Good afternoon, this is Steve Mares, Principal of Athens Drive Magnet High School, with a message for Friday, September 9^th. A copy of this message will be posted on our school website (www.wcpss.net/athensdrivehs), emailed to our students, and emailed and texted to our school families.

 

NEW/UPDATED/UPCOMING ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

FALL SEMESTER MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT: Please know that the date for our Fall Semester Meet the Teacher Night will be next Thursday, September 15^th, from 5:30 p.m. until 6:45 p.m. At 5:00 p.m., prior to our Meet the Teacher Night, we will be holding a Virtual Senior Parent Meeting led by Mr. Remaley, our Senior Class Advisor. All Senior families are encouraged to attend this event! Please know that our Meet the Teacher Night will be a completely Virtual event—there will not be an In-Person Meet the Teacher event this Semester. On Thursday, September 15^th, we will be providing detailed information on how to access Google Meet links for each class as we get closer to our Meet the Teacher event. Thank you for saving this night to engage with our faculty and connect to the school.

 

AUDITIONS FOR OUR FALL PLAY BEGIN NEXT WEEK: Auditions for our Fall Play, Grim & Gruesome Grimm, will take place after school on Thursday, September 15^th in the Chorus Room. Prior to auditioning, students must complete the online production form and sign up for an audition time slot. Audition time slots are on the Theatre Callboard located on the Performing Arts Hallway outside of the Cafeteria. For students interested in applying to be on the Technical Crew, crew applications are also available online. All crew applicants must complete the application and attend an interview after school on Monday, September 19^th in Trailer 6. Crew interview time slots are available on the Callboard. For more information, please visit the Theatre website www.athensdrivetheatre.org or contact our Theatre Director, Ms. Hayes at ahayes3@wcpss.net.

 

THREE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OUR SENIORS TO BE CONSIDERING: Here is information regarding three major Scholarships our Seniors will want to consider with deadlines approaching:

 

• MOREHEAD-CAIN SCHOLARSHIP: https://www.moreheadcain.org/ The Morehead-Cain Scholarship is a unique educational opportunity that includes not only a four-year undergraduate scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), but also provides a life-enhancing combination of global travel, real-world work experience, and support and advice from the Morehead-Cain foundation staff and over 3,000 Morehead Alumni. The Morehead-Cain recognizes well-rounded young leaders who demonstrate outstanding potential for leadership in high school, in college, and beyond. A Morehead-Cain Scholar is expected to be, in conduct and achievement, academically and otherwise, a superior citizen. The Morehead-Cain includes four years of tuition and expenses at UNC, as well as a fully funded summer enrichment program that supplements academic study with off-campus travel and experience. The scholarship is merit-based; neither financial need nor a student’s current interest in attending UNC should be considered. Nomination for the Morehead-Cain does not require a student to commit to attend UNC. The award provides scholarship and other experiences during 4-year undergraduate study at UNC Chapel Hill. Criteria include leadership, moral force of character, physical vigor, and academic scholarship. Athens Drive Magnet High School will endorse 3 students for this award! If you are interested in being one of our school nominees, please fill out the school nomination preliminary form that can be found in Student Services and submit it to Mr. Grabiec. If a student is not selected as one of our School Nominees, a student may Self-Nominate. Please feel free to submit your preliminary information application to Mr. Grabiec via email (mgrabiec@wcpss.net), paper copy, PDF, Google Doc, etc., by Monday, September 19^th. A Faculty Panel will conduct an application review and interview interested applicants. Please use the attached document to begin your application process. Please remember that the Morehead-Cain nominees must demonstrate all the following criteria: Scholarship, Leadership, Moral Force of Character, Physical Vigor (a demonstrated commitment to an active lifestyle and a dedication to fitness and physical activity), and the Integrity of the candidate must be above reproach. Any act of dishonesty disqualifies the candidate.

