NAESP National Leaders' Conference

Summer 2017

Vol. 65 No. 4

NAESP National Leaders’ Conference

Unified with NAESP and CLAS. Published by the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators. P.O. Box 428, Montgomery, AL 36101. Jill A. Eaton, Editor.

Meet Your New AAESA President

Autumm Jeter leader who believes in servant leadership and fairness for all. Her duties as a teacher and administrator cover Magnolia Elementary the spectrum within the educational framework. Trussville City Autumm absolutely loves her professional relationship with CLAS and AAESA. She became a Autumm M. Jeter is a Fairfield, member years ago after being hired into the Alabama native and a product Principalship. She is a huge advocate for and of the Fairfield City School supporter of CLAS, AAESA and promoting its mission. System. Autumm received her Autumm attributes much B.A. degree in Secondary Education from Talladega of her professional College; her M.A. in Secondary Education with a success to the concentration in History from the University of relationships gained Alabama at Birmingham. She received her educational through CLAS/AAESA and administrative certification, Educational Specialist the professional Degree (Ed.S.) and Doctor of Education Degree (Ed.D.) development and all from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. advocacy they provide. Her Doctoral study was on: “Least Restrictive The last four years she Environment for Students who are Deaf and Hard-of- has gone to the Alabama Hearing.” She started her career in 2001 as a middle State House with other school teacher and now in her present position as elementary school leaders to advocate for public Principal of Magnolia Elementary School in Trussville education in our State speaking with State Senators in her district and outside of her district. She most recently represented the state, with a few others, at our Nation's Capitol in Washington D.C. advocating for public education as well (speaking with Senator Shelby’s office, Representative Palmer’s office, Representative Sewell’s office and many others). Autumm presently is President-Elect of the Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators, AAESA District IV President, Past-President of AAESA District III, CLAS Board of Directors, AAESA Board of Directors, served as session leader for CLAS during various professional development conferences (Assistant Principals Conference; Aspiring City Schools. Administrators Conference); session presenter at the Dr. Jeter has been exposed to numerous educational annual AAESA Fall Instructional Leadership experiences throughout her career. She has worked in Conference, presenting on “Are You a Manager or affluent to high poverty schools; middle school, high Instructional Leader?”. Autumm presently serves on school, and elementary schools over the years; all the Alabama Council for Leadership Development leading to and helping her grow as an diverse leader. (ACLD) committee for the State; she completed the She considers herself as a well-rounded instructional University of Alabama Superintendents Academy, and 2 Alabama Elementary Administrator

Meet Your New AAESA President Cont’d served as overseer of many school-based secondary programs during her time as a high school administrator. She was selected and had the opportunity to study at Stanford University with the Gilder Lehrman Summer Institute Project and has even served as cheerleader sponsor during her years as a middle school teacher!

Some of her honors and community involvement (past and present include): Junior League of Alabama Member (Birmingham) Leukemia and Lymphoma Society awareness/contributor (Light the Night), Girls Incorporated Jr. Board of Directors Member, featured on the National United Negro College Fund (UNCF) an Evening of Stars television broadcast as a successful UNCF graduate. Autumm is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated was Miss Talladega College 2000-2001.

Dr. Jeter manages her demanding work schedule and civic activities while still maintaining a strong relationship with her family and friends. She is a devoted wife and deeply committed mother. Autumm is married to the Honorable Judge Reginald Jeter and they are the proud parents of two young boys.

One of her many goals for the Association is for it to grow in membership and help lead new and experienced Principals into their personal best. Much of her success as a school leader is due in part to relationships established and professional learning gained from AAESA and CLAS. As a new Principal years ago, AAESA opened my eyes to educational policy, advocacy work for public education and how networking with other school leaders can help you as a Principal; and that’s her continued goal for our association. If we all would simply encourage a friend who’s a new school leader or not a member to join, she guarantees that they will say that it was one of the best professional decisions they’ve made!

Summer Issue 2017 3

Changing Times

Chris Mitten cuts to federal spending on education including Title I and Title II. We lobbied extensively for these pro- Windham Elementary grams and were assured by your elected representatives that the President’s budget is merely a sugges- Daleville City tion and not at all what will necessarily happen. Please continue to contact your elected officials to There has always been a urge them to fully fund ESSA so we can actually see if lot of uncertainty in educa- it works. tion. From funding, to legis- Additionally, the supreme court recently ruled in lative and governmental Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District, that “de changes to local leadership minimus” progress for special education students is changes, the only consistent not acceptable and that IEP’s must make progress ad- thing these days seems to be inconsistency. Though equate or on par with that of regular education stu- there are uncertain times for our organization and dents. The effects of this decision have yet to be seen CLAS as well, rest assured, your AAESA Board, CLAS but could prove profound. Along those lines, under Board and the CLAS staff are committed to maintain- current IDEA guidelines, schools are supposed to re- ing the viability and strength of these great organiza- ceive funding at 40% of per pupil funding in order to tions. We are honored and so proud of our own Dr. provide services for those students with disabilities. Earl Franks for being chosen as the next Executive Di- Unfortunately the federal government only funds IDEA rector for the National Association of Elementary in the 16% range. We continue to advocate for fund- School Principals. While we will miss his leadership ing at the allotted levels for our students with disabili- terribly in Alabama, we know that his dedication to ties. Please follow up through contact with your elect- the elementary principalship will continue to impact ed representatives. us here as well as the rest of the country. Additional- ly, we wish Jim Chesnutt a happy retirement at the The past year as your president has been one of end of June. Jim has been invaluable to our organiza- personal growth and learning. I want to sincerely tion as the assistant executive director for the past thank all of the members of AAESA for the opportuni- decade. The leadership of Earl and Jim will be missed. ty to serve as your state President. I know that in Your executive boards are currently in the process of spite of all of the impending changes, this organization hiring for these positions. We look forward to formal- is strong and will continue to get stronger. The future ly introducing your new CLAS Executive Director and for AAESA is bright. Help us to grow so that we may AAESA Assistant Executive Director at the CLAS confer- continue to serve you. ence in June. During the last week in March, your elected officers traveled to Washington D.C. for the National Lead- ers Conference. Three days were spent in D.C. meeting with fellow leaders from around this great nation. We were fortunate to listen to quality speakers such as Senator Al Franken. We polished our advocacy skills and ultimately concluded the trip by meeting with representatives of our elected officials on Capitol Hill. Many items are currently causing trep- idation among educators as we continue to watch federal funding and the impact of our new education secretary. In the Presidents budget, there were great

