State Report Cards Show Continued Achievement Increase in Birmingham City Schools
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November/December 2022 | Volume 3, Issue 7 A Birmingham City Schools Media Publication
BCS MAKING PROGRESS
State Report Cards Show Continued Achievement
Increase in Birmingham City Schools
Birmingham City Schools overall
district grade increased two
points on the recently released
Alabama State Department of
Education (ALSDE) Report
Cards, and several schools
showed increases in letter grades.
Birmingham received a grade of
73 overall, an increase of 71 over
the previous report. One school
– Oliver Elementary – moved
from a C to a B. Six Schools
– Avondale, Brown, Huffman
Academy, Robinson, Tuggle and
Washington K-8 moved from D
to C.
Four Schools – Arrington
Elementary, West End Academy,
Green Acres Middle and Hayes
K-8 -- moved from F to D.
In another report on the state’s
CSI (Comprehensive Support
and Improvement) schools,
comprised of Title I schools in State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey makes a stop at Oliver Elementary in Spring 2022. Oliver moved from a “C” to a
the lowest 5% with critical needs, “B” on the recently released State Report Card.
10 BCS schools worked their
way off of the list. Parker High, Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan potential,” Sullivan said. “We have program are helping to address
Huffman High, Carver High, said the district is headed in the been strategic in equipping our literacy. Also, a team of national
Hudson K-8, South Hampton, right direction, but continued teachers, academic coaches and educators will soon begin
K-8, Hayes K-8, Green Acres focus in some key areas is needed principals to meet the needs of supporting teachers to strengthen
Middle, Huffman Middle, to improve student achievement our scholars. math instruction and student
Bush Hills Steam Academy, in all schools. comprehension,” Sullivan said.
and Charles A. Brown are no “Our community partnerships “We are using all available tools
longer listed among CSI schools “We will not be satisfied until with organizations such as to support our educators and
in Alabama. all schools and every student the United Way and the City
reaches the highest level of their of Birmingham’s Page Pals > See Report Cards on Page 6
IN THIS EDITION
Martha Gaskins
Robotics team wins BCS Football
top competition championships
Page 4 Page 7
BCS REPORT
BCS REPORT VOL. 3 | ISSUE 7
THE SUPERINTENDENT SPEAKS
THE SUPERINTENDENT S
There were times in the first week Recently, I had the opportunity to
of June when the Bill Harris Arena speak at the kickoff for the United
I
sounded like the final seconds of a Way of Central Alabama’s
t’s hard to believe, but 2022 the classroom and in sports. championship basketball game. Pacesetter Campaign. Leading
already is coming to an end. Congratulations to the Martha
This has been an awesome year Gaskins robotics team. These People were on their feet cheering. representatives from companies
in Birmingham City Schools. young scholars captured first On the floor, students held up their throughout our area make up this
Once again, our educators and place in the Fall CoderZ League phones and snapped selfies as they pacesetter group with a goal of
our scholars have shown how Robotics Competition. turned their tassels. raising millions in advance of the
success really looks.
full United Way Campaign. They
The Ramsay Rams Football Team I’ve watched similar scenes every
I’m pleased with the gains in also brought home a big trophy. year in Birmingham City Schools, are key partners for Birmingham
student achievement, and I am They are the Alabama High but for the Class of 2022, this year City Schools.
confident that our students will School Athletic Association 5A
continue to grow and learn in the Champions. Ashton Ashford, a in many ways has resembled a hard- Our district, like all urban school
New Year. In three years, we’ve junior tied a state playoff record fought battle on the court. In 2020, districts throughout the country, has
seen a 35 percent decrease in the
number of Birmingham schools
– scoring five touchdowns in the these
team’s win on Dec. 1, 2022.
new graduates were faced challenges over the past two J
sophomores when their in-person years because of the pandemic. With Su
on the state’s failing schools list.
learning came to a screeching halt. the support of United Way, we’ve
Congratulations to our Ramsay
We also have seen a reduction student-athletes, their principal They transitioned through remote been able to navigate some of those
5
in the number of CSI and the coaches who guide and and virtual learning in their junior challenges -- especially through our
(Comprehensive Support and prepare them for the challenge year. The final year brought an high dosage tutorial program. 1
Improvement) schools in our every day. opportunity for growth with in-
district. This success happens United Way assisted in managing
1
because of the hard work of our Winter Intersession starts on Jan.person learning, punctuated with the program that placed tutors in all
educators, students and families 3, 2022. This is an opportunity extracurricular activities such as of our schools to give students 2
who are focused on success for for all students to get additional senior week, homecoming, sports additional assistance in reaching
every scholar in Birmingham support and enrichment. It is and their senior proms.
