Letter from the MC Principal

Hello MC families,

I’d like to begin this letter by acknowledging Officer David Rose, the police officer who was killed while intervening in the shooting that took place at the CDC this past Friday. Unfortunately, these situations hit the news all too frequently, and this really hits close to home – a national story that originated here in Atlanta. As a middle school, we are always prepared to talk to our students about issues like this, because of the importance of current events and learning from them. We also want students to be able to hear facts from trusted adults, instead of hearing parts of a story from another child. Middle schoolers talk about many topics over the course of the day amongst themselves, and tragedies like this one are often discussed amongst the children the next day at school. That’s part of the reason why we discuss current events and have difficult conversations in Advisory. We will touch base on this issue during Advisory on Wednesday so feel free to touch base with your student about this topic today.

Advisory serves as a safe space for children to process information, as opposed to simply hearing things from other children. When we have these conversations we remind our students to check in with the school counselor or with trusted adults if they need support at any point over the course of the day, and to check in with their parents when they get home if they have questions. Having difficult conversations aligns with the ANCS school mission element of “challeng[ing] each student to take an active role as an informed citizen in a global society.” As such we will continue to have difficult conversations in Advisory and in classes at school. 

We are in the midst of week 3 of the school year and the students are settling in nicely. The 6th graders are definitely getting into a groove, and they are feeling comfortable in the building. I encourage you to check in with your student to see how the year is starting off for them. If they need some support, no matter what grade they’re in, feel free to reach out. 

To wrap up our summer reading program for this summer, students participated in Summer Reading Book Clubs last week. Students worked in small groups with teachers that read the same books they did this summer. In these groups students summarized the action in the book from exposition (beginning, setting) to rising action to climax (turning point) to falling action to resolution. They also discussed the connection between their book and our IB Learner Profile Attribute for this month: Caring. Check in with your student about their experience with their Book Club from last week.

Last week we also held Town Hall meetings for each grade level during which we reviewed our school’s discipline process. At ANCS our commitment to teaching the whole child governs our approach to student discipline. As a school we are seeking to help our students improve in their self-management and self-regulation. Student behavior is a means of communication, as such we seek to understand the reasons behind a student’s behavior before deciding what the next steps will be. Punitive measures and suspensions are a last resort. Inappropriate use of these types of measures does not change the behavior at the root of the problem, and can actually make things worse. We use Conscious Discipline to guide our work in social-emotional development. Conscious Discipline is a research-based approach to addressing the social-emotional needs of children; helping them develop the skills to self-regulate; and helping them to independently and positively solve problems with others.

When we have disciplinary issues at school we seek to help students learn from their mistakes so that they can make better decisions the next time around. However, that does not mean that we do not issue consequences.  We implement logical consequences (rough play at recess, may result in sitting out all or part of recess; misusing materials during a lab may result in a student not participating in that activity during class), and punitive responses are not our first resort, but there are times when punitive responses do apply. We are guided by the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) Code of Conduct (which is in their Student Handbook) when we are considering disciplinary measures.

When managing situations we seek to hear all sides of the story, take care of the party that was harmed, implement consequences that make sense (we do not seek to punish and harm students as compensation for a wrong), and sit down with the parties involved to repair the relationship. It is impactful for a student to hear from a student that they have harmed, and for us to discuss and resolve any issues so that all parties are able to move on. When consequences are issued we do not share the details of that consequence with the student who was involved for confidentiality reasons. Once we get to that point, the consequence is the business of the student who earned the consequence and their family. Sometimes that’s not satisfying, and sometimes students feel that “nothing was done,” but that’s not the case. A student will not be aware of another student’s consequence due to confidentiality. If you have any questions about how we handle discipline feel free to reach out.

 

Additional Notes:

  • We began MAP testing yesterday. Students took the MAP Math test and we continue with MAP Reading tomorrow. Please encourage your students to get a good night’s sleep and to try their best on the test – that’s all that we ask for!
  • Every year at the beginning of the year we give students agendas to use to write down their assignments. Please encourage your student to use their agenda, it is a great organizational tool, and if you are wondering what assignments your students have ask them to show you their agenda.
  • If you need to borrow a Chromebook from the school for students to do homework at home, please fill out the linked technology commitment form if you have not already done so. 
  • Google Classrooms for your students’ classes went live on August 5th. Depending on how each teacher uses this tool you may be able to find assignments posted on Google Classroom.
  • FYI, we are still working through our transition from ManageBac to Toddle. There are a few backend issues that we are working through that have us a bit delayed. Once parent accounts are ready we will reach out. There will be an IB MYP session on Thursday, September 11th at 6:30pm to learn more about Toddle. You can RSVP here. 
  • The Ultimate Frisbee student interest meeting will be on Thursday, August 15th at 3:15pm (location TBD; parents are invited)
    • The first practice for Ultimate will be Tuesday Aug 20th, from 4:00-5:15pm at the Warren Boys and Girls Club. Students are encouraged to go to Office Hours from 3:15-3:40.
    • Practices will be on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4:00-5:15pm.

