore their interests and passions - starting with a strong foundation in elementary school and continuing a headstart in their career through secondary programs. We are continuing our State of the Schools meetings this year. I truly believe the town hall-style format is a great way to hear directly from you about any questions or concerns you may have about our district. In response to the positive feedback we received last year about the digital format, this year's event will again be held online. This will ensure that everyone has the opportunity to "attend" -  whether by watching live or on-demand when busy schedules allow the time. A date hasn’t been set yet, so stay tuned for additional details. During the meeting, I'll cover key district and school information, including state report card data, calendar updates, Code of Conduct changes, legislative academic initiatives, online enrollment reminders, finances, and, of course, anything that's on your mind. My goal is to provide vital information in a way that is easy for our families to understand. Transparency remains a strategic priority, and we want to ensure that all families have the information they need to make informed decisions that are in the best interest of their children. Families are also encouraged to share feedback through our school-based Climate & Culture surveys. Each school has provided links and details about these confidential, third-party surveys, allowing you to provide honest feedback about various aspects of our schools - both the positives and the areas for improvement. The data collected will help us address priority areas identified by students, employees, and families. I encourage you to use this opportunity to advocate for your child and make your voice heard. Our motto - Equip, Engage, Excel - guides everything we do, and the best way to live it out is by partnering with you. When we work together for the good of our children, there's nothing we can't accomplish. Why Not Us,   MHS SENIOR NAMED ONE OF FIVE "YOUNG HEROES" IN STATE Congratulations! Jamyracle Williams, a Marbury High School senior, was named an Alabama Public Television Young Hero as an “exceptional young woman whose life story is a testament to resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to her community.” She is just one of five students across the state honored because of academic excellence, community service, and - most importantly - succeeding in the face of extraordinary difficulty or hardship. Read more >>     APRIL 2025 LUNCH MENUS The district’s April lunch menus are now available! Bookmark your child's school lunch menu so your family knows when to enjoy full plates or supplement lunches packed at home with healthy items such as milk, fruits, and veggies. Download school menus >>   2025-2026 KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT Rising kindergarten families! Autauga County Schools is accepting online Kindergarten enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year. Enrollment is open to all Autauga County children five years of age on or before September 1, 2025. New this year! Current pre-k students do not have to register as new students. They will complete the returning student registration when the portal opens. Register now >>                                                                                                                                           BILLINGSLEY AND PHS STUDENTS TEAM UP TO CLEAN UP COMMUNITY Students from multiple campuses have teamed up with Autauga PALS to help keep the community clean! Billingsley School students came together to spruce up their campus, while Prattville High School's National Honor Society made a huge impact by clearing litter from Old Autaugaville Road, and JROTC members volunteered at the organization’s annual shredding event, taking in over 6,000 pounds of paper. See photos >>   UPCOMING SCHOOL HOLIDAY Mark your calendars! Autauga County Schools is closed on April 18 for a teacher work day. Students may enjoy a long weekend in preparation for the final few weeks of this school year.    DISTRICT BANDS EARN HIGH SCORES AT MUSIC PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT It was near perfect scores at the Music Performance Assessment for the Marbury Middle School , Marbury High School , Prattville High School , and Prattville Junior High School bands at the annual MPA event last month! All seven bands, and MHS choir, received either superior or excellent ratings on prepared and new music pieces performed at The University of Alabama . For the first time in school history, the MHS Choir performed at State Choral Performance Assessment which is the choir equivalent to MPA and represented the district as the only choral ensemble to perform, scoring overall superior ratings. See photos >>   DPES AND PKS STUDENTS TRAVELED THE WORLD IN ONE DAY Daniel Pratt Elementary School and Prattville Kindergarten School students enjoyed traveling the world last week without leaving the district. More than 42 countries were represented at this year's International Day, a volunteer-led experience that celebrates the unique cultures, languages, foods, landmarks, festivals, and native dress of various countries represented within these schools! See photos >>   ACTC GIFTED AMBULANCE FOR FIRE SCIENCE PROGRAM Autauga County Schools received a generous gift at last month's board meeting! The City of Prattville's Fire Department donated a retired ambulance to the Autauga County Technology Center, offering career tech students even more hands-on experiences in the Fire Science program. This fully operational vehicle complements the classroom replica, providing students with opportunities to pursue their dreams. See photos >>   2025-2026 VIRTUAL SCHOOL PRE-REGISTRATION EXTENDED Unlock your child's potential by prioritizing their education while embracing a flexible lifestyle! Autauga Virtual Academy is a free online public school designed for highly motivated students who are ready to take control of their learning in an innovative, nontraditional environment. Apply now >>     PLES AND PHS STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN LEGISLATIVE SESSION Zadah Bunch, Pine Level Elementary student, and JEB Roy, Prattville High School sophomore, had a front-row seat to the legislative process while leading the Alabama House of Representatives in the Pledge of Allegiance earlier this session. These outstanding students exemplify the power of youth leadership and civic engagement as Zadah shared her story while speaking with policymakers and JEB served as a legislative page, learning firsthand about the vital work that shapes local communities.   APRIL 2025 BOARD MEETING Join the conversation! The Autauga County Board of Education is holding its regularly-scheduled board meeting on April 15 at 6 p.m. in the Chapter One Center. Families and community members may attend in person or watch online with live or on-demand options to be a part of the discussion on how to improve the educational experience for all students with programs, policies, and processes. Learn more >>   BILLINGSLEY AND PLES GIFTED STUDENTS WIN STATE COMPETITIONS Congratulations! The Billingsley School and Pine Level Elementary School gifted programs won first place in the Alabama Association for Gifted Children's state-wide Gifted Education Month Contest for their robotics and electricity project submissions! Billingsley students in grades 3-4 used Blockly to code robots to dance in sync together. PLES students in fifth grade researched and designed posters to share more about significant people or points in time related to the history of electricity.    SECONDARY STUDENTS TAKE OWNERSHIP OF FUTURES WITH HI.ED WORKFORCE PARTNERSHIP Autauga County Schools partners with Hi.Ed Workforce to help students determine their career goals after high school. The proprietary software syncs transcripts to the state's graduation requirements, layers acceptance and scholarship requirements for colleges & athletic requirements for NCAA eligibility, and includes a virtual game that teaches financial literacy. Secondary students take an aptitude quiz that creates student-specific experiences - industry tours, military recruiting stops, college visits, and more! Watch video recap >>   MARCH 2025 BOARD MEETING RECAP The Autauga County Board of Education’s March meeting is available to watch at your convenience! Take a few minutes to catch up on district news, including an ambulance donation from the Prattville Fire Department, an update to 2025-2026 enrollment documents making it easier for families to verify residency, new science textbook adoption, approval of Autaugaville School rezoning, financial report, and a Superintendent’s report. Watch video >>   DISTRICT'S ALL-STATE CHORUS BLENDS SCHOOLS AND VOICES Give a big round of applause to this year's All-State Chorus, which was comprised of Marbury High School and Prattville Junior High School students. This choral group joined other musicians from around the state to blend their craft and vocal talents to make beautiful music during the Alabama Vocal Association's annual concert.   IN-DISTRICT ENROLLMENT APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN Autauga County Schools is now accepting in-district transfer requests for the 2025-2026 school year through April 18. ACS' In-District Enrollment policy allows families living in the district to choose the best school environment for their children through this once-per-year application and random selection process regardless of zoned school. Learn more >>    MHS SOCCER COACH EARNS 100TH CAREER WIN WITH LADY BULLDOGS Marbury High School's Coach Brent Sowell recently recorded his 100th career soccer win. He credits the Lady Bulldogs' program for the achievement, saying, "Without the players, parents, coaches, and administrators that have helped the program grow over the last nine years, none of this would've been possible." The team's academic accomplishments are just as impressive, with a team GPA over 3.85 for the last several years, a 100% college acceptance rate for the previous six seasons, and eight student-athletes signing to play at the collegiate level. Read more >>   CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS CALLING YOUNG ARTISTS WITH MoMC EXHIBITION The Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Purple Up Prattville Young Artists Showcase in honor of this month's Month of the Military Child. Students in grades K-12 are encouraged to submit original entries on what being a military child means to them (as a military-connected kid, friend, or classmate) and submit it to info@prattvillechamber.com by April 26.     DISTRICT'S SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HOSTS ANNUAL ABILITY GAMES This year’s Prattville YMCA Ability Games was about celebrating all abilities and having fun with friends! The district’s Special Education students, staff, and buddies enjoyed a day filled with laughter, teamwork, and a sense of community that reminded everyone how much can be achieved when focused on how “abilities outweigh disabilities,” as the Prattville YMCA Field of Dreams sign reads. See photos >>   MARCH  2025 BOARD POLICY UPDATES The Autauga County Board of Education did not adopt or revise any policies during the March board meeting.   NEW ERA OF PRATTVILLE SCHOOL SPIRIT UNVEILED WITH "ONE TOWN, ONE TEAM" PROJECT Get ready, Prattville! Autauga County Schools is launching a new chapter of unity and pride with the "One Town, One Team" initiative! This exciting rebranding effort unites all Prattville schools under one proud and powerful mascot - the Prattville Lions! From elementary to high school, all students will now share the same spirit, identity, and mascot, creating a stronger, more cohesive community. Read more >>   DISTRICT'S ELEMENTARY STUDENTS CELEBRATE READING Oh, the places you’ll go inside the pages of a book! Elementary schools across the district celebrated Read Across America Week with local and celebrity guest readers, themed dress-up days, special snacks, and loads of fun. This recognition week is a great reminder of how magical it is to pick up a book and be transported to a new world. See photos >>   153 West Fourth Street Prattville, AL 36067 (334) 365-5706 |  acboe.net

