Core Notes

Dear TCS Families,

Summer is officially underway, and while the school year has ended, the great work across our district continues. We have a lot to celebrate, from two of our schools being named National Schools of Character, to the recent news that 90% of our third graders were again reading on grade level this spring. I encourage you to read below for more details.

Our commitment to student success doesn't pause for summer break. Throughout June, many of our campuses are buzzing with learning as part of our Summer Learning Academy. Students are engaging in hands-on, high-impact instruction that helps close learning gaps and prepares them for the year ahead.

Thank you for your continued support, and for choosing Tuscaloosa City Schools.

Mike Daria

TCS Superintendent

In a significant milestone for Tuscaloosa City Schools, 97.4% of the Class of 2025 graduated with a confirmed postsecondary plan—continuing a trend of year-over-year progress and demonstrating the district's strong commitment to student success beyond high school.

This year’s percentage marks an increase from 95.2% in 2024 and reflects students who had documented plans to attend college, enlist in the military or enter full-time, high-wage employment prior to graduation.

Among individual schools, Northridge High School posted the highest rate, followed closely by Central High School at 98.3% and Paul W. Bryant High School at 95.4%.

“We’re not just focused on graduation day—we’re focused on ensuring life and career success well after they cross that stage,” said Kathleen Norstrom, director of college and career readiness for Tuscaloosa City Schools. “By aligning our local expectations with the state’s CCRI requirement, we’re ensuring that every graduate leaves TCS with a clear, supported plan for their next step—whether that’s college, the workforce or military service.”

The achievement is aligned with a key goal in the TCS Strategic Plan: to ensure every student graduates with a clear, actionable path for life after high school. The school system tracks student outcomes well beyond graduation. Of the Class of 2024, approximately 85% remained on track with their postsecondary plans—either employed full-time or continuing their education—12 months after graduation. Norstrom noted that the true percentage is likely much higher, as some students could not be reached for follow-up.

Starting with the 2025-26 school year, TCS will require 100% of its graduates to have a confirmed postsecondary plan—a move that dovetails with updated requirements from the Alabama State Department of Education. Beginning with the Class of 2026, students seeking the general education Alabama high school diploma must also earn a College and Career Readiness Indicator (CCRI) to graduate. This state mandate ensures that graduates are equipped for college, careers or military service through various avenues, including earning industry-recognized credentials, achieving qualifying ACT scores, completing dual enrollment courses, or finishing advanced career and technical education pathways.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Daria emphasized the importance of intentional preparation for life beyond high school.

“Every student deserves a future they are prepared for—and that starts with a plan,” Daria said. “This achievement is a testament to the hard work of our students, families, counselors and educators who are ensuring that our graduates are ready not just to leave school, but to thrive in their next chapter.”

DID YOU KNOW that 40.6 percent of our class of 2025 graduated high school with college credit, thanks to dual enrollment?!? That is higher than the national average of 35%! In TCS, we are preparing our students for personal and career success. Huge thanks to the City of Tuscaloosa's ELEVATE Scholarship for supporting our students' futures

Ninety percent of third graders in Tuscaloosa City Schools read on grade level in 2024–25, marking the second consecutive year at that benchmark. Even more significant is the growth: the same cohort was at 82% proficiency in second grade last year.

“This reflects real, meaningful learning,” said Dr. James Pope, deputy superintendent. “You can’t teach to the ACAP—it measures true comprehension.”

Several schools showed double-digit gains. Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary rose from 75% to 92% proficiency. Skyland Elementary climbed from 76% to 90%, and TASPA increased from 67% to 82%.

These gains come as Alabama prepares to enforce the Literacy Act in 2025, which may require retention for third graders not reading on grade level. However, TCS expects very few, if any, retentions this year. Most students who didn’t benchmark are either exempt or participating in summer learning with a chance to retest.

Programs like Reading Allies have helped drive progress, with 100% of participating students at TASPA, Oakdale and Central Elementary meeting the benchmark.

“In 2015–16, only 39% of our third graders were reading on grade level,” said Superintendent Mike Daria. “We committed to changing that—and these results show that commitment paying off.”

A HUGE thank you to Tuscaloosa Reads for showing up and providing summer learning students at Skyland Elementary with the opportunity to explore the literacy bus and receive a free book along with fun items to enjoy summer!!

The Tuscaloosa City Board of Education unanimously approved the purchase of new Raptor Badge Alert IDs for employees on Tuesday—part of an effort to strengthen school safety.

Each badge includes a discreet emergency button that, when pressed, sends an immediate alert with precise location data to school staff and first responders. Unlike traditional systems, the badges operate on a LoRa network, ensuring campus-wide coverage without relying on Wi-Fi or cellular service. The system integrates with 911 via the Raptor Alert app and supports customized alerts for different scenarios, such as medical issues or lockdowns. Staff can also share real-time updates and manage student and visitor accountability through the platform.