4 Alabama Elementary Administrator

AAESA Membership

District I Paula Young ...... Russellville City Cindy Montgomery ...... Tuscaloosa County Marshae Madison-Pelt ...... Midfield City Sherina Morgan ...... Walker County Leslie Marshall ...... Shelby County Nona Adams ...... Limestone County District II Nakelya Mullins ...... Tuscaloosa City Susan McCall ...... Vestavia Hills City Derrick Aikerson ...... Decatur City Preeti Nichani ...... Tuscaloosa City Ashley McCombs ...... Mountain Brook City Michelle Adams ...... Mobile County Katrena Allen ...... Athens City Julie Odom ...... Tuscaloosa City Barbara McCoy ...... Bessemer City Hattie Alexander ...... Mobile County Gina Baggett ...... Lauderdale County Donna Palmer ...... Marion County Renitta Mckinstry ...... Jefferson County Diane Allgood ...... Mobile County Cade Baker ...... Limestone County Brenda Parker ...... Tuscaloosa City Deberah Miller ...... Pelham City Christy Amick ...... Chickasaw City Angela Barnes ...... Limestone County Jami Patrick ...... Tuscaloosa City Donna Mitchell Stephanie Benson ...... Mobile County Christy Bice ...... Haleyville City Minda Paxton ...... Tuscaloosa City Cindy Morris ...... Birmingham City Amy Blake ...... Mobile County Sharla Birdsong ...... Athens City James Pope ...... Tuscaloosa City Mark Nixon ...... Jefferson County Angie Brown ...... Mobile County Tina Blankenship ...... Lawrence County Lucile Prewitt ...... Tuscaloosa City Donna Page ...... Jefferson County Christi Brown ...... Mobile County Lynn Bradford ...... Cullman County David Pruitt ...... Marion County Kathy Paiml ...... Shelby County Laura Carter-Walker ...... Mobile County Kim Brown ...... Cullman County Stephanie Richey ...... Hale County Stephanie Parker ...... Birmingham City Amanda Catlett ...... Mobile County Shane Bryan ...... Morgan County Eric Rigsby ...... Jasper City Alicia Peters ...... Hoover City Cheryl Chapman ...... Mobile County Rebecca Burt ...... Morgan County Martha Roop ...... Tuscaloosa County Mildred Posey ...... Bessemer City Veronica Coleman ...... Mobile County Jessica Byrd ...... Florence City David Scott...... Tuscaloosa County Taylar Posey ...... Alabaster City Suzanne Crist ...... Mobile County Johnny Cleveland ...... Franklin County Tameka Shamery-Rice . Tuscaloosa County John Prestridge ...... Pelham City Courtney Diaz ...... Mobile County Patricia Culpepper ...... Cullman City Terrance Spencer ...... Hale County Susan Remick ...... Jefferson County Susan Dickinson ...... Mobile County Kelby Daniel ...... Russellville City Sheila Stromberg ...... Tuscaloosa County Mark Richardson ...... Vestavia Hills City Timothy Dollar ...... Mobile County Joey Dawson ...... Florence City Ira Sullivan ...... Tuscaloosa County Sandy Ritchey ...... Mountain Brook City Kimba Drakeford ...... Mobile County Mitzi Dennis ...... Athens City Tracey Walker ...... Lamar County Armentress Robinson ...... Bessemer City Michelle Dumas ...... Mobile County Jill Eaton Evelyn Walton ...... Tuscaloosa City Tinker Rogers ...... Jefferson County Deborah Fletcher ...... Mobile County Robbie Elliott ...... Morgan County Josh Weatherly ...... Marion County Judith Ross ...... Birmingham City Katherine Gallop ...... Mobile County Kristie Ezzell ...... Russellville City Mary Wells-Porter Orletta Rush ...... Jefferson County JaaDaa Holcombe ...... Mobile County Beth Fields ...... Lauderdale County Dianne Williams ...... Walker County Kara Scholl ...... Hoover City Lynn Huey ...... Mobile County Laurie Fowler ...... Florence City Roy Williams ...... Winfield City Jeff Singer ...... Hoover City Deidre Jefferson ...... Mobile County Nicholas Gragg ...... Cullman City Carolyn Wilson ...... Tuscaloosa County Cortney Slaughter ...... Jefferson County Amanda Jones ...... Mobile County Larry Grantham ...... Cullman County Betsy Smith ...... Shelby County Katryna Kinn ...... Mobile County Margaret Greer ...... Decatur City District IV Carnell Spradlin ...... Blount County Connie Krist ...... Mobile County Margaret Guthrie ...... Cullman County Delilah Stitt ...... Birmingham City Lisa Large ...... Mobile County Stacy Aderholt ...... Shelby County Beth Hales ...... Decatur City Stacey Stocks ...... Hoover City Angela Lincecum ...... Mobile County Matthew Alexander ...... Birmingham City Jonathan Hatton ...... Lauderdale County Eleanor Stokes ...... Birmingham City Nancy Lowell ...... Mobile County Paula Allen ...... Jefferson County Susan Hayes ...... Hartselle City Wendy Story ...... Homewood City Michelle Manzy ...... Mobile County Sasha Baker ...... Shelby County Burt Helton ...... Lauderdale County Judy Sullivan ...... Jefferson County Michele McClung ...... Mobile County Krista Bender ...... Vestavia Hills City Daphnae Hogan ...... Florence City Laura Tate ...... Homewood City Susan McRae Wanda Birchfield ...... Birmingham City Deanna Hollimon ...... Russellville City Ann Tillman ...... Jefferson County Joi Miles ...... Mobile County Kristin Booker ...... Birmingham City Keith Hood ...... Winston County Danielle Tinker ...... Jefferson County Karen Mohr ...... Mobile County Vicki Brasher ...... Jefferson County Janice Jackson ...... Florence City Maggie Todd ...... Birmingham City Julia Nelson ...... Mobile County Donna Brumlow ...... Trussville City Christopher James ...... Lauderdale County Joy Tyner ...... Trussville City Deborah Ollis .... Saint Mary Catholic School Debra Campbell ...... Jefferson County Phillip Jarmon ...... Athens City Dilhani Uswatte ...... Hoover City Martha Peek ...... Mobile County Jeanette Campisi-Snider ...... Shelby County Emily Johnson ...... Haleyville City Corvetta Vann ...... Fairfield City Teffine Petro ...... Mobile County Brenda Cassady ...... Jefferson County Jeremy Jones .... Decatur Heritage Christian John Vincent ...... Pelham City Ashtiny Roberts ...... Mobile County Susan Chalmers ...... Birmingham City Academy Lynn Vines ...... Jefferson County Michelle Shropshire ...... Mobile