HTHS Parent Newsletter
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Welcome New School Leaders!
Mr. Aaron King, HTHS Principal
Mr. Aaron King is the husband to his lovely wife Kristen and father to his three daughters, Elizabeth, Rachel, and Rebecca. 2023-24 is his first year at Hewitt-Trussville High School as principal. Prior to his current position he was the Principal of Huntsville High School for eight years, Principal of Huntsville Middle School for three years and the HCS Director of Operations for one year. Mr. King is a lifelong learner and credits his accomplishments to the lessons taught to him by his family, his teachers, and his time in the Army.
Born the first of three children he entered the Army after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point. There he learned the values of Duty, Honor, Country. After West Point, he entered the Army as a Field Artillery officer. After his time in the military, he decided to settle down and start a family. He entered his educational career as a chemistry teacher and has enjoyed working with students ever since.
In his spare time Mr. King enjoys spending time with his family. You will see him at the various Husky games after school, or at one of the amazing theatrical shows, choir concerts or band concerts. He believes every student deserves a high-quality education. He is also a big believer in student voice within the school and makes it a high priority to listen to the students.
Education
United States Military Academy, B.S. Geography
University of Southern Mississippi, M.Ed. Educational Leadership
Samford University, Ed.S. Educational Leadership
Certifications
ALSDE Educational Leadership
MSDE Secondary Chemistry
Dr. Tiffany Hamilton, Assistant Principal
Dr. Tiffany Hamilton is a wife and a mother of three sons, Kolby, Max, and Beau. The 2023-2024 school year will be her first year at Hewitt-Trussville High School and she will serve in the role of assistant principal. Prior to joining the HTHS team, Dr. Hamilton served as an assistant principal at Thompson High School in Alabaster City Schools. She comes to Trussville City Schools with the passion to serve and build relationships at the high school but also within the community. In her spare time, Dr. Hamilton loves spending time with family, traveling, and reading.
Degrees and Certifications
Samford University, B.S. Biology
Liberty University, MAT, Secondary Education & Ed.S. Educational Leadership
Samford University, Ed.D. Educational Leadership
Mr. Mark Knauss, HTHS Director of Bands
Mark Knauss is the Director of Bands at Hewitt-Trussville High School where he conducts the Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band. He also directs the Marching Band and Jazz Program. Prior to Trussville, Mr. Knauss taught band at Thompson High School and Mary G. Montgomery High School. His bands consistently have received superior ratings at festivals and have performed in national events such as the 100th Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. He currently serves as the Music & Ensemble Coordinator for Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps.
Mr. Knauss is pursuing a Doctorate of Arts in Music Education with a concentration in Wind Conducting from William Carey University. His thesis topic focuses on diversity, inclusion, and multi-dimensional curriculum development for secondary wind bands. He holds a Master of Arts in Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Jacksonville State University. While at JSU he was a member of the Marching Southerners and JSU Jazz Ensemble One where he performed on two albums, including the Downbeat Magazine award-winning album, Everything In Its Right Place.
His professional affiliations include: the National Association for Music Education, National Band Association, Alabama Music Educators Association, Alabama Bandmasters Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Kappa Kappa Psi. Mr. Knauss is a native of Rome, Georgia and currently lives in Birmingham with his wife, Katy.
First Day of School
- Wednesday, August 9, last name A - J
- Thursday, August 10, last name K - Z (full school day, no early dismissal)
- Friday, August 11 all students attend
Doors open for students to enter the building each day at 7:25 am. Students will be expected to proceed to the PE Gym, the lunchroom or the band room (if they are in the band) until 8:00 am. At 8:00 am students are released to their lockers and 1st period classes. First period begins at 8:10 am each day.
Note that on August 9 and 10 students will be directed to the auditorium at 8:00 am for an 8:10 am orientation meeting.
Car Rider Drop-off and Pick-up Location
Student Class Schedules
Please remember that the HTHS master schedule was created based on student course requests completed in April. If the student schedule matches the student course requests (including alternate electives) the schedule will stand.
If an error was made, the grade level counselor will be happy to correct the mistake. If your student wishes to attempt a more rigorous version of a core course i.e. Advanced or AP we will also make that adjustment. No other course change requests will be granted.
When contacting counselors concerning student schedules, always make the contact via email. Calls, voicemails and personal visits for this purpose are discouraged. Counselors can make the most efficient use of their time handling these requests via email.
If you need your code for the registration process please email lauren.cooley@trussvillecityschools.com
Appropriate Handling of Student Related Concerns
- Start with contacting the teacher if the concern is class related. The teacher will be responsive, helpful and understanding.
- If there are continuing concerns or if the concern is not class related, please contact the grade level counselor or assistant principal.
- The counselor or assistant principal will consult Mr. King, HTHS Principal as needed. However, if for any reason the concern is not resolved by the counselor or assistant principal, please contact Mr. King, HTHS Principal
Grade Level Counselor and Administrator Contacts
Freshmen Orientation
New Student Orientation
TCS Parent and Student Handbook
- Attendance Policy - page 26
- Student Dress Code - page 35
- Student Code of Conduct - page 53
Handbook link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/160EoHIyE66t6GcrcKRN7tP7p1qxNYaov/view?usp=sharing
School Supplies
- pens, pencils and highlighters
- composition notebooks
- 3-ring binders
Teachers will share additional supply needs with students once school begins. Most teachers also appreciate donations of paper towels, disinfectant wipes and Kleenex.
Summer Reading
Looking Ahead
August
- 9 First day A-J
- 10 First day K - Z
- 11 All student attend
- 25 First home football game vs. Central Phoenix City
September
- 4 Labor Day Holiday