2010 annual report_8page.qxd:Layout 1 10/19/10 7:16 PM Page 1

Annual Report 2009-2010

Ethnicity: CCS Receives Five African American...... 1% The Year’s Top Stories: Asian ...... 1% National Awards Hispanic ...... 8% • Cullman City Schools — White ...... 90% National School Board Association’s Enrollment: ...... 2937 students Salute Technology District CCPS 484, EAST 526, WEST 561, CMS • eSchool News Tech Savvy 432, CHS 934, (Head Start 120). Superintendent Award ...... 96.0% Attendance: • West Elementary School — Per Pupil Expenditure: ....$9,271 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon School Graduation Rate: ...... 89% • West Elementary School — Annual Budget:....$34.2 million State ...... 52% National Title I Distinguished School Federal ...... 15% • Cullman High School Cheer Stunt Local ...... 33% Team — 1st Place at UCA National Competition Teacher Qualifications: Doctorate ...... 1% AA ...... 8% Masters ...... 51% Bachelors ...... 40% Employees: ...... 352 total Support employees ...... 133 Certified employees ...... 219 Ad valorem tax: ...... 17.5 mils East Elementary School All schools are accredited by the Southern Named CLAS Banner School Association of Colleges and Schools.

Board of Education: Over 7,600 Hours of Community Service Delivered by CHS Students • Senior Cameron Bradford Named United Way of Cullman County Volunteer of the Year Brenda Howell, President Steven Sides, Vice President Kim Addison, Board Member Capital Projects Suzanne Harbin, Board Member Jason Neal, Board Member Take the Spotlight Dr. Jan Irons Harris, Superintendent CCS Moves to 3rd in the State “We are so blessed to have an education system that rewards character in Stanford 10 Test Scores in its students.” — Dianne Shaddix 2010 annual report_8page.qxd:Layout 1 10/19/10 7:17 PM Page 2

Thank you for supporting the CAPITAL COMPLETIONS 2010 revitalization of Oliver Woodard Stadium! Fundraising Sponsors: Bearcat Sponsors ($1,000 or more): Casa Fiesta Coke Cullman Dermatology Cullman Internal Medicine, P.C. Cullman Regional Medical Center Cullman Regional Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (Dr. Dueland/Dr. Gomez) Cullman Spine Institute Cummings Sporting Goods Cullman High Robin and Pamela Cummings New Gym Exit 310 Musicians Freedom Insurance Agency-Gloria Williams Premier Bank Rollseal Steve and Kathy Skinner Waldrop Chiropractic Clinic Greg and Malinda Windham Zero Meth/Wilson Blaylock, DA New Locker Room in new gym Gold Sponsors ($500-$999): Cullman City Schools Board Members and Jan Harris CRMC’s ONE Rehab & Sports Medicine Liberty National Life Insurance Co. Pasquale’s Pizza West Elementary School People’s Tire Co. Library Media Center Regions Bank Surgical Arts, P.C. The Surgery Center of Cullman Silver Sponsors ($250-$499): AJK, LLC - The Rotunda Wilson and Mary Blaylock and Family The Cullman Times Cullman Power Board Cullman Rotary Club Mitch Smith Chevrolet Oliver Woodard Stadium North Central Neurology Revitalization O.F. Richter & Sons Bronze Sponsors ($100-$249): Bill Smith Buick GMC Martha Burchell Insurance (Nationwide) Cullman Primary Care, P.C. Edward Jones Investments - Ron Mann ENT Associates of , P.C. New Science Building (and remodeled existing science building) First Federal Cullman Michael’s Tree Service CCS appreciates the legislative support of Congressman Robert Aderholt, Moss Service Funeral Home Piggly Wiggly #296 Governor Bob Riley, Lt. Governor Jim Folsom, Senator. Zeb Little, Urgent Care, LLC Representative Jeremy Oden, and Representative James Fields. Wal-Mart Appreciation is extended to Mayor Townson and the Cullman City Council for their support. The 1/2 cent sales tax has enabled CCS to be financially secure during times of uncertain funding. 2010 annual report_8page.qxd:Layout 1 10/19/10 7:30 PM Page 3