As always if you have any questions please feel free to reach out.

Kind regards,

Mark

PTCA Meeting Tonight

Join us for the ANCS PTCA Kickoff Meeting on Tuesday, August 12th at 6:30pm in the Elementary Campus auditorium.

Executive Director Alastair Pullen will open the meeting with a warm welcome to all families—returning and new. You’ll learn about the role of the PTCA, meet committee leaders, and hear how you can get involved this year.

Pizza will be served, and free childcare is available, so bring the whole family and come connect with the ANCS community. Preregister for childcare here: atlncs.org/ptcachildcare.

Whether you’re new to ANCS or already deeply connected, this is a great chance to ask questions, share ideas, and help shape our school year together.

We hope to see you there!

Letter from EC Principal

Dear ANCS Elementary Families,

First, I want to give a special thank you to NaTasha Woody-Wideman for organizing such a wonderful ice cream social last Friday evening. It was great to see so many families come out to enjoy being together and celebrating our first two weeks of school. I know we are going to have a great year! Remember, our first PTCA meeting is tonight at 6:30pm. Come out and learn about how you can get involved!

Have you noticed that Ms. King and I are leaving the drop off line before 8:00am now? We started having our school-wide  morning meetings last week and that means that we will head inside each morning around 7:57am so we can begin our meetings right at 8:00am. It would be amazing if all our students could be in the auditorium ready to go so they can be on time for school and won’t miss any of our meeting. This is a unifying and shared experience that helps us start our day in a positive way. We ask that you help us uphold our expectations when you join us for morning meetings. Please silence your cell phone and engage in all the meeting has to offer. If you arrive at school after 8:00am, you will need to park and walk your child into the building so you can sign them in at the front desk. 

Last week we introduced our first Guiding Principle: We come to school and every class prepared to learn and do our best. This week we introduced our second principle, We respect each other, our surroundings and ourselves. Each week we will introduce another ANCS Guiding Principle until we have discussed all five. Please take a moment at home to talk with your child about what the Guiding Principles mean to him/her/them.

Each week we learn a new song during our morning meeting. Ms. Wawerna led our first song, Let Your Light Shine by Keb’ Mo’. This is the song the faculty and staff sang to our community at the beginning of our open house. It was so beautiful and moving to hear our students and families singing this song together.  In the future, classes will sign up to lead a new song each week. We understand that morning meeting doesn’t fit into everyone’s schedule, but it would be so awesome if you could make it to at least one morning when your child’s class is leading the song. Classroom teachers will keep you informed about when that is happening. 

Additionally, we have explained to our students that one of the best parts of morning meeting is when students are actively participating. Each day we like to have a student lead the school in the Pledge and The Wolfpack Chant. If your child would like to do either one of these and knows all the words by heart, he/she/they can let the teachers know and they will get them signed up. Students also have the opportunity to perform during morning meeting. Some examples of student performances are playing a musical instrument, singing, sharing a poem or something cool that they learned, telling a joke, etc. Students who wish to perform in morning meeting need to audition with Ms. King, Ms. Wawerna or me first. Once a student has auditioned and is ready, we will sign him/her/them up on the calendar. You will be informed of the day this is happening so you plan to come into the building to watch if you are able.

My next courier will be all about our upcoming Curriculum Night which is on August 27th from 4:15pm to 6:30pm. Please make sure you have that date on your calendar. 

Thank you so much for all the support you all have given as we are getting this school year underway. Your partnership means the world to us! As always, I am happy to answer any questions you may have. 

 

Wishing you well,

Lara

School Photos Dates

Mark your calendar! School photos will be taken on the following days:

  • Monday, September 15: Kindergarten, 2nd, & 4th
  • Tuesday, September 16: 1st, 3rd, & 5th
  • Thursday, September 18: 6th-8th

Make-up photo dates:

  • Monday, September 22: Kindergarten-5th
  • Tuesday, September 25: 6th-8th

Reshoot photo dates:

  • Monday, September 29: Kindergarten-5th
  • Tuesday, September 30 30: 6th-8th

Become an Annual ANCS Sponsor

Do you own or operate a business in our community? Consider becoming an annual sponsor of ANCS. As a public charter school, ANCS receives less state and local funding than traditional public schools. That’s why we rely on the support of our community and local businesses.

