The Bragg Student Newsletter
December 2-6, 2024
Our Mission and Vision
The Mission of Bragg Middle School is to prepare a responsible, educated student to adapt and be successful in future endeavors. We will accomplish this by providing a creative, meaningful curriculum implemented by an innovative, competent staff in a safe, orderly environment which is conducive to learning.
The vision of Bragg Middle School is that all students have a right to a clean, safe, challenging environment that promotes learning with high expectations of achievement and good character.
Absence Excuses
Easy Way to Submit Absentee Excuses!!
Parents, sometimes excuses get lost or forgotten about between home and coming to the office. You may now submit excuses via this platform. If you have a parent note, you will simply enter the information. If it is a different type of excuse (doctor, court, funeral, etc.), it will allow you to submit a picture of the documentation. You can still send excuses by students if you wish.
This Week
Monday - December 2
- Special Education Teachers' Day
- Basketball v Simmons (Boys Team Only)
- LUNCH: Chicken Parmesan Sandwich OR Hamburger/cheeseburger, Trimmings, French Fries, Green Beans, & Variety of Fruit
- QUOTE of the DAY: A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week. George S. Patton
Tuesday - December 3
- Winter Choir Concert
- LUNCH: Country Fried Steak with Gravy, Rich's Homestyle Roll, Mashed Potatoes, Pinto Beans, & Variety of Fruit
- QUOTE of the DAY: If you don't like how things are, change it! You're not a tree. Jim Rohn
Wednesday - December 4
- Wrestling v McAdory, Rudd, & Oak Mt. (GHS)
- Basketball v Liberty Park (B-H / G-A)
- LUNCH: Chicken poppers OR Tater Tot Casserole, roll,
- QUOTE of the DAY: The more a man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large. - Confucius
Thursday - December 5
- Christmas Parade
- LUNCH: Stuffed Crust Pizza, Corn, Garden Salad, & Variety of Fruit
- QUOTE of the DAY: Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another. John Dewey
Friday - December 6
- Wrestling-Ed Franks Invitational @ GHS
- LUNCH: Sweet & Sour Chicken, Fried Rice, Egg roll, Stir Fry Vegetables, Cooked Carrots, & Variety of Fruit
- QUOTE of the DAY: There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living. Nelson Mandela
Saturday & Sunday - December 7 & 8
- 7 - Happy Birthday, Mrs. Dyess!!!
- 7 - Wrestling-Ed Franks Invitational @ GHS
Other Information for the Week
- Kindness Challenge of the Week: If you are in a conversation that becomes negative, add positive comments to turn it around.
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens: Habit 4: Think Win-Win - Teens can learn to foster the belief that it is possible to create an atmosphere of win-win in every relationship. This habit encourages the idea that in any given discussion or situation both parties can arrive at a mutually beneficial solution. Your teen will learn to celebrate the accomplishments of others instead of being threatened by them.
- The Essential 55: Rule 17 “When we are in transition from one class to the other, the change will be swift, quiet and orderly. We should be consistently able to move from one class to another, complete with all homework and necessary materials, as quickly as possible.
Who to Contact...
Upcoming Dates
Important Dates in the Future
December - 2024
- 9 - Basketball v Homewood (B-A / G-H)
- 10 - Wrestling v Huntsville & Mt. Brook
- 12 - Band Christmas Concert; Basketball v Mt Brook (B-H / G-A)
- 14 - Wrestling @ Mortimer Jordan Christmas Invitational
- 16 - Basketball v Oak Mt (B-H / G-A)
- 17 - Wrestling v Hartselle & McAdory
- 20 - End of 1st Semester
- 23 - Christmas Break Begins (12/23-1/7)
- 25 - Merry Christmas!!
January - 2025
- 1 - Happy New years!!!
