Shelby County Schools

This week we are celebrating National School Bus Safety Week! Each morning and afternoon, thousands of Shelby County students begin and end their day on a bus - greeted by the friendly faces of drivers who do far more than just transport them from one place to another. They ensure every child arrives safely, ready to learn, dream, and grow. In every bus seat is a story in the making - a future leader, creator, or innovator. Our commitment to safety helps protect those stories and the incredible journeys they represent. Let’s take a moment to thank our transportation teams for their care, professionalism, and dedication to our students every single day and let’s all do our part to make every ride a safe one! #DoGreatThings #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence

Shelby 101 Class #2 is in the books! 🚍🔧

Our Shelby 101 participants spent their second session learning all about what it takes to keep Shelby County Schools running smoothly each day. This class focused on district operations - including maintenance, transportation, and child nutrition.

Participants got to go behind the scenes with a short field trip, touring both the warehouse and bus shop to see firsthand how our teams support students and staff across the district.

We appreciate their enthusiasm and curiosity as they continue learning more about the people and processes that make Shelby County Schools an A+ district!

#DoGreatThings #Shelby101 #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence

Please join us in congratulating two outstanding Shelby County leaders recognized by the Alabama State Department of Education! 🎉

🏆 Malinda Nichols, Oak Mountain Middle School - 2025 Alabama History Teacher of the Year, State School Board District Three
🏆 Dr. Mathew Epps, CTEC - 2025 Alabama High School Principal of the Year, State School Board District Three

We are so proud of their dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence in Shelby County Schools! #DoGreatThings #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence

Snapshots from the 2025 Shelby County Leadership Conference 💡

Students from all over the district gathered together to learn, connect, and grow. Ideas were sparked and leaders were strengthened. Thanks to all involved in making today such an impactful event!

#DoGreatThings #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence

Attendance Awareness Month wrapped up last week, and we are so grateful for your continued support and partnership! Thanks to your efforts, our schools saw a reduction in absences during September.

Let's keep that momentum going in the months ahead by making attendance a priority every day. This calendar can help your family plan vacations and events to avoid missing important instructional time.

#DoGreatThings #MissingSchoolIsMissingOut #AttendanceAwarenessMonth

Today, singers from all Shelby County middle and high schools who are planning to audition for All State Honor choirs gathered at the Shelby County Instructional Services Center for a choral intensive workshop. Their choir directors worked with them on their audition pieces to better prepare them for the November auditions. We wish them the best of luck!

District leaders, administrators, and teachers gathered Wednesday and Thursday for CSI (Continuous School Improvement) meetings. The meetings are an important part of the Shelby County Schools instructional process, where data is reviewed and improvement plans are developed to ensure student success.

#DoGreatThings #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence

Congratulations to Chelsea Park Elementary School on being recognized as a 2025 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Lighthouse School. The school will be officially recognized for this special honor at the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Conference in Orlando, FL, in December.

The race is on as we enter the last full week of September! 🏆

Every day counts - let's make attendance a priority and see which community will lead the way! #DoGreatThings #MissingSchoolIsMissingOut #AttendanceAwarenessMonth

As we continue recognizing September as School Attendance Awareness Month, it is important to know the difference between Truancy vs. Chronic Absence. Every day matters! 📚

#DoGreatThings #MissingSchoolIsMissingOut

Hard work. Dedication. Talent.

Last night, every Shelby County Schools high school band brought their halftime show to life at the 2025 Showcase of Bands. And wow, did they shine! 🎵🌟

#DoGreatThings #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence

September is School Attendance Awareness Month, and our seven SCS communities are competing for the best attendance! Every day matters - because when students are in school, they're learning, growing, and achieving. Show your pride, make attendance a priority, and let's see which community will come out on top! 🌟

#DoGreatThings #MissingSchoolIsMissingOut #AttendanceAwarenessMonth

Shelby County Schools is thrilled to celebrate the kickoff of our new Shelby 101 community outreach initiative! Over 40 community leaders participated in the first session today, where they heard a general overview of the district before taking a deeper dive into finance/funding and Federal Programs.

This six-month program is designed to inform and engage our community and develop well-informed advocates for public education. We are excited to partner with these dedicated individuals as we work together to build a stronger future for our students and schools!

#Shelby101 #DoGreatThings #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence

Attendance matters at every stage 📚

- In elementary school, absences can keep students from reading on grade level by 3rd grade.
- In middle school, chronic absences are a strong indicator of whether a student will graduate.
- In high school, poor attendance leads to lower performances, dropouts, and fewer students being college and career ready.

Every day counts. Every grade matters.

#DoGreatThings #MissingSchoolIsMissingOut #AttendanceAwarenessMonth

Shelby County Schools held the first session of its First-Year Teacher Academy on September 2. Veteran teachers, Lucy Hudson from Calera Intermediate and Grace Riddle from Oak Mountain Middle School, shared practical tips for a successful school year. 2025 First-Year Teachers of the Year, Lily Mathis from Oak Mountain Elementary and Allison Middendorf from Helena Middle School, held a Q&A session with this year's participants. Dr. Angela Walker led a session on trauma-informed classrooms, while Dale Alexander from Alexander & Company provided advice on making good financial decisions for long-term success.

September has officially been designated as School Attendance Awareness Month. Shelby County Schools has worked diligently to reduce chronic absenteeism within our schools, and while we have seen gains in the right direction, our journey continues towards excellence. Join Shelby County Schools to make every school day count. Your involvement matters, and your child's future is worth it 🌟

#DoGreatThings #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence

New This Year: Visitor Check-In Made Simple & Secure!

Shelby County Schools will be rolling out Circool district-wide to check in all visitors,
manage event entry, and assist with emergency reunification — helping us protect
access to our schools while students are present.

1. Fast and secure check-in at the front desk
2. Easy QR code entry for school events
3. Safe, verified reunification during emergencies
4. Integrated with PowerSchool — make sure your email and phone number are up to date with your school!

We’re committed to making our schools welcoming and secure. Thank you for helping us keep our students safe!

For more information visit: https://www.shelbyed.k12.al.us/page/circool

Celebrating Excellence in Shelby County Schools! We are proud to announce that three of our high schools have been ranked among Alabama's Top 50 Best High Schools by U.S. News & World Report!

🏅Oak Mountain High School - # 15
🏅Helena High School - # 36
🏅Chelsea High School - # 40

This achievement reflects the dedication of our students, teachers, staff, and families who work together every day to ensure success. Let's give a big congratulations to these schools for representing Shelby County with excellence! 👏

#DoGreatThings #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence