ELITE 8 BOUND!🏀🎉 Let's hear it for Pleasant Grove High School and Mortimer Jordan High School's girls basketball teams! After advancing to the Elite 8 of the AHSAA State Basketball Championship, they'll now hit the court next week in hopes of continuing their run for the state title!

We congratulate these teams and wish them the best of luck ahead of next week's games!👏
about 15 hours ago, JEFCOED
Image is a graphic announcing Pleasant Grove High School's girls basketball team and Mortimer Jordan High School's girls basketball team have advanced to the Elite 8 of the AHSAA State Basketball Championship.
Alex Kanaday is heading to Hollywood Week!!!🎶🎉 Please join us in congratulating Alex, a Mortimer Jordan High School graduate and student at Samford University, on receiving a Golden Ticket during her American Idol audition! Alex is a gifted musician, and we are elated to see her talents highlighted at this level!👏

📸: Samford University
about 17 hours ago, JEFCOED
Alex Kanaday sits in a room with a big American Idol sign on the wall behind her and smiles for a photo. There are people in the room behind her sitting in booth style seats and standing up.
Alex Kanaday holds up an American Idol Golden Ticket and smiles for a photo. She stands outside a stone building.
Alex Kanaday sits next to a woman in a booth seat and smiles for a photo. Alex holds an American Idol Golden Ticket.
From detailed self-portraits to creative photography, our students’ talent and skill never cease to amaze us! You’re taking a look at the works of art that were chosen to represent our district in the Secondary Division of the State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Exhibit!👏🎨

You’ll be able to see these creations on display in the Old Supreme Court Library of the Alabama State Capitol from March 2-27. Please help us congratulate the following students on their recognition! We are thrilled to see their creativity highlighted at the state level!🎉

-Juno Garcia, Photograph of a Drawing, JCIB High School
-Mariah Thomas, Self-Portrait, JCIB High School
-Jakhalan Gowdy, Ghost Chill, Clay-Chalkville High School (Shades Valley High School Visual Arts Academy)
-Emma Nelson, Time, McAdory High School
-Mya Barker, Curvature of Time, Mortimer Jordan High School
-Samantha Hurst, Soul’s Joyful Journey, Mortimer Jordan High School
-Franklin Pineda Corado, Pensive Pug, Mortimer Jordan High School
-Liliana Carmichael, My Guardian Angel, Gardendale High School
-Taylor Crocker, Broken, JCIB High School
-Cameron Lawrence, Reflections, McAdory High School
9 days ago, JEFCOED
Photograph shows a drawing of a colorful eye on a notebook. The notebook is sitting on a table with colored pencils around it.
A self-portrait of a girl with glasses holding an object in her hand. The portrait was made using graphite.
Drawing of an icecream cone made using colored pencils.
Image is a photograph of a blurry clock surrounded by green and orange with drops of water in focus over the image.
Drawing of the interior of a castle-like building created using India Ink and quill and nib.
Image is of a painting made using watercolor. The painting shows a red bird and a white bird flying in front of trees and a blue sky.
Image is of a hand-drawn pug made using chalk pastel.
Image is of a hand-drawn angel made using Charcoal and Graphite on paper.
Image is an abstract drawing of a person's face made using pencil.
Photo of a person looking at their reflection in a mirror with water on it.
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."
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"
Our district was well-represented at the 2025 Jefferson County Farmers Federation Farm City Banquet!👏 Please help us recognize the following participants and winners for their achievements! These students worked very hard on their submissions, and it brings us great joy to see their work recognized! Congratulations! FFA Programs: -Corner High School – Teacher: Alan Thomas -Mortimer Jordan High School – Teacher: Joshua Tubbs -Oak Grove High School – Teacher: Ronald Harris Farm-City Student Contest Winners: K–3 Poster Category -1st: Jackson Belcher – Bagley Elementary (Teacher: Meridith Kilgore) -2nd: Lily Grace Bridier – Bagley Elementary (Teacher: Meridith Kilgore) -3rd: Jovi Edwards – Bagley Elementary (Teacher: Meridith Kilgore) -3rd (tie): Ruthie Armstrong – Bagley Elementary (Teacher: Meridith Kilgore) 4–6 Poster Category -1st: Kase Riley – Bagley Elementary (Teacher: Meridith Kilgore) -2nd: Catie Kilgore – Bagley Elementary (Teacher: Jennifer Harris) -3rd: Axel Fernandez – Bagley Elementary (Teacher: Meridith Kilgore) Essay Category -1st: Alexas Hicks – Corner High School (Teacher: Erika Armstrong) -2nd: Zach Doty – Corner High School (Teacher: Erika Armstrong) Video Category -Winner: Emily McDaniel – Corner High School (Teacher: Erika Armstrong)
3 months ago, JEFCOED
A group of students stand together in a banquet hall for a photo with JEFCOED Superintendent Dr. Gonsoulin.
A group of students stand together in a banquet hall for a photo with JEFCOED Superintendent Dr. Gonsoulin.
A group of students and an adult stand together in a banquet hall for a photo with JEFCOED Superintendent Dr. Gonsoulin.
A child and a woman stand together in front of a hand-made poster and smile for a photo.
JEFCOED Superintendent Dr. Gonsoulin smiles and stands next to two students for a photo.
A woman and a girl stand together for a photo in front of a poster.
A woman and a girl stand together for a photo in front of a poster.
A woman and a boy stand together for a photo in front of a poster.
A woman and a student stand together for a photo. They both hold awards in their hands
A woman and a student stand together for a photo. They both hold awards in their hands
For the last couple of weeks, students in our Exceptional Education classes have been showing off their bowling skills at Oak Mountain Lanes!🎳🥇