Thursday, Apr 10 2025

The District Download Newsletter: March 2025

  SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE The spring semester always brings a flurry of activities as many of us take advantage of the longer days and warmer weather! For me, it’s a great reminder to remain committed to our mission as most of our attention turns to preparing for the upcoming school year. While we continue to monitor progress, adapt to challenges, and work closely with our families to ensure student success this year, our thoughts turn to improving our processes for the future. We’ll soon open our online enrollment portal for the 2025-2026 school year. The new digital process that we implemented last year will continue with a few enhancements so that families can enroll at their convenience from anywhere in the world. Those interested in pre-registering for Autauga Virtual Academy or the district’s preK lottery system can do that on our website now, and our In-District and Out-of-District Enrollment applications will be available soon. In addition to enrollment excitement, we are working to finalize our Code of Conduct for the upcoming year, continue growing STEM and robotics partnerships, and guide our elementary and middle school students through ACAP testing. There is so much to celebrate in Autauga County Schools!  We remain committed to providing our students with every available resource; however, we are cautiously awaiting the future as state and federal changes are anticipated. These two sources make up nearly two-thirds of our annual budget, so we are closely monitoring proposed legislative action. We will continue to remain transparent about financial challenges.  I encourage you to stay connected with us through ParentSquare and social media. These platforms are the best places to stay up-to-date on everything going on in the district as we navigate the future together.   Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to our schools. Together, we can accomplish amazing things! Why Not Us,   EXPLORE CAREER TECH WITH ACTC OPEN HOUSE Success is no longer one-size-fits-all, and one of the most rewarding ways to achieve success is through career and technical education - even if college is in your future!   Every graduate will enter the workforce at some point beyond high school, so let the district's career tech programs open doors to high-demand jobs, apprenticeships, and even opportunities for college credit. Join the Autauga County Technology Center for an Open House on March 6 from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. to learn more about the career and technical education opportunities for students in grades 9-12 for the 2025-2026 school year! Learn more >>   TOMORROW'S EARLY STUDENT DISMISSAL Autauga County Schools will dismiss on March 7 at 11:30 a.m. Please be sure to note your child's school-specific early release instructions.    DISTRICT HOSTS KEY MILITARY TOUR FOR EDUCATION DAY A group of key Maxwell Air Force Base military support liaisons and spouses took part in an Autauga County Schools Education Day, along with the Maxwell AFB School Liaison Office, getting an insider’s look at public education with a multi-campus tour, Superintendent briefing, and senior staff presentations on state report card success, graduation requirements, career tech importance, and system finances.    MARCH 2025 LUNCH MENUS The district’s March lunch menus are now available! Bookmark your child's school lunch menu so your family knows when to enjoy full plates or supplement lunches packed at home with healthy items such as milk, fruits, and veggies. Download school menus >>   2025-2026 SCHOOL CALENDAR It's here! The Autauga County Schools 2025-2026 board-approved calendar is now available, including a complete list of grading periods, holidays, early dismissals, and more. Download now >>   ACTC TEACHER NAMED VEX V5 TEACHER OF THE YEAR Congratulations! John Cooper, Autauga County Technology Center's Robotics Teacher, was named the 2025 VEX V5 Teacher of the Year during the state tournament. Mr. Cooper is synonymous with robotics in Autauga County, having been successful in all levels of competition, including a bid to worlds last year. This award is a testament to his unwavering leadership and dedication to his craft and students.   UPCOMING SPRING BREAK HOLIDAY ACS is closed March 24-28 in observance of Spring Break! All students return on March 31 to complete the final grading period of this school yea r.   HMMA ROBOTICS TOURNAMENT SUCCESS Congratulations to three district teams for programming their way to success after countless hours of practice in preparation for the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama’s fourth annual Hyundai Initiative for Robotics Excellence (HIRE) School Robotics Tournament, placing among the event’s 250 teams! Billingsley’s middle school team was crowned the Teamwork and Skills Champion, Pine Level Elementary School was chosen for the Design Award, and Prattville Junior High School took home the Teamwork Championship.   2025-2026 PRE-K PRE-REGISTRATION OPEN The district’s First Class Pre-K registration is open through March 16. Children who are residents of Autauga County and turning four years old by September 1 are eligible to register for the program’s random selection. Apply now >>     APCO DONATION FUNDS DISTRICT STEM PARTNERSHIP   Thank you to Alabama Power for supporting Autauga County Schools’ STEM initiatives! Their financial contribution allows elementary and secondary students to participate in the Central Alabama Community College STEM Camp as participants and student leaders. This four-part program aims to provide hands-on learning, career exploration in STEM fields, and develop essential skills to prepare fourth-grade gifted and Autauga County Technology Center students for future educational and career opportunities in Central Alabama.   MHS GIRLS VARSITY BASKETBALL REFLECT ON FINAL FOUR SEASON Marbury High School's Lady Bulldogs reflect on "an amazing ride" when recalling this year's basketball season that was stopped short in a 65-53 loss to Ramsay High School in the AHSAA's Final Four game. The team finished with a 20-7 record, to which Coach Brown said, "There's nothing to hold their heads down about. I told my girls, a lot of kids play their entire high school career and don't even make it to this point." Read more >>   FEBRUARY 2025 BOARD MEETING RECAP The Autauga County Board of Education’s February meeting is available to watch at your convenience. Take a few minutes to catch up on district news, including the approval of the 2025-2026 calendar, purchase of fire & safety equipment for Prattville Elementary School, Daniel Pratt Elementary School, Prattville Primary School, Pine Level Elementary School, and Marbury High School using specific-use funds, and a Superintendent’s report. Watch video >>   BILLINGSLEY STUDENT-ATHLETE SELECTED FOR NORTH-SOUTH VOLLEYBALL ALL-STAR GAME Congratulations to Billingsley School 's Alana Jones for being selected to compete in the AHSAA'S North-South Volleyball All-Star game! Alana is a junior Outside Hitter/DS who will compete on the South squad among top volleyball athletes across the state during the AHSAA's All-Star Week.  “I’m incredibly honored and excited to represent Billingsley in the All-Star game this summer,” said Jones. “It means a lot to showcase the hard work and dedication that my teammates, coaches, and I have put into the sport. Billingsley may be a small school, but this opportunity proves that talent and commitment can stand out anywhere. I can’t wait to compete alongside some of the best players in the state and make my school proud!” Read more >>   Q3 REPORT CARDS COMING SOON The third grading period of this school year is officially in the books! Report cards are scheduled to be released on March 14.    PHS STUDENT CHOSEN FOR PRESTIGIOUS LEADERSHIP PROGRAM Tiffany Lee, a Prattville High School junior, was chosen as one of only 10 exceptional students to participate in the prestigious 2025 Frances Hesselbein Student Leadership Program! The week-long experience was a part of the National Character and Leadership Symposium and included leadership activities and lessons alongside fellow Student2Student leaders. The program aims to equip students with the necessary tools and knowledge to continue developing S2S programs. Read more >>   MARCH 2025 BOARD MEETING Join the conversation! The Autauga County Board of Education is holding its regularly-scheduled board meeting on March 11 at 6 p.m. in the Chapter One Center. Families and community members may attend in person or watch online with live or on-demand options to be a part of the discussion on how to improve the educational experience for all students with programs, policies, and processes.  Learn more >>   2025-2026 VIRTUAL SCHOOL PRE-REGISTRATION EXTENDED Autauga County Schools has extended Autauga Virtual Academy's pre-registration application for the 2025-2026 school year. AVA is a tuition-free remote instruction public school open to students entering grades K-12 that live in the state of Alabama. Learn more >>   MMS STUDENTS "ESCAPE VAPES" WITH EYE-OPENING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM Thank you to the Autauga County 4-H for presenting the Alabama Extension's Escape Vapes Program to Marbury Middle School students! With vaping on the rise among young people, this program helps students understand the potential health risks that most students are unaware of, assuming that vaping is a safe alternative to smoking. Read more >>   PHS STUDENTS EARN NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST STATUS Congratulations to Prattville High School's Kate Bibb and Saylor Boles, who are one step closer to achieving a major academic goal of National Merit Scholars. These classmates and lifelong friends advanced from 2025 National Merit Semifinalists to Finalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program, allowing them to compete for millions in college scholarships.    FY24 ANNUAL REPORT NOW AVAILABLE  The district’s FY24 annual report is now available! This publication reflects a continued commitment to financial transparency, providing access to complicated financial data in an easy-to-read format. Download a digital copy or pick up a paper copy from the school of your choice. Download report >>   JROTC CADETS PLACE FIRST IN INVITATIONAL DRILL Congratulations, cadets! PHS Air Force JROTC AL-951, comprised of cadets from Prattville High School and Marbury High School, placed first in the Greenville High School Invitational Drill, Fitness, and Academic Competition over the weekend, displaying discipline and determination to showcase problem-solving skills and precision drills.    FEBRUARY  2025 BOARD POLICY UPDATES The Autauga County Board of Education did not adopt or revise any policies during the February board meeting.   S ECONDARY BAND STUDENTS PERFORM IN ALL-DISTRICT HONOR BAND   Bravo! Autauga County Schools was represented at this year's All-District Honor Band by student musicians from Marbury High School, Marbury Middle School, Prattville Junior High School, and Prattville High School. With just a few practices, this group performed a flawless concert with dozens of students from across 12 counties as a part of the Alabama Bandmasters Association District 5 area.    ARI FAMILY SPRING BREAK CHALLENGE Get caught reading this spring by participating in the Alabama Reading Initiative's Family Literacy Challenge from March 3 - April 30. ARI is a statewide initiative committed to supporting the development of high-quality instruction that prepares elementary students with literacy skills needed to meet or exceed standards. Get details >>   153 West Fourth Street Prattville, AL 36067 (334) 365-5706 |  acboe.net ​

