In the Loop
May 20, 2022
District News
Tree Dedication in Memory of Dr. John Floyd
Kindergarten Registration Now Open
Perseverance: May P.A.C.E. Character Trait
Refusing to give up when life gets hard; that's how TCS defines the May P.A.C.E. (Positive Attitudes Change Everything) Character Trait - perseverance. P.A.C.E. is a comprehensive framework designed to empower all students in our community with knowledge, skills, and inspiration to develop and practice positive character and healthy habits. P.A.C.E. is a lens through which many aspects of school culture become opportunities for character development. This program promotes character development through the exploration of universal virtues across the curriculum; develops a positive and moral climate through the participation of those involved; and teaches how to solve conflicts fairly, creating safer schools that are more conducive to learning.
Summer Learning Opportunities for All Students
The Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)'s Summer Learning Challenge Planning Team wants to help reduce the dreaded "summer slide.” As such, it hopes to prepare our students for the upcoming academic year through summer learning opportunities. The Alabama Summer Learning Challenge officially kicks off Monday, May 23, 2022. All Alabama K-12 students and parents can use these fun learning resources this summer. Visit the Alabama Summer Learning Challenge website to see all of the great resources available to parents as we enter summer and prepare for a great year of learning in 2022-2023.
Secure Your Legacy and Benefit TCS: Buy a Brick
Trussville City Schools Foundation is excited to once again offer a unique and lasting opportunity to leave your mark with a personalized brick to be installed in the walkways near the concession stands at Hewitt-Trussville Stadium. Individuals, families, and businesses can show their school pride by purchasing an engraved brick. This is also a great way to honor graduating seniors, new kindergarten students, and special teachers or staff members! Bricks can be personalized with names, dates, or special messages. Each brick represents a student, family, or a business and together these bricks represent a community of Hewitt-Trussville Huskies! Pavers ordered are $60 each for a 4" x 8" brick with 1-3 lines of engraving with 18 to 20 characters per line, including spaces. To order, go to www.tcsf.org click on Personalized Engraved Stadium Bricks under our fundraiser tab. Orders will close on May 31, 2022 for 2022 early fall installment.
Sixth Grade Immunization Information
Students age 11 and older entering the 6th grade in Alabama schools must have a tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine. Each pupil age 11 or older who enters the 6th grade will be required to have a new certificate of immunization. Schedules will not be released until the student has a current immunization form on file - UNLESS - your child does not turn 11 on or after July 16 - you will have two weeks after their birthday to present the school with a current immunization form.
Campus Notes
Cahaba Elementary
Science Olympiad Students Shine at Auburn University
Two teams consisting of 35 Cahaba students competed in Auburn for the first time in an in-person Science Olympiad Competition. Science Olympiad competitions consist of 20 different events. Students are exposed to a wide variety of different sciences.
Cahaba teams placed in the top four in nine of the twenty events. They also received 5th – 11th place ribbons in many more events. Mrs. Lisa Rish helped create and manage this experience for these students. -Submitted.
Magnolia Elementary
5th Graders Learn About State, Federal Politics
Fifth-graders at Magnolia Elementary recently received an up-close look at governmental processes and politics. Denise Weaver, Constituent Services Director for the office of Congressman Gary Palmer, was on campus to visit and present. Her presentation - "Celebrate the Constitution" -helped students understand the specific role of the Constitution, revealed special facts about the three branches of government, and took students on a virtual tour of Washington D.C., focusing in on our nation's war memorials and individuals who have greatly impacted our country for the better. Weaver also spoke to the students about the importance of voting. "My favorite part was learning about the memorials and what they stand for," commented one student. "I loved hearing the story of Condoleezza Rice, who grew up in the Birmingham area, and her inspirational journey to become U.S. Secretary of State," Jill Christopher, social studies teacher, said.
Parents, Students Turn Out for Annual "Walk the Halls"
Scores of parents, family members, and other visitors converged on the campus of Magnolia Elementary School this week for a very popular annual tradition - 5th Grade Walk the Halls. This annual tradition occurs each May as a rite of passage for the school's outgoing 5th graders. These students literally "walk the halls" of their school while students in lower grades cheer them on. The walk culminates in the gym with a large awards ceremony - the 5th Grade Awards Assembly. Magnolia Elementary School Principal Dr. Phyllis Faust described "5th Grade Walk the Halls" as "a momentous occasion." In her remarks to parents and visitors, she said, "We have prepared them well for middle school - and they will make you just as proud there as they have here at Magnolia."