- 6 - Professional Development Day
- 7 - Teacher Workday
- 8 - Students Return
- 9 - I-Ready Testing; Basketball v Berry (B-A / G-H); Wrestling v Homewood
- 10 - I-Ready Testing; Report Cards go Home; Wrestling-Jim Pressler Duals @ Spain Park
- 11 - Wrestling-Jim Pressler Duals @ Spain Park
- 13 - Basketball v Clay (B-H / G-A)
- 14 - Wrestling @ Chelsea
- 16 - Basketball v Hewitt (B-A / G-H)
- 18 - Wrestling-Berserker Battle @ Jasper High
- 20 - Inauguration Day; MLK, Jr. Day (No School); Wrestling - Jefferson County Tournament
- 21 - Basketball v Liberty Park (B-A / G-H)
- 23 - Basketball v Bumpus (B-H / G-A); Wrestling @ Hewitt
- 25 - Wresting-Metro Championships @ Hoover High
- 27 - Girls' Basketball Metro Tournament
- 28 - Basketball Metro Tournament
- 29 - Basketball Metro Tournament
- 30 - Basketball Metro Tournament
- 31 - Miss Reflections Pageant; Basketball Metro Tournament
February - 2025
- 1 - Black history Month Begins
- 2 - Groundhog's Day
- 3 - School Counselor Week Begins
- 5 - Progress Reports
- 10 - Dance Clinic
- 11 -Dance Clinic
- 12 - Dance Clinic
- 13 - Dance Tryouts
- 14 - E-Learning Day; Valentine's Day
- 15 - SRO Appreciation Day
- 17 - Weather Day (No School); President's Day; Baseball @ Thompson
- 19 - Softball @ Oak Mt
- 20 - Softball @ McAdory
- 21 - Softball Round Robin @ NJMS
- 22 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day
- 24 - Cheer Clinic; Softball @ Berry
- 25 - Cheer Clinic; Softball v Hueytown (Bill Noble); Baseball @ Trussville
- 26 - Cheer Clinic; Softball v Hewitt
- 27 - Cheer Clinic; Baseball v Thompson
- 28 - Cheer Tryouts; Softball Thompson Tournament
March - 2025
- 1 - First Day of Women's History Month; Softball Thompson Tournament
- 3 - ACAP Alternate; Softball @ Vestavia; Baseball v Oak Mt.
- 4 - ACAP Alternate; Softball v Jasper
- 5 - ACAP Alternate; Softball v Simmons
- 6 - ACAP Alternate; Detention; Softball @ Hueytown; Baseball v Trussville
- 7 - ACAP Alternate; Softball- Jag Classic @ Berry
- 8 - Softball- Jag Classic @ Berry
- 9 - Daylight Savings Time Begins
- 10 - Softball @ Mt. Brook; Baseball @ Oak Mt
- 11 - End of 3rd Nine Weeks
- 12 - Softball v Bumpus; Baseball @ NJMS
- 14 - Pi Day; Softball McAdory Tournament
- 15 - Softball McAdory Tournament
- 17 - St. Patrick's Day; Report Cards go Home; Softball v Homewood
- 18 - Baseball v Helena
- 19 - Softball @ Thompson; Baseball v NJMS
- 20 - Crossing Guard Appreciation Day; Softball v McAdory
- 21 - Baseball Tournament@ Thompson
- 22 - Baseball Tournament@ Thompson
- 23 - Baseball Tournament@ Thompson
- 24 - Spring Break Begins (24-28); Baseball Tournament@ Thompson
April - 2025
- 1 - Baseball v Hueytown
- 4 - School Librarian Appreciation Day; Softball Metro Tournament @ Berry
- 5 - Softball Metro Tournament @ Berry
- 7 - Assistant Principals' Week Begins
- 9 - Progress Reports
- 10 - Baseball Metro Championship @ Trussville
- 11 - Baseball Metro Championship @ Trussville
- 12 - Baseball Metro Championship @ Trussville
- 14 - ACAP
- 15 - ACAP; Tax Day
- 16 - ACAP
- 17 - ACAP
- 18 - National High Five Day
- 20 - Easter
- 21 - School Administrative Professionals Week Begins
- 25 - I-Ready Testing
- 26 - Intermediate & Advanced Band Trip; National Pretzel Day
- 28 - E-Learning Day
- 29 - ACAP Make-up
May - 2025
- 1 - First Day of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
- 2 - School Lunch Hero Day
- 4 - Teacher Appreciation Week Begins
- 5 - Cinco de Mayo
- 7 - School Nurse Day; Testing Celebration Day
- 9 - Science/Math Six Flags Trip
- 11 - Mother's Day
- 13 - Band Spring Concert
- 18 - Speech Pathologist Day
- 22 - Last Day for Students
- 23 - Teacher Workday
- 26 - Memorial Day
- 30 - Report Cards go Home
June - 2025
- 14 - Flag Day
- 15 - Happy Father's Day!!!
