THE BCS REPORT M A Y 2 0 2 1 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 5

Building Leaders, Impacting the World CONGRATS BCS CLASS OF 2021 Ramsay High School

Jackson-Olin High School Huffman High School Carver High School

Parker High School Woodlawn High School

W W W . B H A M C I T Y S C H O O L S . O R G B I R M I N G H A M C I T Y S C H O O L S B H M C I T Y S C H O O L S B H A M C I T Y S C H O O L S

1 M A Y 2 0 2 1 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 5 Superintendent Speaks For more than a year now we’ve allowed a global pandemic to stop been making changes because of their pursuit of excellence. These COVID-19. A recent move by the students have amassed more than Food and Drug Administration $40 MILLION DOLLARS in could help us return to some sense scholarship offers. Some will be of normalcy next school year. attending the best colleges and

The agency cleared the way for universities in the country. Others children 12 and older to receive the have completed academy programs COVID-19 vaccine. This is a game that have prepared them for BCS Superintendent changer because we all know immediate employment. We also Dr. Mark Sullivan adolescents and teenagers are social have students entering into the and enjoying hanging out with their Sixth Avenue Baptist Church military. friends and family. converted some of its Sunday Class of 2021, it is because of

We will begin in June making School space into learning stations you and your perseverance, that we vaccines available at some of our so virtual scholars could have a are and will remain BCS Strong! schools. I encourage our students, safe place to go while their parents We wish you nothing but the best faculty and staff to consider getting worked. Both Better Basics and the and CONGRATULATIONS! vaccinated. We want our scholars, STAIR reading program also found our employees and the community ways to support our scholars. Thank You,

to be safe and healthy. These are just a few examples

Vaccinations help us reach that of what it takes to keep our - Dr. Mark Sullivan goal. students on track and the

I again want to thank some key organizations that are willing to employees. Our educators, child step up and help us do the work nutrition staff, transportation, that matters most. maintenance and operations staff This year has brought many have worked together as a team. successes for our scholars and our That’s what keeps us BCS Strong. educators. Several team members

Our community partnerships persevered through the pandemic to also have made a difference. earn advanced degrees and Agencies, such as the A.G. Gaston certifications. We are so proud of Boys and Girls Club and the YMCA each and every one of them. • Memorial Day - May 31 of Greater Birmingham, found Lastly, I want to congratulate • Last Day for Students: June 4 unique ways to help our scholars the Class of 2021. This class is • Last Day for Teachers: June 4 throughout virtual learning. OUTSTANDING! They have not • Summer Programs Begin: June 10

2 M A Y 2 0 2 1 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 5 SPIRE DONATES 6,000 REUSABLE WATER BOTTLES TO THE DISTRICT

Birmingham City Schools students will have an additional tool this spring and summer to help reduce the spread of coronavirus, thanks to Spire. The energy utility company is donating 6,000 reusable water bottles to the district.

Students at Robinson Elementary School were among the first to receive their bottles on Tuesday, May 18. The remaining bottles will be distributed by the district to other schools. “We welcome this partnership with Spire. This donation reinforces our efforts to minimize the use of water fountains,” said Birmingham School Superintendent Dr. Mark Sullivan.

It's also good for the environment. Spire’s water bottle donation is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to helping communities during the pandemic.

“Spire recognized a need within the community and came up with a solution which will hopefully make parent and student daily preparation for school a little bit easier,” said Joe Hampton, president of Spire and Mississippi.

“We are all part of the larger community, so we want to create opportunities to support.”

3 M A Y 2 0 2 1 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 5 TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Congratulations to Sun Valley Elementary School teacher Sabrina Wright for receiving the 2021 Elementary Teacher of the Year award, and W.J. Christian K-8 School teacher Phylecia Ragland for receiving the 2021 Secondary Teacher of the Year award!