 

• The Park Scholarship: https://park.ncsu.edu/apply/ The mission of the Park Scholarships program is to bring exceptional students to North Carolina State University, based on outstanding accomplishments and potential in Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. The program develops and supports Park Scholars in these areas, preparing them for lifelong contributions to the university, state, nation, and world. The Park Scholarships program provides: Four-year scholarship valued at $116,000 for in-state students and $213,000 for out-of-state students, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, travel, and personal expenses; Grants to fund professional and personal enrichment experiences, such as research projects, service activities, and conferences in the United States and abroad; and Guaranteed invitation to join the University Honors Program for all Park Scholarships Finalists. School Endorsements are no longer part of our application process and interested students need to apply by the November 1^st deadline.

 

• The Levine Scholarship: https://levinescholars.charlotte.edu/apply The Levine Scholars Program takes the brightest, most capable students and gives them the tools, resources and environment they need to explore the world around them, engage deeply in their communities and excel across discipline at The University of North Carolina – Charlotte. The four-year scholarship includes full tuition, room, board, a grant to implement a service project of the Scholar’s own design, and four summers of experiences that will develop leadership skills, social awareness, and an international perspective. The total value of this four-year package is estimated at $105,000 for in-state students and $155,000 for out-of-state students. Students must either be nominated online by their Counselor at their current High School or submit a Self-Nomination. Nominations will be accepted until Saturday, October 8^th. This Application Link will provide you with information about how to access, complete, and submit the online freshman admissions application. Application for Undergraduate Admissions must be received by Tuesday, November 1^st.

 

SCHOLARSHIP BULLETIN: Seniors should already be signed up for Mr. Grabiec’s Scholarship Remind message, as we covered this in our Class Meeting and during Drive Time. In addition, please see our Scholarship Bulletin for additional Scholarships available for students.

 

CHORUS ICE CREAM SOCIAL: All Athens Drive Chorus students and families are invited to an Ice Cream Social on Tuesday. September 13^th, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. in the Cafeteria. This will be a great way to meet our new Chorus Director, Ms. Santa Croce, and find ways to connect to our Chorus program.

 

MARCHING BAND FUNDRAISER AT BJ’S RESTAURANT AND BREWHOUSE ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12^TH: The Band is hosting a fundraiser to support our Athens Drive Magnet High School Band! Join the Band at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse (5707 Dillard Dr., Cary, NC) on Monday, September 12^th, from 11:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. Please show this flyer (digital or printed) when checking out. Please use the Coupon Code (Coupon Code: BIBIFUNDRAISER) to count your fundraiser meal for online orders. Third-party app, phone orders, and gift card purchases are not included in fundraiser sales. 20% of sales will be donated to our Band! Please be sure to share with your friends and family.

 

CARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATIONS FOR CURRENT JUNIORS: Youth Leadership Cary is a program that builds our Cary area High School students into tomorrow’s leaders. The selected group of students are led through 5 months of programs that are built to teach them more about the community they are a part of and how to be great leaders of it. For more information, please see Ms. Carlton, our Career Development Coordinator, whose office is located in the back of the Media Center, or download an application from Career Development website.

 

ARMED SERVICES VOCATIONAL APTITUDE BATTERY (ASVAB) TEST IS COMING SOON: The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. We will be administering the ASVAB on campus on Wednesday, October 5^th, beginning at 7:30 a.m. Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors are eligible to take this ASVAB Test administration. For more information and to sign up, please contact Ms. Carlton, our Career Development Coordinator, in her office in the back of the Media Center, or register on our Career Services website.

 

SCHOOL PORTRAITS FOR FRESHMEN, SOPHOMORES, AND JUNIORS: Please know that we will be taking Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors’ school portraits outside on Monday, September 19^th, Wednesday, September 21^st, and Thursday, September 22^nd. Our school portraits are taken by Evan Pike Photography, and he will be emailing information home to our school families regarding purchasing of school portraits. Here is the School Portrait schedule:

 

	Monday - 9/19/2022	Thursday - 9/22/2022	Friday - 9/23/2022
	FRESHMEN	SOPHOMORES	JUNIORS
7:55-8:25	A-B	A-B	A-C
8:25-8:55	C-E	C-F	D-H
9:00-9:30	F-H	G-K	I-M
9:30-10:00	I-L	L-N	N-S
10:00-10:30	M-N	M-S	T-Z
10:30-11:15	Photographers Break	Make Ups/A Lunch	Make Ups/A Lunch
11:30-12:00	O-R	T-Z
12:00-12:30	Make Ups
12:55-1:25	S-Z

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I look forward to once again capturing our students’ photographs to use for our Yearbook and for student identification.

