Consistent school attendance is the key to a child's success. Regular attendance boosts their confidence, builds strong relationships, helps develop life skills, and ensures they don't miss out on crucial lessons. #AttendanceMatters
HIPPY - Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters is now accepting applications for students aged 2-5 years old who need assistance becoming kindergarten-ready. See below for more information.
Dr. Lewis Brooks joined superintendents from the Alabaster, Pelham, and Hoover school districts at the annual Shelby County Chamber of Commerce State of Our Schools Luncheon on August 30 to share what is going well in each district and what challenges they each face.
Maurice Whiting will serve as the next assistant principal at Calera High. Whiting, a graduate of Shelby County High School, has over ten years of experience in education and was most recently serving as the administrative assistant at Calera High.
Monica Hubbard will serve as the new assistant principal at Chelsea High. Hubbard has over twenty years of experience in public education and has taught 6-12 grade English in multiple states. She has been with Shelby County Schools for the past thirteen years at New Direction.
Dale Massey will serve as the next assistant principal at Helena High. Massey has served 12 years with Shelby County Schools, including as a teacher and department chair at Helena High. He most recently served as an administrative assistant at Chelsea High.
Congratulations to to Ashlee Elliott, one of our district's technology resource teachers, and Jayla Coleman, a senior at Chelsea High School who were honored as Journey Shapers by Dr. Lewis Brooks for their work in writing and illustrating the newly published - The ABCs of Computer Science. Through the partnership with the Shelby County Schools Education Foundation, all proceeds from the book sales will benefit the continued integration of computer science in K-12 classrooms across the district.
Congratulations to the 2023 Owens-Young Technology Innovation Award Winners. This year's winners are Angela Mitchell from Vincent Elementary, Whitney Howton from Oak Mountain Middle, and John Milton from Oak Mountain High.
The Owens-Young Technology Award was established in 2013 to honor the memory of two former Shelby County Schools’ employees who paved the way for teachers to integrate technology into their classrooms. Denise Owens, the wife of former District Attorney Robby Owens, was a former teacher and technology resource teacher who passed away in 2007. Michael Young, who passed away in 2013, was a network technician whose work supported teachers.
Each spring teachers are nominated by peers and school administrators for the Owens-Young Technology Award, which recognizes teachers who do an outstanding job of integrating technology into their classrooms and inspiring innovation among their colleagues. Each winner receives $1,000 in technology for their classroom and is invited to attend the Alabama Educational Technology Conference held each summer.
Madison Burton, SGA president for Chelsea High School and Youth Leadership Shelby alum, recently completed an internship for Leadership Shelby. This morning she helped welcome new Leadership Shelby class members and alumni at the annual kickoff breakfast.
Dr. Lewis Brooks, Superintendent of the Shelby County School District, has been named District Superintendent of the Year for District Five of the State Superintendent’s Association (SSA). Dr. Brooks is one of nine district winners for SSA that will now compete for the overall state Superintendent of the Year award.
Dr. Brooks was elected Superintendent of Shelby County Schools in 2018 and re-elected for a second term in 2022. During his tenure, he has led Shelby County Schools through several challenges, including a world pandemic and the aftermath of a tornado. He has ensured that academic progress is the chief focus resulting in student data that continues to trend upward.
Dr. Brooks has led the district to undertake a $43 million capital campaign project, providing classroom upgrades and facility improvements across the county. He has fostered innovation through instructional initiatives, including a new surgical technician program, a medical diagnostics program, and a substantial increase in dual enrollment class offerings throughout the district.
He has received numerous awards for his service, including the Samford University Learning for Life Award, the Alabama Association of Prevention and Support Services Leadership Award, and the University of Montevallo Distinguished Alumni Award. He was inducted into the University of Montevallo Student Athlete Hall of Fame and named a Superintendent to Watch by the National School Public Relations Association. He was recently honored as the 2022 Public Servant of the Year by the Greater Shelby County Chamber.
“I am blessed and honored to be recognized by my colleagues,” Dr. Brooks said. “I am very grateful to serve the students and the greater Shelby County community. This award is not just about me, but about all of the individuals who make Shelby County such a great place for student learning.”
Each SSA district selects a District Superintendent of the Year finalist in August. SSA uses a panel of judges to review the applications of the district finalists and select the Superintendent of the Year for Alabama. The Alabama Superintendent of the Year is then eligible to compete at the national level to become the National Superintendent of the Year awarded by AASA: The School Superintendents Association in February each year.
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April Maner will serve as the new assistant principal at Helena Elementary. Maner has served in Shelby County Schools for thirteen years. She began her career at Calera Elementary School as a kindergarten teacher and first-grade teacher. She most recently served as a Local Reading Specialist for the district and as an administrative assistant for Helena Elementary. April has a bachelor’s degree in Human Environmental Sciences from the University of Alabama, a master's degree in Elementary Education, a certification in Instructional Leadership, and most recently an Education Specialist degree in Instructional Technology from the University of Montevallo.
