Happy 4th of July, JEFCOED Family! We hope you have a fun and safe holiday weekend! 🎉🌟
4 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! 🎉
4 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!
4 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
4 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.
Making a splash at SOAR! ☀️🚒

We want to give a big shoutout to the Brighton Fire Department for helping students from Brighton School and Lipscomb Elementary School finish SOAR in an unforgettable way! We're so proud of the work these scholars put in and LOVE seeing them soak up all the summer time fun!
4 months ago, JEFCOED
A student smiles while running barefoot through water on pavement. Students play in the falling water behind him.
Two girls smile for a photo while standing outdoors. They are completely soaked with water after a water day outside.
A firefighter sprays water from his fire truck for children to play in outdoors.
A boy smiles while standing outside on grass. His clothes and hair are soaked with water from a water play day.
A child smiles while running through water that's being sprayed through the air outdoors.
A child runs through water as it's being sprayed through the air outdoors.
Children play in water outdoors as it's being sprayed from above.
Children play in water as it's being sprayed through the air outdoors.
Minor High School motivates and inspires at the 2026 Model Schools Conference! 💜👏

Congratulations to this crew on delivering insightful and powerful presentations at this year's conference! It makes us so proud to see our educators fine-tuning their leadership skills and sharing their expertise with others.
4 months ago, JEFCOED
Educators and administrators from Minor High School pose together for a photo at the Model Schools Conference.
Representatives from Minor High School pose together for a photo at the Model Schools Conference. They stand and sit in front of a green background with neon pink letters attached to it.
A woman speaks into a microphone while standing in a room. Women sit around her at tables.
A woman speaks into a microphone at a conference. She wears a black blazer. Women sit around her at tables listening.
A woman smiles while speaking into a microphone at a conference. People sit at tables listening to her speak.
A man speaks into a microphone during a conference. People sit around him at tables listening.
A woman speaks into a microphone during a conference. Educators sit around her at tables listening. The woman wears a black suit and tie.
👋 Hey JEFCOED Family! This is a friendly reminder that all schools and offices will be closed Thursday, July 2, and Friday, July 3, 2026, for Independence Day. We look forward to seeing everyone back on Monday, July 6, 2026. Enjoy your holiday weekend! 🎉
4 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic announces that Jefferson County Schools will be closed July 2nd and 3rd, 2026 for Independence Day.
As Fultondale Elementary School students begin a new year, they'll be greeted by fresh art and new opportunities to shine! 🎨✨

We are beyond impressed by Mrs. Varner's talent and creativity, and applaud her for bringing this vision to life! From the success wall to the wildcat mural, each stunning detail showcases school pride and a drive for student success!
4 months ago, JEFCOED
A colorful mural on the wall of the Fultondale Elementary School lunch room. The mural consists of a wildcat, paw prints, and painted words that say "Fultondale Junior Wilcats." Above the mural, a quote is on the wall. It says "Good, better, best — Never let it rest, until your good is better and your better is BEST."
A colorful painting on the walls of a Fultondale Elementary School hallway. Paint spells out "Principal's list," "Student of the Month," "AP's list," and "Attendance." There's room underneath the words for students' names to go.
JEFCOED Journeys — Baseball and the Big Apple! ⚾️🍎

This summer, the Wilson family took a trip to Cooperstown, New York, for some excitement on the diamond, then traveled to New York City for Rylie's senior trip! 🌆✨

Rylie Wilson is a 2026 graduate of Hueytown High School, and Zeke Wilson is a student at Oak Grove High School. April Wilson is the office coordinator at Hueytown Primary School. 📚✨

Whether you're staying close or traveling far this summer, be sure to share your adventures with us! Submit your journey here: https://forms.gle/ogatREuginP7aGTL6
4 months ago, JEFCOED
A girl, a woman, a man, and a boy stand together for a photo at a baseball game. They stand in the stadium with the field in the background.
A woman and a boy stand together for a photo. They stand in front of the Cooperstown All Star Village sign. The boy wears a baseball uniform.
A girl and a boy stand together for a photo outdoors. They stand in front of the One World Trade Center in New York City.
Empowering bright futures! 🌟💜

We are thrilled to see Hueytown High School represented at the 2026 Model Schools Conference! Principal Ryan Howard, administrators, and teachers delivered presentations during the conference, sharing their expertise and inspiring school leaders from across the country and beyond.

