A Message from Mr. Palmer

Cougar Nation,

It's hard to believe that we are already into March. This spring semester is flying by. I hope everyone is preparing to end the year strong, as it will approach quickly. We have a lot of great things happening around ACHS. Our football team has been putting in hard work to prepare for a great season. Our woman's basketball team fought hard in their first-round playoff game. A-day students successfully completed their ACT. We recognized some phenomenal staff members, as they were chosen as our Of the Year recipients (see the Cougar Highlights below). Our agriculture department showcased their skills and support of our FFA program this past week.

I want to remind everyone that the 3rd grading period will end on March 12th (next Friday). Please check PowerSchool regularly so that you are aware of your current academic standing. PowerSchool can also show any missing assignments. Students should discuss with their teachers the possibility of making up any missing assignments. Students are allowed to come into the building on Wednesdays to receive additional support from their teachers. Students must sign up with their teacher(s) or the media center in order to be on campus on Wednesdays. Signing up is a requirement to ensure social distancing protocols are upheld and teachers are able to best serve our students. Upon arrival to campus, students should immediately check in at the main office then report to their designated location. Students must remain in the location where they have signed up and are not allowed to be in unauthorized areas of the building.

This past week Governor Cooper announced a change in his executive orders regarding gathering numbers. Please be patient as we adjust our rules when executive orders change. Although the number allowance may change, ACHS will implement policies that continue with social distancing guidelines and mask requirements. The current changes will impact our athletic attendance. Please see the Cougar Sports section below for a press release from our athletic department. As other changes occur, we will be sure to communicate that information to you.

Registration for the 2021-2022 school year has begun. Students were shown registration videos over the course of the last two weeks. Please visit our ACHS Registration Information page on the ACHS website for more information. Registration forms will be filled out via a Google Form. The form was opened to students on Friday, February 26th and are due by March 11th. This allows time for our counselors to review the registration forms and help develop the best plan for your student(s). This is a great opportunity for parents to discuss their student's future goals and course selection for the upcoming school year. Students should reach out to their counselors if they have any questions.

ACHS will hold a Virtual Elective Fair on March 9th from 5:45 to 7pm. This is an informational Zoom session that will allow students and parents to receive information on courses offered here at ACHS. This event will provide valuable information as students select courses for next school year. I highly encourage student and parent participation in the event.

Keep bringing your A-GAME!

Mr. Palmer

• Click HERE each day to review our daily announcements.

• The 3rd grading period ends on March 12th.

• Students are allowed to come into the building on Wednesdays to receive additional support from their teachers. Students must sign up with their teacher(s) or the media center in order to be on campus on Wednesdays. Signing up is a requirement to ensure social distancing protocols are upheld and teachers are able to best serve our students. Upon arrival to campus, students should immediately check in at the main office then report to their designated location. Students must remain in the location where they have signed up and are not allowed to be in unauthorized areas of the building.

• Registration information for the 2021-2022 school year has been given to students. Registration forms were made available to students on February 26th via a Google Form. These forms should be submitted by March 11th. Please visit the ACHS Registration page on our counseling website for information. Parents: this is a great opportunity to hear from your students about the classes they plan to take next year!

• A virtual Elective Fair will be held on March 9th from 5:45 to 7pm. This event is for students and parents to obtain information and ask questions regarding programs and classes we offer at ACHS. This event will be helpful when choosing classes for registration.

• Please see the prom information below. It has been updated to reflect our current discussions.

• Show your school spirit with a fan in the stands!! Click HERE to fill the FANS IN THE STANDS form.

• Our annual Wilkes Community College Connection will take place on March 16th and 18th. Representatives of Wilkes Community College will meet virtually with any student that has applied to discuss registration and confirm their program of study. If there are any questions, please email Mr. Allen or Mr. Rangel.

• Mitchell Community College will be holding virtual open house events on March 4, 18, 25, and April 1st. To register, click HERE.

• Local scholarships are now available to seniors. Seniors should check their email for more information or visit the Counseling Center with any questions.

• Senior yearbook ads are on sale through March 31st. Click HERE to purchase an ad for your senior.

This past week was FFA week. ACHS is very proud of our agriculture and CTE department. Cougar students have the opportunity to learn skills that prepare them for careers and life after high school. FFA week is an opportunity to promote agriculture in our community. ACHS students participated in our 2nd Annual Tractor parade this past week. It was awesome seeing students work to promote a program that supports our local community. Two of our FFA students participated in a Zoom session with Representative Jeffrey Elder. Avery Cook and Austin Sink were able to speak and ask questions about agriculture with Representative Elder. The FFA program at ACHS is very active competing in career development events, community service, and working around the ACHS campus.