From beautiful music to creative dance routines, our students have brought so much joy to the board through their Holiday Cheer performances!❄️👏 We sincerely thank each group that has performed so far, and we applaud them for sharing their talents!
Please join us in celebrating our first round of holiday cheer performers!🎉
-Concord Singers led by Ms. Georgecia Cowan
-Minor High School Concert Choir led by Ms. Ingrid Brown
-Pinson Valley High School Advanced Mariachi Band led by Mr. Keith Brandenburg
-Gardendale High School Concert and Chamber Choirs led by Ms. Melissa Talley
-McAdory Elementary School Interpretive Dance Team led by Ms. Monica Finley
-Lipscomb Singers led by Ms. Georgecia Cowan
-Shades Valley High School Valley Singers led by Dr. Jillian Johnson
-Center Point High School Chorale led by Mr. Vedric Shelby
We have more performances on Tuesday! Head to this link to see which groups are performing and how to watch live: https://www.jefcoed.com/article/2587424
Please join us in celebrating our first round of holiday cheer performers!🎉
-Concord Singers led by Ms. Georgecia Cowan
-Minor High School Concert Choir led by Ms. Ingrid Brown
-Pinson Valley High School Advanced Mariachi Band led by Mr. Keith Brandenburg
-Gardendale High School Concert and Chamber Choirs led by Ms. Melissa Talley
-McAdory Elementary School Interpretive Dance Team led by Ms. Monica Finley
-Lipscomb Singers led by Ms. Georgecia Cowan
-Shades Valley High School Valley Singers led by Dr. Jillian Johnson
-Center Point High School Chorale led by Mr. Vedric Shelby
We have more performances on Tuesday! Head to this link to see which groups are performing and how to watch live: https://www.jefcoed.com/article/2587424


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!




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!
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!

Then and now! 💛 Thank you to McAdory High School graduate, Janice Rogers for serving as grand marshal at McAdory's homecoming parade! The jackets were buzzing with pride to have such a beloved alum take on this role! The first photo is of Janice attending homecoming as a student, and the second is her leading the parade on Thursday!


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!



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!




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!
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!










🎨Creativity was on full display at the Alabama Art Education Association Summer Board Retreat!🎨
Some members of our JEFCOED family were in attendance, and enjoyed a full schedule of exciting activities! Our educators painted Honey Bears with artist Jayne Morgan, toured the Birmingham Museum of Art and took part in a Shibori dyeing workshop at ArtPlay!
Members of our JEFCOED family in attendance include:
🎨Ashley Culwell, Shades Valley High School
🎨Jack Vest, McCalla Elementary
🎨Mary Jane Coker, McAdory Elementary
Some members of our JEFCOED family were in attendance, and enjoyed a full schedule of exciting activities! Our educators painted Honey Bears with artist Jayne Morgan, toured the Birmingham Museum of Art and took part in a Shibori dyeing workshop at ArtPlay!
Members of our JEFCOED family in attendance include:
🎨Ashley Culwell, Shades Valley High School
🎨Jack Vest, McCalla Elementary
🎨Mary Jane Coker, McAdory Elementary




🎉💙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

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.










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!




🎉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

🎗️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!

Congratulations to Dr. Walter Gonsoulin on being named the 2025 District 5 Superintendent of the Year by the School Superintendents of Alabama. Dr. Gonsoulin works tirelessly to expand opportunities for all students, and this recognition reflects his outstanding leadership and dedication to public education.
The statewide winner will be announced in March 2025. We wish Dr. Gonsoulin the best of luck as he continues championing educational excellence!
#JEFCOEDproud #SuperintendentOfTheYear

