March 29th-April 2nd Newsletter
Important Announcements
Clubs will end in April - NO CLUBS IN MAY
ACAP Testing will begin April 6
Click the image to the left for ACAP practice
(For important information on dates & times see "2021 ACAP Information" below)
ACAP- State Testing Schedule and Information
Please click the link below to review the information regarding mandatory state assessments.
Third Nine Weeks Recap!
Covid has taken away our parents' ability to come into our buildings the way in which we've become accustomed, but we want you to know that we've been pretty busy! Let's take a look at what's been happening the past nine weeks!
Tennessee Valley Authority Project
6th-grade students built a model dam to see how hydroelectricity works and its effect on the economy during The Great Depression.
Steam Studios
All grades come together to explore their passions in our STEAM Studios! Students enjoy a wide range of activities in either our Culinary, Science, Fine Arts, or STEM Studio! It's always a good time!
Resilence Cafe
7th-grade students learned about resilient heroes from the past and present and explored together what it means to be resilient. Students identified specific attributes to celebrate and communicate through their work. They connected a resilient historical figure, literary figure, a resilient community member, and their own personal story of resilience through reading, writing, researching, and composing a spoken-word poem. You may watch them here: https://flipgrid.com/93f09af6
Fun Times
From surprise birthday parties and baby showers, making clothing out of recyclable items, to catching Mr. Smith rocking out when he's not looking 😏, ARS Middle is always filled with fun, learning, and laughter! The 4th nine weeks will be no exception!
City Project
Creativity and math came together in this project as 8th-grade students created their own cities on the Cartesian Plane. Students used math concepts such as graphing linear equations and systems of linear equations, parallel and perpendicular lines, and scales throughout the project. Writing assignments and research were also included to make this project a mesh of Math, ELA, and Art with a real-world connection. See the presentations here:
Soaking Up the Sun 🌞
Though we think our school is pretty cool, we never miss an opportunity to soak up the sun when the weather permits. We firmly believe that the classroom is anywhere we are!
Spring Break is Here!
Spring Break begins the week of March 29-April 2nd. Enjoy your time off! Of course, no work will be assigned during this time. As such, if you still have outstanding assignments that need to be made up, this is the perfect opportunity to use some of your break time to catch up without the stress off additional work piling up!
Needs Assessment
Ms. Lorri Haynes, our guidance counselor, is requesting that this needs assessment be filled out for every middle school student. Please follow the link to complete and submit! https://forms.gle/pXttzXgrYyiq2uPG
Now Accepting Donations for ARS Boutique!
Not quite sure what to do with those worn-once formals and semi-formals? We'll gladly take them off of your hands! We're in the beginning stages of the development of our Renaissance Boutique. Our goal is to be able to offer every young lady of every shape and size the opportunity to feel like a princess on her special day without financial burden or concern. We're asking that you donate all gently used formal and semi-formal prom and dance dresses (and shoes) of ALL sizes and assist us in creating an amazing place where girls can come and find their dream dresses for their special occasions. While the boutique will be housed at ARS Middle School, you may leave your donations at any of the ARS locations beginning Tuesday, February 16, 2021. We thank you in advance for your support!
2021-22 Course Selection Information
Please click the link below to review ARS Course Selection Information for the coming year.
Mrs. Neely is on Leave!
Due to her maternity leave, Mrs. Neely's email correspondence is being handled by Mrs. Kilgore and Mr. Smith.
All 6th-8th grade Science related questions (troubleshooting, help with assignments, etc.) should be emailed to Mrs. Kilgore at sharon.kilogore@acs-k12.org.
All 6th grade homeroom correspondence (health forms, registration questions, absence emails, general concerns, etc.) should be emailed to to Mr. Smith at william.smith@acs-k12.org.
*Note: Any health forms sent to Mrs. Neely between February 26th and March 5th have been forwarded to Mr. Smith.
Alabama Mask Ordinance Extended through April 9th
This is a friendly reminder that all students reporting to campus for our Blended pathways will be required to wear a face mask, covering their mouths and noses while on campus.
Additionally, as we strive to protect our students and staff members, we ask that students who are exhibiting any symptoms, such as fever or cough, be kept at home.
For more information on the district's COVID-19 policies, please see the link below.
Lunch at ARMS
Lunch at the middle school occurs from 11:00 am-11:30 am. ALL ARS students eat free through the end of the semester.
Parents should pick their child up from lunch at the pick-up location by the AES playground at 11:30 am.
For this week's lunch menu, please visit the link below:
Students may pick up a lunch from the school, or they may bring their lunches. *Microwaves are also available on campus.
Teacher Contact Information
For updated information about how to reach each of the Athens Renaissance middle school team, check out our Contact Us Page!
Fine Arts Announcements
Fine Arts Newsletter
Check out March! It is the first edition created by the new middle school Newsletter Club!
Here you can find info about band, choir, clubs, and STEAM studios. PLUS the Newsletter club has added some fun extras for your entertainment!
Band Rehearsal Schedule
Mondays- (for Monday and Wednesday students)
10:15 to 11:15 a.m.- Beginning Band
Tuesdays- (for Tuesday and Thursday students)
10:45 to 11:45 a.m.- Beginning Band
Wednesdays- (for Monday and Wednesday students)
10:15 to 11:15 a.m.- Students with one year’s experience.
3:00 to 4:00- String Band (Bluegrass)
Thursdays- (for Tuesday and Thursday students)
10:45 to 11:45 a.m.- Students with one year’s experience.
Fridays-
10:30-noon- Students with two or more years experience.
*Note: Tuesday and Thursday classes will now begin at 10:45. Changed from starting at 11:00.
Additional Information
2020-2021 Schedule
Drop Off Map
Pick Up Map