In the Loop
January 17, 2025
Upcoming Important Dates:
Monday, January 20 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day (All schools and offices will be closed.)
Monday, February 17 - Presidents' Day (All schools and offices will be closed.)
Tuesday, February 18 - E-Learning Day for Students
PARENTS, Be a HERO in your student's success...remember ATTENDANCE MATTERS!
All TCS schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 20th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!
Dr. Patrick Martin, Superintendent of Trussville City Schools, presented the State of the Schools Address at the Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on January 16, 2025. Hewitt-Trussville High School Senior Ethan Ridley led the Pledge of Allegiance and Hewitt-Trussville High School SCA President Sally DeShazo led the attendees in prayer.
Circool Set to Launch in Trussville City Schools
In January 2025, our schools will be transitioning to Circool as our district-wide visitor management program. This is another measure to assure the parents, guardians, and the community that the system is working diligently to provide a safe and secure environment for TCS students and staff. When you need to enter our school beyond the atrium, you will checkin at the front desk, present your Circool QR Code and receive a name badge.
Why Circool? Many of our schools have been using Circool when we host events, now Circool will also be used for individual entry, reunification and soon many other applications. We recognize the need for fewer, more integrated applications, not only to enhance school safety but also to streamline your experience.
TCS Lock Down Drill Information
Trussville City Schools is required by law to participate in lock down drills each semester. In the coming weeks, each school will have a lock down drill. If you arrive at the school during a drill, please wait outside until the drill is completed. You will be allowed in the school as soon as the drill is completed. Thank you for supporting our efforts to keep our school communities safe through preparation and practice.
TCS Honors Bus Drivers of the Year
Trussville City Schools would like to congratulate Marshall Walk (Elementary) and Larry Graham (Secondary) for being selected as our TCS Bus Drivers of the Year! These two men, as well as our entire transportation department, play a vital role in our system. For many of our students, their bus driver sets the tone of the day, and we are very thankful for their positive impact on our students!
Pictured above from L to R: TCS Transportation Supervisor Dale Posey, Mr. Larry Graham, Mr. Marshall Walk, and TCS Superintendent Dr. Patrick Martin.
Faculty and staff were asked to nominate students from each grade level who illustrate characteristics of strong character, responsibility, academic achievement, or leadership.
Congratulations to the Students of the Month for November:
Freshmen: Hadleigh Hancock & Hannah Osborne
Sophomores: Meredith Buxton & Emmeline Scott
Juniors: Giulia Durastante & Jocelyn Van Horn
Seniors: Libby Armstrong & Owen Robinson
Have you ever wanted to explore New York City or see Broadway shows? Then, we have a trip for you! The HTMS theatre department travels to New York every other year, and we're preparing for our spring 2026 trip.
Interest Meeting
Monday, January 27 5:30PM
HTMS Auditorium
(This trip is for HTMS students only. One parent must accompany their student on the trip.)
Cahaba's Sensory Garden of Growth and Love
In the winter of 2020, a fifth-grade boy named Will Davis joined the Cahaba Sensory Garden group during Cahaba Elementary's EnRiCh Experiences. Guided by Mrs. Jenni Scott, Mrs. Tina Fortenberry, and Mrs. Jaime Giangrosso, the group dreamed of creating a garden that would soothe anxious children through sensory stimulation. Will’s thoughtful input stood out early when he said, “We must have ‘Lamb’s Ears’—they are soft and calming.” Although the project paused due to the challenges of COVID-19 and the heartbreak of losing a beloved classmate, Troy Ellis, the Sensory Garden gained a deeper meaning. Honoring Troy’s memory, his family and classmates added a fountain and labored tirelessly to create the peaceful sanctuary initially envisioned.
Fast forward to 2024, and Will, now a confident Hewitt-Trussville sophomore, returned to complete what he had started. As part of his Eagle Scout project, he reimagined the garden with new ideas and presented them with remarkable confidence and clarity. His mission: to make the Sensory Garden even more special for future generations. Yesterday, with the support of over 40 volunteers, generous community donors, Cahaba Elementary School, and the Troy Ellis Foundation, Will transformed his vision into reality. And yes—true to his word—he planted those soft, calming Lamb’s Ears. This story of resilience, community, and love will forever be a cherished memory for all who took part.
Math Team at Magnolia
Magnolia's Math Team, under the direction of Anna Walker, fourth grade teacher, recently met after school to engage in complex and engaging mathematics activities.
Paine 2nd Graders Study the Importance of Community
Mrs. Ferguson’s 2nd grade reading class wrapped up their unit on community by using the ‘hook’ strategy to collaboratively create a “pot of soup”. Learning that while each ingredient is unique, together they make something greater—just like how we are adequate as individuals, but even better as a community.
Theatre Program Featured by Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club
Trussville City Schools Theatre teachers, Mrs. Jennifer Bruno (HTMS) and Mrs. Charlotte Norris (HTHS), were this week's Trussville Rotary Daybreak Club guest speakers. They highlighted the achievements of our TCS theatre students this year, and discussed upcoming productions for the Spring semester.