City Schools. our hope that all students who their academic goals. Early reports
have not registered will go online This class persevered and these show that this approach has had a
As we closeout 2022 and enter and sign up right away. About graduates should be congratulated significant impact on learning for Dis
the holiday season, I want to 5,000 scholars participated in Falland celebrated for their many many of our scholars. • June
thank everyone who contributes Intersession. We are looking to
to the success of Birmingham surpass that number this winter, accomplishments. They are BCS We still have lots of work to do
• BBO
City Schools. because intersession plays a key Strong, and they represent the best! this summer through our
• Last
role in the overall academic Our grads did not make it alone. Sensational Summer Learning
• Last
The gains experienced in success of our students. • Inde
classrooms would not be possible The people in the stands cheering Program. And, before you know it,
• BBO
without the commitment and As you travel and enjoy family Ramsayarunning
represent back Ashton
supporting Ashford
cast that ran forwill
August 284beyards
hereand fiveit will time
and
hard work of our transportation and friends over the holidays, touchdowns
gives in his team’s
our students 41-20
the edge winto
for in resume
the state 5Aregular
our championship.
school year.
• Sum
team, buildings and maintenance, please make your health and success in Birmingham City
• Sum
nursing staff, child nutrition, safety a priority. Across the healthy during the break. Let’s
youcelebrate
all for anthe success2022
amazing of 2021-
in • Teac
Schools. Our parents and
office support, counselors, and country, there are reports of Birmingham
22 and CitytoSchools!!!
look forward what’s ahead
• Staf
therapists, in addition to our increases in respiratory illness, community partnerswill
Regular classes truly areonour
begin in 2022-23.
• Firs
educators. the flu and COVID-19. January
strength, 9, 2023,
because theyand I look the
undergird
- Dr. Mark Sullivan
work forward
of our to seeing everyone
educators in
and support
Birmingham City Schools We want all our students, faculty, staffplace and ready for the new year.
to build a comprehensive team.
is home to champions in and staff to remain safe and Happy Holidays and thank
UPCOMING DISTRICT DATES May/June 2022 BCS MEDIA TEAM 2
Dec. 19 Start of Winter Holiday
Sherrel Wheeler Stewart Strategy & Communications
Jan. 3-6, 2023 Winter Intersession Officer
Jan. 9, 2023 Students Resume Classes Nikki Seaborn Communications Cordinator
Editor BCS Report
Jan. 12, 2023 2nd Grading Period Report Cards Go Home Fred Fluker Publication Designer
Jan. 14, 2023 BCS Cheer Competition Fred Davenport Communications Specialist
Jan. 16, 2023 MLK Day Rachel Waller Web Administrator
Jan. 19, 2023 District Wide Spelling Bee Estela Tirado Bilingual Communications
Specialist
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 -2- WWW.BIRMINGHAMCITYSCHOOLS.ORG
BCS REPORT VOL. 3 | ISSUE 7
INVESTING IN STUDENTS
CITY OF BIRMINGHAM TO LAUNCH CONFLICT RESOLUTION
T
he City of Birmingham
continued its investment in
area youths in November
by approving funds for a conflict
resolution curriculum to be used
in Birmingham City Schools
(BCS).
