JEFCOED Journeys 🎈✨ — Summer fun is reaching new heights!

Josh and Zaiden recently made the trip out to the Decatur Hot Air Balloon Festival! Josh said it was a fun-filled day watching the hot air balloons inflate. Plus, all the pilots took their time with him and Z, making the day extra special!

🎥 Josh is a JEFCOED video and digital media specialist and Zaiden is a student at Gardendale Elementary School! 📚

We want to see your JEFCOED Journeys! Be sure to share them here to be featured on our social media pages this summer! ⬇️

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5q4MW4GofXRY-Ivb38yZyunj2arcrd5deSIKIjyiA5-rTRQ/viewform?usp=header
15 days ago, JEFCOED
A boy points toward the sky while watching a hot air balloon inflate in a field.
😎☀️ 'Water' students up to this summer? Having a blast at SOAR of course!

Water day at Bryant Park Elementary's SOAR location was one for the books! Students sharpened their teamwork and communication skills through exciting and challenging games, and of course shared plenty of laughs while playing in the water!

We're so grateful to our educators and administrators for creating unforgettable experiences for our students while helping them succeed academically!
15 days ago, JEFCOED
A student smiles while running through water being sprayed outside in a parking lot.
Students smile while playing in water outside in a parking lot.
A boy hands another boy a sponge while they play a water relay race outside on grass.
Students smile while playing with water balloons outside in a parking lot.
Students play with water guns outside a school.
Students slide down a slip n slide on grass outside a school.
A student holds a large inflatable beach ball while playing outside on grass.
A student smiles while playing with a water gun outside.
A principal and a teacher play a game outdoors. The principal pours water over his head and into a cup the teacher is holding behind him.
Our SOAR participants are soaking up all the summer learning fun! 📚✨

We caught up with Lipscomb Elementary School and Brighton School students this week as they were hard at work in the classroom. From fine-tuning their math skills to participating in engaging grammar lessons, these scholars are doing a fabulous job! 👏 Keep up the AMAZING work!
16 days ago, JEFCOED
A group of students hold up legos while they sit in the floor of a classroom.
A group of students sit on the floor of a classroom and play with legos.
Two boys sit on the floor of a classroom and do an assignment with letter blocks on a mat.
A teacher holds up a small white board for students as they sit around her at a table.
A student raises their hand while sitting at a desk in a classroom.
A teacher helps a student with an assignment while the student sits at a desk in a classroom.
A student holds up a peace sign while sitting on the floor. She sits behind colorful, popsicle-shaped wood pieces with letters printed on them.
A student sits at a table and holds up pieces of paper with words printed on them.
A teacher sits next to a smart board in a classroom and demonstrates how to say the letter 'A'.
We are thrilled to share that two JEFCOED students were recognized as Alabama Positive Athlete award winners! 🌟🎉

This award celebrates athletes who show great character, and it makes us incredibly proud to see our students highlighted for something so valuable!

Congratulations to:

🏆 Aysha Franklin | Golf, Center Point High School
🏆 Nicholas Robinson | Cross Country and Wrestling, Hueytown High School

We are so excited for you both!
16 days ago, JEFCOED
Graphic celebrates Center Point High School student Aysha Franklin for winning the Alabama Market Positive Athlete award.
Graphic celebrates Nicholas Robinson on winning the Alabama Market Positive Athlete Award.
Help us celebrate excellence! Let’s hear it for our 2026 Technology Torchbearer Award winners! 🎉📱

Our recipients were nominated by their own colleagues for their outstanding ability to integrate technology, transform teaching, and inspire students daily. Thank you for your leadership, vision, and commitment to making learning engaging and exciting for our students! 💻✨

2026 Technology Torchbearer Award Recipients:

🏆 Anthonique (Skyi) Booker-Kenebrew | Clay-Chalkville High School
🏆 Claudette Black | Hueytown Primary School
🏆 Georgette Lester | Irondale Community School
🏆 Joy Martin | McAdory Elementary School
🏆 Eric Leslie | Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School

Drop a comment below to congratulate our 2026 Torchbearers! 👇👇
17 days ago, JEFCOED
Graphic is a college of JEFCOED's Technology Torchbearer Award recipients posing with their awards.
Making a difference through the home stretch! ✨🏆

Please join us in congratulating each of our 4th nine weeks JEFCOED Strong Award winners! The difference you make at your schools does not go unnoticed, and we appreciate all you do to make our district a special place!

