See below for additional information regarding 1st Class PreK Lottery Drawing Dates.
Amy de la Torre, an Instructional Math Coach for Shelby County Schools, has been named a recipient of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). She is one of 336 teachers and mentors from across the nation to be recognized with this award and the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. These national awards honor the vital role that America’s teachers and mentors play in shaping the next generation of technical leaders, including scientists, engineers, explorers, and innovators.
Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award K-12 math and science teachers can receive from the U.S. government. Nominees complete a rigorous application process to demonstrate deep content knowledge and an ability to adapt to a broad range of learners and teaching environments.
A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the state and national levels assess nominations before recommending awardees to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving STEM education.
De la Torre has been teaching for 14 years and currently works as a district math coach working with elementary students. She spent 11 years teaching fourth-grade math and science at Oak Mountain Intermediate School.
"The Presidential Award is an honor and embodies the love, support, and encouragement my administrators, mentors, and colleagues have poured into me since beginning my career," De la Torre said. "It acknowledges educators dedicated to growing their students and continually improving their craft of mathematics teaching. This award allows me to connect with other exemplary educators and continue to learn how to support student growth and achievement throughout my district."
The Arc of Shelby County hosted a Leadership and Self-Advocacy Summit at the Shelby County Instructional Services Center on January 15. The event targeted high school students with special needs from Shelby County Schools, Alabaster City Schools, and Hoover City Schools. The event consisted of four 30-minute sessions and Lt. Sasha Knighten from the Columbiana Police Department as the keynote speaker. The event specifically focused on helping students build confidence, advocate for themselves, set goals, make decisions, and prepare for life after school.
First Class PreK Enrollment will be on January 15. Visit: https://prek.alaceed.alabama.gov/ to register
Author Dale Alexander, best known for his insightful book "The Talk (about money)” is visiting Shelby County high schools this week to share insights with students eager to learn about financial literacy and responsible money management.
Alexander, a seasoned expert in personal finance, has dedicated his career to empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for financial success. His latest book, "The Talk (about money)," has gained widespread acclaim for its practical advice and easy-to-understand insights into the world of finance. The speaking engagements give students a unique opportunity to engage directly with Alexander. The author has shared anecdotes from his journey, discussed key concepts from his book, and offered valuable tips on budgeting, saving, and making informed financial decisions.
Due the threat of winter weather, all Shelby County Schools will be closed Friday, January 10.
Monique Harton will serve as the new assistant principal at Montevallo Elementary School. Ms. Harton has 26 years of experience as an educator. She has worked for the past 17 years as an ARI Reading Specialist at Clanton Elementary School.
Congratulations to David Bobo and Dr. JiJi Davis, who were sworn into office today for the Shelby County Board of Education. Bobo is beginning his third sixth-year term on the board, while Dr. Davis was sworn in for his first term after being elected in November.
30 Chelsea High School Healthcare Academy - Surgical Tech Program students passed the National Healthcareer Association Certified Patient Care Technician exam, exceeding the national exam pass rate and earning their first set of healthcare credentials. They are now certified PCT's and are prepared to start hands-on patient care clinical internship rotations at Shelby Baptist Medical Center and Heart South Cardiovascular Group next semester. Their post-secondary educational interests include neonatal nursing, physical therapy, clinical laboratory science, nurse anesthesia, dentistry, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, pharmacy, neurosurgery, and orthopedic surgery.
Congratulations to all the high school teachers of the year!
Calera High – Rachel Roberts; Career Technical Education Center (CTEC); Chelsea High – Andrea Maddox; Linda Nolen Learning Center – Sarah Cole; Montevallo High School - Rylee Holt; Success Program – Samantha Englebert; Oak Mountain High – Susan Schwartz; and Shelby County High – Karlee Merrell; and Vincent High School – Allison Fleming
Congratulations to all the middle school teachers of the year!
