HCS Index

The Hoover City Schools District is thrilled to announce that the Hoover Board of Education has appointed Dr. Desiree Smith as the new chief talent officer. Dr. Smith will lead the human resources department and spearhead initiatives focused on recruiting, hiring, and retaining top-tiered talent for the District!

Dr. Smith is the former human resource and talent coordinator for i3 Academy in Birmingham. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the district and support its mission, vision, and goals.

“My immediate efforts will focus on supporting the priorities of Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox, collaborating with the District leadership team, learning about the staffing needs of each campus, reviewing the current hiring practices, and furthering the presence of Hoover City Schools through recruitment efforts,” said Dr. Smith.

Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox emphasized the significance of the chief talent officer position in advancing the district's hiring and recruitment efforts while keeping its top employees.

"Dr. Smith's background as an educator, administrator, and talent coordinator will be invaluable as we monitor employment trends and develop new strategies to recruit and retain high-quality staff. Her leadership and expertise will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our district, making sure we hire the best and the brightest to serve our students and families," said Dr. Maddox.

Read the District's full story here.

The Hoover City Schools District hosted an impressive competition of phenomenal spellers on Tuesday, January 23, at Spain Park High School for the 2024 District Spelling Bee. After 37 rounds that lasted a little over an hour, Enen Wu, a 7th-grader at Berry Middle School, claimed the coveted title of District Spelling Bee champion. Her triumph came in the 37th round when she correctly spelled the word "Bango," defined as an East African grass used in thatching buildings.

Wu said, "I feel astounded. I feel like I’m floating, and I’m really happy. I will finally go the county competition, which I’ve never attended before. I was nervous for sure, but I also came here to win, so I did my very best. I’m not a competitive person, but I try to be my best."

Diya Kaza, a 5th grader from Trace Crossings Elementary School, claimed the runner-up position. Kaza was eliminated after misspelling "assiduous," which means "showing great care and perseverance." Despite being eliminated, Kaza expressed excitement (and nerves) about participating in her first District Spelling Bee. She says she is proud of achieving second place.

Read the District's full story here.

Hoover City Schools District (HCS) retired teachers are answering the call to return as part-time interventionists, aiming to enhance student support and academic achievement across the district.

HCS is in the process of hiring two retired teachers per school to fill interventionist positions, with more than 30 new interventionists already enlisted. Among these dedicated individuals is Carol Lollar (pictured), a former HCS teacher with over 20 years of experience in education.

Expressing her enthusiasm for returning to the educational fold, Lollar shared, “My passion has always been children and the fact that I could possibly make a difference. I’m so excited. There are teachers who need that extra person that could possibly help in some way and I wanted to be that person to help those teachers. I know there are needs in our schools. Some of those needs are greater in other areas, and some are less.”

Kudos are extended to the Hoover Board of Education, Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox, and the curriculum and instruction department for their proactive approach in advocating for the return of intervention opportunities for students. This goes a long way in ensuring every student receives the support they need to succeed!

During the Robert F. Bumpus Teacher in the Trenches Character Awareness Awards Breakfast, the Finley Committee recognized three remarkable teachers from the Hoover City Schools District for their outstanding commitment to students and exemplary character. It's a tribute to educators who go above and beyond the call of duty every day.

The event honoring the winners was held on Thursday, January 25, at Hoover Randle Home and Gardens. Formerly known as the Teacher in the Trenches Character Awareness Awards, the annual event was renamed to honor the late Robert F. Bumpus (former HCS superintendent), acknowledging his significant contributions to the district.

