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Campuses throughout our district are already decked out in gold ahead of Give Hope Day tomorrow!🎗️

Be sure to wear gold or yellow on Thursday, September 24, 2026, as we team up with the Hope for Autumn Foundation to raise awareness of childhood cancer and advocate for resources to support patient families.

Give Hope Day hits close to home for many families in our district, and our hearts are with each of you who have a child who has battled cancer or is currently fighting. We stand with you during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and beyond. 💛
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
Sign advertising Give Hope Day is displayed outside a school. In the background, wreaths with yellow ribbons on them hang on the school building.
Wreaths with yellow ribbons hang outside a school.
Close-up image of a wreath with a yellow ribbon hangs outside a school.
Shoutout to one of our very talented teachers here at JEFCOED, Mr. Jack Vest from McCalla Elementary School! 🧑‍🎨🎨

We are thrilled to share that his creation, "Hey There, Tater Tot!" will be displayed at the Birmingham Museum of Art as part of the Alabama Art Educators Members Exhibition! You can view these pieces starting November 5, 2026. Congratulations Mr. Vest! We can't wait to see Tater Tot on display! 🎉
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
Art made by McCalla Elementary School art teacher Mr. Vest is of a cow standing in a pasture in front of a blue sky.
💛 Reminder: Wear Gold Tomorrow! 💛

Tomorrow, Thursday, September 24, JEFCOED students and staff are invited to wear gold in support of Give Hope Day and Childhood Cancer Awareness.

Give Hope Day is an annual initiative organized by the Hope for Autumn Foundation to honor children battling cancer while raising awareness for the continued need for childhood cancer research and family resources.

JEFCOED has proudly participated since 2021. Let’s fill our schools with gold tomorrow and show our support! 🎗️💛
about 1 month ago, Jack Vest
Join Us For Give Hope Day Tomorrow! Wear Gold!
🌟 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! 🌟

From September 15–October 15, our school is excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by learning about the people, cultures, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Each school day, we will highlight one famous Hispanic person who has made an impact in history, science, the arts, sports, and more!

✊ Today’s Spotlight: César Chávez
Born: March 31, 1927
Died: April 23, 1993

César Chávez was a civil rights and labor activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers. He worked to improve pay, safety, and working conditions for farm workers across the United States.

His story reminds our students that courage, perseverance, and standing up for others can make a lasting difference.

❤️💛💚 Join us each day as we celebrate another inspiring Hispanic figure during Hispanic Heritage Month!
about 1 month ago, Jack Vest
César Chávez was a civil rights and labor activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers.
🌟 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! 🌟

From September 15–October 15, our school is excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by learning about the people, cultures, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Each school day, we will highlight one famous Hispanic person who has made an impact in history, science, the arts, sports, and more!

🎤 Today’s Spotlight: Selena Quintanilla
Born: April 16, 1971
Died: March 31, 1995

Known as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” Selena was a beloved singer and fashion designer whose joyful music, style, and cultural impact are still celebrated today.

Her story reminds our students to be proud of who they are, follow their talents, and share their creativity with the world.

❤️💛💚 Join us each day as we celebrate another inspiring Hispanic figure during Hispanic Heritage Month!
about 1 month ago, Jack Vest
Known as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” Selena was a beloved singer and fashion designer whose joyful music, style, and cultural impact are still celebrated today.
We’re excited to welcome our families back to school for Open House!

📚 Tuesday, September 22 at 4:30 PM
1st, 2nd, & 3rd Grades

🍎 Wednesday, September 23 at 4:30 PM
Kindergarten, 4th, & 5th Grades

Come visit classrooms, meet teachers, and see what your students have been up to so far this year. We can’t wait to see everyone!
about 1 month ago, Jack Vest
Open House September 22 at 4:30 for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
Open House at 4:30 on September 23. K, 4th, & 5th.
Give Hope Day Info: This is our annual childhood cancer awareness initiative organized by the Hope for Autumn Foundation. It began in 2015 and has grown into Alabama’s largest organized childhood cancer awareness event. JEFCOED has been participating in it since 2021. On Thursday, September 24, students and staff are invited to wear gold to honor children battling cancer and help raise awareness of the urgent need for childhood cancer research and family resources.
about 1 month ago, Jack Vest
Give Hope Day Info: This is our an annual childhood cancer awareness initiative organized by the Hope for Autumn Foundation.
🌟 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! 🌟

From September 15–October 15, our school is excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by learning about the people, cultures, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Each school day, we will highlight one famous Hispanic person who has made an impact in history, science, the arts, sports, and more!

💻 Today’s Spotlight: Luis von Ahn
Born: August 19, 1978

Luis von Ahn is a brilliant computer scientist and entrepreneur from Guatemala. He helped develop CAPTCHA, the online tests used to tell humans and computers apart, and later co-founded Duolingo, the popular language-learning app.

His story shows our students how creativity, technology, and problem-solving can be used to make learning more accessible around the world.

