HCS Index

Photos: Iron City Studios and HCS

The Hoover City Schools District (HCS) celebrated a momentous occasion on Thursday, April 25, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the highly anticipated Performing Arts Center at Hoover High School (HHS). The $15.4M facility, which spans 36,000 square feet, marks a significant milestone for the district.

The event brought together district and school leaders, city officials, project developers, and HCS students and staff, all eager to witness the historic unveiling of the Performing Arts Center. The facility addresses the longstanding need for a dedicated space to accommodate the remarkable talents of HHS's performing arts students.

HCS Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox said, “The Hoover Board of Education’s investment in the new Performing Arts Center underscores the district’s commitment to providing our students with the best resources. As we embark on this exciting new chapter, we look forward to witnessing the countless performances and experiences that will enrich the lives of our students and community members alike." Read the district's full story here.

Spain Park High School and Hoover High School have again demonstrated their commitment to excellence in education by being named among the Top 15 Best High Schools in Alabama for 2024 by U.S. News and World Report.

In the recently released 2024 rankings, Spain Park High School secured the impressive position of #7, while Hoover High School earned the distinction of #11. These most recent rankings also place both high schools in the Hoover City Schools District among the top 5% of all high schools in the nation.

This recognition reflects the dedication of both schools to providing outstanding educational opportunities and preparing students for success in college and beyond. The rankings evaluated nearly 25,000 public high schools across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Read the district's full story here.

Hoover High School (HHS) has been awarded the prestigious U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School designation for its commitment to environmental sustainability and education. HHS is among 41 schools nationwide honored for its innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact, improve health and wellness, and offer effective sustainability education. The honorees were selected from a competitive pool of candidates nominated by 24 states.

During a Green Ribbon School celebration on Wednesday, May 1, at HHS, Alabama State Department of Education officials and environmental education organizations commended school leaders and students for being solution-seekers and encouraging an appreciation of Alabama’s natural heritage.

Advanced Placement Environmental Science Teacher and STEM Team Coach Janet Ort said, “Several students and I started thinking about this certification process three years ago. Senior Abigail Guillory and I have researched, questioned, documented, revised, and prepared the submission for the last two years. She was diligent and committed, and we had the support of many people in the school system to document our data. The award results from many students developing and shepherding new visions of sustainability and community activities. It is also the result of amazing administration support.” Read the district's full story here.

Whether your child is a returning student or new to our district, visit our website at www.hoovercityschools.net for all the enrollment details. Look for "2024-2025 Student Registration" at the top of the homepage. Make sure to complete the process by May 24, 2024.

Hoover City Schools proudly announces that two phenomenal educators have been selected as Alabama finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Ashley Dark, with Gwin Elementary School, was chosen as a state finalist in the mathematics category, while Berry Middle School's Melody Greene was selected as a finalist in the science category.

The PAEMST, a highly competitive and prestigious award, is the pinnacle of recognition for K-12 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers in the United States.

Administered by the National Science Foundation on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, these awards are a testament to the educators' exemplary teaching practices and outstanding contributions to their field. Read the district's story here.

Photo: Berry Middle School

Berry Middle School's (BMS) Lucille "Mrs. Z" Zeigler was selected as a 2024 Substitute Educator of the Year by Kelly Education in the Paraeducator category. This honor recognizes Zeigler's exceptional contributions to student achievement and her dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment at BMS.

From a pool of more than 300 nominees across the nation, Zeigler's exceptional qualities shone through, earning her a place among the four winners. Her profound influence on student success, coupled with her dedication to educational excellence and community building, has made her an invaluable asset to the BMS community.

"We are thrilled to see Mrs. Zeigler recognized as a 2024 Substitute Educator of the Year," said Melissa Hadder, Principal of Berry Middle School. "Her passion for teaching and dedication to our students' success truly set her apart. Our faculty, staff, and students adore her, and we are grateful for her outstanding contributions to our school community."

How much is Mrs. Z loved at Berry Middle School? Take a look at the Award submission video below from the educators who nominated her!

We are thrilled to congratulate to Patricia "Mrs. Pat" Chase, the district's longest-serving instructional support aide, for her outstanding dedication and service to education.

With an impressive 36 years of commitment to our district (in August), Mrs. Pat's passion for supporting students' learning journeys has made a profound impact at Hoover High School and beyond.

The Hoover Board of Education recognized Mrs. Pat during the April Board meeting for her remarkable contributions to our school community. Here's to many more years of inspiring excellence!

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Photo: Hoover High School

The Hoover City Schools District will soon bid farewell to Transportation Director Jeremy Bradford, a leader who has left an indelible mark on the department during his eight-and-a-half years of service. His meticulous oversight and unwavering commitment to safe and reliable transportation for students across the district have been invaluable. Brad Hayn is eager to step into Bradford's shoes.