Congratulations to you all, and thank you for leading with purpose and enthusiasm! 👏
4 months ago, JEFCOED
Administrators and teachers from Hueytown High School stand together inside a building and smile. They wear matching Model School Conference t-shirts, and stand on a sign that says Hueytown High School, Jefferson, Alabama.

SOARing with STEM! 🧑‍🔬🧪

We can't thank the McWane Science Center enough for visiting students at Adamsville Elementary School's SOAR location! The experiments were exciting and extremely informative, keeping students on the edge of their seats AND thoroughly entertained! From dry ice demonstrations to sock cannons, this day was definitely one for the books!

Schools present: Adamsville Elementary, West Jefferson Elementary, and Brookville Elementary 📚✨

4 months ago, JEFCOED
A woman holds a bright green bag in one and hand gives a thumbs up with her other hand. A student stands next to her and watches. They stand inside a school lunch room.
Students sit on the floor of a lunch room. A girl in the middle of the students talks to the group.
A woman pours a liquid into a measuring cup while performing science experiments in front of children inside a lunch room.
Students smile in awe while sitting on the floor of a lunch room watching a presentation.
Students smile while sitting on the floor of a lunch room and watching a presentation.
Students sit on the floor of a lunch room and smile while listening to a presentation.
Students smile in awe while watching a presentation. They sit on the floor of a lunch room.
A student and a woman stand on opposite ends of a lunch room holding an elastic band.
Students raise their hands while sitting on the floor of a lunch room.
A student smiles while standing inside a lunch room and holding a long piece of elastic.
JEFCOED Journeys — As seen on TV! 📺✨

This crew recently visited sites around Georgia featured in the filming of “Stranger Things”! They visited Downtown Hawkins, Starcourt Mall, Hawkins Lab, and the Palace Arcade! 🤩

Students pictured attend Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School. Mrs. Hegler and Ms. Gresham teach at Hueytown Intermediate School, and Mrs. Butler teaches at Hueytown Primary School.

We love seeing how our JEFCOED Family is enjoying their summer break! Be sure to share your JEFCOED Journeys with us here: https://forms.gle/MTkUYcwjh9ztw2XM8
4 months ago, JEFCOED
A group of women and students stand together for a photo outdoors. They pose in front of a mural that says "Welcome to Hawkins."
A van with "Surfer Bay Pizza" on the side is parked outside a building with a mural painted on it that says "Welcome to Hawkins."
Four people stand together for a photo outside a building. They pose next to a sign that says "Welcome to Hawkins."
Dissertation: Defended! 🎓✨

Please join us in congratulating Erwin Intermediate School principal, Dr. Lavaris Thomas! Dr. Thomas recently defended his dissertation for his Ph.D. from Auburn University. 🎉 This is a huge milestone in his career in education, and we celebrate the work he put into this accomplishment. Way to go, Dr. Thomas!
4 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic congratulates Dr. Lavaris Thomas on successfully defending his dissertation for his Ph.D. from Auburn University.
Our next Storybook Adventure will soon take flight! 🦋✨

Thank you to Mr. Chris Reeves, JEFCOED Physical Education Supervisor, for narrating our upcoming story, "The Very Impatient Caterpillar." 🐛📚

We also want to give a big shoutout to Andy's Garden Center for letting us film in their magical butterfly garden today! It was the perfect setting to bring this tale to life! We can't wait to share it with everyone!
4 months ago, JEFCOED
A man sits in a chair surrounded by flowers and reads a book out loud.
A man sits in a chair surrounded by flowers and reads a book out loud.
A butterfly sits on a plant.
A man wearing a blue shirt gets video outdoors using a video camera. He is surrounded by bushes with flowers on them.
A sign on the outside of a butterfly enclosure says "Butterfly House" and has flowers and butterflies painted on it.
Summer hoops at Corner High! 💫🏀
4 months ago, JEFCOED
A basketball player blocks another player attempting to shoot a basketball during a game.
Two players jump in the air during a basketball game. One of the players blocks the other player as he shoots
A basketball player prepares to shoot a free throw during a game
A basketball player runs down the court while dribbling a ball
A basketball player shoots the ball during a game
A basketball player dribbles the ball during a game inside a school gym
Two players run toward a basketball during a game in a school gym
JEFCOED Journeys — Exploring the great outdoors! 🏕️🚴