- 19 - Juneteenth
July - 2025
- 4 - Independence Day
August - 2025
- 5 - Teacher Workday
- 6 - District Professional Development Day
- 7 - Teacher Workday
- 8 - Professional Development Day
- 11 - 1st Day of School
Links
Faculty and Staff
Mrs. Allen - Physical Science 8
Mrs. Zay Allen teaches 8th-grade physical science. She is the school's lead mentor for new teachers. She is a graduate of Opelika High School and the University of Alabama. Mrs. Allen came to Bragg in 2008 and has been teaching since 2000 in other schools, such as Westlawn Middle and Rudd Middle School. Outside of school, she enjoys teaching Zumba, spending time with her family, and being a pastor's wife.
Email: zallen@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Ms. Bajus - English 8
Ms. Breianna Bajus teaches 8th-grade English. She has been at Bragg since 2019. She is originally from Mississippi.
Email: bbajus@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Barfield - Exceptional Education 6
Mrs. Melissa Barfield is an exceptional education teacher, working primarily with 6th-grade students. She is a graduate of Homewood High School and the University of Montevallo. Mrs. Barfield loves Star Trek, cats, and riding her motorcycle. She has been in education since 1990, teaching in Bessemer City Schools, Woodlawn High, Leeds Middle School, and has been at Bragg since 2005.
Email: mbarfield@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mr. Carlisle - Head Custodian
Mr. Bryan Carlisle is our head custodian. He is a retired fire fighter in Birmingham.
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Cazola - Family & Consumer Science
Mrs. Emily Cazola teaches family and consumer science to all three grades. She is the yearbook book sponsor and sponsor of the FCCLA. Additionally, Mrs. Cazola coaches bowling and tennis. She is a graduate of Gardendale High, Samford University, and UAB. Mrs. Cazola has been at Bragg since 2006, and teaching since 1995, having also taught at Snow Rogers Elementary.
Email: ecazola@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Clay - Exceptional Education 8
Mrs. Robyn Clay is an exceptional education teacher who works primarily with 8th-grade students. She is a graduate of Gardendale High and Samford University. Mrs. Clay has been in education since 1993, having taught at Erwin High, Fultondale High, and since 2007, Bragg.
"For those who believe no proof is necessary, for those who don't believe no proof is possible." Stuart Chase
Email: rclay@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Clemons - Math Coach
Mrs. Emily Clemons serves as the math coach for Bragg Middle School. Prior to coming to Bragg, she taught 6th grade math at Rudd Middle School.
Email: ehoffman@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Clevenger - English 8
Mrs. Clevenger teaches 8th-grade English.
Email: jclevenger@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Colbert - English 7
Mrs. Cara Colbert teaches 7th-grade English. She is also the sponsor of the drama club. Mrs. Colbert has taught at Bragg since 2018. Prior to Bragg, she taught at Irondale Middle and Gardendale High.
Email: ccolbert@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1042452236635655
Coach Collins - Math 7
Coach Michael Collins teaches 7th-grade math. He also coaches wrestling and golf. He graduated from Fultondale High School, The University of Alabama, and UAB. Coach Collins has been at Bragg since 2013. He has five children, including his triplets.
"It’s not how you start that’s important. How you finish is what matters."
Email: mcollinsjr@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1042452236635655
Mrs. Donaldson - English 6
Mrs. Linley Donaldson teaches 6th-grade English. She graduated from Hoover High School, The University of Alabama, and West Alabama. She came to Bragg in 2015. Before Bragg, she taught at Montevallo Elementary.
Email: ldonaldson@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Dyess - Office Coordinator
Mrs. Pam Dyess is the office coordinator at Bragg. She is a graduate of Gardendale High School and Jefferson State. She came to Bragg in 2002.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” - Eleanor Roosevelt
Email: pdyess@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Ms. East - Assistant Band Director
Ms. Caroline East serves as our assistant band director.
Email: ceast@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Coach Giangrosso - PE
Email: mkgiangrosso@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Gray - Choir
Mrs. Debbie Gray is the choir teacher. She is a graduate of Gordo High School and the University of Alabama. She has been in education since 1989, teaching at Pickens Academy, Tuscaloosa Academy, Vance Elementary, Shelton State Community College, Leeds Middle, McAdory High, Rudd Middle, and since 2004, Bragg.
Email: dsgray@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Grace - Art
Ms. Tabatha Grace teaches Art Education for the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at Bragg Middle School. She earned her BA in Studio Art from UAH, earned her MFA in Interdisciplinary Art from Goddard College, and is currently attending UAB for her Master of Arts in Education in Art Education, Visual Arts. Ms. Grace has taught across Alabama for many public and private programs to include, UAH, UNA, and USA.
Email: tgrace@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. K. Green - Exceptional Education 7
Mrs. Kim Green is an exceptional education teacher, who works primarily with 7th-grade students.
Email: kimgreen@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. T. Green - Science 6
Mrs. Tara Green is a 6th-grade science teacher. She is the sponsor of TSA and robotics. She is a graduate of Hewitt-Trussville High School, the University of Alabama, and Samford University. Mrs. Green holds an engineering degree and worked in that field before becoming an educator. She has been in education since 2006, working at Paine Primary, Mount Olive Elementary, Gardendale Elementary, and Bragg since 2016.
"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world." ~ Dr. Seuss
Email: taragreen@jefcoed.com
Website: https://www.smore.com/nw812
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Griffin - Math 7
Mrs. Candace Griffin teaches 7th-grade math. She is also the sponsor of the school's ambassadors. She is a graduate of Corner High School and UAB. She began teaching in 2012 at Bessemer Academy. She came to Bragg in 2018. She is the Math Team coach.
“Be a shark...not a goldfish.” This means don’t sit and wait to be fed knowledge, but go out and seek it out for yourself.
Email: cgriffin@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1042452236635655
Mrs. Handley - World History 8
Mrs. Elisa Handley teaches 8th-grade world history. She is a graduate of Gardendale High, the University of Alabama, and Samford University. She began teaching in 1981 at Pittman Middle (now Hueytown Middle). She came to Bragg in 1995.
"You get out what you put in!"
Email: ehandley@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Coach Hannah - PE
Coach Tyler Hannah teaches physical education. He also coaches cross-country, basketball, and baseball. He graduated from Gardendale High School and Troy University, where he played baseball. He began teaching in 2012 at Gardendale High School, then came to Bragg in 2013.
Email: tdhannah@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. B. Harris - Library/Media
Mrs. Betsy Harris is our media specialist. She is also the tennis coach and sponsors the debate team.
Email: betsyharris@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. K. Harris - U.S. History 6
Mrs. Kenzie Harris teaches 6th-grade history. She is also the cheerleading coach.
Email: kmharris@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Coach Houchins - English 7
Coach Taylor Houchins teaches 7th-grade English. He also coaches football and wrestling.
Email: thouchin@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mr. Hundley - Assistant Principal
Mr. Brian Hundley is one of the assistant principals. Before coming to Bragg in 2021, he worked at Valley Elementary, Bluff Park Elementary, and Hoover High School. He graduated from Enterprise High School, The University of Alabama, and West Alabama.
"If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.” -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Email: bhundley@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Hutchens - Physical Science 8
Mrs. Rachel Hutchens teaches 8th-grade science is is the school's athletic trainer. She began teaching full time at Bragg in 2021.
Email: rachelhutchens@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Hyde - U.S. History 6
Mrs. Hyde teaches 6th-grade history. She is a graduate of Minor High School and UAB. Mrs. Hyde began teaching in 1988 at Pinson Elementary and has been at Bragg since 2001.
"If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, it expects what never was and never will be." Thomas Jefferson
Email: lhyde@jefcoed.com
Website: https://www.smore.com/nw812
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Irvine - Counselor
Mrs. Ellen Irvine is one of our two counselors. Prior to coming to Bragg, she served as a counselor at Gardendale Elementary and Clay-Chalkville Middle.
Email: eirvine@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Jackson - Math 6
Mrs. Michelle Jackson teaches 6th-grade math. She graduated from Charleston High in Missouri, Jackson State University, and the University of Central Arkansas. She came to Bragg in 2018. She began teaching in 1993. She taught at Anniston Middle School, W.J. Clinton Elementary, Escambia Charter School, and Moss Point High School.
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel" - Maya Angelou
Email: mcjackson@jefcoed.com
Website: https://www.smore.com/nw812
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Kizer - Life Science 7
Mrs. Candace Kizer teaches 7th-grade science.
Email: ckizer@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1042452236635655
Mrs. Lambert - Math 8
Mrs. Ashley Lambert teaches 8th-grade math. She has served as a math coach for Jefferson county and a math team coach.
Email: amlambert@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mr. Landrum - Exceptional Education 6
Email: glandrum@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Lawson - Exceptional Education 7
Mrs. Haley Lawson is an exceptional education teacher, who primarily works with 7th-grade students. She also coaches softball and is the sponsor for First Priority.
Email: haleynelson@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Coach Leeman - World History 8
Coach James Leeman teaches 8th-grade world history. He is also the soccer coach. He is a graduate of Huffman High School, UAB, and Arkansas State. He came to Bragg in 2005.
"It's a great day to be a Rocket!"
Email: jleeman@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Martin - Exceptional Education
Mrs. Donna Martin teaches exceptional education. She works with our self-contained students. She is a graduate of Minor High School and UAB. She began teaching in 1997 at Pittman Middle (now Hueytown Middle), then came to Bragg in 1998.
"And this too shall pass"
Email: dmartin@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Deputy McGill - SRO
Deputy Matthew McGill is a fantastic asset to Bragg as our SRO. He is a Jefferson County Deputy Sherriff who came to us in 2019.
Email: mattmcgill@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Montgomery - Math Intervention
Mrs. Helen Montgomery teaches 7th-grade math. Before coming to Bragg, Mrs. Irby taught at Erwin Middle School. She is currently completing her doctorate at Samford University.
Email: helenmontgomery@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Moore - Science
Mrs. Marie Moore teaches 6th-grade science and is the dance team sponsor.
Email: mmoore@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Morton - ESL
Email: cmorton@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Piersol - Registrar
Email: kpiersol@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Porrill - Counselor
Mrs. Sabrina Porrill is one of our two counselors. Before serving as a counselor, she taught history. She also sponsors Future Problem Solvers. She is a Gardendale High School, UAB, and West Alabama graduate. She began teaching in 1992 and has been at Bragg since 1993.
“Do or do not; there is no try.” Yoda
Email: sporrill@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Dr. Robertson - Principal
Dr. Brad Robertson is the principal of Bragg Middle School. This is his 10th year in this position. Before Bragg, he served as an assistant principal at McAdory High School and Gardendale High School. He graduated from McAdory High School, Faulkner University, the University of Montevallo, and UAB. He began his career teaching history at Gardendale High School.
"I get knocked down, but I get up again. You're never gonna keep me down." - Chumbawamba
Email: brobertson@jefcoed.com
Website: https://www.jefcoed.com/BraggMS
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Facebook: facebook.com/braggmiddleschool/
Mrs. Roden - CNP Asst. Manager
Mrs. Elicia Roden is the assistant manager of the cafeteria.