 

SENIOR PORTRAITS: We have added a few dates for our Seniors to still get their Senior Portraits made. Please note that we have added September 13^th, September 15^th, and September 17^th. Students can register for their Senior Portraits at our Senior Portrait website. Seniors need to remember that in order to get their picture into the Yearbook, they must get their Senior Portrait taken. Please also know that there is no fee to have a Senior Portrait taken.

 

SENIOR RECOGNITION ADS IN YEARBOOK: Senior Recognition Ads are available to purchase. Please celebrate your Seniors and reserve a space in the Yearbook for a personal message and photos to recognize your student’s achievements. All purchase information is available on the Yearbook website. Please note that your Senior Recognition Ad purchase INCLUDES a Yearbook, so there is no need to purchase a Yearbook as well. Senior Recognition Ad spaces will be available for purchase until Monday, November 14^th. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Luna, our Yearbook Advisor, at eluna@wcpss.net.

 

DOING SOMETHING FANTASTIC TO BE FEATURED IN THE YEARBOOK? Our Yearbook staff is always looking for events and students to feature and write about. From starting their own business, excelling in a sport off-campus, volunteerism, and being driven in their passions, out students are amazing! If you think your student would like to be in the Yearbook for something they have done or for something in which they are exceptional, please let our Yearbook staff know. Contact forms around being featured are linked on the Yearbook website.

 

STUDENTS LEAVING CAMPUS FOR LUNCH: As we are discussing in our Class Meetings, Juniors and Seniors who have an approved Off-Campus Lunch Pass are the only students who may leave campus for Lunch. A Junior or Senior student cannot leave campus during lunch without having an authorized Off-Campus Lunch Pass. Freshmen and Sophomores are NEVER allowed to leave campus during the school day, unless on an approved school trip. If a Junior or Senior would like to purchase a Lunch Pass (the cost is $10.00 for the year), please visit the Off-Campus Lunch Pass Google Form we have created located on the Athens Drive Magnet High School website to complete the Application. Thank you for your support in ensuring our students do the right thing and stay on campus during Lunch.

 

STUDENTS MUST HAVE A VALID PARKING PASS TO PARK ON CAMPUS: I would like to ask all students and parents to help us ensure that only those students who have a valid Parking Pass park on campus. Please understand that any student who parks on campus must have a Parking Pass and park only in their assigned area. It is important for us to know who is parking on campus and have parent permission for students to drive and park on campus. We will begin to ticket students who are parking on campus without having a valid Parking Pass to park on campus. Please also understand that Athens does not retain any of the money collected for the Parking Passes—the money collected for Parking Passes goes directly to Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) and pays for our Security Officer on Campus who patrols the outside of the school. If a student wants to purchase a Parking Pass, they can still purchase one. Students interested in securing a Parking pass for the 2021 – 2022 school year should carefully read and follow the guidelines on the application. To complete the Parking Pass Application process, please complete the On-Line Parking Registration.

 

NO CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS AT ATHLETICS FOR A WEEK OR TWO: Please know that for the next couple of weeks we will not be able to take credit cards for payment at our Athletic events. WCPSS Technology Services is installing new software on the devices we have to ensure the safety of all Athletic transactions and will have them back to us in the near future. In the meantime, all tickets for Athletic events will need to be purchased via the GoFan website prior to arriving at the game. Thank you for your understanding and your support of Athens Drive Athletics.

 

PRELIMINARY SAT/NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP QUALIFYING TEST ADMINISTRATION—IMPORTANT INFORMATION ESPECIALLY FOR OUR JUNIORS: I wanted to give a heads-up to our students, and specifically our Juniors, that we will be administering the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) on Wednesday, October 12^th. Registration is open to any Athens Drive student who wants to take the PSAT/NMSQT and will be open from Monday, August 22^nd through Monday, September 12^th. WCPSS will pay the PSAT/NMSQT exam fee for current Juniors who have a Grade Point Average (GPA) at or higher than 4.367 (the top 10% of 11^th Grade students who are likely to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship). Juniors who have a GPA below 4.367 who wish to take the PSAT/NMSQT exam (or other students interested in taking the exam) must pay the $18.00 exam fee. General information about the PSAT/NMSQT can be found on the College Board website. If you have any questions regarding the PSAT/NMSQT administration, please reach out to Ms. Seese, our Testing Coordinator, at vseese@wcpss.net. 