Bagley Elementary School student Barrett Willis and his dad went on an exciting camping trip to Deerlick Creek Park! They enjoyed swimming, boating, fishing, and biking the trails. Talk about an adventure! 🐟🛶

We want to see what you and your family are up to this summer! Share your JEFCOED Journey here: https://forms.gle/wnvxHd9QYqwbuiyGA
4 months ago, JEFCOED
A boy wearing a Spongebob t-shirt smiles while standing next to a tent.
A boy wearing a life jacket smiles while sitting in a kayak on a lake.
A boy wearing a Spongebob t-shirt smiles while standing in front of a scenic lake view.
Winning big at SOAR! ⚽️🏆 Students at Fultondale Elementary School's SOAR site are getting into the World Cup spirit! Today they were decked out in their soccer gear, representing their favorite teams! 🎉
4 months ago, JEFCOED
Students stand in a hallway for a photo. They all wear soccer gear, showing support for their favorite teams playing in the World Cup.
Students and teachers stand in a school hallway and smile for a photo. They all wear outfits supporting different teams playing in the World Cup.
Students and a teacher pose for a photo in a school hallway. They all wear different outfits supporting their favorite World Cup teams.
Students stand in a school hallway and smile for a photo. They wear outfits celebrating their favorite teams in the World Cup.
A group of students pose for a photo. They wear outfits showing support for their favorite World Cup teams.
From dynamic dance routines to stunning songs, SOAR students delivered show-stopping performances during Adamsville’s Got Talent! 🌟💜 We’re so proud of these students for having the courage to share their skills with their peers!
4 months ago, JEFCOED
Students stand on a stage and clap their hands and sing.
A student wearing a white suit jacket and black pants performs on a stage.
Students wearing western boots and hats dance on a stage.
A woman hugs another woman and holds a microphone for her to speak into. They stand inside a school cafeteria.
A group of girls sit on the floor and watch a performance.
A teacher and students perform a musical number to a song from "Annie". Students sit on the floor next to cleaning buckets, and a teacher dressed like Ms. Hannigan hugs a student dressed like Annie.
A student smiles and holds a microphone while standing on stage at a school.
Students clap while listening to a performance inside a school. auditorium.
Students perform on stage. They sit on buckets and hold hand-made sunshine art while sitting on buckets.
The Center Point High School drum line brought the house down at Erwin Intermediate School today! ✨🥁

Their high-energy performance left our SOAR students entertained and in awe! Several even said they want to join the marching band in the future! Big shoutout to these musicians for inspiring our youngest scholars. ❤️🦅
4 months ago, JEFCOED
Center Point High School's drum line performs inside a school gym. They play the symbols and drums.
Students hold their hands in the air while sitting in bleachers and watching a performance inside a school gym.
A teacher and students smile and dance during a performance inside a school gym.
A Center Point High School student plays the drums during a performance in a school gym.
Students and a teacher dance during a performance inside a school gym.
Center Point High School drum line members play snare drums during a performance inside a school gym.
Students clap while watching a performance inside a school gym.
Center Point High School's drum line performs for students inside a school gym. They play drums and the symbols.
We are thrilled to share that before this school year came to a close, our JEFCOED Communications team was recognized at the Alabama School Public Relations Association conference! 🎉

The department received eight Excellence in Communications awards and Sarah Ching, supervisor of communications, received an ALSPRA Emerging Leader Award!

This group is truly dedicated to uplifting the voices of students and educators, and we appreciate their work. Congratulations, everyone!
4 months ago, JEFCOED
Members of the Jefferson County Schools communications department pose for a photo inside the JEFCOED board room. They hold certificates in their hands.