County Leslie Clark ...... Hoover City David Kross ...... Decatur City Michael Vise ...... Oneonta City Marilyn Smith ...... Mobile County Charissa Cole ...... Alabaster City Sherri Matthews ...... Lauderdale County Jill Walden ...... Homewood City Teronda Smith ...... Mobile County Quincy Collins ...... Hoover City Janet Mattox ...... Cullman County Cynthia Ward ...... Birmingham City June Stanford ...... Mobile County Rickey Darby ...... Shelby County Tanya McCain ...... Morgan County Laura Ware ...... Jefferson County Stan Stokley ...... Saraland City Celita Deem ...... Shelby County Cleo Miller ...... Limestone County Alicica' Washington ...... Birmingham City Deborah Torbert ...... Mobile County Dana DePew ...... Hoover City Kevin Moore ...... Lauderdale County Catherine Waters ...... Mountain Brook City Tara Trammell ...... Mobile County Cynthia Echols ...... Vestavia Hills City Kimberly Moore ...... Athens City Angela Watkins ...... Jefferson County Glenda Warren ...... Mobile County J. Evans ...... Trussville City Tara Murphy ...... Morgan County Joshua Watkins ...... Mountain Brook City Stacey Wilcox ...... Mobile County David Fancher Anthony Olivis ...... Colbert County Kimberly White ...... Hoover City Kimberly Williams...... Saraland City Catherine Finkley ...... Trussville City Richard Orr ...... Cullman County Sherita Williams ...... Hoover City Frances Finney ...... Jefferson County Jay Page ...... Cullman City Michael Wilson ...... Birmingham City District III Tracy Ford...... Fairfield City Laurel Partrick ...... Lauderdale County Angelia Franks ...... Blount County Wesley Pounders ...... Muscle Shoals City Jonathan Allen ...... Jasper City District V Larue Frederick ...... Hoover City Datie Priest ...... Decatur City Ronika Amerson ...... Tuscaloosa City Sharon Gallant ...... Jefferson County Monte Abner ...... Sylacauga City Debbie Queen ...... Hartselle City Frances Ann Baggett .... Tuscaloosa County Jay Gary...... Jefferson County Terry Allen ...... Marshall County Rhonda Reece ...... Decatur City Elijah Bell ...... Sumter County LaKeshya George ...... Bessemer City Teena Anderton ...... Marshall County Micah Rice ...... Cullman County Jeanette Bell Taylor Greene ...... Bessemer City Vonda Ashley-Thomas ..... Talladega County Ramona Robinson Christi Butler ...... Tuscaloosa City Jessica Hahn ...... Jefferson County Sheila Ball ...... Anniston City Jeff Scott ...... Winston County Terri Byrts ...... Tuscaloosa City Christy Hamilton ...... Jefferson County Debbie Barnett ...... Sylacauga City Lola Scott ...... Franklin County Robert Cameron ...... Tuscaloosa County Susan Harvill Miranda Battles ...... Albertville City Matt Scott ...... Limestone County Jeff Campbell ...... Tuscaloosa County Kim Hauser ...... Vestavia Hills City Nancy Blackwood ...... Gadsden City Alvie Shaw ...... Colbert County Valerie Carter-Jackson ...... Pickens County Reta Hayes ...... Jefferson County Scott Bonds ...... Marshall County Tiletha Shelton ...... Lawrence County Vanessa Clay ...... Tuscaloosa County Terry Henderson ...... Jefferson County Philip Bryan ...... Dekalb County Jason Simmons ...... Muscle Shoals City Antonio Cooper ...... Tuscaloosa County Genet Holcomb ...... Shelby County Laura Byars ...... Marshall County Gary Smith ...... Lawrence County Debbie Crawford ...... Tuscaloosa County Chase Holden ...... Pelham City Jeanna Chandler ...... Calhoun County Sheneta Smith ...... Muscle Shoals City Keri Criss ...... Tuscaloosa County Robin Hollingsworth ...... Pelham City Nicole Chester ...... Gadsden City Michael South ...... Florence City Beth Curtis ...... Tuscaloosa City Marian Humphries ...... Vestavia Hills City Tanya Clark ...... Etowah County Karen Sparks ...... Cullman County Ingrid Edwards ...... Tuscaloosa City Antonia Ishman ...... Birmingham City Kenny Clay ...... Guntersville City Todd Stephens ...... Morgan County Kyle Fessler ...... Tuscaloosa County Jay Jacks ...... Jefferson County Virginia Clough ...... Etowah County Jeffery Sutton ...... Athens City Vertis Giles-Brown ...... Tuscaloosa City Ann Jemison ...... Birmingham City Derek Cobb ...... Calhoun County Joshua Swindall ...... Cullman City Debra Hildreth Autumm Jeter ...... Trussville City Amy Copeland ...... Oxford City Michelle Swindall ...... Muscle Shoals City Kellie Hubbard ...... Tuscaloosa County Karen Jones ...... Jefferson County Dexter Copeland ...... Anniston City Matthew Syesta ...... Sheffield City Michael Anne Jackson .. Tuscaloosa County Laura Junkin ...... Shelby County Tesha Crump ...... Calhoun County Matt Taylor ...... Limestone County Cynthia Jemison ...... Sumter County Sandra Kindell ...... Birmingham City Summer Davis ...... Calhoun County Paige Terry ...... Lawrence County Sharon Jennings ...... Greene County Ann King ...... Jefferson County Joe Dyar ...... Calhoun County Rebecca Valenzuela ...... Limestone County Laura Jockisch ...... Tuscaloosa City Donna King ...... Jefferson County Greg Edge ...... Attalla City Robin Varwig ...... Hartselle City Michael Keeton ...... Tuscaloosa County Laurie King ...... Mountain Brook City Jennifer Edwards ...... Calhoun County Gina Webb ...... Cullman County Kimberly Lavender ...... Tuscaloosa County Laura Kirkpatrick ...... Jefferson County Selena Felkins ...... Sylacauga City Angie Whittington ...... Decatur City Pamela Liebenberg ...... Tuscaloosa County Matt Kiser ...... Homewood City Cherith Fluker ...... Oxford City David Wiggins ...... Cullman City Tripp Marshall ...... Tuscaloosa County Patricia LeQuier ...... Shelby County Vanessa Fowler ...... Albertville City Alan Willingham ...... Muscle Shoals City Portia Martin ...... Tuscaloosa City Kathleen Lindsey ...... Birmingham City Laurie Funderburg ...... Pell City Tom Windsor ...... Colbert County Gary McCarley ...... Marion County John Lowry...... Homewood City Charles Gardner ...... Etowah County Marshall Wise ...... Decatur City Genea Monroe ...... Tuscaloosa County