Elementary Teacher of the Year Secondary Teacher of the Year Sabrina Wright, Sun Valley Elementary Phylecia Ragland, W.J. Christian K-8

Korri Cunningham • 8th Grade, Phillips Academy Ruth Addington • Kindergarten, Minor Elementary Megan Lee Perin • 1st grade, Avondale Elementary Marlan William Pinkins • 4th Grade, Norwood Elementary Della Sheehan • Special Ed./Technology, Barrett Elementary Ternikolas M. Ramirez • K-5 STEM/Technology, Oliver Elementary Latunyia S. Herron • 5th Grade, Washington Elementary KaRita Smith-Sullen • 2nd-5th, Oxmoor Valley Elementary Jessica Hollie • Technology, Tuggle Elementary Deborah Givens • 1st Grade, Princeton Elementary Kira Peirce • 5th Grade, Central Park Elementary Claudia Tucker • 4th Grade, Robinson Elementary Adreinne Perry • 4th/5th Grade, Brown Elementary Sabrina Wright • 5th Grade, Sun Valley Elementary Rubie Moore • Librarian, E.P.I.C. Elementary Tabitha D. Pettus • 6th Grade, Putnam Elementary Sharon K. Smith • K-5 P.E., Glen Iris Elementary Pernell DeLawrence Allen • 1st-5th Grade, West End Academy Cadric Moulton • 1st Grade, Hemphill Elementary Sarah No • 3rd Grade, W.J. Christian K-8 LaVonne Davison • 4th Grade, Huffman Academy Teresa Ann Hodoh • 2nd GRade, Wylam Elementary Jasmine Langston • 4th Grade, Phillips Academy Jason Langford • 10th-11th Grade, Parker High elissa R. O’Neal • 8th Grade, Wilkerson Middle Bethany Mingo • 4th Grade, Martha Gaskins Elementary Eleanor Beauchamp • 8th Grade, Ossie Ware Mitchell Middle Kelly Payne • 8th Grade, Washington K-8 Dr. Natarcia Johnson • 11th-12th grade, Jackson-olin High Kimberly Bennett-Edwards • 6th Grade, Bush Hills STEAM Academy Lindsay Crider Bloodworth • 10th-11th Grade, Ramsay High Lee Mason • 9-12th Grade, Carver High Phylecia Ragland • 7th Grade, W.J. Christian k-8 Bathen A. Cathey • 8th Grade, Huffman Middle Burgess J. Jeffries • 12th grade, Woodlawn high 4 M A Y 2 0 2 1 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 5 CARVER STUDENTS RECEIVE SEAL OF BILITERACY AWARD

On Thursday, May 20, Six scholars at G.W. Carver Rebecca Blumenfeld, a Spanish teacher at Carver, High School became the first has been working for several years to establish the Seal students to receive the Seal of Biliteracy. of Biliteracy program at Carver. At the ceremony, she commended the students for their diligence in becoming The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded in recognition of bilingual with the ability to read, write and translate students who have studied and attained proficiency in English and Spanish. two or more languages by high school graduation. Nancy Blanco, Coordinator of ESL and World At Carver, the seals were awarded to Lesly Diego- Languages, said this ceremony is just the beginning. She Padilla, Yvette Gonzalez, Ashley Leos Pintado, Raniela wants more students at Carver and throughout BCS to Ortiz Veras, Joanna Pena Rios and German Romera. achieve the Seal of Biliteracy.

DUPUY STUDENTS TOUR MILES COLLEGE

Students at Dupuy Alternative School have their eyes on college. On Thursday, May 20, the students toured historic Miles College in Fairfield.

Dexshundra Wilson, received a $1,500 scholastic grant for committing to Miles. She plans to pursue a degree in Business Administration and eventually become a business owner. She also is set to receive a $10,000 Bridge Scholarship.

Jordan Kendrick also participated in the tour and is deciding between Miles and Alabama A&M University.

At Miles, he would qualify for a full ride Presidential Pictured: Tandy Petrov (Science Educator), Dexshundra Wilson Scholarship. He also wants to study Business. (Incoming College Freshman from Woodlawn High), Jordan Kendrick Continued on page 7 (Rising Senior at Huffman High), Sabrina McGee (ELA Educator).

5 M A Y 2 0 2 1 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 5 BIRMINGHAM-BASED COMPANIES DONATE ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO BIRMINGHAM PROMISE

Graduates of Birmingham City Schools will have more resources to help fund their in-state education, Justin Williams, right, graduated Parker High School in 2020 and is going into his second year at the with support from Birmingham Promise. thanks to an additional $8 million in contributions announced our students in Birmingham,” student. "By investing in the Tuesday, May 25 for Birmingham Rachel Harmon, the executive Birmingham Promise, they are Promise. director of Birmingham helping to open doors for all of us The gifts include the largest Promise said. "Whether we're and hopefully getting us in a private donation to Birmingham providing career experiences or position one day to provide the Promise to date -- a $5 million money for college, the objective is same kind of leg-up for students in commitment from Vulcan Value to unleash potential and open the future.” Partners, an investment doors. We are planting the seeds of Birmingham Promise in its first management firm in Birmingham. success for these students and for year supported 396 students, 293 of Additional commitments of $1 our city.” whom had a financial gap related to million each came from Alabama Students who have benefited tuition and received direct financial Power Company, Blue Cross and from the program expressed thanks assistance totaling almost $1.5 Blue Shield of Alabama and to corporate donors as well as the million. All students received Protective Life Corporation. city of Birmingham, which has supportive services through Birmingham Promise provides committed $10 million over five Birmingham Promise success tuition assistance for Birmingham years to the program. coaches and staff. City Schools graduates who attend “I want to thank Mayor Randall Among the Class of 2021, 618 in-state public colleges and Woodfin, the Birmingham City students have completed the universities, as well as success Council, and the other individuals application and are on track to coaches who continue to support and companies that are providing provide all required documentation the students during their college these opportunities to me and other by June 1. journey. Birmingham Promise also students in Birmingham City Dr. Mark Sullivan, provides paid apprenticeships that Schools,” said Justin Williams, a superintendent of Birmingham City allow high school juniors and Parker High School graduate, Schools, thanked Birmingham seniors to gain work experience. Birmingham Promise scholarship Promise and its corporate donors “Our goal is to clear pathways recipient, and University of for supporting his students. to clear pathways to opportunity Alabama computer engineering 6 M A Y 2 0 2 1 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 5

Board of CITY CELEBRATES 5A Education President Daagye Hendricks, CHAMPIONS CARVER Mayor Randall Woodfin, and LADY RAMS Council President The G.W. Carver Lady Rams cut William Parker, the nets Saturday, May 22, as the and Councilmember band played and the crowd cheered. John Hilliard. The celebration was fitting for a team The team, led by of seven players who brought home head coach Jarvis the school's first 5A Girls’ AHSAA Wilson (who Championship. recently was named

The celebration started with a 5A Coach of the Year) defeated Mae parade through North Birmingham, Jemison 78-69 at Fair Park Arena organized by the Carver High School during the AHSAA Basketball Finals. National Alumni Association. The The Lady Rams made it to the Class celebration originally was planned for 6A Final Four in 2019, but fell just April, but it was postponed because of short. inclement weather. This year, the Lady Rams were Several alumni and local officials led by Central Arkansas commit and came out to support and encourage 1st Team All-State player, Randrea the team including Superintendent Dr. Wright, and Destinee Nelson, who was Mark Sullivan, selected to the 3rd Team All State.

Dupuy Students Tour Miles College (Continued from Page 5)

Dupuy Alternative School teachers bridged a path for these scholars to pursue their dreams Oliver Elementary Teacher and goals by illustrating the Shantez S. Carter methods and processes to achieve Oliver Elementary Educator higher education and attend Shantez S. Carter has received a college. The mission at Dupuy is $700 Classroom Grant from the sustaining the Birmingham Alabama Power Foundation. Promise by ensuring that all Funds will be used for items and scholars are included in the Dexshundra Wilson, received a $1,500 scholastic grant for committing to Miles materials in her second-grade university admissions process. classroom.

7 M A Y 2 0 2 1 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 5 T E A C H E R / S T A F F A C C O L A D E S

Congratulations to Dr. Ashley Samuels, principal of Bush Hills S.T.E.A.M. Academy on graduating from UAB with a Ph.D. in Bush Hills STEAM Principal Educational Studies in Jones Valley Library/Media BCS Psychometrist Dr. Ashley Samuels Kacey Davenport Akina Luckett-Canty Diverse Populations. Congratulations to Akina Luckett-Canty, Congratulations Jones Valley Middle School the region 4 representative to Marvin Franklin Librarian/Media Specialist on the AASP board, was Pullom of Bush Hills Kacey Davenport, who awarded the UAB School S.T.E.A.M. Academy on received an Education Psychometry Program completing his Masters Specialist degree in Library Distinguished Alumni in Instructional Media from The University Award! Akina is the lead Leadership from The Bush Hills S.T.E.A.M. Academy of West Alabama on May psychometrist for Marvin Franklin Pullom University of West 8. Birmingham City Schools. Alabama.

Congratulations to Kendrick Graham, Ossie Ware Mitchell, for receiving his M.Ed. in Instructional Leadership from the Ossie Ware Mitchell University of West Kendrick Graham Alabama!

Congratulations to Dr. Melvin Love, principal of Oxmoor Valley Elementary on Glen Iris Elementary School teacher Valencia Maiden was earning his doctorate recently featured on the Dr. Oz show to discuss how adopting Oxmoor Valley Principal degree. her student, Jamie, changed both of their lives for the better. Dr. Melvin Love Watch the video here.

8 M A Y 2 0 2 1 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 5 S T U D E N T S P O T L I G H T S Ramsay High School junior J’Corion Johnson was featured in The Birmingham Times. J'Corion is the owner and founder of Raw Abiding Citizens, a colorful, youthful Woodlawn Senior Ramsay Junior clothing brand that reflects Semmel Jackson J'Corion Johnson not only his creativity, but Semmel Jackson, a Woodlawn also his personality. The brand is made up of a diverse selection of T-shirts, High School scholar was selected as jogging suits, dresses, jumpsuits, and ski masks that sell between $8 and the Academy of Craft Training's April $40. In March, Johnson presented the RAC and Friends show at the Employee of the Month for Electrical! Palmerdale Homesteads Community Center in Pinson, Alabama. The event He scored the highest based score on — which featured his brand, three other brands, 15 vendors, and a hair the ACT employability scale this show in the middle — provided a look into Johnson’s future endeavors and month. served as a one-year celebration of his business. Read the story here.

Congrats to Ramsay Parker Melaja Alford, High School's High School Jackson-Olin Valedictorian senior High School Aimee Jekovan scholar-athlete, Howard is Rhetta is a who recently heading to record received an Ramsay Student Ramsay Valedictorian Harvard! She Parker Senior breaker. The Malaja Alford athletic basketball Aimee Howard says her Jekovan Rhetta Alabama- scholarship to Snead State parents are the biggest reason she is bound track star ran the 100-meter Community College Melaja also has a in a position to choose between some dash in 10.27 at the state outdoor 3.1 GPA and is a 4-year letterman. of the best schools in the country. track and field competition. View her WBRC FOX6 interview.

Congrats to Jai Carter, the winner of the “Realizing the Dream Essay Contest” and recipient of a Dell laptop computer. Due to her Caption Needed efforts, $1,000 has been Caption Needed awarded to Ramsay High The Birmingham Mitsubishi Automotive School. Jai is leaving a Dealership recently presented Huffman High Ramsay Student legacy prior to graduation. Jai Carter School with a $3,000 annual scholarship at the dealership's grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony. 9 M A Y 2 0 2 1 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 5 VALEDICTORIANS & SALUTATORIANS CLASS OF 2021

C A R V E R H I G H S C H O O L H U F F M A N H I G H S C H O O L

Tamauri Murray Keenan Johnson Giana Trainer Christiana Moore

J A C K S O N - O L I N H I G H S C H O O L P A R K E R H I G H S C H O O L

Kenedy Johnson Tiyanah Dudley Oriana Coleman Nyia Campbell

R A M S A Y H I G H S C H O O L W E N O N A H H I G H S C H O O L

Aimee Howard Marry DeAustria Gabrielle Goldsmith Kya Norman

N i k k i S e a b o r n W O O D L A W N H I G H S C H O O L E d i t o r

R a n d i W i l s o n G r a p h i c D e s i g n e r

S h e r r e l W h e e l e r S t e w a r t E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o r , S t r a t e g y a n d C o m m u n i c a t i o n s

D r . M a r k S u l l i v a n S u p e r i n t e n d e n t

T h e B C S R e p o r t w i l l b e d i s t r i b u t e d m o n t h l y . S u b m i t s t o r y i d e a s t o N i k k i S e a b o r n Destiny Nelson-Miles Nyla Boler ( c s e a b o r n @ b h m . k 1 2 . a l . u s ) b y t h e 1 0 t h d a y o f e a c h m o n t h .

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