prestigious community service seal on their Salute Districts, Inspiring Students for diploma and transcript. These young men and recognized for their Lifelong Success women could be seen cleaning up the cemetery, use of technology to volunteering in nursing homes, hospitals or Good support innovative Education builds good citizens, an equipped Samaritan Clinic, working at the Cullman County strategies that workforce, and overall, a better community. Our fair, Kiwanis pancake breakfast or Lions Club promote student future is entrusted to the youth of today. It is our fish fry, or tutoring students at the Primary School, achievement and responsibility to prepare them for tomorrow. Our for example. Because of this innovative program, organizational mission, in Cullman City Schools, is to inspire the Cullman area has benefitted from over 7600 efficiencies. The students for lifelong success through character, hours of community service since its inception. 2009 Salute Superintendent’s citizenship and scholarship. Our employees are givers; CCS was Districts are Jeffco Message recognized again this year as one of the Top Public Schools in Dr. Jan Irons Harris We strive to bring our mission to daily life Ten Contributors of the United Way of Cullman Golden, Colo.; through challenging curriculum and instruction, County. Cullman City Schools, Ala.; and Newport News and a system-wide character education plan that Public Schools in Virginia. is optimized through leadership opportunities, I am proud of our students’ academic and extracurricular activities. Our mission plan is accomplishments. All schools made Adequate The arts are alive in CCS! In addition to our reinforced in the superintendent’s weekly digital Yearly Progress (AYP). Our students’ test scores superior arts program, we hosted a special newsletter. Our Boys’ Tennis Team, coached by increased again this year moving CCS from 6th “Electrify Your Strings” program with Emmy Nathan Bates, exemplifies outstanding character in the State to 3rd on SAT-10 scores! Alabama Award Winning Artist Mark Wood. as evidenced by the team winning the Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing (ADAW) scores High School Athletic Association’s Sportsmanship remained strong. Cullman Middle School The school year was characterized by several Award for the 5-A State Tennis Tournament. This increased its score to 92% and moved to 2nd capital projects, none of which would have award was voted on by all of the athletes who in the State! Fifth graders’ scores (90%) ranked been possible without legislative support and the competed. them 3rd in the State while 10th graders’ proud leadership provided by Mayor Townson and the score of 92% placed them 6th in Alabama. Cullman City Council. East Elementary and As we reflect on the ending of the 2009-2010 Cullman Middle renovated classrooms and school year, I am reminded of the stellar CCS received a plethora of honors and awards hallways for an improved educational setting. accomplishments of our students displayed this year. The Council for Leaders in Alabama West Elementary received a new library media through the Class of 2010. This class is filled Schools (CLAS) named East Elementary as a center, while Cullman High School received a with 202 talented young men and women with 2010 CLAS Banner School. This award second gym, a new science wing and a an eclectic array of interests and abilities. In this recognizes schools that serve as outstanding revitalized Oliver Woodard Stadium. diverse class we find Warren McGriff who models for other schools. Twelve Alabama Leadership begins at the top and we are thankful received an appointment to the Air schools were chosen from 174 school nominations for this prestigious recognition. East for the leadership provided by our Board of Force Academy. We find Daphne Krone who is Education. President Brenda Howell made a National Merit Scholar, and Jim Crowder who Elementary was one of three elementary schools recognized. professional development a priority when CCS earned the prestigious Eagle Scout Award was selected as a Lighthouse School District by through the Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan the Alabama Association of School Boards. Our in the Class of 2010 is Cameron Bradford, the announced that West Elementary was among Board of Education, along with selected team first student, to my knowledge, to be named 314 schools in the nation and among five members, underwent intense training to focus on Cullman County United Way Volunteer of the schools in Alabama designated as 2009 student achievement in our district. We, in CCS, Year. We also find two-time Alabama State National Blue Ribbon Schools. The award seek continual improvement and, as such, Champion Pole Vaulter Michael Addison and honors public and private schools that are either embarked on a technology review with Alan Jordan Johnson, Cullman County Junior Miss. academically superior, or have made dramatic November and his team of experts. Alan kicked gains in student achievement and helped close the year off by speaking to our employees at This exemplary class is filled with talented gaps in achievement among minority and Institute Day. We are proud that all classrooms students like Class Vocalist Paige Harbison, disadvantaged students. Additionally, West now have SMARTBoards and cutting edge Class Musician Yurika Chiba, and Alabama Elementary was selected as a 2009 National technology. State Champion Actor Corey Burks. Students like Title I Distinguished School. The Alabama Valedictorian Caroline Hicks set the highest Department of Education each year designates Our students are smart, talented, hard-working standards for their academic performance. two elementary schools for this national young people who truly care about others and Yes, Class President Bailey Holland or Student recognition based upon student achievement on the world in which they live. I am proud of our Council President Chelsea Nesmith will tell state tests. West Elementary was selected for students’ myriad accomplishments, and I you that this class is diverse and smart. This exceptional student performance for two or more applaud their leadership, service, scholarship, outstanding class earned a total of years. and character. Our teachers are outstanding, $4,611,400 in scholarships. dedicated educators who love young people. Congratulations to West Elementary Principal It is a blessing for me to work with our Because we value service to others and wish to Dr. Elton Bouldin who was selected as District outstanding students, faculty and staff each day. communicate its importance to our students, the Elementary Principal of the Year. On behalf of our students, faculty, and staff, I Cullman City Board of Education approved a want to deliver heartfelt appreciation to the Community Service Seal for students in 2007. The Cullman City School District received Cullman community for loving and supporting Forty-four (44) seniors each completed 100 national recognition. The National School our deserving students. hours of community service and received this Boards Association (NSBA) selected three 2009 2010 annual report_8page.qxd:Layout 1 10/19/10 7:26 PM Page 4