Summer Issue 2017 5

AAESA Membership Cont’d

Jonathan Gilbert ...... Calhoun County Julie Harrington ...... Autauga County Tammy Senn...... Lee County Dusty McKinley ...... Houston County Karen Golden ...... Marshall County Christen Harry ...... Autauga County Randy Shaw ...... Montgomery County Christie Mitten ...... Enterprise City Julie Green ...... Sylacauga City Mechelle Hollifield ...... Bibb County Bonnie Short ...... Lee County Christopher Mitten ...... Daleville City Anna Hairston ...... Dekalb County Donna Hoomes ...... Autauga County Pamela Simpson ...... Russell County Charles Mixson ...... Andalusia City Brenda Hall ...... Cleburne County Karen Hubbard ...... Bibb County Merit Sims ...... Auburn City Ivy Murry ...... Enterprise City Teresia Hall ...... Anniston City Roshanda Jackson ...... Demopolis City Kelley Smith ...... Lee County Carmen Neiswanger ...... Henry County Myra Hand ...... Etowah County Samita Jeter...... Lowndes County Tracey Streetman ...... Auburn City Bettye Anne Older ...... Covington County Jennifer Hannah ...... Pell City Jason Leach ...... Bibb County Bonnie Sullivan ...... Elmore County Sarah Owen ...... Dothan City Chris Hanson ...... Piedmont City Cathy Loftin...... Autauga County Paula Thompson ...... Russell County Clifton Pace ...... Covington County Donna Harbin ...... Calhoun County Holly McNider ...... Autauga County Timothy Turley ...... Elmore County Twyla Pipkin ...... Enterprise City Hope Harris ...... Etowah County Brenda Mitchell ...... Dallas County Chad Walls ...... Elmore County Teri Prim ...... Enterprise City Michele Hawkins ...... Gadsden City Jobrina Oliver ...... Dallas County Jared Wesley ...... Clay County Ronald Retherford ...... Enterprise City Allison Haygood ...... Boaz City Louise Pitts ...... Chilton County Tiffany Williams ...... Macon County Seth Richards...... Covington County Linda Haynes...... Talladega City Roger Sheffield ...... Chilton County Shantell Rouse ...... Pike County Gregory Haynie ...... Boaz City Taurus Smith ...... Selma City District VIII Glenda Sanders ...... Dothan City Michelle Head-Barker ...... Talladega County Jeff Stockman ...... Autauga County Lee Scott ...... Pike County Eric Andrews ...... Escambia County Houston Henderson ...... Fort Payne City Jodi Womble ...... Autauga County Shawn Short...... Opp City Charlotte Beasley Christy Hiett ...... Cleburne County Teresa Sims ...... Troy City Torrey Berry ...... Baldwin County Julie Hood...... Calhoun County District VII Michael Smith...... Dale County Edna Billingsley...... Washington County Alisa Huffaker ...... Talladega County Ann Stafford ...... Geneva County Aleysia Alves ...... Montgomery County Dana Bottoms ...... Baldwin County Barbara Johnson ...... Cleburne County Joanna Taylor ...... Troy City Angela Arnett ...... Lee County Waverly Boutin ...... Baldwin County Cathy Jones...... Fort Payne City Angela Thomas ...... Houston County Shanikka Beacher ...... Tallassee City John Brantley ...... Escambia County Marlon Jones ...... Anniston City Ginger Vinson ...... Coffee County Tanya Boone ...... Elmore County Carol Broughton ...... Baldwin County Melissa Kelley...... Talladega City Aneta Walker...... Dothan City Shawanna Boyd ...... Randolph County Rebecca Comer ...... Baldwin County Laura Knighton ...... Calhoun County Laura Wildzunas ...... Enterprise City Carolyn Bradley ...... Macon County Mark Doherty ...... Baldwin County Krystal Landers ...... Oxford City Jennifer Williams ...... Dothan City Allison Burton...... Chambers County Jonathan Ellis...... Baldwin County Shareka Lee ...... Talladega County Audrey Windham...... Enterprise City Arthur Caffey...... Lee County Averette Hale ...... Baldwin County Teresa Lokey ...... Etowah County Debra Wright ...... Dothan City David Carpenter ...... Opelika City Albertnetta Hamilton ...... Baldwin County Delsia Malone ...... Gadsden City Greg Yance ...... Houston County Bridgette Carter ...... Montgomery County Diane Holmes ...... Escambia County Yolanda McCants ...... Anniston City James Chesnutt ...... CLAS Benjamin Jones ...... Washington County Tim McCollum ...... Dekalb County District X Vera Corbett ...... Lee County Tracie Knight ...... Baldwin County Shasta McFry ...... Calhoun County Calandra Crenshaw ..... Montgomery County Patrice Krueger ...... Baldwin County Presonia Alexander ...... Huntsville City Chris Melton ...... Etowah County Bryan Cutter...... Pike Road City William Lawrence ...... Baldwin County Dawn Ashley Betty Merriweather ...... Anniston City Katie Daniel ...... Auburn City Amy McCrory ...... Monroe County Becky Balentine ...... Huntsville City Michelle Moore ...... Etowah County Charlie Dark ...... Tallapoosa County Lee Anne McPhaul...... Monroe County Heather Bardwell...... Huntsville City Lori Moss ...... Etowah County Edward Drozdowski ..... Montgomery County Laura Moorer ...... Baldwin County Fred Barnes ...... Huntsville City Kimberly Mueller ...... Calhoun County Andrea Folmar ...... Auburn City Rita Nettles-Armstrong ...... Conecuh County Patricia Boyd ...... Huntsville City Suzanne Nance ...... Etowah County Pete Forster ...... Auburn City Charlotte Odom...... Baldwin County James Brooks ...... Jackson County Debora Nelson...... Oxford City Cheryl Fountain ...... Montgomery County Shannon Odom ...... Clarke County Tammie Burger ...... Madison County Joycelyn Palmore-Haynes ...... Anniston City Pam Fourtenbary ...... Opelika City Robert Owen ...... Baldwin County Angie Bush ...... Madison City Tracy Penney ...... Albertville City L. Earl Franks ...... CLAS Jim Perry ...... Baldwin County Michael Carr Jonathan Peppers ...... Dekalb County Jennifer Goodwin ...... Lee County Debra Phillips ...... Baldwin County Robert Cheyne ...... Madison County Revonda Pruitt ...... Piedmont City Emily Grace ...... Opelika City Julie Pierce ...... Baldwin County Lydia Davenport ... Alabama A&M University Amber Ray...... Calhoun County Jacquelynne Greenwood ...... Auburn City Bridgett Powell ...... Clarke County Daniel Evans ...... Madison County Angela Robinson ...... Talladega County Ben Griffin Leigh Ann Rowland ...... Escambia County Karl Fernandez...... Madison City Cody Rowell ...... Dekalb County Fran Groover ...... Chambers County Susan Runnels...... Baldwin County Gerald Franks ...... Madison City Tiffany Scott...... Etowah County Lisa Harris...... Lee County Faye Sheppard ...... Baldwin County Sanchella Graham ...... Huntsville City Heath Shaddix ...... Fort Payne City Laura Hartley ...... Opelika City Keri Shofner ...... Baldwin County Vic Griggs ...... Scottsboro City Mona Sheets ...... Albertville City Kathy Henderson ...... Catherine Tanner ...... Butler County Michael Gunner ...... Madison City Christy Shepard ...... Oxford City Chris Holley ...... Elmore County Brian Thorpe ...... Baldwin County Dale Hancock ...... Scottsboro City Crystal Sparks ...... Calhoun County Douglas Hubbard Sandra Thorpe ...... Baldwin County Peggy Harris ...... Huntsville City Darryl Spradley ...... Oxford City Consuela Jack ...... Macon County Gwendolyn Wheeler ...... Clarke County Renee Headen ...... Madison County Leah Stover ...... Pell City Lee Jackson...... Elmore County Zack Wigstrom ...... Baldwin County Jamie Hill ...... Madison City Yvonne Swift...... Jacksonville City Jacob Johnson ...... Russell County Misty Wilkinson ...... Baldwin County Daphne Jah ...... Madison City Jimmy Lee Thomas ...... Talladega County Adam Kilcrease ...... Phenix City Hope Zeanah ...... Baldwin County Tammy Jones...... Madison City Rhonda Tinker ...... Jacksonville City Callie Knight...... Coosa County Michele Kinney Cynthia Toles Sean Kreauter ...... Elmore County District IX Daffney Legston ...... Madison County Kristy Towns ...... Etowah County Angela Lang...... Pike Road City Randy Looney ...... Madison County Katy Turner ...... Talladega County Tracey Arnold...... Pike County Kathy Ledbetter ...... Tallapoosa County Jeff Malone...... Madison County Mashonda Turner ...... Anniston City Jill Barber ...... Henry County Marceda Lewis ...... Phenix City Amy Mason ...... Madison County Josh Walker ...... Albertville City Matt Barton ...... Enterprise City Brenda Lindsey ...... Montgomery County Lauria Merritt ...... Jackson County Jeremy Wallace ...... Calhoun County Monica Bradshaw ...... Enterprise City Emily Little ...... Montgomery County Melissa Mims ...... Madison City Cynthia Watts ...... Talladega County Alane Brunson ...... Andalusia City Susan Mallett Laura Minor ...... Madison City Stacy Watts ...... Boaz City Joey Caldwell ...... Andalusia City Nino Mason...... Opelika City Georgina Nelson ...... Madison City Caryn Waugh...... Calhoun County Tracy Cantlope...... Enterprise City Booker McMillian ...... Montgomery County Russ O'Rear ...... Madison County Jordan Weathers ...... Calhoun County Sue Clark ...... Dothan City Larry McQuiston Nichole Phillips ...... Madison City Clay Webber ...... Marshall County Joy Colvin ...... Covington County Cynthia Meals ...... Lee County Julie Pool ...... Madison County Sally Wheat ...... Fort Payne City Wanda Corley ...... Pike County William Milledge ...... Montgomery County William Powers...... Madison County Yolando White ...... Gadsden City Teresa Davis ...... Dothan City Jean Miller ...... Opelika City Kathy Reynolds ...... Madison County Kelley Williams ...... Oxford City Wanda Dismukes ...... Dothan City Anissha Officer ...... Montgomery County Bradley Scott ...... Huntsville City Kristen Woods ...... Gadsden City Patrick Dowell ...... Henry County Lolita Osborne ...... Montgomery County Helen Scott...... Huntsville City Carrie Yancey ...... Etowah County Rodney Drish ...... Pike County Mary Patton ...... Opelika City Towana Smith ...... Huntsville City Darren Young ...... Marshall County Tamika Fleming ...... Dothan City Georgia Pinkston ...... Elmore County Tammy Summerville ...... Huntsville City Emma Fluker...... Troy City Corey Porter ...... Macon County Keith Trawick...... Madison County District VI Misty Freeman ...... Houston County Minnie Pringle ...... Elmore County Catherine Vasile ...... Huntsville City Vanessa Gunn ...... Dothan City Brenda Autry...... Wilcox County Stacie Reddish ...... Lee County Melissa Veasy-Lindsey ...... Huntsville City Jason Hadden ...... Coffee County Dorothy Banks ...... Choctaw County Jose Reyes ...... Tallassee City Judy Warmath ...... Madison City Rosalyn Hardrick...... Enterprise City Louise Carey ...... Bibb County Carol Richards ...... Lee County Scott Weeks ...... Madison County Christy Harrell ...... Opp City Robert Carter Dot Riley Dorinda White ...... Madison City Tracey Horn ...... Henry County Leon Clark ...... Demopolis City Marcus Roberts ...... Montgomery County Sue Zupko ...... Huntsville City Marcus Howell ...... Daleville City Eve Crowe ...... Autauga County Craig Rogers...... Montgomery County Christina Johnson ...... Dothan City Erika Crum...... Dallas County Joe Ross ...... Opelika City Denise Kohen ...... Houston County Andrea Essman ...... Bibb County Mary Ross...... Lee County Maghen Lowery ...... Ozark City Leslie Ford-Turner ...... Perry County Cynthia Sankey ...... Montgomery County Nathaniel Martin ...... Enterprise City Virginia Goodlett ...... Demopolis City Shannon Schmidt ...... Montgomery County Randy McGlaun ...... Covington County

