So much joy, creativity, and talent went into crafting these spectacular works of art!🎨💙 The pieces you’re seeing here, made by JEFCOED students, were selected to represent our district in the Elementary Division of the State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Exhibit!

You can see them on display in the Old Supreme Court Library of the Alabama State Capitol now, through February 25th.

Please join us in celebrating the following students for being selected for this amazing honor! We are incredibly proud to see their talent recognized in this way!🎉

-Chloe McKinney, "I Spy", Gardendale Elementary School
-Evie McCoy, "Chicken Dance", Gardendale Elementary School
-Hadleigh Cook, "Light in the Dark", Gardendale Elementary School
-Cole Brock, "Jungle", Bagley Elementary School
-Evie Handley, "Sunflower Farm", Bagley Elementary School
-Sarah Rodriguez, "Toucan", U.W. Clemon Elementary School
-Jakaryi Frank, "Into the Woods", Grantswood Community School
-Isaac Valles-Rios, "Nierika", Grantswood Community School
-Bodhi Mailhos, "Haunted House", Grantswood Community School
-Kamilah Peake, collage art with oil pastel, Bryant Park Elementary School

Be sure to join us back here tomorrow, as we’ll be sharing the talented high school artists who had pieces selected for the Secondary Division!
10 days ago, JEFCOED
Hand-drawn photo of an eye with a red border around it.
Picture of a chicken made using paint and paper. The chicken is black and white on top of a blue background with dots of paint on it.
Drawing of a candle in front of a black backdrop made using oil pastels.
Hand-made image of a tiger made using marker. Behind the tiger is a jungle background made from paper and marker.
Hand-made image of a barn and sunflower farm made using Tempera. Behind the barn is a blue sky.
Hand-drawn image of a toucan made using watercolor and pastels.
Hand-crafted image of a home surrounded by red, orange and yellow trees. The image was made using paint and oil pastels.
A piece of art made using blue, yellow and green yarn to create a sky, sun and valley.
A piece of art depicts a tall, black mansion in front of a dark blue sky with bats flying around. There is a full moon in the sky and a tree in the image.
Hand-made art project depicts a house next to an apple tree and a doghouse with a dog nearby. There is a rainbow over the house and a blue sky with a cloud and sun that both have smiley faces on them. The art was made using paper and oil pastels.
As we wrap up National School Counseling Week, we're grateful for the counselors across our district who show up every day for our students! They support, encourage, and advocate with passion, bringing tremendous heart to our schools. We're so thankful for you🫶!
14 days ago, JEFCOED
A school counselor stands in front of the Jefferson County school district background. She is celebrating and holding her arms up. The sign in her hands says school counseling programs amplify student success by celebrating them!
A group of people huddle together while smiling at the camera. The group includes a principal, school, counselor, and students. They are all celebrating national school counselor week at Clay elementary school.
A school counselor stands with two young elementary school students. They are all wearing unique hats. The school counselor in the back has on a black cowboy style hat, the girl in the front left is on a red, cowboy hat, and the boy on the right has on a blue beanie style hat.
A school counselor is being celebrated during national school counselor appreciation week. She is holding a vase full of pink and red flowers. In the background are several cut out red hearts with custom messages.
A school counselor is standing in front of a colorful bulletin board. She is smiling and holding a book that says the coffee bean for kids.
Two people are bringing a school, counselor a pot of flowers, a gift, and some yellow and purple balloons. They are celebrating her for national school counseling week.
A school counselor is standing in an elementary school classroom. She is holding a vase full of red roses. She is being celebrated for national school counseling week.
School counselor is standing in front of a banner that says, "I know this is a little cheesy, but you're our favorite school counselor. Happy school, counselor appreciation week."
#GoodThingsHappening!💙 We are thrilled to share that more than two dozen JEFCOED schools earned the Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR Certification! To earn this honor, these schools had to have an ENERGY STAR score of at least 75, meaning they run at least 75% more efficiently than similar buildings across the country.

In recognition of their commitment to energy conservation and sustainability, Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin and representatives from Cenergistic presented 27 of our schools with awards and certificates at this week’s board meeting! Please help us congratulate the following schools:

