Welcome to the Gryphon Bulletin, American Renaissance School's Weekly Newsletter for Families.

December 16, 2024

Community News

Upcoming dates:  

12/5-12/20 K-3 12 Days until winter break spirit days!  See calendar below!

12/20 Half Day Dismissal : Kindergarten & 7th/8th at 11:00 / 1st-6th at 11:15 

12/23-1/1 Winter Break  (Students return on 1/6/25)

1/2 & 1/3 Teacher Workdays

2024-2025 Town Hall Schedule 

This year school leadership will be hosting a series of Town Hall meetings focusing on a variety of school related topics. The first Town Hall will focus on 2023-2024 School Testing Data. Come and learn about Growth vs Proficiency, how the State determines letter grades, and why it is so exciting that we Exceeded Growth last year.

The next Meeting will be held at Haven, downtown's newest coffee shop and bakery at 127 W Broad St. Come grab a coffee and join us.

Date Time     Location   Topic

01/17/25 9:00am DCC What is Open Enrollment? Types of Charters

02/14/25 9:00am DCC School Budget

03/14/25 9:00am DCC School Facilities Tour

04/18/25 9:00am DCC Testing and Accountability

ARS Pledge Drive- Let's soar together to reach our campaign goal of $30,000!

We’re heading towards a remarkable school year!  ARS has exceeded growth and our growth is ranked in the top 5 out of all charter schools in North Carolina!  Our ARS campus has grown over the past two years.  The addition of our gym( located on Tradd St.), intermediate school (located on Cooper St.) and our most recent Arts and Stem building (located on East Broad St.) wouldn’t be possible without support from ARS families and businesses.  We are ecstatic to announce the launch of our 2024-2025 capital campaign, RAISE!.  

Our 2024 Capital Campaign is a pivotal initiative that will provide necessary funds to allocate towards facility improvements, maintenance and future expansion.   As a charter school, we receive funding from the North Carolina Department of Instruction but funding is just enough for salaries, benefits, utilities and general building maintenance.   Capital Campaign funds are crucial to ensure that our facilities match the high standard of education we provide, offering our students an environment conducive to learning and growth.

ARS Families, we need your support.  Here is the link to donate to our RAISE campaign.  No donation is too large or too small.  Your support helps us create an environment where every child can thrive and reach their fullest potential. Many businesses match employee donations to schools.  Please consider sharing with your place of employment if they have a corporate matching program.  

Thank you for your continued support.

Congratulations to our Gryphon Coin Challenge Winners:

2nd place Mrs. Oliphant's class with a container weight of 39.2 lbs and a sum of $270.27

1st place Mrs. Pendergast's class with a container weight of 60.6 lbs and a sum of $538.08

Thank you to all our students and families for donating to our Gryphon Coin Challenge!  

Intermediate and Middle  School News

Spirit Week is Coming!!! 

December 16th - 20th

• Monday - Dress in Holiday PJs 

• Tuesday - Dress like an elf day!

• Wednesday - Grinch Attire

• Thursday - Gryphon Spirit Colors OR Favorite Holiday Socks

• Friday - Ugly Sweater Day OR Wear a Santa Hat

*Be sure that your outfit adheres to the length requirements mentioned in the student handbook. Wear tennis shoes each day.

No basketball games next week.

RAP News

Renaissance Association of Parents- Interested in volunteering?  Click here to see all the ways you can be part of RAP!  

Uniforms

• We have lots of uniform items available for purchase. Be sure to go to the inventory section of the uniform site to see what is available in each size. Orders will be filled within a few days of purchase. Use this link to order - Inventory Uniform Items

Great Wolf Lodge

• Our Great Wolf Lodge Family Night is scheduled for February 6, 2025. You can book a discounted room by going online or calling 866-751-9653 and using code 2502AMER. Reservations must be made by January 6, 2025.