6 Alabama Elementary Administrator

NAESP Representative

tionships with our legislative leaders. Laura Ware I encourage you to take the time to ensure you know Gardendale Elementary who represents you and your school in Washington, D.C. Reach out and make contacts. Invite legislators Jefferson County to stop by your school. Making those positive contacts helps tremendously when an issue may arise that re-

lates specifically to education. We must build rela- AAESA was represented well at tionships with our local, state, and national leaders in the National Leaders Confer- order to advocate for what is best for our students. ence (NLC) in Washington D.C. during the last week in In other NAESP news, I want to thank everyone who March. Along with myself, the delegation included Jill participated in the election for the NAESP Vice- Eaton, David Fancher, Autumm Jeter, Chris Mitten, Dr. President. We are excited to welcome Dave Wick as Earl Franks, and Jim Chesnutt. NAESP packed valuable Vice-President, who will officially take office on August learning, collaboration, and tools for advocacy into 1, 2017. We were fortunate to be able to hear Dave three days in our nation’s capital. I was able to meet speak at the National Leaders Conference, and what with other state representatives for NAESP to collabo- an impassioned presentation he made that embodied rate, plan, and develop tools and strategies for leader- servant leadership! If you wish to get to know Dave ship to take back to our membership. Opportunities better, you can check out his speech yourself by going for us to connect with United States State Department to our AAESA Facebook page and viewing the videos. of Education officials were made available, as were partnership options to advance educational goals for I cannot close my report without stating how elated I our students. am that our very own Dr. Earl Franks was selected as the executive director for NAESP. He will bring a Our day on Capitol Hill was preceded by information wealth of knowledge and experience to our national and tools for advocacy, which resulted in an Alabama organization. Earl will officially begin his new position team that was prepared to communicate the needs of on July 1, 2017. I encourage each of you to attend the your schools and stakeholder groups to our Alabama National Principals Conference in Philadelphia, PA, July legislators. #principalsadvocate was the hashtag used 9th – 11th this summer. This year’s conference will be by administrators to tell our story throughout the NLC. the first-ever joint conference for Pre-K through grade I encourage you to search the hashtag to see advocacy 12 school leaders. Let’s all plan to attend so that Ala- in action by NAESP leaders from around our nation. bama can show NAESP how proud we are of Dr. Earl The Alabama delegation was fortunate to be able to Franks through our membership! talk firsthand about how the implementation of legislation would affect our students and our schools. Making these connections is important for ongoing open communication with our nation’s leaders. We will continue to keep you updated of ongoing hot top- ics and pending legislation relating to your students and schools through the help of NAESP and the rela-

Summer Issue 2017 7

NAESP Representative Cont’d

8 Alabama Elementary Administrator

Remembering and Continuing AAESA’s Important Legacy

Earl Franks principals whether at the Statehouse in Montgomery, or on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Additionally, I AAESA Executive have always attended all NAESP events when AAESA members are being recognized or are participating Director such as the National Leaders Conferences, National Distinguished Principal programs, and the NAESP an- In my most recent article, I nual conferences just to name a few. Furthermore, I provided a historical review have always attempted to be your voice and speak up of the AAESA organization as at NAESP and Southeastern Council meetings on is- described in detail by long- sues that affect you. It is my hope that my efforts time AAESA and CLAS leader have yielded positive results. During my nine year Michael (Mike) Lynn Carr. The AAESA organization tenure, I have been extremely fortunate to be associ- owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. Carr for this very thor- ated with such an outstanding group of elementary ough and time-consuming historical record. I continue and middle level administrators. I will be eternally grateful to have known individuals who are committed to be humbled by the outstanding school and associa- to the success of AAESA and the students they serve. tion leaders who paved the way as visionaries of this Your support and friendship throughout the years will very proud organization. In addition, I will always be never be forgotten. inspired and sincerely appreciative to those elementary school principals whose fruitful efforts created a legacy of excellence that has allowed all of us to bene- fit and prosper. After completing my last article I never thought the, “To Be Continued ……………...”, would consist of my leaving CLAS and AAESA to become the executive director the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). As I have said numerous times, although I am sad about leaving CLAS, AAESA, and my education colleagues in Alabama, I am excited to have the opportunity be the executive director of NAESP (see the NAESP press release below). I will leave Ala- bama with very fond memories of my nine year association with the Alabama Association of Elementary Dr. L. Earl Franks to Serve as Executive Director of School Administrators (AAESA). First, I will never for- get attending the AAESA affiliate meeting at the National Principals Association Wynfrey Hotel in June 2008, under the leadership of The Alabama executive will lead NAESP, the nation’s larg- then AAESA president Dr. Dot Riley, when I was select- est association of elementary and middle-level principals. ed as the AAESA executive director. Since that time, it has been my honor to represent AAESA members at Reston, Virginia—April 5, 2017—Steven D. Geis, pres- the state and national levels. Please know, I have al- ident of the National Association of Elementary School ways tried my best to represent and speak for the best interests of Alabama elementary and middle level Principals (NAESP), announced today that Dr. L. Earl