Congratulations to the deserving winners:

• Raquel Sorkin- Librarian, Deer Valley Elementary (pictured on the right)
• Dr. Melissa Capehart- Technology Integration Coach, Simmons Middle (pictured on the left)
• Victoria Bye- Life Skills Exceptional Education Teacher, Spain Park High (pictured in the center)

Aimee George, Finley Committee chairperson, said, “The Finley Committee decided to rename this award to honor the late administrator and his humble, kind-hearted traits. Mr. Bumpus worked in our school system during the rapid growth and implemented necessary changes while being considered a peacemaker. He had a knack for knowing people's strengths and guiding them to make their strengths shine. The Finley Committee is honored to recognize three teachers who exemplify the character traits mentioned and shown by Coach Bob Finley and Mr. Bumpus.”

Read the District's full story here.

During the January Hoover Board of Education regular meeting, Mr. Scott Mitchell, the dedicated leader of Brock’s Gap Intermediate School, was recognized as the longest-serving principal in the Hoover City Schools District! With over 12 years at the helm of Brock’s Gap, Mr. Mitchell's commitment to education has left an indelible mark.

Mr. Mitchell has an impressive career as an educator spanning more than 25 years—all within the Hoover City Schools District! His passion, leadership, and tireless efforts have shaped the educational experience for countless students and inspired those around him.

Thank you, Mr. Mitchell, for your continuous commitment to excellence!

This month is all about expressing our deepest gratitude for the incredible service of our dedicated Hoover Board of Education (HBOE) members!!

Board members were honored with a proclamation during the regular January Board meeting. Our schools provided dinner and treats, and Board members were showered with sweet gifts and tokens of appreciation. All of this was to show our immense gratitude for their unwavering dedication.

THANK YOU to our HBOE members for your selfless contributions to the success and growth of our schools. Read more about School Board Member Recognition Month here.

Logan Greene, an eighth-grade English language arts teacher at Berry Middle School, has been honored with the prestigious 2023 Robert I. Goldman Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education by the Jewish Federation for the Righteous (JFR).

Expressing his gratitude, Greene said, "This is an award showing excellence in teaching this important subject. For me to be recognized when there are so many amazing teachers who teach the Holocaust is a very humbling experience and feels absolutely amazing."

During the award presentation for Greene, JFR leaders said Greene’s commitment to teaching the Holocaust was unparalleled, and he was a talented and gifted educator who made history come alive. JFR leaders commended Greene for sharing his experience and knowledge and inspiring his students and colleagues. Read more here.

Emma Gregory and Hannah Halsell

The Spain Park High School (SPHS) Engineering Academy announced the remarkable achievements of its students in the 2023 beEntrepreneurial (beE) competition at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). Demonstrating exemplary innovation and creativity, SPHS teams secured significant accolades in this prestigious event.

Earning second place in the competition was the visionary project "Wheelchairs for Everyone," spearheaded by Emma Gregory and Hannah Halsell. The project entails the design of a wheelchair prototype accompanied by straightforward instructions, enabling volunteer groups to construct wheelchairs using affordable materials like PVC pipes. These wheelchairs aim to serve communities in third-world countries and impoverished areas of the United States.

Additionally, SPHS celebrates the commendable achievement of Audrey Peacock and Sam Lin, who clinched third place with their groundbreaking project "TakBot." Tasked with devising a safe method for an SPHS Spanish teacher to conduct pinata smashing parties, Audrey and Sam developed a rig that suspends the pinata from the ceiling, controlled remotely by the teacher.

Elizabeth Browne, SPHS engineering teacher, and Engineering Academy director, expressed immense pride in the senior class of engineering students.

Browne said, "All of these students have work ethics, presentation skills, and engineering talents that surpass what you expect to see from high school students. Their leadership and talents will truly be missed next year when they're off to college!" Read more here.

Audrey Peacock and Sam Lin

The Engineering Academy at Hoover High School (HHS) stands as a beacon of innovation and social responsibility, empowering students to excel in STEM fields while making a tangible impact on their community.

At the heart of the Academy's senior curriculum lies the Capstone of Engineering and Technology course, a transformative experience where students apply engineering design processes to address real-life challenges facing people with disabilities. Among other products, the students developed functional prototypes of devices such as:

• Self-leveling wheelchair seat so that people with extreme disabilities can control their wheelchairs on slopes.

