8th-grade Scholar's Bowl Standouts!
Congratulations to our 8th-grade high scorers from each school:
📚 CAMS - Whisper Jones
📚 CHMS - Noah Henderickson
📚 COMS - Sharkey Clark
📚 HLMS - Andrew Etheridge
📚 MVMS - Jennifer Landaverde-Lara
📚 OMMS - Noah Chatham
📚 VMHS - Jordan Blake
🎖 Top Individual Performers:
🥉 3rd Place - Noah Henderickson (CHMS)
🥈 2nd Place - Jennifer Landaverde-Lara (MVMS)
🥇 1st Place - Noah Chatham (OMMS)
🏆 Top 8th-grade Teams:
🥉 3rd Place - Columbiana Middle School
🥈 2nd Place - Chelsea Middle School
🥇 1st Place - Oak Mountain Middle School
7th-grade Scholar's Bowl Standouts!
Congratulations to our 7th-grade high scorers from each school:
📚 CAMS - Ronin Delong
📚 CHMS - Owen Gurtler
📚 COMS - Liam Cole
📚 HLMS - Machara Crawford
📚 OMMS - Hansika Kathait
📚 VMHS - August Lee
🎖 Top Individual Performers:
🥉 3rd Place - Owen Gurtler (CHMS)
🥈 2nd Place - Liam Cole (COMS)
🥇 1st Place - Hansika Kathait (OMMS)
🏆 Top 7th-grade Teams:
🥉 3rd Place - Chelsea Middle School
🥈 2nd Place - Columbiana Middle School
🥇 1st Place - Oak Mountain Middle School
6th Grade Scholars’ Bowl Champions! 🏆
Congratulations to our 6th Grade High Scorers from each school:
📚 CAMS - Davis Dolbare
📚 CHMS - Shriyans Roy
📚 CMMS - Jackson Gray
📚 HLMS - Jackson Houser
📚 MNMS - Danny Carrillo
📚 OMMS - Dan Brewer
📚 VMHS - Hunter Pilkington
🎖 Top Individual Performers:
🥉 3rd Place - Jackson Gray (CMMS)
🥈 2nd Place - Jackson Houser (HLMS)
🥇 1st Place - Shriyans Roy (CHMS)
🏆 Top 6th Grade Teams:
🥉 3rd Place - Helena Middle School
🥈 2nd Place - Oak Mountain Middle School
🥇 1st Place - Chelsea Middle School (Undefeated!)
In addition to the judge's choices for the 8th grade Science Fair, students were also allowed to rotate through each project and vote on the following awards:
"The Eureka Award" For the most innovative and original idea;
Gabriel Almeida, Exploring pH with Purple Cabbage, Helena Middle
"The Future Scientist Award" For the project that shows the most potential for real-world application; Christine White & Charlee Loomis, How does Surface Temperature Affect Fingerprints?, Vincent Middle
"The Problem-Solver Award" For the project that tackles a challenging problem with exceptional creativity, Oscar Hernandez,
The Solar Roller, Montevallo Middle
"The Eco-Warrior Award" For the project that makes the biggest impact on environmental sustainability, Sophie Davis, Biodegradable Plastic vs. Plastic Bottles, Helena Middle
"The Data Dynamo Award" For the project with the most thorough and well-organized data analysis. Xayden Lockett, The Affect of Surface Area on the Rate of Chemical Reactions, Montevallo "The Eye-Catcher Award" For the most visually appealing and well-presented display. Mayra Villegas, Candle Race, Montevallo Middle
"The Curiosity Catalyst Award" For the project that inspires others to explore and ask questions, Sophia Heller, Unidentified Flying Object, Helena Middle
"The Wow Factor Award" For the project that leaves everyone amazed and impressed, Hannah Reyes, Vision of Color, Helena Middle
Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 8th-grade Science Fair. Judges were allowed to select three projects to receive Honorable Mention and award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. All of these students have the opportunity to compete at UAB’s Central Alabama Science & Engineering Fair (CARSEF).
1st Place - Hannah Reyes, Vision of Color, Helena Middle School
2nd Place - Christine White and Charlee Loomis, How Does Surface Temperature Affect Fingerprints, Vincent Middle School
3rd Place - Sophie Davis, Biodegradable Plastic vs. Plastic Bottles, Helena Middle School.
Honorable Mentions:
Xayden Lockett, The Affect of Surface Area on the Rate of Chemical Reactions - Montevallo Middle School
Jennifer Landaverde, How Clean is Clean? - Montevallo Middle School
Clara Tuck, LEDs and Batteries - Helena Middle School
Attorney General Steve Marshall was on hand today to present Elvin Hill Elementary School with the 2024 Safe Schools Initiative Award which was formally announced in December. Joining Marshall was the three-person judging panel that oversaw the selection process for the awards comprised of Dale Stripling and Seth Sullivan from the Alabama State Department of Education and Pam Revels with the Lee County Sheriff's Office. Elvin Hill Elementary was one of six schools chosen for the award statewide. According to Marshall, EHES was the only school scoring a perfect score on the four-phased application process.
Congratulations to our EHES administrators, teachers, School Resource Officers, and students on this important achievement!
This week, we celebrate the incredible school counselors who empower, support, and guide our students daily. From academic planning to emotional well-being, their dedication helps shape bright futures.
Join us in thanking our amazing counselors for the difference they make! Drop a comment to share how a school counselor has impacted you or your student. #NSCW25 #SchoolCounselorsRock #ThankACounselor
Congratulations to the Chelsea High School Health Science Class of 2025 who participated in their White Jacket and Certified Patient Care Technician pinning this morning. These senior internship students passed the CPCT exam with a 100 % pass rate and have earned the privilege of attending hands-on patient care clinicals at Shelby Baptist Medical Center and Heart South Cardiovascular Group.
Brent McCaleb has been appointed as the interim principal for New Direction. McCaleb has 30 years of experience in public education and most recently served as assistant principal of Helena High School.
Ashli Polizos will serve as assistant principal of Oak Mountain Middle School. Polizos is a National Board certified teacher who has served in education for almost 19 years. She taught middle school and high school for 12 years. She most recently served as assistant principal at Oak Mountain High School.
All Shelby County Schools will be open and will operate on a normal schedule on Wednesday, January 22.
NOW AVAILABLE - Our school app is getting an update to make staying connected easier than ever! This update introduces a new bottom navigation to quickly access all messages, announcements and notifications - no toggling required. Update from your device's app store by searching "Shelby AL Schools".
Due to the threat of winter weather, Shelby County Schools will be closed on Tuesday, January 21. Students will transition to remote learning. All extracurricular activities are also canceled.
🎉 January is Board Member Recognition Month, and we’re proud to celebrate the incredible leaders who guide Shelby County Schools! Our Board of Education Members dedicate their time, talents, and vision to ensuring the success of our students and staff. Their commitment to academic excellence and empowering the next generation is truly inspiring.
Please join us in thanking David Bobo, Amber Polk, Peg Hill, Billy Holliday, and JiJi Lawley for their service and leadership. Thank you for all you do!
#BoardMemberRecognitionMonth #EmpoweringandInspiringExcellence
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.