 

CLOSING THOUGHTS AND TAKE CARE: This morning I made the following statement prior to our observation of a Moment of Silence this morning to commemorate the 21^st anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America: “Sunday, September 11^th, is the 21^st anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America at the World Trade Center Towers, the Pentagon, and the intended target of terrorists on Flight 93, resulting in the deaths of approximately 3,000 people representing 93 countries. While this day will be remembered for this unprecedented horror, it will also be remembered for the many acts of kindness, compassion, and solidarity. In the aftermath of 9/11, people continue to come together to demonstrate countless acts of heroism, patriotism, and service.” I know we all have strong emotions tied to this unprecedented event. I would ask that as we honor the memory of those who lost their lives, we continue to try to all work to bring our country together in the kindness, compassion, and solidarity that existed in the aftermath of that tragic day. Thank you for your continued support of our joint efforts to move all our students forward to Graduate on time and reach their ultimate potential! Please continue to check the Athens Drive website (www.wcpss.net/athensdrivehs) for general information and to help you stay informed. As always, please continue to be safe, and take care of yourselves, your loved ones, and each other. GO JAGS!

 

 

REMINDER ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM PREVIOUS WEEKLY MESSAGES:

 

ACCESSING TEACHER/COURSE INFORMATION: To best support the academic success of our students, every teacher has created a Learning Management System in Canvas. Students and families can access these resources by finding their teacher on our Faculty Directory on the Athens Drive Magnet High School website. Students who are out of school due to absences must utilize this resource to stay up-to-date with class assignments and resources.

 

GRADUATION DATE FINALIZED FOR THE CLASS OF 2023!! I am happy to announce that our Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2023 will be held on Saturday, June 10^th, 2022, beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the Raleigh Convention Center! I look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of this incredible Class at our Commencement Exercises! Seniors, and their families, please also know that we will be holding a MANDATORY Graduation Rehearsal at Athens Drive on Thursday, May 25^th, beginning at 7:25 a.m. in the Main Gym.

 

IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN THE SENIOR REMIND GROUP: As we discussed in our Senior Class meeting this week, we need our Seniors (and their families) to stay connected to EVERYTHING Senior related. We do not want our Seniors or Senior families to miss anything related to their Senior Year. To make this happen, we need all Seniors and their families to join the Senior Remind message group today! If you are using the Remind App, then enter the class code: @theremaley. If you are not using the App and prefer a text message, then text the message: @theremaley to the number: 81010. Mr. Remaley, the Senior Class Advisor, will use this source to get important Senior information to our Seniors and their Senior families daily at 2:30 p.m. The reply option on Remind is NOT turned on so if you have questions, please email Mr. Remaley (cremaley@wcpss.net). Please be sure to sign up TODAY and do not miss a thing from Senior Year!

 

SENIOR EXAM EXEMPTION: For the 2022 – 2023 school year, once again, Seniors can be exempt from Non-State Mandated Final Exams and Field Tests based on the following criteria: Students who have a Final Course Grade of “C” or higher are eligible to be exempt from Final Exams. Absences will not be considered in determining Senior Exemption status for the 2022 – 2023 school year. 

 

SENIORGRAM IS NOW AVAILABLE: Please know that we have posted our SeniorGram with important dates and information for Seniors and their families. Thank you for marking these important dates down so that our Seniors have a fantastic finish to their High School career!

 

SENIORS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE THE MENINGOCOCCAL BOOSTER VACCINATION: North Carolina law requires all rising 12^th Grade students to receive a Meningococcal Vaccine Booster before starting 12^th Grade. Please know that the vaccination must be done before the 2022 – 2023 school year begins. Families will need to provide a copy of their student’s immunization record showing proof that the Meningococcal Vaccine has been completed prior to the first day of school. This is a 2-dose immunization; the 1^st dose was required in the 7^th Grade in the WCPSS. Please click here for more information. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Carrillo, our Data Manager, at acarrillo@wcpss.net, contact our Student Services Department at 919-233-4050, or fax your immunization updates to 919-670-4457. Thank you for taking care of this required vaccine!