PRINCIPALS’ SUMMARY

Cullman City Primary • Students participated in a “Go Green” book swap by bringing used books to school and trading them with other students. • CCPS was a finalist for the Alabama Exemplary Reading Award sponsored by the Alabama • Head Start received SMARTBoards in all six classrooms, and Reading Association. implemented a new Zula science and math program. • CCPS hosted a Little Learners Love Literacy • Head Start families and teachers read over 6,500 books to Tricia Conference for early childhood educators across students during the Clifford Bones reading project. Culpepper, the state of Alabama. Over 125 educators Principal • CCPS students collected 395 pounds of food for the Cullman attended various sessions presented by CCPS Caring for Kids Food Bank, and raised $1,349.62 in the Math-a- teachers. thon for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. • CCPS placed 2nd in the PALS (People Against a Littered State) contest. • CCPS won the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce • Teacher Kathryn Brandon presented a project at the Association of Beautification Award. Childhood Education International conference.

East Elementary • EES food drives collected 2,700 pounds of food. • EES was selected a 2010 CLAS Banner School. • The Relay for Life Team raised $2,150. • Counselor Ann J. Bishop received the Cullman • Students produced Bye, Bye Birdie and Seussical the Musical, Jr. Area Chamber of Commerce Emma Marie • 3rd Grader Joey McCarthy won the State-level Zaner-Bloser Eddleman Citizenship Award. David Handwriting Contest, and moved on to National competition. Wiggins, • EES was named a Scale Back Alabama School, • 6th Grade students collected and shipped care packages to Principal with faculty losing 418.2 pounds. Alabama’s 135th Expeditionary Unit in Afghanistan. • Paige Raney was named Preserve America • 5th Grader Hannah Morton won first place in the NFL Punt, Pass, History Teacher of the Year for Alabama. Kick Competition in Atlanta, GA, and 4th Grader Anna Evans won • Pulitzer Prize nominated New York Times writer Nicholas Dawidoff the County, Regional, and State Hoop Shoot Contest for 8-9 year-old spoke to 6th Grade students about the art of writing. girls. • 89 students in Grades 4 and 5 qualified for the Duke University • Meredith Paige McPherson was selected to represent Alabama as TIP (Talent Identification Program). a People to People Student Ambassador serving in Europe. • 122 6th Graders attended Space Camp, meeting astronauts from • EES PTO purchased a new curtain for the stage and tire swing for Discovery Shuttle at the Marshall Flight Center. the playground, and awarded more than $4,000 in teacher grants. • The Math Team won 2nd Place at the Wallace State Math • EES sent 307 relief bags to Haiti through Operation KidPassion. Tournament. Noah Shadix received an individual 1st Place. The 5th The 6th Grade Read-a-thon raised $1,220. 3rd Grader Mary Kate and 6th Grade Math Teams both placed 2nd overall in the Cullman Stanford sponsored “Spare Change for Haiti” which raised Middle School Math Tournament. $201.40. 2010 annual report_8page.qxd:Layout 1 10/19/10 7:19 PM Page 5