We also want to extend an extra big congratulations to the winners of our district-wide Strong Award gift card drawing:
🌟 Karen Eddleman, Bryant Park Elementary
🌟 Stephanie Morris, Hueytown High School

We're so lucky that you're part of the JEFCOED Family!
18 days ago, JEFCOED
Graphic announces Bryant Park Elementary's Karen Eddleman as the school's JEFCOED Strong Award winner for the 4th nine weeks.
Graphic announces Stephanie Morris as Hueytown High School's JEFCOED Strong Award winner for the 4th nine weeks.
Following an outstanding baseball season for our JEFCOED schools, we are excited to share the Jefferson County Schools Baseball Coaches Association players and coaches of the year! ⚾️🎉

Congratulations to these individuals, as well as to the players selected for the 2026 All JCSBCA Team!

Large School Winners:
Player of the Year - John Owen Dean, Mortimer Jordan High School
Pitcher of the Year - Will Vaughan, Hueytown High School
Coach of the Year- Shayne Carnes, Mortimer Jordan High School

Small School Winners:
Player of the Year - Dalton Troncalli, Oak Grove High School
Pitcher of the Year - Brody Mathis, Fultondale High School
Coach of the Year - Jake Smith, Oak Grove High School

Congratulations again, everyone! We applaud your hard work and dedication on the diamond! 👏
18 days ago, JEFCOED
John Owen Dean, Mortimer Jordan baseball player swings a bat during a baseball game.
Hueytown High School baseball player Will Vaughan pitches a ball during a baseball game.
Shayne Carnes, Mortimer Jordan High School baseball coach smiles while walking on a baseball field and wearing his coaching uniform.
Dalton Troncalli, Oak Grove High School baseball player walks on the field during a game. He wears an Oak Grove baseball uniform.
Brody Mathis, Fultondale High School baseball player pitches a ball during a baseball game.
Jake Smith, Oak Grove High School baseball coach walks on a baseball field while wearing his coaching uniform.
Summer break is here, which means we want to see your JEFCOED Journeys! Whether you're traveling near or far, be sure to submit photos of your scrapbook-worthy summer to be featured on our social media pages! 📸 ☀️

We can't wait to see what your summer has in store!

Submit your photos here: https://forms.gle/8QV2HraYsJpvrfWy9
19 days ago, JEFCOED
Graphic encourages JEFCOED students and families to send in photos of their summer events to be shared on JEFCOED's social media pages.
Clay-Chalkville Middle School's band recently experienced the magic of the Disney Imagination Campus! ✨🎵

Band members participated in the Soundtrack Sessions Performing Arts Workshop, where they learned iconic Disney songs and fine-tuned their fundamental music skills! We're so happy our students got to experience this exciting and unique learning opportunity! 👏
19 days ago, JEFCOED
Clay-Chalkville Middle School students sit in a room and play instruments. They play sitting behind music stands.
A conductor leads the Clay-Chalkville Middle School band as they sit in chairs behind music stands.
Clay-Chalkville Middle School band students play instruments inside a room.

The Concord Elementary School choir recently took center stage at Regions Field! 🎵⚾️

Bravely singing in front of a packed crowd, students delivered a beautiful performance of the National Anthem at a Barons game! They did an amazing job and we applaud them for courageously sharing their talents with the community! 👏✨

21 days ago, JEFCOED
Concord Elementary School's choir sings into a microphone during a Barons game at Regions Field.
Concord Elementary School choir students stand outside a school bus and smile for a photo. They wear matching blue shirts that say "Concord Music."
Two Concord Elementary School choir students stand for a photo outside Regions Field and smile. They pose in front of a statue of a baseball player.

Let’s hear it for our ETeam Excellence Award winners! 👏👏

As campus technology leaders, our ETeam Leaders play a huge role in keeping our schools moving forward. This year's recipients have shown outstanding dedication to supporting their campuses with technology integration.

Thank you all for the incredible time, energy, and commitment you bring to the job every single day! 🚀📱

2026 ETeam Excellence Award Recipients:
🏆 Jennifer Rawls | McAdory High School
🏆 Nicole McMickens | Irondale Middle School
🏆 Kristen Campbell | Johnson Elementary School
🏆 Tallese Denson | Lipscomb Elementary School
🏆 Terri Culp | Mount Olive Elementary School

Congratulations, everyone!