 

PURCHASE A YEARBOOK: The Yearbook summer sale continues through Friday, August 26^th. The Yearbook will be available to purchase for $65.00 during the current sale time. After Friday, August 26^th, the Yearbook price will return to its normal Fall price of $75.00 until late September. Yearbooks can be purchased from the Yearbook website https://athensdriveyearbook.weebly.com/ throughout the school year. Last year, our Yearbooks sold out before delivery, so please purchase early to ensure you have a copy. If you have questions, contact Ms. Luna, our Yearbook Advisor, at eluna@wcpss.net.

 

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL ON CAMPUS: Please know that we have several different areas on campus to support the safe arrival and dismissal of our students. You can visit our Transportation Information section on our website to get additional information and maps on where to drop-off and pick-up our students. Please know the following information:

 

• Special Transportation Arrival and Dismissal: The entrance to our campus off Athens Drive is only for students who require Special Transportation to get to school each day. Families who have students who have special needs may use this entrance as well. This entrance is NOT to be used for our general carpool students.

 

• Carpool Arrival: Please remember that ALL carpool arrival is handled through our Carpool Loop in the Carpool Parking Lot through the entrance from Avent Ferry Road. If you are planning on leaving to turn Right on Avent Ferry, please enter the Parking Lot from Avent Ferry Road and be in the Left Hand Lane to drive all the way up the Carpool Parking Lot and around the semi-circle at the top of the Parking Lot. Please pull all the way up to the end of the semi-circle and stop and drop your student off. If you are planning on leaving to turn onto Athens Drive, please enter the Parking Lot from Avent Ferry Road and be in the Right Hand Lane to drop your student off and then turn right to drive to the Exit to Athens Drive. Please be sure that your student is ready to exit the car as you come to a stop to expedite the carpool process. Students can begin exiting their vehicles at 6:45 a.m. to enter our school. Please remember that students should be dropped off in the morning with enough time for them to be in class, ready for learning at 7:25 a.m. Please also remember to not drop your student off at any other location around campus or along either Avent Ferry Road or Athens Drive. Thank you for helping us ensure the safety and well-being of our students.

 

• Carpool Dismissal: In the afternoon, we will also use our Carpool Loop in the Carpool Parking Lot that is accessible through the entrance from Avent Ferry Road. I would ask that when you arrive you drive all the way around the Parking Lot and pull up almost to the Exit of the Parking Lot. Cars will line-up in two single file lines, staying to the right and left of the middle of the Parking Lot so that cars can pass in between to Exit. As soon as cars begin to back up through the semi-circle, we will begin two lines to help us keep cars off Avent Ferry Road and traffic flowing. As students are picked up, we will move the cars forward to keep the Carpool line moving. Once your student has been seated in your car, you can move to the left lane and careful drive to the exit of the Carpool Parking Lot. Please be safe and aware of your surroundings as you drive through Carpool to ensure the safety of our students and each other!

 

• Bus Transportation: If your student will be riding the bus to school, students and families that have transportation eligible bus riders can find our new Bus Routes for the 2022 – 2023 school year posted on the Bus Routes page of our website. Please find the intersection nearest your residence and that will be your bus stop. Please be familiar with your bus route and plan to get to your bus stop at least 20 minutes early. Wake County Public School System will also share your student’s transportation route, stop, and estimated bus arrival time on-line in PowerSchool. In addition, please understand that due to a shortage of Bus Drivers, we will have several “double back” routes; meaning that one bus will run two routes each morning and afternoon to pick-up and drop-off our students. Thank you for your support.

