PowerEDUp and ready to shine! 💡📚

This week, JEFCOED educators, administrators, and district leaders gathered at Fultondale High School for the 2026 PowerEDUp! Tech Conference. Attendees spent the day learning from experts and discovering innovative ways to use technology in their classrooms!

We sincerely thank our Technology Department for organizing this fantastic and informative conference, as well as our wonderful educators for attending!
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
Two ladies stand together inside a building and smile for a photo.
Three women stand together for a photo. They smile and pose in front of a photo backdrop with stars and "VIP" written on it. They wear sparkly sunglasses and feather boas.
Two women smile while sitting at a table inside a classroom.
Three women smile for a photo while standing inside a room. Two of the women wear matching CTE shirts.
Three women stand together in a hallway at Fultondale High School. Two of the women hug each other and smile.
Two women pose for a photo inside a school building they stand together and smile.
A woman stands behind a desk and hands another woman a canvas tote with "PowerEDup!" written on it.
A man and two women stand together and smile for a photo while attending the PowerEDUp! tech conference.
A woman stands in front of a classroom of educators and speaks to them as they sit at tables and take notes.
This summer has been filled with countless professional development opportunities for employees throughout our district! ☀️👏

Last week, CTE Specialist Dr. Christopher Shaw and JEFCOED business and finance educators gathered in Washington, D.C. for several days of learning and growth at the NAF Next Conference. We are thrilled to see the valuable information they bring back to our district and Academies of Finance!
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
JEFCOED finance instructors and CTE specialist Dr. Chris Shaw pose for as photo outside the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
JEFCOED finance instructors and CTE employees pose for a photo while wearing formal wear at the NAF conference.
CTE Specialist Dr. Christopher Shaw and Center Point High School teacher Dionne Williams pose for a photo while sitting at a table at the NAF Conference.
A woman speaks into a microphone during the 2026 NAF Next Conference.
JEFCOED finance instructors and CTE employees smile for a photo while attending the NAF Next conference.
Students are getting a head start in the classroom during Brighton School's Pre-K ESL Camp! 🐻❤️

With the help of Brighton’s brilliant educators and dedicated student volunteers, these scholars are making big strides before the school year even begins!
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
A teacher and a student stand and sit at a table inside a classroom. The teacher helps a student as they build with legos.
A child wearing a Paw Patrol shirt smiles while playing on a playground.
Students sit at a table in a classroom. They play with lego pieces and blocks.
A little boy smiles and holds up a piece of paper that he colored on with crayons.
A teacher throws a basketball while students play around her inside a school gym.
A child smiles while looking through the hole of a playground slide.
An older student helps a younger student build small structures while they sit at a table inside a classroom.
Two boys smile while sitting in a green toy bus on a playground.
A child smiles while holding a toy in his hand. He sits at a table inside a classroom.
After showcasing plenty of spirit and performing some very impressive routines, our students are leaving UCA Camp with several 1st place trophies, loads of ribbons, and memories that will last a lifetime! 📣🏆

Congratulations to our JEFCOED cheerleaders on your outstanding performances at recent UCA Camps! You all have so much to be proud of. 👏
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
Clay-Chalkville High School cheerleaders stand together for a photo inside a practice facility. They wear matching cheer uniforms and stand behind several trophies.
JCIB cheerleaders pose for a photo inside a football training facility. They smile and pose behind several trophies.
Oak Grove High School cheerleaders pose for a photo inside a football training facility. They wear their cheer uniforms and stand and kneel behind several trophies.
Oak Grove High School cheerleaders pose for a photo inside a football training facility. They wear their cheer uniforms and pose behind trophies.
Fultondale High School cheerleaders pose for a photo inside a football training facility. They wear their uniforms and stand on the turf.
Fultondale High School cheerleaders stand together for a photo outside a building. They smile and wear their cheer uniforms.
Hueytown High School cheerleaders pose for a photo on a practice field. They wear matching purple cheer uniforms and pose behind several trophies.
Pleasant Grove High School cheerleaders pose for a photo outside a building. They wear purple and yellow practice uniforms.
Pleasant Grove High School cheerleaders pose for a photo inside a gym. They wear matching purple cheer uniforms and two of the girls hold trophies.
Kindergarten is the place to be! 📚😎

Pinson Elementary School's Kindergarten Camp is off to a fabulous start! We had a blast catching up with future kindergartners as they prepare for the amazing school year ahead! 🎉
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
A teacher sits on the floor of a classroom with students. The teacher holds up large cards with letters on them for the students to read.
Students and teachers stand in a classroom and dance to an alphabet music video that's playing on a smart board.
A sign on the wall of Pinson Elementary School says "A told B and B told C, Kindergarten is the place to be." Beside the sign are large balloon decorations made to look like palm trees.
A Pinson Elementary School teacher claps her hands together while dancing to a song inside a classroom.
A teacher holds up the number three while reading a book to students as they all sit on the floor of a classroom.
A little boy smiles while sitting on a colorful rug on the floor of a classroom.
A student sits on a colorful rug on the floor of a classroom and listens to the teacher.
A teacher holds up a piece of paper for students to look at while the children sit on a colorful rug on the floor of the classroom.
JEFCOED Journeys 🌟🐾

Clay-Chalkville High School student Anthony Jenkins spent part of his summer learning about careers in public service through UAB’s Future Public Service Leaders Academy!

