The Progress Report

Huntsville City Schools has joined a nationwide effort to celebrate the Attendance Awareness Campaign in September and has pledged focus on reducing chronic absenteeism in the new school year.

Our goal is to ensure every student attends school regularly. Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and in life.

We realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. But, we also know that when students miss too much school— regardless of the reason – it can cause them to fall behind academically. Your child is less likely to succeed if he or she is chronically absent—which means missing 18 or more days over the course of an entire school year.

Absences can add up quickly. A child is chronically absent if he or she misses just two days every month!

Let us know how we can best support you and your child so that they attend school on time every day. We want your child to be successful in school! If you have any questions or need more information, please contact your child’s school.

Watch Attendance Awareness Video

View the HCS Calendar for a complete listing of district-level dates and to learn more about each even

• September 11: Feeder Pattern Community Meeting (Columbia)
• September 13: Feeder Pattern Community Meeting (Grissom)
• September 13: Behavioral Learning Parent Meeting (Virtual)
• September 14: Feeder Pattern Community Meeting (Huntsville)
• September 14: BOE Budget Hearing #2
• Sept. 15 - Oct. 15: Hispanic Heritage Month
• September 18: Feeder Pattern Community Meeting (Jemison)
• September 19: BOE Meeting
• September 20: Feeder Pattern Community Meeting (Lee/New Century)
• September 29: E-Learning Day
• September 29: Gifted Referral Window Closes
• October 2-6: Fall Break (No School for Students and Teachers)
• October 6: Fall Break (All Schools & Offices Closed)
• October 10: BOE Work Session
• October 12: Report Cards Go Home
• October 17: Madison County Special Olympics
• October 24: BOE Meeting

The HCS Federal Programs Department is hosting a series of parent meetings. The meetings will focus on the importance of attendance and student achievement.

Meeting schedule:

• September 11 at Columbia High School Auditorium
• September 13 at Grissom High School Media Center
• September 14 at Huntsville High School Library
• September 18 at Jemison High School Theatre
• September 20 at Lee High/New Century High School Lecture Hall

Two sessions will be held at each location:

• 9 to 10 AM
• 1 to 2 PM

The Department of Behavioral Learning will present an overview of the 2023-2024 Huntsville City Schools behavioral practices. This will include the Behavioral Learning Guide (BLG), BLOOM, Restorative Practices and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS.) Please join us on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at 2 PM, on Facebook.com/huntsvillecityschools. HCS strives to create positive learning environments where all students can experience academic, behavioral, social, and emotional growth.

The 3rd-5th grade gifted referral window is open through September 29.

Please contact your student's gifted teacher for more information on the referral process.

The ETV Game of the Week features Grissom versus Huntsville football. Coverage begins at 7 PM.

• On Air: Over-the-air channel 25.5, Comcast channel 17, WOW channel 3
• Social Media: facebook.com/huntsvillecityschools
• Online: huntsvillecityschools.org
• Purchase Tickets: gofan.co
• Order Concessions: Cut the Line

The following protocols are in place for fall sports:

• Spectators may be subject to metal/weapon detection upon entry.
• Clear bag policy may be in effect
• Purchase tickets through gofan.co
• Order Milton Frank Concessions: Cut the Line

Superintendent Dr. Clarence Sutton and his administration gave an in-depth presentation on HCS programming, strategic plan, and more at Council President Meredith's Forum.

Congratulations to former Huntsville High School Band member Ansley Boles for being named a drum major in The University of Alabama's Million Dollar Band!

She advanced to become one of only four drum majors following a competition among 50 potential applicants for the coveted positions.

The Grissom High School Class of 1971 led an effort to construct a new GHS sign at the school's campus. The project was initiated during the 50th year class reunion, and along with former principal Ms. Jeanne Greer, the sign is now in place in front of the school.

For more information view: GHS Landmark.

Jazz In The Park-Huntsville artist Jessy J stopped by Columbia High School and gave some insights into the music business to CHS band members.

Jazz in the Park-Huntsville includes music education workshops with local students. The workshops expose young people to high caliber jazz recording artists and cover topics such as improvisation, section playing, tuning, and more.

Huntsville City Schools is continuing to hire for open positions.

View open positions and apply now by visiting huntsvillecityschools.org/jobs.

The mission of Huntsville City Schools is to inspire, engage, and empower all students in becoming creative problem solvers, active citizens, and life long learners through rigorous curriculum and relevant instruction within a supportive environment. Vision: high expectations, character driven, and student centered. Core values: service minded, transparent, resilient, accountable, team focused, equitable, goal oriented, inclusive, and creative.

Connect with HCS

• Facebook - @huntsvillecityschools
• Twitter - @HSVk12
• Instagram - @huntsvillecityschools

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