Progress Report
Huntsville City Schools News & Updates: September 25, 2026
Welcome to CTEats!
At Huntsville Center for Technology, students in the Culinary Program aren’t just learning in the classroom. They’re running the kitchen.
Through CTEats, students prepare, sell and serve meals while gaining hands-on experience in a simulated professional workplace. From food preparation and presentation to customer service, teamwork, communication, food safety and time management, students are building skills they can take directly into the workforce!
HCS Hosts The Council of State Governments Southern Office
Huntsville City Schools recently hosted The Council of State Governments Southern Office (CSG South) for a tour of the Huntsville Center for Technology.
CSG South is a nonpartisan and nonprofit organization funded by 15 southern states to encourage interstate cooperation and collaboration by serving all three branches of state government.
Twenty-five state legislators and government staff from across the South came to learn about STEAM education and how Huntsville is a hub for the state, region, and even the nation in aerospace/aeronautics, economic development, and workforce development.
October is National Principals Month
The Huntsville City Schools District would like to thank the dedicated and multi-talented HCS Principals for everything they do for the students and staff members!
Free College Application Week Oct. 5-9
During Alabama College Application Week, seniors can apply to participating colleges for free while the application fee is waived! Free Application Week runs from Monday, October 5 through Friday, October 9, 2026.
For more information, see the newsletter linked on the College Counseling page.
HCS Celebrates National School Lunch Week October 12-16
To recognize the National School Lunch Program, serving nearly 30 million children each day, the district will celebrate National School Lunch Week 2026 from October 12-16, 2026. This year's theme is “Cafeteria Circus: Where Nutrition Takes Center Stage!”
This year, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible balance, talent, and energy school nutrition teams bring to their cafeterias every day. Juggling regulations, tight timelines, and student preferences while serving wholesome meals is a daily feat—and it’s time to celebrate the stars behind the counter!
How we're stepping into the Big Top:
The Main Attraction: Highlighting nutrient-packed star menu items.
Feats of Strength: Honoring the hard work and resilience of kitchen staff.
Ringmaster Precision: Spotlighting the organizational skills that keep programs running smoothly.
Since 1962, when President Lyndon B. Johnson established NSLW, the second week of October has served as a nationwide celebration of the role school meals play in student health and academic success. Join us this year as we celebrate the magic, skill, and heart you bring to the lunch line every day. Get ready to lead the parade!
Pre-K Classrooms Closed October 26-30
Huntsville City Schools Pre-K classes will be closed Monday, October 26, 2026, through Friday, October 30, 2026, while our teachers attend the Alabama Early Childhood Education Conference.
This professional development opportunity provides our educators with valuable training, resources, and strategies to strengthen their teaching practices and continue providing high-quality learning experiences for your child. Pre-K classes will resume on Monday, November 2, 2026.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support as our educators take this time to learn, grow, and strengthen their ability to support your child’s learning and development.
HCS Parent Connections Sessions
Parents are invited to attend virtual parent training sessions on a variety of topics. Parents will need to register using the Parent Connections Registration Form and an email will be provided for them to attend the training session prior to the training session.
For session dates and topics view: Parent Connections 26-27.
Schools & Offices Closing on Nov. 11 for Veterans Day
HCS honors military veterans of the United States Armed Forces and would like to express a heartfelt thank you for their service.
Schools and offices will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026 in observance of Veterans Day. Classes will resume on Thursday, Nov. 12.
HCS Announces Schedule for 2027 Graduation Ceremonies
Thursday, May 27
11:30 AM: Artemis Virtual Academy
1:00 PM: New Century Technology High School
3:00 PM: Lee High School
5:30 PM: Huntsville High School
Friday, May 28
1:00 PM: Jemison High School
3:00 PM: Columbia High School
5:30 PM: Grissom High School
Chaffee Elementary School
Construction on Chaffee’s new gym was completed in May as part of Huntsville City Schools’ 10-year capital plan. The new gym is connected to the school, which means students no longer have to walk outside to get to PE!
The project is part of a larger capital plan initiative to eliminate pod-style gyms at six elementary schools across the district to provide students with updated areas for physical education.
Another capital plan project complete!
Columbia High School
As part of Huntsville City Schools’ 10-year capital plan, Columbia is benefiting from a number of major campus improvements with some projects already complete and others continuing to take shape.
- JROTC Facility
- New Turf on Baseball & Softball Fields
- Innovation Center
- Athletic Complex
- Front Office Renovation
- Cafeteria Expansion
These investments are helping enhance learning, athletics, and the campus experience for Columbia students and staff.
Rolling Hills Elementary
Exciting improvements are underway at Rolling Hills Elementary as part of Huntsville City Schools’ 10-year capital plan!
Renovations include:
- Updated classrooms and media center
- New restrooms
- A new gym to replace the pod gym
- Aesthetic improvements throughout the school
These upgrades will provide Rolling Hills students and staff with refreshed, modern spaces to learn, grow, and thrive for years to come.
Huntsville Junior High School
Work is taking shape at the future home of Huntsville Middle School!
Crews are making progress on the site of the new school, which is being built adjacent to the current Huntsville Junior High campus as part of Huntsville City Schools’ 10-year capital plan.
Scheduled to open in August 2028, the approximately 125,000-square-foot school will serve up to 750 students in grades 6-8 and is planned to include:
- 10 classrooms per grade level
- Dedicated elective classrooms
- Extended learning areas
- A social stair collaborative space
- A storm shelter gymnasium
When the new campus opens, Huntsville Junior High will officially become Huntsville Middle School, expanding from grades 7-8 to grades 6-8.
Chapman Middle, STEM Magnet Middle, and Artemis Virtual Academy
A new shared campus is taking shape on Reuben Drive as part of Huntsville City Schools’ 10-year capital plan! The nearly 162,000-square-foot campus will be home to a new Chapman Middle, the district’s reimagined STEM Magnet Middle School (currently ASFL Middle), and Artemis Virtual Academy.
The new campus will feature:
- Specialized classrooms and innovative learning spaces
- Full-size gymnasium and athletic spaces
- Interactive teaching walls
- E-gaming arena featuring space for drones and robotics
- Nearly 162,000 square feet across a 29-acre campus
The project is expected to open in January 2028.
These new facilities will honor Chapman’s long-standing presence in the community while creating modern, future-focused learning environments for students from across Huntsville.
View open positions and apply now by visiting huntsvillecityschools.org/jobs.
First Student is Hiring Bus Drivers
NOW HIRING: School Bus Drivers & Monitors!
Looking for a meaningful way to make an impact in your community? First Student is hiring!
- Paid CDL training
- Starting pay: $21.85/hr (Driver) | $13.50/hr (Monitor)
- 4-hour daily guarantee + weekly pay
- Child ride-along program
- Extra earning potential
WALK-IN WEDNESDAY:
- Every Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- 2906 McJohn Circle SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
Apply, interview, and take the first step toward a rewarding career! Apply now: First Student.
City of Huntsville Hiring Safety Patrol Aides
The City of Huntsville’s Public Safety division is seeking qualified applicants to fill part-time Safety Patrol Aide positions. Safety Patrol provides crossing guards for schools. Crossing guards help ensure the safety of school children each day at hazardous or congested school crossing locations. This is responsible work in expediting the safe movement of pedestrians and vehicular traffic in school zones or during special events.
Huntsville City Schools
The mission of Huntsville City Schools is to provide a safe and supportive learning environment characterized by quality staff, rigorous academic instruction, innovative programs, outstanding extracurricular opportunities, and exceptional resources.
Connect with HCS
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