Chris Dean will serve as the new assistant principal at Oak Mountain High School. Dean has over 19 years of experience in public education, serving his entire career in Shelby County Schools. He most recently served as the Administrative Assistant at Helena High School and previously was a teacher at Oak Mountain High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Science, a master’s degree in Secondary Education, and a Certificate of Instructional Leadership from the University of Montevallo.
Amber Pennington will serve as the new assistant principal at Montevallo Elementary School. Pennington graduated with a bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from James Madison University, a master's degree in Teaching from Mary Baldwin University, and an Instructional Leadership certification from the University of Montevallo. Ms. Pennington served as a paraeducator for two years while earning her teaching degree. She then taught third grade for seven years before moving to an Administrative Assistant position at Helena Intermediate School in 2022.
Shelby County nurses had a full day of professional development provided by Nurse Supervisor Treasa Daly and ADPH officials in preparation for the 23-24 school year. The nurses are excited about the school year and looking forward to meeting the healthcare needs of SCS students.
Oak Mountain High School, a Shelby County school, is thrilled to announce the outstanding achievements of its students on the Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Several classes achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate, demonstrating the students' and teachers’ commitment to academic excellence.
The classes that achieved a 100% pass rate on the AP exams include AP Chemistry, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C, AP Latin, and AP Calculus BC. Particularly noteworthy is the Calculus BC class, where all 21 students who took the exam received a passing score (score of 3 or higher), with a mean score of 4.48 out of a possible 5. Additionally, 29 students took the Calculus AB exam, achieving a mean score of 3.66—over one full point higher than the state average.
In total, Oak Mountain High School administered 871 AP exams, achieving an overall pass rate of 62%. This reflects an impressive 13% increase in the pass rate over the last five years, a testament to the continuous efforts to enhance academic excellence at the school.
Principal Andrew Gunn expressed immense pride in the students' hard work and dedication, acknowledging the rigorous challenges many undertake by enrolling in multiple AP courses. Gunn also commended the school's staff for their support and commitment to the students' academic growth.
"These outstanding results are a testament to the commitment of our students and the dedication of our staff," said Principal Andrew Gunn. "Our students continuously demonstrate their willingness to embrace academic challenges and reach new heights. We are thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments and the positive impact our educational community has on their growth and success."
As Oak Mountain High School enters its 25th year, the administration, faculty, and staff remain committed to providing an enriching educational experience that prepares students for college, careers, and beyond.
Congratulations to Mt Laurel Elementary School which was recently named an i-Ready Super Stretch School by Curriculum Associates based on their i-Ready Diagnostic growth last year. MLES had 56% of their students achieve Stretch Growth in English Language Arts
This morning Shelby County Schools hosted administrators and SROs from our district, along with Pelham, Alabaster, and Hoover. Judge Welborn, Juvenile District Judge for Shelby County, and Shaun Styers, Chief Juvenile Probation Officer were the guest speakers. It was great to see all the districts in Shelby County come together to talk about school safety.
Dr. Resia Brooks, Human Resources Coordinator for Shelby County Schools, will serve on the Board of Directors for the Council of Leaders in Alabama Schools as the President of the Alabama Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA). Brooks joins a distinguished group of education leaders who are dedicated to advancing excellence in leadership and promoting positive change in Alabama Schools.
Affiliate presidents play a vital role in CLAS by representing and advocating for the unique needs and interests of their affiliate organizations. Their contributions will help shape the strategic initiatives, programs, and resources developed by CLAS to empower educational leaders across the nation.
"We are honored to welcome Dr. Brooks as president of AASPA to the CLAS Board of Directors," said Dr. Vic Wilson, Executive Director for CLAS. "The leadership of our affiliate presidents within their affiliate organizations brings a unique perspective that will greatly benefit our collective efforts to support and empower educational leaders in Alabama."
Tracy Whitfield and Shelley Davis were honored by Superintendent Lewis Brooks with Journey Shaper Awards during the July 27 board meeting. Whitfield serves as an administrative chief clerk and executive assistant to the board, while Davis serves as Dr. Brook's administrative secretary.
"These two ladies are true leaders in our district," Dr. Brooks shared with those in attendance. "The culture of this office improved tremendously because of their desire and efforts to create a family atmosphere. When we are short-handed, they pitch in. When our colleagues are going through difficult circumstances, they are supportive. Even though they deal with difficult things throughout the day, they stay positive and it is clear that the focus is on what is best for the district."
Whitfield is the first person to receive the prestigious honor twice. She was previously honored in February 2022 along with Susan Goodwin and Jennifer Cofer from Student Services, and Elvin Hill Elementary Principal Courtney Madison, for providing outstanding customer service to a family who was experiencing a hardship.
The Journey Shapers Award draws its name from the school district’s motto “Prepared for the Journey,” and is to honor individuals who display excellence by going “above and beyond” what is expected of them, especially as it pertains to helping shape the journey of others.
