Shelby County Schools

Ascend Education announced today that Amy Lovelace and Chelsea High School will be awarded a Gold Medal Award which honors schools or districts that best demonstrate a dedication to ensuring that all students become successful at math. The strategies employed by this year’s Gold Medal honorees made use of Ascend Math, an online individualized math instructional resource, to address unfinished learning, accelerate math learning, and outpace growth targets. Chelsea High School's self-contained special education has dedicated students to Ascend Math this year by using the program for at least 30 minutes every day. As a result of their hard work, more than half of all students have completed a full grade level of growth since August, and several students have completed more than two levels! In her submission for Chelsea High School Amy Lovelace wrote, "Since the implementation of Ascend Math daily in our classroom the students are excited to begin their math remediation and have shown steady growth in their personal abilities within the program and out." “Congratulations to Chelsea High School students for the perseverance and hard work that led to their exceptional results,” said Kevin Briley, CEO of Ascend Education. “We are extremely proud of the important job the educators at Chelsea High School are doing to help their students succeed in math, gain confidence, and positively advance in life.” Chelsea High School will be featured on the Ascend Math website throughout the next year and receive a plaque commemorating their success. The complete honor roll can be viewed at https://www.ascendmath.com/ascend-math-gold-medal-2024/.

CSFO John Gwin and Superintendent Lewis Brooks accepted a check from Cedric Hunter, VP of Regions Bank, Manager of Commerical Card Accounts at the Shelby County Board of Education meeting. The $47,518.25 is from the 2023 commercial purchasing card rebate.

Daniel Richards will serve as the new Transportation Supervisor for Shelby County Schools.  Mr. Richards has over 18 years of experience in public education and currently serves as the principal at Career Technical Education Center.

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Student and Educator of the Year Awards on April 17. Congratulations to our students nominated for the Career Pathways student award and to Preston Green from Vincent High, the winner of this category. The other nominees were Joshua Smith (CAHS), Kameron Yellock (CHHS), Maggie Priborsky (CTEC), Kayla Woods (HHS), Emily Pennington (MHS), Julius Lappalainen (OMHS), and Dylan Phillips (SCHS).

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Student and Educator of the Year Awards on April 17. Congratulations to our students who were nominated for Academic Leaders Students and to Tucker Bremer from Helena High, one of the winners of this category. Other students nominated were Noah Carlisle (CAHS), Elias Serrano (CHHS), Allie Herring (MHS), Abigal Moore (OMHS), Jackson Fanchers (CTEC), Katie McDonald (SCHS) and Chloey Carroll (VHS).

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Student and Educator of the Year Awards on April 17. Congratulations to our elementary teachers nominated for Elementary School Educators of the Year and to Lisa Carden from Shelby Elementary, the winner of this category. The other nominees were Sara Harris, CAES, Brittany Brasher (CAIS), Karen Epperson (CPES), Kayla Mizell (EHES), Mary Maines (FOES), Dana Ling (HES), Holly Ritchey (HIS), Crystal Knezek (IES), Teresa Borden (MES), Rebecca Newman (MLES), Jill Vaughn (OMES), Dana Furman (OMIS), Ashley Waldrop (VES) and Laura Wright (WES).

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Student and Educator of the Year Awards on April 17. Congratulations to our high school teachers nominated for High School Educators of the Year and to Anna McEntire from Calera High, the winner of this category. The other nominees were Lindsey Rigdon (HHS), Rachel O'Connor (MHS), Taylor Korson (OMHS), Frankie Stroud (CTEC), Natasha Cooper (SCHS) and Marshall Thomas (VHS).

The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Student and Educator of the Year Awards on April 17. Congratulations to our middle school teachers nominated for Middle School Educators of the Year and to Brittany Bisch from Chelsea Middle, the winner of this category. The other nominees were Christopher Oravet (CAMS), Patrick Small (COMS), Olivia Carroll (HMS) Peggy Hucabaa (MMS), Catherine Acton (OMMS) and Michael Corey Williams (VMS).

Registration is now open for Summer Driver's Education courses.

The Elbert K. Fretwell Outstanding Educator Award is presented by the Boy Scouts of America to honor individuals who make their students better by modeling and teaching values also promoted in Scouting (EX: service to country/community/others, making good choices, being trustworthy, loyal, helpful, brave, etc...). The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes. Educators are essential to this mission. A teacher, staff member, or administrator may be honored for being a great example to students and teaching students to make good choices. Use this link to nominate someone today! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeF3gdNKNzom_shrdMDFjDbSFjWLyyz8TFPk9bfVf1gT27ISw/viewform?usp=sharing

Register now for Driver's Education Summer School classes.

Congratulations to the following schools who were recognized for having the lowest chronic absenteeism rates for their school attendance zones from the start of school through March: Calera Intermediate, Chelsea Middle, Wilsonville Elementary, Helena Elementary, Mt Laurel Elementary, and Vincent Elementary.

It was a day of triumph and joy at the Special Olympics Track & Field event! Our students' determination and spirit were on full display! Here is a glimpse of the unforgettable moments. #empoweringandinspiringexcellence

Learn how to keep your kids safe online and set boundaries for cell phone use at Compact's Parent Night: Cell Phone Safety for Youth! Date and time: Thursday, April 4; 6:00pm - 7:30pm CDT. Location: 1123 County Services Drive, Pelham, AL 35124. About this event: Duration - 1 hour 30 minutes. Reserve your spot on eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/compact-parent-night-cell-phone-safety-for-youth-tickets-862977548077. View Facebook Event - https://www.facebook.com/share/hCPquoFw7Nrj6VLv/?mibextid=9l3rBW.

Gina Musser and Ashley Lemley of the Address Makeover Gals recently presented the Linda Nolen Learning Center with proceeds that were raised from the Fur the Love Gala. This money will be used to support the partnership with Guava, the new facility animal. Thank you to Dr. Scott Foster at Constant Companion Animal Hospital in Chelsea for agreeing to be the Veterinarian sponsor. Guava's first day on the job is officially set for May 6th!

Do you like to build things with your hands? Girls Can Camp is a 3-day, hands-on camp for current 8th, 9th, & 10th grade girls featuring carpentry, welding, and electrical specialties. Learn to operate power tools, wire outlets/switches, and weld metal together with fire all while completing your very own take-home projects! Check out the attached flier for more information or visit https://www.shelbyed.k12.al.us/page/career-and-technical-education. Apply at bit.ly/GirlsCanApplication. Application deadline is Friday, March 22nd.

Shelby County Schools welcomed Dr. John Almarode as the guest speaker for CSI. Teachers enjoyed learning about making learning visible and creating a culture that supports learning.

Oak Mountain Elementary School celebrated the opening of its newly renovated library and courtyard on February 27. Through the generosity of Indian Springs Village, the school was able to completely renovate the library. Students are enjoying the beautiful new furniture and the library is one of their favorite places in the school to visit. Additionally, the school was able to turf one of the courtyards at the school due to the generosity of two students' parents. Stacy Stuart and Julio Tabin worked collaboratively to bring the dream of a beautiful courtyard space to reality. Oak Mountain Elementary School is incredibly grateful for these community partners, and our students will benefit from their contributions for many years.

Dr. Lewis Brooks continued his zone V.O.I.C.E Parent Advisory meetings this morning in Calera. Community Partnerships is an important part of our new Strategic Plan and there is no greater partnership than engaged and involved parents! #EmpoweringandInspiringExcellence

The safety of our students and staff and ensuring a solid plan is in place was the main topic of discussion for the district's Safety Team this morning.