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JEFCOED Journal 2-2-24
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February 2, 2024
Superintendent's Message
Hello JEFCOED Family,
Between the severe weather and the winter weather days, January was quite the eventful month. From an educator’s standpoint, I certainly hate that we lost the instruction time, but I do hope you were able to rest and enjoy the extra time off. On that note, because Governor Ivey had declared a state of emergency, neither January 16th or 17th will have to be made up. Also remember we did E-learning for Friday, January 12th, so that day counted.
January was School Board Member Recognition Month. This year’s theme was Cultivating Brilliance in Alabama Schools. I would like to publicly thank Board President Carita Venable, Vice President Oscar Mann, and members Ronnie Dixon, Eddie Brown, and Stephanie Floyd for their continued support and encouragement as we work together in Cultivating Brilliance in JEFCOED schools. Not all superintendents have the luxury to work with such a stellar board. We are blessed to have such quality leadership in our district.
February begins Black History Month. I am looking forward to attending some of the programs that our schools have planned. It’s also Career and Technical Education Month. In honor of that occasion, we will have our February board meeting at McAdory High School, where our CTE students will have an opportunity to show off some of their skills.
Last but certainly not least, we are excited to unveil both our 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school calendars. They are linked below, and they are also available by navigating to JEFCOED.com. I would like to thank our committee made up of district leadership, principals, teachers, and parents. I think they have done an outstanding job on planning both school years!
Thanks to everyone for their hard work so far this school year, and let’s finish strong!
All the best,
Dr. Gonsoulin
Upcoming Calendar
February 8th - Progress Reports Sent Out
February 16th - E-Learning Day
February 19th - Schools Closed/Presidents' Day
March 25th - 29th - Spring Break
National Board Certified Teachers
Bethany Barnes - Minor Middle School
Erin Brown - Snow Rogers Elementary School
DeLaura Downs - Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School- Pleasant Grove Campus
Joshua Patton - Fultondale Elementary School
Maryann Pledger - Oak Grove High School
Clay-Chalkville High School Names New Head Football Coach
The Clay-Chalkville Cougars didn’t have to go far to find their next head football coach. Assistant Coach Stuart Floyd was officially promoted to Head Coach during January’s Jefferson County Schools’ Board of Education meeting.
Floyd served as Offensive Coordinator during last season’s state championship run. The Cougars captured the 6A state title and finished the year 14-0. In addition to developing the offensive game plan every week, Floyd also served as the school’s athletics director.
“It’s truly an honor to be the first alumni to be named Head Coach at Clay-Chalkville High School. I would like to thank Coach Drew Gilmer for bringing me back. None of this would be possible without that opportunity,” said Floyd. “This is “Home” for me, there is no place I would rather be. Clay-Chalkville’s prominence as one of the elite football programs in Alabama will continue.”
Floyd is a veteran of the Alabama high school coaching ranks. He previously served as an assistant at Clay-Chalkville High School from 2009 to 2017 under Head Coach Jerry Hood. During that time, the Cougars won the region five times, finished as the championship runner-up in 2015, and won the 6A state title in 2014. In addition, Floyd made stops at Hewitt-Trussville High School, Mortimer Jordan High School, and Springville High School, before returning to CCHS prior to the start of the 2023 season.
Floyd is also a graduate of Clay-Chalkville High School, earning his advanced academic diploma in 2000. He was a three sport athlete, and was the captain of the 1999 6A state championship football team. He also excelled off the field and was a member of the National Honor Society.
“It is amazing to have the guy who helped win the first state title here at Clay-Chalkville High School as the starting quarterback, the second state title (2014), and the most recent state title (2023) as the offensive coordinator. Clay-Chalkville High School is tremendously excited about welcoming Coach Stuart Floyd and his family to Cougar Country, as the new Head Football Coach,” said Dr. Eugene Dallas, Clay-Chalkville High School Principal. “Based on Stuart’s regional connection as both a former athlete and coach, he is well aware of the tradition behind Clay-Chalkville football and our expectation of excellence. Coach Floyd is very knowledgeable and has a great rapport with all the students at Clay-Chalkville High School, and I have no question, he will take Cougar football to new heights!”
“Clay-Chalkville has been such a bright spot for JEFCOED athletics the last few years. I am so happy that we had such a quality candidate in-house. I know Coach Floyd will continue to build on the great things happening in the Cougar program,” said Dr. Walter Gonsoulin, Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools.
Floyd is married to his wife Jamie. The couple has three children.
