HCS Index
November 30, 2023
Transportation Department Earns 7th Consecutive Perfect Score
In an outstanding display of dedication and expertise, Hoover City Schools District transportation department mechanics have once again achieved a perfect score of 100% on the annual state inspections. This remarkable accomplishment marks the seventh consecutive year the team of skilled professionals earned a flawless inspection score.
Imagine the complexity of maintaining a fleet of 181 buses to the highest standards year after year. Our dedicated mechanics have not only risen to this challenge but have excelled, earning a perfect score for the seventh year in a row. This impressive achievement reflects the consistent dedication and meticulous attention to detail our mechanics bring to their vital role.
Transportation Department Director Jeremy Bradford said, "In the pursuit of excellence, a perfect score is not just a number; it is a testament to our commitment to safety. Achieving a perfect score reassures our families that safety is a top priority. With 181 buses in the fleet, it takes dedication from our staff to keep all buses in safe operating condition."
Hoover High School Band is the 2023 7A Alabama State Champions
Photo Source: Hoover High School Band
In October, Hoover High School's Marching Band emerged victorious at the Alabama High School Marching Band State Championship. The band's stellar performance earned them Outstanding Color Guard, Outstanding Musical Achievement, and the coveted title of 7A Championship Band. This triumphant moment was particularly poignant for Kathryn Baker, a senior drum major, who expressed her pride in the band's journey.
"I am incredibly proud of our band after winning the title of 7A Band Champs. Our last run of the show at State was incredible, and the feeling at the end of the performance was euphoric. This title means so much to me and the rest of the band because it represents all our hard work and dedication this season," said Baker. "Without every individual band member doing their part in and out of practice, we would have never been able to perform at the level we did."
Band Director Ryan Fitchpatrick underscored the educational aspect of the journey, focusing on instilling determination in his students.
"For me, what’s most important is that my students get the chance to learn the value of determination. As an educator, there is great reward when students see what can be accomplished when they are willing to believe in themselves at a heightened level and work together as an ensemble and a team," said Fitchpatrick.
Gwin Elementary Student Lights Tree at Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Photo Source: Gwin Elementary School Facebook Page
Jesse Humphryes, a Gwin Elementary School student, was chosen to light the Christmas tree at the City of Hoover's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, November 28. Jesse's journey is nothing short of inspirational, and we want to take a moment to celebrate his strength, positivity, and perseverance.
Jesse faced a challenging battle with illness for several years, awaiting a kidney transplant. Despite the hurdles, he displayed remarkable resilience, attending school with a radiant attitude each day. Last year brought a turning point when his mother, Eden, a Hoover City Schools District Child Nutrition Program employee, learned that she was a tissue match and gave Jesse the gift of life—a kidney.
Principal Dr. Kimberly White said, "We at Gwin are so excited that Jessie was chosen to light the Christmas tree for the City of Hoover. I told Jessie that I could just feel the joy he helped bring to the families at the event. We join his family in showing our gratitude to the City of Hoover for allowing him to have this very special holiday memory."
There were also musical performances by Shades Mountain Elementary School students and Spain Park High School's Shades of Blue jazz band.
Thank Alabama Teachers Month!
Meet Elly Joy Grytz, a Deer Valley Elementary second-grader with boundless spirit, love, determination, and JOY.
Elly Joy's mother, Emily, thanks Mrs. Lindsey Nichols for being an excellent and caring teacher.
Emily said, "Mrs. Nichols has formed a special bond with Elly Joy, understanding her unique needs and creating a safe, nurturing environment where Elly can thrive. We have witnessed remarkable progress in Elly Joy's ability to read, communicate, and count – all thanks to Mrs. Nichols' dedication and skillful teaching. We love her so much!"
Master Sergeant Gibson is the aerospace science instructor for Hoover High School's Air Force Junior ROTC (JROTC). Sophomore McKaylah Steele attributes her success as a leader to the guidance and opportunities provided by Master Sergeant Gibson in the JROTC.
Steele said, "I am grateful for Master Sergeant Gibson because he heard me out about wanting to create an archery program when I first started JROTC. This is my second year, and we now have a thriving program. I am also a prominent leader in the cadet core with a high-ranking title and the important job of overseeing the other officers. He has given me opportunities where I can shine and become a leader, commanding a third-place national-winning team for Color Guard at our JROTC Nationals in Dayton, Ohio."
Hoover Board of Education Member Receives Prestigious A-Team Award
In a celebration of commitment and excellence, we are delighted to announce that the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) selected Mr. Craig Kelley (pictured on the right) as an A-Team Award winner for 2023. The Hoover Board of Education (HBOE) proudly recognized this achievement during November's regular meeting, marking a significant milestone in Mr. Kelley's impactful journey as a school board member. He was appointed to the HBOE in 2014 and reappointed in 2019.
The A-Team Award is a prestigious honor bestowed upon individuals who go above and beyond in advocating for Alabama's public schools. Mr. Kelley's selection for this accolade is a testament to his unwavering dedication to improving education in our community.
This is not just an award; it reflects his tireless efforts and outstanding contributions to the educational landscape. We congratulate Mr. Kelley on receiving the A-Team Award!
Ten School Resource Officers Earn NASRO Practitioner Credentials
Ten outstanding Hoover City Schools District School Resource Officers (SROs) have earned Practitioner Credentials from the National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO). This designation is the highest honor bestowed by NASRO and signifies the remarkable dedication of these officers to the crucial field of school-based policing.
