In the Loop
January 16, 2026
Upcoming Important Dates:
Monday, January 19 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday ( All TCS Schools and Offices will be closed.)
Monday, February 16 - E-Learning Day for Students
Friday, March 6 - End of 3rd Nine Weeks for K-5th Grade
Dr. Martin Delivers State of the Schools Address
Dr. Martin delivered his State of the Schools Address at the January Trussville Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon, highlighting the achievements of Trussville City Schools across academics, athletics, and the arts. A special thank you to the HTHS Jazz Combo, under the direction of Mrs. Shannon Moore, for entertaining the attendees prior to the luncheon, and to HTHS Seniors Denarrius Crawford and Murphy Peterson for leading the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation.
HTMS Dance Dominates at NDA Regionals
The HTMS Dance Team had an incredible showing at this month’s NDA Regional Championship at Hoover High School, bringing home top honors across the board!
✨ 1st Place – Game Day
✨ 1st Place – Kick
✨ Technical Excellence Award – Kick
🏆 Middle School Grand Champion (Highest Overall Score)
Way to represent HTMS and make Husky Nation proud!
A Whole New World Takes Shape at Paine Elementary
Student artists at Paine Elementary School are hard at work behind the scenes bringing Disney’s Aladdin KIDS to life. Through collaborative, student-led projects, students are designing and creating an imaginative set filled with market stalls, a magic carpet, and treasures inspired by the world of Agrabah.
Along the way, they are learning a variety of sculpting and set-design techniques while working together as a team. Their creativity, problem-solving, and dedication are evident in every detail, and the set design crew is excited to share the results of their hard work on stage.
Cahaba students celebrated the 100th day of school with smiles and creativity as students and teachers dressed up as 100 year olds for one of Cahaba’s favorite kindergarten traditions. The fun costumes and schoolwide excitement made the day a memorable milestone, highlighting 100 days of learning and growth.
Students took part in engaging activities focused on the number 100. Kindergarteners strengthened math skills by counting to 100, building collections, and exploring number patterns through hands-on learning experiences.
Winter Data Meetings at Magnolia Elementary
Mrs. Maggie Burns, TCS District Math Coach, led Magnolia Elementary's Winter Data Meetings and engaged in thoughtful math conversations with teachers this week.
HTHS Theatre Department invites you to their
Once Upon A Dream Character Breakfast!
Saturday, January 24 from 9:00AM - 10:30AM in the HTHS Theatre
$12 per adult and $5 per student
Tickets go on sale on Monday 1/12 and space is limited.
Meet & Greet your favorite characters!
HTHS Theatre Presents
Once Upon A Dream
Musical Theatre Revue
FREE Admission!
January 23 at 7:00PM & January 24 at 12:30PM
HTHS Marching Band
Auxiliary Tryouts
2026-2027
Registration Open Until Friday, February 13th
All Tryout Information Available on Auxiliary Website at the link below
Trussville City Board of Education
The Trussville City Board of Education will hold its January monthly meeting on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 5:00pm. The livestream link will be published on the TCS website (www.tcsk12.us) 15 minutes prior to the start of each meeting.
For the "Health" of It
Tips to Handle Test Anxiety
Test anxiety is very real, manifesting as a combination of physical and emotional symptoms that can hinder performance, involving the body's stress response (adrenaline) and negative thoughts about failure, but it's manageable with preparation, relaxation, and cognitive strategies like positive self-talk.
As we enter the testing season following are a few tips that may be helpful in easing your student’s anxiety.
Before the Test (Preparation & Mindset)
· Study Smart: Start early, create study guides, and practice problems to feel prepared.
· Prioritize Sleep: Get 7-9 hours of sleep the night before for clear thinking.
· Eat Well & Hydrate: Have a healthy meal and water; avoid excess caffeine.
· Arrive Early: Gives you time to settle and organize materials.
· Visualize Success: Imagine a positive outcome to build confidence.
· Reframe Anxiety: Tell yourself you're "excited" instead of anxious.
During the Test (In the Moment)
· Deep Breathing: Inhale slowly, hold, then exhale deeply to calm your body.
· Muscle Relaxation: Tense and then release muscle groups to relieve physical tension.
· Positive Self-Talk: Counteract "I'll fail" with "I'm doing my best" or "I can handle this".
· Focus on the Present: Concentrate only on the question in front of you.
· Skip & Return: Answer easy questions first, then come back to challenging ones.
· Take Breaks: Briefly close your eyes, reset, and then move to a new problem if stuck.
After the Test (Review & Reward)
· Don't Dwell: Move on and reward yourself for your effort.
· Learn From It: Review for areas to improve, not just for the grade.
· Seek Support: Talk to a counselor if anxiety is persistent.
Casino Night Tickets Are Live!
The Trussville City Schools Foundation is excited to announce our 7th Annual Casino Night, one of the most anticipated events of the year and our largest fundraiser supporting Trussville City Schools.
This lively evening brings our community together as we turn Trussville into TrussVegas for a night of casino-style gaming, entertainment, great food and drinks, and plenty of excitement, all in support of our amazing students and schools.
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Tickets are on sale now and are limited
Don't wait. This event sells out every year.
TCS Board of Education Meeting Schedule for 2025-26 School Year
January 26, 2026 - 5:00pm Board Meeting
February 23, 2026 - 5:00pm Board Meeting
March 16, 2026 - 5:00pm Board Meeting
April 20, 2026 - Board Retreat
April 20, 2026 - 5:00pm Board Meeting
May 18, 2026 - 5:00pm Board Meeting
June 8, 2026 - 5:00pm Board Meeting
All Meetings will be held in the Boardroom of Central Office.
The Board Meeting livestream link will be posted on the TCS Website (www.trussvillecityschools.com) 15 minutes before the meeting start time
on the day of the meeting.
Community Corner: Local Events & Activities Supporting our Students and Families
Save the Date!
February 19, 2026
Where: Hewitt-Trussville Middle School
Time: 5:30PM to 6:30PM
Please join us for an informative hour as Cindy Jones of PIRC will talk about how to naviagte the mental health care system for children, teens, and families.
What you will learn:
** Access to local and statewide resources
** Support and education
** Free confidential phone calls
** And so MUCH more
Trussville Racquet Club
2026 Spring Tennis Clinics
February 2nd - March 19th
Registration Closes on January 23rd
Ages 8 & Under - 1 Clinic per week on Mondays from 4:00 - 5:00PM...$120
Ages 9 to 11 - 2 Clinics per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:00PM...$240
Ages 12 to 15 - 2 Clinics per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 - 6:00PM...$240
Questions: waynezeitvogel@trussville.org or
the Trussville Racquet Club Pro Shop at (205) 661-0861
Important Resources for TCS Parents & Students
Shortcuts to important resources listed on the TCS District website:
https://www.tcsk12.us/departments/exceptional-education/parent-and-community-resources