Hoover City Schools Yearbook 2024-25

HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS 2024-25

YEARBOOK

If you ask a real estate agent who has sold a home in Hoover, you’ll hear them talk about the many reasons people seek to buy a house in our city. Quality of life, affordability, convenience, and other factors are commonly given, but perhaps most common is the quality of public education in Hoover.

Hoover City Schools serves a city population inching closer to 100,000, and that’s a tall task. But our school system hits the mark, despite facing the challenges of educating so many students across a large geographical footprint.

I’m pleased to bring the second annual edition of the “Hoover City Schools Yearbook” to you. What began as an idea nearly two years ago is now an annual celebration of our schools, students, teachers, staff, and everyone associated with HCS. This is the place to celebrate ALL our schools in one publication, with the countless achievements of students, faculty and staff given the spotlight.

I hope you’ll see what I have seen in publishing this magazine, that we have some incredible things happening in all 17 schools in Hoover. From Simmons to Brock’s Gap, and Shades Mountain

to Rocky Ridge, Bucs and Jaguars of all ages are building the foundations of the incredible lives they’ll lead.

I want to thank our central office staff and school administration for their help in compiling the photos and stories you read in the following pages. Without their help, this would have been nothing more than a fun thought.

Thanks for reading.

Matthew Allen Publisher, JBMC Media

Father of two Hoover City Schools students (205) 883-1877

matthew@jbmcmedia.com

BY P.O. Box 26432

Birmingham, AL (205) 883-1877 www.jbmcmedia.com

STAFF

Matthew Allen Publisher (205) 883-1877 matthew@jbmcmedia.com

Michelle Haynes Marketing Consultant (205) 381-1311 michelle@jbmcmedia.com

Kim Cripps Content Director, Enjoy Hoover

David Cohen Mitzi Eaker Enjoy Hoover Co-Publishers

Leah Eagle Copy Editor

Emily VanderMey Listo Operations & Project Manager, Graphic Designer

Anthony Bratina Cover Designer

Shweta Bratina Graphic Designer

JBMC Media is a Hooverbased, family-owned magazine publisher. Its family of magazines includes Enjoy Hoover; Bluff Park Neighborhood Reader; Bham Family; Gardendale Magazine; WestJeff Magazine, and Chelsea Magazine

The Hoover City Schools Yearbook is a collaboration between JBMC Media and Hoover City Schools. Content may not be reproduced without the express written consent of the publisher.

Additional copies are available for $5 each, including postage and handling. Please email subscribe@jbmcmedia.com for more information.

Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. WHO WE ARE

LETTER FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

As you look through this publication, you will see highlights from an incredible year in Hoover City Schools. The 2024–2025 school year was filled with academic success, athletic championships, creative achievements, and moments of pride in every school. These accomplishments reflect the hard work of our students and staff and the strong support of our families and community.

We are grateful to everyone who plays a role in supporting our schools. From attending events to volunteering your time to encouraging students and teachers, your involvement makes a difference.

We are excited to continue building on this momentum as we look ahead to the 2025–2026 school year. Our focus remains on providing a strong academic foundation, expanding opportunities, and creating a learning environment where every student can thrive.

Thank you for your continued partnership. I look forward to the momentum we will continue to build together this school year.

Kevin Maddox, Ed.D. Superintendent Hoover City Schools

Alan Paquette Board President Appointed 2021 apaquette@hoover.k12.al.us

Rex Blair Board Vice President Appointed 2023 rblair@hoover.k12.al.us

Jeremy Vice Board Member Appointed 2025 jvice@hoover.k12.al.us

Amy Tosney Board Member

Appointed 2017 atosney@hoover.k12.al.us

Shelley Shaw Board Member

Appointed 2024 sshaw@hoover.k12.al.us

Kevin Maddox, Ed.D.

The Finley Awards for Outstanding Character have honored students and faculty in Hoover City Schools since 1996. As longtime head coach at Hoover’s W.A. Berry High School, the late Bob Finley taught his students as much about integrity and character as he did about football. Now, awards in his name encourage the values he embraced and taught.

The Finley Awards honor one senior from each high school and one HCS employee as examples of outstanding character. Each school selects students from each grade as Finley honorees, and the Finley Committee selects the high school winners from among Hoover’s and Spain Park’s nominees.

2025 FINLEY AWARD WINNERS

HCS Employee

Mrs. Courtney Beam

Riverchase Elementary School

Hoover High School Senior

Ms. Nia Brown

Spain Park High School Senior

Mr. William Russell

THE FINLEY AWARDS

2025 FINLEY AWARD HONOREES

BLUFF PARK ELEMENTARY

K – Harris Hosmer

1st – Rushing Tison

2nd – Caroline Hosmer

3rd – Ellie Peters

4th – Clara King

5th – Jay’ce Thedford

DEER VALLEY ELEMENTARY

K – Brooks Hearn

1st – Reese Simmons

2nd – Sawyer Grace Horne

3rd – Abigail Hallman

4th – Gray Sims

5th – Aria Parsons

GREEN VALLEY ELEMENTARY

K – Bailey Thomas

1st – Soren Sandlin

2nd – Sebastian Hernandez

3rd – Charlotte Allen

4th – Ellie Stoops

5th – Ella Sanchez

GREYSTONE ELEMENTARY

K – Connor Wall

1st – Benjamin Copp

2nd – Callie Whitehead

3rd – Marissa Mellish

4th – Kate Fleury

5th – Paige Denson

GWIN ELEMENTARY

K – Olivia Charles

1st – Carlos Figueiredo Costa

2nd – Livian Carnes

3rd – Amir Rainer

4th – Penelope Ary

5th – Zayneb Nasser

RIVERCHASE ELEMENTARY

K – Maddie Grace Chambers

1st – Jasmine Lee Kluge

2nd – Lena James Naramore

3rd – Jad Jamal Abusuad

4th – Sophia Elizabeth Cristobal

5th – Eva Kate Yeager

ROCKY RIDGE ELEMENTARY

K – Kyria Oseguera Ayala

1st – Sehath Bandara

Sivurupitiya

2nd – Haley Nguyen

3rd – Brynleigh Phillips

4th – Elizabeth Mae Warren

5th – Khalid Hamid

SHADES MOUNTAIN

ELEMENTARY

K – Henry Brewer Hamby

1st – Julia Rose Chambers

2nd – Susanna Mae Sosebee

3rd – Dylan Samir HernandezSolarte

4th – Anna Rebecca Fonbah

5th – Sam John Tidwell

SOUTH SHADES CREST

ELEMENTARY

K – Luke Dunn

1st – John Rostas

2nd – Madilyn Demoss

TRACE CROSSINGS ELEMENTARY

K – Emerson Curro

1st – Adelina Hunt-Felke

2nd – Leon Shrestha

3rd – Malia Kimble

4th – Eddy Molina

5th – Sawyer Jones

BROCK’S GAP INTERMEDIATE

3rd – Sara Azookari

4th – Zayden Osman

5th – Avery Brown

BERRY MIDDLE

6th Grade

Audrey Batey

Madison Cook

Manuel De La Cerda Nunez

Lucy Phillips

7th Grade

McKinley Ducksworth

Thomas Patton Pope

Benton Tate

Piper Woodward

8th Grade

Sarrinah Dharani

Lauren King

Marquarius King

Emma Kate Maxey

R.F. BUMPUS MIDDLE

6th Grade

Talynn Burnett

Danielle Hewitt

Aiden Mercer

Tyler Sweatt

7th Grade

Jackson Averett

Ana Singh

J’Nyah Washington

Fred Reed

8th Grade

Watson Armstrong

Thatcher Jones

Milana Kazak-Hall

Damian Soriano

SIMMONS MIDDLE

6th Grade

Jett Maddox

Emma Whitt

Simon Kitron

7th Grade

Luke Collins

Allie Renta

Jayla Burns

8th Grade

Rebecca Hanson

Crystal Seymour

Nosisekelo Lukhele

HOOVER HIGH SCHOOL

9th Grade

Dominic Anderson

Owen Chatterton

Ellis Cooper

Kamryn Kelley

Edwin Martinez

Julio Pu Vicente

Neil Srikantha

10th Grade

Serena Agrawal

Camille Baker

Sarah Crawley

Yara Hammoud

Advitiya Kana

Ashtyn King

Drew Phebus

11th Grade

Kobe Boleware

Avery Corder

Channing Cutts

Hope Harper

Hudson Isbell

Steven Liu

Bryan Parsons

Magdalena Poker

Hunter Purdue

12th Grade

Hannah Barton

Addison Bentley

Elijah Boyd

Madelyn Bridges

Nia Brown

Benjamin Bruns

Andrew Cameron

Hope Carden

Michael Carey

Sydney Clayton

Koral Colosimo

Zoe Davis

Jayla Domino

Bailee Dowdey

Lily Edwards

Winslett Edwards

Trott English

Olivia Guenster

Brooklyn Hackworth

Briana Harvey

Gavin Hopkins

Braeden Jackson

Olivia Kim

Ziyaan Lakhani

Salim London

Madison Lopez

George Medlock

Mia Mojica

Paige Momern

Joe Morris

Nick Musso

Zynmphony Ortega

Jordan Perry

Carl Pickett

Lauren Rauworth

Natalie Self

Xenon Seuferling

Sophia Shofner

Tate Stacey

Tayla Sylvus

Asel Uswatte

Jayden Vaughn

Trey Ward

Haley Westhoven

Lindsey Westhoven

Maggie Whitley

SPAIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL

9th Grade

Andrew Greever

Natalie Bishop

Ella Meyer

Landen Loper

10th Grade

Mia Davis

Jackson Harper

Hilty Tran

Stella Wilson

11th Grade

Logan Bradford

Mac Farrington

Lexie Beard

Trina Farris

12th Grade

Maya Abawi

Adah Amrine

Jackson Bell

Charlee Bennett

Micah Breland

Carmen Britt

Sofia Contreras

Chaimaa Derkaou

Joshua Fonbah

Henry Gregory

Javaria Jehangir

Rahul Karthik

Katie Laney

Noah Lewis

Alex Mejia

Sasha Popova

Cole Russell

William Russell

Laila Sibley

Rebecca Stafford

Anh Tran

Madison Wiley

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

EVERY CHILD CAN LEARN.

EVERY CHILD IS UNIQUELY GIFTED.

EVERY CHILD HAS A PURPOSE IN LIFE THAT ONLY HE OR SHE CAN DO.

By George Elliott

“My job is to help them find their purpose…to teach them that the world is bigger than Bluff Park or wherever they are. I hope to instill in each child that learning never stops. That’s why I teach,” said Katie Collins, Alabama’s Teacher of the Year for the 2025/2026 school year.