Our elementary, middle, and high school students all had the chance to compete alongside their classmates and friends during the tournaments!

Today we caught up with students from the Burkett Center and Mortimer Jordan High School as they participated in the final day of the tournament. These students proved their athleticism on the lanes while also making fun memories with their friends!

We want to say a special thank you to Oak Mountain Lanes for hosting our tournament, as well as KultureCity for providing resources to meet students’ sensory needs!
3 months ago, JEFCOED
Students smile and hold up blue ribbons while standing and sitting inside a bowling alley.
A student pats another student on the back while at the bowling alley.
Two students smile together for a photo at a bowling alley.
Three students stand and sit together for a photo inside a bowling alley.
Students bowl at a bowling alley.
Four students stand together for a photo at a bowling alley. They smile and hold up red ribbons.
Two students smile and shake hands while bowling at a bowling alley.
Two students and an adult stand together and smile for a photo at a bowling alley.
A man and a student stand together for a photo while at a bowling alley.
We have an exciting weekend ahead!🎶👏 You’re invited to our All County Band Festival this Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at Gardendale High School!

This free performance begins at 11 a.m. and will feature the talents of middle and high school band members from throughout our district. They’ve been hard at work rehearsing for the big show and are ready to put on an outstanding performance! We hope to see you there!
4 months ago, JEFCOED
Image is a graphic with text over a cream colored background. The text says "Jefferson County School District Presents All County Band Festival Celebrating Our County's Finest Young Musicians! Saturday Nov. 8, 2025"
JEFCOED All County Band members rehearse on a stage.
JEFCOED All County Band members rehearse in a band room.
JEFCOED All County Band members rehearse in a band room.
There was no short supply of stellar dance moves and cool costumes at this year’s Monster Mash!👻🎃 The annual event brings together middle and high school Exceptional Education students for a day filled with Halloween fun! We appreciate all of our student volunteers and educators who make this awesome event possible year after year!
4 months ago, JEFCOED
Two women in bumble bee costumes pose with a child in a Super Grover costume in a school gym.
A man in a fencing costume poses with a boy in a Spider-Man costume
A group of students stand together and pose for a photo in a school gym.
Two students dressed in costumes stand for a photo in a school gym. One student is wearing a football jersey and the other student is wearing a police officer costume
Two students dance together in a school gym. One is wearing a pumpkin costume
Students dance together in a school gym
Two students pose together for a photo in a school gym
Two students stand together for a photo in a school gym. One student is wearing a scary Halloween mask. The other student is dressed like a can of Coca-Cola
A student dances in a school gym
An adult wearing a referee costume poses for a photo with students wearing sports uniforms. One student is dressed like a basketball player, one is dressed like a baseball player and another student is dressed as a football player.
State bound!!👏📣 We want to congratulate several of our JEFCOED middle and high school cheer teams for receiving bids to state during last week’s Central North Super Regionals!

