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  • 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

  • The District Download Newsletter: September 2024

    SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE As we settle into another school year, I can’t help but be overcome with gratitude for the community we’ve built here in Autauga County Schools! In the few quiet moments I’ve had over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been intentional about reflecting on my first year as your Superintendent. I’m excited about how far we’ve come but even more so about where we are headed. While I’m always eager to jump over the next hurdle or get to the next big thing, I know we must remain rooted in today. We must continue to do the everyday, ordinary things that keep us committed to creating a culture centered on our students’ success. To this end, my expectations remain straightforward: treat people right, serve others, and do your job well. When everyone lives out these simple but powerful statements, we will continue to transform our district. This school year brings lots of anticipated excitement with the opening of Autauga Virtual Academy, the completion of the new Prattville Kindergarten School, and the opportunity for Autauga County residents to vote on a proposed ad valorem tax increase that could result in additional funding for all schools. Having seen the FY2025 projections, I see the county-wide vote as a crucial moment for our system. We play the three-shell game really well. We are known for doing a lot with very little, but the reality is we will soon not be able to play the game quickly enough to keep up with all the expenses under our district’s current model. Autauga County Schools is currently ranked 128 out of 138 school systems in the state for total funding, so what we’re proposing is a 7-mill increase that would rank us at 114 with an additional cash flow of approximately $7 million annually. These additional funds would allow us to stabilize the system as we are wholly dependent on earmarked funding. We require local funding that allows us to divert dollars where they are needed most and not always where the appropriation requires it. School systems that are making it happen with facility upgrades, extra teacher units, and flashy things often use local funds. Simply put, when we pay all of our bills, there are not a lot of local dollars left, and the projections for FY2025 indicate that there could be even less once the bills are paid in the upcoming year. Regardless of the outcome, we will work to provide the best educational experience for our students. Student safety and success will remain our top priorities with a model that makes sense financially. Until then, I encourage you to learn as much as you can on the ad valorem increase proposal. Feel free to review our plan 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,   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 >>   ATTENDANCE AWARENESS MONTH September is Attendance Awareness Month , but it counts every day, all year! Did you know that only 17% of students in grades K-1 considered chronically absent read proficiently by the third grade compared to 64% with good attendance? High school graduates also earn approximately $1,000,000 more than a high school dropout over their lifetime which makes attending school now pay out in the future.   ALABAMA WEATHER ICON VISITS PINE LEVEL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS James Spann, Chief Meteorologist for ABC 33/40, visited Pine Level Elementary School recently to educate students on the importance of weather, its role in everyday life, and what to do when severe weather is forecasted for the local area. See photos >>   NEW! DIGITAL GRADE DOCUMENTATION Student progress reports and report cards are going digital this year! Beginning with the Q1 progress reports released on September 11, these documents will be emailed to the parents or guardians, requiring the student’s ten-digit state ID number to access the information. This student-specific number is found in PowerSchool following More>Tools>Student ID. Read more >>   ROBOTICS TRAINING AND RESOURCES PARTNERSHIP Thank you to SCORE and Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama for the continued robotics training and resources! This partnership is expanding the love of STEM learning throughout Autauga County Schools, including an appearance at the Vex Robotics World Championship Tournament by Autauga County Technology Center students last spring.    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.    CNP PURCHASES FARM FRESH FOODS FOR STUDENT LUNCHES Autauga County Schools' Child Nutrition Program recently purchased truckloads of fresh peas and watermelons from Hill Family Farms in Billingsley, Alabama. The district's partnership with local farmers is just one way CNP provides access to quality in-season fruits and vegetables while ensuring healthy yet tasty options for all students.      