Thanks for the Memories

What an amazing time we have had teaching, learning, and leading over the past years in Trussville City Schools.  It has truly been an honor and our pleasure.  We know that the dedicated leaders and teachers in our district will continue to grow, learn, and lead.  May God continuously guide and bless you as you shape the future for our students and our country. 

Beth and Jennifer

LeadChange: Daily Gratitude

I read a timely article about gratitude this morning from LeadChange. The highlights of the article are:

• Gratitude is a conscious choice.  It doesn't just happen.
• Gratitude not only makes us feel happier, it is a significant cause of positive outcomes.
• Gratitude makes us better leaders.
• Gratitude motivates us to work harder.
• Gratitude drives your purpose.  

Gratitude is a conscious and willful action. You have to be aware of what you have in life for which you should be grateful. Once you have identified all your blessings, then remember and renew your gratitude for each one daily. Thankfulness is the sun in the morning fog—gratitude will burn away any doubts you have about your purpose in life.

To read the entire article, click here.  

Showing someone gratitude is the same as showing them respect; this is highly regarded in business and in any relationship.  

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! 

Congratulations!

Today, the Alabama State Department of Education released a report card assigning a letter grade of A through F to every public school in the state.  Students, employees, and parents in Trussville were affirmed when our district received an A!  This grade was achieved because of hard work, commitment, and passionate dedication of all the stakeholders in our school system.  

TCS administrators, teachers, and support personnel have a common goal to help our students grow and learn and to become independent, productive, ethical citizens.  These people do hundreds of little things to support students that others may never see or know.  They plan lessons, read late into the night in order to be better teachers, pray, cry, sanitize sticky desks, call parents, and buy food and books and clothes and birthday presents for their students.  They sacrifice so much and so often because they care.  ALL of these acts contribute to the success of our students.  

Our students are learning and achieving at higher levels because our teachers are professionals who are continuously growing, learning, and improving their craft. Throughout the district, teachers are becoming experts in various content areas, including best practices, brain research, supporting struggling students, supporting gifted students, counseling students, and in many other areas. 

This "A" is so exciting and affirming.  We should celebrate and congratulate one another.  But in a couple of days, this "A" will be a distant memory, and our staff will do what we always do.  We'll teach and learn and support and care.  Many, many thanks to you all for teaching and learning and supporting and caring.  And, congratulations on your "A"!

Fourth Grade Teachers Spend a Day Planning and Learning Together

Emily Hall Shares Electronic Data Notebooks with HTHS Staff

Paine Teachers Share New Learning with Colleagues

Mr. Salem Discusses ACTAspire Scores with Staff

ALWAYS Time to Provide Intervention

Teaching Foundational Reading Skills 

Learning Together

The Art and Science of Teaching

That's a Wrap to an Amazing Year!

This year really is almost a "wrap!"  Very little about this year has been ordinary.  In fact, for the most part, this year has been extraordinary in so many ways.  Because of the opening of the new elementary schools, we pushed the start of school back to a late start, but once we began, we hit the ground running.  We haven't looked back either!  

The people who work for the students and families in Trussville City Schools are the reason things were extraordinary this year.  There aren't words to adequately express our gratitude and appreciation for you ALL.  Our administrators have graciously and effectively dealt with lots of new challenges this year.  Teachers managed to get school started even though the elementary teachers were scrambling at the very last minute to set up their classrooms.  Magnolia teachers had to pack a second time, vacating Paine and moving into their new building in October.  Our support staff has done just that - supported in every possible way.  We opened new lunch rooms, opened up new bus routes, figured out new walking routes, changed the way lunch was done at HTHS, reconfigured computers, telephones, and infrastructures, set up new financial books for new schools, divided tons of books, furniture, supplies, and Chromebooks, and on and on and on.  But as usual, our people got it all done.  In the process, students kept on learning and growing.

Cahaba Elementary 

August 2016

First Day of School for Cahaba Elementary

Magnolia Spring 2016

Ribbon Cutting at Magnolia

October 2016

Opening Day at Magnolia

Paine - Summer 2016

Paine - October 2016

I started reflecting on all the things that were set in motion this year, and I was honestly amazed.  Here, in no particular order, are some really big things we did this year:

• Opened three new elementary schools.
• Removed  all 13 portable classrooms from the Paine Campus
• Built K-5 cultures (as opposed to separate K-2 and 3-5)
• Started Husky Hour at HTHS 
• Began implementing a new framework for teaching reading in grades K-5
• Implemented a new science program - StemSCOPES in grades K-5
• Developed our own science curriculum in grades 6-12
• Replaced science textbooks with hundreds of Chromebooks and the expertise of our science teachers
• Implemented a new teacher evaluation tool and a brand new way to strengthen teachers - TCS Educator Effectiveness
• Created a new evaluation tool for counselors and librarians
• Designed and successfully implemented new strategies for curbing student absenteeism 
• Assembled a district literacy team to focus on improving literacy throughout the district and to develop an internal canon 
• Flawlessly administered literally thousands of state mandated assessments 
• Hired approximately 42 new teachers, adding many new positions including librarians and music, art, and technology teachers
• Won countless student and teacher awards and recognitions

We did much more than just these things.  Teachers, administrators, counselors, and support staff kept things from unraveling when we had challenges, heartache, and tragedies.  And we had our share this year.  For sure, 16-17 will remain in our hearts and minds forever.  We will remember most all of it, but our students will remember the learning, the support, and the love they were shown.  