West Elementary top Cullman County school in the 2010 American Heart Associations' annual Jump Rope for Hear campaign with a • U.S. Department of Education Secretary, Arne contribution of $7,848.80. Duncan, designated West Elementary a National Blue Ribbon School in 2009, one of 314 schools • The West PTA Fall Festival raised $20,000. Parents used the in the nation. The Blue Ribbon School Program is a proceeds to purchase an audience response system to improve the Dr. Elton Department of Education initiative that began in interaction, engagement, and formative assessment of students Bouldin, 1982 in order to identify and disseminate during instruction. Principal knowledge about best school leadership and • West Elementary Math Teams placed first in the Muscle Shoals teaching practices across the nation. Middle School Tournament, Cullman Middle School Sixth Grade • West was honored as a 2009 National Distinguished School by and Fifth Grade Tournaments. the National Title I Association based upon exceptional student • Congratulations to the 6th Grade Chorus and chorus teacher, Tim performance for two or more years on state tests. The National Clemmons, for receiving superior ratings at District Festival. Distinguished School program began in 1986 for the purpose of recognizing improvement and innovation in education. • West Elementary students are enjoying the use of a new Media Center, which is equipped with current technology and a • The Cullman County Area Chamber of Commerce selected West professional learning section for the faculty. 5th Grade math teacher, Misti Murphy, as their Elementary School Teacher of the Year. • WES Scholars Bowl Team placed 2nd in district competition and qualified to participate in the State Scholars Bowl competition. • West Elementary was named the Cullman Times' Top Organization for the second year in a row during the annual • Brinley Smith, Anna Grace Murphy and Lauren Harbison were Cullman Cares food drive. West Elementary students were featured invited to display their artwork at the State Superintendents Visual in the Lifestyle Section for their county leading donation of 3,316 Arts Exhibit at the State Capitol. pounds of canned food the Cullman Caring for Kids agency. • WES won the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce • The West Physical Education Department was recognized as the Beautification Award.

Cullman Middle • The 7th Grade Math Team placed 1st in 7 of 9 tournaments. The 8th Grade Math Team placed first in 8 of 10 tournaments. The teams • The Quiz Bowl Team won 2nd place at the State received a record 128 team and individual trophies and awards. Beta Club Convention. Drake Hollingsworth placed 2nd in math at State and 4th at National. Leigh • American Mathematics Competition winners were Leigh Marie Marie Braswell received the John W. Harris Braswell 1st place, Jordan Baumgartner and Christina Oanca 2nd Lane Hill, National Leadership Award. place and Drake Hollingsworth 3rd place. Leigh Marie Braswell Principal was one of the top 6 students in Alabama. • Six CMS Band students participated in the Southeastern All Star Music Camp. Three students • In the Jacksonville State University Imagining the Holocaust Essay were selected for the District III Jr. High Honor Contest,1st Place Short Story went to Leigh Marie Braswell, and 2nd Band, and 17 for the Cullman County Honor Band, with three Place to Keaton Dean. Maddie Taylor placed 2nd in Poetry and receiving 1st chair honors. Savannah Smith placed 3rd. • Brian McCarthy won 1st place in the CMS Spelling Bee and • All CMS classrooms are equipped with SMARTBoards, and all Leigh Marie Braswell placed 2nd. students have laptop computers. • The CMS Jazz Band received all superior ratings at the State Solo & • The 7th and 8th Grade Boys Basketball teams were undefeated. Ensemble Event. Band members received 34 total medals at District. • CMS students participating in the State Superintendent’s Visual Arts • CMS Cheerleaders took 2nd place at the AHSAA Junior Classic. Exhibit were Stephen Freeman, Alex Garner, Connor Moon, Miles Wisner and Evan Taunton. • Ryan Klein took 1st place and James Hovater 2nd place in the Victim’s Rights Essay Contest. • The 2010 Alabama Penman Creative Writing Contest winner for CMS was Jasmine Bryant. Jasmine also placed 3rd in the Victims • The CMS band performed at the Tennessee Aquarium, and with Services Voices of Youth Poetry Slam. Emmy Award Winning and Multi Platinum Artist, Mark Wood. • CMS won the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce • The first piano class at CMS performed at the Winfrey Hotel in Beautification Award. Hoover, Alabama. 2010 annual report_8page.qxd:Layout 1 10/19/10 7:20 PM Page 6