 

NEW ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AND COUNSELORS: It is my pleasure to introduce new Counselors and an Assistant Principal who have joined our school family! Here are the names and break-down of the Alphabet for our Administrators and Counselors for this year:

 

Student Last Name:	Administrator	Counselor
A – Cl	Mr. Clinkscales	Ms. Crutcher
Co – Ha	Mr. Coats	Ms. Huber
He – Mc	Mr. Katz	Ms. Dickson
Me – Sam	Ms. Harris	Mr. Grabiec
San – Z	Ms. Wiggins	Ms. Hegarty

 

PLACES FOR STUDENTS TO EAT LUNCH ON CAMPUS: Please know that ONLY Juniors and Seniors with an approved Lunch Pass are allowed to leave campus for Lunch. Sophomores and Freshmen are NEVER allowed to leave campus during the school day, unless on an approved school trip. Student who remain on campus to eat Lunch have multiple options for where to sit during Lunch. Students can eat in the Cafeteria, the Gym/Auditorium Lobby, the Courtyard, the cement area outside of the Gym/Auditorium Lobby, use the Basketball Courts behind the Lower Gym, and hang out in the open area outside of the Lower Gym. It is my expectation that students exhibit positive behavior as they eat Lunch or hangout in these areas.

 

JUINIORS AND SENIORS LEAVING CAMPUS FOR LUNCH: Juniors and Seniors who have an approved Off-Campus Lunch Pass are the only students who may leave campus for lunch. A Junior or Senior student cannot leave campus during Lunch without having an authorized Off-Campus Lunch Pass. Freshmen and Sophomores are NEVER allowed to leave campus during the school day, unless on an approved school trip. If a Junior or Senior would like to purchase a Lunch Pass (the cost is $10.00 for the year), please visit the Off-Campus Lunch Pass Information on our website. Finally, please remember that students must have cleared all fees or fines they have, as an Off-Campus Lunch pass will not be issued if the student has any outstanding fees or fines owed.

 

WHAT LUNCH DO I HAVE? “A” LUNCH OR “B” LUNCH? A student can determine if they have “A” Lunch or “B” Lunch depending on what course they have Third Period. If a student has an Arts, English, Math, Occupational Course of Study, Social Studies, or Special Education class, then the student will have “A” Lunch. That means the student will go to First Period, then Second Period, then Lunch, then Third Period, and then Fourth Period. If a student has a CTE, English as a Second Language, GradPoint, Physical Education/Healthful Living, Science, or World Languages class, then the student will have “B” Lunch. That means the student will go to First Period, then Second Period, then Third Period, then Lunch, and then Fourth Period.

 

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION: We are continuing to implement new procedures for Student Check-In and Check-Out and are working to go as paperless as possible with regards to our Attendance procedures. I would ask that school families please use our Attendance-Specific email address (athenshs-attendance@wcpss.net) to send any communication regarding Attendance. Any emails from parents/guardians, doctor’s offices, etc. need to be sent to that email address. In addition, when a parent/guardian comes to school to check-out or check-in a student, the parent/guardian will be using a QR Code that we have posted on the Front Door of the school to complete our process. As soon as the parent/guardian is done entering the information in the Google Doc, we will contact the student’s teacher and the student will come to the Front Doors of the school for Check-Out. Please remember that for safety reasons, there are no student Check-Outs allowed after 1:45 p.m. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we implement these new procedures!

 

PUBLIC LIBRARY WILL OPEN AT 4:00 P.M. EVERY AFTERNOON: Please know that the Wake County Public Library in our school will change its operational hours and will not open until 4:00 p.m. each afternoon. Students will not be able to remain on campus to wait for the Public Library to open. Thank you for your understanding for the safety of our students and staff with regards to these Public Library operational hours.

 

CHANGE MADE TO OUR TRADITIONAL SCHOOL CALENDAR: In case you missed the news this week, the WCPSS Board of Education approved a “Calendar Out” day for all Calendars (except the Year-Round Calendar) on Tuesday, November 8^th, Election Day. This means there will be no school for students on Tuesday, November 8^th. Families can find the WCPSS Traditional Calendar for the year.

 

INFORMATION ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT: North Carolina Legislators passed a law last year that requires all Secondary Schools across the State to inform students in Grades 6 through 12 each year about important resources related to child abuse and neglect. It also requires schools to have this information posted in each Middle and High School. This poster contains important information and resources available in our community. WCPSS is committed to the safety and well-being of children in our community. If you have any questions about this information, please reach out to our Student Services team for support.