Pre-K Applications
Pre-K applications, as well as other resources and information for the 2024-2025 First Class Pre-K Classrooms for children zoned to our sites in the Jefferson County School System are available by visiting our Pre-K Program page here. Applications are available from Monday, January 15, 2024 to Friday, February 23, 2024.
Applications MUST be submitted by February 23, 2024.
Public Random Selection Drawing Dates
All public drawings will be held at the Jefferson County Board of Education located at 2100 18th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35209.
CLICK HERE for the Pre-K public drawing dates and times.
School Board Member Recognition Month
January was School Board Member Recognition Month in Alabama. The JEFCOED community showed gratitude to our dedicated school board members during January's meeting. Each board member was honored with books, which will be cherished additions to our school libraries. Additionally, they were showered with an outpouring of appreciation through cards, letters, works of art, and more.
The significant role our school board members play in shaping the future of our students and community does not go unnoticed, and we are genuinely thankful for their unwavering commitment and service.
Meet our newest JEFCOED Board Member, Stephanie Floyd!
Ms. Floyd believes that we should all strive to be lifelong learners, and she brings her passion for education to the Jefferson County School Board. Join us in celebrating her appointment and learn more about the person behind the name.
Blue Ribbon Celebration
The Jefferson County International Baccalaureate Middle School proudly hosted a National Blue Ribbon Ceremony to celebrate receiving the noteworthy achievement in education. The celebration brought together students, staff, and leadership to recognize and shed light on the significance of the award and the unique qualities that make JCIB truly exceptional.
JCIB High has also been named to the 2023 AP School Honor Roll! JCIB is a Platinum member of the Honor Roll! JCIB had 100% of seniors who took at least one AP exam during high school, 100% of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP exam, and 78% of seniors who took five or more AP exams!
The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results for students while broadening access. Schools can earn this recognition annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to increasing college-going culture, providing opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximizing college readiness. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
Students in 5th through 10th grade can apply to JCIB. All applications must be postmarked by February 14, 2024
JEFCOED Spelling Bee Winners
Congratulations to the following students who spelled their way to the top in the Jefferson County Schools Spelling Bee!
1st Place - Hayden Hock, North Jefferson Middle School
2nd Place - Reginald Tillman, Lipscomb Elementary School
3rd Place - Sawyer Stevens, Oak Grove Elementary School
Good luck to Hayden Hock as he moves on to regional competition! And congratulations to all of the participants. Each of you represented your schools well and did a fantastic job.
And the winning word this year? "Havens" – places that provide favorable opportunities or conditions.
Welcome Back to School!
JEFCOED Students Returned to class on January 5th. Here's a look at how some of our schools welcomed their kids back!
Students vs. Staff Newcomb Showdown
Grantswood Community's 5th graders definitely brought their A-game on the first day back, but it was the staff who emerged as champions in the 2nd annual Students vs. Staff Newcomb showdown! Congratulations to all the participants!
New Year, New Mascot!!
It was an exciting first day back from winter break at Clay Elementary School as students welcomed a furry new classmate, Cubby the Cougar Cub
The JEFCOED Fast Five!
Snow Rogers Peer Helpers
Gifted Education Month
2023-2024 Outstanding Elementary School Science Teacher Award,
Keeping it Clean!
100 Days of School!
Updates From Exceptional Education
Help Us Locate Children with Disabilities
The Jefferson County Board of Education has Child Find procedures that ensures that all children within its jurisdiction, aged three (3) to twenty-one (21), regardless of the severity of their disability, and who need special education and related services are identified, located, and evaluated. The Child Find procedures also apply to children who attend private schools, including children attending religious schools, within the Jefferson County Board of Education district, highly mobile children with disabilities (i.e. migrant and homeless children, or children who are wards of the state), and children who are suspected of having a disability and are in need of special education even though they are advancing from grade to grade. For more information, call the Jefferson County Board of Education, Department of Exceptional Education at 205-379-2033.
PUBLIC NOTICE: DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS
According to the Alabama Administrative Code, 290-8-9-08 (2) (h), an education agency must retain a copy of education records for five (5) years after the termination of the special education program for which they were used. At the end of the five (5) years retention period, the education agency will provide written notice to parents to inform them that the special education records are no longer needed and will be destroyed.
This serves as a notice that special education records for students who attended Jefferson County Schools and whose birthday is on or before December 31, 1997 will be destroyed after **February 9, 2024**. Parents or students may request the records by sending a written request to the Director of Exceptional Education at The Jefferson County Board of Education at the following address:
Susan R. Wirt
Director of Exceptional Education
Jefferson County Board of Education
2100 18th Street South
Birmingham, AL 35209
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