Bagley Elementary, Bragg Middle, Brookville Elementary, Bryant Park Elementary, Burkett Center, Center Point Elementary, Chalkville Elementary, Clay Elementary, Corner Middle, Erwin
Intermediate, Erwin Middle, Gardendale Elementary, Gardendale High, Hueytown Primary, McAdory High, McCalla Elementary, Minor High, Minor Middle, North Jefferson Middle, Pinson Elementary, Pinson Valley High, Pleasant Grove Elementary, JCIB MYP, Rudd
Middle, Shades Valley High, U.W. Clemon Elementary, and Warrior Elementary.
28 days ago, JEFCOED
JEFCOED principals with schools that received the Energy Star award stand together for a photo with Superintendent Dr. Gonsoulin and representatives from Cenergistic in the JEFCOED board room.
Gardendale High School's principal holds an Energy Star award and smiles for a photo.
Two JEFCOED principals pose for a photo with Energy Star awards in their hands while standing in the hallway of the board of education.
McAdory High School's principal poses for a photo in the JEFCOED board room while holding an Energy Star award.
Game on!🎮🤩 Today, Gardendale Elementary’s gym was transformed into an arcade for the school’s i-Ready reward day! This special celebration highlighted students who benchmarked on the mid-year i-Ready assessment, or saw growth of 40% or more since the beginning of the school year. We love seeing our students’ hard work celebrated! Way to go, Rockets!🚀🎉
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
Two boys smile for a photo while playing a video game inside a school gym. One of the boys holds up a peace sign with his hands.
Two girls sit at a table and play a video game inside a school gym.
Two boys sit at a table inside a school gym and play a video game.
A girl smiles while playing an arcade-style video game inside a school gym.
Two boys play a basketball video game inside a school gym.
Students play arcade-style video games inside a school gym.
Two girls sit at a table and play video games inside a school gym. Another girl stands between them and talks.
It's School Board Recognition Month! 🍎 Please join us in honoring our board members for their commitment to students, service to our community, and championship-level leadership. We simply could not achieve what we do without your support!
about 2 months ago, JEFCOED
Graphic thanking the Jefferson County Schools' School Board. Pictured are Ronnie Dixion, Board President, Stephanie Floyd, Board Vice President, Carita Venable, Board Member, Walter Curry, Board Member, and Glenn Durough, Board Member. The text in the middle says, "Thank You JEFCOED School Board"

🎃Life is gourd at JEFCOED!🎃

From trips to the pumpkin patch, to decorating pumpkins and even dissecting them, students across our district are getting into the fall spirit!

🔎At Gardendale Elementary School, Pre-K students analyzed the inside of pumpkins and learned how they grow!

📚At Concord Elementary School, storybook pumpkins line the bookshelves! We love seeing students’ creativity and passion for reading on display!

🚜And Brookville Elementary students had a whole lot of fun at 4D Farm! They explored the pumpkin patch, visited the corn barn, and enjoyed fun rides!

4 months ago, JEFCOED
Students look at a pumpkin through a magnifying glass inside a classroom.
A student sits on the flood of a classroom and looks at a pumpkin through a magnifying glass.
Students sit on the floor of a classroom. In front of them are several large pieces of black paper with pumpkin seeds sitting on them.
Pumpkins decorated like book characters sit on the shelves of a library.
Pumpkins decorated like book characters sit on the shelves of a library.
A student holds a pumpkin decorated in the theme of Alice In Wonderland.
Students sit in a pit of corn.
A student sits in a pit of corn.
A student stands in a pumpkin patch and holds a pumpkin.
Two students stand in a pumpkin patch and hold pumpkins.
We appreciate each student who attended our first Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council meeting of the year! During these meetings, student representatives from throughout our district participate in thought-provoking conversations with Dr. Gonsoulin. These discussions are invaluable and allow us to continue growing as a district. Thank you again to everyone who participated!
5 months ago, JEFCOED
JEFCOED Superintendent Dr. Gonsoulin stands in a library and talks to children. The students sit at tables in the library. Some have their hands raised.
JEFCOED Superintendent Dr. Gonsoulin stands in a library and talks to students. The students are sitting at tables.
JEFCOED Superintendent Dr. Gonsoulin stands in a room and talks to students who are sitting at tables.
JEFCOED Superintendent Dr. Gonsoulin stands next to a student. Both are smiling at the camera.
Today is School Custodian Appreciation Day, and we hope you'll join us in celebrating our outstanding custodians here at JEFCOED!🎉
These heroes not only ensure students and teachers spend their days in clean, safe environments, but also spread positivity throughout their schools. We appreciate all they do to help our district thrive! When you see your school custodian today, be sure to tell them thank you!
5 months ago, JEFCOED
The image is a graphic with text that reads "JEFCOED Honoring the Unsung Heroes of Cleanliness and Order thank you for all you do! Happy Custodian Appreciation Day" The background of the graphic has bubbles, a mop and cleaning supplies on it.
You don’t have to go far to find inspiration!🚒📚
Last week, kindergartners at Gardendale Elementary School took a Community Helpers Field Trip, learning all about the different jobs that keep the City of Gardendale running! They spoke with firefighters and police officers, visited the Gardendale Public Library and met Mayor Hogeland!
We appreciate everyone who took the time to speak with these classes! What a fun experience!
5 months ago, JEFCOED
A Gardendale firefighters shows kindergarten students equipment
A group of kindergarten students, firefighters and two other adults stand in front of a fire truck.
A group of kindergarten students stand in front of a police car.
A group of kindergarten students sit on the floor of the Gardendale City Hall chamber. The mayor sits in front of them, speaking into a microphone.
A woman stands and reads a book to a group of children who sit on the floor.
We are SO excited to share that the Jefferson County School District has been awarded the Blue Cross Blue Shield Be Healthy Grant for the VERY first time!🎉👏 Mr. Christopher Reeves, Physical Education Supervisor for Jefferson County Schools, says, “This is a meaningful moment for our district, as it reflects the dedication of so many who believe in the power of physical education to shape healthier lives for our students.” Mr. Reeves adds that this grant will provide everything from exercise bikes to agility ladders, benefiting and inspiring students and educators. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!
6 months ago, JEFCOED
Children play with yoga balls inside a gym.
Children hit pool noodles on yoga balls inside a gym.
The image is a graphic with text on it that reads "We Won Be Healthy School Grant Program"
Our Back to School Conference is in the books!📚 We want to give a huge thank you to our educators and administrators for making today such a success! You are laying the foundation for a wonderful school year, and it’s clear that “Alabama has something to say!” We can’t wait to see our classrooms filled up again in just a few short days!
7 months ago, JEFCOED
A group of people stand in a room and talk to each other.
A man and a woman stand together and smile
A large group of people sit in an auditorium
A man stands on a stage and talks
New Teacher Orientation ✏️📘👏 We're so excited to greet our new educators and officially bring them into the JEFCOED family! You're joining a district committed to Inspiring Change and Creating Impact, one student at a time. We're so glad you're here!