If your business already serves our community—or aims to—partnering with ANCS as a Corporate Sponsor is a meaningful way to increase your visibility and impact.

Sponsorship levels, opportunities, and benefits have been updated for the 2025–26 school year.
See what’s new and learn how to get involved today!

Donate to Gather & Grow

The Gather & Grow Fund is the annual fundraising campaign for Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School (ANCS). Running from July 1 to June 30, this campaign supports the school’s operating budget and helps maintain the programs and resources that make the ANCS community thrive.

What It Supports:

  • Low Student:Teacher Ratio
  • School programming
  • Community events
  • Teacher appreciation
  • Family support services
  • Classroom materials & supplies
  • Emergency needs and more

Why It Matters:
Public funding doesn’t cover all of ANCS’s needs. Gather & Grow helps fill financial gaps and ensures the school remains flexible and responsive to our community’s unique needs.

Your Role:

  • 100% participation from ANCS families is the goal!
  • Every contribution—no matter the size—makes a difference
  • Your participation is critical to ANCS furthering our impact. The first question outside funders & organizations ask about is the strength of our community support.

How to Give:
You can donate and learn more at: atlncs.org/donate.

Whether you’re helping cover your student’s supplies, supporting teachers, or boosting community programming—every gift counts in helping ANCS gather, grow, and thrive.

Apply for Free or Reduced-Price Meals Today!

Families may be eligible to receive free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program. Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, we encourage all families to apply—it only takes a few minutes and helps ensure that every child has access to nutritious meals at school.

✅ Applications must be completed every school year

✅ If you qualified last year, your benefits will expire in September unless a new application is submitted

✅ One application per household

✅ Helps support school funding and resources

Apply online HERE and reach out to Chef David Bradley (dbradley@atlncs.org or 470-774-8992) if you have any questions.

Don’t wait—complete your application today!

 

Upcoming Groups for kids and teens at Intown Family Therapy!

Roll for Growth is a structured Dungeons & Dragons–based therapy group for middle school youth, co-led by a licensed therapist and designed to strengthen social skills, collaboration, turn-taking, problem-solving, and impulse control. Meeting Tuesdays at 6:00 PM for an 8-session campaign, group members will embark on imaginative adventures, develop their characters, and tackle challenges that parallel real-life situations. Each session blends engaging gameplay with guided reflection, helping participants practice and reinforce new skills in a safe, supportive environment. No prior D&D experience is required—just a willingness to collaborate, try new things, and have fun. With rolling admissions and a focus on personal growth through storytelling, Roll for Growth offers an epic path toward both in-game triumphs and meaningful progress in everyday life.To see if this group is the right fit, visit intownfamilytherapy.com/group-therapy for more information and to get started.

Happy Tails Returns to the EC!

Our school is once again partnering with Happy Tails, a volunteer dog therapy organization, for bi-weekly visits with specially trained dogs and their owners.  

According to research by Christine Grove,  “Therapy dogs in schools are a great way to bring joy and happiness into the lives of students while helping them build relationships with those around them, which leads to better mental health overall. It’s clear that therapy dogs can have a significant impact on students’ lives, both on their mental and emotional health and also on their academic success.” 

You are invited to recommend your child to participate in Happy Tail visits. 

Group sizes are limited! Please note: we will prioritize students who are specifically recommended by their teachers or other school staff. It is important for us to keep the groups a manageable size for both kids and dogs alike. There will be another opportunity to request to join in the spring semester (starting in January). More information is included in the permission form below!

Sign-up deadline for fall requests to join Happy Tails is Monday, August 18 at 4pm.

Elementary Campus Caregivers: Please fill out this permission form to allow your child in to visit with the dogs.  If you have questions, please reach out to Lindy Settevendemie at LSETTE@atlncs.org or 404-624-6226.

Grant Park Hoops

Registration is now open for Community Ball’s Inaugural Fall 2025 Grant Park Hoops!

Launching the week of September 7, this action-packed 8-week program takes place on Thursday afternoons, offering both 60-minute and 90-minute skills clinic options to suit your family’s schedule.

Designed for boys and girls in grades K–5, our clinics emphasize age-appropriate skill development through high-energy drills, fun games, and modified scrimmages that promote both learning and enjoyment.

