The Acta Diurna

Altamont Community Surprised, Hurt by Vandalism Likely Tied to Devious Licks

Altamont leaders recently learned that even this small, close-knit community is not immune from social-media "challenges" that encourage stealing and vandalism. The Acta Diurna will continue reporting on this story as it unfolds and more information becomes available.

Truth, Knowledge, Halter Tops

Altamont's Interim Head of School, Tom Bendel, helped create a new dress code for the 2021-2022 school year. Take a deep dive into the new dress code and where it came from, and the old dress code's effects on Altamont students.

Behind the Masks: Altamont Staff Reveal Stresses, Lessons of Teaching in a Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed daily life everywhere. That's definitely true for teachers. The Acta Diurna's Caroline Reddington got perspectives from four key Altamont staffers, and surprisingly, the news wasn't all bad.

Innovative Podcast Assignment Has Students Become Teachers

It's safe to say that most sophomore History classes don't involve sound-mixing. But Dr. Alex Melonas is doing things a little differently. The Acta Diurna's Richard Terrell gets the story on a unique technique that's getting students to learn by doing and teach their teacher.

Bendel Reflects on Devious Lick Trend: "We all make mistakes"

On September 22nd, The Acta Diurna reported on alleged acts of vandalism in The Altamont School tied to the Devious Lick trend on TikTok. New information from Altamont’s administration suggests that some of the acts of vandalism were "accidents."

Photo: Ben Franklin Wins Altamont Contest, Snacks

Altamont Junior Anderson Stone surprised onlookers Friday with his Benjamin Franklin costume. Anderson came to school rocking 1700s attire, but what really stood out was his hair, or lack of it. Acta Diurna contributor Caden Williams has more ... (hair, and information).

FAME Coming to The Altamont School

The Altamont School is putting on FAME Jr. this week for its annual fall musical. The performance is set in the 1980s in a New York City high school dedicated to the performing arts. The musical follows ten talented students and their friends as they navigate fame and try for more of it.

The Beacon: Giving Altamont Students A (Deep) Voice on the Issues of the Day

Sometimes a hard year can lead to good things: Altamont's "The Beacon" gives students a platform for creative expression about complex, important, and sometimes troubling current events relevant to our lives. Caroline Reddington and Maya Davis go to the source(s) to explain.

Photo Gallery: Altamont-Ramsay Heritage Panel Exchange

Altamont’s and Ramsey High School’s Heritage Panels recently took part in a two-day exchange program. Panelists and faculty from both schools traveled to the other for team-building, fun, and real talk about stereotypes, inequity, and other issues students face. As a result, Ramsay and Altamont will collaborate on several projects in the near future. Check the photos chosen by Acta Diurna reporter, sports editor, and photo editor Frasier Horton.

The Acta Diurna Wins Top National Honor

Altamont took one of only four first-place awards in its class in the whole United States.

Was There Too Much World Cup Buzz at Altamont?

David Borasino talks with teachers to get their thoughts on how Altamont handled the winter World Cup frenzy.

What Happened to International Fall Project Week Trips?

Akshay Gaddamangu investigates the future -- if there is one -- of international Fall Project Week trips at Altamont.

Too Many Vehicles: Carpool Lines, Parking Problems, Foiled Plans and Potential New Fixes

Editor and reporter Isabelle Taylor explores an open secret at Altamont: the carpool and parking situation could be better. What happened to recent plans to solve the problem? And what happens next?

PFAS Chemicals an Increasingly Known Threat in Alabama, but There Is Good News

So-called "forever chemicals" are basically everywhere, including Alabama, and they're linked to all sorts of health problems including cancer. But as The Acta Diurna's David Borasino found out, Altamont at least uses the best kind of filter in its water fountains.

Some Quick Tips for Helping People Who Might Be Spiraling

In light of tragic events all around, Emily Isbell wanted to share some basic pointers on reaching out to people. This is by no means a complete list, but we hope it will be helpful.

Que Bueno! Altamont Students "Go Live" on Spanish Radio, Social Media, and More

Vinay Yerramsetti shares a nerve-wracking but ultimately fun and edifying first-person account of his Spanish class's field trip to a popular Spanish radio station and market.

POLL: Should Altamont Have a Students-Vs-Staff Basketball Game?

Other schools do it during Homecoming or similar celebrations. Should Altamont faculty and staff dust off their shoes and try to hang on the court with much younger players? Share your opinion with a short, anonymous poll.

Poll Pulse: Recent Altamont Poll Results, Vol. 1

We promised we'd share: Here are the latest results of two recent Altamont-community polls.

Knight Knows Her Knights, Kings, and Queens: Altamont Student Makes Alabama Chess History

Eighth-grader Sarah Peter recently won top honors in a state-level chess tournament, adding to a history-making list of accomplishments. A.J. Gallitz reports.

Altamont's New Scholars Bowl Team Is Up and Running, Getting Ready for State JV Meet

Altamont hadn't had a Scholar's Bowl team since before the pandemic, but now we do, and it's been a successful "building year." A.J. Gallitz reports.

POLL: What Stayed With You from Black History Month at Altamont?

The Acta Diurna wants to know what made an impression on you, what "stuck," from Black History Month at Altamont. Please take a moment to answer this one-question poll.

Altamont Competes at State Robotics Tournament; Students Hope for World Championship Berth Next Year

Altamont recently competed at a state-level robotics tournament, but students are hoping to go to the big show next time. A.J. Gallitz reports.

Have a Great Spring Break! We'll Respond When We Get Back.

We're on vacation ... but feel free to email us at TheActaDiurna@AltamontSchool.org anyway!

Student Parking Off Campus? Head of School Talks Possible Solutions to Lack of Space

It's no secret that there are parking issues at Altamont: it's a school with growing enrollment at the top of a mountain. So what's do be done about it? The Acta Diurna's A.J. Gallitz interviews Head of School Cecil Stodghill.

Knight Life, Vol. 6: Photos from the Eclipse

All of Altamont went outside for a half hour today to view the eclipse, thanks to a special planned schedule.