Special thanks to Leslie Chatta and Shernell Lewis, our 2025-2026 Teachers of the Year, for sharing powerful words of encouragement and inspiration. We're also grateful to Gardendale High School, along with our many staff and volunteers who helped make the day such a success!
7 months ago, JEFCOED
School employees greeting educators at a registration desk.
Jefferson County School District drawstring bag on a registration table
Teachers signing in at a registration table for New Teacher Orientation.
Two school leaders smiling for the camera.
Two educators giving each other a hug across the shoulders.
Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin speaking on stage during New Teacher Orientation.
Teachers walking and visiting in a hallway.
Shernell Lewis holding a microphone and presenting onstage.
Leslie Chatta holding a microphone and presenting on stage.
Leslie Chatta and Shernell Lewis posing for a picture with greenery behind them.
The Jefferson County Council PTA recently celebrated four talented students from Jefferson County Schools who placed in the Alabama PTA Reflections contest! Two of these young ladies were able to stop by the most recent board meeting, where they were recognized by the superintendent! 🎉Congratulations To: Aria Gwin - John E. Bryan Elementary: 🥇 Dance Choreography, Lyla Herrin - Mount Olive Elementary: 🥉 Dance Choreography, Madyson Burney - North Jefferson Middle School: 🥉 Literature, Jennifer McMillian - Gardendale Elementary: 🥉 Visual Arts. A huge round of applause for these talented students! 👏
9 months ago, JEFCOED
Four students holding up certificates in the Alabama PTA reflections contest.
Dr. Walter Gonsoulin recognizes two young students at a board meeting.
Two students showing off their medals in the Alabama PTA reflections Contest
Superintendent shakes the hand of a young student at a board meeting.
Dr. Walter Gonsoulin shakes the hand of a young student at a board meeting.
Dr. Gounsoulin talks with two young students at a board meeting.
We're happy to celebrate another successful day of competition at the 2025 JEFCOED Elementary Science Olympiad Tournament!🔬🏗️⚙️ A big shout-out to all our talented young scientists who put their creativity, innovative thinking, and teamwork to the test as they tackled some tough scientific challenges. Congratulations to our top-performing teams: 🥇 1st Place - Kermit Johnson Elementary School 🥈 2nd Place - Gardendale Elementary School 🥉 3rd Place - Corner Middle School
about 1 year ago, JEFCOED
Two students welcome science olympians.
Two students work on a science experiment using string and straws.
Two female students work on a problem while looking at a laptop.
Two students participate in the Science Olympiad. They are standing behind a bucket with a ball, bag, and tennis ball stacked on top.
Gardendale Elementary students participate in the Science Olympiad. Their shirts say "I love science no Ca P."
Two Kermit Johnson Elementary students work on a laptop.
Two female elementary students work to solve a problem during the Science Olympiad.
Two students from Adamsville Elementary create and test a boat they created out of aluminum foil.
🎉💙Happy National School Counseling Week 2025!💙 We're celebrating our amazing school counselors and their vital role in helping students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Thank you for all you do! #NSCW25 #ThankYouCounselors
about 1 year ago, JEFCOED
School Counseling: Helping Students Thrive National School Counseling Week, February 3-7, 2025, Thank You, School Counselors, American School Counselor Association
Many of us went to sleep on Thursday night, thinking it wouldn't happen after all. And then it did!! The JEFCOED family enjoyed a beautiful snow day on Friday.❄️☃️ Thank you to all of those who sent in pictures. Your smiles and joy warmed our hearts. Here are just a few of the many fantastic pictures we received.
about 1 year ago, JEFCOED