Collins, a first-grade teacher at Bluff Park Elementary, says she has always been teaching. Even during her kindergarten years at All-Saints in Homewood, she remembers loving everything about school and coming home each night to rehash the day’s lessons with her sister, her first pupil. Later, at Shades Cahaba Elementary in fourth grade, she continued her journey to becoming a teacher under the guidance of Ann Dominick Hardin, who, a few years later, was named Alabama’s first Teacher of the Year.

Collins grew up in Homewood. Her father is a physician from Indiana, and her mother, who holds a Master’s in Public Health, is from South Florida. She has two sisters, Emily and Elizabeth.

During her years at Homewood High, she played varsity basketball, sang in show choir, was a member of the National Honor Society, and served as president of the Ushers Club, whose members served as the school’s ambassadors. Katie graduated from Furman University with a degree in French, as Furman did not offer an undergraduate degree in education. She also studied in Versailles, France, and in Quebec. Later, she received her education degree from UAB.

During her summers, she was a lifeguard. at several locations: West Homewood Park, Glenwood Mental Health, and the Lakeshore Foundation, where she worked with people with disabilities as well as the geriatric population.

When sitting and talking with Collins, her five major, selfadmitted character traits kept bubbling to the surface. She says she’s empathetic, passionate, caring, creative, and driven. Additionally, she loves people as a “hobby” and believes she’s gifted in recognizing other people’s gifts and showing them that they have something to say and do that no one else has.

“My teaching career has been a series of interesting journeys,” said Collins. “My first teaching job was at Thompson High School, where I combined my UAB student teaching requirement needed to obtain my final teaching

certificate with teaching high school French, serving as the ACT Preparatory instructor, the computer teacher, and the JV and varsity basketball assistant coach. That was from 2005 to 2007, and when I finished, I was certified to teach English as a Second Language (ESL).”

“Next, I went to Gwin Elementary to teach ESL, enjoying every minute of working with kids from many different countries. While I spoke French, I found that the primary language of my students was Spanish; therefore, I applied for and received a grant to study in Mexico,” Collins said.

“I stayed in a homestay with a Mexican woman, Martha, and attended a language school because I had no prior Spanish classes,” Collins said. “Through this experience, I learned what it feels like to be a stranger in a new country, similar to many of the immigrant families at my school, diving headfirst into a new culture and language. During this time, I started a blog (katiesinmexico.blogspot.com) that helped me process my experiences, deepening my empathy for the people I was teaching.”

Upon her return, she and her colleagues, Wendy McBride and Rebecca Salas, started the Communities Family Literacy Program, an ESL program for the families of Hoover City School students. This program provided language support to parents as well as pre-emergent literacy skills to younger siblings. They wrote several grants and invested a lot of time and love to establish this much-needed program from scratch.

“Next, while I was pregnant, with my twins, I started teaching full-time French and ESL at Simmons Middle School. Middle

PHOTOGRAPH BY MOLLY SMITH

school students were funny and fun, and we formed some true bonds while I taught and they learned.”

But, something was missing. She felt a pull to teach in her own classroom, with a community of children who would stay longer than solely a single class period, allowing for an even stronger community of learning to take place. So, she became certified for Elementary K-6. Having previously taught at Gwin Elementary and loving the diverse community, she spent the next three years teaching first grade, loving every minute of setting a strong foundation for future learning.

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

During her third year at Gwin, she became pregnant with her third child. “Given that I had three kids, all under three, my husband and I decided it would be best for our family if I taught preschool for the next few years at Covenant Day School, allowing me the opportunity to teach where my children attended school. I taught at Covenant for two years, working with both two- and three-year-olds. This experience gave me an even stronger realization of the significance of early learning opportunities and the role of play in learning.”

During the second year of her ‘sabbatical from public school,’ Collins had the opportunity to be the adult instructor at the Family Literacy Program. It was a full-circle moment for her as she got to teach in the program that she helped pioneer in Hoover City Schools. “It was a fun time for me since I was teaching both two-year-olds and adults,” she said. “Despite the age gap, it was clear that education unlocks opportunities and transforms lives for the better.”

Collins began teaching at Bluff Park in 2017. In her first year, she served as a fifth grade teacher, and for the next seven years, she returned to the first grade classroom.

“I believe in Project-Based Learning,” she emphasizes. “For instance, the class was learning about George Washington Carver and the life cycle of plants. The students planted lots of tomatoes, peppers and basil in Carver’s honor. To make their learning come even more alive, the first graders put on a Farmer’s Market, tying in all different standards from math, science, reading and social studies. Students learned about money, needs vs. wants, measurements, and informational and persuasive writing. The first year they raised about 800 plants and $800, and it has grown to a market where they sell over 3,000 plants and make thousands of dollars for Bluff Park’s Farm 2 School Project Based Learning account.

In her first-grade class, students also have a hydroponic plant garden, growing lettuce and dealing with invasive caterpillars.

Collins’ diverse teaching experiences, her innovative “learn by doing” methods, her belief in positivity and enthusiasm, as well as her “learning can be fun” attitude, have earned her the respect of her fellow elementary school team members and the state’s education leadership. That respect led to Collins’ selection as Alabama’s Teacher of The Year on May 7.

Collins credits the never-ending support of her husband, Brian and that of their four children and their dog, Nola, for any successes she has had in teaching. They have always been there, from cooking meals, washing and folding clothes to giving good advice. A case in point: the night she received her award was her and Brian’s 20th wedding anniversary, and it was spent recognizing her outstanding teaching abilities.

So, what now? Well, for starters, Collins points out that her award is not just for her. It’s for all of the 55,000 teachers throughout Alabama who work hard day in and day out to make a positive difference in the lives of their students.

Collins will be given a paid year’s leave of absence from Bluff Park Elementary. During the year, she will conduct professional development sessions, highlighting the amazing things that Alabama’ teachers are doing each day.

One way she plans to do this is to prepare and present frequent podcasts from the “Apple” car, which she’ll be driving around the state, compliments of ALFA Insurance. She and Aubrey Bennett, the alternate Teacher of the Year and a teacher at George Washington Carver High School in Birmingham, will be interviewing teachers with gusto from around the state, giving each one the chance to share his or her exciting, innovative teaching methods. It’s an endeavor that will seek to build a stronger collaboration among teachers, allowing for a more widespread distribution of noteworthy ideas and lesson plans.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF HOOVER CITY SCHOOLS

TEACHER OF THE YEAR

“Of course, I’ll also be doing a series of other professional development presentations, speaking at annual conferences such as the AEA conference and in a number of other venues. And, I certainly will be making it a point to interact personally and directly with teachers wherever I go.”

“Teaching is an awesome profession! Teachers lay the foundation that society is built upon,” Collins says.

“Most people can remember a teacher who empowered them in their life. My role in the coming year is to encourage teachers to continue making an impact in the lives of their students. I hope to highlight that teachers make an invaluable difference…to our economy, to our cultural endeavors, to the lives of both students and their parents.”

“Teaching is getting harder and harder,” Collins stresses. “We are not just teaching subject matter these days. We’re dealing more and more with mental health issues that children face…the trauma they bring to school from their homes and from other relationships. Today, we are not only teachers, but counselors, too, and I know many teachers who are not alone in coping with the enormous responsibilities that continue to be added to our plates, other than teaching.”

“One area that I would like to bring light to is the importance of promoting childhood independence in our youth. We need more awareness in this matter as there is a direct link to staggeringly high anxiety and depression among youth due to the overprotection of our children in the real world and the underprotection of them in the virtual world.”

“How does the script get flipped? It starts with teachers! We must educate ourselves, students, and parents on how our brains work, healthy limits regarding technology, the importance of play and project-based learning, mindfulness strategies and tools, and, finally, the value of how learning requires us to let failure happen. I am a parent of four kids myself, and I think it is a natural tendency to want to protect our kids. Research shows, however, that we must stop removing barriers in our kids’ lives. We must let them experience adversity as part of the learning process so they can gain the resilience needed to thrive on their own… the tools they will need to stay well-grounded in our rapidly moving technological society.”

Collins and her husband came to Bluff Park in 2005. Their real estate agent told them that they would probably stay 2-3 years. It’s now been 19 ½ years, and they have no plans to leave. “Bluff Park,” she said, “is a place where deep roots grow quickly, where it’s easy to make lifelong friends. This community is strong, always helping each other…it’s a community that cares. You don’t have to fit into a box in Bluff Park. You don’t have to keep up with anybody. You just have to enjoy life in this wonderful community.”

“We are members of Shades Mountain Baptist Church, and I work with a city ministry that partners with Parker High School. I also help with putting on events through our Women’s Breath Ministry,” she said.

Collins said she would like to see “places to eat in Bluff Park that you could walk to. I’d like to see the mall where the old Piggly Wiggly was fully developed into a business, restaurant, cultural, and entertainment center. Additionally, I hope the Fresh Air Farm can be reopened to the public, allowing children to play in its Narnia-like atmosphere. It truly is a magical place.”

When one speaks with Collins or is around her, you leave the conversation feeling as if everything will be okay, and that you’ve just had a little bit of sunshine scattered on you. Her first-grade students have always known this. Now, during her year as Alabama’s Teacher of the Year, everyone in our state will learn to appreciate her positive outlook, her innovative teaching methods, and the way she leads other teachers by example.

In a world where everything often seems the same, Katie Collins is cut from a different pattern, one that will always make a lasting difference in all the lives she touches.

PHOTOGRAPH BY MOLLY SMITH

BLUFF PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

569 Park Avenue Hoover, AL 35226 (205) 439-2800

Principal: Ami Weems

Asst. Principal: Meghan Neil

FAST FACTS

Students: 663

Opened: 1924

Teachers And Staff: 96

Grades: K-5

FOLLOW US!

Instagram: @Bluffparkelem

Facebook: Bluffparkelem

All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2024-25 school year.

BLUFF PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

House Meetings

A house meeting is where we all gather together with people from our house. We have five houses at Bluff Park. This year, we have played staff-minute-to-win-itstyle games, where our staff volunteered to participate in team-style games for our students. Additionally, we had a surprise ‘masked singer,’ where staff members dressed up in inflatable costumes and did a dance routine. We love pouring our energy into house meetings. Our slogan is “Five houses, One family!” Our 5 houses:

AZIM - perseverance

We are passionate about reaching our goals, even if they are huge.

HIVO - believers

We continue to grow our intelligence through hard work and persistence. We know what we are doing is important, we know we can do it, and we refuse to give up.

OHANA - family

We are a family. We seek to include all students, teachers, staff, parents, and community members on our journey to make a positive impact on the world.