MARBURY HIGH SCHOOL BAND EARNS REPEAT MID-SOUTH GRANT   Congratulations to Marbury High School for being awarded a $22,250 grant from Mid-South RC&D Council to assist in purchasing new uniforms and adding to their concert & marching instrument collection for the Marbury Northstar Band. “Seeing the children happy with their new instruments and fitted in their new uniforms is everything to me,” said, Mid-South Executive Director, Pam Hughes. “Projects like this create a positive impact in our local communities and show that we accomplish our mission of being a reliable resource to our region.”   AD VALOREM TAX FACTS PRESENTATIONS Mark your calendars to hear from Superintendent Woodfin on the tax facts related to the upcoming ad valorem school tax referendum. No reservations are required. More information >> September 16: Autaugaville Community School Cafeteria 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. September 24: Pine Level & Marbury Communities Marbury High School Media Center 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. September 26: Prattville Community Prattville High School Gym 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. October 7: Billingsley Community School Media Center 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. October 10: Virtual Zoom Meeting - link to be provided 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.   SUBSTITUTE POSITIONS NOW AVAILABLE   Make a difference! Apply to substitute for the 2024-2025 school year through Kelly Education . In addition to the $100+ daily rate, enjoy free pre-hire training, paid orientation, and flexible work schedules at your preferred school location. Apply Now >>   OCTOBER 2024 BOARD MEETING Join the conversation! The Autauga County Board of Education is holding its regularly-scheduled board meeting on October  8 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 >>   INSTRUCTIONAL COACHES HONORED AT SIGNING DAY Autauga County Schools celebrated the district's new instructional coaches with a “signing day” held in their honor as they committed themselves to improving teaching and learning as a part of t he Alabama Reading Initiative . These elementary reading and math coaches from Prattville Kindergarten , Prattville Primary , Prattville Elementary , Daniel Pratt , Pine Level , Billingsley , and Autaugaville School are teacher support positions, working alongside classroom teachers to improve instructional effectiveness and use data to increase student achievement levels. Read more >>   AUGUST  2024 BOARD POLICY UPDATES The Autauga County Board of Education did not adopt or revise any policies during the August board meetings.   BACK-TO-SCHOOL AT-HOME LITERACY RESOURCES The Alabama Reading Initiative is a statewide K-3 program committed to supporting the development of high-quality instruction that prepares students with the literacy skills needed to meet or exceed standards. As a part of ARI's mission, at-home literacy activities are available for your family to enjoy that extend the reading instruction from the classroom. Download activities >>   DISTRICT HOSTS ACERA'S FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW YEAR Autauga County Schools was privileged to host the Autauga County Education Retirees Association’s first meeting of this school year with a back-to-school update from Superintendent Woodfin. This group of retired educators and support staff meet monthly to reconnect with others in support of the district, schools, and students. See photos >>   ACS HOLDS PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE AD VALOREM CAMPAIGN Autauga County Schools held a press conference recently to launch an ad valorem tax referendum campaign with several agency partners. This event jump starts a series of events designed to ensure that every registered voter in Autauga County is informed about the facts related to the November 5 constitutional amendment vote. Watch press conference >>   PJHS' COACH BURNETT EARNS WSFA CLASS ACT AWARD Surprise! Prattville Junior High School's Coach Donny Burnett was named a WSFA-TV Class Act Award Winner earlier this week. Jasmine Williams joined school administrators to pull off the surprise presentation alongside his Cat family. See photos >>   ESL DEPARTMENT HOSTS INAUGURAL KINDERGARTEN READINESS EVENT The district’s ESL Department hosted a new event to assist EL families with understanding the reading requirements for kindergarten students. As a part of this meeting, families were instructed on how to use the soon-to-be-delivered kindergarten reading family engagement kits designed to help practice the skills taught during the school day at home. These read, write, and play packs contain materials and activities to help students learn their letters, sight words, and sounds.   153 West Fourth Street Prattville, AL 36067 (334) 365-5706 | acboe.net