Not only did these teams secure their spot in the state competition, but just days later, some also competed in UCA Regionals, earning bids to UCA Nationals!
We're so proud of each of you! Congratulations!🎉

State qualifiers:
Corner Middle School
North Jefferson Middle School
Clay-Chalkville High School
Corner High School
Hueytown High School
Oak Grove High School
Mortimer Jordan High School
Pinson Valley High School
4 months ago, JEFCOED
Corner Middle School cheerleaders pose together for a photo on a green cheer mat inside an arena.
North Jefferson Middle School cheerleaders and three adults pose togehter for a picture. Cheerleaders in the middle hold a piece of paper and a trophy.
Clay-Chalkville High School cheerleaders stand together for a photo in front of a sign that says "AHSAA"
Corner High School cheerleaders stand and sit together for a photo.
Hueytown High School cheerleaders stand together for a photo.
Oak Grove High School cheerleaders stand together for a photo.
Mortimer Jordan High School cheerleaders stand and sit together for a photo. They're on a green mat.
Pinson Valley cheerleaders pose together for a photo. One cheerleader in the middle holds a piece of paper in her hands.
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.
Mortimer Jordan's hospitality class was hard at
work this week, and the menu did NOT disappoint!🤩
Students made garlic cheese biscuits that look
AMAZING! If they ever need volunteer taste-testers,
we'll be the first in line!
5 months ago, JEFCOED
A student scoops biscuit dough onto a pan while standing inside a culinary class kitchen.
A student scoops biscuit dough onto a pan while standing inside a culinary class kitchen.
Three students stand together inside a classroom and smile while holding a plate of garlic cheese biscuits
Moments like these!🥹💙
Last week, Mortimer Jordan High School hosted kindergartners from Warrior Elementary and Bryan Elementary for a pep rally! One of our favorite interactions from the day happened during a new tradition, where seniors and kindergartners exchanged letters. The 12th graders gave words of encouragement and advice in their letters, and the kindergartners shared precious notes filled with drawings! This was such a touching moment. Thank you, MJHS for creating unforgettable memories for these students!
5 months ago, JEFCOED
Kindergartners and high school seniors stand together on a football field, holding letters. A group of kindergartners stand in the center of the photo, hugging.
Kindergartners walk along an outdoor track, high-fiving football players.
Kindergarten students stand on a football field, watching high school cheerleaders perform.
A group of little boys sit on an outdoor track as football players walk past them.
Students sit on an outdoor track, watching high schoolers perform at a pep rally on the football field.
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.
Way to go, Madyson! 👏🎉
Please help us congratulate Mortimer Jordan High School student Madyson Burney on making it to the Junior Olympics! Madyson is competing in two events against other elite athletes from across the country!
Prior to the Junior Olympics, Madyson was the middle school 100m Hurdles champion this past outdoor season, representing North Jefferson Middle School. We’re so proud of you, Madyson! Best wishes as you compete!
7 months ago, JEFCOED
A girl jumps over a hurdle on an outdoor track. People in the background sit on bleachers.
A girl wearing running clothes stands in red room and smiles at camera
Congratulations are in order for these FCCLA members!🤩🏆
Students from Mortimer Jordan High School and North Jefferson Middle School walked away from the FCCLA National Leadership Conference with several awards!

From MJHS:
👏Laylyn, Taelyn, and Kalin placed 2nd in the nation in Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation!
🎉Dawson received a silver medal in Public Policy Advocacy!

From NJMS:
👏Lola, Caroline, Willow and Ellison finished in the top ten in the nation and received gold for their Nutrition and Wellness presentation!
🎉Harper and Brynnen received gold for their presentation on Sports Nutrition!

We’re so proud of each of you! Way to go!
7 months ago, JEFCOED
Three girls stand together, smiling at camera while holding an award. They stand in front of sign that says "FCCLA Finalist."
A group of students wearing red blazers stand together, smiling at camera.
A group of girls wearing red blazers stand together, smiling at camera.
Four girls stand together, smiling at camera while holding sign that says "FCCLA National Finalist"
Two girls stand together, smiling at camera while holding up medallions.
Lil’ Spikes Camp is underway at Mortimer Jordan High School and these young athletes are crushing it on the court!🏐✨We’re so proud of them AND our MJHS volleyball players for building up the younger generation!
8 months ago, JEFCOED
A group of girls hitting volleyballs against a wall
A young girl hits a volleyball against her harm.
A teen girl tosses a volleyball into the air as a young girl stands on an elevated platform, trying to hit the ball.