REPORT TO OUR COMMUNITY A COMMUNITY CONNECTED BY EDUCATION
2016-2017
MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT On behalf of the Board of Education and the employees of the Athens City School System, it is with pleasure that I submit to you an update on some of the activities and initiatives of our school district. As we reflect on the many accomplishments of our students and staff, we are again reminded of the uniqueness of Athens City Schools. We have strong parental and community support, professional and accomplished teachers, and students that are engaged in community service. Athens City is the best of public education. I have defined this year as one of “Growth and Discovery.” Our enrollment continues to climb in all of our
schools, bringing exciting new challenges to our school leaders and the community. Our grade realignments scheduled for fall 2018 will help with the crowding at our four K-3 schools, and the move of the middle school to the high school campus will provide more room for that student body. The completion of the new high school is not far away and will stand as one of the premier schools in Alabama. These challenges are all positive, reflecting parents’ desires to provide their children with access to a progressive education curriculum while also experiencing the quality of life offered in Athens. We are redefining the “tra-
ditional school” as we experience continued interest in our online and blended school. Our elementary academies, combined with the shift in grade realignments, will not only address space issues within the buildings but will, more importantly, allow our elementary students the opportunity to experience more hands-on learning where they connect academic work with real-world applications. Of last year’s graduating class at Athens High School, 54% were awarded scholarships totalling four million dollars. Our students are sought by colleges from across the county. They are prepared. They have a good work ethic. They have good
morals. We only have them with us for a short period of time, and we take that responsibility very seriously. Our teachers work tirelessly to ensure that students are prepared for their next step in life. Wayne Gretzky, a noted hockey legend, said that “A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be.” Education is facing this challenge today. We must progress in a manner that addresses the needs of today’s students and families while also assuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to face the future. I hope this report provides
you with a glimpse into the lives of our teachers and students and affirms for you that the Athens City School System continues to be one of the best school systems in Alabama. We thank you for the support that continues to be extended by this community. We are truly a community connected by education. Sincerely,
WL Holladay III, Superintendent of Education