Two SROs, Brock Hardy of Green Valley Elementary School and Katie Bonham of Greystone Elementary School, previously earned Practitioner Credentials in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
Below are the additional eight newly credentialed officers:
Sgt. Brian Foreman (District SRO)
Brian Johnson (Spain Park High School)
Kevin Hollis (Spain Park High School)
Cliff Harris (Spain Park High School)
Chris Grantham (Hoover High School)
Tom Kitchens (Crossroads School)
Tim Pugh (Berry Middle School)
Jason Yarbrough (Trace Crossings Elementary School) - Currently on military leave
Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence have earned them individual recognition and contribute to the safety and well-being of our students and community.
Countdown to Computer Science Education Week 2023!
Get ready for your child to experience an incredible journey into the world of technology because Computer Science Education Week is next week! This national program is dedicated to inspiring K-12 students to dive deep into computer science.
We'd like to give a huge shoutout to the phenomenal computer science teachers, STEAM teachers, and technology coaches at Hoover City Schools for their dedication to educating and empowering our students!
For those kids who love playing online games and tinkering with code, Computer Science Education Week offers a gateway to classes and tutorials that teach fundamental skills. Teachers will keep their interest alive in and out of the classroom with engaging activities that showcase the endless possibilities in computer science.
Dr. Jeffery Backus Receives Award for Outstanding Support of Hoover City Schools
In commendable recognition of his commitment to education and community service, the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators (AAESA) awarded Dr. Jeffery Backus the Bill Miller, Sr. Friend of Education Award for Outstanding Contributions to Education.
Dr. Backus, a respected professional in dentistry, has dedicated his expertise to serving the children of Hoover and actively supported schools in the Hoover City Schools District. He served on the Hoover City Schools Foundation board for six years, demonstrating his long-term commitment to fostering educational excellence within the community. AAESA District IV elementary principals nominated Dr. Backus for the award.
Scott Mitchell, awards chair for the AAESA (Brock's Gap Intermediate School principal), said, "Dr. Backus embodies the trait of servant leadership in his constant support of the schools in our area. Our kids truly benefit and learn from his selfless example."
Dr. Dil Uswatte, AAESA Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) board director and an executive board director for CLAS (Rocky Ridge Elementary School principal), presented Dr. Backus
with the award during the 2023 AAESA fall conference.
Riverchase Career Connection Center Hosts Adult Teen Day for Seniors
Have you ever wondered what you wish you had known after high school? Well, that was the purpose of Adult Teen Day at the Riverchase Career Connection Center (RC3). Presenters from Tameron Honda, Regions Bank, Cadence Bank, Hoover Police, UAB Medicine Pediatrics, the Hoover City Schools District Human Resources department, and the UAB Trio Education Opportunity Center shared their valuable insights.
Tameron Honda representatives demonstrated essential car maintenance skills, teaching the seniors how to check their oil and change a tire. Car safety tips were shared and Hoover Police officers provided valuable safety tips and self-defense techniques. Adult Teen Day also included a hands-on interviewing skills session, where students participated in mock interviews.
Thank you to the RC3 staff, presenters, and panelists for making Adult Teen Day a huge success. Your knowledge and expertise are shaping the future of our teens as they embark on their post-high school journeys.
Hoover City Schools District Hosts a Multilingual Parent Advisory Breakfast
The Hoover City Schools District (HCS) recently organized a second Multilingual Parent Advisory Breakfast on November 16. This initiative, led by HCS English as a Second Language teachers, aimed to facilitate open discussions with multilingual families, utilizing interpreters to ensure a meaningful exchange of ideas.
The breakfast gathering was a valuable platform for parents to share their insights, concerns, and suggestions. It provided a crucial perspective as HCS charts its course for a successful second semester. The event highlighted the District's commitment to engaging with and actively involving all school community members.
HCS Coordinator of Federal Programs and Testing Natasha Flowers said, "Today was about creating a space for open dialogue and collaboration. We value the input of our multilingual families and believe their perspectives are vital in shaping a successful educational experience for all."
Bluff Park Elementary's Annual Outdoor Social
Bluff Park Elementary School's (BPES) annual Outdoor Social on October 26 was a tremendous success. It brought together families, city leaders, and the community to embrace the beauty of its outdoor classroom space.
Live music, a cake walk, bingo, farm animals, and more added the perfect touch to this memorable event. This year, the school proudly unveiled its new greenhouse and raised beds, showcasing how students learn the journey from farm to table. Parents were able to see how students are growing vegetables to eat and sell.
The Folklore Center, a cabin on the school's property, opened its doors for tours, bringing a touch of history to the festivities. Click here for a highlight video on Bluff Park Elementary School's Instagram!
You're Invited to the Ho Ho Hoover-Randle Open House Benefiting Hoover Helps
Hoover Helps invites you to the Ho Ho Hoover-Randle Open House on Sunday, December 3, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. Bring the whole family and jump-start your holiday season by spreading Christmas joy! Hoover Helps is an organization that supports children in Hoover who struggle to have their basic needs met.
Each $15 ticket allows you to experience a day full of fun holiday festivities, homemade hot chocolate, and great eats from your favorite local restaurants. There will also be performances by the Spain Park Dazzlers, Hoover High Buccanettes, and Hoover choirs. You can also take pictures with Santa! Go to www.hooverhelps.org for more information and to purchase tickets.
Hoover City Schools
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