 

BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOR: As we begin a new school year, I would like to remind all our students and families to be respectful of our Athens Drive neighbors. Please remind your students to park legally, drive in a safe manner, throw trash away properly in trash cans, and use appropriate language as they walk, drive, and move around our school campus. We want to be responsible and respectful neighbors, and I ask that we all represent The Drive in only the highest manner. Thanks for helping to carry on over 40-year tradition of excellence both inside and outside of the classroom!

 

DRESS CODE: Parents, I would like to enlist your support in helping us maintain appropriate dress at school. Wake County Public School System has a Dress Code Policy. Please be sure that students do not wear clothing that violates the dress code. Hats, hoodies, do-rags, and bandanas will also not be allowed to be worn on school grounds. Thank you for support in ensuring our students dress appropriately for teaching and learning every day!

 

VOLUNTEERING AT ATHENS DRIVE: Now that school family members and visitors are allowed in the building without COVID-19 restrictions, please remember that if you would like to volunteer at Athens Drive, or in any Wake County Public School System school, you must register prior to helping with any tutoring, office support, PTSA, Athletics, Band, Chorus, Theatre, or Club activity this school year. You can register to Volunteer at a computer in the Library during school hours. Please come to the front doors, buzz in, and let our Receptionist know you are here to register as a Volunteer. Thank you for your service and thank you for helping us maintain a safe school climate conducive to learning.

 

APPLYING FOR FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS FOR THE 2022 – 2023 SCHOOL YEAR: Please know that Breakfast and Lunch will now be free to all students who are eligible for free and reduced-price meals for the 2022 – 2023 school year. Students must apply for free and reduced-price meals to obtain these benefits. Parents can complete a meal benefits application online at https://www.myschoolapps.com/. Paper applications also are available at all schools. More information can be found at WCPSS Free & Reduced Meals. Thank you for taking care of this important responsibility so that we can ensure that our eligible students can take advantage of this benefit.

 

SENIORS—MID-YEAR GRADUATION: Any rising Senior who wants to Graduate Mid-Year (January 2023) needs to complete the Mid-Year Graduation Request Form found in Student Services or on-line by Tuesday, September 6^th. Paper forms can be picked up in our Student Services office and the Google Form can be found here: https://forms.gle/namMGxWYiMtotPnj8.

 

SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS: Athens Drive Magnet High School has a variety of Social Media Accounts that students, staff, school families, and the community can follow to stay abreast of what is happening at The Drive. Here is an updated list: 

• Instagram: 
• School Instagram: @AthensHSMagnet 
• Student Services: @athensdrive_studentservices 
• The Torch (Yearbook): @athens_torch 
• The Oracle (Newspaper): @athensoracle 
• ATV (Morning News Program): @atvjagnews 
• Athens Athletics: @athensjags 

• Twitter: 
• School Twitter: @AthensHSMagnet 
• Student Services: @ADHSStudentSvcs 
• PTSA: @AthensDrivePTSA 
• The Torch (Yearbook): @athenstorch 
• The Oracle (Newspaper): @athensoracle 
• ATV (Morning News Program): @atvjagnews 
• Athens Athletics: @athensjags 
• Athens Drive Student Government: @ADHSExecBoard 
• STEM Academy: @AthensSTEM 
• Health Science Career Academy: @ADHS_HSA 
• Athens Career Corner: @ADHCareercorner

• Facebook: 
• School Facebook: Athens Drive Magnet High School 
• Athletics: https://www.facebook.com/Athens-Athletics-108865961678322

• Remind:
• Senior Class Messages from Mr. Remaley, Senior Class Advisor: text to 81010 @theremaley
• Senior Scholarship Bulletin Information: https://www.remind.com/classes/mgrabiec/people#:~:text=remind.com/join/mgrabiec

ATHLETIC SPORTS PASSES: Athens Drive Athletics Sports Passes are now on sale for the 2022 – 2023 Athletic year! All passes this year will be Digital, via the GoFAN platform. We offer four levels of sports passes; Student Pass, Individual Pass, Family Pass, and Go Jags Family Pass. If you purchase a Go Jags Family Pass, a customized Paw Print on the sidewalk outside Jag Stadium is included with your package. To get the Paw Print painted prior to the Fall Season, please make sure you purchase your Athletic Sport Pass by Sunday, July 31^st. If you have any questions regarding Athletic Sports Passes for the 2022 – 2023 Athletic year, please reach out to our Athletic Director, Coach Travis Seese (tseese@wcpss.net). We are looking forward to a great athletic year!