Summer Issue 2017 9

Remembering and Continuing AAESA’s Important Legacy

Franks has been selected by the NAESP Board to as- career principals, and leveraging after-school and sume the role of executive director effective July 1, summer learning and arts-infused education. 2017. Franks currently serves as executive director of “I am extremely honored and humbled to be selected the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools (CLAS), for this opportunity of a lifetime—to lead one of Ameri- Alabama’s leading umbrella organization for principals ca's most important and iconic organizations for edu- and school administrators. “I am very appreciative and cation: NAESP,” said Franks. “This position will allow grateful to the NAESP Board of Directors for placing me the opportunity to take my experiences—which their trust in me to help further our mission, which is ‘to include over 31 years in education as a teacher, princi- lead in the advocacy and support for elementary and pal, and state association executive director—to the middle-level principals and other education leaders in national and international level. I will build on the tradi- their commitment to all children,’” said Franks. tion of this great organization and expand the reach of In his nine years as CLAS executive director, Franks my passion for education and helping school leaders has been the driving force behind the organization’s improve,” he continued. innovation and growth. He administered a multimillion- About Dr. Franks dollar budget and managed tens of millions of dollars Prior to serving as CLAS executive director, Franks in grants. Under his leadership, CLAS achieved record served as a leader on the CLAS Board of Directors; membership levels in the midst of challenges such as before that, he developed broad experience in public budget cuts and rising health care costs. education by working with the school system from top “NAESP is the only national organization dedicated to bottom, and in all grades. Franks served as a princi- solely to our nation’s elementary and middle-level prin- pal from 1999 until 2008 at a pre-K through grade 12 cipals and the children they serve, and I have every school that served over 1,000 students. Prior to that, confidence that Franks will leverage his tremendous he earned a glowing reputation as an award-winning assets and deep knowledge to direct NAESP toward band director. continued growth and future success,” said Geis. Franks is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow with Major Do- The announcement comes at a time of significant im- nor distinction from Rotary International and has re- portance for our nation’s principals, given the change ceived leadership awards from the Alabama Music Ed- in our nation’s administration and the implementation ucators Association and Troy University Music Depart- stage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). ment. He is a member of the Alabama Educational Now, more than ever, principals need a strong voice Leadership Hall of Fame Governing Board, ASAE, Phi on federal education policy as well as state and local Delta Kappa International, the National Association of implementation to ensure a well-rounded and com- Elementary School Principals, ASCD, and the National plete education that starts with early learning. In recent Association of Secondary School Principals. years, NAESP has expanded its work in aligning pre-K Franks holds an Ed.D. in educational leadership from through grade 3 learning, mentor training and develop- Samford University, a B.M.E. in music and an ED.S. in ment, strengthening the principal pipeline among early administration from Troy University. He also earned a

10 Alabama Elementary Administrator

Remembering and Continuing AAESA’s Important Legacy

certified association executive (CAE) credential from rich organization. I hope you will continue supporting the ASAE Center for Association Leadership. the new executive and assistant executive directors as Next Steps they work alongside the AAESA membership to take Franks will join NAESP on July 1, 2017, just prior to the this organization to even higher levels during the next decade and beyond. National Principals Conference, which is presented jointly with the National Association of Secondary It is also my hope that you will partner with me as I School Principals and will be held July 9-11 in Philadel- transition to a new leadership role with NAESP. Your phia. support and assistance are needed if we are to build a In August 2016, NAESP’s current executive director, stronger, more influential, more member beneficial Gail Connelly, announced her retirement following a national organization. I pledge to you that I will work planned transition and search for a new executive di- diligently on a daily basis to justify the trust that the rector. Connelly served as executive director for 10 NAESP Board and membership have placed in me. years, and in recognition of her 32 years of service to Until next time, thanks for what you do to make a posi- NAESP, she will serve as NAESP Executive Director tive difference for the students you serve. I look for- Emeritus upon her retirement. ward to seeing you at the CLAS Convention and the Na- About NAESP tional Principals Conference this summer. Just remem- Principals are the primary catalysts for creating lasting ber, if I can ever be of service to you, please do not foundations for learning. Since 1921, the National As- hesitate to contact me. Beginning July 1, 2017, my sociation of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) has NAESP contact information will be as follows: been the leading advocate for elementary and middle- Dr. L. Earl Franks, CAE level principals in the United States and worldwide. Executive Director NAESP advances the profession by developing policy, Direct (703) 684-3345 Cell (334) 372-7076 professional development, and resources for instruc- Fax (703) 549-5568 tional leadership including specialized support and [email protected] mentoring for early career principals. Key focus areas 1615 DUKE STREET include pre-K-3 education, school safety, technology ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA and digital learning, and effective educator evaluation. For more information about NAESP, please visit www.naesp.org. NAESP administers the National Principals Resource Center, the American Student Council Association, and the President's Education Awards & American Citizen- ship Awards Programs.

The continuation of the AAESA legacy will be left to you, the 600+ members who comprise this tradition-

Summer Issue 2017 11

Assistant Executive Director’s Report

Jim Chesnutt But what is it going to take to continue to make us a strong organization? AAESA Assistant First of all it’s leadership; we have elected officers Executive Director (president, vice president, vice president elect, NAESP State Rep and CLAS Board Directors) that give count- less hours of themselves to see that AAESA moves forward with goals that are put in place to serve its mem-

bers. If not for our officers we would not be where we To close out my time with are today. Leadership at the top of AAESA has always AAESA I would like to share with you the first article I been strong throughout the years. Those of you who wrote as your assistant executive director. Please take volunteer you time at the district level are a valuable time to read this. It’s as true today as when it was link to the success of AAESA as well. The line of com- written in 2008. Except for the Mentoring Alabama munication starts at the district level. Naturally that’s Principals program, and the challenge of membership, where our state officers first emerge as leader. It’s im- everything else rings true today. (MAP might not be portant for you to get involved at the local level. such a bad thing for AAESA to consider again!) Secondly it has been the objective of the officers and I again thank you for allowing me to work with this the executive board to find out what we do best and amazing association and all the great leaders who do it! The development of the MAP program proves have put up with me over these nine years. I hope our that our association is powerful enough to do anything paths cross again. we put our minds to and MAP is an example of just that. Not many or any other group would attempt to Thank you! do what AAESA is doing, but we have and are on our way to a great mentoring program. Again, its leadership, goal setting and finding out what we do best and July 22, 2008 following through. From the Assistant Executive Director But of course there are challenges. We are at an all time high in membership with over 800 members, yet the attendance at district meetings and our Fall Con- This is the first article to write as the Assistant Execu- ference is not what is used to be. Back in the dark ag- tive Director for AAESA. It’s a somewhat of a humbling es when I was a young administrator is was common experience but very exciting. AAESA has been a big to have as many as 45 principals attend district III part of my professional career from my first year as an meetings… during the school day no less. Fall Confer- assistant principal. Being involved in AAESA/ NAESP/ ence would commonly have over 200 attendees. CLAS made me feel more like a professional and to be able to work for AAESA is a dream come true; hopeful- So what has happened? You have professional devel- ly, with guidance from former Administrative Coordi- opment overload, if it’s not for your school it’s the lo- nator Glenys Mason and our new Executive Director cal district or the state department. Mix that in with Earl Franks we can keep this association going strong. the challenges you face everyday in your building and