Two girls excitedly sled down the street in the show using a pool float shaped like a dragon.
Three boys stand in front of their home with their hands in the air, celebrating the snow.
A group of young boys pretends to play video games in the snow. They have placed a tv outside and show it hooked up to a snow mound.
Two kids have build a snowman and a an igloo. One boy is inside the igloo and the other boy is standing by the snowman.
Two boys are sledding in the snow with a red sled.
A young girl poses next to a snowman wearing a Snow Rogers Bulldogs shirt.
A boy is riding a sled down his driveway.
A family of three plays in the snow. All of the family members are wearing pink.
A young boy smiles next to a snowman.
A young boy is playing in the snow on a round pool float.
This morning, the Alabama Department of Education approved a resolution recognizing Dr. Walter B. Gonsoulin, Jr. as the 2025 Alabama Superintendent of the Year!! Dr. Gonsoulin serves State School Board Districts Three, Four, and Seven with heart, vision, and determination. We couldn't be prouder of his leadership. Congratulations, Dr. Gonsoulin! You've made us all #JEFCOEDProud!
about 1 year ago, JEFCOED
Dr. Walter B. Gonsoulin Jr. stands with members of the Alabama Department of Education School Board. He is holding a resolution honoring him for being named the 2025 Alabama State Superintendent of the Year.
Dr. Walter B. Gonsoulin Jr. holds a resolution for the Alabama State School Board recognizing him as the 2025 Alabama Superintendent of the Year. He is standing next to the 200 Alabama Bicentennial bell.
Dr. Walter Gonsoulin stands with members of his staff and holds a resolution honoring him as the 2025 State Superintendent of the Year.
Dr. Gonsouling stands with his Deputy Superintendents (Dr. Jeff Caufield, Dr. Laura Ware, Dr. Orletta Rush) while holding a resolution honoring him as the Alabama Superintendent of the Year.
🎉Congratulations, Dr. Walter Gonsoulin🎉 We are beyond thrilled to share that our very own Superintendent, Dr. Gonsoulin, has been named the 2025 Alabama/Schneider Electric Superintendent of the Year! 🏆 This incredible recognition speaks to Dr. Gonsoulin's heart for education and his constant drive to make our schools the best they can be. We're so proud to have him leading the way for JEFCOED and can't wait to see where his vision takes us next! #JEFCOEDProud #SuperintendentOfTheYear #CongratulationsDrG
over 1 year ago, JEFCOED
Dr. Walter Gonsoulin is standing at a podium after being names 2025 Alabama Superintendent of the Year
Our Kindergarteners are learning about **Community Helpers**! 🚒👩‍⚕️👮‍♂️ From firefighters and the mayor to police officers, these everyday heroes play such an important role in our lives. We are exploring how they help keep our community safe, healthy, and running smoothly. #CommunityHelpers #KindergartenLearning #EverydayHeroes #GrowingTogether
over 1 year ago, JEFCOED
Kindergarten class standing at the back of a firetruck .
Kindergarten class making funny faces with Gardendale Mayor Hogeland
Kindergarten student standing inside the door of a firetruck.
Kindergarten class in classroom on colorful rug.
Female kindergartener wearing an oversized fireman's jacket.
Two students standing next to a teacher in class. They are holding stuffed animals.
group of kindergartners posing in front of a police car
Fireman picking up a young student from a firetruck.
🎗️Let's Unite for Childhood Cancer Awareness!🎗️ This Thursday, September 26th, marks a special day for JEFCOED as we join forces with the Hope for Autumn Foundation for Give Hope Day! We're calling on everyone to 🌟WEAR GOLD🌟 as we stand together to honor and raise awareness for children and families affected by childhood cancer. 💛Together, we can make a difference!
over 1 year ago, JEFCOED
September 26th is Give Hope Day in JEFCOED. Hands holding the word Hope in wooden letters. Yellow ribbon for cancer awareness.