STIMA - respect

We understand that each individual at our school has great, innate value. We seek first to understand and then to be understood.

TRUA - compassion

We take care of each other. When we see a friend in need, we step in to help; not because we want others to notice, but because it’s the right thing to do.

SRO:

Ofc. Brett Pace

BLUFF PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Newest Furry Friend

This marks the first school facility dog in Hoover City Schools, and we are thrilled to welcome him to our campus in these final weeks of school as he and his handler, Mrs. Dolan, begin their training. In August, when the facility dog is 6-months-old, he will continue socialization and begin school familiarization. At 12 months, weekly visits will begin with FIDOS leading the instruction. The facility dog will be on site full-time around 18 months of age.

Facility dogs are trained to provide emotional support, promote a sense of calm, and help students feel connected. Research shows that interacting with a facility dog can reduce stress and anxiety, boost self-esteem, increase focus, and even improve classroom performance. The simple act of petting a dog has been shown to lower blood pressure and promote a sense of well-being. Our librarian, Mrs. Dolan, applied for a facility dog through FIDOS, a non-profit organization in Hoover that connects trained therapy dogs with professionals in education, healthcare, and other fields. For more information on FIDOS, visit their website, www.fidosfacilitydogs.org.

Our facility dog will live with Mrs. Dolan and spend his school days in the library, visiting classrooms, listening to students read, providing comfort, and offering a calm, supportive presence. Please know that no student will be required to interact with the dog unless they wish to do so. We will begin slowly introducing him to students and classrooms this fall as he becomes part of our school community. We are especially grateful to our Bluff Park families and PTA for their generous financial support in helping make this possible for our school and community.

Basketball Visit Bluff Park Elementary

Hoover High School’s boys & girls basketball teams brought the energy and inspiration to Bluff Park Elementary for a special March Madness event with our first graders! Our students look up to our players, and the kindness, respect, and leadership they showed made a lasting impact. Through fun, interactive stations - including dribble relays, shooting practice, and lessons on what makes a great teammate - our first graders had an unforgettable experience! They even had a surprise send-off where the entire school lined the hallways and cheered on the 7A Alabama State Basketball Champions. The students also saw them play in a co-ed scrimmage on their end-of-theyear whole school field trip as they wrap up our “Mamba Mentality” year inspired by the legendary Kobe Bryant.

Outdoor Social

We celebrated turning 100 with our community at our annual outdoor social. We had a gallery filled with the history of Bluff Park Elementary in the original Bluff Park Elementary building (now student services). This gallery included photographs, yearbooks, and any artifacts that displayed the history of our school. Our house council conducted school tours in our current school building. We had many ‘100 year’ themed activities for our families to participate in at the outdoor social.

100-Year Celebration Ceremony

Bluff Park Elementary celebrated 100 years. Our celebration included a decades walk where people ages 1 to 100 represented a year at Bluff Park. The people in this walk were all connected to our school: former teachers, students, or community leaders! HCS superintendent, Dr. Kevin Maddox, Mayor Frank Brocato, Mrs. Weems, and keynote speaker Will Pearson spoke at the event. Governor Kay Ivey made a personalized video to share at the celebration. Also, the Hoover High School band played before our event, and so much more! It was a very special and heartwarming ceremony. Geri Evans and the 100-year celebration committee put together this event.

Finley Winners 2024-2025

Kindergarten: Harris Hosmer

First Grade: Rushing Tison

Second Grade: Caroline Hosmer

Third Grade: Ellie Peters

Fourth Grade: Clara King

Fifth Grade: Jay’ce Thedford

Alabama K-12 State Report Card Score of 99

Bluff Park Elementary received a 99 out of 100 on its 2023- 2024 state report card. This was an incredible achievement, and they celebrated it throughout the school year.

Student-Led Conferences

Student-led conferences allow our students to step up as leaders for their own learning. They take ownership during their conference and explain the information they’ve learned throughout the year. It’s a powerful process! Every year, our students and families take away so much from this process. The kids take ownership and accountability for their learning experience while giving direct feedback about their academic progress in school.

Service to the community

BPES’ house meetings include give-back projects that are focused on giving back to the community. Beneficiaries of the give-back projects in the 2024-25 included:

• Snack donation: for our counseling department

• Bingo Coin Drive: Micaville Elementary School, as they were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Fifty of their elementary students will be moving to South Toe Elementary. We wanted them to feel at ease with their transition, and we purchased new school t-shirts for the entire school.

• Good Luck Paper Chains: We wished our students good luck on state testing by writing kind sayings on paper. The paper chains were displayed in our lobby.

DEER VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

DEER VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

4990 Ross Bridge Parkway Hoover, AL 35226 (205) 439-3300

FAST FACTS

Students: 736

Opened: 2002

General Education Classrooms: 40

First Class Pre-K Classroom: 1

Functional Skills Classroom: 1

Grades: PreK, K-5

FOLLOW US!

Instagram: @deervalleylife Facebook: DeerValleyPTO

All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2024-25 school year.

BCBS Grant

Deer Valley Elementary School was awarded a $10,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s Be Healthy School Grant Program for the 2024-2025 school year. The grant funded the installation of a traverse rock wall in the school’s physical education program, designed to enhance students’ physical activity and support overall wellness. In addition to the rock wall, the grant also funded the purchase of adapted climbing holds, ensuring that students of all abilities could participate fully in physical education activities. This inclusive approach aligns with Deer Valley’s commitment to providing equitable opportunities for all students to engage in healthy, active lifestyles.

The Be Healthy School Grant Program supports schools across Alabama in their efforts to combat childhood obesity by promoting increased physical activity, nutrition education, and family involvement. For the 2024-2025 school year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama awarded over $318,000 in grants to 36 schools, impacting more than 17,000 students statewide.

The new rock wall, now a staple in the school’s physical education program, provides a fun and challenging way for students to build strength, coordination, and confidence while encouraging a lifelong commitment to health and fitness.

Principal: Nicole Stokes

Asst. Principal: Shelby Elmore

SRO: Ofc. Cedric

“CJ” Acoff

DEER VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SPOT

SPOT (Speech, Physical, and Occupational Therapy) is a multidisciplinary co-treatment program at Deer Valley Elementary that targets improving a child’s sensory, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, language skills, and social skills. SPOT benefits students, therapists, teachers, and paraprofessionals by treating the whole child in one session which provides increased opportunities for carryover into the classroom daily. SPOT is completed once a week at Deer Valley for three small groups. Adapted books, movement songs, and other multi-sensory therapeutic practices are used to increase participation and success in the classroom.

PTO events

Deer Valley likes to call itself, “The Disneyworld of Elementary Schools!” This year, Deer Valley’s PTO took that name and ran with it as they held the annual Change for Cheetahs fundraiser. The event was kicked off with a fun Disney themed dress up day and after a week of fundraising, Deer Valley families raised $50,000! This money will be used to support a variety of projects around the school.

Deer Valley’s PTO hosted Family Weekend in February, and students danced the night away with their “sole-mates” at the first-ever Sole-Mate Sneaker Ball! Family Weekend is a fun way for students and families to support Deer Valley! The generous support and partnership of local businesses maked Family Weekend a huge success.

Pati competes in National Spelling Bee

Snigdha Pati set a goal to one day compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Goal accomplished! Beating out competitors at the school, county and state level, Snigdha went on to compete in the 100th Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in May. Snigdha has made her rounds as she continues to be recognized for this incredible achievement. Snigdha has been featured on Good Day Alabama with Janice Rogers as well as being a feature of Rick Karle’s Good News. Additionally, Snigdha has been recognized by the Hoover Board of Education and the Hoover City Council.

DEER VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Finley Winners

Kindergarten: Brooks Hearn

First Grade: Reese Simons

Second Grade: Sawyer Grace Horne

Third Grade: Abigail Hallman

Fourth Grade: Gray Sims

Fifth Grade: Aria Parsons

Teacher of the Year:

Heather Simpson

Employee of the Year: Monica Powers

Extra Special Series

Third, fourth and fifth grade students had a unique opportunity this year to participate in Deer Valley’s “Extra Special” series! Throughout the year, various community members came in to share with students about careers such as firefighting, pathology, farming, creative writing, and more. Some guests lead students in team-building activities! It was a great opportunity for students to engage with adults who they may share a similar passion with or discover a new found passion.

GREEN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

GREEN VALLEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

3200 Old Columbiana Road Hoover, AL 35226 (205) 439-2500

Multicultural Day Celebration

This year our annual Flag Parade and Multicultural Day celebration focused on the Latin American Countries. The flag parade represented over 58 countries. GVES Choir performed and everyone learned a bit about Salsa dancing.

FAST FACTS

Students: 497

Opened: 1963

Teachers and staff: 80

Grades: PreK-5

FOLLOW US!

Instagram: @greenvalleyelem

Facebook: GreenValleyElemHoover

All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2024-25 school year.

Principal: Amy Burbank

Asst. Principal: Mariah Alfano

SRO: Ofc. Brock Hardy

Kindergarten: Bailey Thompson

First Grade: Soren Sandlin

Second Grade: Sebastian Hernandez

Third Grade: Charli Allen

Fourth Grade: Ellie Stoops

Fifth Grade: Ella Sanchez

Gator Creators Win First Place at E3 Competition

The Gator Creators club, sponsored by Melissa Willcox, took first place at the E3 Robotics Competition. The theme was “Start Your ENGINeers,” and the team competed against 34 other teams.

GREEN VALLEY ELEMENTARY

Gator Fest

Green Valley Elementary’s PTO put on the second annual Gator Fest. This fun community event featured carnival games, balloon animals, a glow party and much more. This year there were over 600 people in attendance. Each year it grows more and more!

School Counselor Wins Grant

Counselor Teresa Hunter won the CBS 42 One Class at a Time grant! Mrs. Hunter’s dedication to supporting students and creating a positive school environment is truly inspiring. This $1,000 grant will help her continue making a meaningful impact on the students at Green Valley.

School Movie Field Trip

To celebrate the increase in our academic growth over time, the administration took the whole school on a field trip to the movie. From custodians to cafeteria staff, the whole school took in a showing of “Moana 2”. What a fun day to celebrate!

First Grade Plants Tree for Arbor Day

To commemorate Arbor Day, Green Valley first grade students planted a tree at Star Lake. The students walked from school and all helped plant the tree with Colin Conner from the City of Hoover. Arbor Day Essay contest winner, Joshua Hitchcock, also read his winning essay at the ceremony.

GREYSTONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

300 Village Street Hoover, AL 35242 (205) 439-3200

Principal: Stacey Stocks

Asst. Principal: Sherita Williams

GREYSTONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Greenpower USA

Last year, fourth grade students built a race car from a pile of pieces and what seemed to be a million nuts and bolts. They learned how the car works and made their way to the driver’s seat where they placed in every event they attended!