Thursday, Mar 06 2025

The District Download Newsletter: February 2025

​​​​   SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE Autauga County Schools has been educating students as the only public school system in the county since 1912 - that's more than 100 years of commitment to preparing students to be business and community leaders! Public education is the foundation by which we prepare the next generation of leaders, workers, and citizens who will go on to shape our world. When we invest in public education, we are not just investing in the education of individuals - we are investing in the collective success of our entire community. A well-educated population drives innovation, strengthens the economy, and fosters a sense of civic responsibility. This storied history has been made possible by dedicated supporters of our system, who, for years and some even decades, have shown up with a straightforward question: What can we do to help? There are countless stories of people showing up and simply getting the job done for nothing more than knowing that their contributions benefit our students, giving them the chance to live out their dreams. I couldn't be more thankful for these faithful supporters! As a former coach, I can always find the athletic parallels, so it's only fitting that the phrase "a team is only as strong as its fans" keeps running through my head. We have fans in every corner of our community; two of those groups are our school board members and our legislative delegation. I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for their unwavering support of public education. Their commitment to ensuring that our students have access to the highest quality education possible has made an immeasurable difference in our community, and for that, I am truly thankful. To our school board members, your leadership, vision, and tireless advocacy on behalf of our students, families, and staff is commendable. You work diligently to ensure that our schools are not only a place of learning, but also a space where every child can thrive. The time you devote, often behind the scenes, to policy discussions, budget planning, and strategic decisions shapes the future of our district, and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of individuals leading the way. To our legislative delegation, your ongoing support of public education is invaluable. The work you do at the state and local levels is vital to ensuring that our schools are well-resourced and equipped to meet the needs of all students. Your advocacy for funding, educational equity, and policies prioritizing our students' well-being and academic success is essential to our community's future. The investment you make in public education is an investment in the future of our children and, by extension, the future of our entire community. Thank you to anyone who's ever volunteered or contributed to an ACS student, school, or staff member! I appreciate your support and unwavering dedication to our community. It is a privilege to work alongside such committed individuals and groups who share a common goal of strengthening the future of our children and our community. Why Not Us,   POWERSCHOOL DATA BREACH UPDATE Autauga County Schools continues to work in cooperation with PowerSchool regarding the cybersecurity incident involving the district’s Student Information System in December 2024. On January 29, PowerSchool began the process of notifying individuals whose information was determined to be involved to share how Experian, a trusted credit reporting agency, is providing complimentary identity protection and credit monitoring services to current and former students and educators that had information taken from PowerSchool SIS.  All the information regarding the activation of and access to these services will be included in the email sent to you by Experian. These emails, which are legitimate, are being sent from ps-sis-incident@mail.csid.com. Whether or not you receive an email, you may also click here to learn how to activate these complimentary services.  For future updates on this incident, please click here for ongoing PowerSchool information.   FEBRUARY 2025 LUNCH MENUS The district’s February lunch menus are now available! Bookmark your child's school lunch menu so your family knows when to enjoy full plates or supplement lunches packed at home with healthy items such as milk, fruits, and veggies. Download school menus >>   NEW PKS HOLDS RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY Autauga County Schools officially opened the doors of the new Prattville Kindergarten School following a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce last week. Community and business leaders celebrated the $30 million investment in education alongside current and former Autauga County Board of Education members and district leadership.  Every inch of the approximately 87,000-square-foot building was designed with the district’s tiniest students in mind. The state-of-the-art school serves just over 400 students but has the capacity to hold even more! It boasts a STEM lab, gymnatorium, music room, spacious lunchroom, multiple play areas, storm shelter, and 32 classrooms equipped with the latest technology. Read more >>   UPCOMING SCHOOL HOLIDAY Mark your calendars! Autauga County Schools is closed on February 17 in observance of Presidents Day. Enjoy a long weekend before the last few weeks of the Q3 grading period.   2025-2026 PRE-K PRE-REGISTRATION NOW OPEN The district’s First Class Pre-K registration is open through March 16. Children who are residents of Autauga County and turning four years old by September 1 are eligible to register for the program’s random selection. Apply now >>     JANUARY 2025 BOARD MEETING RECAP The Autauga County Board of Education’s January meeting is now available to watch at your convenience. Take a few minutes to catch up on district news, including the celebration of Autauga County Technology Center's first-ever Emergency Medical Responders, legislative & board member appreciation, additional discussion on Autaugaville School's transportation plans for the 2025-2026 school year, financial presentation, and a Prattville Kindergarten School update following the first day of classes in the new building. Watch full video >>   GOVERNOR IVEY & STATE SUPERINTENDENT VISIT DANIEL PRATT Autauga County Schools was honored to host Governor Kay Ivey, Dr. Eric Mackey, the Alabama Department of Education Superintendent, and the Alabama School Board Members at Daniel Pratt Elementary School to announce Alabama’s historic gains on the NAEP, the nation's report card. Since 2019, Alabama’s ranking in 4th grade Mathematics has increased from 52nd to 32nd (the highest ever) and Alabama’s ranking in 4th grade Reading has increased from 49th to 34th. See photos >>   JANUARY 2025 BOARD POLICY UPDATES The Autauga County Board of Education did not adopt or revise any policies during the January board meeting.   ELEMENTARY STUDENTS CELEBRATE 100 DAYS OF SCHOOL Despite the “snow” start to the celebratory week, Autauga County Schools students made it to the 100th day of school on January 24- that’s 100 days of learning, growing, and making memories! Elementary students enjoyed dressing up for a day of mastering math facts and deepening reading comprehension skills designed as fun activities and games.   See photos >>   2025-2026 VIRTUAL SCHOOL PRE-REGISTRATION NOW AVAILABLE   Autauga County Schools is now accepting virtual school pre-registration applications for the 2025-2026 school year. Autauga Virtual Academy is a tuition-free remote instruction public school open to students entering grades K-12 that live in the state of Alabama. Learn more >>   PHS GYM FLOOR NOW NAMED PRATTVILLE BAPTIST HOSPITAL COURT Thank you to Prattville Baptist Hospital for investing in education through Prattville High School athletics! Their generous financial contribution is helping renovate the school's weight room, make interior gym upgrades, and purchase branded chairs used in several sports programs. Baptist Health posted, in part, on social media: "We celebrated this partnership with a special dedication ceremony at the James T. Powell Gymnasium. Here's to supporting our local students and teams - on and off the court! Many thanks to Prattville Baptist Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Eric Morgan for attending this event and always cheering on the Lions." See photos >>   DISTRICT HOSTS LEADERSHIP AUTAUGA COUNTY CLASS Autauga County Schools was honored to host the 2025 Leadership Autauga County class with an insider’s look at public education shortly after returning for the spring semester! This year’s Education Day included campus tours and senior staff presentations on child nutrition, finances, personnel, accountability & state report card scores, and graduation requirements emphasizing the importance of career tech for the benefit of the community .    2025  RESUME ROUND-UP JOB FAIR Join the Autauga County Schools team! Take advantage of multiple Autauga County Board of Education job openings in one convenient location with this come-and-go job fair. The Resume Round-Up is a great opportunity for applicants to meet the district’s principals and senior administrators. Please bring copies of your current résumé for opportunities in elementary, secondary, physical education, and special education. Learn more >>   SUPERINTENDENT WOODFIN RECOGNIZES STATE DELEGATION Autauga County Schools is grateful for the unwavering support of Senator Clyde Chambliss and Representatives Kelvin Lawrence, Van Smith & Jerry Starnes. Superintendent Woodfin recognized the district's local delegation during the January board meeting in appreciation for their continuous support and advocacy. This partnership creates funding, educational equity, and policies prioritizing student success; it's an investment in the future of all students and, by extension, the future of Prattville and Autauga County communities.     FEBRUARY 2025 BOARD MEETING Join the conversation! The Autauga County Board of Education is holding its regularly-scheduled board meeting on February 12 at 6 p.m. in the Chapter One Center. Families and community members may attend in person or watch online with live or on-demand options to be a part of the discussion on how to improve the educational experience for all students with programs, policies, and processes.  Learn more >>   ACTC & BILLINGSLEY ROBOTICS TEAMS EARN STATE BID Robotics teams from the Autauga County Technology Center and Billingsley School are headed to state after competing well in local tournaments! ACTC's Team 13907Y qualified (joining Team 13907F from a previous win this season) along with Billingsley's Team 72390A - a program first after the team's inception earlier this year. In addition to qualifying for state, multiple teams earned awards for their recent tournament performances. Team 72390A - Wallace State Tournament Champions Team 13907F - Maxwell AFB Tournament Champions Team 13907A - Design Award Winners   PJHS' BRITAIN PASLEY NAMED DISTRICT SPELLING BEE CHAMPION Autauga County Schools held its district Spelling Bee earlier this week with impressive representation from Autaugaville School, Daniel Pratt Elementary School, Marbury Middle School, Pine Level Elementary, Prattville Elementary School, Prattville Intermediate School, and Prattville Junior High School! Even with tricky words, these students showcased their spelling skills and dedication to growing their vocabulary. Congratulations to Britain Pasley, this year’s Spelling Bee Champion, who spelled her way to victory and advances to compete at the state event later this semester. See photos >>   153 West Fourth Street Prattville, AL 36067 (334) 365-5706 | acboe.net

