ACS Index

Our second semester started successfully despite some rocky weather in early January. Mother Nature eventually gave us a reprieve, and now we find ourselves looking ahead to Spring Break! Of course, January and February offered much to note across ACS. Black History Month has been celebrated in large and meaningful ways across the district. Programs across our system have received awards from CLAS, UDA, AHSAA, and other organizations. Winter sports wrapped up on high notes and spring sports are now in high gear. In mid-February, I was honored by AASA - the School Superintendents Association - as a top three national finalist for AASA President-Elect. As a staunch supporter of public education, I would be honored to lead this organization and assist districts around the nation with their public education advocacy efforts. A rising tide lifts all boats! Thank you, as always, for what you do. Your support of Alabaster City Schools and our mission means so much! - Dr. L. Wayne Vickers, Superintendent

ACS Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers has been named one of three national finalists to become President-Elect of AASA, The School Superintendents Association. Vickers joins David Law of Minnesota and Tobin Novasio of Montana. All three are members of the AASA Executive Committee. AASA is the leading professional organization for school superintendents, serving thousands of members across the U.S. and Canada. Dr. Vickers presented to all attendees of AASA's recent National Conference on Education. See more on Dr. Vickers and AASA on the ACS website and from the Shelby Co. Reporter.

The ACS 2023-2024 Teachers of the Year were formally announced earlier this semester during surprise visits from Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers. Teachers were greeted in their classrooms and congratulated on their big achievements. Bonnie Maddox (CVES), Melissa Smith (MVES), Terri McGaughy (TIS), Lakesha Fleming (TMS), and Doug Norris (THS) have been selected by their peers as this year's top educators in Alabaster City Schools. Each Teacher of the Year is being highlighted across web, social, and podcast platforms. See more on the ACS Teachers of the Year.

School Board Recognition Month comes around each January, as recognized by the Alabama Association of School Boards. Alabaster City Schools (ACS) celebrates its board members year-round, with extra focus during January, for their dedication and commitment to the school system and its students. ACS proudly honors and celebrates the unwavering commitment of its esteemed board members (President Mr. Adam Moseley; Vice-President Mr. Derek Henderson; Board Member Dr. John Myrick; Board Member Mrs. Misty Johnson; and Board Member Dr. Kristalyn Lee) who shape the future of education in our community, ensuring that every student receives the best possible opportunities for success. See more on ACS School Board Recognition Month.

Celebrations of Black History were expressed in various ways across Alabaster City Schools this February. Students at all grade levels had opportunities to learn the importance of Black History. For example, students in the lower grades engaged in book studies, artwork, and musical activities. Students at the secondary level researched notable African Americans and brought Black History to life in school-wide theatrical assemblies. See ACS Black History Month photos/videos from the Elementary, Middle, and High School levels.

Three school resource officers in Alabaster City Schools now sport rides with a fresh new design thanks to the efforts of art students at Thompson High School. The Alabaster Police Department recently collaborated with art students from Michelle McGraw’s class at Thompson High School for livery design on the eight new vehicles for its SROs. On Tuesday, Feb. 13, McGraw’s class gathered outside the THS rotunda. Students got their first look at the new designs on the first three vehicles that have been completed. Read more from the Shelby County Reporter.

Various ACS administrators continue to explore the future of Career and Technical Education (CTE) as executed in Alabaster City Schools. On a recent visit to Lawson State Community College in Birmingham, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Amanda Wilbanks, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Wesley Hester, THS Assistant Principal Dr. Kristen Westwood, Chief Technology Officer Mr. Anthony Kingston, and Supervisor of Parent and Student Engagement Mr. Jose Alvarado toured that college's various CTE offerings. This included various fields such as cybersecurity, welding, and building construction. The campus offered a firsthand look at the diverse programs available, showcasing state-of-the-art facilities and hands-on learning environments. This visit highlighted the exciting potential for partnerships with the college and programs that may someday be offered in ACS.

We congratulate the Alabaster City Schools “Standing O” Award Winners for January/February: Ann Jay Harrison and Cynthia Russell, both from Thompson Intermediate School (January) and Sharon Davis of Thompson Middle School and Morgan Quisenberry of Creek View Elementary School (February). All of these outstanding employees, nominated by their administrators, received district-level recognition and a $100.00 gift certificate from our corporate sponsor. America's First Federal Credit Union.

Thompson High School was recently bestowed with "Silver With Access" status on the National Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Roll for its success in college preparation. Thompson now joins an elite circle of Alabama high schools to earn this distinction. For a high school to be recognized on the AP School Honor Roll, it must excel in the following areas: A) College Culture, B) College Credit, and C) College Optimization. In short, the National AP Honor Roll ranking reflects Thompson's commitment to increasing a college-bound culture, providing opportunities for college credit, and maximizing all-around college credit. See more on this distinction and the full list of Alabama high schools joining THS via this ALSDE memo.

Snow disrupted the 2024 Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA) Conference, which was scheduled for mid-January in Huntsville. Alabaster's own Thompson High School Wind Ensemble was selected to be a marquis presentation at AMEA. Given the weather cancellation, Thompson High School decided to stage its much-rehearsed performance here in Alabaster. Hundreds turned out at the THS Performing Arts Center in late January to watch this incredible performance, which also included a guest performance from Pinson Valley High School.

After finishing ten weeks in the Super Citizen Program, ACS second-graders and fifth-graders gathered to celebrate their accomplishments and honor their local heroes. These students learned their essential roles in America’s future thanks to an immersive experience in civics, character, financial literacy, and social studies. Students chose heroes who embodied the traits of amazing citizens and read essays on stage at TMS before their peers. Students learned that “...when you honor a hero, you become a hero!” See more on the Liberty Learning Foundation and see more ACS photos via this Google Photos album.

Dance and Band made waves a few weeks back in Orlando! TMS/THS Dance Teams - along with select band ensembles - brought home tremendous awards in multiple categories. These students train year-round for this event (UDA "Nationals"). These accolades garnered coverage from the Shelby County Reporter:

TMS dance team places 3rd in Nation for Junior High Kick

Back-to-back champions: THS Warriorettes secure second Game Day Live National Champions title

Thompson Athletics continues to win, dominate, and innovate across all areas. In that same fashion, the department has unveiled a new website that elevates its digital presence in a big way. SIDEARM Sports, a well-respected industry leader in K12 and collegiate athletic websites, hosts the new site. In addition to simplified navigation with more thorough information, Thompson Athletics' new website boasts state-of-the-art mobile responsiveness, ADA compliance, ticket purchasing capability, and broadcasts. Visit the new Thompson Athletics website at https://thompsonwarriors.org/

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