ACS Index September 2026
Message from the Superintendent
Alabaster City Schools is now ranked the fifth "Best School District" in Alabama. Let that sink in for a moment.
According to the highly respected Niche organization, we rank in the Top 5 of 141 school systems across Alabama. This is an increase of four spots since last fall - and all ACS schools have also climbed in their respective rankings. Nationally, we now reside among the top 2% of school districts (there are 10,449 districts in America). Being ranked in the Top 5 as an A+ school district is no small feat. This ranking is particularly notable given that we serve a significantly more diverse and economically varied student population than many other top-ranked districts. I'm incredibly proud of our students, teachers, staff, families, board of education members, and our entire community! This point of pride shows what is possible when we share a collective vision for student success. News of the latest Niche rankings comes at a great time in the school year. We are in high gear as we round out September with academic, athletic, artistic, and extracurricular activities district-wide. In this edition of the ACS Index, you can learn about happenings across ACS and, of course, take a deeper dive into our spectacular new Niche rankings.
Thank you for all you do in our shared mission to build Champions of Our Future!
L. Wayne Vickers, Ed.D.
Superintendent
ACS ascends to Top 5 in latest national rankings
In late September, Niche released its 2027 rankings showing ACS jumped four spots from the prior year to land in the Top 5 of the coveted "Best School Districts" category. ACS once again earned an overall A+ Niche grade out of 141 districts. The district retained its top spot as the #1 school district in Shelby County while advancing to #3 in the Birmingham area. Showing widespread momentum, all five ACS schools improved their rankings statewide, regionally, and within Shelby County compared to 2026. ACS stands out in the top tier by pairing high academic performance with a more demographically and socioeconomically diverse student body than other top-ranked school systems. View infographics that break down the new rankings along with the full Niche profile for ACS.
Constitution Week 2026 makes history in Alabaster
Elementary students were greeted by the Washingtons and Hamiltons as they entered school. Students at other ACS schools enjoyed live theatrical performances by costumed interpreters. All of it added up to a memorable – and historic – Constitution Week for Alabaster City Schools. ACS was the first school system in the state to partner with American Village in this immersive K-12 Constitution Week experience. The week-long partnership also included custom videos, lesson plans, and amendment-focused artifact bags designed to bring the U.S. Constitution to life for Alabaster students. Learn more about Constitution Week across ACS and see photos/videos from various events.
"Powered by Promise": ACS Homecoming 2026
Thousands of students, families, employees, and community members encircled Thompson High School on September 16 for the annual ACS Homecoming Parade. This year's theme - Powered by Promise - paid homage to the parade's grand marshals, Superintendent Dr. Wayne Vickers and his wife, Mrs. Pam Vickers, THS College Counselor. The Vickers came to Alabaster in 2013, with Dr. Vickers serving as ACS's founding superintendent. Mrs. Vickers, in her role as Senior Sponsor and College Counselor, has guided thousands of THS seniors and created lasting traditions such as the Parade of Graduates, Senior Breakfast, and much more. The weeklong Homecoming celebration culminated with a huge turnout at Warrior Stadium, where crowd goers witnessed the Warriors overpower Tuscaloosa County 62-7. Read more about Homecoming 2026 and see photos/videos in this Google Photos album.
ACS head of tech honored as JSU's "Alumnus of the Year"
Alabaster City Schools' Assistant Superintendent of Technology has been named "Alumnus of the Year" by Jacksonville State University. This prestigious honor recognizes exceptional graduates who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and a profound commitment to serving their communities. Kingston holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems and a Master of Business Administration. In his role with ACS, Kingston oversees all technology across the school system, from the network to student Chromebooks. He is a four-year Letterman for the Jax State Men’s Basketball Program and serves as president of the university’s Men’s Basketball Alumni Network. Kingston will be formally recognized in a ceremony later this fall on JSU's campus. See more on Kingston’s recognition.
Celebrating ACS English Learner success
September proved exceptionally busy, productive, and rewarding for Alabaster City Schools' English Learner (EL) program, highlighted by a series of student achievements and staff recognitions. The month's biggest news centered on the annual ACCESS Awards Ceremony at Thompson High School, which celebrated EL students who made remarkable academic strides. Additionally, ACS hosted an EL Parent Academy to equip families with valuable resources and connect them with district leaders. A key highlight of the academy was the collaborative review and signing of Individual English Language Plans (IELPs) to customize academic roadmaps for participating students. The district's busy month of community engagement and student celebration also included the prestigious recognition of ACS's Amanda Rodriguez as a WIDA Fellow.
