Welcome to Athens City Middle School and the 2025-2026 school year!

A special welcome to our students and families! We are thrilled to have you join our community and look forward to supporting you every step of the way.

It is our shared responsibility—students, parents, and guardians alike—to become familiar with the contents of our school handbook. We encourage you to review it carefully. Should you have any questions or need clarification, please reach out to an administrator, instructional coach, teacher, or guidance counselor. We are always here to help and support you.

We consider it a tremendous privilege to serve the students and families of Athens City Middle School. Our mission is to provide a quality learning experience that effectively meets the needs of every student. We maintain high expectations for academic achievement within the context of a challenging and engaging curriculum. At the same time, we are proud to offer a variety of co-curricular opportunities and activities, allowing each student to explore their passions and develop new talents.

Your child’s safety and well-being are our top priorities. Our staff is dedicated to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all students.

We encourage parents and guardians to get involved! Whether through volunteering, attending school events, or joining our PTO, your participation strengthens our school community.

As we get to know and support every learner, we are committed to doing whatever is necessary to ensure a positive and enriching educational experience. By working closely with parents and our community, we strive to build strong partnerships that foster a school culture dedicated to the success of all students.

Together, we can achieve great things. We value your partnership and encourage open communication between home and school to best support your child’s growth and success.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. We look forward to an exceptional year ahead! Please do not hesitate to contact us at (423) 745-1177 with any questions or concerns.

 With pride, enthusiasm and expecting the best,

 Mr. Mike Simmons, Principal
Email Mr. Mike Simmons

Dr. Trey Ivins, Assistant Principal
Email Dr. Trey Ivins

Ms. Dawn Martin, Instructional Coach
Email Ms. Dawn Martin 

Mrs. Roxanne Dingess, Guidance Counselor
Email Mrs. Roxanne Dingess 

Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide for individual and collective student needs while enabling mastery of academic skills at high levels of proficiency necessary to become healthy and productive citizens.

Vision Statement

The Athens City Middle School learning community will aspire to promote individual and collective personal, interpersonal, academic, and technical success in our constantly evolving society.

Beliefs

We Believe:

• In student learning as the chief priority for the school.

• In providing instructional approaches that incorporate a variety of curriculum-based activities and accommodating for differences in learning styles.

• In the ongoing assessment of student progress through formal and informal evaluation of essential knowledge and skills.

• In developing competent decision-makers through active engagements in the learning process which emphasizes problem-solving skills and the production of quality work.

• In teacher, administrators, parents, and the community sharing the responsibility for policy development that enhances positive relationships and mutual respect among stakeholders.

• In the uniqueness of each student and the importance of providing special services and resources, as needed, to ensure appropriate opportunities for success.