12 Alabama Elementary Administrator

Assistant Executive Director’s Report Cont’d there is no time left for your professional organization. UPCOMING EVENTS How do we fix that? Or do we fix that? Maybe what we should look at is how to adapt to today’s principal and their needs. The district meetings may have to take on a new look, what that look is up to us to de- CLAS Convention cide. This could be the next challenge for our Executive Board to look at conquering. June 11-14, 2017 Same goes for Fall Conference. One step has already Mobile Convention Center been taken with our Fall Conference. In 2009 our Fall Conference will be a joint effort with AASCD. This Mobile, AL should give us a conference with exciting, strong professional development tied into the new standards that will help you keep your certificate up to date. NAESP Convention Could this be something to bring back to our districts? A combination of professional development with the July 9-11, 2017 new criteria for recertification along with using all resources available from the other affiliates in CLAS to Philadelphia, PA revive the district meeting.

Maybe that’s something to think about as we get started with a new school year. But we know there are some of you out there already having great meetings that provide your members with important information that makes coming to those meetings mean- ingful. Don’t be bashful to share your ideas. As Assistant Executive Director it is my hope to be there to work with our Executive Director and the offic- AAESA/AASCD ers to make whatever goals they set or plans they make happen as well as seeing that AAESA functions Fall Instructional the way it should (take care of the details). Leadership Conference At the district level it is my hope that you will call on November 5-8, 2017 me to assist you in any way I can help. That’s why I’m here. To assist this organization in all areas so that it Perdido Beach Resort will continue to grow and prosper. Orange Beach, AL Thank you for the opportunity to serve this organization. I look forward to working with all of you!

Summer Issue 2017 13

Federal Relations

David Fancher passed and if the federal government is still open. It is a reminder that no budget has been passed for the Retired current year and there are concerns about passing one for F.Y. 2018. We also shared the need to have the Higher Education Act and the Career and Technical Education Act Reauthorized. A final request was to have ESSA funded at the full authorized level. To be successful, it must be funded as passed. At the end of March, your officers made their annual trip to In a sad note. Several news agencies have reported Washington D.C. for the NAESP that there are viable threats being made against the State Leaders Conference. It Secretary of Education. This is requiring her to have was an exciting time to be in D.C. . The cherry blos- 24 hour protection. The cost to the Department of Ed- soms were blooming and there was a new President in ucation is about one million dollars a month. The only town. To add to the excitement when your officers other cabinet member to have to have protection was arrived at the hotel there was a protest march taking when there was a secretary for drug enforcement to place. The final bit of excitement was when shots protect them from the drug cartels. were fired in front of the Congressional offices, so everyone got to practice their lockdown skills. As we went from office to office and shared the news of Jim Chesnutt’s retirement, it was great to see the During the meetings, current issues were presented reactions. Jim has developed a relationship with those and discussed. Senator Al Franken was one of the on the Hill and it was clear that they were going to speakers. He was entertaining and informative. If you miss him. Thank you Jim for the great work you have watched the Secretary of Education confirmation done in representing AAESA at the federal level! hearings, he was one those asking her the very tough questions. Another pair of speakers spoke in a point counterpoint format which was great to be able to hear the thinking on both sides of an issue. Following this, there was discussion to prepare for the visit to meet with our representatives on Capitol Hill. When your officers met with our representatives, they shared stories on the impact federal regulations and funding have on their students. The critical need for Title I and Title IIB were specifically discussed and what the portability of these funds would mean to public schools.

The budget that President Trump has presented is very scary for non defense departments. To increase funding for defense some departments are facing up to a 23% reduction in funding. Our representatives assured us that this budget was going to be D.O.A.. Some representatives even. expressed concerns about the continuing resolution to fund the government that ends in April will have trouble passing. This article will come out after that deadline so by now you know if it

14 Alabama Elementary Administrator

Alabama Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year

Laura Ware Gardendale Elementary Jefferson County

April was an exciting month with the announcement of the Alabama National Outstanding Assistant Principal of the Year. Mrs. Cortney Slaughter, Assistant Principal at Fultondale Elementary School, was selected by AAE- SA for this honor. Mrs. Slaughter was chosen for the following characteristics: demonstrating exceptional leadership in a particular school program; being re- spected by students, colleagues, parents, and the community at large; and setting high expectations for school staff and students. The announcement was made at the April 27th Jefferson County Board of Edu- cation meeting, held at Fultondale Elementary School in order to honor Mrs. Slaughter. AAESA Assistant Ex- ecutive Director Jim Chesnutt attended the meeting in order to present the award on behalf of AAESA, along with Principal Frances Finney. The presentation was a complete surprise to Mrs. Slaughter, who humbly ac- cepted the honor, thanking several administrators and educators who had influenced her and assisted her along her leadership journey. Two resolutions were read in Mrs. Slaughter’s honor, one of which was by her Superintendent, Dr. Craig Pouncey, on behalf of the Jefferson County Board of Education. Mr. Jim Chesnutt read a resolution from the Alabama House of Representatives in honor of Mrs. Slaughter on behalf of Representative Allen Treadaway. Congratulations to Cortney for this accomplishment!

Summer Issue 2017 15

District News

District I News Educators in District I are bidding a sweet departure to Margaret Greer, District I Treasurer and principal of Eastwood Elementary in Decatur City. When asked The school year has been fast paced and fulfilling for about her upcoming retirement, Margaret said, “I have the administrators of District I. They met last on Febru- had the pleasure of working with students in Decatur ary 27, 2017 and elected officers. The slate of officers City Schools for the last 32 years. From kindergarten beginning fall 2017 is as follows: teacher to principal - it has been a wonderful ride! I Tricia Culpepper, Cullman City Primary School Princi- plan to retire in June and open a new chapter in my life pal, Head Start Director will serve as District I which will include spending time with my family - trav- Representative. eling and spoiling grandchildren. I am very thankful to Tara Morrow, principal at Danville-Neel Elementary the many people - students, teachers, parents, and col- in Morgan County will continue as District I Pres- leagues - whom I have worked with over the years. I ident. hope that in my tenure I have instilled in students to Matt Scott, principal at Creekside Elementary in respect others, always do their best, and to give me a Limestone County will serve as District I Vice hug every time they see me!” President. Derrick Aikerson, principal at Julian Harris Elemen- tary in Decatur City will serve as District I Treas- urer. Houston Blackwood, principal at Lacey Spring’s School in Morgan County, will serve as District I Secretary. The District I educators shared the great things that were happening within their respective schools. Dr. Aundrea Hanson shared that her school would partici- pate in the Alabama Walk at School Day. Sights from Preliminary plans were made for the District I Student this event for her students is pictured. Leadership Conference that is tentatively scheduled for October 2017. The next District I meeting is scheduled for early June with the time and location TBA. It has been my pleasure serving as the District I Representative, and I look forward to the continued collaboration within AAESA and other CLAS affiliates. Please make sure you highlight any good news happening in your schools and districts. This information should be emailed to Tricia Cul- pepper, the incoming AAESA District I representative, at [email protected].