Thank you for the really big things you did and the thousands of little things you did.  You changed lives.  You know you did.  You gave second, third, fourth chances.  You opened doors.  You provided opportunites for brighter and better futures.  How on earth do you adequately thank someone for that?  You can't. But that's how school people are.  We don't do what we do for thanks.  We know why we do it.

Have a restful, fun summer!  We will do it again in 17-18.

Thank You

As we start this new school year, I am feeling so appreciative of so many blessings and so many people.

I am thankful for Barry Davis and the TCS Maintenance Department who have worked so hard to get buildings ready and to move three schools this summer.

I am thankful for all of our teachers for lovingly and creatively preparing their classrooms that will provide a welcoming environment for students.

I am especially thankful for our elementary teachers who have had a very small window of time for preparing their classrooms.  They have worked very late at night and on weekends to accomplish this task. 

I am thankful to the City of Trussville, the TCS Board, and Dr. Neill who have collaborated to provide so much for our schools.  

I am thankful for our gorgeous, second-to-none facilities.  It only takes a quick visit to neighboring districts to see just how fortunate we are.  

I am thankful to April Chamberlain and the tech department for the months of work that they have put into providing the technology we have all come to depend upon and appreciate.  

I am thankful to Kathy Burgin and Mandi Logan for everything they have done to get school going and to register all of our students.  They have had many nights this summer of working until 11:00 or 12:00 to get it all done. 

I am thankful for our academic coaches, Kelly McGough, Edra Perry, Jana Walls, Donna Brumlow, and Lisa Lothspeich, for planning and implementing exceptional professional learning this summer. (We are going to miss Donna and Lisa, but wish them well in their new roles.)

I am thankful for Theresa Ray for helping our staff acquire and renew their teaching certificates.  

I am thankful for our teachers for the many hours of professional learning in which they participated this summer.  

I am thankful for the Educator Effectiveness Team for working to develop a stellar plan for teacher growth.  This process took 15 months!  

I am thankful for our parents who entrust their children with us every day, knowing that we will care for them and that teachers have the knowledge and skill to make good decisions regarding children, teaching, and learning.

Thankful for another blessed school year!

Thank You

Reflecting on this past school year, I am so grateful for another successful year and for all the people who worked very hard to make it successful.

I am thankful for the staffs of Paine Intermediate and Paine Primary for teaching students, cleaning out years of materials, packing up to move, hosting Meet and Greet meetings, and on and on and on.  

I am thankful for Tim Salem, Sarah Moran, and the staff of HTHS for hosting a beautiful and flawless graduation ceremony.

I am thankful for Edra Perry, Kelly McGough, Donna Brumlow, Lisa Lothspeich, Lisa Berry, Phyllis Faust, and Jennifer Cardwell for leading our schools in really examining and using our data to inform instruction this year.  

I am thankful for Mandi Logan for saying 100% of the time, "I will do that," or "I don't know how to do that, but I will learn."  She is the model for a continuous learner.  

I am thankful for our resource officers for their bravery, diligence, desire to keep students and staff members safe, and for working after hours whenever they are needed.  

I am thankful for Paine staff members for their patience, flexibility, and positive attitudes even when everything is changing.  

I am thankful for our school leaders for staying the course, remaining positive, and working so hard to lead teachers, students, and families.  

I am thankful for the custodial staffs at our schools because . . . you know why if you have ever worked in a school at the close of the year.  

I am thankful for summer because EVERYBODY needs a break!

Thank You!

I am thankful for Phyllis Faust and Stephanie Hawthorne for developing and presenting amazing, effective professional learning for science teachers.

I am thankful for Joy Tyner for joining our TCS staff this July as principal of Cahaba Elementary.  

I am thankful for our PTOs for providing an abundance of gifts for staff members for Teacher Appreciation Week.  

I am thankful for the parents who trust our teachers and administrators to do their jobs and who work with them to support students, teachers, and LEARNING!  

I am thankful for the amazing staff at HTMS for being so gracious and opening their doors to welcome our fifth graders and making them feel comfortable about moving to HTMS this fall.  

I am thankful for Jeff Murphree for leading his custodial staff to make HTMS such a beautiful, clean building.

I am thankful for Sandra Vernon, the "voice" of TCS, for always remaining calm and being kind to everyone.  

I am thankful for Jennifer Cardwell for her relentless endeavor to have the best policy manual for our district.  

I am thankful for the staff of Magnolia Elementary for coming out to graciously meet and greet their students and parents.

