In the Loop

Upcoming Important Dates:

Monday, September 1 - Labor Day Holiday (All Schools and Offices will be closed.)

Friday, October 10 - eLearning Day for Students

Monday, October 13 - Fall Holiday (No school for students.)

In Mrs. Seeley’s second grade class, students are learning that writing can be both meaningful and memorable. This week, they practiced the OREO strategy to help organize their opinion writing: Opinion, Reason, Elaboration, and Opinion (restated).

By using a simple, easy-to-remember model, students are gaining the tools to build strong paragraphs, express their thoughts clearly, and support their ideas with detail. These foundational skills set the stage for confident, effective writing throughout their school years and beyond.

Safety Patrol is in full swing at Magnolia Elementary School! Thank you to Ms. Brandler for providing our 5th graders with leadership opportunities at MES.

Inspired by Jonathan Haidt's book, The Anxious Generation, Cahaba has implemented "No Tech Thursday" to actively combat the effects of excessive screen time. The initiative requires students to put away their Chromebooks for the entire day, focusing instead on hands-on activities that foster crucial face-to-face interaction and teamwork. The goal is to provide a much-needed digital break while re-emphasizing the value of in-person collaboration.

This new approach has already transformed learning. For example, first-grade uses "Brain Bins" filled with tangible manipulatives and craft supplies. Rather than using an app, students work together to build, create, and solve problems. This simple change encourages them to talk and collaborate, proving that a break from screens can lead to more engaged and joyful learning.

HTMS Fall Spirit Days

Thursday, August 24 - "Road Trip to Victory"

Wear a tourist t-shirt to support the start of all sports

Thursday, September 11 - "Make the Spartans See Stars"

Wear red, white, and blue for HTMS Football vs. Mountain Brook

Wednesday, September 17 - "Code Red"

Wear red for HTMS Volleyball Tri-Match against Mountain Brook and Liberty Park

Friday, September 27 - "Tie Dye the Trails"

Wear tie dye for HTMS Cross Country Meet in Huntsville

Thursday, October 9 - "Wrangle the Patriots"

Wear western wear for HTMS Football vs. Homewood

Stay tuned for Winter and Spring Spirit Days!

The Case of Anna Garcia is underway in Mrs. McBride's Principles of Biomedical Sciences classes at HTHS. Thanks to SRO Officer Taylor for sharing his experiences with investigating crime scenes!

Paine art teacher, Mrs. Culp, has introduced new art horses for students to use during class, giving them the chance to experience art in a more authentic way. Art horses are traditional seating tools used by artists that allow students to sit upright, hold their drawing boards securely, and focus on technique.

By incorporating this equipment, students are learning how professional artists work while also improving posture, concentration, and the quality of their artwork. This addition not only enhances their classroom experience but also helps strengthen the foundation of the visual arts program at Paine.

Mrs. Johns' Life Skills classes made lava lamps this week with the help of their Mush Mentor buddies. This was such a fun activity for our HTMS students!

Magnolia is diving into ACAP data early! Coaches help bring meaning to the data and teachers use this data to drive instruction!

Hewitt-Trussville High School

Class of 2026 Parent Night

September 9 5:30PM - 7:30PM

11 Breakout Sessions...Choose any three!

Experts will demystify topics that cause stress for seniors and their parents. So, please make plans to join us!

Topics will include the following:

1. Applying to college with confidence
2. The Art of applying for scholarships
3. Secrets of successful college freshmen
4. Accomodations in the college classroom: What does an IEP or 504 mean after high school?
5. Making the case for professional school
6. Dual enrollment
7. FAFSA and Alabama College Application Week
8. Successful careers without four years
9. Military: Scholarships, Adventure, Career
10. YouScience: Beyond Brain Games - career guidance for HTHS students
11. ADRS and Lakeshore Post-Secondary Support Services

The Trussville City Board of Education will hold its September monthly meeting on Monday, September 15, 2025 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.

The 2nd Public Budget Hearing for the Trussville City Schools Board of Education will be Monday, September 15, 2025 at 5:00 pm in the Board Room of Central Office.

September 15, 2025 - 5:00pm Board Meeting

October 20, 2025 - Board Retreat

October 20, 2025 - 5:00pm Board Meeting

November 17, 2025 - 5:00pm Board Meeting

December 15, 2025 - 5:00pm Board Meeting

January 26, 2026 - 4:30pm 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.

Trussville Parks & Recreation

Mini Stix Lacrosse

Boys & Girls - Kindergarten through 8th Grade

Sundays ONLY from 2:00PM - 4:00PM

Entry Fee: $75/per person

Begins September 7 and ends November 16th

HTMS Turf Field

For more information, contact: Fredrick Wagner at fwagner@trussville.org or (205) 508-0347 or email Trussville Lacrosse at trussvilleyouthlacrosse@gmail.com

Shortcuts to important resources listed on the TCS District website:

• TCS Bullying Reporting Form
• Special Education - Parent Rights (Section 504)