Field Trips

Class work may often be enriched by field trips. Students must complete the Field Trip Permission Form, signed by their parent or guardian, in order to participate in such off-campus activities. These forms must be submitted by the respective deadline for the specific trip. No student will be allowed to travel unless this form is turned in. Note that no deposit will be accepted unless it‘s accompanied by the permission form. On these trips everyone is expected to demonstrate good behavior on all public and private conveyances that may be used during the course of the trip; in all private homes, hostels, hotels or other places where students may be housed; in public or private places where students may be entertained or have snacks or meals; and in public or private places where the events planned for the particular trip take place.

Good behavior means showing appropriate courtesy and consideration to everyone and displaying an attitude of respect for people with national and cultural traditions other than one’s own.

It means wearing clothing suitable for the place and occasion and meeting ACS Dress Code Requirements, behaving with decorum, using acceptable language, refraining from using alcohol, drugs or tobacco in any form, and refraining from inappropriate displays of affection. Good behavior also means being present and on time for all activities, formal and informal, meeting curfew requirements and honoring the ground rules of private homes or other places of temporary residence. The conditions set forth in the Code of Conduct are in effect during any school-related trips off campus. Before leaving on a field trip, students are responsible for checking with all of their teachers, so that they know what assignments and work they will be missing on the day(s) of the trip – and to make arrangements for making up missed work upon their return to school. This must be done before traveling!

Nature and Overview of Student Activities

Participation in co-curricular activities is a way of expanding learning beyond the classroom. Such participation allows students to pursue their own interests and to develop their skills and talents in a whole range of social, cultural and sporting activities. Participating in school activities is also an important way of building bonds of school community – allowing students the opportunity to cement friendships, develop their skills of teamwork and cooperation, share their skills and talents with others and make a positive contribution to the social, cultural and sporting life of the school. It is an ACS Athens goal that every student in the Academy participates in at least one co-curricular activity during the school year.

The House System

The House System was started at ACS Athens in 1950. All students, faculty, and staff are assigned to one of five houses as a lifetime member: Athenian (green), Corinthian (red), Spartan (blue), Macedonian (purple) or Trojan (yellow). It is a concept meant to bond faculty and students, to encourage school spirit and to build a strong sense of belonging to our school. It is also meant to create a sense of continuity and permanence for our graduates.

Beginning in Middle School, students and faculty can earn points for their houses by participating in student activities, playing sports, winning awards, participating in community service projects, etc.

House Points are tallied throughout the year and posted in the Academy and Middle School buildings. Each year, a plaque is presented to the winning House and displayed on campus (look over the doors of the Academy or on the north wall of the Plaza). Individuals who earn points for their Houses are also recognized at the end-of-year Awards Assembly. At the Commencement Ceremony each year a Most Spirited Award is given to the Academy boy and girl with the highest number of House Points in their high school careers.

Athletics

The Academy sponsors sports programs at the Junior Varsity and Varsity levels for boys and girls in soccer, volleyball, cross-country, basketball, track and field, swimming and tennis. All students who meet eligibility requirements have the opportunity to try out for ACS teams. Varsity team members earn 50 points for their houses; JV team members earn 30 points.

Activities/Interest Groups

All students are encouraged to participate in any clubs or activities that interest them. Generally, these activities meet during lunch and/or after school with their advisors. Activities and Interest Groups are developed based on student interest. For a list of all activities and interest groups, please check our website, under Student Affairs.

Student Council

The Student Council plays a significant role in the life of the school. Its meetings are open to all students and faculty, and anyone with a suggestion or concern is encouraged to attend. Details concerning the selection process, meeting place, and time are announced in the fall semester. Elected Student Council members earn 50 House points.

Executive Class Officers

Early in the fall, each class elects Officers to lead them during the year. These Officers work with faculty and advisors and are encouraged to assume the position of spokespeople for their classmates. Students are encouraged to get to know their Class Officers and make suggestions to them. Class Officers earn 50 House points.

School Social Events

Only Academy students, staff, their parents, and their guests are allowed to attend school social functions. All social events must be organized by students and faculty advisors and are announced on the school calendar after approval by Academy administration.

Purchase Orders / Fundraising

Students buying material of any kind for school, class or club activities must obtain a "Purchase Requisition" form from the Office of Student Affairs. The requisition must have the faculty sponsor’s signature.

All money collected from fundraising activities must be deposited in the activity account within 24 hours. Food sales for fundraising purposes are not allowed during lunch, unless permission of the Food Services Manager has been secured in advance. Clubs and activities may hold food sales after school. All fundraising activities must be approved and scheduled by the Vice-Principal and Student Life Coordinator and recorded in yearly fundraising calendar. Promotions or flyers for these events must be approved by the Office of Student Affairs.

Note: All money collected through school fundraising efforts must be used only for school sponsored activities and events.

Decorations

In order to ensure the safety of students, it is necessary that students working on posters and decorations be under the supervision of faculty sponsors.

Posters and Advertisements

All posters for events in the Academy other than fundraising must be approved by the Principal before they are displayed.