Thursday, Feb 06 2025

The District Download Newsletter: January 2025

  SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE As we step into the new year and begin the second half of the school year, I want to reflect on the tremendous progress we've made together and look ahead with excitement to the opportunities the spring semester holds. The start of a new year is also a perfect moment to express my gratitude for the hard work that everyone - students, families, and staff - puts in each day. The road to success is never easy, but we build a stronger, more vibrant school community with each step we take together. One of the highlights of our school year so far is the recognition reflected in our state report card scores. Thanks to the collective dedication of our stakeholders, we've seen significant improvements in several schools and key areas! The district increased its overall score and more schools than ever set campus records, with five elementary schools earning A's. In addition, the district's graduation rate is up, and chronic absenteeism is down by double digits - this is a true testament to the hard work and perseverance of everyone in our school community! Our students continue to demonstrate academic and personal growth, and these gains wouldn't be possible without the tireless efforts of our educators, who provide challenging instruction and a safe space where students can thrive. The support and encouragement our parents and guardians give is also integral to the success of our students. Together, we are building a foundation of excellence that will continue to strengthen as we move forward. As we turn our focus to the spring semester, I am optimistic about the opportunities ahead. The coming months offer us the chance to build on our successes with the renewed energy required to take our learning to new heights; however, there will most certainly be challenges that we must face. We begin the difficult task of making strategic decisions regarding our current educational model as we partner with a consulting firm to study how to possibly restructure and rezone our schools and evaluate other funding options that may be available. The night is always darkest just before dawn, but there is confidence that the sun will rise, and so too shall we rise even better equipped to give our students what they need to be successful wherever life takes them beyond high school.   Why Not Us,   TOMORROW'S VIRTUAL LEARNING DAY Autauga County Schools will observe a virtual learning day on January 10 in an abundance of caution for the expected winter weather arriving in the local area. Your child’s school will send a message shortly through ParentSquare regarding how you can access tomorrow’s assignments. Any virtual day assignments can be submitted for credit through January 15, so please do not stress over a lack of devices or internet connectivity. In addition to the virtual assignments, students will also bring home prepackaged meals today. Some of these items may need to be refrigerated, so be sure to check your child’s backpacks this afternoon. A normal start is anticipated for next week, but continue to monitor ParentSquare and social media for further updates.   JANUARY 2025 LUNCH MENUS Get ready for delicious, nutritious, and student-approved meals! Bookmark your child's school lunch menu for this month to know when to enjoy full plates or supplement lunches packed at home with healthy items such as milk, fruits, and veggies. Download school menus >>   BOJANGLES DONATES $2,500 TO DISTRICT DURING GRAND OPENING Thank you to Bojangles for the generous donation presented to ACS during their Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting a few weeks ago! This gift is an investment in the future as the district works to shape the next generation of employees, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.    UPCOMING SCHOOL HOLIDAY Mark your calendars! Autauga County Schools is closed on January 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Enjoy a long weekend of rest and relaxation.   ACS WELCOMES "SNARGG" TO EXCITE STUDENTS AHEAD OF STATE TESTING Autauga County Schools welcomed Snargg, a horned, blue, dog-like alien mascot for the i-Ready program, in preparation for the reading and math assessments before the holiday break. Snargg made the leap from the virtual world he lives in as a part of i-Ready’s connected learning system to reality as he made his way around the district’s elementary schools.    MHS BAND DIRECTOR NAMED WSFA CLASS ACT AWARD WINNER Marbury High School's Brett Johnson was surprised by WSFA's Jasmine Williams in recognition for his work as the "man behind the music" on campus. Mr. Johnson leads the school's choir and the Northstar Band with nearly 200 students combined, inspiring the next generation of musicians while keeping his lifelong dreams alive. Watch interview >>   PHS LADY LIONS CLAIM HOLIDAY BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT   Congratulations! Prattville High School's Lady Lions emerged as the North Bay Haven Charter Buzzer at the Bash Basketball Tournament Champions, beating out top teams from Florida, Georgia, and Alabama during the holiday break.    JANUARY DESIGNATED AS SCHOOL BOARD APPRECIATION MONTH Behind every thriving school district is a dedicated group shaping policies, programs, and progress! January is School Board Recognition Month, and Autauga County Schools is proud to celebrate the dedication of the district’s servant leaders! Their unwavering service is building a bright future for students and families. From making tough decisions to advocating for educators and students, their leadership shapes the future of the Prattville and Autauga County communities.     PLES UNVEILS NEW BOOK VENDING MACHINE The competition to read just leveled up with Pine Level Elementary School's new book vending machine - only the second of its kind in the district. The school unveiled its new machine with a Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting last month as a way to inspire young readers to find new adventures and promote literacy as a part of the school's Accelerated Reader program. Read more >>   PHS HIRES BOBBY CARR AS LION'S NEWEST HEAD FOOTBALL COACH Prattville High School announced before the holiday break that Bobby Carr has been hired as the Lion's next head football coach. Coach Carr brings an impressive 265-65 record that spans nearly three decades to the school's storied program beginning next month. “Coach Bobby Carr brings a championship pedigree to Prattville High School. His proven track record of success and his dedication to excellence makes him the right fit for our school. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Lions family and are excited for the future of our football program under his leadership, commented Blake Boren, Athletic Director.   AEF AWARDS EDUCATIONAL GRANTS IN SUPPORT OF STUDENT PROJECTS The Autauga Education Foundation awarded $42,000 in educational grants to nine of the district's schools to fund student-centric projects that help fulfill the district’s mission of fostering students in academically rigorous environments, where everyone is known and valued, by creating pathways designed for success.    DECEMBER 2024 BOARD MEETING RECAP The Autauga County Board of Education's December meeting is available to watch at your convenience. Take a few minutes to catch up on district news, including Billingsley School’s new bovine injection simulator, a strategic plan update, report card recap, financial overview, and the superintendent's report regarding the Prattville Kindergarten School transition and an Autaugaville School transportation presentation for the 2025-2026 school year. Watch full video >>   DISTRICT SET TO OPEN SPACIOUS NEW PKS SCHOOL Autauga County Schools is thrilled to finally announce the opening of the new Prattville Kindergarten School in January 2025! Construction is complete, inspections have been passed, and all outstanding service provider details have been finished, so the only thing left to do is to move and get settled in. PKS families were provided transition guides to help streamline the process, including remote learning assignments and open house details for the new campus. Learn more >>   HIGH SCHOOL BANDS COMPLETE SUCCESSFUL BAND COMPETITION SEASONS Autauga County Schools is home to two standout high school band programs that recently completed successful competition seasons! Prattville High School 's Pride of Prattville and Marbury High School 's Northstar Band have set the bar high and are gaining recognition for their passion and excellence in the arts, along with some new hardware that showcases their skill and hard work. Read more >>   JANUARY 2025 BOARD MEETING Join the conversation! The Autauga County Board of Education is holding its regularly-scheduled board meeting on January 15 at 6 p.m. in the Chapter One Center. Families and community members may attend in person or watch online with live or on-demand options to be a part of the discussion on how to improve the educational experience for all students with programs, policies, and processes. Learn more >>   2025-2026 ENROLLMENT REMINDERS Now that the halfway point of this school year is here, it's time to begin planning for the 2025-2026 school year! Be on the lookout for enrollment information to be published in the upcoming weeks, including virtual school & preK applications, in & out of district enrollment, flexible military enrollment, kindergarten & new student enrollment, and returning student registration.   DECEMBER 2024 BOARD POLICY UPDATES The Autauga County Board of Education did not adopt or revise any policies during the December board meeting.   153 West Fourth Street Prattville, AL 36067 (334) 365-5706 | acboe.net  

