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Back to School: Parents to be first line of defense
From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — The city of Trussville is ranked No. 2 in the state of Alabama for the percentage of responses to the 2020 U.S. Census. See CENSUS, Page 7
K9 Officer donated to Moody PD in honor of fallen Lt. Stephen Williams From The Tribune staff reports
MOODY — The Moody Police Department will soon have an extra four legs on the streets, thanks to a generous donation by two organizations. See K9 OFFICER, Page 4
Like father, like son: A life in law enforcement for Chiefs of Police in Leeds and Irondale By Erica Thomas, managing editor
LEEDS — It isn’t unheard of to have a son follow in his father’s footsteps. But Irondale Police Chief Ken Atkinson did just that with a little extra effort. See FATHER-SON, Page 3
Pinson Council bids farewell to Councilor Shannon Galamore, receives school update from BOE President Ronnie Dixon By Crystal McGough
PINSON — Pinson City Council member Shannon Galamore recently accepted a position teaching 11-12th graders at The American International School – West Campus in Cairo, Egypt. See PINSON COUNCIL, Page 4
TRUSSVILLE — When Trussville City Schools start back in August, Superintendent Dr. Pattie Neill has an assignment for parents: Be the first line of defense to combat the spread of coronavirus. During the Board of Education meeting on Monday, July 20, 2020, Neill specifically asked parents to screen children before sending them to school. “I think being hypersensitive to all of the symptoms is important,” Neill said. A fever isn’t always a symptom of coronavirus, and symptoms are different for people and Neill said that is problematic for school leaders. “The state has asked us to urge parents to be the first point of screening,” Neill said. “…That’s where we’re at today is for parents to be the first point of screening to help us prevent the spread of COVID-19.” Board members voiced concerns about sending chil-
school, you could be contagious,” board member Kim DeShazo said. “I think that’s another aspect that parents are thinking about is from the attendance standpoint, of being mindful of being respectful of, ‘We need to be in school if we can,’ but at the same time being more in tune of how our children feel.” Neill said there is a spe-
“We have a special COVID-19 attendance code for absences that allows the parents to keep them home without penalty if they have the COVID-19 symptoms,” Neill explained. The BOE also approved a policy change that allows the system to offer virtual learning programs to more students.
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Trussville remains No. 2 in Alabama for U.S. Census responses, Springville No. 10
cial attendance policy across the state. If parents write school administrators a note explaining the child had COVID-19 symptoms, the absence wouldn’t be counted against the child.
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dren to school if the children feel bad or feel tired. “In these days now, if your child says they don’t feel well you are going to be more prone to say, ‘Okay we don’t need to send you to
50 Cents Buc-ee’s in Leeds to open first quarter of 2021
“Our current policy allows Trussville City Schools to offer a virtual program in grades nine through 12, so tonight we’ll change the policy for Trussville City Schools to offer a virtual program in grades K through 12,” said Superintendent Dr. Pattie Neill during Monday night’s Zoom meeting. The board went on to table two additional policy changes that involve suspending field trips and suspending nonessential visitors to TCS facilities when schools open up for fall semester on Aug. 12. The board will revisit those policies at its August meeting. “We will let the principals use their discretion on which visitors are essential and which visitors are not,” said Neill. The policies discussed on Monday come in accordance with the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Alabama Association of School Boards as complications surrounding coronavirus continue.
TRUSSVILLE — After 45 years in education, Simona Herring, an English, speech and debate teacher, is retiring. Herring taught at Hewitt-Trussville High School for the last 34 years of her career. She said she truly loves the students she taught in the community. “The past 34 years at the high school have been amazing and I have beautiful memories to last a lifetime,” Herring said. “It does not seem like 45 years have come to an end.” Over the years, Herring said she has felt the love returned by being named Favorite Teacher and having the yearbook dedicated to her several times. Although many of her former students are grown and have their own lives, Herring said a lot of them keep in touch. “I do go to a ton of weddings,” said Herring. “I stay in touch with a lot of my students and some of them are really good friends.”
For Herring, teaching was about much more than a paycheck. “It’s not just been a job, it’s been my life,” Herring added. Teaching was also about making students feel good
about learning and watching their confidence grow into successful careers and positive life choices. “It’s not all about the curriculum, it’s a whole lot more,” Herring explained. “It’s making a child feel loved and welcomed.” The beloved teacher also started a local adaptation
of the national group Gay Straight Alliance. The Alliance Club in Trussville was open to students interested in philanthropic activities. They met once a month and focused on empowerment and advocacy.
“Kelly Till and I did it for several years,” Herring said. “So, this was a club that we started and we had guest speakers and did service projects.” Herring’s mantra is simple. She said every year she shared the same message with her classes: “Don’t ever be the rea-
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LEEDS — Buc-ee’s convenience store and gas station could open as early as the first quarter of 2021, according to Buc-ee’s Ltd. General Counsel Jeff Nadalo. The large chain, based in Texas, already has one Alabama location in south Alabama. See BUC-EE’S, Page 7
Navigating coronavirus pandemic, city of Trussville sees increased revenue By Erica Thomas, managing editor
TRUSSVILLE — The city of Trussville has financially survived the first several months of the coronavirus pandemic with increased revenue. See REVENUE, Page 7
Trussville woman makes masks for seniors
son someone does not want to come to school and don’t ever be the reason somebody doesn’t want to walk in this room because everybody in this room is equal, accepted and loved,” Herring repeated her mantra. Herring truly loved each student. Even those who did not seem to be interested in the subjects she taught had a special place in the heart of Ms. Herring. “My best memories are reaching that kid that hated English,” remembered Herring. “And having him say, ‘this isn’t so bad.” Now that she is retired, Herring is hoping to tutor veterans who are working on getting their GEDs. She has been in touch with veterans’ groups to work out a plan. Trussville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Pattie Neill said Herring will be missed. “We love Simona and we will miss her so much,” Neill said. “I appreciate her passion for education and her service to Trussville City Schools as an outstanding teacher.”
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From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
See BACK TO SCHOOL, Page 8
Trussville teacher retires after 45 years in education By Erica Thomas, managing editor
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From The Tribune staff reports
SUN MON
From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE — Wanda McKoy saw an opportunity to help. With a little assistance from her daughter, Jayna Moore, McKoy has fashioned more than 2,000 face masks during the novel coronavirus pandemic. See MASKS FOR SENIORS, Page 6
Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reminding citizens there is no law prohibiting firearms while wearing mask From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — After receiving inquiries into gun laws concerning facial coverings. See MASKS AND GUNS, Page 3
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