This school year, those same students, now fifth graders, adopted a dozen friends from fourth grade and showed them the ropes.

This club provides opportunities in teamwork just as any sports team does. Racers travel to various locations on weekends to sometimes join 50+ other schools in a real race event. But it’s more than racing- it’s science; it’s technology; it’s engineering, math and even art!

FAST FACTS

Students: 453

Opened: 1994

Teachers and staff: 67

Grades: PreK, K-5

FOLLOW US!

Facebook: GreystoneElementarySchool

All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2024-25 school year.

Check out the Greystone Goblin (car) 918 next time you visit the school. She may be cute and sassy, but she’s built to win! And the Greystone Gizmos handle her well, zipping through race courses and making our school proud!

CNP Success

Our Child Nutrition Program has achieved a perfect 100 score on our health department inspection by the state health department! This outstanding result demonstrates our dedication to maintaining exceptional standards in food safety, preparation, and overall program quality, ensuring the well-being of every child at Greystone Elementary. We are grateful for how these ladies take care of all of us!

Philanthropic Activities

Throughout the school year, Greystone students take opportunities to raise awareness of philanthropies and to give back to the community.

This year, among many different activities, students wore yellow/gold to raise awareness of childhood cancer in September. Students also participated in a hat day for Juvenile Diabetes in November. We raised $203 for Breakthrough T1D.

SRO: Ofc. Katie Bohham

Student-Led Confernces

This year, our 2nd, 4th and 5th graders invited their parents in for a conference they got to lead. Students collected work samples, assessment data, and set goals for the school year. Teachers guided their students throughout this process and gave them opportunities to practice their presentations. Then the students had the opportunity to share all of this information with their parents. This was a great way for our parents to see how their students are taking responsibility for their own learning. Students identified strengths and weaknesses and our parents were impressed with how well they did sharing.

Circus Visit

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey paid a visit to Greystone in January and put on an amazing assembly. They shared how STEAM impacts what they do in their program and even brought their robotic dog!

Family Dance

Greystone’s PTA sponsored the first annual Valentine’s Family Dance this year. It was a chance for families to spend quality time with each other and with other families in the community. There were food trucks and awesome music. It was a blast for all who attended.

SRO Essay Winner

Anna Kate was selected as the Hoover City Schools 5th Grade SRO Essay Contest winner this year. She wrote about our amazing SRO, Officer Katie. Anna Kate got to read her essay at the annual City Leaders Breakfast.

GREYSTONE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

House Council and House Days

GES has a fun and engaging HOUSE system for all K-5 students. These teams, or “houses,” consist of faculty and staff from the school, as well as students from K - 5th grades. The house system has helped build a sense of community and connectedness among the entire school community. Kindergarten and new students participate in a drawing assembly each year, drawing from a box to determine their House for their time at Greystone.

Each of the five houses is associated with an animal, color, and character trait:

• Dolphins - blue - House of Peace

• Hawks - red - House of Focus

• Lions - orange - House of Courage

• Turtles - green - House of Perseverance

• Wolves - purple - House of Cooperation

Within each house, students are divided into house families. Each faculty or staff member in a house has a “family” that consists of about 10-15 students from all grade levels. House families stay together as long as the student attends Greystone, so it gives students a closeknit group which further builds a culture of community and connectedness. Students meet with their house families about once a month to complete various activities. This allows the smaller groups to spend time together outside of the time when the entire houses are assembled.

House leaders

This was the second year to elect a House Council. GSES House Council is a small group of six 5th grade students that serve as leaders. There are five House Leaders to represent each of the five Houses at Greystone. There is also one Kingdom Leader who serves as the student leader of the House Council and represents all of the Houses. The students chosen by their peers for House Council for 2024-2025 were:

Dolphins - August B.

Hawks - Charlotte W.

Lions - Hope T.

Turtles - Luke M.

Wolves - Campbell P.

Kingdom Leader - Bailey W.

GWIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

1580 Patton Chapel Road

Hoover, AL 35226

(205) 439-2600

Principal: Kimberly White

Asst. Principal: Hunter Nichols

Gwin Elementary’s S.T.E.A.M. Day SOARED to New Heights

Gwin Elementary hosted its very first S.T.E.A.M. Day, an exciting event that allowed students to engage in handson learning experiences centered around the theme of “Soaring to New Heights.” Throughout the day, students participated in a variety of interactive activities designed to inspire curiosity and foster a love for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.

Some key moments of the day included many exciting activities, such as a drone demonstration by the Hoover City Police Department, where students saw cutting-edge technology in action, as well as an engaging “Recipe for a Storm” presentation from the McWane Science Center, which captivated students with fascinating insights into weather science. Students also enjoyed an interactive bird show led by Alabama Wildlife experts, offering a close-up look at the wonders of nature. Southern Research experts guided students through exciting

science explorations, while the pilots of a medical helicopter shared their experiences and gave students a behindthe-scenes look at their high-flying careers. Students were treated to a fun, science-themed musical performance by Roger Day, who brought science to life through energetic songs.

This unforgettable day of learning and exploration helped Gwin Elementary soar to new heights, inspiring students to dream big and continue their journey of discovery in the world of S.T.E.A.M.

Gwin Students SOAR for Eagle Earnings

FAST FACTS

Students: 510

Opened: 1976

Teachers and staff: 80

Grades: PreK, K-5

FOLLOW US!

Instagram: @gwinelementary

Facebook: Gwin Elementary School

All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2024-25 school year.

Gwin Eagle’s SOAR is a school-wide initiative focused on the core values of Safety, Ownership, Acceptance, and Respect, aimed at fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

• Safety: The safety of our students is our top priority. We create a secure environment where everyone feels protected and valued, ensuring physical, emotional, and digital safety for all.

• Ownership: We encourage students to take responsibility for their actions and learning. This mindset helps them grow personally and contribute positively to society.

• Acceptance: Promotes diversity and inclusivity, celebrating differences and fostering understanding among students, creating a welcoming community.

• Respect: We teach respect for oneself, others, and the environment, cultivating kindness, cooperation, and mutual respect.

Gwin Eagles learn to embody these values, preparing them to be responsible and compassionate individuals.

Every adult in our school community participates in recognizing SOARing behavior. When students are caught SOARing, they receive a colored token from staff, which they place in their grade-level container located in our lunchroom. This creates a friendly competition among grades, with the grade that earns the most tokens recognized every two weeks during Friday announcements and awarded a special reward.

SRO: Ofc. Matt Barrett

Gwin’s Annual International Day Celebration

Gwin Elementary School held its Annual International Day Celebration. This is a day that showcased the rich cultural diversity present in our school community. A procession of flags kicked off the day, with students proudly marching around displaying flags from their respective countries. The students spent the rest of the day actively participating in various activities that celebrated and offered a unique glimpse into the traditions and customs of the world around them. Together, we continue to cultivate a school culture that honors and celebrates each member of the Gwin Elementary family, making it a truly special place for learning and growth.

Veterans Day Celebration

We had the extraordinary honor of recognizing two incredible individuals: the oldest and youngest veterans present at the event. In a heartwarming and unplanned moment, they were seated right beside each other. The oldest veteran, celebrating 100 years this year, shared this special moment with our youngest, showcasing the remarkable bond and legacy of service that connects generations.

Gwin’s Annual Veteran’s Day Program is a cherished event dedicated to honoring the courageous men and women who

served in the United States Armed Forces. This program brings together the community to express profound gratitude and respect for the sacrifices made by our veterans in defending our nation’s freedoms. Each year, the event features inspirational speeches, musical tributes, a Color Guard presentation, and a special recognition of our veterans. It is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and a reminder of the bravery and dedication of our veterans. The event is open to all, fostering a sense of unity and shared respect among attendees.

2024 Silver Model of Enhanced School Safety Recipient

Gwin Elementary is proud to be recognized by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall as a 2024 Silver Model of Enhanced School Safety School. Gwin was one of only six schools across the state to receive this prestigious honor. Achieving this recognition was no easy feat, as it involved a lengthy and thorough application process. This accomplishment highlights the dedication and commitment of Gwin Elementary to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students.

GreenPower

For the past two years, Gwin Elementary has been participating in the GreenPower Competition sponsored by the GreenPower USA Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to advance STEM awareness and inspire innovation in young minds through “handson” experience designing, building, and testing (racing) electricpowered vehicles. The fourth and fifth graders at Gwin competed in two races this year. They placed in the Top 10 in both. Collaboration is present in this activity, the fifth graders served as mentors to the fourth graders. Numerous adult contributions were also evident.

Gwin’s Finley Award Winners

• Kindergarten: Olivia Charles

• First Grade: Carlos Figueiredo Costa

• Second Grade: Livian Carnes

• Third Grade: Amir Rainer

• Fourth Grade: Penelope Ary

• Fifth Grade: Zayneb Nasser

Teachers extended their workdays to facilitate, and parents made the necessary schedule arrangements to handle the extra time after school.

Fun Run

The Gwin Elementary PTO, along with Boosterthon, hosted an exciting Fun Run for our students this year. This task demanded a great deal of commitment and effort from our PTO to ensure the success of this fundraiser. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our students, we successfully raised over $58,000. The money raised will be utilized to enhance our school and enrich the experiences of our students. We are truly grateful for the support and commitment shown by everyone involved in making this fundraiser a tremendous success.

RIVERCHASE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

1950 Old Montgomery Highway Hoover, AL 35244 (205) 439-3400

Principal: Taylar Posey Asst. Principal: Alli Phelps

FAST FACTS

Students: 549

Opened: 2004

Teachers and staff: 84

Grades: K-5

FOLLOW US!

Instagram: @resinhcs

Facebook: RiverchaseElem

All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2024-25 school year.

GEMS (Girls Engaged in Math and Science)

We had over 60 girls participate in the GEMS program this year. Seven groups of girls worked for several weeks creating a project to display at the Hoover City Schools GEMS Expo in February.

Candy Cane Run

Riverchase’s annual Candy Cane Run is a fundraiser held every December. The race includes a t-shirt, donuts, and a great time!

Teacher of the Year

Christine Wells was named Teacher of the Year for the RES for the 2024-2025 school year. Mrs. Wells has been the Librarian at RES since 2021. Before joining RES, Mrs. Wells worked at the Hoover Public Library. She lives in Hoover with her husband and her three children who are all in Hoover City Schools and can always be found with a book and a coffee.

SRO: Ofc. Eric Nichols

RIVERCHASE ELEMENTARY

Fine Arts Night

The 2025 Riverchase Elementary Fine Arts Night was one for the books - literally! Students and families shopped the Book Fair, participated in an immersive art show experience, and listened to music performances from all grade levels and the RES Choir.