 

TICKETS:  Individual Game Tickets to all events this year are sold through the GoFan platform. Tickets for all events for the Fall season are posted on our GoFAN Platform Website and can be purchased anytime. In addition, we are accepting credit and debit cards at the gate this year. However, please understand that we will NOT be accepting cash at the gate, as all tickets must be purchased either through the GoFan Platform Website or with a credit/debit card at the gate.

 

SPORTSMANSHIP:  For our 2022 – 2023 athletic season, a major focus of our Athletic program is to promote positive, competitive sportsmanship. When attending any game home or away, please remember you are representing Athens Drive and it is important to be a positive role model for our student athletes and school family! You can find our Fan Code of Conduct for all our athletic facilities HERE.

 

GAME TIMES: Please know that game times and dates will change throughout the year due to weather, referee requests, and other factors.  Please make sure you are following us on Social Media to get up to date information regarding game changes and start times. You can find us on Twitter (@athensjags), Instagram (@athensjags), and Facebook.  The standard start times for our events this fall are:

 

• Varsity Football: 7:00 p.m.
• JV Football: 6:30 p.m.
• Varsity Soccer: 6:30 p.m.
• JV Soccer: 4:30 p.m.
• Volleyball: JVB- 4:00 p.m., JVA: 5:00 p.m., and Varsity: 6:00 p.m.
• Tennis: 3:30 p.m.
• Cross Country and Gymnastics: Vary by Event

 

ATHLETIC SPONSORSHIP: One of the ways we raise funds to support our Athletic Department at Athens Drive is by selling Sponsorships to local businesses. If you own a company or work at a company that would be interested in sponsoring Athens Drive Athletics, please contact Coach Travis Seese, our Athletic Director, at tseese@wcpss.net. Our Sponsorship Levels link provides information on Sponsorships. Thank you for your help in finding ways to continue to fund our Athletic Department programs!

 

JAGUAR PAW PRINTS: Jaguar Paw Prints are on sale again this year for the athlete recognition paws that lead up to Jaguar Stadium. If you purchase a Go Jags Family Pass, it is included with your Pass membership fee. However, if you would like to order a Paw Print separately, please fill out this Paw Print form and we will send more information to you on how to purchase the Paw Print for the 2022 – 2023 school year.

 

LIVE STREAMING OF EVENTS IN OUR GYMNASIUM AND JAGUAR STADIUM: We will be offering Live Streaming again this school year through the NFHS Network. You can purchase the Live Streaming package by visiting the WCPSS Live Streaming Website and clicking on Athens Drive.

 

JAG CLUB VOLUNTEERS: We are looking for volunteers for our Athletic Booster Club that provides support for our Athletic Teams at Athens Drive.  If you are interested in volunteering with the Jag Club, please contact our Athletic Director, Coach Seese at tseese@wcpss.net and/or Richelle Laskey at richellejagclub@gmail.com.

 

JAG CLUB FACEBOOK GROUPS: The JAG Club has created Facebook groups for each Class to provide parents/guardians with up-to-date information regarding what is going on regarding Athens Drive Athletics as well other information. If you would like to join one of the JAG Club’s Facebook groups, please click on the appropriate links: 

 

Seniors           

Page Monitor: Richelle Laskey richellejagclub@gmail.com

Senior Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Athens-Drive-Sophomore-Parents-100112738558727

 

Juniors

Page Monitor: Aylin Gay aylin.gay@gmail.com

Junior Facebook pages: http://www.facebook.com/groups/athensclassof2024/

 

Sophomores

Page Monitor: Karen Taylor karentaylor2000@gmail.com 

Sophomore Facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/groups/520790015923241/?ref=share 

 

            Freshman

            Page Monitor: Lori Airee my6blessings@yahoo.com 

Freshman Page: https://m.facebook.com/groups/1436009150248819/?ref=share_group_link