“This is about fast, reliable emergency response and keeping our schools safe,” said Assistant Superintendent of Operations Dr. Deron Cameron.

The initial cost is $127,788.33 with annual recurring costs of $136,000. Advancement in Technology Funds will cover the expense.

Both Central Elementary School and Northridge Middle School were recently named 2025 National Schools of Character by Character.org, a recognition that honors schools that demonstrate a commitment to character development, creating school cultures that inspire academic excellence and ethical growth.

The designation places Central Elementary and Northridge Middle among a select group of schools nationwide recognized for fostering student character through intentional practices, core values and community engagement. This year, only 73 schools across the United States received the honor, and both TCS schools were previously named 2025 State Schools of Character earlier this year, along with Rock Quarry Elementary.

“Central Elementary and Northridge Middle have done remarkable work in shaping school cultures rooted in respect, support and high expectations,” said Superintendent Dr. Mike Daria. “To have both schools recognized at the national level affirms the deep impact of their work and our districtwide commitment to character education.”

At Central Elementary, Principal Cynthia Huff credits the school’s focus on its core values—respect, open-mindedness and accountability—as a key factor in building a unified and supportive community.

“Our ‘Character Houses’ program has helped foster a strong sense of belonging among students, while reinforcing positive behaviors and relationships,” Huff said. “We’ve seen a notable decline in discipline incidents, and an increase in mutual respect and pride throughout our school.”

Northridge Middle School’s character education journey has centered around a guiding question: “What does it mean to be a Jag?” The school emphasizes that every Jaguar is respectful, supportive, committed to excellence and engaged in their community.

“This recognition is a testament to the daily efforts of our students, staff and families,” said Principal Jami Rainey. “It reflects who we are and the culture we’ve built together. We are honored to be a National School of Character.”

The National Schools of Character program, led by Character.org, requires rigorous self-assessment and evidence of impact aligned with 11 Principles of Effective Character Education. These principles include promoting core ethical values, creating caring school communities and fostering student voice and leadership.

Central Elementary and Northridge Middle join five other TCS schools previously recognized as National Schools of Character: Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools – Elementary and Middle, Westlawn Middle, Skyland Elementary and Oakdale Elementary.

“These recognitions show that our character work is not just transformative, but sustainable,” Daria said. “We’re proud of our schools and the values they instill in our students every day.”

Students who are taking part in the Summer Learning Academy at Eastwood Middle School had the opportunity explore the world of cosmetology last week!

EMS students practiced on mannequin heads, learned the importance of keeping workstations clean and sanitary, and got a hands-on intro to basic cutting techniques. From sectioning hair to holding shears properly, they explored a new skillset and got a glimpse into the world of beauty and barbering!

Tuscaloosa City Schools is now hiring for the 2025–26 school year! We’re looking for dedicated professionals to join our team in a variety of roles, including teachers, bus drivers and Child Nutrition Program (CNP) staff.

TCS offers competitive benefits, including pay that is 3.5% above the state salary schedule, participation in the state retirement system, affordable health insurance and free dental coverage for all employees.

When it comes to bus drivers, benefits also include pay at $23.80 per hour, paid training and buses with air conditioning.

Start your journey with us today. Visit TCS Careers to learn more and apply.

Northridge Middle School will soon be officially designated as an A+ School of Excellence, following significant academic gains demonstrated on the spring PSAT 8/9 assessment.

The recognition comes after Northridge eighth-grade students posted an average growth of 70 points on the PSAT, a key benchmark tied to the A+ College Ready Middle School Training and Incentive Program (MSTIP). The school’s original goal was 60 points of growth from fall of the students’ seventh-grade year—a target that was not only met, but exceeded.

“This is a proud moment for our school,” said Dr. Jami Rainey, principal of Northridge Middle. “Being named an A+ School of Excellence reflects the hard work of our students and teachers, and the strong support we’ve received from our community.”

The school will be recognized at the A+ College Ready Summer Leadership training in early June.

In addition to schoolwide recognition, more than 30 teachers who participated in the program and signed Letters of Agreement will receive $500 bonuses as part of the grant’s reward structure.

Northridge students are also seeing direct benefits. Approximately 120 current eighth graders met their academic growth goals, benchmarked in reading or math, or achieved both. Each qualifying student will receive a $50 gift card in the fall.

Tuscaloosa City Schools is once again offering free summer meals to children 18 and under, with no registration or ID required.

From May 28 through June 27, participating TCS schools will serve breakfast from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. and lunch from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. Meal sites include TASPA, University Place, Central High, Bryant High, Martin Luther King Jr., and Southview elementary schools. Tuscaloosa Magnet Schools will open as a meal site from June 2 through June 27.

This federally-funded program ensures that students have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer. Please note: All sites will be closed on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.

It's the last week of school, but we are already looking forward to a new school year of TCS athletics! An important clarification for student athletes and their families: Under the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) Tim Tebow Rule, home-schooled students who live within the Tuscaloosa City Schools attendance zones are eligible to compete in athletics at their zoned TCS school.

However, this eligibility does not extend to students who attend private schools or charter schools. Students enrolled in these institutions are not permitted to participate in athletic programs within the Tuscaloosa City Schools system.

Our coaches, athletic directors and school leaders are committed to providing equitable, competitive and enriching athletic programs for all eligible TCS students! Here's to all our student athletes!

The Tuscaloosa City Schools will institute ban student cell phone use during the school day beginning in the 2025–26 school year, in order to comply with state law. The Tuscaloosa City Board of Education voted unanimously on the updated Student Code of Conduct changes May 20.

TCS middle and high school students will use designated pouches to lock away phones and smartwatches that are turned off during the instructional day. Students will be able to unlock their pouches by swiping them against specialized unlocking magnets at designated parts of the building, including main exits. In elementary schools, phones and smartwatches will not be allowed at all, and must be turned off and put away in backpacks for the entirety of the day.

Limited exceptions will be made for documented medical needs, instructional use approved by staff, or emergencies.

Personal devices such as laptops and tablets will not be allowed and must be left at home. Instead, students will be expected to use their assigned TCS Chromebooks. For more information on this new policy, including FAQs, go to: TCS Wireless Device Policy - Tuscaloosa City School District

Tuscaloosa City Schools is transitioning to ParentSquare as our primary communication platform beginning with the 2025–26 school year. The app will streamline messages from schools and the district—keeping families better connected and informed.

Parents are encouraged to download the free ParentSquare app now to ensure they receive important updates, event notices and emergency alerts.

For more information, visit www.tuscaloosacityschools.com.

Calling all TCS families! 📣

Registration for the 2025-26 school year is underway! Make sure to find your "infosnap" codes and complete your child's registration via PowerSchool. Secure your child’s spot early to ensure a seamless transition!

Register now and let the excitement for the new school year begin! 🍏✨

The Tuscaloosa City Schools will use a new app for parents to find out where their child's bus stop is, when the pickup is and even track where their bus is or if it's running late. The system will use the app “Stopfinder” which you will be able to see the bus assignment for your child with the bus number, bus stop and times.

This app will be available to use for the 2025-26 school year starting on July 1st. You can set alerts, share the information with a caregiver and message the Transportation Department directly from the app.

The transportation Department will be sending out more information and a tutorial video on how to use the app soon.

It is VITAL that all families that utilize school bus transportation download the app, as it will be the only way to get information if a bus number has changed or if a bus is running late. TCS will no longer send robocalls with that information. Thus, it is very important that families who use the school bus transportation have access to the Stopfinder app.

Also, beginning June 1st, you will receive an email with questions regarding transportation for your child(ren).

All students will be de-assigned from buses over the summer. You will need to complete the transportation request form in order to receive transportation for the 25-26 school year. If your address changes over the summer, you will need to complete a form at the school to verify your home address with the secretary.

Stay tuned for more information about Stopfinder!

BSN Sports has set up online "swag stores" for our schools where any student, faculty or parent can buy school branded gear. This was a desire that was expressed by students during the Superintendent's student advisory meetings at the high schools last school year.

The "swag" on these sites include a variety of price points, brands, and are in men's, women's and children's sizes, plus they have cups and other items as well. On the main page, they also have gear per sport.

There is also branded gear for the elementary and middle schools, too! To see the middle school and elementary options, on the desktop website, once you have clicked on the type of item to browse, you can go to the sidebar where it says "campus" and then select feeder school, where the items will pop up with other school names. Select the school that you want.

Each feeder zone will receive 10% back of all purchases in the form of a store credit/rebate that can be used for future branded purchases by the school(s). So, support your school and show school pride!

Northridge feeder zone store: NORTHRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL JAGUARS - TUSCALOOSA, Alabama - Sideline Store - BSN Sports

Central feeder zone store: CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL FALCONS - TUSCALOOSA, Alabama - Sideline Store - BSN Sports

Bryant feeder zone store: PAUL W BRYANT HIGH SCHOOL STAMPEDE - COTTONDALE, Alabama - Sideline Store - BSN Sports

It is important to remember that if you or your child see or hear something concerning, please report it to your school's principal. It can be the first step to saving a situation from becoming dangerous. Again, "See Something, Say Something!"