    Thursday, Sep 12 2024

  • The District Download Newsletter: August 2024

    SUPERINTENDENT'S MESSAGE Welcome to the start of what I know will be another phenomenal school year! I hope that you and your family had a restful and enjoyable summer. As summer ends and school begins, I am incredibly excited about the upcoming year. Our students and staff accomplished remarkable things in 2023-2024, and my aim is to build on that success in the coming year. Our students' incredible growth and academic success are a testament to the collective efforts of our educators, bus drivers, maintenance staff, food service workers, and, most importantly, those who support our students at home. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I firmly believe that the best days for Autauga County Schools are yet to come! Over the summer, we’ve been hard at work on several projects because our families deserve the best we can provide them! We’ve been using earmarked state and federal funding that is not guaranteed from year to year to make facility improvements at many of our campuses, including new construction & renovations, updated flooring, paint, roof repairs, and gym & restroom upgrades. At Autauga County Schools, our primary focus will continue to be the safety and success of our students in keeping with the district's strategic plan. We are working toward the goals that were largely established through conversations with many of you in the areas of academics, safe & healthy learning environments, quality employees, and fiscal responsibility, and we continually communicate with all stakeholders so that everyone is informed about all things related to Autauga County Schools. I was proud to be named your Superintendent last year, but because of the efforts of many in our schools and communities, I am even more proud to serve in that role today! I look forward to working with you throughout this school year to carry the enthusiasm we all feel right now, with the excitement of new beginnings and anticipated success just over the next horizon. For our new families, I hope you will experience the pride and tradition of Autauga County Schools very soon, and like me, consider it to be a great place for students and their families to call home. Why Not Us,   FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL SUCCESS The first day of the 2024-2025 school year was a #WhyNotUs day in Autauga County Schools! Everyone pitched in to live out the district's mission of equipping, engaging, and excelling students by doing whatever task was necessary to ensure a safe and successful first day back at school. View photos >>   UPCOMING SCHOOL HOLIDAY Mark your calendars! Autauga County Schools is closed on September 2 in observance of Labor Day. Enjoy a long weekend to rest and recharge in preparation for the second half of the first grading period of this school year.    2024-2025 CODE OF CONDUCT The district's most up-to-date Code of Conduct is available online and includes everything you need to know for a successful school year! This year's edition includes attendance updates and continued revisions to the discipline policy, especially in the areas of elementary and bus discipline. Download handbook >>   A CS SYMPOSIUM: BACK-TO-SCHOOL FOR DISTRICT EMPLOYEES The second annual ACS Symposium was held just in time to welcome all district employees back for the 2024-2025 school year! This district-wide event is always a fun blend of professional development, pep rally, and pep talk where nearly 1,200 employees spent the day being pumped up so that everyone was ready to welcome students for the new school year. View photos >>   2024-2025 SCHOOL CALENDAR  Students are back on campus, so it's time to get a jumpstart on the new school year by downloading the 2024-2025 board-approved calendar for a complete list of grading periods, holidays, early dismissals, and more. Bookmark here >>   SUMMER 2024 BOARD POLICY UPDATES The Autauga County Board of Education revised several policies during the June and July board meetings, including attendance updates, student health services, emergency plans & safety drills, and policy adoption procedures. Learn more >>   PARENTSQUARE ON THE GO ParentSquare is the district's one-stop-shop communication platform, keeping you updated on news and events in your child's classroom, school, and even the district. Activate your account today from the email or mobile telephone number stored in the district's PowerSchool system so you don't miss any important announcements as the school year gets underway. Learn more >>   ESL "SHELL-ABRATE" UNDER-THE-SEA-THEMED SUMMER CAMP Learning didn't stop just because it was summer break! During July, the English as a Second Language Department hosted a weeklong language camp for EL students. The under-the-sea-themed camp focused on reading, writing, speaking, and listening with special guest readers, including Superintendent Woodfin. Read more >>   BUS SAFETY TIPS FOR EXTREME ALABAMA HEAT  There's no way around it, the Alabama summer heat is intense, and when humidity is high, the combination can be downright brutal. While these conditions are not ideal, Autauga County Schools is working to keep students and drivers safe