October 13, 2026 — If you've recently visited Pine Mountain Middle School, you may have noticed something new greeting you as you pull into the parking lot. 

The school's new Altitude Club is an initiative created by Principal David Nelson and his staff to reward students who have demonstrated improvement on their Georgia Milestone assessments at the end of each year. 

Based on their level of academic growth, students can earn a Platinum Card or Black Card membership.

With the Platinum Card, students earn free gourmet popcorn throughout the school year. With the Black Card, you still have free popcorn, but you also have access to the school's new 66 VIP Lounge, which is a newly built outdoor patio area where students can bring their lunch outside and enjoy a different setting with their friends. 

"It's important because we want to make sure kids understand the potential that they have to get better every single day," said Principal Nelson.

Through the Altitude Club, students focus on their own academic growth rather than competing against their classmates.

At Pine Mountain, the Altitude Club offers another creative way to motivate middle school students to do their best in the classroom.

"It is just a way that you can sit outside and talk to your friends and, you know, get away from the stressful day for a little bit," said 8th grader Sheza. 

Altitude Club membership lasts the entire school year, with students eligible to earn or renew their membership based on their performance on the annual Georgia Milestones assessments.