Thursday, Jan 09 2025

The District Download Newsletter: December 2024

  SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE   As we approach the holiday season, I want to express my sincere gratitude for our students, faculty & staff members, families, and the local community! The human element of our district is the engine that drives us to be successful day after day.  Your dedication and resilience to educating future generations of business and community leaders is what makes the difference, and will be the very thing that pushes us through adversity in the future. The holidays are a time to celebrate our collective achievements and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges the new year will bring. While change is on the horizon following the ad valorem school tax referendum defeat, I’m more than pleased to share that Autauga County Schools continues to make academic progress under the care of some of the best educators in the business. We are still working through what the future of our system looks like, but please know that we desire to provide our students with everything they need to be successful in school while also being cognizant that the budget balances at the end of every year. I encourage you to connect with ACS on social media and ensure that you're receiving district news like this publication as we begin to announce consolidation plans. In many ways, the work has just begun. But together, we will do the work that is necessary to maintain a thriving system where all students are known and valued. We will continue to make the sacrifices that are required to give our students a solid educational foundation. Our students are at the center of every decision we make! May this holiday season bring you joy, peace, and quality time with your loved ones. Thank you for your continued commitment to making our schools a place where all students can thrive. Why Not Us,   AUTAUGA COUNTY SCHOOLS MAKES IMPROVEMENT ON STATE REPORT CARD Let’s celebrate! The Alabama Department of Education released 2023-2024 report card data, and Autauga County Schools is proud to have increased its overall score with more schools than ever setting campus records. The district’s graduation rate is up; chronic absenteeism is down by double digits, and while there is still work to be done, today is a celebration of the people, programs, and processes that make students successful. Read more >>   PJHS TEACHER GOES THE EXTRA MILE TO TUTOR STUDENT Terrence Washington, Prattville Junior High School History Teacher & Basketball Coach, went back to school last month so he could tutor one of his student-athletes with a math lesson they were struggling to understand. Coach Washington gives his teammates no excuses for academic success while building bonds that are certain to outlast the season's wins and losses.     UPCOMING SCHOOL HOLIDAY Mark your calendars! Autauga County Schools dismisses on December 18 at 11:30 a.m. for the holidays, and remains closed through January 5, 2025. All students return to school on January 6 to begin the second half of the school year.    2024-2025 BOARD RECONSTITUTION Dr. Tracye Strichik was named the Autauga County Board of Education’s newest Chairman during the board meeting last month. Dr. Strichik and Jamie Jackson, the Board’s new Vice-Chairman, are tasked with ensuring board effectiveness while leading Autauga County Schools over the next year alongside the Board’s additional members.    PLES STUDENTS COOK OUTDOOR CLASSROOM GARDEN HARVEST There's nothing like the joy of seeing a project to completion, especially when it involves yummy food grown just outside your classroom window! Pine Level Elementary School students were rewarded for all their hard work with a special farm-to-table snack harvested from the school's outdoor classroom garden just before the holiday break.    STUDENTS ENJOY MOO-VELOUS FARM CITY WEEK EVENTS The district's sixth graders celebrated Autauga County ’s rich agricultural heritage with a hands-on journey through farm life as a part of Autauga County Extension ’s Farm City Week! More than 400 students explored interactive exhibits, learned about the importance of agriculture and industry, and some even tried calf roping. Read more >>     NOVEMBER  2024 BOARD POLICY UPDATES The Autauga County Board of Education did not adopt or revise any policies during the November board meeting.   ACTC STUDENTS EARN PROGRAM'S FIRST EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONDER LICENSE Big things are continuing to happen at the Autauga County Technology Center as Prattville High School students Anna Bone and Gracye Moseley earned their Emergency Medical Responder license from the Alabama Department of Public Health - a first for the Fire and Emergency Management Services program!   2024 DISTRICT TEACHERS OF THE YEAR RECOGNIZED, ADVANCE TO COMPETE FOR STATE HONORS The celebration continues...and rightfully so! This year's school-level Teacher of the Year winners were recognized at a reception in their honor, with two of the 15 winners being named district honorees and earning additional recognition at this month's board meeting. These exceptional educators now have the opportunity to compete for the Alabama State Teacher of the Year title.  Tia Ferguson, a Prattville Elementary School third grade teacher, was named the Autauga County Elementary Teacher of the Year.  Joshua Dozier, a History teacher at Marbury Middle School was named the Autauga County Secondary Teacher of the Year.    DECEMBER 2024 BOARD MEETING Join the conversation! The Autauga County Board of Education is holding its regularly-scheduled board meeting on December 10 at 6 p.m. in the Chapter One Center. Families and community members may attend in person or watch online with live or on-demand options to be a part of the discussion on how to improve the educational experience for all students with programs, policies, and processes.  Learn more >>   PACC SURPRISES SECOND CHANCE PROGRAM WITH KINDNESS CAMPAIGN The Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition’s kindness campaign made its way to the district’s Second Chance Program yesterday to encourage students and promote good character. Students were greeted with warm smiles and posters as they arrived and teacher Thomas Tullis was recognized for his great character as a teacher and role model on campus.   RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION CONTINUES MAKING A DIFFERENCE WITH GRANT PROGRAM Thank you to the Autauga County Education Retirees Association for continuing to invest in education, even in retirement, with the association's annual grant program that makes classroom projects a reality for students. This dedicated group of educators still make a difference  by using their time, wisdom, and generosity to raise up the next generation of business and community leaders.    NOVEMBER 2024 BOARD MEETING RECAP The Autauga County Board of Education's November meeting is available to watch at your convenience. Take a few minutes to catch up on district news, including board reconstitution, Teacher of the Year recognition, a financial overview, and the superintendent's report. Watch here >>   BILLINGSLEY RECEIVES VALUABLE HANDS-ON TECHNOLOGY FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS A new piece of educational technology gives secondary students at Billingsley School the opportunity to hone their skills in the agriscience and medical fields. The school’s new Bovine Injection Simulator, purchased with Autauga Education Foundation grant funds, teaches students in Logan Stock’s classroom proper cattle injection techniques such as ear tagging, vaccines, antibiotics, and other shots to the neck area. “Having that understanding of where to give proper injections, especially for those interested in medicine is important and they’re able to get that real world experience right here in my classroom and even students that aren’t necessarily interested in agriculture can benefit from this, especially if they go into any medical field,” Strock said. Read more >>   NEW PRATTVILLE KINDERGARTEN TRANSITION PLANS NEARLY FINALIZED Construction on the new Prattville Kindergarten School is complete! While the campus has passed all the inspection checks necessary to open its doors, there are a few outstanding service provider details required to make the facility operational. Students are expected to transition to the new campus in mid-January, so a plan will be communicated as soon as the finishing touches are finalized.     MMS RENOVATES MEDIA CENTER WITH LEGISLATIVE GRANT AWARD The Marbury Middle School media center renovations are nearly complete after receiving a $14,000 legislative grant from Senator Clyde Chambliss ! He stopped by the campus earlier last month to see the almost finished space, including new bookshelves, flexible seating, and tables & chairs that modernize the space, making it inviting for student groups across the campus.    PARENTSQUARE APP MAKES FOR SIMPLE ON-THE-GO COMMUNICATION  Keep updated on district and school news and events wherever you go with the ParentSquare app! This handy tool is a one-stop shop for communication at the classroom, school, and district levels. By downloading the app and registering an account, you can set personalized notification settings and language preferences to communicate on your terms. Learn more >>     AUTAUGAVILLE'S TATUM NORTHINGTON NAMED WSFA CLASS ACT Tatum Northington was surprised by WSFA's Jasmine Williams as the newest Class Act award winner last week! Ms. Northington, an Autaugaville School History teacher, comes from a family of educators who see the value of equipping future generations. She enjoys teaching high school students because “you can have conversations with them and dive deeper into the content.” She’s known for creating relevance between historical events that occurred hundreds of years ago with happenings in today’s society. Watch interview >>     PLES HOSTS SURPRISE MILITARY HOMECOMING DURING VETERANS DAY PROGRAM   There's nothing sweeter than a surprise military homecoming! Pine Level Elementary School third grader Clare Callahan was reunited with her big brother and Marbury High School graduate, Senior Airman Max Callahan during the school's Veterans Day program last month. Senior Airman Callahan flew home just a few hours before the big reveal after having been deployed overseas for six months.    ACTC STUDENTS HOST PRESCHOOL FALL FESTIVAL TO PRACTICE CAREER TECH SKILLS Learning disguised as fun is the ultimate goal of any classroom! Autauga County Technology Center students in the Education & Training and Family Consumer Science programs recently used the skills they’re learning in their career education classes to host a fall festival for the preschool students housed on the district’s career tech campus. Secondary students completely designed the second annual event - everything from the event planning, standards-aligned activities, food, and care of the students during the event was an opportunity for these students to practice the skills they’re learning in the classroom.   153 West Fourth Street Prattville, AL 36067 (334) 365-5706 | acboe.net