Calera Middle – Sarah Dennis; Chelsea Middle – William Fannin; Columbiana Middle – Krista Smith; Helena Middle – Christine L. Hoffman; Montevallo Middle - Dr. Wanda Young-Lowe; Oak Mountain Middle - Grace Riddle; and Vincent Middle - Brittany Wells
Congratulations to all the elementary school teachers of the year! Calera Elementary – Heather Ozment; Calera Intermediate – Sarah Freeman; Chelsea Park Elementary – Jessica Galamore; Elvin Hill Elementary – Ashley Rene Cole; Forest Oaks Elementary – MacKenzie Wilkinson; Helena Elementary - Megan Anglin; Helena Intermediate – Bridgett Cox; Inverness Elementary – Jessica Bush; Montevallo Elementary – Sadie Kinlecheenie; Mt Laurel Elementary – Allison Gulock; Oak Mountain Elementary – Peyton Cannon; Oak Mountain Intermediate – Jennifer Colburn; Shelby Elementary – Kaleigh Lamar; Vincent Elementary – Melissa Smith; and Wilsonville Elementary – Cayla Weber.
Congratulations to our top three Teachers of the Year for 2024, Megan Anglin from Helena Elementary, Dr. Wanda Young-Lowe from Montevallo Middle, and Rylee Holt from Montevallo High School!
Congratulations to Elvin Hill Elementary, winner of a 2024 Safe Schools Initiative Award from Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. The selection process featured a comprehensive four-phase application and review process by highly educated judges who are skilled and knowledgeable in school safety trends. In addition to Elvin Hill, five other schools from across the State of Alabama were selected to receive the Safe School Award, the highest achievement. Attorney General Marshall will visit each school to present their award in person.
“The safety of our schoolchildren is always on the forefront of our minds and hearts. That is why it is important to highlight and promote the innovative efforts to improve student safety through the Alabama Safe Schools Initiative,” Attorney General Steve Marshall said. “These six schools have developed innovative programs and taken practical, effective steps to combat the threat of violence that has become a terrible part of our modern society. Their dedication and resolve to provide a safe environment for learning is an inspiration to us all. I look forward to continuing to spotlight the best school safety ideas for school administrators, resource officers, parents, and students.”
2024 Safe School Award Winners
Elvin Hill Elementary School, Columbiana
Cullman City Primary School, Cullman
UMS-Wright Preparatory School, Mobile
Orange Beach Middle & High School, Orange Beach
Ladonia Elementary School, Phenix City
Russellville Elementary School, Russellville
Attention Seniors!
Are you interested in exploring career opportunities in construction and skilled trades after graduation? Don’t miss the AGC Construction Boot Camp, a hands-on program designed to jumpstart your future in the industry. See the flyer for more information and sign up at http://www.bit.ly/2025-SCS-ConstructionBootCamp
Administrators and teachers from Helena Elementary and the entire Helena school zone recently attended the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence National conference where HES was formerly recognized and honored for earning the Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Award. The award is the highest honor given by the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence and recognizes schools that demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. Additionally, several HES teachers, Kathleen Keelin, Allison Festavan, Jan Hughey, Allie Clement, Amy Rooker, Julie Stephens and Brandi Abernathy, presented at the conference. Chelsea Park Elementary also had representatives attend the conference.
Shelby County Schools is pleased to announce that we scored an A on the state report card! Thank you to our hard-working students, staff, and administrators for empowering and inspiring excellence in your classrooms and schools! #EmpoweringandInspiringExcellence
Congratulations to the following students who were named winners of the 24-25 Art of Kindness Contest sponsored by the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) and Shelby County Schools, The winners from the elementary category were Emory Carthage (CAIS) - first place, Kaleb Fomby (OMIS) - second place, and Jonah Toney (CAIS) - third place. The winners from the middle school category were Darah Gomez (OMMS) - first place, Arya Calhoun (OMMS) - second place, and Grace Thornton (OMMS) - third place. The winners from the high school category were Emily Schwan (CAHS) - first place, Alana Raudenbush (OMHS) - second place, and Ellis Shubert (OMHS) - third place.
Congratulations to the Digital Citizenship Bookmark Design Contest Winners - Skylynn McCrimon from Vincent Elementary, Mia Armstrong from Helena Middle, and My'Asia Hollis from Calera High School. These students' bookmarks will be produced and given to students in the district.
Retiring Board Member Jimmy Bice was honored at the November 21 meeting for over 46 years of combined service to the Shelby County School District. Bice served as a teacher and administrator for over 34 years and on the Board of Education for 12 years. He was honored with a Journey Shaper Award from Dr. Lewis Brooks for his contributions to the school district.