The City Council unanimously
approved the Common Ground
strategy that will provide the
Habilitation, Empowerment,
and Accountability Therapy
(H.E.A.T) curriculum in high
schools, middle schools, K-8 and
alternative schools within the
BCS district. The program uses
an evidence-based, culturally
relevant, holistic approach to
handling anger management and Scholars at G.W. Carver High School are the first to complete the Common Ground/H.E.A.T conflict resolution of
conflict resolution. program. The program will be offered at high schools throughout the district starting in January 2023
The first group of students to currently used in Birmingham men that have gone through the schools will not be included in
experience H.E.A.T. celebrated Municipal Court as part of the program.” this first phase, but up to 15 to 20
their completion of the program drug court initiative, expanded students will be identified for the
with a ceremony on Tuesday, to a pilot program at Carver “We believe in the program so program.
December 13, 2022, at Carver High School to address conflict much that we have brought our
High School. resolution. school principals on board in The Pinwheel Group, which
support of it. There is a need for created the H.E.A.T. curriculum,
“This is another tool in our “We decided to take that same conflict resolution in our schools,” will train coaches in the coming
toolbox as we work to support concept and adapt it to conflict Birmingham City Schools weeks. The city is coordinating
prevention measures to address resolution. Instead of talking Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan with Birmingham City Schools
violent crime in our community,” about substance use or abuse, told council members. to inform parents and guardians
Mayor Randall L. Woodfin said. we talk about violence,” said about the program
“I want to thank the Birmingham Birmingham Municipal Court The curriculum will be supported
City Council as well as Presiding Judge Andra Sparks. by up to 100 trained and The program budget will be
Birmingham City Schools for this credentialed coaches who will $1 million with all services
partnership.” “We have found the transition provide therapeutic counseling performed over the next three
has been good. We have seen a sessions two times a week within fiscal years.
The H.E.A.T. curriculum, significant difference in the young Birmingham City Schools. K-5
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BCS REPORT VOL. 3 | ISSUE 7 2022 ALL-CITY CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 -4- WWW.BIRMINGHAMCITYSCHOOLS.ORG
BCS REPORT VOL. 3 | ISSUE 7 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 -5- WWW.BIRMINGHAMCITYSCHOOLS.ORG
BCS REPORT VOL. 3 | ISSUE 7
BCS EXCELLENCE
MARTHA GASKINS ROBOTICS TEAM WINS TOP COMPETITION
T
he Martha Gaskins
Elementary School Robotics
Team won first place in the
Fall CoderZ League Robotics
Competition, capturing attention
and praise from throughout the
region. The team was honored
on Tuesday, Dec. 13 by the
Birmingham City Council, and it
was featured in several newscasts.
Students like fifth-grader Kaylie
Underwood said it’s exciting to be
number one.
“I was excited and happy,” she said.
“I’ve always been in second place
or third.”
Birmingham City Council members honored students from Martha Gaskins Elementary. The fifth-graders competed
Board President Neonta Williams with more than 60 other school teams in the Fall 2022 CoderZ League Robotics Competition and walked away as
accompanied the students and Eastern United State Champions.
their principal at the City Council
Meeting. She applauded their coding and stem activities are a Robotics Coach, Dr. Yuvraj Verma, The team is working now to travel
achievement. hallmark of the school. has been at Martha Gaskins five to the Kennedy Space Center
months and is in his first year of in Florida. Their goal is to raise
“These are our future engineers, “We celebrate in closing the teaching. $10,000 for the trip.
mathematicians, and robotics achievement gap and the
developers,” Williams said. “We opportunity gap,” Blackmon said. “These students were so dedicated. These six scholars were honored
are proud of them. In five years They made a lot of effort,” he said. Tuesday, Dec. 13 during the
of learning, they are already “This shows the excellence that Other students have approached Birmingham City Council
champions.” exists in our school and in our him to ask if they can join the meeting.
school district.” robotics team, Verma said.
Martha Gaskins Principal Dr.
Herbert Blackmon, said robotics,
> Report Cards from Page 1 • Partnering with the District
Management Group.
our students from kindergarten • Focusing on chronic
through high school. We look absenteeism with school-based
forward to their continued student support and the use of
progress.” external partners.
• Engaging a variety of partners
In addition to the schools with to support efforts to raise high
increased letter grades: school student achievement on
*The number of schools included the ACT, the test used to assess
on the list for Comprehensive high schools statewide.