Thursday, Dec 05 2024

The District Download Newsletter: November 2024

SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE Change is definitely in the air! Thankfully, we can feel a change in temperatures during the early mornings and late afternoons, and now, a change in how we educate our students is on the horizon. On behalf of the Autauga County Board of Education, I want to express how thankful we are for everyone who made their voice heard as a part of the ad valorem school tax referendum campaign. The beauty of our democratic process is that we get to share our differing viewpoints, and while we may not always see opportunities and obstacles with the same perspective, we can respectfully appreciate our individualism. One of the things that I'll fondly remember from this process is the dialogue that it created. I got to talk with hundreds of people, whether in community meetings or hanging out at the ballfields, about issues they were passionate about and the lengths they're willing to go to make a difference for their children - our students. Your efforts make a significant impact, and I am proud to be part of this school community. I recently shared a quote with ACS employees that reads, "It's not what you're capable of. It's what you're willing to do. I know plenty of people who are capable, but few who are willing." These few sentences sum up so many people in our district, not just our employees, but the parents, grandparents, local businesses, and community leaders. Our strength comes from you and everyone else committed to doing everything they can to ensure our students thrive in safe and successful schools. Your enthusiasm and passion keep me resolute in my commitment to change the world through our students. As we enter the holiday season, I am reminded of all the blessings we are so fortunate to enjoy in our community. I can be guilty of running at the speed of life, forgetting to pause and reflect on everything that is right with our schools. Please join me over the next few weeks in seeking out the good, thanking those responsible for making it happen, and sharing that story with someone else. In this world, there will always be things that don't go our way, but if we always focus on finding the positive, we'll all be better for it in the end.   Why Not Us,   ACBOE TO DECIDE PATH FORWARD AFTER AD VALOREM DEFEAT The Autauga County Board of Education's proposed ad valorem school tax referendum, designed to stabilize the system's financial foundation, was voted down in a 62-38 percent defeat during the general election. "Obviously, we are disappointed," expressed Superintendent Woodfin. "We set out to get a mandate from the people, one way or another, and based on the results, our citizens have spoken. Property taxes are not on the table, so it's back to square one to give our students and teachers what they need." Read more >>   UPCOMING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Mark your calendars! Autauga County Schools is closed on November 11 in observance of Veterans Day and November 25-29 in observance of the Thanksgiving holidays.   ACS STUDENTS "PIKA-CHOOSE" TO BE DRUG FREE DURING CELEBRATORY WEEK Autauga County Schools celebrated Red Ribbon Week , the nation’s largest and longest-running drug prevention campaign, with dress-up days, assemblies, and larger-than-life character visits last month! The weeklong campaign focused on emphasizing the importance of making positive life choices. Read more >>   FY2025 BUDGET OVERVIEW The new fiscal year began on October 1, and the district’s Business and Finance Department is already working to ensure this year’s budget meets the needs of ACS students despite the end of COVID funding. Lesley Poe, Chief School Financial Officer, breaks down the FY2025 budget, its funding sources, earmarks, and challenges. Watch video >>   2024-2025 ACS TEACHERS OF THE YEAR ANNOUNCED Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Teachers of the Year! Thank you to the Autauga Education Foundation , Autauga County Education Association , and the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce for recognizing these passionate educators who live out the district’s mission to “foster the whole student in an academically rigorous environment, where everyone is known and valued, by creating pathways designed for success." Tyleen Hart - Prattville Kindergarten School Kristina Fielder - Prattville Primary School Tia Ferguson - Prattville Elementary School Allison Coker - Prattville Intermediate School Jessica Gore - Prattville Junior High School Azmat Kochi - Prattville High School Devin Driver - Autauga County Technology Center Kimberly Adams - Second Chance Program Hannah Pouncey - Daniel Pratt Elementary School Kelly Hubbard - Billingsley School Kelly Bass - Pine Level Elementary School Juzil Rudolph (elementary) & Joshua Dozier (secondary) - Marbury Middle School Ginger Toy - Marbury High School Kaitlin Arp - Autaugaville School   OCTOBER  2024 BOARD POLICY UPDATES The Autauga County Board of Education did not adopt or revise any policies during the October board meeting.   REPRESENTATIVE STARNES DONATES TO LOCAL SCHOOLS THROUGH LEGISLATIVE GRANT PROGRAM Thank you to Representative Jerry Starnes for donating $45,000 in grants to Autauga County Schools! Daniel Pratt Elementary School received $15,000 for new playground equipment, Prattville Elementary School also received $15,000 to purchase SHINE behavior incentives and renovate bathrooms & flowerbeds, and Prattville Junior High School is putting its $15,000 grant to work refurbishing the athletic locker rooms.   TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT OPENS BUSES DURING COMMUNITY EVENT ACS’ Transportation Department participated in the Prattville Police Department’s National Night Out last month. This annual event is designed to build community relationships that promote neighborhood camaraderie between community partners with free food, vehicle exhibitions, and live demonstrations.    IMPACT AID FORMS = FEDERAL FUNDING Autauga County Schools requests that all Impact Aid forms sent home with students recently be returned by November 18 to assist with federal reimbursements to the school district. This 5-minute survey is a part of a federal education program that reimburses school districts for lost revenue and additional costs associated with nontaxable federal property within the district. Regardless of whether or not you meet the form's outlined criteria, please fully complete the original blue form and return to your child's school. For more information about the program, click here . To request an additional copy of the form, contact your child’s school.   