“From stepping into a room where he knew no one to confidently presenting his vision, Anthony Jenkins showed what growth looks like.” 👏

We are so proud of Anthony and congratulate him on completing this program! Way to go!

We want to see what you’re up to this summer! Submit your JEFCOED Journey here: https://forms.gle/qHNhtLUctMA4vZBr6
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
Graphic shares they Anthony Jenkins completed the UAB Future Public Service Leaders Academy.
Day one of Kindergarten Rush at Adamsville Elementary School! ✍️ We can't wait to see what this year has in store for these future Tigers! 💜✨
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
A little girl smiles while sitting at a table in front of an Adamsville Elementary School photo backdrop. She holds a large inflatable pencil prop in her hand.
A little boy smiles while sitting at a table in front of an Adamsville Elementary School photo backdrop. He wears a Minor High School hat on his head and points toward it.
A little girl wearing a Minor High School hat sits at a table in front of an Adamsville Elementary School photo backdop and smiles.
A little boy smiles while wearing a Minor High School hat and sitting at a table in front of an Adamsville Elementary School photo backdrop.
A little boy sits at a table in front of an Adamsville Elementary School photo backdrop and holds a large inflatable pencil prop in his hand.
A little boy pretends to write with a large inflatable pencil while sitting at a table in front of a large Adamsville Elementary School photo backdrop.
A little girl smiles for a photo while sitting at a table in front of an Adamsville Elementary School photo backdrop. She wears a Minor High School hat.
Next Week❗️ | Substitute Teacher Hiring Event 📚🍎

Are you ready to make a difference in the field of education? Join us next Thursday (July 23, 2026) for Kelly Education's substitute teacher hiring event!

📍 The event will be held at Bryant Park Elementary School from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We hope to see you there!
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
Graphic announces a substitute teacher hiring event hosted by Kelly Education on Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bryant Park Elementary School.

Battle at the Nest 🦅🏈

Several JEFCOED middle school teams showed out on the gridiron during today's 7-on-7 tournament at Center Point High School! These players are right on track for an impressive season! Keep up the great work. 👏

about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
Clay-Chalkville Middle School football players jump toward each other on the end zone to celebrate a touchdown.
An Erwin Middle School football player prepares to snap a football during a game.
A McAdory Middle School football player guards a player on the opposing team during a game.
A Pleasant Grove Middle School football player prepares to throw the ball during a game.
An Erwin Middle School football player pushes past a player on the opposing team and runs the ball down the field during a game.
Pleasant Grove football players jump toward each other to celebrate a touch down.
A Clay-Chalkville Middle School football player sits on the field and flexes after a play during a game.
A Clay-Chalkville Middle School football player jumps to catch a football during a game as a player from the opposing team tries to tackle him.
A Pleasant Grove Middle School football player stands on a field during a game.
Erwin Middle School football players stand in a huddle during a game.
Spirit level: MAXIMUM! 📣✨

This week, Gardendale High School's cheer team hosted the NJA Mini Cheer Camp for local cheerleaders! From building pyramids to leading motion and jump clinics, the Rockets did an amazing job sharing their skills. Way to go, ladies! 👏
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
Gardendale High School cheerleaders hold up a child in a small pyramid during a cheer clinic.
Cheerleaders perform a routine during a cheer clinic inside a school gym.
A young cheerleader jumps in the air during a cheer clinic inside a school gym.
Cheerleaders perform a routine during a cheer clinic at a school gym.
Cheerleaders do toe touches inside a school gym during a cheer clinic.
Cheerleaders hold their arms in the air during a cheer clinic at a school gym.
JEFCOED Journeys — The marvelous views of Michigan! ☀️😎

Check out this incredible image submitted by the Walker family from high atop Sleeping Bear Dunes! This looks like an awesome trip and a truly unforgettable experience for Oak Grove Elementary School student Cora Walker and her family!

Be sure to share your summer highlights with us! Submit your JEFCOED Journey here: https://forms.gle/giV1PKDykMaNNDjW9
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
A boy and a girl smile for a photo at Sleeping Bear Dunes. They stand on the sand overlooking the water far below.
2026 football season loading! ⏳ We caught up with the reigning JEFCOED Middle School Football Champions ahead of tomorrow’s 7-on-7 tournament. 🏈🏆 Players from McAdory Middle and across our district are putting in the work this summer, and we cannot wait to see their skills on display tomorrow!
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
A football coach talks to his players while they sit on a grassy field in a huddle
Football players sit on a grassy field and listen to their coach.
It makes us JEFCOED Proud to see our former students shine! 🩺✨

Check out this awesome photo shared by McAdory Health Science! Instructor Lee Spain is pictured with former McAdory High School student and RN, Morgan Bria. 🏥💛

