Administrator Collaborative

For the past five years, TCS administrators and teacher leaders have met throughout the year as the TCS Administrator Collaborative.  We started the Administrator Collaborative so that administrators in our district would have the opportunity to learn together and from each other.  We wanted leaders throughout the district to have time to share their ideas with one another and to be able to ask questions of their colleagues.  It is important, actually critical, for leaders to continue to learn on a daily basis.  That learning doesn’t happen unless it is intentional and planned.  Leaders get busy and often put their own learning on a back burner. 

Five years ago, I don’t believe we had a common language or shared vision for high-quality instruction.  Walkthroughs with feedback that included evidence without judgement were not common.  Peer observations were rare.  Today, all of these things take place routinely in our schools and departments because we have discussed, read, practiced, and learned together.  Through our collaboration, we have instituted important expectations for teachers and administrators through our TCS Educator Effectiveness.  As we finish up our fifth year of Administrator Collaborative, take a look back at our learning.

Purpose of Administrator Collaborative
To improve student learning
To improve teacher practice
To implement an evaluation model that aligns with instructional focuses and guides stakeholders in shared understanding of a research based, K-12, Educator Effectiveness model

Year 1 Walkthroughs and Collaboration
To share data from each school
To share ways we are facilitating professional growth
To share walkthrough updates from each school
To read and discuss Engaging Teachers in Classroom Walkthroughs
To discuss rationale for involving teachers as leaders in walkthroughs
To develop procedures and a protocol for walkthroughs
To discuss creating a school culture that supports walkthroughs

Year 2 Developing a Collaborative Culture
Read and discuss Cultures Built to Last, Systemic PLCs at Work
Create a collaborative culture in schools with a focus on learning
Understand why systemwide reform is most effective
Review and revise district Strategic Plan and Professional Development Plan
Share ways we are facilitating professional growth
Develop procedures and a protocol for walkthroughs
Share walkthrough updates and data from each school

Year 3 Implementing TCS Educator Effectiveness
Implement TCS Educator Effectiveness
Read and discuss Leading with Focus

Year 4 Looking Closely at Instruction
Read, discuss, and share strategies from Learning That Lasts by Ron Berger.
Develop a clear understanding of the TCS Educator Effectiveness Plan
Share ways we are facilitating professional growth and building expertise of the TCS Nine Indicators for Effective Educators
Participate in classroom walkthroughs with debriefing discussions to improve practice
Share walkthrough updates and data from each school

Year 5 Making the Most of Observations, Walkthroughs, and Feedback
Participants join colleagues in walkthroughs at various schools focusing on specific best practices (content knowledge, well-managed classroom, rigor and relevance, learning targets, positive classroom environment, formative assessments, academic discourse, active engagement, etc.)
After the walkthroughs, participants discuss their walkthrough data and compile appropriate feedback to be given to teachers.

Notice the purpose of the Administrator Collaborative.  Our goal was always the same - improve teaching and learning.  That must remain a priority for a school system.  Our purpose is to educate.  Improving teaching and learning is hard work, not for the faint of heart, nor for anyone afraid of getting down in the messy work of learning.  I am proud that together, this group worked and learned in order to achieve that goal.  Teaching and learning has improved, and it must continue to improve every year. 

My Thoughts by Beth Bruno

Another school year has come and gone, and what a remarkable year it has been.  The word that comes to my mind in describing this school year is growth.  Growth in students enrolling and families moving into the district.  Growth in student achievement.  Growth in student and staff learning.  Growth in relationships with students and with one another. 

Teachers, administrators, and academic coaches have worked collaboratively this year to support student growth.  In the process, adult learning has increased as well.  The result of all that growth was highlighted with the recognition as being the number 2 school district in the state, based on the State Report Card.  The life-giving blood for that growth is our teachers.  We have the best of the best who, year after year start fresh, striving to make learning and the school experience even better than the year before. TCS is fortunate to have hard working, intelligent, caring employees who have a growth mindset. 

Relationships between and among our staff members have grown.  Teachers regularly collaborate and depend on one another for support and constructive feedback.  That collaborative spirit has helped to transform our district into a true learning community.  We have all learned so much, not just from our reading, research, and professional development, but through our observations and conversations with colleagues.  Joy Tyner said it best, "Why would I send our teachers to observe in another district when we have experts right here in our own building?" 

Looking ahead to the future, I know that you will continue your work to support continuous growth of our students and staff.  You have the most important jobs in the world.  The children, this country, and the future of democracy depend on you.  I am confident that Trussville City Schools will continue to be the stellar schools we expect in our community, and that together you will help all of our students grow to become the people they were created to be.

Thank you for all the big things and the countless little things you have done daily to grow and support students and one another.  Have a great summer filled with relaxation, time with family, and continuous learning!  No doubt that 19-20 will be our best school year ever! 

Quotable Quote

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.” —C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) Writer, Theologian, Scholar

Class of 2019 Scholarships

From Laura Stalls, HTHS Counselor

The Class of 2019 was offered $12,120,000 in academic and athletic scholarships from the following Institutions of Higher Education!

Auburn University, Auburn University at Montgomery, Baylor University, Belmont University, Berry College, Birmingham Southern College, Clemson University, Dartmouth College, Freed-Hardeman University, Huntingdon College, Jacksonville State University, Jefferson State University, Johnson & Wales University, LaGrange College, Lee University, Long Island University, Louisiana State University, Marquette University, Martin-Methodist College, Mercer University, Millsaps College, Mississippi College, Mississippi State University, Ouachita Baptist University, Pace University, Penn State University, Purdue University, Samford University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Shelton State Community College, Snead State Community College, Spring Hill College, St. Norbert College, Tennessee Tech University, The University of Mississippi, The University of Montevallo, The University of Southern Mississippi, The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Troy University, Tuskegee University, Union University, United States Air Force, University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Alabama Huntsville, University of California Irvine, University of California San Diego, University of California San Francisco, University of Chicago, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Memphis, University of Mobile, University of New Mexico, University of North Alabama, University of South Alabama, University of West Alabama, Utah State University, Virginia Military Institute, Warren Wilson College, Western Kentucky University

HTHS is Proud of You!!

*Total includes all reported scholarship offers as of 5/15/19

eLearning Professional Development Courses Announced

eLearning will offer 40+ professional development (PD) courses beginning June 5th and running through July 23rd, 2019. Most of these courses are 6-weeks long and will award 30 clock hours to graduates.

All of the courses are completely online with no requirements to be online on any given day or at any given time. The courses are structured in weekly sessions with assignments due each week (readings, activities, discussion sessions). As long as you complete these weekly assignments during the assigned week, you will be fine. If you already have vacation plans, you can work with your instructor to get around the dates you will be without Internet access.

Due to across the board budget cuts, eLearning will have to restrict enrollment to most courses to the first 25 participants signing up - please do not wait until the start date or you might miss out and taking a course or two.

Please look over the COURSE LISTING webpage to see the course schedule and REGISTRATION webpage for directions on how to enroll using your Chalkable (STIPD) accounts.

eLearning will also offer seven (7) courses in the EDU55xx series that can earn ACLD-approved PLUs with additional work - the process is described on their PLU COURSES webpage.

To enroll:   elearning@alsde.edu  334-670-1884

http://elearning.alsde.edu
http://elearning.atim.cc 

Quotable Quote

“You never know what's around the corner. It could be everything. Or it could be nothing. You keep putting one foot in front of the other, and then one day you look back and you've climbed a mountain.” —Tom Hiddleston (born 1981) Actor

Dr. Jennifer Cardwell Recipient of 2019 State ACCESS Administrator of the Year

Dr. Jennifer Cardwell, Assistant Director of Curriculum and Instruction Program Coordinator of Secondary Programs for Trussville City Schools, has been chosen as the recipient of both the University of Alabama's ACCESS Administrator of the Year, as well as the State's ACCESS Administrator of the Year. Dr. Kevin Besnoy, Director of ACCESS Virtual Learning, said, " Dr. Cardwell's history of work and commitment to excellence in merging ACCESS programming options with Trussville's existing curriculum is a model for other administrators across the state." She will be recognized at this year’s ACCESS Teacher Day, hosted on the University of Alabama’s campus on May 31, 2019.   

Steve Blair, the state program administrator for ACCESS Virtual Learning sent his congratulations, commending Dr. Cardwell on her accomplishments.  Dr. Cardwell will be honored at the State Awards Presentation Program on June 12, 2019, during the Opening Session of the Alabama Educational Technology Conference in Mobile at the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center. 

We are very proud of Dr. Cardwell, and we are thankful to have her support and expertise in Trussville.  

Magnolia Art Show

Magnolia Elementary hosted a Spring Showcase on Thursday, May 2.  The Spring Showcase included a showing of the students' artwork.  Magnolia's art teacher is Callie Ward.

HTHS Engineering Academy Students Compete at State Technology Student Association Competition

We are proud to announce the results for the HTHS Engineering Academy students who competed at the State Technology Student Association (TSA) Competition at the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center on April 23rd and 24th. The students competed in a variety of engineering and leadership activities. The Hewitt-Trussville Engineering Academy placed 2nd overall in the State Competition. We are very proud of our teachers, Jason Dooley and Tom Moulton, and our students and their accomplishments.  Congratulations to the following State winners:

Architectural Computer Aided Design
Students had 4 hours to design a tiny house.  The students had to design the tiny house to meet several design constraints.  Students had to create an original design and a complete set of drawings.  After completing their designs, students had to defend their designs to a panel of judges.
               1st Place –  Nathan Gudgen
               2nd Place–  Caraline Cox
3D Computer Aided Engineering Design
Students had to create a 3D model utilizing the latest engineering software.  Students had 4 hours to design a child friendly flashlight.  After completing their designs, students had to defend their designs to a panel of judges.             
              1st Place– Robin Dunn
              2nd Place– Lucas Campbell
Catapult Design
Students had to design a catapult from PVC pipe.  Students were scored by how many balls they could successfully shoot into a target.
              8th Place– Luke Burford, Lucas Campbell, Coy Trammell
            10th Place– Will Bradley, Jake Morris, and Reagan Shoop
Children’s Story
Students had to write an original children’s story with a technology theme.  The book had to be an original creation and include tactile and auditory enhancements for children with disabilities.   Millie and her best friend are learning about different engineering structures built by women.
              1st Place– Cameron Gallups and Abigail Williamson
CO2 Dragster Design
Students designed and built a balsa wood dragster that was powered by CO2 cartridges.  
              1st Place – Lucas Campbell
              3rd Place – Luke Burford
              4th Place – Will Bradley
Engineering Design
The Engineering Design competition theme this year was alternative energy.  Lucas, Luke, and Alex developed a gravity generator that can generate electricity from a falling weight.  This would allow for power to be generated almost anywhere.
              2nd Place– Lucas Campbell, Luke Burford, and Alex Litwin
Essays on Technology
Students were given several news articles concerning internet safety.  Students had to read the articles and write a paper defending the side of the issue that they chose.
              5th Place – Christian Bender
              7th Place – Abigail Williamson
              8th Place – Jake Morris
Extemporaneous Presentation
Students were given a choice of 3 different technology topics.  They had only 15 minutes to prepare a 3-5 minute presentation.  Students then had to present their topic to a team of judges.  Nathan’s topic was on the pros and cons of biometric identification.
               2nd  Place – Nathan Shelton
Forensic Science 
Students had to utilize forensic science tools to investigate a mock crime scene.  Students had to properly document and prepare all of the evidence.
               2nd  Place – Abigail Donovon and Reagan Shoop
Flight Endurance
Individuals designed and built a rubber band powered airplane.  The planes were scored based on their design binder and the flight time of their airplane.
                2nd Place – Christian Bender
                3rd Place – Cameron Gallups
                4th Place – Coy Trammell
Photographic Technology
Individuals prepared a photographic portfolio.  The theme of the portfolio was lighting.  Students had to take pictures in different types of light.
               1st place – Cameron Gallups
               2nd Place – Abigail Donovon
System Control Technology
Students had to design and construct a device using motors and sensors to simulate a parking lot control system.  The team only had four hours to design, build, and program a working inventory management system.  They had to be able to transfer packages from holding locations.
              2nd place – Strickland White, Lucas Cramer, Abby Buzbee
              3rd place – Mac Brooks, Austin Hill, Ayrton Purdy
Architectural Modeling
Students had to design and model of a tiny house that could be easily shipped on standard tractor trailers.  Student teams first utilized 3D architectural design software to design their tiny homes.  They then had to construct a scale model of their design to present to the judges.
              1st Place – Caraline Cox, Kai Beverly, and Katelyn Crowe
              3rd Place – Camden Desimone, Katelyn McIntyre, and Mia Williams
              4th Place – Meg Dooley, Belle Fulton, and Natalie Robinson
Video Game Design
Students had to design and code an original computer game.  The game had to be a role playing game with a storyline.  Students had to present their game and story line to the judges.
              6th Place – Marcus Bellew and Emerson Hill
Prepared Presentation
Students had one day to prepare a PowerPoint presentation on the theme “The Future is Ours.”  They had to present their Powerpoint in front of a team of judges.
              2nd Place - Nathan Shelton
              6th Place – Will Bradley
Technology Problem Solving
               3rd Place – Will Bradley and Coy Trammell
               7th Place – Lucas Campbell and Luke Burford
               8th Place – Robin Dunn and Matthew Newman