until temperatures begin to cool off with the district's top tips for bus safety during extreme heat. Learn more >>   AEF'S STUFF THE BUS CAMPAIGN DONATIONS Students will soon be the recipients of the community's kindness and generosity thanks to the Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce and Autauga Education Foundation ’s partnership to “stuff the bus” last month. These school supplies are stored for teachers to request as needed to meet needs as they see them in the classroom. “Community participation in the Autauga Education Foundation’s Stuff the Bus event is a great reminder of all the people in our community who desire to see the system succeed. Most importantly, it shows our students that they can accomplish anything because our communities are behind them all the way,” director of elementary curriculum and instructional services for Autauga County Schools, Holly McNider said.   STANLEY-JENSEN STADIUM RENOVATION UPDATE The City of Prattville's renovations to Stanley Jensen Stadium are taking shape as crews continue to work towards a possible completion date just in time for the final game of the season! View photos >>   FREE STUDENT MEALS FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR All students eat for free again this school year! Autauga County Schools is participating in a federal program for a second 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 >>   SEPTEMBER 2024 BOARD MEETING Join the conversation! The Autauga County Board of Education is holding its regularly-scheduled board meeting on September 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 >>   PKS CONSTRUCTION UPDATES The new Prattville Kindergarten School is taking shape, with plans to move in sooner rather than later! The new PKS building will have all the bells and whistles of a modern facility while keeping the old building’s love and learning tradition alive, including some familiar architectural elements. “This is a great opportunity for parents to see that our board and community members value education and to provide our kids with the best education possible,” said Superintendent Woodfin. Read more >>   2024-2025 POWERSCHOOL PARENT ACCOUNTS Autauga County Schools partners with PowerSchool as the district’s cloud-based system of record for all students. Adopted in 2021, this software is designed to provide families with a student's grade and attendance information. This district initiative equips families with real-time access to data designed to help their children be successful in the classroom, and access to accounts are set to open for the 2024-2025 school year on August 14.  New families! A PowerSchool parent account will be created for all parents and guardians who did not already have this access and instructions will be emailed with temporary login information and instructions on how to confirm new accounts. To take advantage of this tool, please complete the setup process outlined in the district-generated email from a web browser on a computer or tablet. Mobile phones are not advised during the initial setup process. Once the account is confirmed, you may choose to download the free PowerSchool app located in iTunes or the Google Play store. For more information, please contact your child’s school directly.    COMMUNITY BACK-TO-SCHOOL BREAKFAST APPRECIATION Autauga County Schools is grateful for the many community partnerships that make the district successful year after year. Education makes all dreams possible, but a supportive community makes education possible! The annual Prattville Area Chamber of Commerce Back-to-School Breakfast, hosted in partnership with the Autauga Education Foundation, Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition, Central Alabama Community College, and the Prattville YMCA, was an amazing start to the 2024-2025 school year. "It was inspiring to see our dedicated educators and community leaders enjoy a hearty breakfast together. Their passion and dedication are essential to the success of the Autauga County School System," noted the Chamber on their social media post about the annual event. "Wishing everyone an outstanding school year ahead!"   PARENTSQUARE ATTENDANCE NOTICES + PARENT NOTES = SUCCESS Take advantage of ParentSquare's digital attendance notices, which allows you to submit a note directly from the text or email correspondence received when your child is absent from school. This feature is only required when you wish to use one of your seven "parent notes." The district is working with ParentSquare to add an upload option so you can submit doctor's excuses digitally too! Learn more >>   Q1 PROGRESS REPORTS GOING DIGITAL Students will soon be halfway through the first grading period of this school year! Progress reports are scheduled to go home digitally with K-12 students on September 11. In order to access your child's password-protected progress report and report card emails, you must know your student's ten-digit state ID number. This student-specific number can be found once logged into PowerSchool on a web browser following More>Tools>Student ID. For more information, contact your child's school directly.    153 West Fourth Street Prattville, AL 36067 (334) 365-5706 | acboe.net