Email: eroden@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Sansing - Math 8
Mrs.DeAnna Sansing teaches 8th-grade math. She is a graduate of Mortimer Jordan High School and Lee University. She began teaching in 1998. She taught at McAdory High and Bottenfield Middle (now Minor Middle) before coming to Bragg in 2015.
"Where there is no vision, there is no hope."
Email: dsansing@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Shelby - Assistant Principal
Mrs. Kimberly Shelby is one of the assistant principals at Bragg. Prior to coming to Bragg, she worked in the Alabaster School System as an elementary teacher.
Email: kshelby@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Coach Smith - PE
Coach Isaac Smith teaches physical education. Additionally, he is the head football coach and basketball coach. Prior to Bragg, Coach Smith taught and coached at Pleasant Grove and Brighton.
Email: ismith@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Smith - ISD
Mrs. Lula Smith works with students to make good choices, character education, and instilling the importance of education.
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Spittal - CNP
Mrs. April Spittal works in our cafeteria.
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Coach Thomas - PE / Athletic Director
Coach April Thomas is a physical education teacher. She is also the athletic director, volleyball coach, and bowling coach. She came to Bragg in 2005.
"It’s a good day to have a good day."
Email: aprilthomas@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Coach Tidwell - Career Clusters
Email: dtidwell@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Trapp - Nurse
Mrs. Courtney Trapp is our nurse. She came to Bragg in 2022.
Email: ctrapp@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Walker - Civics
Mrs. Sonya Walker is the 7th-grade civics teacher. She is a graduate of Gardendale High School and UAB. She began teaching in 1995. She previously taught at Clay Chalkville and Gardendale Elementary. Mrs. Walker came to Bragg in 2011.
"Hard work pays off!"
Email: swalker@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA`
Phone: 2053792600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1042452236635655
Mrs. Whisenant - Paraprofessional
Mrs. Jeanie Whisenant is a paraprofessional who works with our self-contained special education students. She has been at Bragg since 2016.
Email: jwhisenant@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Coach White - Geography
Coach Larry White is a 7th grade geography teacher. He began teaching in 1994. He has taught at Bragg, Gardendale High School, and Dora High. He is a graduate of Winston County High, Samford University, and the University of Alabama.
Email: larrywhite@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Wiggins - Speech
Mrs. Sandahlyn Wiggins is the speech teacher for Bragg. She is a graduate of Berry High School and the University of Alabama. She came to Bragg in 2018.
"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
Email: swiggins@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. G. Williams - CNP
Mrs. Glenda Williams works in the cafeteria.
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mr. N. Williams - Band
Mr. Nic Williams is the school's band director. He graduated from McComb High School in Mississippi, Mississippi State, and Auburn University. He began teaching in 2003. He has taught at Parrish High School, Clay-Chalkville High, and came to Bragg in 2017.
"Do, or do not. There is no try." -Yoda
Email: nicholaswilliams@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braggband
Mrs. S. Williams - Life Science 7
Mrs. Shealyn Williams teaches 7th-grade science. She also sponsors the Bragg Ambassadors. She is a graduate of Huffman High School and UAB. She began teaching at Bragg in 2018.
Email: shealynwilliams@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1042452236635655
Mrs. Wills - English 6
Mrs. April Wills teaches 6th-grade English. She came to Bragg in 2021. Before that, she served as a teacher and counselor in various schools, including Vestavia City Schools and Corner Middle.
Email: awills@jefcoed.com
Website: https://www.smore.com/nw812
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. A, Wood - CNP Manager
Mrs. Amanda Wood is the manager of the Child Nutrition Program at Bragg.
Email: amwood@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. L. Wood - Office Assistant
Email: lfwood@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
Mrs. Yager - Math 6
Mrs. Mary Yager teaches 6th-grade math. She is a graduate of Gardendale High School and UAB. She began teaching at Bragg in 2019.
