The Power of FourTuscaloosa City SchoolsPrincipal: Mrs. Keonta MeltonSuperintendent: Dr. Michael Daria The Power of Four at Skyland Elementary was implemented to strengthen student character, improve school culture, and establish a consistent, schoolwide framework for positive behavior and leadership. The program represented the school’s four houses, Determination, Accountability, Respect, and Optimism and was developed in…

Forged in Gold: The Wolf Trading Card Company Talladega County Schools Principal: Mr. Michael Pinson Superintendent: Dr. Suzanne Lacey The Wolf Trading Card Company at Fayetteville School was developed to restore excitement for learning, strengthen school culture, and recognize character, growth, and leadership. In a post-COVID environment, Fayetteville School identified a need to re-engage students…

International Coffee Trolley Alabaster City Schools Principal: Mrs. Amanda Harvie Superintendent: Dr. Wayne Vickers For many students learning English, the best way to grow is through authentic conversations and real-life experiences. At Meadow View Elementary School, the International Coffee Trolley gave students that opportunity. Each week, English Learners from kindergarten through third grade worked together…

Extended Time to Level UpSylacauga City SchoolsPrincipal: Mr. Gary RiversSuperintendent: Dr. Michele Eller Sylacauga High School implemented the “Extended Time to Level Up” program during the 2024-2025 school year to improve student performance on the ACT by prioritizing academic growth over benchmark attainment. The program targeted 10th and 11th-grade students and was developed based on…

Medical Detectives Shelby County Schools Principal: Ms. LaTasha McMillan Superintendent: Dr. Lewis Brooks The award-winning Medical Detectives program at Helena Middle School provided an engaging, hands-on learning experience in which students acted as real-life medical investigators. The program emphasized experimental design, critical thinking, and problem-solving as students explored the human body and worked to diagnose…

Book Fairy Challenge: Inspring Accuracy, Stamina, and Love of BooksRussell County SchoolsPrincipal: Ms. Lisa RushingSuperintendent: Dr. Brenda Coley Mount Olive Primary School implemented the “Book Fairy Challenge: Inspiring Accuracy, Stamina, and Love of Books” program to promote a strong culture of reading among Pre-K through second grade students. The program was designed to increase student…

Cow Pals Houston County Schools Principal: Dr. Chris Kennedy Superintendent: Mr. Brandy White The Houston County Career Academy (HCCA) Marketing Program implemented Cow Pals during the 2024-2025 school year as a student-led agricultural literacy initiative in partnership with a local elementary school and area cattle farmers. Planning began in November 2024, and weekly instruction launched…

DIG Advisory PeriodOpelika City SchoolsPrincipal: Mrs. Kelli FischerSuperintendent: Dr. Kevin Davis Dawg Impact Groups (DIG) was implemented at Opelika High School in response to academic, attendance, and social-emotional needs identified following the COVID-19 pandemic. Student survey data and focus groups revealed increased stress, difficulty managing coursework, and limited access to after-school tutoring due to transportation…

Warrior Wellness: Building Resilience, One Student at a Time Russell County SchoolsPrincipal: Dr. April ParkerSuperintendent: Dr. Brenda Coley Warrior Wellness: Building Resilience, One Student at a Time was implemented as a comprehensive, schoolwide initiative designed to support the mental health, safety, and overall well-being of students. The program focused on prevention, early identification, and responsive…

Power of ICUMobile County SchoolsPrincipal: Dr. Todd BoucherSuperintendent: Mr. Chresal Threadgill Grand Bay Middle School implemented the Power of ICU program to create a culture of student success using the formula: Completion + Quality Assignments + Healthy Grading = Student Success. Students were provided opportunities during the school day, including ICU lunch, blitzes, and enrichment…