School Matters - November 2019 Board of Education News

Stony Point Elementary School update, A Year in Review, approved policy revisions, per diem request, and facility recommendations discussed.

Watch the School Board Meeting on our YouTube Channel at 6:00 PM

Click the headline to view the school board meeting tonight at 6:00 PM or to watch previous meetings.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Complete our Family & Community Engagement Survey. Deadline is December 1.

The School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) of Alexander County invites you to take a few minutes to complete our survey. The mission of SHAC is to assist our students in leading healthy and productive lives. In order to be most effective, it is important for schools, community and parents work together. We want to have a positive impact on students’ health behavior and academic gains enhanced with the help of parents and community. Thank you for input. All surveys will be kept anonymous.

Celebrate the wonderful principals and assistant principals in Alexander County Schools!

The Taylorsville Apple Festival is Coming Up!

The 31st Annual Taylorsville Apple Festival will be held in downtown Taylorsville on Saturday, October 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Proceeds above operating costs go to the Needy Children's Benevolence fund in Alexander County Schools.

National Principals Month - Celebrate ACS Principals and APs

Take time to thank a principal or assistant principal for their leadership in our schools! #Thankaprincipal #LeadershipMatters @alexandercoschools @AC_Schools

Watch the School Board Meeting on our YouTube Channel at 6:00 PM

Links to the ACS YouTube channel

Alexander County Schools Adopts Social-Emotional Learning Programs K-6

Meet-Up, buddy-up, harmony, or social-emotional learning are all terms associated with the adoption of Sanford Harmony, a social-emotional learning program for PK-6 grade students. Through meet-up and buddy-up, students are given opportunities to collaborate, discuss, and share with classmates. Pictured are harmony goals that were created by consensus, signed by the students, and posted in classrooms at Hiddenite Elementary. Also pictured are students from Natalie Millsaps’ 5th-grade class at Sugar Loaf Elementary School. Click the heading to read the full article.

Custodian Appreciation

October 2 is designated as National Custodian Day. We are so proud of our custodians! They operate behind the scenes keeping our schools and buildings looking good! #NationalCustodianDay @AC_Schools @alexandercoschools

Mission: Operation Trick or Treat Safety

Operation Trick or Treat Safety Video

Alexander County Schools Recognized for Commitment to Accomplished Teaching

Alexander County Schools is one of the 81 districts nationwide to be named a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards accomplished district. The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards recognized school districts in which 20% or more of its teachers have achieved National Board Certification. The 81 Accomplished Districts come from ten states including Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Washington. The top three districts by percent of NBCTs are Piedmont City School Districts in Alabama, Bellevue School District 405 in Washington and Nashville Community HSD 99 in Illinois. “High-quality teaching is the most important in-school factor impacting student learning. The districts that measured up to be included in the National Board Accomplished District program understand the value of accomplished teaching and support teachers to be their best. We encourage state and district leaders to support National Board certification because NBCTs have a measurable impact on student learning – and what parent anywhere doesn’t want the best possible teacher for their children?” said Peggy Brookins, a National Board Certified Teacher and the president and CEO of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Districts will be recognized with an award for the district office and unique celebrations for the NBCTs in those districts.

School board meeting recap

Click on the heading to read more from the September school board meeting. Amy Pruett receives Servant's Heart Award, School Matters - the full school board report, the comprehensive needs assessment presentation, and the attendance awareness proclamation are included.

Watch the School Board Meeting on our YouTube Channel at 6:00 PM

Click the headline to view the school board meeting tonight at 6:00 PM or to watch previous meetings.

#schooleveryday ACS participate in Attendance Awareness Campaign

Students are at risk academically if they are chronically absent (missing just two days a month or 10 percent of the school year)! The early school years are essential for laying a foundation for strong attendance and academic success in future years. By middle and high school, poor attendance is even more predictive of dropout. Each absence represents a preventable lost opportunity to learn in the classroom. We can't afford to view absenteeism as merely a lack of compliance with school rules.

First day of school

Alexander County Schools are off to a great 2019-2020 school year. Check out first day photos on Facebook.

Watch the series of welcome back videos...

Watch the School Board Meeting on our YouTube Channel at 6:00 PM

Click the headline to view the school board meeting tonight at 6:00 PM or to watch previous meetings.

Are you ready? The first day of school for students is Monday, Aug. 26!

Welcome new teachers!

We are excited that our new teachers joined us for orientation today! We had 29 in our first session, with some new faces and some returning ones.

Free and Reduced Meal Applications Available

Alexander County Schools announced its updated free and reduced eligibility guidelines for families unable to pay the full price of meals served in the schools through the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. The federal guidelines are used to determine eligibility for family-size gross income. Children from families who currently receive SNAP, TANF or Work First benefits should receive a letter from the school nutrition office regarding direct certification. If you receive these benefits and do not receive a letter, please contact Kathy Caudle at 828-632-7001 ext. 211. Families whose gross income is below the figures shown above are eligible for free or reduced priced meals and need to complete an application. A link to the electronic application and a parent letter can be found by clicking the menu icon at the top of the page.