STEAM Night

STEAM Night is an annual event every fall at RES. This year’s event included multiple stations with games, activities, and challenges. Teachers, students, and families came together to learn and innovate!

Staff of the Year:

Jashara Acara, also known as “Miss Jay,” was named RES’s 2024-2025 Employee of the Year. Miss Jay is a beloved student aide who brightens every room she enters. We love you, Miss Jay!

Author Visits

Riverchase enjoyed two incredible author visits this year! Yangsook Choi, author of The Name Jar, travelled from South Korea to visit and inspire our students in the fall. Abby Hanlon, author of the Dory Fantasmagory series, visited from New York.

RIVERCHASE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

E3

Select fifth graders at Riverchase Elementary had the opportunity to compete at the E3 (Engaging Elementary Engineers) Dash Coding competition in Alabaster. One team won first place overall! Way to go!

Riverchase Racers

This year’s Riverchase Racers Greenpower team has competed in 3 races so far this year; placing in the top 10 in every race! They compete in Drag, Slalom, and Circuit races and have a presentation piece that is also scored. This hardworking team has improved in every race!

Book Character Pumpkins

Riverchase held its first annual Book Character Pumpkin contest. Over 90 students participated, and it was tough to choose the winners!

ROCKY RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

ROCKY RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

2876 Old Rocky Ridge Road Hoover, AL 35243 (205) 439-2900

Principal: Chelsea Bayko

FAST FACTS

Students: 535

Opened: 1966

Asst. Principal:

Teachers and staff: 100

Grades: PreK, K-5

FOLLOW US!

Instagram: @rockyridgehcs

Facebook: Rocky Ridge Elementary

All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2024-25 school year.

Finley Winners

• Kindergarten: Kyria Oseguera

• First Grade: Ayala Shivangshu Banerjee

• Second Grade: Haley Nguyen

• Third Grade: Brynleigh Phillips

• Fourth Grade: Elizabeth Mae Warren

• Fifth Grade: Khalid Hamid

House Captains

Our House Captains have done an incredible job this year representing their houses with pride, passion, and purpose! Each captain stood as a leader for their color house, but more importantly, they served the entire school with character, commitment, and compassion

Teacher of the Year

Mrs. Livingston is a 4th grade teacher, and a true gem at Rocky Ridge. She is known for her sweet personality, gentle spirit, and unwavering kindness. She creates a classroom where students feel safe, and supported making learning a joyful experience every day.

Employee of the Year

We are so excited to honor Ms. Lynell Lovinggood as our Employee of the Year! This sweet and dedicated lady is the definition of grace, patience, and a willing spirit. She is always willing to lend a helping hand. She supports our students with compassion and care, meeting each one right where they are. Congratulation, Ms. Lovinggood we are so proud of you.

Chakema Jackson

SRO: Ofc. Ashlyn Morgan-King

Black History Month

Black History Month at Rocky Ridge Elementary was nothing short of phenomenal! From the moment the month began, our halls were filled with creativity, pride, and powerful learning experiences that brought history to life for our students. Throughout the month, students enjoyed visits from guest artists, guest readers, and participated in incredible wax museums and moving student speeches that highlighted the impact and legacy of African American Leaders. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Owens, Mr. Hallman, and all of our amazing teachers and staff who went above and beyond to make sure our students not only learned about Black history-but celebrated it. We are so proud of the way Rocky Ridge showed up to honor and celebrate Black History.

Rocky Ridge Scores 100

We are happy to share that Rocky Ridge Elementary School received a 100 rating from the Jefferson County Department of Health, and we owe it all to our amazing cafeteria team! These incredible workers are true rays of sunshine. They not only keep our cafeteria a festive, welcoming environment for our students and staff every single day. Kudos and a job well done!

ROCKY RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Pledge of Allegiance

This year at Rocky Ridge Elementary, we were honored to have some of our bravest and brightest students lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance each morning. From Pre-K-5th grade, every student who wanted to participate was given the opportunity to stand tall and proud, representing their class and starting our day with unity and purpose.

These students reminded us daily of the power of courage, leadership, and patriotism. Whether it was their first time on the mic or their fifth, each one brought their own special spark-and they did an awesome job!

We are so proud of all of our Pledge leaders. Thank you for helping us start each day at the Rock on a positive and powerful note.

Women’s History Month

This year for Women’s History Month, we set out to honor every woman who helps make Rocky Ridge a place where students thrive and feel loved. No matter the job title-teachers, custodians, aides, office staff, cafeteria workers-we celebrated them all. Each woman plays a unique and essential role in the success of our school. To recognize their impact, we gave every one of them a special shoot-out on Instagram, highlighting their strength, kindness, and dedication. We wrapped up our celebration with thoughtful treats. Flowers, pizza, popcorn and chocolate are just a small way to say thank you for the big things they do every day.

Arbor Day

Alice Boyte, a fourth-grade student at Rocky Ridge Elementary School, was the overall winner for the Arbor Day Essay. Alice had the opportunity to read her essay to the Mayor and the City Council. We are incredibly proud of Alice for her hard work writing this essay. Congratulations!

SHADES MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SHADES MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

2250 Sumpter Street Hoover, AL 35226

(205) 439-3100

Principal: Kevin Erwin

Asst. Principal: Leah Colley

FAST FACTS

Students: 327

Opened: 1961

Teachers and staff: 64

Grades: K-5

FOLLOW US!

Instagram: @shadesmountainelem

Facebook: ShadesMtnElem

All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2024-25 school year.

I-Ready Super Stretch School

In September, SMES was recognized as an iReady Super Stretch School. i-Ready Super Stretch Schools are schools with 200 or more students that had 55 percent or more of students meet Stretch Growth goals last school year. We were 1 of 4 schools in the state to receive this recognition.

Color Run

The Shades Mountain Elementary PTO, along with Boosterthon, hosted an exciting Color Run for our students. Thanks to the hard work from our PTO, faculty, and students, we raised close to $20,000 that was allocated to community events throughout the year.

SRO: Ofc. Patrick Rhodes

SHADES MOUNTAIN

Monthly Character Pep Rally/Club Day

Beginning this school year, we had a school-wide peprally each month to recognize students in each class who demonstrated our character focus for the month (compassion, self-control, gratitude, generosity, resilience, kindness, and perseverance). We had guest speakers along with Spain Park High School cheerleaders and dance team attend the character pep rallies. After each pep rally, the students were dismissed to their clubs which are faculty-led. The students get to choose their club. In January, the students got to change clubs in order to provide more extracurricular opportunities for them.

SMES Vocabulary Parade

In January, all of our students got to participate in our annual vocabulary parade. Each student had the opportunity to select a word from a specific word list. This idea is based on the book “Miss Alaineus, A Vocabulary Disaster.”

Alabama Music Educators Conference

Shades Mountain Singers performed at the Alabama Music Educators Conference in January. Shades Mountain was the only elementary school selected to perform this year. The students sang beautifully and performed with confidence!

SMES Peer Helpers 24-25

HCS partnered with ThriveWay to implement a peer helper program. Shades Mountain peer helpers were recommended by teachers and had to complete an interview process. SMES peer helpers have provided positive peer relationships among specific students. They are true leaders within our school.

SHADES MOUNTAIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SMES Multicultural Day

This year, we had our 2nd annual SMES Multicultural Day. This day celebrates the rich cultural diversity present in our school community. The day began with the opening ceremony which included a flag parade, with SMES students proudly marching around displaying the flag from their respective countries. Throughout the day we had three more school-wide ceremonies with special performers. The students also had opportunities to rotate to various countries, actively engaging in various activities that highlighted and celebrated the traditions and customs around our world.

Veterans Day

SMES annual Veterans Day Program is a cherished event dedicated to honoring the courageous men and women who served in the United States Armed Force. Each year, the event features inspirational speeches, musical tributes, a Color Guard presentation, and a special recognition of our veterans.

GEMS

Shades Mountain 3rd-5th grade girls participated in GEMS Expo at Spain Park High School. Each group showcased their creative projects during the Expo. They participated in various handson STEM activities. The girls also heard from interventionist and scientist, Gitanjali Rao. She did a fantastic job encouraging the girls to “DREAM BIG”.

SOUTH SHADES CREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

SOUTH SHADES CREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

3770 South Shades Crest Road Hoover, AL 35244 (205) 439-3000

Principal: Kara Scholl Assistant principal: LaRue Frederick

FAST FACTS

Students: 529

Opened: 1995

Teachers and staff: 85

Grades: PreK, K-2

FOLLOW US!

Facebook: South Shades Crest Elementary

All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2024-25 school year.

Sensory Garden

The Sensory Garden at South Shades Crest is a new space that allows for students to meet their sensory needs in an inclusive setting. As we have seen the sensory needs at our school grow, SSC’s Occupational Therapist and Speech-Language Pathologist wanted to create a space for all of our students to go and explore various sensory stimuli. There is a sensory path, hopscotch path, music wall, hammock area, raised garden beds, spinning seats, and rocking chairs. This space is an area that can be utilized by students across our building to find a variety of sensory input that may help refocus their day. Our AAS classroom also uses this space as a way for sensory needs to be met. We also have a communication board that contains core words to encourage communication and language development in this space. By meeting needs in visual, auditory, tactile, and proprioception, we are providing ways for students to learn in an environment that is best for them.

• Kindergarten: Luke Dunn

• First Grade: John Rostas

• Second Grade: Madilyn Demoss

SRO: Ofc. JaRon Thomas

A Masters Golf Project

In an exciting and innovative collaboration, the Library and STEAM teachers joined forces to create a handson, interdisciplinary Masters Golf project that combined research, design, engineering, and coding. This unique project gave students the opportunity to explore the rich traditions and rules of the Masters Tournament while applying STEAM skills to a real-world challenge.

The project began in the library, where students delved into the history and traditions of the Masters Tournament. They researched the origins of the event, notable champions, the significance of the green jacket, and the unique characteristics of Augusta National Golf Club. This background knowledge not only deepened students’ understanding of the sport but also built their appreciation for its culture and significance.

In the STEAM classroom, students took their learning to the next level by designing and building their own mini golf courses inspired by the Masters. Using a variety of materials, they applied engineering and design principles to construct creative and functional golf holes. They were challenged to think critically about structure, angles, obstacles, and flow to make sure each hole could be played successfully.

To complete the project, students measured the paths of their golf holes and coded Sphero Mini robots to navigate the course.

Wednesday Night is Family Night!

