HCS Index
March 22, 2024
It's Spring Break!!
29th Annual Finley Character Awards Ceremony
The Finley Committee held its annual Finley Character Awards Ceremony on Thursday, March 21, at the Finley Center, where the community celebrated the achievements of the three distinguished award recipients, along with more than 200 grade-level winners.
Keri Ross with Spain Park High School received the esteemed Finley Faculty Award, while Phanuelle Manuel was recognized as the senior recipient of the Finley Award from Hoover High School. Additionally, Josh Helms claimed the title of Spain Park High School Finley Award senior winner.
These awards pay tribute to the enduring legacy of the late Coach Bob Finley, whose unwavering commitment to character development continues to inspire students and staff of Hoover City Schools. Coach Finley, an esteemed educator and mentor, dedicated many years of his life to W.A. Berry High School, leaving behind a profound impact that resonates throughout the community. Read more about the 2024 Finley Awards here. Watch a special video from the ceremony below.
Hoover City Schools District Highlights Post-Pandemic Academic Successes
The Hoover City Schools District (HCS) is once again celebrating our students' post-pandemic learning gains in math and reading. In collaboration with the Center for Education Policy Research, esteemed researchers from Stanford and Harvard Universities have released the latest Education Recovery Scorecard.
According to the national study, HCS students have consistently outpaced the nation in academic growth since 2019, a testament to the dedication and resilience of administrators, teachers, staff, students, and parents. HCS Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox expressed his pride in the phenomenal accomplishment.
Dr. Maddox said, “Our schools have remained diligent and intentional in recovering from the learning losses and returning to pre-pandemic academic levels. The dedication and hard work of our students, teachers, administrators, and families have once again yielded remarkable results." Read the District's full story here.
Hoover City Schools District Offers $2,500 Supplement
The Hoover City Schools District (HCS) unveiled a new supplement of $2,500 for exceptional education classroom teachers and speech-language pathologists for the 2024-2025 school year.
This supplement complements an existing state Department of Education-funded supplement of $1,000, aiming to further incentivize educators in providing support services to students with special needs as there is a growing demand for specialized education.
Executive Director of the HCS Exceptional Education Department Claire Jones-Moore said, “I am so very thankful to the Board and Dr. Maddox for providing the additional supplements to help attract and retain the brightest classroom special education teachers and Speech-Language Pathologists for Hoover City Schools. The shortage of special education teachers is critical, and by providing additional incentives to this very difficult area, I believe that we will be able to secure the best teaching talent.” Read the District's full story here.
Celebrating Cecelia Tate: Longest-Serving Child Nutrition Program Employee
In the heart of Shades Mountain Elementary School lies a cornerstone of dedication and passion in the form of Cecelia Tate, the school's Child Nutrition Program (CNP) manager. With a career spanning an incredible 32 years, Tate stands as the longest-serving CNP employee in the district. Her unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have not only nourished countless minds and bodies but have also left an indelible mark on the community she serves.
Recently, Tate's profound impact were spotlighted during the March Hoover Board of Education meeting, where her invaluable contributions were celebrated with admiration and gratitude. It is through her steadfast commitment to nurturing students, one nutritious meal at a time, that Tate has earned the respect and appreciation of students, parents, and colleagues alike.
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Rocky Ridge Elementary School's Tribute to Inspiring Women
Rocky Ridge Elementary School Librarian Heather Negley (pictured) is extremely proud of the school's display honoring remarkable and influential women in celebration of Women's History Month. Thanks to funds from a school fundraiser, Negley assembled a collection of Barbies from the Barbie Inspiring Women Series. The dolls pay homage to heroines and role models who have paved the way for generations of girls.
With dolls representing figures like Rosa Parks, Katherine Johnson, Maya Angelou, Ella Fitzgerald, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sally Ride, Bessie Coleman, Celia Cruz, Helen Keller, and many more, the school's display is a tribute to diversity, resilience, and empowerment. In the spirit of inclusion, a Barbie in a wheelchair is included, reminding us that strength comes in many forms. Watch the video below!
Hoover High School Air Force JROTC Shines Bright in National Competition
Photo Source: Hoover High School Air Force JROTC
Hoover High School's (HHS) Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) secured top honors in the prestigious National Armed Inspection and Regulation Competition. With an impressive display of precision, discipline, and leadership, the cadets have showcased the excellence that defines their program and the dedication that propels them to success.
Among a field of formidable competitors, the team clinched the third position in armed inspection, demonstrating their meticulous attention to detail and impeccable standards of presentation. Additionally, they secured an impressive fifth place in armed regulation, showcasing their proficiency in drill and ceremony.
Cadet Lucas Petersen's outstanding leadership and skill earned him the coveted title of first in the Nation for armed regulation commander. Petersen's exemplary performance not only reflects his individual talent but also underscores the caliber of training and mentorship provided by HHS's JROTC program. Congratulations!
Students from Spain Park High School Make a Difference in the Community
Photo Source: Spain Park High School Facebook
In early March, Green Earth Society members of Spain Park High School showed their commitment to environmental stewardship by braving the cold weather and getting up early on a Saturday morning. Their mission? To clean up part of their community and make a tangible difference.
Armed with gloves, trash bags, and determination, these students set out to tackle litter along a Hoover roadside, knowing that every piece they collected would prevent pollution in Shades Creek, a vital waterway.
The students' efforts were nothing short of remarkable. In just a few hours, they gathered over 200 pounds of litter, ranging from plastic bottles to fast-food wrappers, preventing them from further harming the local environment. Their dedication and hard work exemplify the positive impact that young people can have when they come together for a common cause.
Hoover High School Boys’ Soccer Program Hosts "Hoover Soccer Night"
Source: Delle Kincaid, Hoover Soccer Night Coordinator
Hoover High School (HHS) Boys’ Soccer program hosted its inaugural Hoover Soccer Night on March 7, in collaboration with the Hoover Soccer Club (HSC). It was a fun evening filled with soccer excitement as all three Hoover High Boys’ soccer teams took on the Thompson High School Warriors.
HHS Varsity Soccer Coach Rusty Cowley said, “I don't know that anything could've gone better. Every HSC kid was so excited to participate... It was great to see our Hoover High boys interact with the younger kids and understand the impact they can have on future Hoover High School players."
The attendees came together to celebrate soccer in the Hoover community. Coach Cowley says he looks forward to welcoming the HSC back and continuing to work with the young players of the Hoover community.
Learning for Life
Our award-winning, nationally-ranked school district features highly-motivated students, skilled and caring educators, and engaged parents.EEOC Notice
Website: hoovercityschools.net
Location: 2810 Metropolitan Way, Birmingham, AL, USA
Phone: 205-439-1000
Facebook: facebook.com/HooverCitySchools
Instagram: @HooverCitySchools