❤️💛💚 Join us each day as we celebrate another inspiring Hispanic figure during Hispanic Heritage Month!
about 1 month ago, Jack Vest
Computer scientist Luis von Ahn co-invented the website security program CAPTCHA, or Completely Automated Public Turing test for telling Computers and Humans Apart.
🌟 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! 🌟

From September 15–October 15, our school is excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by learning about the people, cultures, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Each school day, we will highlight one famous Hispanic person who has made an impact in history, science, the arts, sports, and more!

🎨 Today’s Spotlight: Frida Kahlo
Born: July 6, 1907
Died: July 13, 1954

Frida Kahlo was one of Mexico’s most famous artists, known for her colorful self-portraits and deeply personal paintings. Her artwork often celebrated her Mexican heritage, culture, identity, and experiences.

Her story reminds our students that art can be a powerful way to express who we are and share our stories with the world.

❤️💛💚 Join us each day as we celebrate another inspiring Hispanic figure during Hispanic Heritage Month!
about 1 month ago, Jack Vest
Portrait of Frida Kahlo, the celebrated Mexican artist known for her distinctive self-portraits and artwork inspired by Mexican culture and identity.
Round 2

📸✨ Picture Day Fun — Round 2! ✨📸

Ready for another round, McCalla Family? 👀

Here are a few more childhood school photos of our McCalla teachers and staff! Can you figure out who’s who? 😄

Drop your guesses and see how many you recognize! 🖤💛🐝
about 1 month ago, Jack Vest
A childhood school portrait of a McCalla Elementary teacher or staff member, shared as part of a fun Picture Day guessing game for families.
A childhood school portrait of a McCalla Elementary teacher or staff member, shared as part of a fun Picture Day guessing game for families.
A childhood school portrait of a McCalla Elementary teacher or staff member, shared as part of a fun Picture Day guessing game for families.
A childhood school portrait of a McCalla Elementary teacher or staff member, shared as part of a fun Picture Day guessing game for families.
A childhood school portrait of a McCalla Elementary teacher or staff member, shared as part of a fun Picture Day guessing game for families.
A childhood school portrait of a McCalla Elementary teacher or staff member, shared as part of a fun Picture Day guessing game for families.
Round 1

📸✨ Picture Day Fun — Round 1! ✨📸

McCalla Family, can you guess which of our teachers and staff are hiding behind these adorable childhood school photos? 👀😄

Take your best guess and see how many you can name!

🖤💛🐝
about 1 month ago, Jack Vest
A childhood school portrait of a McCalla Elementary teacher or staff member, shared as part of a fun Picture Day guessing game for families.
A childhood school portrait of a McCalla Elementary teacher or staff member, shared as part of a fun Picture Day guessing game for families.
A childhood school portrait of a McCalla Elementary teacher or staff member, shared as part of a fun Picture Day guessing game for families.
A childhood school portrait of a McCalla Elementary teacher or staff member, shared as part of a fun Picture Day guessing game for families.
A childhood school portrait of a McCalla Elementary teacher or staff member, shared as part of a fun Picture Day guessing game for families.
A childhood school portrait of a McCalla Elementary teacher or staff member, shared as part of a fun Picture Day guessing game for families.
A childhood school portrait of a McCalla Elementary teacher or staff member, shared as part of a fun Picture Day guessing game for families.
📸 Picture Day is TODAY, McCalla Family! 📸

Bring those big smiles and get ready to say cheese!

🖤💛🐝
about 1 month ago, Jack Vest
Colorful Picture Day poster reminding McCalla families that Picture Day is today, featuring cheerful school-themed graphics and a fun, welcoming design.
🌟 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! 🌟

From September 15–October 15, our school is excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by learning about the people, cultures, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Each school day, we will highlight one famous Hispanic person who has made an impact in history, science, the arts, sports, and more!

⚾ Today’s Spotlight: Roberto Clemente
Born: August 18, 1934
Died: December 31, 1972

Roberto Clemente was a legendary baseball player from Puerto Rico who made history as the first Latino player inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. He was also known for his kindness, generosity, and dedication to helping people in need.

His story reminds our students that true greatness is not only about what you accomplish, but also about how you help others along the way.

❤️💛💚 Join us each day as we celebrate another inspiring Hispanic figure during Hispanic Heritage Month!
about 1 month ago, Jack Vest
Portrait of Roberto Clemente wearing his baseball uniform, honoring the legendary Puerto Rican baseball player and humanitarian.
🌟 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! 🌟

From September 15–October 15, our school is excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by learning about the people, cultures, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Each school day, we will highlight one famous Hispanic person who has made an impact in history, science, the arts, sports, and more!

⚖️ Today’s Spotlight: Sonia Sotomayor
Born: June 25, 1954

Sonia Sotomayor made history in 2009 when she became the first Hispanic Justice to serve on the United States Supreme Court. She grew up loving books and learning, worked hard in school, and went on to become one of the nation’s highest-ranking judges.

Her story reminds our students that hard work, determination, and a love of learning can help you achieve big dreams!