Board of Education recognizes DeMasters, Weltzin
At its September 14 meeting, the ACS Board of Education honored two standout Thompson High School coaches for career-defining achievements. Soccer coach Dan DeMasters was recognized for securing his 200th career victory earlier this year with a win over Spain Park, building on a reputation for sustained success on the pitch. Meanwhile, former wrestling coach Shawn Weltzin was celebrated for his induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Alabama Chapter) for Lifetime Service to Wrestling. Having founded the wrestling programs at both Thompson Middle and High School, Weltzin guided the Warriors to multiple state championships and established a lasting legacy of excellence. Learn more about Coach DeMasters and Coach Weltzin.
Thirteen years of success: Pam Vickers honored as outgoing Senior Sponsor
Longtime Thompson High School Senior Sponsor and College Counselor Mrs. Pam Vickers was honored during this year's Senior Parent Information Night for her service to thousands of senior students during her time with ACS. The recognition - a surprise to Mrs. Vickers - was announced by ACS Assistant Superintendent of Administration/THS Principal Dr. Wesley Hester. Dr. Hester noted Mrs. Vickers' innovative ways of engaging seniors and their families. In her time at THS, she engineered many senior-centric events that have become THS tradition, ranging from the Val/Sal Breakfast to the Parade of Graduates - and much more. Learn more about Mrs. Pam Vickers' recognition.
Free Breakfast: CVES, MVES, TIS, TMS, and THS
Why spend money on eggs, bacon, and milk when your child's school offers it for FREE? Free breakfasts for ALL ACS students - regardless of income - continues at each school. Breakfast participation has skyrocketed since ACS made this announcement this past summer. Daily breakfast participation is up by 86% at CVES, 75% at MVES, 53% at TIS, 93% at TMS, and 87% at THS. ACS was awarded money via the AL School Breakfast Grants process, part of the Universal Breakfast Program, to make free breakfast for all students a reality for this school year. Visit the ACS Child Nutrition Program website to view/download breakfast and lunch menus, sign up for MySchoolBucks, and much more.
AP Capstone students announced, honored
Six Thompson High School students have earned the AP Capstone Diploma by scoring a 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and four additional AP Exams. The College Board program is built on two yearlong courses designed to prepare students for college and career success through student-centered learning and performance-based assessments. Through their coursework, these students developed key skills in critical thinking, academic research, collaboration, presentation, and time management. Award recipients are notified via email during the summer and can view their diploma online at the student AP Scores website. Learn about each of these students' AP Capstone projects.
THS senior named 2027 National Merit Semifinalist
A Thompson High School senior has been named a semifinalist in the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. Gavin Poirier has been identified by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) as a student who shows exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies, according to the corporation. There are approximately 16,000 semifinalists across the country being considered for the 72nd annual scholarship program, which will award nearly $24 million to 6,700 high school seniors in the spring. Ninety-five percent of the semifinalists are expected to reach the “finalist” category. Read more on Gavin Poirier.
TIS student set to receive transplant from brother
Thompson Intermediate School's Alexa Turner is scheduled to receive a potentially life-changing transplant from her brother in January. Alexa's family is counting on the community for support during the lengthy recovery process. The 9-year-old student, who has sickle cell anemia, has endured hospital stays, acute chest syndrome, asthma and monthly blood transfusions throughout her young life, according to her family. Despite this, Alexa remains a positive, smiling face around TIS. She's a student who never meets a stranger and has an entire community behind her. Read more from AL.com and ABC 3340.
TMS celebrates milestone birthdays
Thompson Middle School filled its halls with festive cheer this month as students, faculty, staff, and administrators came together to honor three outstanding team members celebrating major milestone birthdays. Beloved custodian Mr. Jesse Pilgreen marked his 80th birthday, continuing a dedicated campus journey that began on July 1, 2008, back when the building was Thompson High School. Sharing September 2026 for milestone birthdays are Assistant Principal Mr. Kelvin Riley and Assistant Principal Mr. Jack Hazelrig. Riley and Hazelrig joined Pilgreen in being celebrated in unique and various ways for their leadership and dedication to TMS! Visit TMS Facebook and/or TMS Instagram for daily content.