Cullman High • The new practice gymnasium and science buildings were • The Algebra II, Geometry, and Comprehensive completed and construction began on the new stadium and field. Math Teams placed 1st in the State math tournament. • Cross-Country had 15 all-state runners. Kelsey Crawford and Brig Kilgore each set new school records for the 5K. • The JV Cheerleaders placed 3rd and the Varsity Sheila • The CHS Football Team went undefeated in the regular season, Phillips, Cheerleaders 8th at UCA Nationals. The Cheer Principal Stunt Team won 1st place. and compiled a 3-year record of 36-5. • 44 students received the Community Service • The Baseball Team played into the second round of the state Seal on their diploma. playoffs. • $4,611,400 in scholarships were awarded to members of the • The boys’ and girls’ Tennis Teams each placed 5th in the state. senior class. Hannah Cornelius was the #5 state singles champion, Clint Watson was the #4 state singles champion and Andrew Horn was the #2 • The 2009 Bearcat Marching Band received all superior ratings. state single runner-up. • The CHS Drum Line competed for the first time on the national • The Track Team qualified 17 individuals for the state meet. Track WGI Circuit. Team member Michael Addison won the state the pole vault and • The CHS Scholars’ Bowl team was undefeated in the county and Brig Kilgore was runner-up in the 2 mile. tied for 1st place in the district. • The girls’ Golf Team placed 2nd in the sectional tournament and • Denise Burroughs was named CHS and Cullman Area Chamber the boys’ Golf Team won the sectional tournament, were 2nd at sub- of Commerce Secondary Teacher of the Year. state and finished 3rd in the state tournament. • Corey Burks was awarded Best Actor at the Alabama State • Girls’ Soccer advanced to the 2nd round of the state playoffs and Thespian competition. Boys’ Soccer advanced to the final four of the state playoffs. • Michael Griffin was awarded 1st place in computer graphics in • The Softball Team won the area regular season and tournament. the 5th District Art Competition. • Six students completed an ACCESS online course. • Madison Ayers won 1st place in computer graphics and David • CHS hosted the Mark Wood program Electrify Your Strings. Craven won 1st place in ceramics and sculpture at the Wallace State Community College Juried Art Exhibition. • Warren McGriff was appointed to the Air Force Academy. • The Fine Art Department performed Wizard of Oz Adventure. • Jordan Johnson was selected as the Cullman County Fair Queen. • CHS was named an American Red Cross Hero for fundraising. • CHS received the Chamber of Commerce Beautification Award. • Conner Strickland received the Eagle Scout Award and Daphne Krone was named a National Merit Scholar. 2010 annual report_8page.qxd:Layout 1 10/19/10 7:20 PM Page 7