    Thursday, Aug 15 2024

  • The District Download Newsletter: July 2024

      2024-2025 TEACHER ASSIGNMENTS AND CLASS SCHEDULES Teacher assignments and class schedules for the upcoming school year will be available in ParentSquare beginning July 27. Register your ParentSquare account today to view this information, get updates from your child’s school or teacher, and communicate with them before classes start next month. 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 12 - the first day a request can be made.   FREE STUDENT MEALS FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR All students eat for free again this school year! Autauga County Schools is participating in a federal program for a second 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 >>   AUTAUGA VIRTUAL ACADEMY APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN School is no longer a place to be physically but a goal to achieve! Autauga County Schools is expanding its virtual program to a K-12 virtual school beginning with the 2024-2025 school year. This tuition-free remote instruction model can enroll students from anywhere in the state, following the same curriculum standards outlined for all schools by the Alabama State Department of Education. If you think you may be interested in this alternative educational model, connect with school administrators during an interest meeting to discuss academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, a typical day for virtual students, and most importantly, ask any questions to help you make the best educational decision for your child.  Learn more >>   Upcoming Interest Meetings - Choose One July 19 | 12:00 p.m. | Join here >> July 23 | 6:00 p.m. | Join here >>   PHS' JROTC SUMMER LEADERSHIP AWARDS Promotions are in order for many of Prattville High School's Air Force Junior ROTC members after a successful week  at the 2024 Southeastern Region AFJROTC Cadet Leadership Course last month! Camp Wolfpack, as it's more commonly known, is one of the country's premier JROTC summer leadership schools with the mission of preparing cadets for leadership roles in their units, schools, and local communities. This intensive leadership program is designed to make cadets better leaders, followers, and team members. They received education and training in leadership, physical fitness, academics, athletics, drill and ceremonies, personal grooming, self-discipline, and group dynamics.   2024-2025 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 here >>   MHS STUDENT CREATES TOWN OF PINE LEVEL'S NEW LOGO Nicole Moates, Marbury High School student, made Pine Level history as the designer of the town's first logo! The town's city council selected Nicole's original design of a pine cone suspended from a tree branch from several designs submitted by MHS art students and was recognized during their June council meeting. "On behalf of the Town of Pine Level, on behalf of our Council, thank you so much for taking the time, using your gift, and creating this and for being a blessing to our Town," Mayor Zachary Bigley, said.   JULY 2024 BOARD MEETING Join the conversation! The Autauga County Board of Education is holding its regularly-scheduled board meeting on July 16 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 >>   PHS ALUMNUS RECOGNIZED FOR ORATORICAL COMPETITION SUCCESS Congratulations to recent Prattville High School graduate Caden Walker for being recognized by the City of Prattville for his 2024 American Legion State Oratorical Competition success. Mayor Gillespie and American Legion Post 122 honored him for being awarded the 2024 American Legion State Oratorical Scholarship Contest Champion.   SUMMER FEEDING PROGRAM A SUCCESS FOR LOCAL CHILDREN Autauga County Schools has distributed meals to nearly 10,000 children during the last month as part of this district’s summer feeding program for a total of almost 50,000 meals! Thank you to the school’s CNP managers and the many volunteers who’ve made these pick-up events possible, as well as the families who’ve been patient and cooperative during this summer’s feeding events!    2024-2025 KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT Rising kindergarten families! Autauga County Schools is accepting online Kindergarten enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year. Enrollment is open to all Autauga County children five years of age on or before September 1, 2024. Regardless of participation in the preK program, all rising kindergarten students must register as new students, and all new students must complete enrollment by making an appointment with the Centralized Registration Department at Central Office or on a community day. Register now >>   JUNE 2024 BOARD POLICY UPDATES The Autauga County Board of Education revised the district's attendance policy during the June board meeting, clarifying excused absence categories and how student tardies are tallied for the school year. Read more >>     DISTRICT'S FINANCE DEPARTMENT EARNS TOP AUDIT FOR FY2022-2023 Autauga County Schools recently earned an “unmodified opinion” audit, with zero findings, for its FY2022-2023 financials. This high ranking provides assurance that financial statements present a true and fair reflection of the district’s financial statements for the fiscal year indicated. The Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts indicated that the district’s “financial statements are presented clearly in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.”   UPCOMING SALES TAX HOLIDAY SAVINGS Take advantage of Alabama’s back-to-school sales tax holiday on July 19-21. 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 >>    2024-2025 RETURNING STUDENT REGISTRATION Complete next year's first day forms online in just a few easy steps with Autauga County Schools' new online enrollment system! All parents and guardians have received an automatically generated "Action Required: Autauga County Schools’ 2024-2025 Returning Student Registration" email for each enrolled student using the email addresses on file in the PowerSchool system. This email includes a webpage link and a student-specific code, known as a snapcode, that allows quick access to student's current PowerSchool information for an even quicker submission process. Once a new account is created for the online portal, the software loads pre-populated information to review or request updates such as address, telephone numbers, emails, medical history, etc. If you have not received an email, please check your junk or spam folders. If you still can't locate the email, contact your child's school directly to receive alternate registration instructions. Learn more >>   WELCOME NEW ADMINISTRATORS Autauga County Schools has promoted or hired new district and school administrators for the upcoming school year! Please show these educational superstars a warm ACS welcome as the 2024-2025 school year approaches. Gloria Jerkins Autauga Virtual Academy Principal Jaclyn Taylor Prattville Junior High School Principal Dr. Jacob Holloway Federal Programs Coordinator     BHS STUDENT-ATHLETE NAMED 1A HITTER OF THE YEAR Sadie Primm, a Billingsley School rising senior, was named the Alabama Sports Writers Association's 1A Hitter of the Year! "Her stats in 2024 spoke for themselves as she slashed .518, .566 and 1.090 with batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage, respectively. She recorded 57 total hits with 12 doubles, six triples and 13 home runs while driving in 52 runs for the Bears." Read more >>   2024-2025 OPEN HOUSE EVENTS Mark your calendars for back-to-school events across the district to celebrate the 2024-2025 school year! Meet teachers & administrators, tour schools & classrooms, make new friends, purchase tote bags, lockers, spirit shirts, and so much more! Get details >>   153 West Fourth Street Prattville, AL 36067 (334) 365-5706 | acboe.net

    Thursday, Jul 11 2024