Expressing gratitude for Bradford's years of service, Hayn emphasized the importance of his predecessor's commitment to the district. "We appreciate Mr. Bradford's dedication to the district all these years and ensuring the safety of our students," said Hayn, reflecting on Bradford's legacy.

Hayn has been a staple at Hoover High School, proudly serving as an assistant principal for a decade and a half. "It is hard to put into words how much Hoover High School has meant to my family and me. The hardest part of taking on this new opportunity is saying goodbye. It is truly a special place," said Hayn.

Despite the bittersweet departure from Hoover High, Hayn is enthusiastic about the journey ahead. "I am looking forward to working with all of the wonderful people who proudly serve Hoover City Schools and safely transport students every day," added Hayn.

Photo: Spain Park High School

In April, Spain Park High School (SPHS) proudly showcased the brand-new artificial turf on its baseball and softball fields. With excitement in the air, a ribbon-cutting event officially marked the debut of the state-of-the-art turf. This transformation, made possible by a groundbreaking $9 million partnership between the City of Hoover and Hoover City Schools, represents a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to elevate sports facilities across Hoover.

Initiated in 2022, this collaborative endeavor aimed to provide top-tier athletic infrastructure at SPHS and Hoover High School. The new turf is more than just a cosmetic upgrade; it signifies a strong commitment to enhancing the playing experience and safety for athletes, a commitment that Hoover City Schools and the City of Hoover are proud to uphold.

Leigh Hulsey, Alabama House Representative for District 15, met with some of our esteemed Hoover City Schools District (HCS) leaders in Montgomery. Hoover Board of Education member Craig Kelley, HCS Chief School Financial Officer Michele McCay, and Hoover Board of Education Vice President Alan Paquette were thrilled to exchange ideas about ways to further enhance educational experiences for our students!

Their dedication to staying informed and engaged with public education matters is commendable. Thank you to our district leaders for your commitment to serving our community and advocating for quality education for all.

Source: KultureCity

We are excited to announce that Shades Mountain Elementary School (SMES) has received KultureCity Sensory Inclusive certification. The school is committed to inclusion and innovation, and is proud to align with KultureCity to create a world where every individual, regardless of their ability, is celebrated for their unique contributions to society. Uma Srivastava, Executive Director of KultureCity, beautifully sums it up: "Empowering communities through inclusion and innovation."

Before attending an event or visiting SMES, families can download the free KultureCity App. Here, they can easily view available sensory features and their locations, ensuring everyone can fully enjoy their experience at SMES. Plus, the app's Social Story provides a helpful preview of what to expect, making each visit more comfortable and enjoyable for all. Read more from KultureCity here.

Photos: KultureCity

Photos: South Shades Crest Elementary School

On Tuesday, April 23, magic filled South Shades Crest Elementary! Candace Harris, a dedicated Air Force member returning from deployment, surprised her son Braylon at the school, creating a moment that will be cherished forever.

As Braylon sat in his classroom, unaware of the surprise awaiting him, his mother, Candace, walked into the classroom. The sheer joy and love that radiated from Braylon's face upon seeing his mom were truly priceless.

Principal Dr. Kara Scholl expressed her gratitude for being part of such a special moment, saying, "It was an honor to be a part of this special reunion. Braylon was so excited and surprised to see his mom walk in as the guest reader! The reunion brought tears to everyone's eyes, and the class clapped and cheered. They were so happy for their classmate! "

The touching reunion not only celebrated the love between a mother and her son but also served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military families. We extend a warm welcome home to Candace Harris and express heartfelt gratitude for her dedicated service to our country.

The future of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) innovation was on full display as fourth graders across the district came together at the Riverchase Galleria Mall to showcase their talent and teamwork in an exhilarating electric Goblin car race. They raced electric cars that they built themselves!

Under the guidance of dedicated educators, these students delved deep into the world of STEM, exploring engineering, design, and teamwork concepts. Hosted by the Greenpower USA Foundation, in collaboration with Hoover City Schools and Leadership Hoover, this program gave students a hands-on learning experience that ignited their passion for STEM.

Riverchase Galleria Mall staff provided space in a parking deck for the students to race their cars and set up the tracks. Gwin Elementary School emerged as the event's overall champion, taking home the coveted 1st place trophy. Additionally, the school secured two 2nd place trophies for individual races. Take a look at the highlight video below!

Learning for Life

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

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Website: hoovercityschools.net
Location: 2810 Metropolitan Way, Birmingham, AL, USA
Phone: 205-439-1000
Facebook: facebook.com/HooverCitySchools
Instagram: @HooverCitySchools

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