Kids Eat Free 5-8pm restrictions apply

Voted Best Burger in 2023, 2024, & 2025

SOUTH SHADES CREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Leading in Early Learning

Macy’s Day Parade to the Classroom

The Library and STEAM teachers worked together to bring the magic of the Macy’s Day Parade into the classroom which allowed students to explore the history and traditions of the iconic parade while incorporating design, technology, and critical thinking.

The students learned about the origins and cultural significance of the Macy’s Day Parade and introduced students to the city of New York and its landmarks.

They created a mini parade including a route that mirrored New York City, with model landmarks and streets and constructed colorful miniature balloon characters that represented creativity, community, and celebration.

Students attached their balloon characters to Dash robots and used iPads to program the robots to follow the parade route they had created.

The final parade brought the classroom to life, showcasing innovation, imagination, and the power of interdisciplinary learning.

South Shades Crest has received 21 classroom grants, 11 in kindergarten and 10 in 1st grade, from the Department of Early Childhood as part of Governor Ivey’s Strong Start Strong Finish Initiative. These grants, totaling $432,000, are being used to enhance the quality of early childhood education and support teachers. One of the key benefits of these grants is the additional coaching support provided to the teachers. Through collaboration with a P3 coach in a strengths-based model, teachers are encouraged to try new strategies and expand their understanding of early childhood practices. Additionally, the grant funds have been used for resources, supplies, and materials focused on high-quality, developmentally appropriate, hands on engaging classroom learning environments and teaching practices. The grants help support our work in meeting the unique learning needs of early childhood education students. We are hoping to expand the grants into 2nd grade for the 2025-2026 school year.

Incredible achievements for SSCE

South Shades Crest Elementary received a 99 out of 100 on its 20232024 state report card. SSC was recognized in Montgomery as one of the Top 25 public schools in Alabama.

TRACE CROSSINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

TRACE CROSSINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

5454 Learning Lane Hoover, AL 35244 (205) 439-2700

Asst. Principal:

FAST FACTS

Students: 783

Opened: 1993

Teachers and staff: 105

Grades: PreK, K-5

FOLLOW US!

Instagram: @trace_crossings_elementary

Facebook: TraceCrossingsElementary

Black History Month

5th grade students at Trace Crossings celebrated Black History month by participating in a wax museum.

All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2024-25 school year.

Boosterthon Mascot Race

Students celebrated exceeding their goals for the Boosterthon Fundraiser.

Principal: Carl Berryhill

Lindsay Morgan

SRO: Ofc. Jason Yarbrough

TRACE CROSSINGS ELEMENTARY

Teacher Education Program

We are proud to celebrate Trace Crossings Elementary’s vital role in a nationally acclaimed Samford University Teacher Education Program.

The program has received the 2025 Billy G. Dixon Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award, one of the highest honors in the field

For more than a decade, our teachers have welcomed Samford education students into their classrooms, providing hands-on experiences that prepare them for success. From

Veteran’s Day

Students listen to a speaker during a Veteran’s Day ceremony at Trace Crossings Elementary.

learning labs and classroom engagement to one-on-one mentorship, our educators are helping shape the future of teaching.

We are especially proud of alumni like Haley Brown, a former Samford intern who now teaches right here at Trace Crossings.

Samford hosted a special reception to honor our incredible educators and this impactful partnership.

House Meeting

Students celebrate during a House meeting with creative activities.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Finley Award

Mr. Berryhill and Mrs. Morgan with the Trace Crossings Elementary Finley Award winners

• Kindergarten: Emerson Curro

• First Grade: Adelina Hunt-Felke

• Second Grade: Leon Shrestha

• Third Grade: Malia Kimble

• Fourth Grade: Eddy Molina

• Fifth Grade: Sawyer Jones

When people with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries taking place today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures – benefitting not only our patients and families, but people across the country and around the world for years to come.

We are here in your neighborhood at Greenvale Pediatrics. To make an appointment at either the Hoover or Brook Highland locations, visit www.childrensal.org/greenvale-pediatrics

Career Fair

Students gather to listen to the Hoover Fire Department at the career fair.

BROCK’S GAP INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

1730 Lake Cyrus Club Drive Hoover, AL 35244 (205) 439-1600

Principal: Scott Mitchell Asst. Principal: Emily Dunleavy

Prosthetic Design Challenge

A group of 5th grade students were selected to participate in a special challenge that would confront them with obstacles and give them an opportunity of growth in many different areas. Students heard from speaker, Joon Reid from the Lakeshore Foundation, He talked about what it is like to have a prosthetic and what makes a good one. Students then worked in teams to design, create/build and wear a prosthetic leg. This was not only a fun and educational day but students left with empathy for people who are faced with the challenge of living life with a prosthetic.

FAST FACTS

Students: 521

Opened: 2011

Teachers and staff: 74

Grades: 3-5

FOLLOW US!

X: @brocksgapbucs

Facebook: BrocksGapBucs

All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2024-25 school year.

Black History Month

HCS leaders and community members spread joy and knowledge by reading children’s books from Black authors to students all month long.

SRO: Ofc. Matt Bond (and Fancy)

GreenPower USA

Fourth and fifth grade students showcased their engineering skills by racing electric cars that were built from scratch. The GreenPower USA Foundation advances STEM understanding and inspires innovation in young minds through the immersive experience of designing, building, and racing electric powered vehicles.

Hovercraft Project

All 5th grade students participate in the Hovercraft Project at Brock’s Gap. We love to help students learn to love to learn. The Hovercraft Project is a fully integrated curriculum, coupled with inquiry-based learning. This means that students are able to put into practice ALL subjects concurrently. We also weave the idea of personal value into the entire experience. If each student understands that they are valuable, they have more confidence to contribute to their team. And if they work as a team, they have the potential to build something awesome. Adults supervising the project may only ask questions to help them solve problems. This project also gives teachers a framework that can be immediately implemented in their classrooms through the use of projectbased instruction.

Alabama State School of Character

This past February, Brock’s Gap Intermediate School was named a 2025 State School of Character for the state of Alabama from Character.org! This honor places Brock’s Gap among an elite group of only 98 schools nationwide and 12 in Alabama to receive this recognition. This award highlights Brock’s Gap’s unwavering commitment to building a culture where students grow as leaders with integrity and strong character. By prioritizing character education, the school continues to shape future leaders and create a lasting impact on students, staff, and the entire community. We are so proud of the Brock’s Gap community for leading by example and making character development a priority!

Girls Engaged in Math and Science

GEMS is a state-wide program, and HCS started a local GEMS Expo ten years ago. The Expo serves as a platform for girls to explore their passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Moss Rock Art Festival

A collection of students worked for two months creating multiple pieces of sculptures. This year’s project title was “Cahaba Lilies and Red Eyed Cahaba Bass.”

House Assembly System

The BGIS House Assembly was created with a goal to develop more leadership and promote/emphasize the school’s 2-RISE Core Values (Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Self-Control, & Empathy). The House Council is made up of five House Ambassadors from 5th grade and 12 House Representatives from each 3rd and 4th grades. These students run, campaign, and are elected by their peers. The house system creates a more cohesive climate and culture around the school while promoting good character, service, and comradery. All staff and students are sorted into five houses with each representing one of the 2-RISE core values. They remain in the same house their entire time at Brock’s Gap. Houses meet to discuss ideas such as good character, executive functioning, 2-RISE behavior, and service to the school and community. The Ambassadors take the lead to tour and mentor new students and families to Brock’s Gap.

Genius Lab recognized as CLAS Banner School of Distinction

Brock’s Gap was recently recognized by the Council of Leaders in Alabama Schools organization (CLAS) as a CLAS Banner School of Distinction for the Genius Lab program. This is more than a classroom space. It is a hub for creativity, collaboration, and community connections. Thanks to the generous support of our local PTO and local donors, the Genius Lab has offered more than 30 hands-on learning labs offered by local “genius” in the past four years. Over 400 students have explored new skills, passions, and interests. We have invited local business leaders, medical professionals, local artists, pilots, tech gurus, musicians, sports professionals, engineers, hobbyists, and countless others to come share their knowledge with our students. This provides opportunities for kids in our school to connect with individuals in our community in a small group setting and receive inspiration, encouragement, and support needed for future learning. Our hope is to foster productive play, mentoring, and interest-based learning within the walls of our school.

Veterans Day Recognition

The annual BGIS Veterans Day recognition program, led by our students, provides a meaningful opportunity to honor the veterans who safeguard our freedoms. One portion of the tribute features 5th graders and their teacher explaining and modeling the White Tablecloth Ceremony. Within our school’s diverse tapestry of families, backgrounds, and beliefs, this program underscores the importance of respect, honor, and gratitude for the fundamental liberties that bind us together.

BERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL

BERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL

4500 Jaguar Drive Hoover, AL 35242 (205) 439-2000

7th grade

8th grade asst. principal: Shonteria Culpepper

FAST FACTS

Students: 1144

Opened: 2005

SRO: Ofc. Timothy Pugh

Teachers and staff: 129 Grades: 6-8

FOLLOW US!

Instagram: @bmsjags

All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2024-25 school year.

David Carns: Teacher of the Year

David Carns is the 20242025 Berry Middle School Teacher of the Year. Mr. Carns teaches math on Team 8-1 and has been at Berry for 12 years. He is a National Board Certified Teacher and currently working on his Ed.S in Teacher Leadership from the University of North Alabama. One student shared, “Mr. Carns makes every math class feel exciting; he cares about all of his students.”

Zion Agee excels at Metro Track

Eighth grader Zion Agee excelled at the Indoor Metro Gold Meet tying for the high jump victory and winning the 400 meter dash. Agee is also a standout football player at the wide receiver position.

Principal: Melissa Hadder

6th grade asst. principal: Matthew Stephens

asst. principal: Ted Flannery

Melody Greene, President’s Award for Excellence in Math and Sciences State Finalist

Mrs. Melody Greene, national board certified math and science teacher on Team 6-2, was recognized as a state finalist for the prestigious President’s Award for Excellence in Math and Sciences. This award is highly competitive and selective and is a testament to Mrs. Greene’s amazing professionalism and work. It could be several years until she learns if she moves on in the process, and Berry is incredibly proud of her!

95 on State Report Card

Berry Middle School grew 3 points to rise from a 92 to a 95 on ALSDE reporting. This huge accomplishment was due to the hard work of Berry administrators, faculty, and students improving all areas of the school.

E-Sports Charts New Territory

For the first time in school history Berry is competing in E-Sports. Coached by Anthony Calaluca, technology teacher, the team has excelled in state and regional competitions in such games as Rocket League, Splatoon, Mario Kart, Online Chess, and Super Smash Brothers.

BERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL

Scholars Bowl State Finalists

Both 6th grade, coached by Kevin Pughsley, and 7th and 8th grade, coached by Christopher Carey, combined Scholars Bowl teams advanced to the Alabama State Championships this year! Pictured is Mr. Carey and his 7th and 8th grade team.

Kimberly Richardson Teacher in the Trenches

Kimberly Richardson, Team 8-3 Science teacher was recognized as the Middle School Teacher recipient of the Teacher in the Trenches award for Hoover City Schools. Mrs. Richardson is beloved by her students, and this recognition exemplifies her dedication to the school and all of her students.

TEAMS Repeats as State Champions

Berry Middle School’s math and engineering competitive student group, TEAMS, defended its state title to earn a berth in the National Championship. This is the senior team’s second consecutive state championship. Mr. Kevin Pughsley leads the team.

BUMPUS MIDDLE SCHOOL

BUMPUS MIDDLE SCHOOL

6055 Flemming Parkway

Hoover, AL 35244

(205) 439-2200

Principal: Donna Burke 6th grade assistant principal: Justin Jones

Kerry

FAST FACTS

Students: 1199

Opened: 2001

Teachers and staff: 135

Grades: 6-8

FOLLOW US!

Instagram: @rfbumpus

Facebook: BUMPUSMS

All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2024-25 school year.

Spirit Week Pep Rally

Students brought energy and creativity to School Spirit Week, designed to strengthen our sense of community and belonging and show their Bumpus pride.

Themed days included Swag Swap, Soccer Moms vs. BBQ Dads, and Tropical Day.

More than just a chance to dress up, Spirit Week gave our school an opportunity to support our athletics programs and build a stronger school community. It reminded us all that when we show up, have fun, and celebrate with each other, we make Bumpus a place where everyone belongs.

Matilda, Jr. Play

In October, the Bumpus Theatre Program and their Advisor, Drama teacher, Ashley Bishop, put on the production of Matilda Jr. The cast and crew of Bumpus students brought the beloved story to life with an incredible cast, including Abigail Shaw in the leading role of Matilda, a brilliant and determined young girl with extraordinary abilities. Violet Poe shined as Miss Honey, the kind and supportive teacher who becomes Matilda’s greatest ally, and Ava Collins delivered a captivating performance as the formidable and tyrannical Miss Trunchbull, creating a character both intimidating and memorable. Together, our talented Bumpus students brought Roald Dahl’s timeless characters to the stage, showcasing the power of intelligence, kindness, and resilience against adversity.

7th grade assistant principal:

Efurd

SRO: Ofc. Lee Love

8th grade assistant principal: Sean Colosimo

Jessica Harbinson’s Award

The Alabama State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (ASAHPERD) named Bumpus Middle School health teacher Jessica Harbison as the 2024 Health Educator of the Year. We are proud to celebrate Coach Harbison for being the recipient of such a great honor. This prestigious recognition reflects her dedication to promoting wellness, healthy lifestyles, and impactful education both inside and outside the classroom. Coach Harbison’s passion for student well-being, creative lesson planning, and commitment to fostering a positive, informed learning environment have made a lasting impact on the Hoover City Schools community. This well-deserved award is a testament to the difference she makes every day.

Robotics Team

The Bumpus Middle School Robotics team, led by teachers Kristi Donald and Ben Thompson, is a dynamic group of students dedicated to designing, building, and programming robots to compete in various robotics competitions. As part of their involvement, the team works collaboratively to solve engineering challenges, using math, science, and technology skills to create functional robots that can perform specific tasks. They participate in VEX Robotics competitions, where they compete against other schools in fast-paced matches that require strategic thinking, teamwork, and innovation. The Bumpus team not only showcases their technical abilities but also emphasizes core values like leadership, problem-solving, and perseverance. Through these competitions, students gain invaluable hands-on experience in STEM fields, preparing them for future opportunities in robotics and engineering.

Magic Moment

The Bumpus SGA spearheaded a school-wide fundraising effort to grant a dream vacation to Kenneth Spencer, a local 15-year-old diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, through the Magic Moments non-profit organization. In a surprise reveal during a school pep rally, Kenneth and his family were presented with an all-expense-paid trip to Disney World. Believing he was serving as a judge for the “Bumpus Got Talent” contest, Kenneth was completely shocked by the announcement. From organizing school dances to selling t-shirts, Bumpus students were deeply engaged in the effort and overjoyed to witness Kenneth’s reaction as he learned he was heading to Disney World.

BUMPUS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Track Championship

Coach Devin Patterson, the 2024-2025 Bumpus Teacher of the Year, has made an extraordinary impact on the school’s athletic programs, especially with his remarkable achievements in track and field. Under his leadership, both the Boys Indoor Track and Girls Outdoor Track teams have earned three consecutive championships, a testament to his dedication, expertise, and commitment to excellence.

Coach Patterson’s success in both indoor and outdoor track seasons is a result of his ability to develop athletes’ skills, build team spirit, and maintain a strong focus on performance. His work extends beyond just coaching—he’s a mentor and an inspiration to his athletes, helping them achieve their personal best while also fostering a sense of discipline and teamwork.

Community Service

The Bumpus Community Service Program, led by teachers Wendie Burbridge and Laura Stanton, is dedicated to providing students with opportunities and support to give back to both their school and the surrounding community. The program’s goal is to foster servant leadership among our Bumpus students by creating avenues for them to serve and earn the yearly Community Service Award. Various community service opportunities are available before and after school, enabling students to support teachers and staff.

The Community Service Award is presented at the end of the year’s Awards Ceremony to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders who complete at least 60 hours of community service outside of school hours. This program encourages students not only to meet their service goals but also to grow into responsible, compassionate leaders dedicated to making a positive and lasting impact in their community.

1920s Day

1920’s Day is a fun and immersive experience that transports 6th graders back to the Roaring Twenties, offering them a unique opportunity to dive into history while engaging in hands-on learning. Students are assigned a historical figure from the 1920s to research. They write detailed reports on their assigned person, exploring their contributions, impact, and significance during the decade.

On 1920’s Day itself, students come to school dressed in costumes inspired by the era, channeling the iconic fashion of the time, such as flapper dresses, bobbed hairstyles, and sharp suits. The day blends creativity with learning, helping students better understand this transformative period in history in a memorable and engaging way.

SIMMONS MIDDLE SCHOOL

SIMMONS MIDDLE SCHOOL

1575 Patton Chapel Road Hoover, AL 35226

(205) 439-2100

Principal: Walter Womack

8th grade principal: Alfreda Brown

FAST FACTS

Students: 862

Opened: 1979

6th grade principal: Shelley Bailey

SRO: Ofc. Chris Lopez

Teachers and staff: 81

Grades: 6-8

FOLLOW US!

Instagram: @simmonsmiddle

Facebook: SimmonsMiddleSchool

7th grade principal: Aldric Bennett

A Stellar Year in Fine Arts

Our fine arts program at Simmons has had an outstanding year. Our Theater department staged an exceptional Fall play, drawing a large audience from local elementary schools and the community. Synergy performed impressively in competition, and all of our choirs received top honors with superior ratings at the State Choral Performance Assessment. Our concert band also earned superior ratings at the Music Performance Assessment, and our Honor Band students had the privilege

of performing at the Music for All Regional Band Festival at Belmont University—one of only four middle schools selected from across the Southeast. Thank you to Mrs. Kincaid (theater), Mr. Cater (choir), and Mr. Chambless and Mrs. McCollum (band) for their dedication and leadership in making these programs thrive.

Racing to Victory: Champions and Record Breakers

All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2024-25 school year.

Graham Bowden, cross country runner, claimed victory at the Hoover City Championship and earned All Metro honors, alongside teammates Eli Hreha, Langley Edrmann, and Emlyn Green. Our girls indoor track team finished 3rd at the 2025 Alabama State Championship. Morgan Thomas took 1st place in the 60M dash, setting new school records in both the 60M dash and the long jump. Emlyn Green also set a new school record in the 400M. The team is proudly coached by Jeff Belcher.

Spreading Kindness

This year’s Be Kind Week theme, ‘Kind People are the Best Kind of People,’ was celebrated through a variety of activities organized by our Peer Helpers and SLC members to promote kindness. One of the highlights was Pink Shirt Day, where students and staff wore pink shirts to raise awareness about bullying and show support for creating a more inclusive, compassionate community.

Teacher of the Year

Mrs. Courtney Burke, 8th grade Social Studies teacher, has been named Teacher of the Year for the 2024-2025 school year. With four years of dedication at Simmons, Mrs. Burke is known for crafting engaging lessons and being a vital part of our faculty. Congratulations, Mrs. Burke!

Building Bluff Park

Owner of Hunter Home Builders, LLC

Hunter DeFalco, his wife Olivia, and daughter Reagan

SIMMONS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Employee of the Year

Congratulations to Naima Ouaoua, our 2024-2025 Employee of the Year! With over 16 years of service in Hoover City Schools, Ms. Naima is known for her dedication, love for the students, and her always-present smile. Well-deserved, Ms. Naima!

Fall Fun for All:

SMS Community Fest

SMS hosted its Annual Community Fest in October, bringing families together for a night of food, fun, and fellowship. With the support of our PTO, faculty, and staff, this event welcomed hundreds of guests who enjoyed a lively evening filled with great company and seasonal cheer.

Shining on the Court and Course

Congratulations to our boys tennis team for securing 4th place in the 2025 Metro South Tennis Tournament! The team, coached by Molly Matlock, includes Braxton Beckman, Aaron Carden, Matthew Hwangpo, Keilor Nolen, MJ Pennington,

SMS 7th Graders Dive into Careers and Financial Choices

SMS recently hosted its 7th Grade annual Career Day, offering students the chance to explore a wide range of professions through local community partners. Representatives from various industries shared valuable insights, inspiring students to consider future career paths.

Additionally, students took part in the Next Step Reality Check Workshop, sponsored by Regions Bank. During this hands-on activity, students were assigned a persona and faced real-life budgeting decisions, providing an eye-opening experience for everyone involved. A big thank you to our staff, speakers and community partners for making this event possible!

In addition, our girls golf team shined at the Birdie Bash, where they were named Co-Champions after tying for 1st place with Berry Middle School. Team members Avery Lee, Audrey King, Rachel Polk, Simone Cox, and Evie Blanchard, under the guidance of Coach Eric Ness, played their way to victory.

Hudson Perkins, Caleb Primeaux, Yannick Reuter, Dominic Ray, and Graham Schillaci.

