JEFCOED Journal October 25, 2024
Superintendent's Message
Hello JEFCOED Family,
We have just wrapped up the first nine weeks of school. It has been a busy but productive time for our students. We’ve seen a lot of great things happen during the first few months of the academic year. From outstanding achievement and recognition to the expansion of programs.
I’m writing this letter right after visiting the new JEFCOED Art Truck. We had the ribbon cutting after the board meeting Thursday. You can read more below about the truck and its purpose. But for now, let me just say how impressed I am with this mobile learning lab. This is another great way we continue to serve our students.
This week we kicked off the first of our Superintendent Student Advisory Council Meetings. It was wonderful getting to visit with students from all our campuses. This is by far one of the best parts of my job. In addition to our regular high school/middle school meetings, this year we also began an elementary version of the advisory council. All of these student representatives brought with them wonderful ideas about how we can continue to improve JEFCOED. I was also particularly impressed with how each of these students have taken an active role in their own education!
Recently, both Bryan Elementary and Bryant Park Elementary were recognized as two of Alabama’s 2024 Science of Reading Spotlight Schools. The Alabama Reading Initiative recognizes schools that have demonstrated a strong commitment to K-3 learners, and who have shown growth in their outcome data for proficiency and sufficiency that exceeds the growth of the state average. I recently visited both of these schools, and I spoke to several of the teachers. The old coach in me was so proud; these teachers aren’t just running the plays, they’re designing new ones to fit the particular needs of their students! I am so pleased they have been honored and recognized for their outstanding efforts.
If you didn’t know, October is National Principals' Month. During this time we honor and thank our school leaders for all their hard work and all they do on a daily basis. Being a principal is not your typical 9 to 5 job. From providing leadership, to counseling students, to attending athletic events, to hiring teachers, their work never ends. We are tremendously proud of all our administrators and thank them for their service to JEFCOED. Be sure to check out our social media channels, as we honor each of our administrators, and leave a comment thanking them for all they do.
Finally, I’m sure many of you heard that I have been named the Alabama/Schneider Electric 2025 Superintendent of the Year, as awarded by the School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA). I am tremendously honored by this recognition. I appreciate the outpouring of congratulatory calls, texts, and emails from all of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you! However, I do want to make clear that this award is not just for myself. This is an award for our district. Nothing that I have been able to accomplish would have been possible without the help and hard work of our board, our employees, our students, and our parents. We talk about the JEFCOED Family a lot. It’s our family that made this award possible. Thank you for all you’ve done to make JEFCOED strong!
Sincerely,
Dr. Gonsoulin
Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin has been chosen as the Alabama/Schneider Electric 2025 Superintendent of the Year, as awarded by the School Superintendents of Alabama (SSA).
“Dr. Gonsoulin is the epitome of a great leader! His innovative approach to improving student outcomes, passion for expanding educational opportunities, and love for the JEFCOED family are reflective in how he leads our school system,” said JEFCOED Board President Carita Venable. “We are blessed and honored to have Dr. Gonsoulin at the helm of Jefferson County Schools. Congratulations on being named Alabama's Superintendent of the Year!”
“I am honored and humbled to have been selected for such a prestigious honor. However, as I’ve stated previously, a good leader is only as good as his team. This award is a testament to their talent and hard work. I also have a tremendously supportive board. This district would not be where it is today, had it not been for their leadership. I thank them for their trust, confidence, and support. I will do my best to represent Alabama well at the national level,“ said Gonsoulin.
Dr. Gonsoulin was named the Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools in November 2019. He has over 30 years of experience in education and has served in various capacities including classroom teacher, principal, college professor, deputy superintendent, and ultimately superintendent. Gonsoulin will be honored by the School Superintendents of Alabama during a luncheon in March. He will also compete to be the national winner and will be recognized at the AASA National Conference on Education in New Orleans March 6-8, 2025.
By: Shelly Bailey, Visual Art Supervisor
JEFCOED is excited to announce the launch of its latest mobile art education initiative, the Mobile Visual Art Expressions Box Truck, our second mobile classroom, an innovative and fully equipped mobile art classroom designed to bring high-quality, hands-on art education to students in schools without full-time art programs. The official unveiling event took place on October 24th at the Jefferson County Board of Education,immediately following the board meeting.
Building on the success of our original mobile art bus, this next-generation Mobile Expressions Box Truck represents a major leap forward in arts education mobility. The new box truck is equipped with cutting-edge technology and interactive features designed to deliver a unique, immersive experience for students. This vehicle enables us to mobilize teaching artists and bring arts-integrated, hands-on learning directly to schools in underserved areas, where students may not have access to regular art instruction.
"With this new box truck, we are expanding our reach and deepening our impact, ensuring that no student misses out on the opportunity to explore their creative potential," said Shelly Bailey, Visual Arts Supervisor. "The arts are essential in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and personal expression, and this program is designed to give students an unforgettable experience, no matter where they are."
What Makes the Mobile Expressions Box Truck Unique:
Arts Integration: All lessons are aligned with state standards and emphasize the integration of arts with core subjects such as science, math, and language arts, allowing students to explore interdisciplinary connections.
Original Curriculum: Our team of expert educators has developed original lesson plans that feature in-house composed music, making the learning experience rich and multi-sensory. Every lesson is designed to be both engaging and educational, promoting creativity, and critical thinking.
Technological Innovation: The box truck is equipped with the latest technology to provide a truly interactive learning environment. Students can engage with digital art tools and participate in activities that blend traditional art with modern media. Along with advanced interior lighting design that provides a high quality work environment with some exciting color changing experiences that works in time with music.
Hands-On Learning: Each lesson is hands-on, allowing students to physically engage with various art forms, from painting to sculpture, ensuring that the learning experience is both active and memorable.
Serving Underserved Schools: This program specifically targets schools without full-time art programs, providing access to high-quality art education for students who would otherwise go without.
"Every student deserves the opportunity to experience the joy and benefits of arts education," added Dr.Terrence Brown , Director of Arts Education. "Our mission is to inspire the next generation of creators and thinkers, and with this new mobile classroom, we’re able to make art education accessible, no matter the circumstances."
The Mobile Expressions Box Truck serves as a powerful testament to the value of arts education and its role in shaping well-rounded students. It also highlights our commitment to equity in education, ensuring that all students, regardless of their school's resources, have the opportunity to explore their creativity and develop their artistic skills.
Supporting One of Our Own
Perfect Attendance
Congratulations to all 109 Pleasant Grove Elementary School students who maintained perfect attendance throughout September! A huge shoutout to the PTA for recognizing them with a Chuck E. Cheese Pizza Party. We are excited that these young scholars were here to learn and grow with us!