22 days ago, JEFCOED
Image is a collage of JEFCOED ETeam leaders who received the ETeam Excellence Award. They smile and pose with their award and a gift card. Text on the collage says "2025 - 2026 ETeam Excellence Award."
We are overjoyed to see the work of our student artists on display at the Birmingham Museum of Art!

The creations, made by students from JCIB and Shades Valley High School under the guidance of Teaching Artist Yogi Dada, are on display through May 30 as part of the Voices of Peace Project exhibit.

Working with Yogi Dada, our students made breathtaking 3D sculptures using recycled materials. We are incredibly proud to see our students expressing themselves through the arts! Be sure to check out their creations if you have not already!
22 days ago, JEFCOED
A student smiles for a photo in front of a sculpture made of recycled materials. The sculpture hangs on a wall inside a hallway.
A student speaks into a microphone at a podium while standing in front of a projection on a screen.
Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin poses for a photo with a student.
A student smiles and points to drawings hanging on a wall.
Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin speaks into a microphone on a podium at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
Two adults and a student pose for a photo in front of drawings hanging on a wall at an art museum.
Two young men and an older man stand together for a photo. They pose in front of hand-drawn art on display at the Birmingham Museum of Art.
Superintendent Dr. Gonsoulin poses for a photo with a student at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

Please join us in wishing Shades Valley Principal, Mr. Taki Sarhaan, a happy retirement! 📚👏

Mr. Sarhaan made a tremendous impact during his more than three decades in education, and we thank him for the time he spent changing lives in our district!

During his time at JEFCOED, Taki held various leadership roles, including serving as principal of Minor Middle School and assistant principal at Hueytown High School and Clay-Chalkville High School. In each of these roles, Mr. Sarhaan left a lasting impression on his students, faculty, and staff, and we are beyond grateful for his service to our district. Happy retirement, Mr. Sarhaan!

24 days ago, JEFCOED
Shades Valley Principal Taki Sarhaan smiles for a photo in front of a Shades Valley photo backdrop. He holds a poster celebrating his retirement.
Shades Valley High School principal Taki Sarhaan poses for a photo inside a room with various educational leaders from throughout JEFCOED.
Shades Valley Principal Taki Sarhaan hugs a woman during his retirement party.
A red, black and white cake says "Congratulations Mr. Sarhaan On Your Retirement".
Shades Valley High School Principal Taki Sarhaan poses for a photo with three women. They stand in front of a Shades Valley High School photo backdrop.
A plaque celebrates the retirement of Taki Sarhaan after 33 years in education.
Taki Sarhaan poses for a photo with a woman in front of a Shades Valley High School photo backdrop. They hold a poster celebrating Mr. Sarhaan's retirement.
Taki Sarhaan, poses with a group of educational leaders and Irondale's mayor during Mr. Sarhaan's retirement party.
Taki Sarhaan poses for a photo with a man during his retirement party. He stands in front of a Shades Valley High School photo backdrop.
Today, we honor the courageous men and women who lost their lives serving our country. May we never forget their dedication and sacrifice.
26 days ago, JEFCOED
Graphic says "Memorial Day Honoring Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice."
JEFCOED Family, this is a reminder that all schools and offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026 as we commemorate memorial day and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. Our buildings will reopen on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
28 days ago, JEFCOED
Graphic announces that all Jefferson County Schools and offices will be closed May 25 for Memorial Day.
As one journey comes to an end, a new adventure awaits! 🎓✨

Huge congratulations to the Jefferson County Virtual Academy of Learning Class of 2026! Each test, essay, and late-night study session led to this moment, and we applaud your hard work! 👏 Know that we’ll be cheering you on as you continue chasing your dreams and striving for success! 🎉
28 days ago, JEFCOED
A JCVAL graduate smiles for a photo with the school's principal after receiving his diploma during the school's graduation ceremony.
A JCVAL graduate smiles for a photo following the schools graduation ceremony. He holds congratulatory balloons and wears a blue cap and gown.
A JCVAL student smiles for a photo following the school's graduation ceremony. She holds a balloon and flowers and wears a blue cap and gown.
A woman and a JCVAL graduate smile for a photo following the school's graduation ceremony. The student wears a blue cap and gown.
A JCVAL graduate and a man hug following the school's graduation ceremony. The graduate wears a blue cap and gown.
A JCVAL graduate poses for a photo with loved ones following the school's graduation ceremony.
A JCVAL student smiles and holds up his diploma while posing for a photo with his loved ones.
A JCVAL graduate speaks into a microphone during the school's graduation ceremony. The student wears a blue cap and gown.
Congratulations to the Burkett Center Class of 2026! 🎉🎓