Paine Elementary
2022 "GaTE Marketplace" Breaks Records
Paine's GaTE (Gifted and Talented Education) Marketplace 2022 was held in late April drawing hundreds of parents and raising more than $5,000.00 for Paine's GaTE Program. GaTE entrepreneurs in 3rd-5th grades manufactured food and non-food products to sell to their peers as well as community at large. Marketplace has been a long standing tradition in TCS and has always been indoors. This was the first outdoor Marketplace - and it was a HUGE success! There were more than 75 businesses selling, with many students being either sole proprietors or in partnerships. Profits/donations will go toward educational materials including unit instructional supplies, Robotics, and supplies for the Beth Bruno Memorial Garden GaTE beds. -Submitted
Hewitt-Trussville Middle School
M.U.S.H. Mentors Selected
Hewitt-Trussville Middle School (HTMS) announced its 2022-2023 Class of M.U.S.H. (Mentoring/Understanding/Sharing/Helping) this week. Thirty students were chosen out of a field of 75 applicants. Applicants had to write an essay, receive positive teacher recommendations, and participate in a brief interview. M.U.S.H. Mentors are 8th graders who assist 6th graders and new students in their transition to HTMS, mentor other students, lead P.A.C.E. (Positive Attitudes Change Everything [character education program]) activities, and promote a positive environment at HTMS. See the full list of 2022-2023 M.U.S.H. Mentors on the HTMS website.
Choir Travels to Orlando, Returns with Superior Ratings
HTMS choir students recently traveled to Universal Studios in Orlando to compete in the Music USA Festival, where they earned all superior ratings and first place in their category. One judge commented, “This is how a middle school choir should sound!” Dr. Ben Cook serves as Director of Choirs for Hewitt-Trussville Middle School. -Submitted
Hewitt-Trussville High School
Leadership HT Finds Big Success in Inaugural Year
HT Athletics
Tracking the Huskies
- Baseball to Play in 7A State Championship Game
- Softball Makes State Tournament in Oxford
- Spring Football Game: May 19
- Summer Camps/Tryouts
- More!
See all the latest news in this edition of Tracking the Huskies!
Community Notes
Deadline Looming: Applications for Inaugural Leadership Trussville Class
Through the vision of Mayor Buddy Choat and the full support of the City Council, Leadership Trussville, Inc. was officially formed in March 2022. The purpose of Leadership Trussville is to encourage and educate an annual class of highly motivated individuals who want to strengthen their leadership skills, deepen their sense of civic involvement, and be more involved with ideas and initiatives to better the community while learning first-hand about the issues and needs in Trussville. The inaugural Leadership Trussville program begins in September. Leadership Trussville is accepting applications through June 3. Visit LeadershipTrussville.org and click on Class Information & Application for additional information and to apply.
YMCA Afterschool Childcare Program
YMCA Afterschool Childcare Program registration for the 2022-23 School Year opened on April 18. The YMCA of Greater Birmingham offers its Afterschool Childcare Program on-site at all TCS elementary schools. Details and contact information for the program are listed below. The YMCA Afterschool Childcare program is designed to help children succeed developmentally and academically. At the Y, children cultivate the values, skills, and relationships that lead to better achievement in the classroom, positive behaviors, and enhanced social skills. Learn more about the YMCA's Afterschool program on this website.
General questions? childcare@ymcabham.org
2022 Youth Football Camp: Registration Open
(Monday, July 25 – Wednesday, July 27) The Hewitt-Trussville Youth Football Camp is a three (3) day camp. It will be divided into groups by grade to receive as much individual instruction as possible. Designed for kids to improve in the fundamentals of their position and have fun! All kids entering K – 6th are welcome. Cost is $110/camper paid online ONLY using link provided on this registration form. https://forms.gle/beLRjgqqd38zq4a3A
2022 Elite Passing Academy: Registration Open
(Monday, June 20 – Wednesday, June 22) The Elite Passing Academy is designed to give athletes the opportunity to work with coaches who have expertise in their position. We will work on fundamentals for each position in the passing game – Quarterbacks, Running Backs, Receivers, and Tight Ends. All kids entering 4th – 8th grades are welcome. Cost is $110/camper paid online ONLY using link provided on this registration form: https://forms.gle/pAwud6AdBpiVDQiD6
Trussville Racquet Club 2022 Summer Tennis Evening Clinics
Visit this PDF link for more information on how to become involved in Trussville Parks and Recreation's 2022 Summer Tennis Evening Clinics, in partnership with the Trussville Racquet Club.
Important Resources for TCS Parents & Students
Here are a few shortcuts to important resources listed on the TCS District website:
PreK-12 district preparing students to compete globally via rigorous education.