❤️💛💚 Join us each day as we celebrate another inspiring Hispanic figure during Hispanic Heritage Month!
about 1 month ago, Jack Vest
Portrait of Sonia Sotomayor, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court and first Hispanic person to serve on the nation's highest court.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, JEFCOED Family! 💙

We are thrilled to embark on the month ahead, filled with celebrations of Hispanic culture, history and traditions! From engaging lessons inside the classroom to joyous festivals that bring the community together, we can’t wait to share with you the many ways our district will commemorate and honor Hispanic Heritage Month!
about 1 month ago, JEFCOED
Graphic has text celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and a collage of photos from past JEFCOED Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.

🌟 Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! 🌟

From September 15–October 15, our school is excited to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by learning about the people, cultures, achievements, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Each school day, we will highlight one famous Hispanic person who has made an impact in history, science, the arts, sports, and more!

🚀 Today’s Spotlight: Ellen Ochoa
Birthday: May 10, 1958

Ellen Ochoa is an engineer, astronaut, and trailblazer who became the first Hispanic woman to travel into space in 1993. She later became the first Hispanic director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Her story reminds our students to stay curious, work hard, dream big, and remember that there are no limits to where learning can take you!

❤️💛💚 Join us each day as we celebrate another inspiring Hispanic figure during Hispanic Heritage Month!

about 1 month ago, Jack Vest
Portrait of Ellen Ochoa, NASA astronaut, engineer, and the first Hispanic woman to travel into space.
National Arts in Education Week is September 13–19! 🎨🎶🎭

This week, we are celebrating the arts and the amazing educators who help our students build creativity, confidence, imagination, and a lifelong love of learning.

Did an art, music, theatre, or other arts teacher make a difference in your life? We’d love to hear your story! Share a photo or tell us about an arts educator who inspired you and made a lasting impact.
about 1 month ago, Jack Vest
Colorful watercolor-style graphic celebrating National Arts in Education Week, September 13–19, 2026, featuring paintbrushes, musical notes, theater masks, and a ballet dancer silhouette.
Join Arts Talk with J'Nai Bridges from the meeting link below:
https://jefcoed.webex.com/jefcoed/j.php?MTID=mf5e389af78dc93c6ea8a6ffcab97f7ec
about 1 month ago, Jack Vest
Promotional flyer for JEFCOED “Arts Talk” featuring Grammy Award-winning opera singer J’Nai Bridges. Hosted by Dr. Makella Moore Harris, the event explores “The Multi-Talented Mindset: Beyond One Box” and takes place September 14, 2026, at noon.
💛 Celebrating Grandparents Day! 💛

A heartfelt thank you to all of the wonderful grandparents who joined us for our Grandparents Day Brunch! We loved having you on campus and celebrating the special role you play in the lives of our students.

We are also incredibly grateful to our faculty, staff, and PTA for all of their hard work in hosting such a wonderful morning. Thank you for helping make this celebration so special and memorable for our school families! 🍽️💐

#GrandparentsDay #SchoolFamily #MakingMemories
about 1 month ago, Jack Vest
Grandparents and students smiling together during the school’s Grandparents Day Brunch. Families are gathered around tables enjoying breakfast, visiting, and celebrating time together on campus.
Grandparents and students smiling together during the school’s Grandparents Day Brunch. Families are gathered around tables enjoying breakfast, visiting, and celebrating time together on campus.
Grandparents and students smiling together during the school’s Grandparents Day Brunch. Families are gathered around tables enjoying breakfast, visiting, and celebrating time together on campus.
Grandparents and students smiling together during the school’s Grandparents Day Brunch. Families are gathered around tables enjoying breakfast, visiting, and celebrating time together on campus.
Grandparents and students smiling together during the school’s Grandparents Day Brunch. Families are gathered around tables enjoying breakfast, visiting, and celebrating time together on campus.
Grandparents and students smiling together during the school’s Grandparents Day Brunch. Families are gathered around tables enjoying breakfast, visiting, and celebrating time together on campus.
Grandparents and students smiling together during the school’s Grandparents Day Brunch. Families are gathered around tables enjoying breakfast, visiting, and celebrating time together on campus.
Grandparents and students smiling together during the school’s Grandparents Day Brunch. Families are gathered around tables enjoying breakfast, visiting, and celebrating time together on campus.
Grandparents and students smiling together during the school’s Grandparents Day Brunch. Families are gathered around tables enjoying breakfast, visiting, and celebrating time together on campus.
Grandparents and students smiling together during the school’s Grandparents Day Brunch. Families are gathered around tables enjoying breakfast, visiting, and celebrating time together on campus.
September 11 Remembrance — 25 Years

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and to honor the courage, service, and compassion shown in the days that followed.

As we mark the 25th anniversary, we reflect on the importance of remembrance, unity, kindness, and helping others. We are grateful for the first responders, service members, families, and communities whose strength continues to inspire us.

We will never forget.

#September11 #NeverForget #PatriotDay #RememberAndHonor
about 1 month ago, Jack Vest
Commemorative September 11 anniversary emblem in red, white, blue, and silver. The design features a large “25” with American flag elements, silhouettes representing the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and Flight 93, and the words “Never Forget,” “September 11, 2001 – September 11, 2026,” and “9/11.”