Shelby County Schools

Encouraging girls to consider future careers in STEM-related fields was one of the goals of the STEM Goes Red event held on November 15 at the Shelby County Instructional Services Center. Over 150 girls in grades 6-12 from middle and high schools across the district attended the event. According to the event's sponsor, the American Heart Association, STEM Goes Red brings interesting careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to life for young women. Student attendees gained firsthand experience, connected with inspiring professionals, and learned about jobs across STEM fields.

Five members of the Helena High Husky Marching Band will participate in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade after being selected for the Macy's Great American Marching Band. Congratulations to Thomas Washer, Kaden Vanderford, Dylan Strickland, Harrison Frith, & Gabe Day.

Congratulations to David Martin from Montevallo High for being named the Dr. Tom & Betty Lawrence American History Teacher Award winner. This national award acknowledges educators who distinguish themselves in teaching the history of the American Revolution. Senator April Weaver presented Martin with a state resolution recognizing this honor.

Dr. Lewis Brooks kicked off his 24-25 VOICE (Vision, Openness, Insight, Communication, and Engagement) parent meetings today in the Oak Mountain community. Thank you to this great group of parents for your feedback and support of our schools. #EmpoweringandInspiringExcellence

Two Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS) affiliates recently honored three Shelby County Schools administrators. The Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) selected Dr. Mathew Epps as District 5's High School Principal of the Year for the 2024 - 2025 school year. The Alabama Association of Middle School Principals (AAMSP) selected Dr. Jenise Hampton as District 5's Middle School Principal of the Year and Jennifer Nabors as Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year for the 2024 - 2025 school year. Congratulations to these outstanding leaders on this well-deserved honor.

Here are 31 reasons to celebrate #PrincipalApprecationMonth! We are blessed to have the very best working for Shelby County Schools!

October is #NationalPrincipalsMonth! Today, we honor these two amazing leaders of our Vincent schools! Thank you for empowering and inspiring our students and staff to achieve excellence every day! We are grateful for your leadership. 👏💙 #EmpoweringandInspiringExcellence

October is #NationalPrincipalsMonth! Today, we honor these four dedicated leaders of our Helena schools! Thank you for empowering and inspiring our students and staff to achieve excellence every day! We are grateful for your leadership. 👏💙 #EmpoweringandInspiringExcellence

"October is #NationalPrincipalsMonth! These fantastic leaders from the Oak Mountain zone are doing an amazing job empowering and inspiring students and staff to achieve excellence in all areas! We are grateful for all you do! 👏💙 #EmpoweringandInspiringExcellence

🍎🥪 It's #NationalSchoolLunchWeek, and we’re giving a huge shoutout to our incredible and dedicated CNP professionals who serve nutritious meals that fuel our students' minds and bodies each day, helping them succeed in the classroom and beyond. Thank you for your hard work!

"October is #NationalPrincipalsMonth! Today, we recognize these amazing leaders from the Columbiana zone! Your dedication and leadership empower and inspire students and staff to achieve excellence every day! We are grateful for all you do! 👏💙 #EmpoweringandInspiringExcellence

"October is #NationalPrincipalsMonth! Today, we recognize these four fabulous leaders of our Calera schools! Thank you for empowering and inspiring our students and staff to achieve excellence each and every day! We are grateful for your dedication and leadership. 👏💙 #EmpoweringandInspiringExcellence

Congratulations to Chelsea High School which was named to the 2023 AP School Honor Roll! The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose Advanced Placement programs are delivering results and broadening access for students. Schools can earn the Honor Roll recognition annually based on their ability to increase their school’s college-going culture, provide opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximize college readiness. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Chelsea High School is a Silver member of the Honor Roll. Chelsea had 55 percent of seniors who took at least one AP exam during high school, 33 percent of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP exam, and 18 percent of seniors who took five or more AP exams. Chelsea was also recognized with the AP Access Award for ensuring AP coursework is equally available to students no matter their backgrounds.

Congratulations to Helena High School which was named to the 2024 AP School Honor Roll, which recognizes schools whose Advanced Placement programs are delivering results and broadening access for students. Schools can earn the Honor Roll recognition annually based on their ability to increase their school’s college-going culture, provide opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximize college readiness. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Helena High is a Silver member of the Honor Roll. Helena had 54 percent of seniors who took at least one AP exam during high school, 35 percent of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP exam, and 8 percent of seniors who took five or more AP exams. Helena High was also recognized with the AP Access Award for ensuring AP coursework is equally available to students no matter their backgrounds.

Congratulations to Oak Mountain High School which was named to the 2024 AP Honor Roll! The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs are delivering results and broadening access for students. Schools can earn the Honor Roll recognition annually based on their ability to increase their school’s college-going culture, provide opportunities for students to earn college credit, and maximize college readiness. The AP School Honor Roll offers four levels of distinction: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Oak Mountain High is a Gold member of the Honor Roll. Oak Mountain had 68 percent of seniors who took at least one AP exam during high school, 48 percent of seniors scoring a three or higher on at least one AP exam, and 13 percent of seniors who took five or more AP exams!

"October is #NationalPrincipalsMonth! Today, we continue the celebration by recognizing the outstanding leaders in our Montevallo schools. Thank you for empowering and inspiring our students and staff to achieve excellence both inside and outside of the classroom! We are grateful for your dedication and leadership. 👏💙 #EmpoweringandInspiringExcellence

"October is #NationalPrincipalsMonth! Today, we are celebrating the amazing leaders in the Chelsea school zone. Thank you for empowering and inspiring our students and staff to achieve excellence every day! We are grateful for your dedication and leadership. 👏💙 #EmpoweringandInspiringExcellence

"October is #NationalPrincipalsMonth! Today, we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible leaders at our schools. Our principals empower, inspire, support, and guide our students, teachers, and staff every day - making a lasting impact on education and the community. We will highlight different school communities throughout the month, but today we start with these incredible leaders of our three Centralized Schools. Thank you for your dedication and leadership! 👏💙 #EmpoweringandInspiringExcellence

Happy #NationalCustodiansDay! 🧹✨ Today, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of our amazing custodial staff who keep our schools clean, safe, and welcoming for students and staff every day. Thank you for all you do to create a positive learning environment! #ThankACustodian #EmpoweringandInspiringExcellence

The Shelby County Board of Education has approved Jennifer McCaleb to serve as the next principal of Calera High. McCaleb has over 20 years of education experience and recently served as the interim principal at CAHS. Before that, she served as the assistant principal.