After-School pick-up is available for ANCS (Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School) families!
Our coaches will offers a guided walk to the park for registered students, traveling from ANCS Elementary starting at 3:00 p.m. and arriving at Grant Park Outdoor Basketball Court around 3:20 p.m. There’s also an option for students to be picked up and transported by their guardian or another adult to the session.

End time and pick-up is 4:30 p.m. for the 60-minute session
End time and pick-up is 5:00 p.m. for the 90-minute session

This is a fantastic chance for young players to build confidence, improve their skills, and thrive in a supportive, team-centered environment.

Calling All ANCS Families! Join “The little Big Three” — Community Ball’s 3-on-3 Youth Basketball League!

Get ready for fast-paced fun and big-time development in The little Big Three—our exciting 3-on-3 youth basketball league built for boys and girls ages 5–14.

Each team will play 8 games total (2 per day) over the course of 4 weeks, starting the week of September 22 through October 22. Games will take place on Monday or Wednesday evenings, with occasional Thursday options available to provide maximum scheduling flexibility. There will be age appropriate divisions to balance the competition levels.

🟠 Sign up as a full team (up to 6 players) or

🔵 Register as an individual “free agent” and we’ll place you on a team!

Our small-sided format means more touches, more action, and more growth for every player. From beginners to budding ballers, the league is designed to boost confidence, sharpen decision-making, and bring out the joy of team play.

Whether you’re already enrolled in our Grant Park Hoops skills clinics or just want to dive into game play, The little Big Three is the perfect way to level up your basketball experience.

👉 Register now at CBALLATL.COM and join the ANCS and Grant Park communities for a season of fun, competition, and community!

ANCS Chorus Registration

🎶 CHORUS IS BACK! 🎶

We are so excited to kick off the ANCS Chorus for the 2025–2026 school year!
 Our first rehearsal will be Wednesday, September 10 at 7:30 AM sharp in the auditorium.

Chorus Details:

  • When: Every Wednesday we are in school, 7:30–7:55 AM
  • Who: All 1st–5th grade students are welcome — no audition required!
  • Performances: We’ll sing at special programs and events throughout the year.
  • Season Dates: September 10 – April 22 (ending before Milestone testing this year)

A Note About Commitment:
 Chorus is all about singing together — not talking time. With only 25 minutes each week, every moment matters! Members must come ready to focus, follow directions, and give their best voice every rehearsal. Please make sure your student is ready to commit before signing up.

Sign-Up:
 Complete this form by September 9 to join:
 🔗 Chorus Sign-Up Form

We can’t wait to sing with you!

Tutoring in Ormewood

I spent the last 15 years teaching middle school math, science, and innovation. My wife and I just had our first child and I’m transitioning to stay-at-home dad. I’d love to stay connected to education in some way so I’ve started a tutoring company. I offer tutoring in math, test prep (SAT, PSAT, SSAT…), executive functioning (organization, note-taking, etc.), and Finding the Joy of Learning. You can contact me at franklinstutoring@gmail.com or using the QR code on the attached flyer. Looking forward to helping!

EC Assistant Principal Letter

Dear ANCS Families,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year!!!

My name is Nicole King, and I’m honored to serve as the Assistant Principal of the Elementary Campus at Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School. Whether you’re new to ANCS or returning for another year, I’m so happy you’re here—and I’m excited for all the possibilities this new school year brings.

A little about me: I’m the proud mother of two amazing girls, the beach is my happy place, and my Trinidadian and Guyanese heritage is a deep part of who I am. This is my 8th year as an Assistant Principal, my 20th year in education, and my 11th year at ANCS. I choose to serve as a school leader here, at this school, because I believe in the heart of what we do.

At ANCS, decisions are made with students at the center. Every decision, every plan, every conversation is rooted in what is best for our kids—not just academically, but socially, emotionally, and developmentally. Our faculty and staff are passionate, intelligent, and deeply committed to creating learning experiences that our students will never forget—experiences that help them make meaning of the world, build confidence, and grow as thoughtful, capable people.

Our families are not only supportive, but powerful advocates for the work we do. And our board members work tirelessly to uphold the core values—our pillars—that make ANCS so special: our commitment to constructivism, equity, community, and whole-child education.

We believe children learn best when they’re actively engaged, when their ideas are valued, and when they have space to ask questions, solve problems, and collaborate with others. We’re not just teaching subjects—we’re nurturing humans. That’s what makes our school so special and so unique.

As I continue to grow as an educator and leader, I’m also continuing my own education—currently working toward my Education Specialist degree in Tier II Educational Leadership at Kennesaw State University. I believe that learning is lifelong, and I’m excited to bring what I learn back to our school community to better support our students, families, and staff.

As we begin this year together, please know how excited I am to support your children, partner with you, and work alongside an incredible team of educators. It’s a true privilege to be part of this community.

Here’s to a joyful and meaningful school year.

Go Wolves!

MC Assistant Principal Letter

Dear Middle Campus Family,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year! I’m thrilled and deeply honored to continue serving as the Assistant Principal at the ANCS Middle Campus. I look forward to another strong and inspiring year together.

Although this is my second year in this role, ANCS has been a meaningful part of my family’s life for many years. My daughter once walked these very halls—both at the elementary and middle campuses—and the values, knowledge, and skills she gained here have stayed with her. Now, my son is also part of the ANCS family, and I’m incredibly grateful to see him growing and thriving in this nurturing community. For all of this, I will always be thankful to ANCS.

My journey in education began as a preschool teacher after earning a Bachelor of Arts in English. I later pursued my Master’s in Secondary English at Agnes Scott College. In 2004, I began teaching middle school English, eventually transitioning to high school. Along the way, I found great joy in supporting my fellow educators—developing curriculum, facilitating professional learning, and sharing instructional strategies. These experiences ignited a passion in me for mentoring teachers and helping them grow in their craft.

In 2007, I began working toward a lifelong dream: earning my Doctorate in Instructional Leadership. I successfully defended my dissertation in 2011. Since then, I’ve served as an IB Coordinator in both Marietta City Schools and Atlanta Public Schools and proudly supported Georgia’s IB community as Vice President of IBGA.

Now, I’m thrilled to be back at ANCS, a place that aligns so deeply with my values. I’m inspired every day by our commitment to nurturing an environment where students are encouraged to grow—both academically and personally. As Assistant Principal, I am committed to supporting our outstanding teachers, partnering with families, and helping our students thrive in every aspect of their school experience.

If you ever have questions or want to connect about how we can work together to support your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m looking forward to a fulfilling and collaborative school year ahead.

Warmly,

Dr. Nikia Showers

Say Something Anonymous Reporting System

During the week of August 4th, all students will receive training on the Say Something Anonymous Reporting System during their Counselor class meetings. This system allows students to anonymously alert trusted adults about potential safety concerns.

The Say Something program has been part of Atlanta Public Schools for eight years. While our current 7th and 8th grade students have received varying levels of training in the past, this week’s sessions will ensure all students are fully informed and empowered.

At ANCS, we work intentionally with students to build strong relationships and support them in becoming upstanders. The Say Something Anonymous Reporting System is one tool students can use to help keep our school community safe. The program teaches students to:

  • Recognize the signs and signals of individuals who may be at risk of hurting themselves or others.
  • Take every sign and signal seriously.
  • Act quickly by talking to a trusted adult or submitting an anonymous tip via the 24/7 crisis call center, mobile app, or website.

All tips are triaged by the Sandy Hook Promise Crisis Center, which then communicates directly with APS, our school team, and local law enforcement if necessary. This system provides a safe and anonymous way for students to speak up—especially if they’re afraid or unsure how to share a concern.

Parents and community members can also submit tips via the call center or website. Sometimes caregivers learn information about a student’s safety but are unsure how to reach that student’s family or feel uncomfortable doing so. The Say Something system offers a way to share that information with the school team responsibly.

To learn more, visit: https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/our-programs/say-something

If you have any questions, please reach out to Kristin Lee or Mark Sanders.

Kindergarten Parents – This One’s For You!

You’re Invited!

Join us for Kinder Kollab Tea Time—a special gathering just for kindergarten parents! Come sip, chat, and connect with fellow kinder ANCS families on Tuesday, September 17th from 5–7 PM at Grant Park Coffeehouse. Let’s build community over good conversation and great tea (or coffee).

Registration is required here! Childcare will be available for students. Just drop them off at the EC and we will do the rest.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Playball Club Aftercare Program

Playball Club is a fun, skill-building enrichment program open to all ages! For just $60/month, students will engage in the continued development of foundational sports skills used in popular school games. They’ll also be introduced to the concepts of when, where, and how to move effectively while playing, helping them build confidence and coordination. Most importantly, Playball fosters a lifelong love of movement and sports in a supportive, playful environment.

The program runs from September 3rd through May 20th, and is held during aftercare. All ages are welcome!