From incredible milestones to unforgettable memories, these graduates have made a profound mark on their school and community. We are beyond proud of each of you and celebrate all you’ve accomplished during your time as students!
28 days ago, JEFCOED
Two women hold the hands of a Burkett Center graduate as she enters the gymnasium for graduation. The student smiles and wears a blue cap and gown.
Loved ones surround a Burkett Center graduate for a photo following the Burkett Center graduation ceremony. The student wears a blue cap and gown.
A woman smiles and pushes a Burkett Center graduate in a wheelchair. He wears a blue graduation cap and gown.
Three women walk behind a Burkett Center graduate as the student enters the gym for graduation. The student wears a blue graduation cap and gown.
Loved ones surround a Burkett Center student for a photo following the school's graduation ceremony. The student lays on a round white cushion.
The Burkett Center principal smiles for a photo with a Burkett Center graduate during the school's graduation ceremony. The student wears a blue cap and gown.
A woman and the Burkett Center principal pose for a photo with a Burkett Center graduate during the school's graduation ceremony. The student wears a blue cap and gown.
Two women pose for a photo with a Burkett Center graduate following the school's graduation ceremony. The student wears a blue cap and gown.
Please help us congratulate Snow Rogers Elementary School Principal Mrs. Kristi Long on her retirement! 🎉👏

Mrs. Long has been a blessing to our JEFCOED Family, and while we are sad to see her go, we know her next chapter will be absolutely wonderful!

Kristi has been the principal of Snow Rogers Elementary for the past six years and previously served as the Clay Elementary Assistant Principal. Over her 30-year career in education—spanning schools across Alabama and Tennessee—Mrs. Long has impacted countless students. From teaching elementary school to serving as a math coach, assistant principal and principal, Mrs. Long has led with dedication and passion.

Thank you, Mrs. Long, for making a true difference in the lives of your students and their families! Have an amazing retirement!
29 days ago, JEFCOED
Kristi Long and Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin smile for a photo inside the JEFCOED board room.
Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin, Kristi Long and Kristi's husband stand together inside the JEFCOED board room and smile for a photo. Kristi holds a certificate celebrating her retirement.
Snow Rogers principal Kristi Long wears an Incredibles Super Hero costume and stands outside the school. She holds a stop sign that says "Stay in Car" and a sign that says "Let's have incredible attendance in Sept."
Snow Rogers principal Kristi Long reads a book to a group of students.
Snow Rogers principal Kristi Long smiles for a selfie with students inside a classroom.
Snow Rogers principal Kristi Long smiles for a selfie with students inside a classroom.
What an unforgettable day celebrating the brilliant, courageous, and ambitious graduates of Minor High School! 🎓💜 We hope you enter this exciting new chapter with confidence and pride, knowing all your hard work has truly paid off! Congratulations, graduates! 🎉
29 days ago, JEFCOED
A Minor High School graduate smiles and holds up her diploma during the graduation ceremony. She wears a purple cap and gown
A Minor High School graduate smiles as he leaves the stage with his diploma. He wears a purple cap and gown
A Minor High School graduate shakes a man’s hand during the high school graduation ceremony
A Minor High School graduate speaks into a microphone at a podium during the high school’s graduation ceremony
A Minor High School graduate walks through the auditorium during the school’s graduation ceremony
A Minor High School graduate smiles after receiving his diploma. He wears a purple cap and gown
A Minor High School graduate smiles and holds up her diploma during the school’s graduation ceremony.
Students sing on stage during the Minor High School graduation ceremony
Have a great summer, JEFCOED Family! ☀️🤩

To our amazing students and educators — thank you for an incredible school year! We'll miss you all so much and can't wait to see you back on August 12! We hope your summer break is filled with countless adventures, fun moments, and plenty of relaxation!
29 days ago, JEFCOED
Graphic wishes JEFCOED students and educators a great summer break and reminds them that students return on August 12.