I am thankful for Lauren Blake and the entire Paine Staff for the smart planning and hard work that resulted in flawless ACT Aspire testing.  

Thank You!

I am filled with gratitude!

I am thankful for Mandi Logan for designing an outstanding presentation for counselors and community members to introduce our Counselor Advisory Committee.

I am thankful for Phyllis Faust for leading our schools in pretty much flawless testing procedures!

I am thankful for counselors Krista DeMent and Amy McIntyre who worked hard to ensure a smooth testing experience for everyone at HTMS last week.

I am thankful for Lisa Berry, Anjell Edwards, and Niki Lincoln for establishing a culture of excellence at HTMS.

I am thankful for HTMS teachers for preparing students to do very well on their ACT Aspire and for making school a joyful place for middle schoolers.

I am thankful for Diane Byars for her leadership and care for our exceptional students.

I am thankful for Kristi Stacks, Melanie Glover, Leigh Stovall, and Dawn Kilgore for planning and executing great support for new teachers this year.

I am thankful for Barry Davis for working tirelessly to get our new schools ready for school this fall.

I am thankful for Theresa Ray for keeping us all certified!

Thank You!

Our school system rocks because of our people!  I am thankful for the hard work and passion of our staff.

I am thankful for Jennifer Cardwell for working to clarify and update important policies that will affect our students and schools for years to come.

I am thankful for Phyllis Faust for coordinating science professional development and science textbook adoption.

I am thankful for Heather Winship for working hard to make sure that testing at HTHS was carefully coordinated.

I am thankful for April Chamberlain and all of the technology experts in our district for supporting ACT Aspire implementation at HTHS last week.

I am thankful for academic coaches Donna Brumlow, Lisa Lothspeich, Kelly McGough, and Edra Perry for helping teachers access their students' data and for their daily support of teachers.

I am thankful for Autumm Jeter for working overtime to interview teachers for not only Magnolia Elementary, but also Cahaba Elementary!

I am thankful for Betsy Schmitt for leading efforts to create a district elementary handbook.

I am thankful for Tygar Evans for taking the time to carefully select the very best candidates for open positions at Paine Elementary.

I am thankful for Kristi Stacks and Melanie Glover for taking care of the millions of daily issues on our gigantic Paine Campus while we are in transition.

I am thankful for Kathy Burgin for coordinating MILLIONS of details relating to the transition from one elementary school to three elementary schools.

A Day in the Life of a Student (A MUST Read)

Kelly McGough, TCS elementary reading coach, sent me a link to an article that is a serious "game changer," in my opinion.  I encourage you to read and share the article with colleagues and even students.   A teacher spent two days as a student and wrote about her experiences, which appeared on the blog of author and educator Grant Wiggins.

The teacher, Alexis Wiggins, shadowed a student for two days.  Her key takeaways:
1. Students sit all day, and sitting is exhausting.
2. High school students are sitting passively and listening during approximately 90 percent of their classes.
3. You feel a little bit like a nuisance all day long.

Click  here to read the entire article.

A New School Year

"Unity is strength . . . when there is

teamwork and collaboration,

wonderful things can be achieved."

-Mattie Stepanek

Poet

As we begin a new school year, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work and serve in this school district.  We have so many of the necessary resources  - facilities, materials, personnel - to make our school system extraordinary.  We have a whole district of leaders, teachers, and support staff who really care about students and about improving teaching and learning.  YOU are smart, motivated and hard-working.  And best of all, you desire to continuously learn and grow as teachers and learners.  That is evidenced in the amount of time you spent learning together throughout the summer.  

In my reflection of this past year and through getting to know many of you at every level, it is clear to me that together we can solve any problem and can make this district second to none.  Our district vision is:

Educators, staff, parents, and the community will work together to help students

move forward on a positive path toward college and career readiness.

Is that your vision for all students?  Do you envision all of us working together so that every single student has the knowledge, skills, motivation, and work ethic necessary to go to college or to start a satisfying career?  I do.  I believe that if we are willing to work closely together and to learn together, there is almost nothing that we will be unable to accomplish.  What would be the effects if we realized that vision?  Would all of our students leave us filled with hope, dreams that could be realized, and  the desire to be productive citizens?  Could we eliminate unemployment? A depressed economy?  Homelessness?  Working together as a school system, could the 495 TCS employees save democracy in the United States of America?  

I believe that we ought to dream big and think big.  I believe that we can achieve amazing things when we employ collaboration that creates support and pressure to hold one another accountable. When all members of a group are articulating the same story in terms of goals, strategies, and progress - when they know what they are doing and why - the results are far more likely to be successful and sustainable.  

My request is that we all continuously learn together and work together toward our common goals this year.  Put student and teacher learning first and keep the vision of all students on a path toward college and career readiness.  I look forward to our best year ever in Trussville.  The Department of Curriculum and Instruction is here to provide teachers and administrators support and opportunities for continuous professional learning.  Please don't hesitate to contact us for support.  

Beth Bruno