Datie Priest, Ed.D Principal of Student Services Decatur City Schools

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District News

District II News

Dawes' Chasity Collier is named a finalist for state Teacher of the Year

Chasity Collier, a fifth-grade teacher at Dawes Interme- diate, has been named the Teacher of the Year for elementary schools in District I, the Alabama State Depart- ment of Education announced recently. The designation means Collier is one of 16 finalists for the overall state Teacher of the Year award. She was selected as Mobile County's elementary school Teacher of the Year in Janu- Pillans students take to the sky in Airbus Flying ary. Challenge

For the second year, more than 40 Pillans Middle School students have taken part in the Airbus Flying Challenge, a mentoring program that explores and encourages interest in aviation and STEM fields. The program culminates with a flying experience, as pilots from Flight Training of Mobile take the students up, one at a time, for a flight from Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley.

Students debate global issues at Davidson's Model United Nations

More than 400 students from 10 high schools in Mobile and Baldwin counties recently met at the Mobile Con- Read more, and watch the video. vention Center to take part in Davidson's Invitational Model United Nations. The program, hosted by Da- Veronica Coleman vidson High School for the past 41 years, emulates the Collins-Rhodes Elementary process and goals of the United Nations, teaching stu- Mobile County dents to respect each other and value international di- versity as they discuss global problems and propose so- lutions in a structure that encourages debate.

Summer Issue 2017 17

District News

Jones wanted to help those in their home country. They collaborat- ed with school leaders and started a fundraiser at the school called District V News “Nickels for Nepal.” Myra Hand, the Assistant Principal, mentioned that, “We want our students to be aware that whenever one child The dedicated school administrators in District V hope everyone is is hurting, we all hurt. We live in a global society and can make a having a great year! We would like to highlight one of our District V difference.” principals and District V Vice President, Mrs. Tanya Clark. She is the proud principal of John Jones Elementary School in Rainbow City which is in the Etowah County School System. I would like to thank Ms. Amanda Foss, one of the Etowah County ESL teachers for providing the following information to be included in the AAESA Newsletter.

The Etowah County School District currently provides English language support to over 100 students that speak different languages at home. Some of those students attend school at John S. Jones Elementary School, which remains the most diverse in the district. There are over 16 languages represented in the school, including languages like Gujarati, French, Ewe, and Arabic. The school ensures that their teachers are prepared to meet the needs of this unique group of students, with ten classroom teachers that have received Master’s Degrees in Teaching English as a Second Language. Teachers provide differentiated instruction and language scaffolds to ensure the content is comprehensible for these students. They also understand the wealth of knowledge and experiences that these students may bring to the classroom. “The EL students bring so much to our classrooms,” says the Principal, Mrs. Tanya Clark. “Students here are exposed to so many more cultures than a lot of other schools, and that’s important.”

The students work diligently to gain not only the content knowledge of the classroom, but language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English. Currently, several English learners have been working on a narrative writing unit with their ESL teacher, Amanda Foss, where they will be publishing their own books and displaying them in the Rainbow City Public Library. “I want readers to know that they should never give up. Trust yourself. You can do anything!” Angel Paredes tells Ms. Foss as she helps him write his “About the Author” excerpt. This small group of authors speak Spanish, Micronesian, and Gujarati. They write Thank you again Ms. Clark for sharing such an outstanding about their experiences both in the United States, and in countries program. We hope that all of our administrators across the state like India. They are very excited to have their work published and enjoy your summer! available for other students in Rainbow City to read at the public library. Charles Gardner,

English learners and their schoolmates at John S. Jones Ele- Hokes Bluff Elementary School mentary have also impacted areas globally. For instance, when a Etowah County major earthquake hit Nepal in 2015, the Nepali students at John S.

18 Alabama Elementary Administrator

Summer Issue 2017 19

Alabama Association of Elementary School Administrators P.O. Box 428 Montgomery, AL 36101-0428 (800) 239-3616 or (334) 265-3610 Fax: (334) 265-3611 www.clasleaders.org AAESA Officers

President NAESP Representative Frances Finney Chris Mitten Laura Ware Fultondale Elementary Windham Elementary Gardendale Elementary 950 Central Avenue 200 Heritage St 860 Bauers Lane Fultondale, AL 35068-1976 Daleville, AL 36322 Gardendale, AL 35071-2642 Phone: (205) 379-3450 Phone: (334) 598-4466 Phone: (205) 379-3550 Fax: (205) 379-3495 Fax: (334) 598-4467 Fax: (334) 347-0782 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Charles Gardner President-Elect Executive Director Hokes Bluff Elementary Autumm Jeter Earl Franks 5375 Main Street Paine Elementary P.O. Box 428 Hokes Bluff, AL 35903-4736 7600 Gadsden Highway Montgomery, AL 36101 Phone: (256) 492-5571 Phone: (205) 228-3300 Phone: (800) 239-3616 Fax: (256) 492-2513 Fax: (205) 2283301 Fax: (334) 265-3611 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Autumm Jeter Vice-President Assistant Executive Director Paine Elementary Frances Finney Jim Chesnutt 7600 Gadsden Highway Fultondale Elementary P.O. Box 428 Phone: (205) 228-3300 950 Central Avenue Montgomery, AL 36101 Fax: (205) 2283301 Fultondale, AL 35068-1976 Phone: (205) 454-8540 [email protected] Phone: (205) 379-3450 [email protected] Waller Martin Fax: (205) 379-3495 [email protected] Enterprise Early Education Center CLAS Office 6500 Boll Weevil Circle P.O. Box 428 Secretary Enterprise, AL 36322 Montgomery, AL 36101 Phone: (334) 393-9542 Deborah Fletcher Phone: (800) 239-3616 Fax: (334) 393-9547 Saint Elmo Elementary Fax: (334) 265-3611 [email protected] 8666 McDonald Road @clasleaders.org Irvington, AL 36568-6314 Judith Ross Phone: (251) 957-6314 CLAS Board of Directors Bush Hills Academy [email protected] Deborah Fletcher 900 16th Street West

St. Elmo Elementary Birmingham, AL 35208 Immediate Past President 8666McDonald Road Phone: (205) 231-6370 Laurie King Irvington, AL 36582 Fax: (205) 231-6423 Crestline Elementary Phone: (251) 957-6314 [email protected] 3785 Jackson Blvd. Fax: (251) 221-1671 Mountain Brook, AL 35216 [email protected] Phone: (205) 871-8126 Fax: (205) 877-8324 [email protected]

20 Alabama Elementary Administrator