Equipping Everyone for Excellence

Sylacauga City Schools Newsletter

Message from our Superintendent

SCS Family -

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a restful Winter Break. Work continued in each of our buildings over the break to ensure our buildings are safe and secure. The Simpkins Building at Sylacauga High School has just been updated and remodeled to house both our SHS Band and Choral Music Departments. The entrances to each of our school buildings are being updated to provide an extra layer of protection with a secure entryway. All of our staff members completed district-wide safety training on January 3, 2024 to ensure everyone is prepared in case of an emergency. Safety and security will always be a top priority for our district.

January is Board Appreciation Month. We are blessed to have board members who are advocates for the students in our community. Please be sure to thank them for their service. It is important that we finish the 2023-24 school year strong. Attendance daily is crucial for students to learn and grow. Thank you for your continued support as together we equip everyone for excellence!

Dr. Michele Eller, Superintendent

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SCS is proud to announce the 2023-2024

School Board Member Appreciation Month

January marks the 31st annual observance of School Board Member Recognition Month in Alabama. AASB is encouraging communities throughout the state to help celebrate local school board members for their commitment to high-quality public education for all of Alabama's students.

This year's theme is "Cultivating Brilliance in Alabama Schools," which highlights the role board members play in fostering excellence in education throughout the state. The theme is also a nod to the Alabama Association of School Boards' "Diamond" 75th anniversary being celebrated in 2024.

Please join us in welcoming our newest SCS Board of Education member Wendy Twymon. Mrs. Twymon began her role December 19th as she attended an AASB two-day workshop for new board members. We are excited to have Mrs. Twymon serving the families of Sylacauga City Schools.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Mrs. Garris for her 10 1/2 years of service as a SCS board member. Mrs. Garris served as board president for 2015-2016 & 2019-2020 and vice president 2018-2019. She was vital in multiple steering committees throughout her tenure as board member. We appreciate your dedication and service to the Sylacauga City School.

Gifted Education

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Gifted students are those who perform at or who have demonstrated the potential to perform at high levels in academic or creative fields when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment. These students require services not ordinarily provided by the regular school program. Students possessing these abilities can be found in all populations, across all economic strata, and in all areas of human endeavor.

Teachers, counselors, administrators, parents or guardians, peers, self, or any other individuals with knowledge of the student’s abilities may refer a student. Additionally, all second-grade students will be observed as potential gifted referrals using a gifted behavior checklist.

For each student referred, information is gathered in the areas of Aptitude, Characteristics, and Performance. The information is entered into a matrix where points are assigned according to established criteria. The total number of points earned determines if the student qualifies for gifted services.

Students who qualify for the gifted program are provided with APEX pull-out services in grades 3-5. The learning that takes place during this time is concept and problem-based. Students do not earn a grade for this time but are provided with valuable lessons in using their knowledge to collaborate with their peers to explore various topics and solve problems. The mission of APEX is to challenge gifted students in an enriched environment to achieve at a higher level of performance.

Workforce Development

SHS Curriculum Night

SHS is hosting its Curriculum Night in the auditorium on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. This is for students in grades 8-11. During the event, you will learn about new graduation requirements and courses that will be offered for the 2024-2025 school year. Please mark your calendars and make sure to attend this important event.

Footprints to the Future- a Career Pathways Expo

Footprints to the Future- a Career Pathways Expo is scheduled for Thursday, February 8, 2024 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. This event is a great opportunity for parents to learn more about the college and career pathways and for students to explore course opportunities in the Career Pathways courses. Keep an eye out for a sign-up link to register.

Dual Enrollment and Advance Placement Meeting

SHS will host a Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement meeting on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. This meeting is an excellent opportunity to learn more about both dual enrollment and advance placement opportunities at SHS.