Support and Improvement (CSI)
decreased 53 percent, from 15 in Sullivan said students, parents
2019 to eight in 2022. and educators in Birmingham
remained focused on
While several schools improved achievement throughout the
on the recent report cards, 12 pandemic, and the continued
schools dropped a letter grade progress in Birmingham City
since the last accountability Schools is a result of their efforts.
period in 2018-2019,
Sullivan said. “We are committed to
continued academic progress
The district will respond to the in Birmingham City Schools,”
needs in these schools with Sullivan said. “Our school board
an increased focus on and this community supports our
mathematics by: mission, and with that support, Oliver Elementary students engage in learning as State Superintendent Dr.
our scholars will have success.” Eric Mackey looks on.
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BCS REPORT VOL. 3 | ISSUE 7
RAMSAY HIGH SCHOOL RAMS WIN STATE 5A FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
The Mighty Rams of Ramsay IB the ball 44 times and gained 281 commitment to excellence. Birmingham Board of Education and
High School are the AHSAA 5A yards. Ashford, who was named “I think it’s huge for Ramsay. Again, the Jefferson County Commission.
Champions for 2022. MVP for the playoff, tied a state our kids deserve it,” Jackson said. A victory parade is being planned
playoff record with five touchdowns for January.
They won the title by defeating in one playoff game. “They’ve been putting the work in
Charles A. Henderson High School the entire off season. To see where “It’s still unreal,” said Anthony Miles,
at Jordan Hare Stadium at Auburn This is the second state they’ve come from, it’s huge not just who plays left tackle. “I keep looking
University on Dec. 1, 2022 with a championship for the Rams in for the players, but for the teachers back at it from when we did the Ram
score of 41-20. recent years. The team won the and our administration.” walk, to us running out to hearing
6A Championship in 2017. Coach the fans cheering for us, it’s just an
The Rams were led by junior running Ronnie Jackson applauded his The team has been celebrated by unbelievable feeling.”
back Ashton Ashford who carried team’s strong work ethic and the Birmingham City Schools, the
UNDEFEATED PHILLIPS ACADEMY FOOTBALL TEAM WINS CHAMPIONSHIP
The J. H. Phillips Academy
Middle School Football team
went undefeated (8-0) for
this football season and
are the winners of the 2022
Birmingham City Schools
Football Championship, led to
victory this season under the
leadership of Coach Justin Kelly,
Jerrot Stewart, Christopher
Ball, Tim Keenan, and
Troymaine Pope. Athletically
and academically, these
outstanding scholars proved to
be an unbeatable combination
of talent and determination.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 -7- WWW.BIRMINGHAMCITYSCHOOLS.ORG
S C H E D U L E
6PM GIRLS TIP OFF — BOYS TO FOLLOW
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2022 MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2023
Huffman vs Shades Valley Ramsay vs McAdory
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023 FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2023
Ramsay vs Hueytown Woodlawn vs Shades Valley
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13, 2023 TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 2023
Parker vs Homewood Huffman vs Fairfield
WATCH livestream.com/bcs & YouTube @BCS
CLICK ON THE IMAGES BELOW TO LEARN MORE
CLICK NOW
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 -9- WWW.BIRMINGHAMCITYSCHOOLS.ORG
BCS REPORT VOL. 3 | ISSUE 7
MR. DAV’S FAVES Showcasing some of the best stories of Birmingham City Schools
reported by BCS Communications Specalist Fred Davenport
STUDENTS CREATING URBAN ART JACKSON OLIN ALUM DAVID PALMER “THE DEUCE”
CLICK TO WATCH NOW ON CLICK TO WATCH NOW ON
A group of P.D. Jackson-Olin High School students have You may have heard about the “Deuce on the Loose,” when
discovered something unique about themselves. The scholars Jackson Olin alum David Palmer lit up the football field with
have found they love to create urban art. Watch the video to hear lightening speed for the Alabama Crimson Tide and then for the
from the Birmingham City Schools students. Minnesota Vikings. Check out this update on Palmer,
an All-American from Birmingham City Schools and an example
of the amazing talent birthed in BCS.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022 -10- WWW.BIRMINGHAMCITYSCHOOLS.ORGYou can also read