HTHS Marching Band
2025-2026 Auxiliary Tryouts
Registration Open until Friday, February 7th
Magnolia Students' Art Heading to the Alabama State Capitol
Third grade students Aeva and Emmy will be representing Magnolia and Trussville City Schools during an upcoming art show. According to Mrs. Jessica DeWitt, Magnolia Art Teacher, "The Alabama State Department of Education is hosting this art show that will represent works of art created by students across the state. The show is being held at the Old Supreme Court Library of the Alabama State Capitol from March 7-28th. Aeva created a mixed media flag design that she titled 'American Heart.' Emmy created a mixed media collage of a vase of flowers by paper weaving the vase and using painted papers for the flowers. Emmy titled her work 'Bunch of Love.' We are so proud of them."
Trussville City Board of Education
The Trussville City Board of Education will hold its January monthly meeting on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 4:30pm. The livestream link to the meeting will be published on the TCS website (www.trussvillecityschools.com) at 4:15pm January 27, 2025.
Cahaba Celebrates "Day of Little Candles"
In STEM Lab, students learned about Holiday Customs in Columbia as part of our Multicultural Holiday Celebration during December. Each grade level created beautiful luminaries for the Columbian celebration known as, “Day of the Little Candles.” Day of the Little Candles marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Colombia. On this special night, families, friends, and neighbors come together to light small candles and colorful lanterns outside their homes, on sidewalks, balconies, and in parks.
After the candles are lit, family and friends walk the streets reflecting on the blessings they’ve received and make wishes for the future. Cahaba students walked quietly by the luminaries reflecting on their blessings and making wishes for next year. Thanks to Mrs. Smith, we may have another Cahaba Tradition!
We are excited to invite you to our upcoming Casino Night in support of the Trussville City Schools Foundation on Saturday, February 15th. This high-energy, fun-filled evening will bring together our community for a night of gaming, entertainment, and charitable giving! Ticket sales go LIVE at noon on Monday, January 20th so get yours quick! It's the hottest ticket in town!
TCS Board of Education Meeting Schedule for 2024-25 School Year
January 27, 2025 - 4:30 pm Board Meeting
February 24, 2025 - 5:00 pm Board Meeting
March 17, 2025 - 5:00 pm Board Meeting
April 21, 2025 - Board Retreat
April 21, 2025 - 5:00 pm Board Meeting
May 19, 2025 - 5:00 pm Board Meeting
June 9, 2025 - 5:00 pm Board Meeting
All Meetings will be held in the Boardroom of Central Office.
The Board Meeting livestream link will be posted on the TCS Website (www.trussvillecityschools.com) 15 minutes before the meeting start time
on the day of the meeting.
Community Corner: Local Events & Activities Supporting our Students and Families
Trussville Parks & Recreation
Trussville Youth Volleyball Academy
Open to grades 1-6
Learn skills in passing, hitting & setting
February 2, 2025
Contact troy.collins@trussville.gov for more information
Trussville Parks & Recreation
Rec Runners
Join us to learn the basics of Track & Field
Interest Meeting: February 11, 2025 6:00PM at the Trussville Civic Center
Team Registration: NOW - February 29, 2025
Cost: $120
Ages 5-14 are welcome!
For more information: contact Kela Leatherwood at kela.leatherwood@trussville.org or
(659) 444-3928
Trussville Parks & Recreation
Spring Flag Football Registration Information
Registration: January 6 - February 28
Cost: $125 + $30 jersey fee
Who Can Participate: 6u - 14u (co-ed)
Evaluations will be the first week of March
Games will begin in April
For more information: contact Zach Manning at zmanning@trussville.org or (205) 508-0779
Trussville United Soccer Club
2025 Spring Season
Open to all players U4-U19 (ages 3-18)
Registration ends January 31, 2025
Season starts will vary by age with practices starting at the end of February and games in March.
U4-U5 (ages 3-4) - $115
U6 (age 5) - $175
U8 (ages 6-7) - $195
U9-U19 (ages 8-18) - $205
Early bird discount $25 if registered before December 31, 2024.
Late registration adds +$15 after January 31, 2025.
Visit www.trussvilleunitedsoccer.com for more information.
Trussville Parks & Recreation
Spring Baseball 2025
Registration Dates:
Early Registration - November - January 19 - $130.00
Registration - January 20 - February 2 - $150.00
Late Registration - February 3 - February 6 - $220.00
Last Day of Registration - February 6
Evaluations: Begin February 10
Key Points:
*Join us for the inaugural season at the baseball complex!
Opening Day Parade and Festival
Spring Tournaments
All Stars
For more information, contact Lawrence English, Director of Baseball at (205) 508-0358 or by email to LEnglish@trussville.org
Trussville Spring T-Ball
Registration: Open December 1 - March 16
Cost: $100.00 per person (jersey not included)
Practices will start the week of March 31. Games will start the week of April 21. Final games will be held on May 17. There will be one or two games a week. On weeks with one game, a practice will be scheduled.
For more information: contact Ben Dawkins at (205) 508-0629 or by email to ben.dawkins@trussville.org.
Come here from HTHS Career Coach, Mrs. Lisa Smith on Thursday, January 23 as she discusses financial planning tools in preparation for your student's post-graduation plans!
Important Resources for TCS Parents & Students
Shortcuts to important resources listed on the TCS District website: