ACS Index

February might be the shortest month of the year, yet it always brings about a multitude of high-profile events and learning opportunities for our students. Black History Month has been celebrated in large and meaningful ways across the district this month. February is also a time for our Superintendent's Student Advisory Council to convene. This group always provides insightful feedback and actionable suggestions! Another highlight of February: the 2025 Mathways Summit. This was a unified effort between ACS and Birmingham City Schools, made possible by Magma Math. Magma Math, as you may know, is cutting edge software that brings math alive for our students. The Mathways Summit showcased for visiting educators the incredible ways in which we have elevated math instruction for our learners using this software. Portions of the Summit were also held at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, highlighting for visitors our region's significant place in history. Across the school system this month, we've had notable fine arts performances, STEAM Nights, and athletic successes. Dance, Cheer, Indoor Track, Bowling, Wrestling, Basketball, Band, and more have had an outstanding month (all outlined below). Thank you, as always, for what you do. Your support of our mission means so much!

- Dr. L. Wayne Vickers, Superintendent

Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers spearheaded the 2025 Mathways Summit, a joint experience with Birmingham City Schools and Magma Math. Superintendents, curriculum leaders, and educators from across the region gathered to exchange ideas and experience the cutting edge math software that revolutionizes math instruction for learners. The event kicked off February 25 in downtown Birmingham, with remarks from Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan, and Superintendent Vickers. Throughout the week, Mathways participants toured ACS classrooms that use Magma Math, learning more about the software and the ways in which teachers can see students' work in real-time, differentiate instruction, and engage students in math discourse. See photos and videos from the 2025 Mathways Summit.

Dr. Vickers' Student Advisory Council convened for its latest meeting in mid-February. Students from each ACS campus traveled to Central Office to meet with Dr. Vickers and his staff, providing valuable feedback by highlighting strengths within their schools and identifying areas for improvement. ACS highly values student input and remains committed to promptly addressing concerns to enhance the student experience. See photos and videos from the latest Student Advisory Council.

Throughout February, ACS schools and programs honored Black History Month with a diverse range of educational activities and celebrations. Students across all grade levels engaged in meaningful learning experiences highlighting the impact of Black history, culture, and achievements. Each school found unique approaches to bring lessons to life, including in-depth studies, classroom discussions, artistic expressions, and school-wide assemblies. These activities provided students with opportunities to reflect on the significance of Black history and its continued influence on society. Explore photos and videos from across Alabaster City Schools.

JoEllen Blackmon and Rozenia Richardson have been named the Standing "O" Award winners for February 2025. Blackmon teaches 5th Grade Math at Thompson Intermediate School and Richardson serves as an Exceptional Education Paraprofessional in the Self-Contained Classroom at Meadow View Elementary. Both were awarded the Standing "O" Award based on their professionalism, work ethic, and commitment to students. The Standing "O" (ovation) Awards were instituted to recognize one classified and one certified employee monthly in conjunction with our corporate sponsor, America's First Federal Credit Union, which provides each winner with a certificate and a $100.00 gift card.

ACS made a powerful impact at the National ESEA (Elementary & Secondary Education Act) Conference in February, as ACS Central Office Curriculum & Instruction leaders and an ALSDE representative delivered an insightful session titled "Tier Two is YOU! Support Every Student at Every Grade Level." Their presentation - which drew 500+ attendees - focused on effective strategies to ensure every student receives the targeted support they need to succeed. The session attracted superintendents, curriculum coordinators, principals, assistant principals, teachers, paraprofessionals, and other education professionals from across the United States. See more about the National ESEA Conference.

Creek View Elementary School (CVES), Meadow View Elementary School (MVES), and Thompson Intermediate School (TIS) have all had - or are planning to have - STEAM/STEM Nights this winter. In early February, both CVES and MVES hosted STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Nights. TIS will hold its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) night on March 12. These student-centered learning events showcase for ACS families the incredible learning taking place in these disciplines throughout our schools. See photo galleries from CVES and MVES STEAM Nights.

Hundreds of students from Creek View Elementary, Meadow View Elementary, and Thompson Intermediate School continued their Super Citizenship journey via the Liberty Learning Foundation (LLF) in mid-February. LLF representatives produced a lively and engaging program in the TMS auditorium where "heroes" were honored by select students. Among the heroes recognized: math coaches, teachers, and police officers. Designed for students across multiple grade spans, the Liberty Learning Foundation's Super Citizenship Program empowers educators to teach civics, character, financial literacy, career readiness, and other concepts. See a photo gallery from the event and an official video from the Liberty Learning Foundation regarding its partnership with Alabaster City Schools.

Thompson High School seniors Charles Lowery and Tanner Reid have been named finalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. More than 1.3 million students began the competition by taking the 2023 PSAT/NMSQT. To reach the finalist stage, Lowery and Reid demonstrated outstanding academics, leadership, and community involvement. They are among over 15,000 finalists, with scholarship winners to be announced between April and July. Lowery, son of Mary and Charles Lowery of Alabaster, will attend The University of Alabama, majoring in Electrical Engineering. Reid, son of Kimberly and Michael Reid, will attend the University of South Alabama, majoring in Chemistry with plans for a graduate degree in pharmacy.

February has been designated Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in Alabama, a time to recognize the importance of preparing students for high-demand careers through hands-on learning and specialized training. Thompson High School's multitude of career academies - and the upcoming ACS Champions Craft Academy - demonstrate Alabaster City Schools' commitment to CTE. For 2025, CTE proved exceptional for both THS TV and DECA. THS TV captured several top awards at the annual Alabama Scholastic Press Association, including the coveted Alex House Journalism Sustainability Award. Thompson High School's DECA saw remarkable success at the 2025 Alabama DECA State Development Conference.

February was an incredible month for dance, cheer, band, and athletics at both Thompson Middle School and Thompson High School. Many programs brought trophies and coveted "Blue Maps" back to Alabaster. Consider the following accomplishments and accolades:

• TMS Dance: National Champions/1st Place Jr. High Kick Division UDA NDTC
• THS Dance & Band: Game Day Live National Champions
• TMS Cheer: UCA 2025 highest scoring team from AL
• THS Cheer: UCA 2025 4th in Nation
• THS Indoor Track: Akysha Dudley/2025 AHSAA State Champion
• THS Boys/Girls Bowling: Boys/State Runner-Up & Girls 6A-7A State Champions
• THS Girls Basketball: 1st Sweet 16 appearance since 2016
• THS Boys/Girls Wrestling: 2025 AHSAA 7A State Champions
• THS Athletics 2025 Signing Ceremony
• Marching Southern Sounds 2025 "Reignited" Show Reveal

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