2010 Average ACT Scores Alabama National Board Certified Teachers No. Tested CHS 173 Judy Allred Anita Moore State 36,624 Lori Andrews Cindy Pass Bill Bagley Emily Price English Top Ten Ranking David Benefield Carin Rains CHS 22.4 State 20.4 Stanford 10 Amy Brown Paige Raney 2009-2010 Johnny Burks Susan Sapp Math Jane Ann Chambers Angela Stansberry CHS 21.2 State Average 56.92 State 19.5 1. Mt. Brook City 89.5 Rita Dean Jana Thrasher 2. Vestavia Hills City 82.33 Sue Freeman Natalie Tielking Reading 3. Cullman City 79.33 Kristi Jackson Bama Turner CHS 22.2 4. Arab City 78.17 Keli Mickle Mary Yates State 20.7 5. Madison City 77.25 6. Homewood City 77.08 Science 7. Auburn City 74.50 ADAW - Alabama Direct CHS 21.7 8. Muscle Shoals City 73.92 State 20.2 Assessment of Writing 9. Trussville City 73.5 Composite 10. Guntersville City 72.92 5th Grade 90% 3rd in State CHS 22.0 7th Grade 92% 2nd in State State 20.3 10th Grade 92% 6th in State

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CCS TEACHERS OF THE YEAR!

Kelly Pinkard Denise Burroughs CCPS Misti Murphy Linda Bean CHS CCS Elementary WES CMS Susan Nesmith CCS Secondary Teacher of the Year EES Teacher of the Year

AP Scores Class Score 5 Score 4 Score 3 Score 2 Score 1 Total Calculus AB 2 2 English Lit/Comp 32 5 English Lang/Comp 4352 14 US History 4332 12 Chemistry 1142311 2010 annual report_8page.qxd:Layout 1 10/19/10 7:20 PM Page 8

Cullman High School Cullman Middle School West Elementary School Sheila Phillips, Principal Lane Hill, Principal Dr. Elton Bouldin, Principal Grades 9-12 Grades 7-8 Grades 2-6 510 Thirteenth Street NE 800 Second Avenue NE 303 Rosemont Avenue SW 256-734-3923 256-734-7959 256-734-4271 203 Graduates in 2010; 1:1 Laptop Initiative; Middle School U.S Dept. of Education Blue Ribbon $4,611,400 in Scholarships Offered; Concept; Alabama Best Practices 21st School; National Distinguished Title I Average ACT Score 22.0 (State avg. Century Schools Initiative; Smart School; Council for Leaders of 20.3); Courses; Technologies; wi-fi school; Alabama Alabama Schools Banner School; Science in Motion; Smart Math, Science and Technology School Digger “Four Star” School; Technologies; wi-fi school; Scholars Initiative - AMSTI; Art & Music HEAL Demonstration School; Alabama Bowl and Math Teams; Performing Program; and Reading Initiative - ARI; Alabama Best Arts & Band; and Health & Wellness PE Program Practices Professional Development; 37 Athletic Teams http://cms.cullmancats.net wi-fi school; National PTA Chapter; http://chs.cullmancats.net Academic Clubs & Teams; Fine Arts. http://wes.cullmancats.net

East Elementary School Cullman City Primary School Central Office David Wiggins, Principal Tricia Culpepper, Principal 301 1st Street NE Grades 2-6 Head Start, Pre-K, Grades K-1 Cullman, Alabama 35055 608 Fourth Avenue SE 900 Hoehn Drive 256-734-2233 256-734-2232 256-775-0234 Fax 256-737-9621 Blue Ribbon Lighthouse School of Alabama Reading Initiative - ARI; Dr. Jan Irons Harris, Superintendent Excellence; CLAS Banner School; Positive Discipline; Head Start Russell Raney, Chief School School Digger “Five Star” School; (NAEYC and SACS accredited); wi-fi Finance Officer Alabama Reading Initiative - ARI; school; Music Program; Accelerated Coordinators: Alabama Math, Science and Reading; and Extended Day Program Dr. Bridgette Chandler, Career Tech Technology Initiative – AMSTI; http://ccps.cullmancats.net Anita Overturf, Support Services Academic Clubs; National Jr. Beta Alan Pass, Technology Club; Parent Teacher Organization; Sharon Windham, Federal Programs Fine Arts program; wi-fi school. Debbie Wright, Student Services http://ees.cullmancats.net http://www.cullmancats.net