Email: maryyager@jefcoed.com
Location: 840 Hazels Way, Gardendale, AL, USA
Phone: 2053792600
The History of Bragg Middle School
The school was originally called the Roy F. Bragg Junior High School and held its first full day of classes on August 31, 1976. The cost of the building was roughly $1.5 million. The original building consisted of eleven regular classrooms, two science rooms, a health classroom, a band/choral room, a gymnasium, two locker rooms, a dining area with a kitchen, and an office suite housing the administrative and guidance offices. The school, with the exception of the science classrooms, were laid with orange carpet. The walls were painted red and yellow.
Prior to its opening, Gardendale High School housed students in grades 7-12. The School was named after Roy Fain Bragg, a strong community and political advocate for the Gardendale community and for education.
The school was built around a new and unique design concept for the time period. The concept promoted more openness and connectedness within the school. The lunchroom has no walls around it and serves as the center of the school. In the beginning, most of the classrooms only had three walls and no door. The side of a classroom on the interior adjacent to the 'hallways' were open and exposed to the common/hall area. The concept was thought to be effective in eliminating the isolation of students and teachers, while creating a safer school environment for everyone.
The school mascot/nickname is "Rockets." The name was selected to sync with Gardendale High School, which was chosen by vote of the High School's first student body to honor the U.S. Space and Rocket program. The school colors are maroon and gray.
In 1996, the school faculty and administration embraced the Middle School Concept and the school became the Roy F. Bragg Middle School. The sixth-grade building opened in 2002 with twelve additional classes to accommodate sixth-graders from five feeder elementary schools.
In 2008 a new field house was built for use by athletic teams at the school. It was paid for by the Jefferson County Board of Education at a cost of $451,000. The city of Gardendale donated around $300,000 to the Board of Education several years ago, and part of that money was used to construct the field house.
In 2016, the school's gymnasium was named the "Deborah M. Murray Gymnasium" in honor of Coach Deborah Murray. She served as a science and physical education teacher from 1978 until her retirement in 2016. During her tenure she, at some point, coached all female sports, most notably volleyball and basketball.
The street the school is located on was renamed on June 20, 2016, in honor of Hazel Butts who retired in 2016 after serving for fifty years as a school crossing guard. She was honored with the reading of a proclamation from the Alabama Senate that honored Butts for her “outstanding professional achievement” and as an “adored member of the community.”
Bragg Middle School has been fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools since 1978.
The Carol Yarborough Student of Good Character Winners
- 2007- Hilary Parker
- 2008- Brooklyn McKinney
- 2009- Trey Graham
- 2010- Lauren Blakey
- 2011- Juan Jackson
- 2012- Lauren Lindsey
- 2013- Derrick Guntharp
- 2014- Reagen Handley
- 2015- Jesse Dixon
- 2016- Abbey Davis
- 2017- Riley Nails
- 2018- Erin Cantrell
- 2019- Jadyn Moreno
- 2020- Katie Myrick
- 2021- Bailey Stewart
- 2022 - Olivia Thornton
- 2023 - Layla Berry
- 2024 - Charla Attaway
Bragg 2nd Mile Teacher Winners
- 1990 - Sherry Masters
- 1991 - Joan Marks
- 1992 - Jeannene Griesbach
- 1993 - Polly Westbury
- 1994 - Mary Grimes
- 1995 - Jodi Stuedeman
- 1996 - Nancy Garrett
- 1997 - Sabrina Porrill
- 1998 - Martie McMurry
- 1999 - Catherine Walden
- 2000 - Debra Murray
- 2001 - Carol Jacobs
- 2002 - Keith Miller
- 2003 - Anita Osborn
- 2004 - Linda Barton
- 2005 - Tynette Grissom
- 2006 - Kelley Marshall
- 2007 - Lisa Hyde
- 2008- Rhonda Duncan
- 2009- Rodney Ragland
- 2010- Zay Allen
- 2011- Sabrina Porrill
- 2012- unknown
- 2013- Zay Allen
- 2014- Emily Cazola
- 2015- Rosalyn Parker
- 2016- Donna Tubbs
- 2017- Julie Clevenger
- 2018- Zay Allen
- 2019- Michelle Jackson
- 2022- Nic Williams
- 2023 - Julie Clevenger
- 2024 - April Wills