• Wheelchair training device that would help children get the necessary skills for their insurance to pay for a power wheelchair.

• Vibrating pen that would aid Parkinson's patients with tremors to write legibly.

• Ride-on car to help young children with disabilities.

Organizations in the Birmingham area serving individuals with disabilities, including the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, The Bell Center, and United Ability, benefit from the innovative solutions crafted by HHS’s Engineering Academy students. Engineering Academy senior Bec Jones expresses joy in contributing to meaningful projects.

"It’s been so much fun. In all the previous years we’ve learned several different skills related to different fields of engineering, but this senior year Capstone project has by far been my favorite just because we’ve been able to take all of those skills and pour them all into one project. It’s really fun to see all of these skills used in a good way that can help people. My main goal is to help people through engineering, and that’s why I love it so much,” said Jones.

Read the District's full story here.

Hoover High School's (HHS) Air Force JROTC program proudly announces the remarkable achievements of its cadets in the prestigious Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) Essay Contest.

The following cadets have distinguished themselves with their exemplary submissions:

• Hudson McClinton, Junior (pictured in the center) - First Place
• McKaylah Steele, Sophomore (pictured on the right) - Second Place
• Nicholas Madriz, Senior (pictured on the left) - Third Place

SUVCW representatives bestowed each cadet with certificates and scholarships in recognition of their outstanding work. The Hoover City Schools community extends its heartfelt congratulations to these cadets for their outstanding achievements. Their commitment to academic excellence and patriotism is a source of pride for all.

Steele expressed her enthusiasm on being recognized for their essays, "It feels amazing to be honored for our essays. I wasn't expecting it, and it's a great feeling to know the judges appreciated my work. I think it's very important that the scholarship is being presented by a group that comprises of sons of veterans and is on a national level. It shows a lot about our character."

Their achievements reflect positively on the support and guidance they've received from their teachers, mentors, and the entire HHS community. This recognition underscores the importance of fostering a culture of learning, dedication, and service among students.

(Photo Credit: Logan Greene)

Spain Park High "Rhapsody in Blue"

What a phenomenal night of music and talent at the 8th annual Hoover City Schools District Show Choir Showcase! Each of our district's show choirs - Paradigm, Rhapsody in Blue, Bravura, Cadence, and Synergy - lit up the stage with unforgettable performances. The students wowed the crowd with exciting themes like, The Hunger Games, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I Spy, Amusement Parks and Gold Rush!

The audience, totaling close to 1,000 enthusiastic spectators, filled the Spain Park High School (SPHS) Theatre to capacity, with standing ovations punctuating the night. The overwhelming community support demonstrated the profound impact of music and the arts in Hoover City Schools!

SPHS Director of Choirs Martez Tidwell said, " This event is so special because it removes the aspect of competition from the choirs and focuses it all on support and encouragement. Our middle school show choirs are inspired by seeing the high school groups perform and our high school groups are reminded of where it all started for them. We are able to create cross school relationships and we are reminded that we ALL are Hoover City Schools."

Hoover High "Paradigm"

You're invited to the District's annual Girls Engaged in Math and Science (GEMS) Expo!

The tenth anniversary celebration is on February 3, 2024, at 9:00 am. GEMS Expo organizers are inviting GEMS alumni to attend the special morning kickoff featuring a prominent national speaker (She is so big; organizers are keeping it a surprise!).

All GEMS alumni are encouraged to sign up and attend and will be recognized at the event. Click here to register!

Our award-winning, nationally-ranked school district features highly-motivated students, skilled and caring educators, and engaged parents.

EEOC Notice

Email: hcsnotices@hoover.k12.al.us
Website: hoovercityschools.net
Location: 2810 Metropolitan Way, Birmingham, AL, USA
Phone: 205-439-1000
Facebook: facebook.com/HooverCitySchools
Twitter: @HooverSchools