PHS JROTC UNIT EARNS TOP AWARDS AT LOCAL COMPETITION   Prattville High School's Air Force JROTC Unit AL-951 earned 13 trophies and placed second overall at the late September Stanhope Elmore High School JROTC's drill, fitness, and academic competition. The unit led by cadets C/Maj NaShyla Davis and C/Maj Caliyah Chambers took the top prize in seven of the event’s categories!   NATIONAL SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK CELEBRATION WITH IMPORTANT REMINDERS Autauga County Schools buses transport nearly 50% of the district's 9,000 students, traveling an average of 4,000 miles per day on more than 130 different routes. To keep students safe on and off the school bus, please review the district's safety tips that were spotlighted during National School Bus Safety Week a few weeks earlier.  Read more >>   DISTRICT TRAINS ON "STOP THE BLEED" FIRST AID PROGRAM Professional development comes in all shapes and sizes! Recently, school representatives came together to learn how to "stop the bleed” as a critical component of first aid training. In partnership with the Prattville Police Department and Prattville Fire Department, ACS trained on basic trauma care as a first line of defense for someone needing this life-saving medical care on any of the district's campuses.    SPECIAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RIDES WAVE IN SPECIAL NEEDS TRUNK OR TREAT The district's Special Education Department rode the big wave as a part of this year's Autauga Children's Policy Council Special Needs Trunk or Treat. The under-the-sea-themed trunk was whale-sized fun for the dozens of children and their families who attended the event.    SUBSTITUTE STAFFING SERVICES  Make a difference! Apply to substitute for the 2024-2025 school year through Kelly Education. In addition to the new daily rate of $105, enjoy free pre-hire training, paid orientation, and flexible work schedules at your preferred school location. Learn more >>   AUTAUGAVILLE JUNIOR HIGH FOOTBALL TEAM EARNS UNDEFEATED SEASON Congratulations! The Autaugaville School junior high football team went undefeated in a 7-0 season. "I am extremely proud of this team," said Coach Javaris Jackson. "The perseverance and passion they displayed for the sport of football was unmatched, and for that, I am forever grateful."   NOVEMBER 2024 BOARD MEETING Join the conversation! The Autauga County Board of Education is holding its regularly-scheduled board meeting on November 12 at 6 p.m. in the Chapter One Center. Families and community members may attend in person or watch online with live or on-demand options to be a part of the discussion on how to improve the educational experience for all students with programs, policies, and processes. Learn more >>   DISTRICT'S FIRST BASKETBALL MEDIA DAY A BIG SUCCESS  Autauga County Schools hosted its inaugural Basketball Media Day for the district's high school programs under the leadership of Blake Boren, Prattville High School's new Athletic Director. The event was hosted at Huey Magoo's - a generous athletics sponsor - with Doug Amos from the MAX Round Table Show live broadcasting inside and the boys and girls basketball programs from Autaugaville, Marbury, Billingsley, and Prattville High School, along with the PHS wrestling team, holding interviews on the restaurant's front porch. Read more >>   AUTAUGAVILLE FBLA ADVISOR EARNS DISTRICT FBLA HONORS Tatum Northington, Autaugaville School’s Future Business Leaders of America Sponsor, was named the Alabama FBLA Advisor of the Month for October 2024. She is new to the organization but has embraced the mission to provide her students with every opportunity to succeed as individuals and a growing chapter. When she first became the FBLA sponsor, she had no idea what the organization stood for, but she has since embraced its mission wholeheartedly, watching students become excited about learning and evolving into community leaders. She believes their achievements are driven by their own ambitions, and her goal is to help them reach their dreams and full potential. Tatum’s advice to future advisers emphasizes the importance of research, collaboration, and building an enthusiastic officer team.   Q2 PROGRESS REPORTS COMING SOON Students are nearly half way through the second grading period of this school year. Q2 progress reports will be sent via email to parents and guardians on November 13. To open the document, enter the student’s ten-digit state ID number, which may be found in PowerSchool by following More>Tools>Student ID. Get more help >>   NEW PRATTVILLE KINDERGARTEN SCHOOL PASSES INSPECTION CHECKS The construction on the new  Prattville Kindergarten School  is complete and the campus has passed all inspection checks necessary to open its doors. While finishing touches are still required to make the facility operational, district and school administrators are working diligently to get everything in place for students to transition in mid-January. A transition plan will be communicated as soon as the outstanding service provider details are finalized.    DISTRICT HOSTS NEW 42ND MSG COMMANDER WITH CAMPUS TOURS Autauga County Schools was privileged to host Colonel Robert Firman, Maxwell Air Force Base’s new 42nd Mission Support Group Commander, as he toured school systems to learn more about local education. He began his ACS tour at Autauga County Technology Center, learning about the career pathways offered to secondary students throughout the district before meeting with Prattville High School students to hear about their military-connected experiences and the school’s JROTC program.   CNP DEPARTMENT SPOTLIGHTS NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK During October, ACS celebrated National School Lunch Week by giving a giant shoutout to the district’s incredible CNP employees who serve smiles and nutritious meals to thousands of students every day. To jumpstart the celebratory week a few weeks ago, CNP administrators Audra Segers and Daron Bell, along with a few ACS students, joined Governor Kay Ivey in her proclamation signing ceremony.   153 West Fourth Street Prattville, AL 36067 (334) 365-5706 | acboe.net

Thursday, Nov 07 2024

The District Download Newsletter: October 2024

SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE The last few weeks have been a whirlwind since officially kicking off the ad valorem school tax referendum just over a month ago. We are working diligently to inform every registered voter of the facts related to this campaign. It clearly explains what we can do with a yes vote and what may be at stake with a no vote. Some believe we are promoting scare tactics, but the reality is that everything on the no side is partially funded with local dollars, and anything locally funded is at risk of being affected in some way. Local funding is the only source of funding that isn't largely earmarked, so they are the only dollars we have the flexibility to move where needed to make the budget work. Over the last year, we've been fortunate to renovate many buildings, overhaul fine art and athletic supplements, add some teaching units, and expand class offerings because we received unexpected funding from the state. These additional funds have allowed us to take care of items that have been on a wishlist for many years, but they are not guaranteed from year to year. If we knew we would receive this money annually, we would not be requesting an ad valorem school tax referendum. However, as it stands, the model will change either way the voters of Autauga County cast their ballots, but our commitment to continue educating future community and business leaders will remain the same under either model chosen by the people of our community.   I encourage you to do the research, attend the school community meetings, ask your questions, and advocate for what you believe is best for our system. Your voice matters in this democratic process! As we plan for the future of Autauga County Schools, your input matters. Please read more at ACBOE.net/advalorem and share it with others as we work to ensure that every voter has access to this information to make an informed choice. Why Not Us,   UPCOMING AD VALOREM SCHOOL TAX REFERENDUM Get the tax facts! Autauga County Schools aims to ensure that every registered voter is informed about the details of the upcoming ad valorem school tax referendum to be held on November 5 in conjunction with the general election.  Learn more >>   UPCOMING SCHOOL HOLIDAY   Mark your calendars! Autauga County Schools dismiss on October 11 at 11:30 a.m. and all schools are closed on October 14 in observance of Columbus Day. Enjoy an extra long weekend before the start of the new grading period.    DISTRICT RECOGNIZED AS PRATTVILLE CHAMBER'S INDUSTRY OF THE YEAR Autauga County Schools was honored during the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Meeting as the 2024 Industry of the Year. This recognition is a testament to the district's nearly 1,200 employees who work tirelessly every day to build a product that drives progress for the county, creating business and community leaders prepared for a bright future.   PJHS HOSTS MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER TO INSPIRE STUDENTS Willie Spears with The Willie Spears Experience challenged Prattville Junior High School students during a recent school-wide assembly. The educator and coach turned motivational speaker gave students a powerful presentation on life and the choice that everyone has to make of it what they choose using the school's mascot as a helpful reminder.  C - Choices and Consequences What you choose now is shaping future you! A - Accountability You are in control! Hold yourself accountable. T - Try Put in the effort! When you fail, try again! S - Sacrifice Do what must be done to get what you want in life!   PKS HOSTS FIRST GRADE READINESS PARENT WORKSHOP   Everything that happens in the early years of a child’s life has a lasting impact on their future potential, and one of the most important predictors of a child’s academic success is the ability to read by the end of third grade. To prepare students for this success, Prattville Kindergarten School held a parent workshop to ensure parents are aware of First Grade Readiness resources, sharing how teachers are working to close gaps and what resources are available at the school to support learning in the home.    FY2025 BUDGET NOW LIVE Happy new fiscal year! The FY2025 budget began on October 1 after board approval during last month’s budget hearings. This year’s budget presentations, summaries, and reports are now online for your review. Learn more >>   PHS FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM EARNS NATIONAL RANKING Big things are ahead for the Lady Lions! The Prattville High School flag football team is nationally ranked, and continuing to climb, in the USA TODAY High School Sports Super 25 in less than two years as a program.     ACTC RECEIVES BAPTIST HEALTH DONATION FOR PCT PROGRAM Thank you to Baptist Health for investing in Autauga County Schools and the community's healthcare system with a generous donation to Autauga County Technology Center's Patient Care Technician program. This annual donation funds all testing materials for the program during the 2024-2025 school year .    DISTRICT SECOND GRADERS ATTEND WATER SAFETY COURSE  Autauga County Schools’ second graders recently enjoyed a fun day at the Prattville YMCA swimming pool for some very important lessons about water safety! As a part of an annual partnership, students learn the basics of being safe in and around water through classroom instruction and in-water activities.    SEPTEMBER  2024 BOARD POLICY UPDATES The Autauga County Board of Education did not adopt or revise any policies during the September board meetings.   DISTRICT ESL PROGRAM HOSTS NEW BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENT Autauga County Schools’ ESL Program had a massive turnout for its first-ever Back to School Luau! Thanks to several community businesses, EL families from across the district were invited to celebrate a successful start to the school year with pizza, games, and time spent getting to know each other.    ACS EMPLOYEES AMONG PACC'S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS HONOREES Congratulations to ACS employees Heather Gunn and Dr. Daniel Farris for being recognized as two of the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce 's Top 20 Under 40 recipients this year! “We were honored to celebrate and recognize the exceptional achievements of young professionals who have made a significant impact on our community,” the Chamber posted. “Congratulations to each of our distinguished honorees for their dedication, hard work, and passion. Your contributions are truly inspiring and exemplify the best of what our community can achieve.”   PRATTVILLE KINDERGARTEN SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION UPDATE The new Prattville Kindergarten School is inching closer to completion much to the excitement of so many in the Prattville community! Unlike residential construction, commercial projects require additional layers of inspections and approvals which are systematically being worked in an effort to finalize transition plans. As soon as an occupancy date is established, additional information on how the move will occur will be communicated to all PKS families. Please anticipate a two-week transition; however, district administrators are working to schedule the move around already-established school breaks to lessen the childcare burden on affected families. “I have had so many calls and emails and I want to tell you that your excitement excites me even more,” said Jodi Womble, PKS principal. “Let's enjoy our last days in a building that has loved so many children and prepare our students for the move and change to come.”   NOVEMBER 2024 BOARD MEETING Join the conversation! The Autauga County Board of Education is holding its regularly-scheduled board meeting on November 12 at 6 p.m. in the Chapter One Center. Families and community members may attend in person or watch online with live or on-demand options to be a part of the discussion on how to improve the educational experience for all students with programs, policies, and processes. Learn more >>   Q1 REPORT CARDS  T he first grading period of the 2024-2025 school year ends on October 11 with report cards scheduled to be sent on October 21. Please be reminded that progress reports and report cards are being sent digitally this year. The documents will be emailed to the parents and guardians, requiring the student's ten-digit state ID number to access the information. Learn more >>   ACSO RECOGNIZES STUDENTS OF THE MONTH IN COUNTY SCHOOLS The Autauga County Sheriff's Office recognized students at Autaugaville School, Marbury Middle School, Marbury High School, and Pine Level Elementary School as SRO Students of the Month! Leah Smith, Chelsea Ros, Claire Autrey, and Huffman Campbell are model citizens whose respectful and positive behavior caught the attention of school leaders during the last few weeks.   AD VALOREM SCHOOL TAX REFERENDUM SUPPLIES Make your voice heard with free ad valorem school tax referendum materials now available! Pick up flyers, infographic prints, door hangers, and yard signs at the district's Central Office (153 West Fourth St 36067) while supplies last. Or download digital graphics >>   PHS STUDENTS EARN NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALIST DESIGNATION Prattville High School classmates and lifelong friends Kate Bibb and Saylor Boles were named 2025 National Merit Semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program earlier this month. Kate and Saylor are two of the approximate 16,000 students named semifinalists this year, moving on to compete for tens of millions in scholarships. Read more >>   ACBOE MEMBERS RECOGNIZED WITH AASB TRAINING CERTIFICATE Autauga County Board of Education members were recently recognized for successfully completing Level 2 of the Alabama Association of School Boards' School Board Member Academy which indicates a minimum of 50 hours of ongoing training on education, legal, and governance issues. "We applaud their commitment to school board service demonstrated by their participation in this program," commented Superintendent Woodfin during last month's board meeting.   DPES STUDENTS MEET FIRST LADY DR. JILL BIDEN DURING STARBASE EXPERIENCE A few Daniel Pratt Elementary School students were lucky enough to meet and demonstrate parts of their Starbase Maxwell field trip experience to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III while they visited Maxwell Air Force Base in their mission to support military families and their children with quality early education.   PRATTVILLE CHAMBER HOSTS AD VALOREM COMMUNITY CONVERSATION WITH LOCAL LEGISLATORS  The Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a community discussion about the ad valorem school tax referendum on October 17 at 8:00 a.m. on the Central Alabama Community College campus. This event is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how the proposed referendum impacts you, the community, and school district. Local leaders, including Superintendent Woodfin, Senator Chambliss, Representative Starnes, and Representative Lawrence, will share insights and answer your questions. Learn more >>   PHS STUDENT CHOSEN AS CAEC YOUTH DELEGATE Eliza Downey, a Prattville High School senior, was chosen as a 2024 Central Alabama Electric Cooperative youth delegate, learning more about leadership and the legislative process locally and at the highest levels of the nation's government. She and two other students from across the state culminated their Youth Tour experience with a trip to Washington, DC this past summer. "Every part of this process and interaction with the co-op has taught me something new," said Downey. "From the very first application to the last day in Washington, DC, CAEC has offered me the chance to grow as a person and a member of society."   AD VALOREM VIDEO SERIES FROM ACBOE MEMBERS Take a deeper dive on the issues! Autauga County Board of Education members share more about the ad valorem school tax referendum through a series of videos designed to help you understand more about what has been proposed, breaking down the possibilities and risks. Watch videos >>   AUTAUGAVILLE STUDENTS DONATE TO LOCAL FOOD BANK THROUGH FOOTBALL FAN COMPETITION   Nothing creates a competition like a University of Alabama versus Auburn University food drive! Autaugaville School 's FBLA students donated boxes of nonperishable foods to their local community food bank following the spirited competition. "I’m really proud of my kiddos for getting the word out and wanting to give back to the community," said sponsor Tatum Northington. "This group is super special, and they have a heart for learning what the community needs and how to build up their communities as they grow up and progress through life." Read more >>   COLLEGE FAIR OPPORTUNITY OPEN TO ALL DISTRICT FAMILIES All high school families in the district are invited to attend Prattville High School's College Night on October 21 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the MANE (school's cafeteria). Enjoy an opening session about the admissions process followed by the opportunity to get FAFSA assistance and meet with more than 30 college, military, and workforce representatives.   153 West Fourth Street Prattville, AL 36067 (334) 365-5706 | acboe.net

Thursday, Oct 10 2024