Progress Report
Huntsville City Schools News & Updates: Oct. 1, 2025
Take Dress Code Survey
Huntsville City Schools is seeking input from students, parents, and staff about the current Dress Code. Your feedback is important. It will help us better understand different perspectives and guide future decisions. The survey should only take a few minutes to complete. Thank you for sharing your voice! Take Dress Code Survey.
2026-27 Social Studies Textbook Adoption Survey
The Huntsville City Schools Department of Teaching and Learning (Literacy) is seeking Parent-Guardian input for the upcoming K-12 Social Studies Textbook Adoption for the 2026-2027 school year. Please complete by October 31, 2025.
DAC Application Window Open Through October 7
Huntsville City Schools and the United States Department of Justice are now seeking applications through October 7, 2025 from parents and guardians to serve on the 2025-26 Desegregation Advisory Committee (DAC).
Learn more and apply today using the 2025-26 DAC Applications.
Jemison High Student Sings at Huntsville City Council Meeting
Great job by Makayla Fullenwider, a student at Mae Jemison High School, who performed the National Anthem at the Huntsville City Council meeting!
HCS Dyslexia Coordinator Achieves Certification
Huntsville City Schools proudly announces that Manuela Cothren, Dyslexia Coordinator, has successfully completed all requirements set forth by the Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) to become a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT).
This significant accomplishment places Cothren among a select group of professionals and makes her only the second individual within Huntsville City Schools to achieve this distinction.
Certified Academic Language Therapists are highly trained specialists who provide diagnostic, explicit, systematic, and multisensory structured language interventions. Their work builds a high degree of accuracy, knowledge, and independence in students with language-based learning differences, including dyslexia.
This certification reflects Huntsville City Schools’ dedication to advancing literacy and ensuring that all students receive evidence-based support for success in the classroom and beyond.
HCS Administration Serve at CLAS Board Meeting
Ms. Jasmine Green (AAPASS) and Dr. Caroline Obert (AAMSP) at the CLAS Board Meeting in Mobile. This will be Ms. Green’s first year being selected to serve as a director on the board and Dr. Obert’s third year.
Alabama Free College Application Week
Seniors are encouraged to take advantage of Alabama Free Application Week over Fall Break! The applications for participating schools will be free from Monday, October 6th through Friday, October 10th.
Application steps:
Apply to the college/university
Request your transcript in SCOIR (Instructions are included in this newsletter)
Send your ACT scores through myact.org (if applying with test scores)
Check your email!
For more information, see the newsletter linked on the College Counseling page.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month Sept. 15 - Oct. 15
HCS is proud to support Hispanic Heritage Month!
Parent Training Sessions for Families of Exceptional Children
Upcoming Parent Training Sessions As part of our commitment to family partnership, we're excited to invite you to our Parent Training Sessions designed specifically for families of exceptional children—both students with disabilities and gifted and talented students. View: HCS Parent Connections for session topic and date.
What You'll Gain:
- Practical tools and resources to support your child's unique learning profile
- Connection with other parents navigating similar experiences
- Understanding of your rights and your child's educational entitlements
- Strategies for effective advocacy and communication with school teams
- Knowledge of available services, programs, and community resources
- Insights into supporting both strengths and challenges
Why Your Participation Matters: When families and schools work together, exceptional students achieve better outcomes. Your insights help us improve our services, and these sessions strengthen our entire school community's understanding of diverse learners.
Ready to Register? Please use the registration link below to secure your spot.
All sessions are via zoom. You will receive a zoom link after you register for a session.
Parent Connections Registration Form
Together, we can ensure every exceptional learner in Huntsville City Schools has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
October is National Principals Month
The Huntsville City Schools District would like to thank the dedicated and multi-talented HCS Principals for everything they do for the students and staff members!
AlphaBEST Announces School's Out Camp: Fall Break October 6-10
AlphaBEST will host a full-day program for students during Fall Break on Oct. 6-10, 2025. The program is open to all HCS students, regardless of current AlphaBEST enrollment.
Please contact AlphaBEST if you have any questions. For rates and registration, visit alphabest.org/huntsvilleal.
HCS Celebrates National School Lunch Week
To recognize the National School Lunch Program, serving nearly 30 million children each day, Huntsville City Schools will celebrate National School Lunch Week from October 13-17, 2025. The fun and creative campaign theme, “Taste The World: Your School Lunch Passport,” highlights the importance of a healthy school lunch to a student’s success both in and out of the classroom.
The “Taste The World: Your School Lunch Passport” campaign is made possible by the nonprofit School Nutrition Association. Parents and students can follow the fun on social media using the hashtag #NSLW25.
New Century Technology High School Open House & Tour October 16
Families can visit New Century Technology High School (NCTHS) on Oct. 16, 2025 at 5:30 PM in the lecture hall for an information session and tour and learn about HCS magnet programs.
Fall Magnet Application Window Opens October 17
Huntsville City Schools is accepting applications from October 17, 2025 to December 3, 2025 for students interested in applying to a magnet school or program during the next 2026-27 school year.
Email magnet@hsv-k12.org with additional questions.
Arts Festival & Magnet Information Fair October 18
Students in the Arts Magnet Pathway from AAA Elementary School, AAA Middle School, and Lee High School will showcase their talents at the Huntsville City Schools Arts Festival on October 18, 2025.
The festival will include student dance and theatrical performances, art and photography displays, and a host of other student demonstrations. Information booths will also provide families interested in arts magnet programs with details related to the magnet application and audition process.
This event filled with music, food trucks, and high quality entertainment will be fun for the whole family!
District 4 Town Hall Meeting October 22
A District 4 Town Hall Meeting will be held Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 5:30-6:30 PM in the Huntsville High School Theater with District 4 School Board Member Ryan Renaud.
View open positions and apply now by visiting huntsvillecityschools.org/jobs.
First Student is Hiring Bus Drivers
First Student is now hiring bus drivers. Apply now on the First Student website.
Why join as a School Bus Driver? For many reasons:
- $21.75/HR Starting Wage
- No experience necessary! We train!
- No nights or weekends
- Child Ride Along Program
About the Position
- Join our team of professional drivers dedicated to getting students to and from school safely
- Drivers enjoy the support of our industry leading technology to guide them through their daily routes
- Prioritize vehicle maintenance by conducting pre and post trip vehicle inspections
- Provide support to students by assisting with boarding and exiting the bus
City of Huntsville Hiring Safety Patrol Aides
The City of Huntsville’s Public Safety division is seeking qualified applicants to fill part-time Safety Patrol Aide positions. Safety Patrol provides crossing guards for schools. Crossing guards help ensure the safety of school children each day at hazardous or congested school crossing locations. This is responsible work in expediting the safe movement of pedestrians and vehicular traffic in school zones or during special events.
Huntsville City Schools
The mission of Huntsville City Schools is to provide a safe and supportive learning environment characterized by quality staff, rigorous academic instruction, innovative programs, outstanding extracurricular opportunities, and exceptional resources.
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