Momentum that MattersMarshall County SchoolsPrincipal: Mrs. Amanda HollawaySuperintendent: 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…

Advisory for the Win: Growing Student Leaders and a Positive School CultureHuntsville City SchoolsPrincipal: Mrs. Heather BardwellSuperintendent: Dr. Clarence Sutton Middle school students need connection and guidance, but busy families and technology have reduced daily, meaningful interactions. Recognizing this, Mountain Gap Middle School created an advisory program to teach communication, socialization, and leadership skills while…

Forging the Future: How the BEAT Center is Revolutionizing CTEFort Payne City SchoolsPrincipal: Mr. Scott TimmonsSuperintendent: Mr. Brian Jett The Building, Electric Vehicle, and Aviation Technology (BEAT) Center at Fort Payne High School transformed career and technical education by delivering a student-centered, hands-on learning experience aligned with high-demand industries. The program integrated three distinct pathways—Building…

1936 ClubCullman County SchoolsPrincipal: Mr. Eric DickersonSuperintendent: Dr. Shane Barnette The 1936 Club at Cold Springs High School is a unique and welcoming organization dedicated to serving both students and the surrounding community. Our club is built on a simple but meaningful idea: anyone who wants to help others while having fun is welcome to…

Parade of ReadersHuntsville City SchoolsPrincipal: Dr. LaKeeta PerkinsSuperintendent: Dr. Clarence Sutton Parade of Readers began 30 years ago to encourage reading in first grade. The program and community tradition has grown into a school-wide celebration and is a contributing factor in the success of Hampton Cove Elementary. Over the years, Hampton Cove’s Parade of Readers program…

Number NinjasHuntsville City SchoolsPrincipal: Mrs. April ClarkSuperintendent: Dr. Clarence Sutton Number Ninjas is a one of a kind six-week math fluency program developed by the educators at Roger B. Chaffee Elementary School! Number Ninjas promoted collaboration with school educators, community partners, the PTA, and families. Number Ninjas also provided opportunities for families to practice math…

Read to Wright: Reading Makes Everything Right Florence City Schools Principal: Dr. Thomas Casteel Superintendent: Mr. Bill Hopkins During the 2024–2025 school year, Harlan Elementary School launched Read to Right: Reading Makes Everything Right, a student-centered literacy initiative co-created by Florence City Schools Social Worker, Sonja Croone. Designed for K–2 students, the program builds a…

Falcon PeriodFlorence City SchoolsPrincipal: Dr. Ashley BowlingSuperintendent: Mr. Bill Hopkins Florence Middle School implemented Falcon Period as a schoolwide initiative program designed to ensure every student received targeted academic, behavioral, and foundational wellness during the instructional day. Embedded within the master schedule, Falcon Period provided a protected daily block for all seventh- and eighth-grade students…

Transforming a School’s Culture through Character EducationTuscaloosa City SchoolsPrincipal: Dr. Darlene AtkinsSuperintendent: Dr. Michael Daria The Westlawn Middle School story is one that everyone should hear, as it is inspiring to see how change can happen when a school’s emphasis on character education serves as its roadmap to success. Historically, Westlawn struggled with low test…

Blooming in SEL Tuscaloosa City Schools Principal: Dr. Donmonique Morgan Superintendent: Dr. Michael Daria Blooming in SEL was a school-developed, research-based social-emotional learning initiative that served all K–12 students at STARS Academy, with intentional design for students in an alternative setting. Implemented during the 2024–2025 school year, the program integrated gardening, mentorship, leadership development, and…