CUSTOM

Handmade in Bluff Park, Alabama

HOOVER HIGH SCHOOL

1000 Buccaneer Drive

Hoover, AL 35244 (205) 439-1200

9th grade administrator: Cedric Buchannon

12th grade administrator: Jason Deason

10th grade administrator: Jennifer Box

Curriculum & Instruction: Amy England

11th grade administrator: Taurus Felton

Curriculum & Instruction: Mary Johnson

Principal: Jennifer Hogan

FAST FACTS

Students: 2884

Opened: 1994

Teachers and staff: 287

Grades: 9-12

You Matter Movement

Led by the Hoover Dynasty Club sponsors, students worked together the week before Valentine’s Day to create paper hearts with every student’s name on them. After school, they hung these posters up and surprised the students on February 14th, reminding them that every student is loved, welcomed, and encouraged at Hoover High School.

SROs:

• Ofc. Chris Grantham

• Ofc. Kyle Brohl

• Ofc. George Shanks

• Obi (K9)

Winter Guard earns top honors at International Competition

For the first time in school history, Hoover High School Winterguard made it to the Winter Guard International Semifinals in Dayton, Ohio, competing against 130 high school teams, and finished in the top 50 in the country. This milestone is a testament to their hard work and dedication to their performances.

2025 Hoover Caravel Yearbook wins numerous awards

Under the direction of Emily Lawson, The Hoover High School Yearbook staff won numerous awards at the Alabama Scholastic Press Association’s annual state convention at The University of Alabama. Yearbook editor, Kelsea Schafer won first place sports photo, first place social media management, second place division page, second place single post and second place social media video. Millie Moffett won first place sports spread, and together they won first place in the state for their cover design of the 2025 Hoover Caravel Yearbook!

All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2024-25 school year.

Student Life at Hoover High School

Recognized by the Student Section Report, the Hoover Boneyard’s Football Student Section was crowned the Alabama Student Section of the Year. Led by members of the senior class, the Boneyard traveled far and wide to support their friends this past year. This recognition is a testament to the love the Class of 2025 has for Hoover High School and their peers’ success.

Administrator of the Year

Mary Johnson, HHS Assistant Principal, was named the District 5 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Alabama Association of Secondary School Principals. This award is a testament to Ms. Johnson’s exceptional leadership, high expectations, and overall positive influence on students, staff, and her community. Reflecting on her role, Johnson shared, “One of the best parts of working at Hoover High School is seeing our students participate in activities they enjoy and take pride in being a Hoover Buc!” We are so proud of her achievements and grateful for her dedication to her students and community!

Teacher of the Year

Melissa Hamley, 9th Grade Pre-IB English and IB Coordinator, was named the Hoover High School Teacher of the Year. Hamley has dedicated her time to her students, International Baccalaureate, and Hoover High School. Reflecting on this honor, Melissa Hamley shared, “I am so incredibly honored to be recognized as this year’s Hoover High School Teacher of the Year. Hoover has been such an integral part of my life. Teaching isn’t just what I do; it is who I am, and I am so thankful that I’ve been able to spend my career at Hoover High.”

State Champions

Hoover strives to continue to uphold their legacy of excellence in all areas. The Hoover Bucs brought home state victories in multiple sports during their 2024-2025 seasons. This included Boys Basketball winning the AHSAA 7A State Championship for the 3rd consecutive year, Girls Basketball winning the AHSAA 7A State Championship for the 5th consecutive year, Boys and Girls Indoor Track & Field winning AHSAA Indoor Track State Championship and the Esports team winning the Super Smash Bros. State Championship at UAH. Go Bucs!

“I started at SDG in the fall of 2023. Each morning, Abby’s workouts challenge me to be better than I was the day before. She is encouraging and motivates you physically, mentally, and spiritually. I’m thankful to have SDG and Abby in my community, where I can be myself, grow as a person, and also encourage others along the way.”

Laura Powell

“I first came to SDG because I needed some push beyond my solo garage workouts. And I certainly get that! But I’ve stayed consistent because of the community SDG has built. The people make it! The endorphins don’t hurt either. I’m stronger and have plenty of energy to keep up with my 3 boys, and I appreciate the emphasis on our whole selves, not just our bodies!”

Mary Beth Peach

“Joining has been a transformative experience for me. It’s the perfect combination of community and fitness, allowing me to get to know other amazing people in the neighborhood. Abby has a unique talent for pushing us hard in workouts, yet she always knows just how far to encourage us without going beyond our limits. She makes every session feel tailored to our individual needs with plenty of laughs and good music!”

Emily Ness

SPAIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL

SPAIN PARK HIGH SCHOOL

4700 Jaguar Drive Hoover, AL 35242 (205) 439-1400

FAST FACTS

Students: 1,486

Opened: 2001

Bundren among best in state

Kristin Bundren, ‘24‘25 SPHS Teacher of the Year, is a Biology teacher at Spain Park. She advanced to the Top 16 Teachers in the State Teacher of the Year competition.

Teachers and staff: 162

Grades: 9-12

FOLLOW US!

Instagram: @spainparkhs

Facebook: SpainParkHS

Developing Young Leaders

SGA members hosted a leadership academy for all elementary schools in the district.

Williams wins state wrestling title

Junior Bradley Williams won the state championship for his weight class for the 2nd year in a row. Williams won the individual title for the 157lb weight class, going undefeated for the season.

Principal: Amanda Esslinger Asst. Principal: Jennifer Lowe

SRO: Ofc. Kevin Hollis

SRO: Ofc. Brian Johnson

K9: Ace Hollis

Asst. Principal: Josh Britnell

Asst. Principal: Dedrick Agee

A Law Dynasty

The SPHS Law Academy Mock Trial Team was named State Champions for the 7th consecutive year.

Sponge Bob!

S’Park Theater put on a production of “Sponge Bob the Musical” this year.

All-Star Runner

Cross Country runner Remy Richards eyes the finish line. Remy was named to the AHSAA North/South All-Star Race.

Nationally Ranked

SPHS Cheer finished 10th in the Nation for their Gameday Routine.

Finley Award Winners

This year’s winner was William Russell (top row, second from left). Twenty other seniors received a Character Recognition Award.

Success on the Diamond

SPHS Softball catcher, Maggie Daniel, a UCLA signee, led the Lady Jags to a state playoffs berth this year.

Pride of the Jags

SPHS’s Rhapsody in Blue Show Choir presents their show “Jibberish”.

The Spain Park High School Band: The Pride of the Park.

Choral Delight

RIVERCHASE CAREER CONNECTION CENTER (RC3)

853 Willow Oak Drive Hoover, AL 35244 (205) 439-1900

Executive Director of Career and Technical Education: Debra Walker Smith Career and Technical Education Specialist: Natalie Coleman

Counselor / Human Resources: Terri Coleman

FAST FACTS

Students: 735

Opened: 2019

SRO: Ofc. JaRon Thomas

Teachers and staff: 33

Grades: 10-12

FOLLOW US!

Instagram: @rc3.hoover

All information about staff administration, SROs, student counts, and faculty/staff counts, pertain to the 2024-25 school year.

Fire Academy Students Experience Hands-On Training at Explorer Weekend

Fire Academy students recently participated in an immersive field trip to Explorer Weekend, a special event designed to provide aspiring firefighters with hands-on experience and real-world training. The weekend-long event, held at the Alabama Fire College in Tuscaloosa, brought together young fire service enthusiasts from various school districts to train alongside professionals and learn essential firefighting skills.

The students engaged in a series of realistic training exercises, including searchand-rescue drills, live fire simulations, hose operations, and vehicle extrication scenarios. These activities were led by experienced firefighters and instructors who provided guidance and mentorship throughout the weekend.

Explorer Weekend also included workshops on fire safety, leadership, and emergency medical response. Students had the opportunity to network with professionals in the fire service, gaining valuable insight into career pathways and the skills needed to succeed in the field.

Explorer Weekend continues to be an invaluable experience for aspiring firefighters, offering them a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of the profession. For many, this field trip was not just a learning opportunity—it was the first step toward a lifelong career in public safety.

RIVERCHASE CAREER

Celebrating Excellence: NTHS Induction

On Tuesday, November 19, RC3 proudly welcomed 55 outstanding students into the National Technical Honor Society during our annual induction ceremony. This prestigious event, held at RC3, recognized students for their exceptional achievements in technical education, leadership, and service.

The NTHS is dedicated to honoring individuals who demonstrate excellence in their chosen career and technical education fields. Inductees are selected based on their academic success, dedication to skill development, and commitment to their career and technical student organizations.

Congratulations to our inductees for this well-deserved honor. We look forward to seeing the incredible contributions they will make in their respective fields and communities.

Cosmetology Students Shine in District Competition

We are thrilled to congratulate our talented cosmetology students on their outstanding success in the recent SkillsUSA district competition! Their creativity, skill, and dedication truly set them apart as they showcased their expertise in natural hairstyling and nail design.

Under the guidance of their instructors, our students demonstrated precision, innovation, and professionalism, impressing the judges. Their hard work and passion for the beauty industry have earned them well-deserved recognition,

and we couldn’t be prouder!

A special shoutout to the following winners:

• 1st Place Natural Hair - Cidney Lollar

• 3rd Place Natural Hair - Makaylah Coleman

• 2nd Place Nails - Gwendolyn Hueramo

• 3rd Place Nails - Nyel Settles

Congratulations once again to our incredible cosmetology team—your future in the beauty industry is brighter than ever!

Culinary Students Explore Options

Culinary students have been working on honing their professional and academic skills. They visited the University of Montevallo to take a glimpse into their Hospitality & Tourism Program. They also visited the renowned restaurant “The Culinary Dropout” and had a chance to hear from and speak to both their executive chef and general manager. They topped off their professional development with an in-house Enrichment Conference where students had the opportunity to hear from guest chefs and have one on ones with local programs and companies.

DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant Recipient

RC3’s Construction Science Academy is named one of the DEWALT Grow the Trades Grant recipients for 2024-2025! To be among 70 organizations nationwide selected for their efforts to help close the trade skills gap is such an honor.

Back pain holding you back?

Our team of orthopedic specialists are here to help.

Welcoming Jay Fitts, MD

Orthopedic & Spine Surgeon

At UAB Medical West, our team of orthopedic specialists are dedicated to helping patients restore mobility and enhance their quality of life. We are committed to bringing quality, stateof-the-art orthopedic care to the residents of West Jefferson County, AL and are thrilled to welcome Dr. Jay Fitts to our team. Dr. Fitts specializes in spine surgery and is now accepting new patients at both our brand new main hospital location and our Hoover location. To schedule an appointment with a UAB Medical West Orthopedic surgeon, call us today at (205) 481-8570.

For more information about UAB Medical West and all of our services, visit us online at medicalwesthospital.org.

J. Dory Curtis, MD | Erika Issis-Vasha, PA-C | Patrick Rowan, MD | Scott Seibert, MD | Jay Fitts, MD