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 the 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.

House System

The House System was started at ACS in 1950. All students, faculty, and staff are assigned to one of four houses as a life-time member: Athenian (green), Corinthian (red), Spartan (blue), or Trojan (yellow). It is a concept meant to bond teachers and students, encourage school spirit, and build a strong sense of belonging to our school. It is also meant to create a sense of continuity and permanence for our graduates. The 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. Each year, a plaque is presented to the winning house and displayed on campus. Individuals who earn points for their houses are also recognized at the end-of-year Awards Assemblies.

Student Council

The Student Council plays a significant role in the life of middle school. Its meetings are open to all students and faculty. Anyone with a suggestion or concern is encouraged to attend. The Middle School Student Council is made up of four representatives per grade level. A president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary for each grade level are elected by the student body. Additionally, there is the school-wide Executive Student Council which is composed of elected student body presidents. Each president represents and advocates for his or her respective group. All officers work with faculty members as well as their advisor and are encouraged to assume the position of spokespeople for their classmates and the school. Students are encouraged to get to know their class officers and make suggestions to them. Details concerning the selection process, meeting place, and time are announced in the fall semester.

Community Service

Serving the community is an integral component of the Middle School experience. All Middle School students are encouraged to volunteer for school and/or community service during the school year. Several grade-level activities and field trips such as our school-wide recycling programs organized as part of our Community and Service experiences. Parents are advised of these through school publications.

Opportunities may also be in the form of assistance in the classroom or help with an after school activity or sports team. By donating their time to help the school, students will benefit from a positive learning experience.

School Social Events

Dances

Each year, the Middle School Student Council plans and hosts social events. These are scheduled on the ACS school calendar and every Middle School student in grades 6-8 is encouraged to attend.

Some helpful information about dances that are important to know:

• Dances are held in the evening, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• All dances have an entrance fee, set by the Student Council for fundraising purposes.

• Refreshments are usually available

• Students are expected to remain in the dance area until the end of the event

• Parents must provide transportation

• Students must be picked up at school by the end of the dance

• All dances are voluntarily chaperoned by teachers.

• Middle School Dances are open only to current ACS Middle School Students.

Purchase Orders/ Fundraising

Students buying material of any kind for school, class, or club activities must obtain a purchase requisition form from the Administrative Assistant in the Middle School Main Office.

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 the permission of the food services manager has been secured in advance. Clubs and activities may hold food sales during the afternoon break and after school, during the activities period. All fundraising activities must be approved and scheduled by the Student Council and recorded in the yearly fundraising calendar. Students are required to seek guidance over these policies per their sponsor.

Posters and Advertisements

All posters, flyers, etc. must be approved by an appropriate faculty member and by the Principal before they are displayed. The Principal must initial all posters, flyers, etc.