More than 400 middle and high school students from across Shelby County Schools gathered today for the annual Shelby County Schools Student Leadership Conference!
With the theme “Own It,” students were encouraged to embrace their leadership potential, make a meaningful impact in their schools, and create positive change in their communities.
Keynote speakers Dr. Lewis Brooks and Billy Boughey helped make the day an inspiring and empowering experience for our student leaders!
#OwnIt #SCSLeadership #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence #PreparedForTheJourney #DoGreatThings
Shelby 101 is back!
Yesterday we welcomed our 2026–2027 Shelby 101 class for their first session of the year. Participants received an overview of Shelby County Schools and took a closer look at district finances, gaining insight into how our school system operates and how resources support students, schools, and staff.
We’re excited for this group to continue learning more about the people, programs, and work happening across Shelby County Schools throughout the year!
#Shelby101 #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence #PreparedForTheJourney #DoGreatThings
The 2026 State of Our Schools event, hosted by the The Shelby County Chamber, featured three panels that gave attendees the opportunity to hear directly from students and educators.
Thank you to the Chamber for bringing our community together and giving us the opportunity to share the great things happening across Shelby County Schools!
#StateOfOurSchools #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence #DoGreatThings #PreparedForTheJourney
John will continue serving Shelby County Schools by helping share the stories of our students, educators, schools, and programs while strengthening connections with the communities we serve.
#DoGreatThings #PreparedForTheJourney #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence
We are proud of these outstanding students and the hard work, dedication, and academic excellence that earned them this prestigious recognition.
#DoGreatThings #PreparedForTheJourney #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence
Last night's 2026 Showcase of Bands brought together student musicians from across Shelby County Schools for an evening celebrating the talent, dedication, and school spirit behind our incredible band programs.
Congratulations to all of our students and directors on another unforgettable Showcase!
#DoGreatThings #PreparedForTheJourney #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence
This week, administrators and teacher leaders from across Shelby County Schools gathered for our Continuous School Improvement (CSI) meetings. These meetings provide an opportunity for school teams to collaborate, reflect on their progress, and continue identifying ways to support student success.
We also celebrated several schools for their progress in reducing chronic absenteeism during the 2025-2026 school year!
Congratulations to Shelby Elementary, Oak Mountain High, Calera Elementary, and Columbiana Middle for recording the four largest decreases in chronic absenteeism across Shelby County Schools, and to Oak Mountain Elementary, Oak Mountain Intermediate, Chelsea High, and Oak Mountain Middle for achieving the district's lowest chronic absenteeism rates.
Great work by these school communities to help ensure students are present, engaged, and ready to learn each day!
#DoGreatThings #PreparedForTheJourney #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence
#DoGreatThings #PreparedForTheJourney #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence
Yesterday marked the first session of this year's First Year Teacher Academy, now in its ninth year of supporting, encouraging, and developing educators as they begin their careers in Shelby County Schools.
The day included practical advice from last year's First Year Teachers of the Year, "Smart Money Moves" with Mark Sanders of Helena High School, and breakout sessions with our instructional coaches.
Thanks to all of those involved in working together to help our newest teachers have the best first year possible!
#DoGreatThings #PreparedForTheJourney #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence
September is Attendance Awareness Month, and this year's theme is "Your Presence Matters."
Every lesson. Every conversation. Every laugh with a friend. Every opportunity to discover something new. Each day at school is filled with moments that matter.
This month, we celebrate the importance of showing up, staying connected, and making every day count.
Because every student has a place in Shelby County Schools - and your presence matters.
#DoGreatThings #PreparedForTheJourney #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence
Evans earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Auburn University, followed by a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Educational Leadership, both from Arkansas State University. She also holds certifications in Collaborative Special Education and Early Childhood Education.
Her diverse experience across physical education, adapted physical education, special education, and elementary education has shaped her commitment to creating inclusive, engaging learning environments where all students feel supported, challenged, and successful. She believes in building strong relationships with students, celebrating individual strengths, and providing meaningful opportunities for every child to grow academically and socially. Mrs. Evans is looking forward to serving the students, teachers, staff, and broader Helena community in this role, especially in the community she is now proud to call home.
Our nurses reaffirmed their commitment to Shelby County Schools students through a school nurse pledge and pinning event at their back-to-school professional development meetings. Thank you to our school nurses for reaffirming their dedication to our students and to their profession.
School Nurse Pledge:
In the presence of my colleagues, I solemnly reaffirm my dedication to school nursing.
I pledge to be a steadfast advocate for the health, safety, and well-being of every student in my care.
I will practice with compassion and expertise, bridging the gap between health and education so no child is left unable to learn.
I will strive to make my health room a safe harbor, offering comfort, calm, and a listening ear.
As I pin myself today, I honor the essential role we play in our communities. I promise to uplift my fellow nurses, to nurture my own well-being, and to commit my heart to the students and future of Shelby County.
#OurSchoolsOurStory #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence
The halls are full, classrooms are buzzing, and Shelby County Schools are officially back in session! From first-day smiles to new beginnings, we're excited for all of the learning, growth, friendships, and unforgettable moments that the 2026-2027 school year will bring.
Welcome back, Shelby County Schools! Let's make it a great year! 👏
#DoGreatThings #PreparedForTheJourney #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence #OurSchoolsOurStory
Today, employees from all across Shelby County Schools came together to celebrate the people, experiences, and moments that make our school system what it is.
We heard stories that reminded us that every role matters, every connection matters, and every person helps shape the story we tell.
As we begin a new school year, we are grateful for the people who make Shelby County Schools such a special place to learn, serve, grow, and belong.
Here's to the stories already written, and the ones still ahead.
#OurSchoolsOurStory #DoGreatThings #PreparedForTheJourney #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence
Beginning this school year, every Shelby County Schools student will be able to enjoy breakfast at school at no cost thanks to supplemental breakfast funding provided by the state of Alabama.
📅 What you need to know:
✅ Breakfast will be available at no cost to all students.
✅ The program will run throughout the entire 2026-2027 school year.
✅ Families should still complete the Meal Benefits Application. Completing the application helps students qualify for additional meal benefits when eligible and ensures Shelby County Schools continues to receive important federal funding that supports our nutrition programs.
We are grateful for this opportunity to better serve our students each morning and help ensure they are fueled and ready to learn.
Thank you for supporting Shelby County Schools as we continue to be Prepared for the Journey.
#DoGreatThings #PreparedForTheJourney #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence
Congratulations to the following school counseling programs recently named as Alabama School Counseling Programs of Distinction by the Alabama School Counselor Association: Oak Mountain Elementary, Oak Mountain Intermediate, and Helena Intermediate.
These school counseling programs participated in a year-long process in which they documented their commitment to the implementation and delivery of a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program that aligns with state and national models.
#DoGreatThings #PreparedForTheJourney #EmpoweringAndInspiringExcellence
