Group of eight educators and school leaders stand on stage at the CLAS School of Distinction Awards ceremony, posing with a School of Distinction banner. American and Alabama flags frame the stage, with CLAS sponsor backdrops behind them and green ferns lining the front of the platform.

Brindlee Elementary School

Momentum that Matters
Marshall County Schools
Principal: Mrs. Amanda Hollaway
Superintendent: Dr. Cindy Wigley

Momentum That Matters was a school-developed initiative at Brindlee Mountain Elementary School designed to strengthen student engagement, improve attendance, increase ownership of learning, and build a positive, unified school culture centered on collaboration, celebration, and continuous growth. A key component of the program was Morning Moments, a daily schoolwide gathering led by the principal that brought the entire school community together to begin the day. Announcements, reminders, and student recognitions helped set a positive tone while reinforcing expectations and character. Students also shared breakfast during this time, helping ensure they started the day nourished and ready to learn. Achievements and recognitions, including perfect attendance and demonstrations of LION PRIDE, were shared during Morning Moments, allowing students to be celebrated by the entire school community. Student ownership of learning remained a central focus through the use of individual data notebooks. Students tracked progress in academics, attendance, and personal goals using graphs and color-coded charts. These notebooks helped students see growth, celebrate improvement, and identify areas for continued effort. Positive behavior and responsibility were encouraged through the Lion Loot incentive system and regular LION PRIDE recognitions. Family engagement was strengthened through Data and Donuts, a student-led event where students shared progress and learning goals with families and community members. Over time, Momentum That Matters became an embedded part of the culture at Brindlee Mountain Elementary School.

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