We are so proud of Morgan and celebrate the tremendous impact she makes as a nurse! 👏
about 2 months ago, JEFCOED
A man and a woman stand together for a photo outside a hospital. They smile and wear scrubs.
Wonderful new beginnings underway at Brighton School! 🌟🐻

The first day of Kindergarten Camp was full of excitement, with students taking a tour of their school, participating in math and reading lessons, and even enjoying recess! The school year hasn’t even started yet, and already, these students are taking big steps forward. The future is looking BRIGHT for these soon-to-be kindergartners! 👏
about 2 months ago, JEFCOED
A teacher smiles and gives a child a high five while they sit at a table inside a classroom.
Children sit on the floor of a classroom and listen during a lesson.
A girl blows bubbles while standing on a sidewalk outside.
A girl dances and smiles while standing inside a classroom.
A boy writes on a piece of paper while sitting at a table with a teacher inside a classroom.
A teacher speaks to a child and points at a piece of paper while they sit at a table inside a classroom.
A boy jump ropes down the sidewalk while playing outside.
A girl blows bubbles while standing outside.
A girl smiles while standing on a sidewalk outside.
JEFCOED Journeys ☀️🌊 — Family getaway to PCB!

The Ellis family recently took a trip to Panama City Beach, Florida! Looks like they had an awesome time making fun memories on the water!

Corey Ellis is a counselor at Bragg Middle School! 📚✨

📸 We want to see what you're up to this summer! Be sure to submit your JEFCOED Journey here: https://forms.gle/rGYWS6ZbYiCLWUDJA
about 2 months ago, JEFCOED
A man and a woman stand together with their children for a photo on a deck in front of a beach.
Laying the groundwork for a successful school year! 📚💫 This week, members of JEFCOED’s Continuous Improvement Leadership Team are all under one roof, collaborating and reviewing data as we prepare for the upcoming school year! We appreciate their dedication to our students and celebrate all the hard work they’re putting in. 👏
about 2 months ago, JEFCOED
Educators and administrators sit at desks in a classroom and listen to speakers
A man stands at a smart board and speaks to a group of educators and administrators as they sit at desks and listen
A woman stands at the front of a classroom and speaks to a group of educators and administrators as they sit at desks
A woman stands at the front of a classroom and speaks to educators and administrators as they sit at desks
A man takes notes on paper while sitting at a desk in a classroom.
A woman addresses a room of administrators
Administrators sit at desks in a classroom and listen to a speaker
Educators and administrators sit at desks inside a classroom
Educators smile while sitting at desks in a classroom during professional development
Women sit in chairs in an auditorium and take notes as a speaker talks
Happy 4th of July, JEFCOED Family! We hope you have a fun and safe holiday weekend! 🎉🌟
about 2 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic wishes students, families, and employees of Jefferson County Schools a happy Independence Day.
A bittersweet goodbye for two remarkable JEFCOED principals! 💙

During last week’s board meeting, Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School Principal Lori Lightsey and Shades Valley High School Principal Taki Sarhaan were honored for their service to our district. These principals have dedicated decades of their lives to educating our youth and helping them find success in the classroom and beyond.

We sincerely thank Ms. Lightsey and Mr. Sarhaan for all they’ve done to support our students and wish them a happy retirement! 🎉
about 2 months ago, JEFCOED
Retired JCIB principal Ms. Lori Lightsey and JEFCOED Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin pose for a photo inside the JEFCOED board room.
Retired Shades Valley High School principal Mr. Taki Sarhaan and JEFCOED Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin smile for a photo inside the JEFCOED board room.
Retired JCIB principal Lori Lightsey poses for a photo with a man and JEFCOED superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin inside the JEFCOED board room.
Retired Shades Valley High School principal Mr. Taki Sarhaan poses for a photo with his family and JEFCOED Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin inside the JEFCOED board room.
Reaching new heights at the TSA National Leadership Conference! 🤩

We are beyond proud of the JCIB Middle School Technology Student Association for their performance at this esteemed conference! Students participated in several competitions, including drone flight, robotics, problem solving, coding, and more!

Each of these scholars did a phenomenal job representing their school and our district. Way to go!
about 2 months ago, JEFCOED
Students compete in a drone flying competition.
Students participate in a competition at the TSA National Leadership Conference.
A girl smiles and holds her arms in the air for a photo in front of the Washington Monument during sunset.
Two boys stand together for a photo. They wear matching blue shirts and lanyards.
A group of students stand together for a photo in front of a building. They wear matching blue shirts.
A girl smiles and poses for a photo in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
A boy smiles for a photo. Behind him in the background are buildings and an American flag.
A boy smiles for a photo while standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
JEFCOED Journeys — "Catch us beachin' not teachin'"

Educators from Warrior Elementary enjoyed some much deserved relaxation at Orange Beach this summer! ☀️🌊

Shoutout to Ms. Stovers, paraprofessional at Warrior Elementary, for sharing these fun summer moments with us! Want to share your JEFCOED Journey? Head to this link to submit your photos: https://forms.gle/MN7SfjZTH1cRWr13A
about 2 months ago, JEFCOED
Image is a collage of selfies taken in vehicles. In the selfies, women pose together and smile.
A group of women stand together on a beach and smile for a selfie.